Sandy Bolton MP

1 hour ago

COOLOOLA RECREATION AREA UPDATE – The easing of restrictions at the Cooloola Recreation Area came into effect as of today, and visitors no longer require a Restricted Access Area Authority to enter the area. However, a friendly reminder that the pre-existing permitting arrangements still apply, and all visitors are required to obtain a current vehicle access permit before arriving. To keep up to date with the latest information please visit parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/ ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

1 day ago

FRASER ISLAND FIRE UPDATE – Current status ‘PREPARE TO LEAVE: Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village as at 3.30pm Tue 1 Dec’. Any person at Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village should follow the directions of QLD Fire & Emergency Service or QLD Parks & Wildlife Service Officers. It is important to know that while Kingfisher is on “Prepare to Leave”, other areas of Fraser Island are on “Stay Informed” which could change rapidly. As at 3.30pm part of the fire is travelling from Boon Boon Creek south towards the Kingfisher Bay Resort and Village. As at 10am this morning, another fire was located approx 4kms west of Happy Valley and another approx 3kms south of Cathedrals. You need to be ready to follow your bushfire survival plan. If you do not have a plan, or intend to leave, you should be ready to leave the area because the situation could get worse quickly. Extensive water bombing has been effective in slowing the spread of the fire, however conditions remain unpredictable and can change rapidly. Fire crews are working to contain the fire but firefighters may not be able to protect every property. Alerts are available at both www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au and also newsroom.psba.qld.gov.au/ ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

2 days ago

UPDATE 30 NOVEMBER 2020 and FIRE BAN ALERT – PLEASE SHARE.
A ‘quick as possible’ one tonight as between digging through fiscal statements, preparing QONS for Estimates and multiple reply speeches, I have a writer’s ‘hunch’(the physical type!) that is almost comical? My apologies in advance if I cannot get back to Facebook tags or messages this week, however Lisa or Zac will be checking while I am buried!
TOTAL FIRE BAN – QLD Fire & Emergency Services has imposed a local fire ban for North Coast region as of 11.55pm tonight. This includes Gympie, Noosa and Sunshine Coast Regions. All open fires are prohibited (subject to exemptions) and all Permits to Light Fire which have been issued in the designated areas are cancelled. Fires lit for the purpose of cooking or providing warmth are allowed, however must be used within a proper constructed vessel (such as barbecue, pizza oven, fire pit) where the fire can’t escape of cause embers to drift. The use of power tools is permitted however QFES encourages people to use these with extreme care and ensure adequate equipment is available to extinguish any fire which may start. This may include having a person available to watch out for any ignitions that occur. The ban is expected to remain in place until 11.55pm 7 December. Further information on fire bans and possible exemptions can be found at www.rualfire.qld.gov.au
COVID UPDATES – Tonight at 1am, private gatherings are increasing to 100 in parks and other outdoor locations, no social distancing is required for photos, and borders are opening to Greater Sydney and Victoria. The Chief Health Officer (CHO) has been granted an extra week to consider the South Australian border situation. The hope is still to allow unrestricted travel in time for Christmas, and the CHO has said SA is doing quite well, however she needs another week to make sure it is safe to allow this change. A reminder to all as we again welcome visitors from Sydney and VIC, now is not the time for complacency. Even though it is so hard, please do not shake hands and remember to use your distancing where possible and washing of those hands! For all COVID information please visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au
NATURAL DISASTER GUIDES – We have already seen damaging storms recently, and as we have now entered La Nina, we need to be prepared for further storms including cyclones, as well higher than normal rainfall. The Department of Agriculture have specially-tailored natural disaster guides to help primary producers protect their property, business, livestock and crops. To view the guides, visit www.business.qld.gov.au ,search for ‘natural disasters’ and ‘preparing animals for natural disasters’. For more information about how to prepare your property or business, visit getready.qld.gov.au For information on animal welfare during a disaster contact www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au, the RSPCA, local council, or your veterinarian. Noosa Council have also just released an excellent guide to dealing with disasters locally at www.noosa.qld.gov.au/downloads/file/2611/noosa-council-emergency-action-guide
FRASER ISLAND – As of this afternoon, a bushfire is burning in several locations. Part of the fire is located approx 3kms northeast of Kingfisher Bay Resort and is currently travelling in a southerly direction towards Cornwall’s Break track. Another part is located approx 4kms to the west-north-west of Happy Valley, also travelling in a southerly direction. On the eastern side of the island, the fire is located approx 3kms south of Cathedrals and headed towards Eli Creek. Weather conditions continue to exacerbate fire and smoke conditions. QFES and QPWS in conjunction with the Butchulla Aboriginal Corporation are working to limit the spread of the fire and minimise environmental and cultural impacts. Waterbombing aircraft have been actively supporting fire-ground actions and this will continue. Travel to the Island remains restricted. Residents, campers, and visitors already on the island should limit their movements and avoid travelling on the inland tracks with many currently closed. National Park alerts are available at www.parks.des.qld.gov.au Fire updates are available at www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au
GUARDIANSHIP REFORMS – Substantial reforms to strengthen QLD’s guardianship system have taken effect today. The changes include improved enduring power of attorney and advance health directive forms, and new guidelines for the Assessment of Capacity. The emphasis has been to make forms simple and more user-friendly, with new explanatory guides to assist when completing forms. To read about this and more please visit www.qld.gov.au/guardianship-reform
TOY ALERT – As we start buying presents for our children and grandies, we need to be aware that some toys can cause harm, and the Office of Fair Trading has declared some toys as ‘unsafe’. You can find more about this at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading
When choosing toys for young children, please remember these simple rules:
• Toys with small parts are a choking hazard, a good rule of thumb is the smaller the child the bigger the toy.
• Beware of button batteries, not just in toys but a range of products. We have had one tragedy in our community from a button battery, and we all need to be vigilant! Our love and compassion go out to that family, and others who have lost loved ones as we approach the Christmas Season.
• Avoid small high-powered magnets – these are banned from sale in Australia as they post serious health risks if swallowed. This includes magnetic balls commonly supplied as a toy, game or puzzle. If in doubt, always ask the seller to verify the product supplied is not subject to the permanent ban.
• Please consider these carefully if online shopping, especially when coming from other countries. Buying locally ensures that products meet Australian Safety Standards, those from overseas may not.
If you suspect your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 for fast, expert advice.

To finish. Even though we had a rough final night with our young visitors, overall our teams reported that the vast majority were respectful of our home during their celebrations. Many would clean up each night, and the main concerns centred around the behaviours of ‘toolies’ and on the last night sadly some of our own youngsters. Thankyou to all our teams who did a sterling job in the most difficult of conditions, and for keeping everyone safe.
Everyone please don't forget to share with your neighbours and networks regarding the total fire ban, as well the importance of being #fireready

Sandy 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

5 days ago

UPDATE 27 NOVEMBER 2020
As posted previously, a big week at Parliament with the official opening, reallocations of spaces and places, Committee positions confirmed (my new one is Legal and Safety) and some heated debate over sessional orders in which I will go into at a later date, as it is Friday night? 🤗
FRASER ISLAND BUSHFIRE – New visitors will be unable to access Fraser Island from 5pm this afternoon. This fire is currently burning approximately five kms north of Kingfisher Bay Resort, and our fabulous crews have been joined by extra teams to contain the blaze using both aerial support and backburning. Sadly so far over 72,000 hectares have been affected, from Sandy Cape to Smith Poygan Rd. Smoke continues to affect the area, reducing visibility and air quality. Please keep up to date with the latest information at www.qfes.qld.gov.au. National Park alerts are available at www.parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts As always, a reminder to be #fireready regardless of location.
BORDER PASSES – With the reopening of our border to NSW and VIC on 1 December, it is important for everyone to know there are also changes regarding Border Declaration Passes. From 1 December, these will only be necessary if you are entering QLD from a declared hotspot. So those coming from NSW or VIC, as examples, will not need to apply for a Border Declaration Pass. If you have been to one of the 20 LGA’s declared as hotspots in SA in the last 14 days, whether only transiting through or not, you will need to apply. We are currently waiting for the website data to be updated to reflect all changes, however as soon as the information is available online you will be able to locate it via www.covid19.qld.gov.au. For Border Declaration passes head to www.qld.gov.au/border-pass
DECLARED HOTSPOTS – To find the list of declared hotspots as advised by the Chief Health officer, please visit www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/hotspots-covid-19 There are also some relevenet questions and answers relating to this and borders at www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-...
QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS – If you have been to a declared hotspot in the 14 days prior to entry into to QLD, mandatory hotel quarantine at your own expense will be applicable. However, if the only reason you have been to a declared hotspot is to transit out of the area, for example, you live outside the Adelaide hotspots and drive directly to the airport wearing a mask and do not stop enroute except for essentials such as fuel, you will be able to enter QLD without the need to quarantine. We recommend that you carry copies of any documentation to prove your claims that you can, this to avoid confusion or difficulties on arrival at the border.
ELM ST VEGETATION CLEARING – Vegetation clearing works are scheduled on Elm Street (Cooroy Connection Road) at the intersection with Yurol Forest Drive (Kin Kin Road). Heading northbound from Cooroy, vegetation will be cleared from the left-hand side of Elm Street as it curves in a westbound direction near the intersection with Yurol Forest Drive. The purpose of these works is to clear vegetation and trees close to the road to improve sight lines for motorists turning at the intersection. Works are programmed for the week commencing 29 November 2020 between 7pm and 4.30am and will take two nights to complete, weather and scheduling permitting. Three-way traffic control will be operational at the intersection of Elm Street and Yurol Forest Drive during the works, with one lane open at all times. Traffic controllers, reduced speed limits and signage will be in place to ensure motorist and roadworker safety. Priority access and entry through the work zone will be given to emergency vehicles.
BRUCE HIGHWAY ROAD WORKS – TMR will resurface approximately 5km of the Bruce Highway, southbound of the Myall St interchange, Cooroy to Eumundi-Noosa Rd interchange, Eumundi. This will include removing existing asphalt surface, sealing and replacing, as well on the bridge deck over North Maroochy River and Eumundi-Kenilworth Rd/Memorial Drive overpass bridge. Works will begin in early December and take approximately four weeks to complete. Expect delays Sundays to Fridays between 5.30pm and 6am.
To finish. Pheww!! The update has been long enough, and as I head back to Parliament on Sunday night for over 2 weeks, there will be plenty to share regarding budget and estimates then! However as it is officially the last night of our visiting youngsters, can I send a thank you to all our teams and organisations including Red Frogs Australia who have worked tirelessly to make their end of schooling celebrations safe. As well, that are home has been respected by the very vast majority, which it was, including youngsters involved in cleaning up each night. Yes, we did have ‘hiccups’, and some ‘learnings’. However, in contrast to what we have experienced by those who are not so young at peak times including Easter, we should acknowledge the week past, what we have learnt, and not judge based on age, or labelling.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone, and yes, in preparation for being away, I did manage to get some Christmas shopping done this afternoon?? Well, kind of, however a whole other story!!!🥰
Sandy 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

6 days ago

MP NEWS @Noosa Today- From non-traditional elections to preparing for the 57th Parliament, and everything in between! An exciting, as well busy time with our ‘list’ for the new term creating a flurry of letters and meetings. #mpnews #57thparliament #noosamedia

noosatoday.com.au/news/17-11-2020/back-to-business/ ... See MoreSee Less