Noosa Queensland Day Awards 2025
Laughter, cheers, and moving tears filled The J Noosa as we celebrated sixty phenomenal volunteers for the Queensland Day Awards. Their tireless contributions shape our community, with combined over 600 years of unpaid time, care and expertise to deliver selfless service and acts of kindness to our community. Thank you to the St Teresa’s Band, MC Phil Moran, sponsors Noosa Today and Cooroy RSL, The J Noosa team, photographers, and my staff for making this night possible. Read more about this year’s winners at www.bit.ly/NoosaQLDDay25.
L-R: The 2025 Noosa Queensland Day Awards
2025-26 State Budget
As with every budget there is good news, missing pieces, as well a few questions raised. Positives this year included nearly half a billion confirmed funds for the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project and construction timelines for the Pomona pedestrian crossing and the new Noosa River boating infrastructure, with construction set to commence in 2026/27 and 2027/28 respectively. However, the Tewantin Bypass construction commencement date in 2028/29 makes no sense, given the $8.5m we achieved last year to progress the remaining stages and the new government’s commitment to fast track. Hence, we have requested a meeting with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Noosa Council to understand why, after Stage one was completed in 2021, the next stages have taken so long to plan and design. We appreciate the commitment to commence and thank the Minister for TMR for their efforts, however three years away to start is not fast tracking as committed!
The lack of construction funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Hub for Sunshine Beach State High School is disappointing given we have students missing out on essential certification for careers in industries lacking staff. As well, that there was no fairer funding deal for palliative care hospices, like Katie Rose Cottage, and we will continue fighting for government to assist further with nursing costs. Questions surround funding for a new Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority, as this has never been raised as something Noosa sought, and the Safe Night Precinct which from our understanding was not applied for either. With unclear Budget Papers that require a major overhaul, we look forward to this year’s Estimates to get some answers to our queries. For more information visit our Noosa 360 2025/26 State Budget Update.
Doonella Street Housing Project
In response to my question in parliament, the Minister for Housing confirmed that the government is commencing this project, which includes thirty-two new social and affordable units, with a projected forecast for completion by mid-2027. With the government announcing downsizing incentives, we also ask solo residents in family-sized government tenancies to get in contact with the Department of Housing to discuss their situation by calling 5352 7333. For more information visit our latest Noosa 360 Housing Update.
L-R: NoosaCare 40th Anniversary
Destination 2045
Queensland’s ‘blueprint’ for doubling tourism is scant on managing increased visitor numbers. Noosa’s unique selling points (USP) – our natural attributes and laid-back vibes – have been eroded by unmanaged volumes over the past decade. We must ensure plans are in place to both manage extra whilst preserving what makes Noosa an internationally recognized iconic destination. Furthermore, with only five of the forty-five ecotourism projects in the plan publicly announced, there are concerns within the community given our previous experience. To assist in our advocacy, please share your views via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au, as well the Minister for Environment and Tourism via environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au.
Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project
Seqwater has advised that the dam upgrade project has progressed from completion of the coffer dam to the major construction phase. During this time, there will be an increase in traffic around Lake Macdonald. As previously stated, these works are vital to improving safety and water security, while enabling greater resilience during flood-related events. Information on the project including efforts to minimise construction and heavy haulage impacts, expected truck volumes, monitoring of speeds and compliance, as well how to report non-compliance and road repairs, please visit our latest Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project update.
L-R: @ The One Act Play Festival; With the Talk with Wisdom speakers; Sconetime’s 7th Birthday
Teewah Airfield
With residents raising concerns on the transition of this airfield to National Park last year, we have followed up again with the relevant recreation clubs as well the new government, who provided reassurance in December 2024 that a steering committee was established to work with Noosa Council and the clubs directly regarding future options. This included alternative sites and we have collated further information, including on the processes undertaken, the closure of the airfield to fixed wing aircraft and helicopters since 2014, the support committed to for the recreational clubs, and responses regarding the emergency/disaster management of that area, which you can read at our latest Noosa 360 Teewah Airfield Updates.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Reform
Our latest update at www.bit.ly/QBCCJune25, outlines the implementation of some new initiatives to address aspects of resident concerns that Sandy provided to the Minister for Housing after the 2024 State Election.
Kin Kin Quarry EPBC Application
We wrote to the new Federal Minister for the Environment on 9 June and the state minister with a copy of our submission, lodged in September 2023, regarding the Kin Kin Quarry’s application under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Approving this clearing of some ten hectares of koala habitat and the environmental impacts will exacerbate an already traumatic situation for our community and environment. To find contact details for the federal minister and for more information, visit our Noosa 360 Kin Kin Quarry EPBC Application Update.
L-R: Queensland Homicide Victim’s Support Group; Eating Disorders Queensland; Port of Brisbane 2060
Seatbelts on School Buses
Regarding school bus route 5838, where a bus with seatbelts installed was replaced with a newer bus without, we requested a bus with! In response to our Question on Notice regarding, the minister stated that the bus currently operating was compliant with current legislation and Australian Design Rules (ADR) but committed to monitoring the matter. This situation must be rectified as soon as possible to alleviate understandable community concerns, and we have also written to the Federal Minister for Transport outlining the situation and requesting that it be considered when the ADR are next reviewed. To read our latest update on this, visit our latest Noosa 360 Seatbelts on School Buses Update.
L-R: YourTown; QLD Former Parliamentary Members Panel; 2025 Wide Bay Regional Showcase
FROM THE CHAMBER
Jack’s Law & Cognate Chaos
Debate on two bills covering Jack’s Law expansion, Parole Board changes, and Marine Rescue and the State Emergency Service Acts erupted due to last-minute amendments on toll roads. Yet, this did not detract from the vital work of Brett and Belinda Beasley and their tireless efforts against knife crime, following their son Jack’s murder, ensuring Jacks Law to prevent knife crime. For the future may we not see such last-minute, unrelated, and contentious additions, as they are inappropriate and disrespectful to the serious nature of these Bills.
Contradictions in Planning Bill
The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 introduced stricter social impact assessments for renewable energy developments, while reducing oversight to fast-track approvals for state-sanctioned infrastructure, particularly for Olympic venues, which creates a double standard where environmental and community considerations are applied selectively. Our communities deserve to be meaningfully involved in the planning of all large-scale developments, not just renewable energy, and the clear message? Environmental laws will not be uniformly enforced, and that does not pass the ‘pub test’!
Gagged in Debate or a Mistake?
During my speech supporting the government’s bill on illegal vape destruction, my comment on ‘product whole of life stewardship’ was shut down on a point of relevance. The dangers of vaping disposal were raised and reported by my committee, making it relevant from every angle. The message I was trying to get across was simple: we need an inquiry into the lack of product lifecycle planning, common globally, to know in advance the end-of-life impacts for all items, from vapes to wind turbines.
Social Housing Eligibility
The government recently announced annual eligibility checks for all social housing tenants, starting July 1st. In response, we’ve reiterated the crucial need to review eligibility income thresholds, which haven’t changed since 2006. The government has stated they are testing methodologies and consulting stakeholders before finalising changes. We do not want any in our community impacted by outdated criteria, hence the importance of transferring management of government owned homes to community housing providers to offset the impacts from eligibility checks.
L-R: Guide Dogs; Parkyn’s Hut Birthday Cruise; Year 10 Work Experience Student Elliot
Parliament After Hours
Amongst the many events we learnt much at the Port of Brisbane Vision 2060 launch and World Eating Disorder Action Day, where we met incredible advocates showcasing their Brief Intervention/Therapy for Eating Disorders (bITE) program, connecting those affected with the supports they need. We joined the Queensland Homicide Victim’s Support Group’s Annual Night of Recognition, honouring incredible first responders, service providers and volunteers. The Life after Parliament forum hosted by the Queensland Former Parliament Members Group provided insights on the difficulties faced by former MPs, including mental health issues and obtaining employment. The Wide Bay Promo Night was as always a fabulous showcase of our region, with wonderful produce to fantastic training opportunities, and yes even a gold plated ‘loo’ at the Cistern Chapel!
L-R: @Plastic Free Noosa; Noosa Chorale ‘Armed Man Concert’ Noosa Women’s Shed Opening
ON THE HOMEFRONT
Noosa MP Grants
We saw our Noosa MP Grants in action this month with the launch of Plastic Free Noosa’s new project turning those pesky bottle tops polluting our beaches and waterways into awesome ‘Noosafied’ products like wax combs and pens. The Noosa Chorale was elevated to new heights, literally, with the purchase of new choir risers, which helped everyone shine at their recent ‘Armed Man’ concert. Funds also helped Walk with Wisdom prepare for their charity event where speakers demonstrated that wisdom comes from living, not just learning, with all proceeds going to our Noosa Coolum Salvos. More next month!
Events Around and About
Noosa Care’s 40th birthday was a truly fantastic celebration filled with joy, laughter, music, and treasured memories, and it was amazing to be able to celebrate this not-for-profit which serves as a pillar of community and has provided four decades of compassionate care. Then, brilliant talent in all realms at the Noosa Arts Theatre’s One Act Play Festival, from acting to directing, and everyone behind the scenes. Sconetime celebrated 7 years of community, where our school kids, seniors, businesses and residents come together over fresh scones in Cooroy. The Noosa Women’s Shed celebrated a milestone with the official launch of their new shed, with memorial pavers now available as part of fundraising for water connections. Parkyn’s Hut’s 24th birthday was a fantastic cruise up river on the Noosa Queen, where the annual ‘Mug Awards’ saw much appreciation, and hilarity! Gratitude to all who work so hard for our community, it is deeply appreciated every day.
Electric Vehicle and Electrify Everything Expo
While I was sadly this year unable to open Zero Emission Noosa’s expo, from all reports it was a major success with record numbers in attendance. The launch of an E-bike Library, a Queensland first, was also the program, which lets residents borrow e-mobility devices for two weeks at a time to test run. As I sent to Mayor Frank so he could include in a speech on my behalf, our ‘modal shift’ has challenges including from those who use illegal e-motorbikes and modified e-bikes dangerously, and we need to be proactive, including in e-tag pilots, while we wait to see what the findings of the Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety are.
L-R: With our QLD Teacher’s Union reps; Empowered for Peace team; Nana’s Nest meeting
Meetings, Catch ups & Drop ins
Too many meetings to mention, however all very productive! Nana’s Nest shared their program to address affordable housing for women escaping domestic and family violence which we are working to assist with. Planning for an International Men’s Day event for Noosa commenced, Empowered for Peace introduced us to their Ideas to Impact challenge, and our teacher reps from the Queensland Teacher’s Union outlined the ongoing issues impacting our educators, which sadly includes the behaviours of some of our students. As it was an extremely chaotic month prepping for Budget Week, it was wonderful to have a much-needed helping hand from our work experience student Elliot whilst I was in Parliament, and I look forward to belatedly meeting him!
And finally…
A concerning trend has been developing in chamber of making decisions based not on evidence, but on political agendas. We are seeing this play out in recent policy shifts and legislative amendments, including changes to our youth justice system, which saw the introduction of longer detention times despite having no basis in publicly available evidence. Similarly, the decision to increase shark nets contradicts the findings and recommendations of the independent KPMG review into the current program which outlined clearly the environmental damage and need to remove the nets during whale migration. Ultimately, we are either a society that bases decisions on data, science and a common goal of resolving issues for us and future generations, or one that prefers quick wins via slogans. For the sake of effective governance and public trust, decisions must always be backed by publicly available evidence. Amongst that public evidence, always appreciated is some good old fashioned common sense! Meeting Bob Irwin, who was one of the witnesses at our Health, Environment and Innovation Committee’s public hearing on the Crocodile Control and Conservation Bill 2025, was ‘gold’! His statements were insightful and refreshing, his knowledge extensive, and his forthright, no-nonsense responses very appreciated.
A reminder, the Queensland Small Business Commissioner wants to hear from small businesses, owners and operators on their experience with red tape. It is vital that our community has their say on this to inform decision making going forward. Head to https://qsbc.qld.gov.au/advocacy/red-tape-examples and please forward a copy of your submission to us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Have a fabulous month everyone, see you streetside, in my office or at the many events in the winter calendar!
𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮🙏
𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙖
𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦