The following article was authored by Sandy Bolton MP and published in the Noosa Today on the 4th of August 2023:
Every month in this column I endeavour to raise an important issue for you to think about in response to what has occurred in our community or Parliament over the preceding weeks, or by request, or streetside comments. This month, I have a few, so will deviate from the standard format to update on a number of highly relevent topics!
First, at the time of writing, the next draft Southeast Queensland Regional Plan is close to being released for public consultation, and after seeing the early population projections for our community of 76,000 by 2046, I have relayed to the Government a simple message – NO.
Whilst we do not have a population cap as such, we have mechanisms in our local planning scheme relating to our sustainable population carrying capacity, which since 2006 has not deviated above 63,000. There is a reason for this, and why so many have fought so very hard over the preceding decades for Noosa to retain its character and lifestyle, protect its environment and all inhabitants, and its desirability as a unique destination in Queensland. Its sustainability is key, and the determined capacity within our planning scheme ensures our infrastructure can accommodate our permanent population, as well our visitors which during peak periods takes our current estimated population of nearly 56,000 to over 70,000. To put this in perspective, what is being forecast by 2046 would mean that every day the strain on our community would be the same as the Christmas period. This is not liveable, sustainable nor feasible for anyone.
Additionally, with the real and projected numbers for bordering shires increasing, we face the further challenges of extra visitation. Given that we have been fighting for some 4 years to have day permit numbers reduced to the North Shore, and ‘still to be initiated’ changes to the management of our river, that we struggle to manage the current numbers demonstrates clearly that any increases in permanent numbers are not manageable or sensible.
Where to now? We could have a tough fight ahead; however, I will be working to get these projected numbers way down and ensure that State Government consult with Noosa Council on how this can be achieved, as well respond to Council’s amendments sent through in February which makes provision for community and affordable housing solutions without compromising our determined capacity. We will need everyone behind us in these efforts, so please, when we post up the details of what is in the draft with the link for submissions, lend your voice to ours and clearly outline why this would be devastating in all realms for residents, visitors and our economy. And as I’ve already stated in public, should we not be able to negotiate these numbers down, I will be loading everyone available onto buses to Brisbane as done for deamalgamation. Complacency is not an option here.
Whilst on housing, as I responded to media, we need temporary accommodations for our workers until the permanent projects in the pipeline have been delivered which currently stands at roughly 2 years away. The Department of Resources handed over a suitable site (former House with No Steps) for a transportable/Tiny Homes village for our workers and families to the Sunshine Coast Council four years ago. Regardless of our efforts since 2018 to secure this site for an interim solution to our emergency, affordable and disability housing needs, this site has sat relatively unused. Why? The reasons proffered included that it is ‘too far from town’, which it is not, as our workers have cars and are currently sleeping in them. Instead of ‘why we can’t’ we need to look at ‘why we must’ to avoid homelessness, and evictions of families in their tiny homes from private properties. This site is currently out for tender, and even though not in the Noosa Electorate, I have again requested that our Community Housing providers and the Department of Housing secure this site to provide interim solutions until those permanent projects have been delivered.
A reminder regarding those experiencing a risk of homelessness, or anyone assisting them, to contact the numbers available at www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts including the Homeless Hotline which operates 24/7 on 1800474753, or if in doubt, contact my office on 53193100. We have again been made aware of some ‘scamming’ going on, where residents and organisations are providing assistance (including money) to those who already have a house or accommodation and are falsely claiming to be homeless. So please, be aware, and utilise those trained to assist where possible.
On to our policing with the heartache of the death of a much-loved Noosan, another separate attack, and just outside our electorate, the horrific domestic violence crash which took the lives of those much loved in their communities. In response to concerns raised that crime and alcohol fuelled violence has escalated in our community, information has been posted Noosa 360 data including statistics. Even though Noosa has a full complement of officers, a station manned 24/7 and patrols, mobile police beat and highway patrols that operate random breath tests and speed enforcement operations, the reality is that they cannot be everywhere at once. Hence, it is important for us all to report any suspicious behaviour immediately in efforts of prevention, and don’t forget to lock up your cars and homes as many crimes area ‘opportunistic’. Please call 000 (emergencies) or Policelink (non-emergencies) on 131 444, or online at www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting. Further information on policing in our electorate is available at www.SandyBolton.com/Policing-in-Noosa-July-2023.
When it comes to youth offenders, according to our police, the majority of crime are from non-locals with 90% not reoffenders. The ‘scream’ from both sides of the argument as you would have seen in Chamber and media is not helping, with some saying the laws aren’t tough enough, others that we have the toughest laws in Queensland and that the courts have all the tools and need to use them. Given that as MP’s we cannot dictate to the judicial realm what they are to do, the only mechanism we have as legislators is through mandatory sentencing which takes ‘choice’ away from the courts. However, there was only 5 MPs, including myself, who voted in favour of mandatory one year sentencing for recidivist youth offenders convicted of stealing more than two cars, which begs the question why?
The never-ending saga of the decommissioned Tafe site continues, with the long-awaited Native Title determinations delayed again, potentially until next year. As I said recently at an update to one of our community organisations, I could write a book on this site and its frustrating journey.
Even though not in the Noosa State Electorate, the lack of progress on the Cooroy intersections is of concern. As highlighted in my Budget Reply speech, both Noosa and Nicklin State Electorate residents are at risk daily from these. The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) previously investigated options of both roundabouts and traffic signals as part of early planning for upgrades in response to our advocacies. More about this and how you can help is available at www.sandybolton.com/cooroy-intersections-update-july-2023
The Cooloola Great Walk journey continues, and we are currently conducting a survey of Noosa electorate residents to gather their views on this QLD Government proposal for an eco-tourism walking experience including five eco-accommodation sites, to be developed and managed in partnership with the Kabi Kabi First Nation Traditional Owner Native Title Claimants and a private accommodation operator. After completing this survey, for those wishing to comment further, please email our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au with your full name and address. All details provided are strictly confidential and only required as verification of residency in our electorate. A reminder to provide your feedback directly via the survey itself or email as social media comments are not recorded. Survey closes at 12pm on Friday 8 September 2023 and is available at www.bit.ly/CooloolaGreatWalkSurvey.
For those who recently experienced increases of up to 40% in their rates, we have further information on land valuations and rates processes at www.sandybolton.com/land-valuations-local-government-rate-calculations-march-2023. For any questions regarding your individual rates please contact Noosa Council staff on 5329 6500.
There are a number of issues we are waiting on imminent announcements on such as changes to the Noosa River management including speed, recommendations from the Cooloola Visitor Capacity Study, Lake MacDonald public consultation dates, and timelines for the IEPA and compliance/enforcement powers under the Environmental Protection Act. Once received, as well updates from Budget Estimates this week (and more) we will post to Facebook including in our Friday night updates, to Noosa 360, as well in our monthly Newsletter which you can subscribe to at www. sandybolton.com. This will also ensure you receive any Noosa specific surveys or polls direct to your inbox!
Until next month, enjoy this stunning winter, and don’t forget to prepare early for the upcoming fire season. As we experienced this week at the QLD Combined Emergency Services Academy Live Fire Campus, there are many unsuspecting dangers even in our own homes and cars, including around those BBQ’s. Visit www.getready.qld.gov.au so you can get ready!
Sandy