๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐! After 15 years at the helm of the Tewantin Noosa Golf Club, hanging up the GM role does not mean Alโs clubs will gather dust! It was good to be there for the farewell, meet with new GM Anthony, as well catch up with many buds and golfing โrascalsโ who have not aged one bit since I was in management there 20 (I think!) years ago ๐. It was also lovely to see the juniors out with Jamie Douris, who with many of our juniors back then, went on to become international champs ๐๐๐. Congratulations to the club staff and volunteers on the many efforts over the years, you always โpunch way above your weight!โ ๐ ... See MoreSee Less
๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ๐๐๐๐โ โ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ Pheww! ๐ค The last sitting of Parliament for 2023 is now complete, however given I am back there next week for public hearings, it still does not feel end of year, yet! However, it was lovely to see the Christmas tree lit up, though sad that the moment was spoiled for the many children and grandchildren there by protestors screaming obscenities. As I said when I delivered the valedictory speech on behalf of the cross bench, this is not who we are or what we aspire to, which is peace, not divisions. ๐๐ ๐ฎโโ๏ธSAFE NIGHT PRECINCT FOR NOOSA โ collaboration is key for greater community safety๐ After meeting with Noosa Council, Hastings Street Association and our police last month, Council is proceeding with an application for a Noosa Heads precinct. In preparation, I had requested of the Attorney General some weeks ago that any request from Noosa Council be swiftly processed and look forward to them receiving good news! ๐TEEWAH VEHICLE ROLLOVER โ with another tragic loss of life on Teewah Beach last weekend, I asked a โQuestion on Noticeโ in Parliament as to what actions government will be taking to improve safety along this stretch which is classified as a road. ๐A response is due by 8 January 2024 with all my previous Questions on and without Notice available at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/questions๐ฅNOOSA SHINES IN QLD TOURISM AWARDS โ congratulations to RACV Noosa Resort who claimed the silver and to Tourism Noosa and Pelican Boat Hire Noosa who both received a bronze this year ๐๐ Top job everyone!๐Further information on the awards is available at www.qtic.com.au/queensland-tourism-awardsQueensland Tourism Awards Live Queensland Tourism Industry Council ๐ขCOOLOOLA GREAT WALK ECO PROJECT UPDATE โ as we had not received a response yet to our letter to the QLD Minister for Tourism and the QLD Minister for the Environment regarding our request for a transition to non permanent built accommodations, I asked a Question without Notice in Parliament. In short, reassurance was provided that they are working on a solution to meet community expectations, and we look forward to updates in the new year on what that looks like! ๐For the Ministerโs full response and further information head to www.sandybolton.com/cooloola-great-walk-ecotourism-project-cgwep-update-november-2023 โNOOSAโs RAIN SEASON โ even though we are receiving a little bit of much-needed rain, we need to be vigilant regarding fire, as well should any flooding occur. Driving into floodwater is the number one cause of flood-related deaths in QLD, which are preventable ๐ ๐Please see the resources at www.getready.qld.gov.au/FloodedForgetIt๐In addition, a reminder in March 2023 resulting from our advocacy for real time flood data to be available to residents, the Minister for Transport & Main Roads has advised that flood monitoring equipment has been installed in the Noosa Electorate in several locations. Further on this including exact locations are available at www.sandybolton.com/real-time-flooding-alerts-march-2023. ๐ฅBUSHFIRE COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS โ Queensland Fire and Emergency Services - QFES invites residents on 9 December to learn how you can be better prepared for our next bushfire. Have all your questions answered by our local Rural Fire Brigade, the Rural Fire Service, and Noosa Council, and yes, I will be there! ๐Lake Cooroibah Boat Ramp between 10 and 11.30am ๐Noosa North Shore Fire Station between 2 to 3.30pm ๐For further information, please contact the Sunshine Coast Rural Fire Area Office on 5293 4200 RFBAQ - Rural Fire Brigades Association Queensland IncCooroibah Rural Fire BrigadeBoreen Point Rural Fire Brigade Tinbeerwah & District Rural Fire Brigade ๐ฃNOOSA INDIGENOUS RANGERS โ Finally! ๐ Following advocacy for some years, the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation have been allocated funding for 4 indigenous land and sea ranger positions to undertake a variety of work activities On Country including fire management, biodiversity surveys, marine debris removal from beaches and estuaries, feral animal control, weed treatment and management of cultural sites. ๐Learn more about this program at www.qld.gov.au/environment/plants-animals/conservation/community/land-sea-rangers/about-rangersKabi Kabi Yangga Buwan Cultural and Land Aboriginal Corporation ๐ดINDEPENDENT MINISTERIAL ADVISORY COUNCIL (IMAC) UPDATE โ the QLD Government have announced the members of this council that will provide independent advice on how victim support services could be improved, guidance and victimsโ perspectives on criminal justice issues and youth crime reforms being considered by government. Members include victims of crime, representatives from the legal sector and peak advocacy bodies, First Nations representatives, expert practitioners and our very own Youth Member for Noosa, Zac, who I will be catching up with before hearings next week! Congratulations to all, and I look forward to the coming months working with you all. ๐A full list of the membership and further information is available on the media release at statements.qld.gov.au/statements/99266๐A reminder the IMAC is separate to my Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth Justice Reform which is accepting submissions until 10 January with more information at www.sandybolton.com/crime-youth-recidivism-update-november-2023Sunshine Beach State High School ๐DISABILITY ACTION WEEK โ MPs this week in Parliament celebrated microbusinesses who provide an opportunity for all abilities people to earn an income, increase self-confidence and achieve great independence ๐๐๐ ๐Business who would like to get involved in this can find resources at www.qld.gov.au/disability/community/awards-events/disability-action-week๐Regarding the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with a Disability, if any residents have feedback on specific recommendations they would like to see implemented, please email us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. There is a link to the full report available on our Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com/royal-commission-into-violence-abuse-neglect-and-exploitation-of-people-with-...๐DECEMBER RAIL CLOSURE TIMES & DATES โ buses ๐ are being utilised as replacements in various places with more Information to assist with planning your trips below ๐ ๐1 to 6 December: www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Works%20Notices/Early%20December%20Track%20Closures.pdf๐7 to 26 December: www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Works%20Notices/Mid%20December%20Track%20Closures.pdf๐27 to 31 December: www.queenslandrail.com.au/Community/Projects/Works%20Notices/Late%20December%20Track%20Closures.pdf๐If you require assistance boarding or an accessible service, please text 0428 774 636, call 13 12 30 or see station staff. For more information, please email customerfeedback@qr.com.au ๐Furthermore, QLD Rail have advised of extensive Cross River rail works between 23 December 2023 until 18 January 2024 which will see all train lines on the SEQ rail network impacted at different stages. Please visit www.queenslandrail.com.au/about%20us/Media%20Centre/Media%20Releases/Pages/Track-closures-in-Dece... to learn more. Transport and Main Roads QueenslandTranslink๐ฃEOI OPEN FOR TRUTH-TELLING AND HEALING INQUIRY (TTHI) AND TREATY INSTITUTE โ Expressions of Interest (EOI) are now open until 21 December for member and chairperson roles of the TTHI as well as the inaugural Treaty institute (ITI). The Inquiry will include developing a shared truth in relation to the often-confronting nature of this Stateโs past. All stories should be shared, including non-indigenous in this journey. ๐Further information on the TTHI and how to apply is available at www.luminarypartners.com.au/firstnationstreatyinstitute๐More information on the ITI and how to apply is available at www.luminarypartners.com.au/truthtellingandhealinginquiry๐Our latest Noosa 360 on Path to Treaty can be found at www.sandybolton.com/path-to-treaty-update-september-2023 ๐ฌBILL/ INQUIRY CONSULTATIONS โ public submissions for the following Queensland Parliament Committee inquiries are now open. Donโt forget you can subscribe to parliament committees to be notified when submissions open for new bill inquiries and receive other updates via www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Visit-and-learn/Have-Your-Say/Subscribe๐Transport and Resources Committee โ Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Bill 2023 closing 8 December โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=173&id=4296๐Education, Employment and Training Committee โ Education (General Provisions) (Extension of Primary Schools in Remote Areas) Amendment Bill closing 11 December โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=166&id=4297๐State Development and Regional Industries Committee โ Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 closing 15 December โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=172&id=4301๐Youth Justice Reform Select Committee โ Youth Justice Reform in Queensland Inquiry closing 10 January 2024 โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=232&id=4295๐Transport and Resources Committee โ Land and Other Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 2) 2023 closing 16 January โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=173&id=4300๐Economics and Governance Committee โ Inquiry Into Prehistoric, Dinosaur and Paleo Tourism in Outback Queensland closing 31 January 2024 โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=167&id=4285๐Community Support and Services Committee โ Inquiry into the Provision and Regulation of Supported Accommodation in Queensland closing 2 February 2024 โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=165&id=4298๐Legal Affairs and Safety Committee โ Crime and Corruption Amendment Bill 2023 closing 27 February โ www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=170&id=4291๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: (www.sandybolton.com/noosa360) ๐Connect 2023 ๐COOLOOLA GREAT WALK ECOTOURISM PROJECT (CGWEP) UPDATE NOVEMBER 2023 ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: (www.sandybolton.com/newsletters) ๐To avoid missing out on important updates, subscribe to receive our monthly newsletter via email at the link above. ๐This will also ensure you are advised when Noosa MP specific surveys are held. ๐Paper copies can be picked up from our office at Noosa Civic at the start of every month or posted via โsnail mailโ by calling our office on 53193100. ๐Latest newsletter: www.sandybolton.com/newsletter-october-2023-edition-63๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐QLD Government: www.grants.services.qld.gov.au๐Federal Government: www.grants.gov.au๐Noosa Council: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/grants/council-grants๐Regional Development Australia: www.rdasunshinecoast.org.au/grants-and-funding ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ !! ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐Have your say on our State Parliament priorities for 2024! www.sandybolton.com/your-say-annual-survey To finish. On top of ugly protests in Brisbane, it has been deeply disappointing to see and hear of some โgrubbinessโ on Facebook coming up to council, as well state elections, including ridiculous regurgitations long ago dealt with! Please remember to think carefully of the impacts of โlikingโ or sharing misinformation or claims about fellow Noosans, as you may become a perpetrator of harm in the process. For anyone that has a concern or question, just ask it directly of the person, business or yes, Councillor or MP, rather than becoming a vessel for those with vested interests including creating divisions and hatred. And as you know, whether as a Councillor or MP, I always respond to the multitude of tags or comments on Facebook pages, even in the middle of the night! However, we have become aware of at least one community page where I am unable to respond to tags for some reason, donโt receive notifications regarding, nor can we view that page. Frustrating, yes! So please if you ever tag me and do not receive response within 48hrs, direct message me or contact my office on 53193100 or via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au Have an awesome weekend Noosa and hope to see you at the start of many Christmas celebrations including at the Womens Shed which I am so looking forward to! ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ฎ ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ค๐ค๐จ๐ ๐๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ฐ๐ช๐ค๐ฆ. ๐๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ด๐ข. ๐๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ถ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ ... See MoreSee Less
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ๐จโโ๏ธthis life saving Cloncurry born legend that in 2028 will be 100 years old, has changed so much since I lived in the bush!๐ It was wonderful to catch up with CEO Meredith on all of the fabulous work they are doing, including telehealth, dental and primary health clinics ๐ฅand the production of Rescue Swags for travelers and hikers ๐ถโโ๏ธ๐ถโโ๏ธ. With 28 planes, 12,000 retrievals and 18,000 consultations annually to cover our state, the work they do is much needed and deeply appreciated. Thank you to the RFDS teams for all that you do, we love you! ๐๐To find out more and how to donate, head to www.flyingdoctor.org.auQueensland ParliamentRoyal Flying Doctor Service of AustraliaRoyal Flying Doctor Service - Queensland Section... See MoreSee Less
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ The theme of โhopeโ brought light as well some tears, as the stories victim survivors brought forward the reality of how every situation is different including the healing ๐. Thank you to Kim Skubris and panelists Tracey, Debbie, Vanessa and Jamaya for sharing including how you may not realise that you are living with domestic violence, that we need services and supports for male victims, often donโt โtellโ because of ramifications including being ostracised from our networks, and importantly, that help is everywhere ๐คIt was good to catch up with our interim Victims Commissioner John, head of the Homicide Victims Support Group Brett and the many agencies, organisations and volunteers that dedicate their lives to victims. Amongst the many messages was that we need to make it easier to find information and supports, and I have no doubt with Johnโs CV, this will happen very quickly amongst the volume of tasks he spoke about, including heading across Queensland ๐ ... See MoreSee Less
๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ โ Prioritising real early intervention in budgets ๐ธ in multiple realms ultimately saves not only dollars, it saves lives. Whether in relation to school absenteeism, mental health, housing or criminality, we need to ensure budget considerations are made at every level of government that move beyond an election cycle to one that expands a lifetime. The frustrations of communities that have individuals sleeping rough with their children and who are offered accommodation, yet refuse, is just one example of where no agency can force a resolution, which, in itself, is an early intervention. ๐Please see my full speech in Parliament below with reminder submissions are open to my Youth Justice Committee until 10 January at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/youthjusticeQueensland Parliament... See MoreSee Less