Thank you to all 506 Noosans who shared their thoughts and priorities for this year, an increase on the previous annual survey. However as always, we would like to see more and encourage suggestions from our community on how we can double that amount in 2025!
The following is a summary of the feedback received including in the ‘additional comments’ by those who selected ‘other’ on a variety of the survey questions.
There were a number of significant majority ‘for’ votes including making Parliamentary Committee voting and minutes transparent to the public (97%), increased funding for hospice and in-home palliative care (94%), and a review of biodiversity mapping and koala overlays (82%). In addition, reducing the number of Vehicle Access permits issued during peak times for the Cooloola Recreation Area/Teewah Beach (81%), sentencing repeat youth offenders to remote rehabilitation/work/education facilities and programs (80%), and capping election donations (84%).
Trends also continued from the last annual survey, with support increasing for the reform of Parliament’s oversight committees to be more independent of Government and the establishment of an Independent Environmental Protection Agency.
There were also several items mentioned in comments that we have up to date information available for on Noosa 360.
Please see the links to specific updates on a range of the topics raised below:
Noosa River Management: https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa-river-management-update-october-2024/
Electric Motorbikes, Bikes and Scooters: https://www.sandybolton.com/electric-bikes-and-scooters-update-december-2024/
Mental Health Intervention Teams: https://www.sandybolton.com/mental-health-update-december-2024/
Noosa Hospital: https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa-hospital-update-september-2024/
Beckmans Road: https://www.sandybolton.com/beckmans-road-tewantin-bypass-update-october-2024/
Wildlife: https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa-mp-funded-study-to-protect-our-wildlife-update-september-2024/
Teewah Beach and Cooloola Recreation Area: https://www.sandybolton.com/teewah-beach-driver-behaviour-cooloola-recreation-area-management-update-january-2025/
Decommissioned Tewantin Tafe site: https://www.sandybolton.com/decommissioned-tafe-site-federal-court-native-title-claim-update-october-2024/
Some items included in comments were on state matters outside the Noosa Electorate including the Cooroy intersections and overpass, however our efforts regarding are available at www.sandybolton.com/?s=Cooroy+intersections.
There were a number of issues raised that we have not had any correspondence previously regarding, and we have communicated these to the relevant Queensland Ministers and will post up responses as received, including the need for transportation options for youth to attend Nambour TAFE, among others. If you would like to follow up specifically regarding a comment you contributed, please email us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Some responders sought greater use of public-school facilities and land, particularly sporting grounds, for community and sporting group use. With the Department of Education already having in place policies to make available school ground use by communities for activities that do not interfere with the school’s teaching and learning programs, should there be examples where this requires amending could you please email our office as above. For more information visit https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/pp/community-use-of-state-school-facilities-policy.
Also highlighted was the need for accessible public dental services for children and the elderly. Currently, the Queensland Government offers dental services in a range of facilities within our electorate including mobile clinics, school clinics, and community clinics such as our local Noosa Community Health Service in the Noosa Junction, which are accessible to Queensland seniors and eligible children. For more information on these clinics and eligibility criteria visit www.qld.gov.au/health/services/oral-eye-ear/dental-services and again, please email our office if you have found this is not addressing your concerns.
Several questions were raised regarding a lack of police on duty 24/7 in Noosa, however, to clarify, they are. If a station has a ‘CLOSED’ sign up, it refers to the front counter inquires office being closed and not the police station as a whole. For emergencies, please dial 000 immediately, Policelink on 131444 for non-urgent reporting and enquiries, and online at www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting. These are then sent to the local officers on duty 24/7. Updates regarding our advocacy on policing are available at www.sandybolton.com/?s=police.
It is really important to report all crimes to the police, including incidents of hooning, non-compliant e-bike/motorbike behaviour, and any issue of concern including the lighting of illegal fireworks. This will also help them to identify hot spots to inform when and where to patrol. Remember, it takes a village!
Feedback provided on matters under the control of Local or Federal Governments have been forwarded without any identifying information to Noosa Council and Federal MP Llew O’Brien.
The full results of the survey including graphs and the top issues expressed are available at https://www.sandybolton.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Noosa-MP-Community-Survey-2024-Results.docx with all survey results from previous Noosa MP surveys available here.
A reminder that our annual surveys are constructed from resident concerns emailed or phoned to us throughout the preceding year, and all efforts are made for questions to be not ‘leading’ or ‘misleading’! However, we have had a suggestion to include background information on items raised and will endeavour to incorporate in future surveys.
All queries, questions, requests for assistance or feedback can be directed to our office via 5319 3100 or noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. In addition to be advised of any Noosa related MP surveys, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook or/and LinkedIn. As well, please share this information with your neighbours and fellow Noosans.
Thank you again to all who participated, and again please encourage others to become involved as effecting change takes all of us!