Sandy Bolton MP

18 hours ago

UPDATE JUNE 3 2020
Yewww! What a 48 hrs. I will try? to be as brief as possible, though not an easy task with the volume!!

NOOSA NORTH SHORE/COOLOOLA – together with Bribie Island reopened yesterday, however under changed conditions initially which is causing confusion. Please ensure you read the information at the link below carefully and apply for the correct permits before hitting the beach as we do not want any of our residents incurring fines. There is currently frustration for those struggling to get permits (there was a system ‘crash’ due to demand and limited numbers) and we are awaiting further information on this, as well the how/when of staged management of increases. As soon as we have this, we will post up. parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/?id=20064

GRANTS – As we have seen during COVID, grants or loans oversubscribe quickly . For any businesses or not for profits who may have missed out, it would be wise to ensure you have necessary information/ paperwork ready to ‘jump’ when they are released. All grants have different project or criteria requirements, however, there has been some consistencies required during this period which include : your ABN, evidence of how your business revenue has been impacted (eg BAS comparisons, CPA letter), last audited financials and your project idea with quotes/invoices. For Not For Profits that require ‘seed’ funding as part of funding application requirements or emergencies that are not covered by other grants, we have implemented a ‘Restart’ Grant, so please call our office on 53193100 for details.

DRIVING TESTS – Our ‘learner’s’ can now sit for their P-plates again with tests resuming on June 15. New driving examiners are being brought on board and tests will be conducted six days a week to help catch up. Learner drivers who previously had their tests suspended due to the pandemic will be prioritised as well those who urgently need for economic, health or job reasons. In addition, if your learner’s license has expired during this time, they are waiving renewal fees until three months after the practical tests resume. For more information please go to www.tmr.qld.gov.au

COVID SAFE ACTIVE CLUBS KICKSTART GRANTS NOW OPEN – State funding of $2,000 is now available for sport or active recreation organisations to help them restart and continue to deliver physical activity opportunities in the community. For more information please go to: www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/active-clubs-kickstart

SPAS/HOT TUBS – for our accommodation houses, social distancing rules of 4 sqm per person has been confirmed. This means that currently, depending on size, each spa would most likely only accommodate one person (or one household of people who live together). Please carefully consider this when deciding whether now is the time to open these or not.

COVID WORKS FOR QLD – Noosa Council will receive funding of $1.83 million in the first year they have had access to this funding program. A massive win for our community!🤛

MP NEWSLETTER MAY 2020 – A big month with lots to share, as well ask, including your thoughts on voting and elections in a COVID/POST COVID world? To find out more or to sign up to our monthly newsletter please go to: www.sandybolton.com/newsletters

To finish.1.5 hours spent with Dr Ian Norton yesterday was invaluable for our businesses and all of us, as part of the ‘Noosa Strategy’ for reopening. Having credentials that include being an emergency department doctor, disaster response director and on the frontline dealing with the Ebola virus, we learnt much. This included the important ‘how's’ of transmission and keeping front of house staff and customers COVID safe, right through to disinfecting, funky masks and the simple reality of how our world may look. As well, what to be on the alert for, such as salesman espousing product that will keep you, or surfaces, disinfected for 30 days with just one spray?🤔
Thank you to Alesha from the Hastings Street Association, Noosa Heads, Mark from Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, and to Dr Ian who debunked and demystified in our efforts to ensure Noosa is a leader in keeping our community and visitors safe. To have such a wealth of knowledge in our own community, and business managers, owners and staff committed to excellence in this space, is inspirational. To hear that already Christmas is booking out, assists in efforts to remain patient in the coming days. Knowledge is power, and I trust shortly that easily digestible ‘clips’ from these sessions are available to everyone as part of clarifying, and reassuring.

Unless needed prior, I will see you on Friday night! Stay warm, and to the 1.5!

Sandy 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

3 days ago

UPDATE EXTRA - COOLOOLA 9pm JUNE 1
Yes, I did say earlier that changes occur quickly? 🙄
Recreation Area vehicle access and camping will re-open from 9:00am tomorrow 2 June 2020 for Cooloola Recreation area. Bookings will be able to be made at qld.gov.au/camping for up to one month in advance of any planned visits.
There are restrictions and conditions for both camping and day trips so head to parks.des.qld.gov.au/park-alerts/?id=20064 for full details 👍🙏 ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

3 days ago

UPDATE JUNE 1
Whew! So many questions in so many inboxes, in so little time! Beware, a long update with many 'checklists'!😊
For many, yesterday’s announcement was welcome news, for others, not so, as stock/staff and preparations in some sectors may not be available at short notice. Remember, ‘can’ does not mean ‘must’, and we are here to help. To residents, please be aware of the added pressure on our businesses and support them with your patience during this time of reopening.
For clarifications to questions, see below, for the remaining including the opening of Cooloola Recreation area and Noosa National Park carpark, I am about to get my wooden spoon out( not on you guys! 🤛😂) Masks for housekeepers, industry guidelines and distancing/hygiene for spa use will be in time for Wednesdays update.

DINING - As of today, dining in is for 20 people per venue. However, with an approved COVID safe industry plan, venues with more space will be able to accommodate up to 20 patrons in each separate area, seated for meals or drinks. Every venue must continue to adhere to the physical distancing rules (and yes, for those asking, that means no kissing your besties! 🙃) and adhere to hygiene protocols. And please don’t congregate at the bar - staff will take drink orders at your tables.

ACCOMMODATION – COVID Safe checklists are ONLY mandatory for dining in venues and therapists (including nail salons, tattooing, tanning & spas). They are NOT specifically required for accommodation – however if an accommodation house wanted to host more than 20 people in a common area, you can complete a COVID Safe plan and request from the CHO for approval.

SPAS – We are currently awaiting a clarification on this for our accommodation sector and should have by Wednesday’s update. In the meantime, to be safe, apply the 4sqm rule per person if you are opening up your spa for visitors.

COVID SAFE PLANNING FOR TOURISM – Information is available specifically for the Tourism Industry including who is developing the COVID safe industry plans for each sector at www.ditid.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1482896/COVID-Safe-Planning-for-Tourism-factshee...

TOURISM INDUSTRY DECISION TREE – Flow chart available to help show how this all works for your business www.ditid.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1482895/COVID-Safe-Planning-for-Tourism-and-Even...

COVID SAFE CHECKLIST FOR DINING IN – available at www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/127235/COVID-Safe-Checklist-RestCafes.pdf

COVID SAFE BUSINESSES – COVID Safe Checklists, COVID Safe Plans and more; frequently asked questions and answers can be found at www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/127653/COVID-Safe-FAQ.pdf and more general information at www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/covid-safe-businesses

STAGE TWO - For those who missed my post last night please see the update on Stage 2 of the Easing of Restrictions that commenced today at www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions

SUPPLY TO QLD GOVERNMENT – for more information about new measures to support small and medium enterprises in supplying Queensland Government please see www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/marketing-sales/tendering/supply-queensland-government

NOOSA COUNCIL – The Customer service Centre at 9 Pelican St Tewantin reopened today!! 👍

HORSE OWNERS – The Department of Agriculture is reminding residents to ensure their livestock is vaccinated against Hendra virus, for more information www.health4horses.com.au/?ReturnUrl=/index.aspx

SENIORS – The Chief Health Officer has advised that due to the consistently low rates of infection in our state, it is now time for seniors to leave their homes and start heading out and back to the things they enjoy. However please remember to do so in a careful and considered way, and yes, don your masks if you wish - we have loved some of the wonderful designs!!😍

To finish. As has been the constant in this COVID journey, changes can and do occur without any notice, and the frustrations of inconsistencies can get our blood boiling! However, the most important asset we have is ourselves and our wellbeing. So if you are frustrated, call me and vent to lower your blood pressure, and let me do the ‘huffing and puffing’ for you!! Remember, we are getting there!🤛

Happy first day of winter everyone – no ‘pinches and punches’ for the first day of month – that’s breaking the 1.5!! 😉🤣🤣
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Sandy Bolton MP

4 days ago

UNSCHEDULED UPDATE MAY 31 2020
Now I never like to interrupt your Sunday, however some changes were announced from the Premier and Deputy Premier as part of the Stage Two easing of restrictions roadmap with some commencing tomorrow, Monday June 1, which I am sure you will be pleased to hear!

In summary, you will now able to undertake unlimited travel including overnight stays throughout the entire state, via road, rail or air.
Restaurants, cafes and pubs that continue to operate under a COVID safe checklist will be permitted to increase the total number of patrons from 10 to 20.
And from Friday this week, with a COVID safe industry plan, venues with more space will be able to go further and allow up to 20 people in each separate area, seated for meals or drinks. For example, some surf clubs, pubs and RSLs may have four or five defined separate indoor and outdoor areas – they can have 20 people in each of these areas if the areas are big enough.
For community sporting events where clubs have more than one field, limits of 20 spectators per field will apply.
Gyms, health clubs and yoga studios will also be able to open for up to 20 people and more with a COVID SAFE Plan.
For more information and Q&As see links below 😊
Updated Easing of Restrictions Roadmap
Gatherings and Movement Q&A
Business and activities Q&A
You can view the updated roadmap at www.covid19.qld.gov.au

Happy Sundays everyone, see you tomorrow!
Sandy 🙏 ... See MoreSee Less

Sandy Bolton MP

6 days ago

UPDATE MAY 29 2020 – Happy Fridays everyone!😀 A conflicting end of week. On the ‘happy’ front, I continued my ‘roady’ to visit our businesses, this time those who operate outside of ‘mainstream’ including from home. As well ‘Zoomed’ with the Sunshine Coast Business Council to get a better understanding of the impacts of COVID on our construction industries, and the priority pipeline projects that need partnerships. On the ‘grumpy’ front, the responses we have been waiting on this week regarding indicators, rationale and the National Park carpark have not arrived as of posting 😤, so I will be looking to the weekend and Monday for those!

COVID SAFE BUSINESS PAGE — This provides critical information and resources to guide businesses on requirements as we move towards Stage 2 of the Roadmap to Easing Restrictions. Additional information is now available on Industry Safe Plan requirements and processes commencing at Stage 2. For more information head to: www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/covid-safe-businesses

COVID SAFE ONLINE TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE - TAFE Queensland is offering free online COVID Safe Training for dining services and beauty therapy services. The training program has been developed to provide all staff in industries requiring a COVID Safe Checklist with training which will allow them to help ensure a COVID Safe work environment. Access the training here: www.tafeqld.edu.au/covid-safe.

COVID-19 DOMESTIC AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SURVEY CLOSES TODAY –If you cannot meet the deadline (midnight tonight) to advise how COVID-19 has impacted our service delivery within the domestic and family violence sector, please let me know. www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/7404/view.html. A reminder that if you feel unsafe or need support, please call DVConnect Womensline (1800 811 811), DVConnect Mensline (1800 600 636) or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). In an emergency, please call the police on Triple Zero (000).

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR BUSINESS – The Federal Government has launched a new step-by-step ‘Continuing your business’ guide to help businesses plan their recovery. For more information head to: www.business.gov.au/Guide/Continuing-your-business.

COVID- SAFE TRAVEL UPDATES - In preparation for people returning to work, especially those of us who normally do the daily commute, Translink has released a plan for commuters and other customers to travel safely. For more information, please go to: www.translink.com.au/service-updates/274176

ACCOMMODATION/TRANSPORT HEALTH MANAGEMENT PLAN – For those businesses who wish to assess their plans to control COVID-219 associated risks, a Health Management Plan template can be found on the right hand side at the bottom of the page at: www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-p...

COVID SAFE BUSINESSES – Reminder that all businesses in Queensland have obligation and responsibilities under Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) legislation to have a WHS Plan to manage COVID-19 and display the plan. This is an internal plan that does not need to be submitted for approval. www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/127647/framework-for-covid-safe-businesses.pdf

COVID SAFE CHECKLISTS – don’t forget that these are required for all businesses providing dining-in for customers such as restaurants, cafes, clubs etc and also for beauty therapy services www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/127653/COVID-Safe-FAQ.pdf

TOURISM EXPERIENCES STAGE 2 – These are defined as a paid or organised activity traditionally aimed at the tourism market. While locals may partake in tourism activities, the primary audience for these are predominantly people who live outside the region and these do not form part of your regular routine. Examples are charter fishing boats and 4WD tours etc. www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions

COVID-19 HEALTH RESPONSE INQUIRY SUBMISSIONS OPEN – The Health, Communities, Disability Services and Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Committee is holding an Inquiry into the Queensland Government’s health response to COVID-19. The committee invites submissions from the public and all interested parties to address any aspect of the government’s health response to COVID-19. For more information about the inquiry and how to make your submission, please go to: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/committees/HCDSDFVPC/inquiries/current-inquiries/COV.... Submissions close on Friday 3 July 2020.

NOOSA COUNCIL PARKS REOPEN – With students back at school this week, I am sure everyone will be eager to get back to their ‘faves’!. For more information head to www.noosa.qld.gov.au/covid-19.
• Cudgerie Common Park- Black Mountain
• Borg Park- Boreen Point
• Buffalo Park- Boreen Point
• Bluefin Park- Noosaville
• Bushlands Park West- Noosaville
• Marlin Park- Noosaville
• Shipyard Park- Noosaville
• Fritz Park- Tewantin
• Gleneagles Park- Tewantin
• Heritage Park Basketball Court- Tewantin
• Lakeside Park- Tewantin
• Lomandra Park- Tewantin
• Ross Park- Tewantin
• Yellowood Park- Tewantin
• Driftwood Park- Castaways Beach
• Moonbeam Park- Castaways Beach
• Elanora Park- Noosa Heads
• Noosa Spit Park- Noosa Heads
• Podargus Park- Peregian Beach
• Comet Park- Sunrise Beach
• Commodore Park- Sunrise Beach
• Orient Park North- Sunrise Beach
• Lake Cooroibah Foreshore Park- Cooroibah
• Pinaroo Park- Noosa Heads
• Apex Park Noosaville- Noosaville
• Russell Park- Noosaville
• Ed Webb Park- Sunshine Beach

If you have hung in this far…congratulations!!👍🤛 Lots more I could add, however it is Friday night, and there is nothing at the moment that cannot wait until Monday.
Enjoy the weekend everyone – love who you are, who you are with, and especially, where you live! #lovenoosa😍

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