As our community gathered across our beautiful electorate and shire from beach to bush on ANZAC Day, we were filled with deep respect, love and appreciation for those who have defended, and continue to defend our nation with courage beyond our comprehension. Thank you to everyone who took a moment to remember, as well to all who made this possible including our RSL Sub Branch members. May we strive every day to honour their memory and legacy, and always support and care for our veterans and their families. Lest we forget.
Noosa Hospital
With residents raising concerns that the Noosa Hospital needs ‘saving’ as a result of media and a petition put out by a political party candidate, I can reassure everyone that this is incorrect. As I have raised previously, it is the slowness of the emergency department expansion due to commercial in confidence negotiations between Ramsay and Queensland Health regarding the lease, including the length of, that is the issue. There has never been any concern that an extension or new lease would not occur, and to indicate otherwise is misinforming our community.
Once the current appeal by Ramsay Health against Noosa Council’s decision to reject an application for a Material Change of Use on a neighbouring site is finalised, regardless of the determination, no doubt there will be an announcement from the Department of Health.
L-R: Moments from ANZAC Day 2024
Electric bikes and scooters safety
New laws were passed in February following advocacy including expanding the application of careless riding offences which are applied consistently regardless of age at the discretion of police and courts. However, given the many concerns continuing to be expressed regarding unsafe and reckless e-bike and e-scooter riding, I asked a Question on Notice in Parliament on what consideration is being given to a licensing scheme for operators and riders to improve safety. We will update once a response has been received. Further information on the new laws, that passed in February, is available at www.sandybolton.com/electric-bikes-and-scooters-update-february-2024 and all other updates at www.sandybolton.com/?s=electric+bike.
Mobile Offices
This month we headed to the Pomona Markets, Hastings St, and Cooroy as even though just outside the Noosa Electorate, this township services many of our residents with everything they need! It was lovely to see the new police station progressing, with a design that reflects the heritage feel of this beautiful town. All ‘moby’s covered lots of topics, from congestion and the Lake Macdonald Dam upgrade, dangerous riding of e-bikes to when the new Six Mile Bridge #7 will ‘officially’ open, and the push to see funding confirmed for a Factory St pedestrian crossing. Smoking and vape usage near shop entrances was raised, and we liaised with the Sunshine Coast Public Health Unit for the provision of ‘no smoking signs’ as well an avenue if the problem persists. With new laws being touted regarding vaping to reduce access for youth, and a need to reduce danger from dangerous riding/driving, please report to Policelink to assist in identifying locations for operations (www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting).
L-R: Youth Parliament Launch; Home Schooling Rally; TikToc informational @ Parliament.
Noosa River
Despite the confusion and complexities around the use and management of our river, which was a contentious issue during the Council elections, my recent Noosa Today article endeavoured to bring some clarity! Even though very summarised, it is still long however essential reading especially for new residents! Head to www.sandybolton.com/mp-media-the-whole-noosa-river-story-noosa-today-april-2024. Upcoming changes to anchoring and mooring have been released, with information available here. We have been assured that any residents in hardship impacted by the transition for greater safety for all users and to the river itself, as laid out on the above link, will be provided supports. Thank you to Kell and the Maritime Safety Queensland team for this commitment, and to all residents who have contributed to this very long journey which is nearly complete!
L-R: Noosa Netball March Past; Cooroy Mobile Office ‘Moby’; Noosa Regional Gallery with ‘St Jude’ McCourt
Youth Justice Reform Committee
After multiple extensions to the reporting date, our Interim Report did not result in an ‘adoption’, with my concern as Chair was that it would not occur even with further extensions. This would have been unacceptable to Queenslanders, hence my request to Parliament that the committee’s voting rules revert to the ‘norm’ in efforts to make progress due to urgencies within. This in effect would allow the report to be adopted by a simple majority with myself as Chair having the casting vote. The committee was instead ‘dissolved’ with the draft made public as needed, minus my Chair’s Foreword which has been separately tabled.
This led to my request to both sides of the house to articulate which of the sixty (60) recommendations they would support, with the government tabling its commitment to all recommendations either ‘in full’ or ‘in principle’, and I look forward to hearing whether the other side supports! Even though I have some questions in relation to the government’s ‘in principle’ responses, overall this is a positive step in creating greater safety now and into the future. A draft bill to enable some legislative changes has been tabled, including a new clause regarding the principle of ‘detention as a last resort’ which has been sent to the Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee into which I have been transferred.
Through this whole process of some 8 months, I have committed to act impartially and with integrity, provide Queenslanders with transparency, and that the Youth Justice Select Committee would deliver outcomes. Even though we could not get to that bipartisan agreement, substantial actions have emanated, and will continue to.
I thank again all who contributed via submissions, public hearings and in meetings, and to the many incredible Queenslanders that I met along the way who have made possible what at the start I was told would be ‘impossible’. Information including the draft Interim Report, Chair’s Foreword, government’s response and the draft bill open for consultation until 16 May, is available at www.sandybolton.com/crime-youth-recidivism-queensland-community-safety-bill-chairs-foreword-update-may-2024.
Democracy is very much a Matter of Public Interest
In a speech in Parliament, I raised this and the impacts on trust, credibility and our global democracy ratings which are below where they should be when politicians and political parties misinform voters, and lack transparency.
As I have asked previously in Chamber and beyond, the politicking needs to stop such as we saw on youth crime, with misinformation spread in our community again by a political candidate including that it was government who delayed/blocked the adoption of the Youth Justice Reform interim report which is totally incorrect. Could I write a book on this? Yes! However all I will say is that our community deserves to be treated with respect, and not subjected to the tired and very tedious campaign strategies that are churned out every election. By rejecting these, we are leading the way in effecting much needed change in our governance, as well our democracy ratings!
L-R: At the House with No Steps site; with Noosa MP Grant recipient Noosa Tigers; With Rika @ Kin Kin Long lunch
Home schooling
Thank you to all who expressed concerns regarding the upcoming Education (General Provisions) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2024 which we took forward to the Minister. Thankfully changes were made including further consultation with all stakeholders, and that a Home School Advisory Group (HSAG) will be established. The remaining issues yet to be resolved are the changes to the guiding principles for home schooling. More is available at www.sandybolton.com/assistance-for-our-teachers-parents-students-home-schooling-changes-update-april-2024.
L-R: Cooroy Pomona Lions; new Cooroy Police Station; Hasting St Mobile Office ‘Moby’
Housing – House with No Steps site
In the rain I met with 7NEWS Sunshine Coast regarding my requested use of the House with No Steps site (HWNS) in Doonan to address our community’s need for temporary accommodation for our workers. Yes, it needs some dollars spent and yes, it is just outside the Noosa Electorate boundary. However it was originally in the Noosa Shire with facilities funded through efforts by former Noosa Councillor and community stalwart, Brian Lindfield, who raised a million dollars for the facility. After years of being told that this and other sites we have identified for residents’ transportables, or for visitors and their campervans to park overnight are not suitable, I asked the question: “Given that nowhere has been identified by governments over these years, at what point will the reasons why we ‘can’t’ turn into ‘how can we’. We have at least 2 years until our affordable housing projects in the pipeline are realised, and our workers cannot keep sleeping in their cars until then. We also have campers parking illegally as there is never available spots in caravan nor RV parks, continuing to create anger for all. Utilising a portion of this site to address these needs would not displace current users including our fabulous RYDA program and until any level of government can offer a solution, I will continue to request the Minister to intervene. We need solutions now, not endless excuses! Previous housing Noosa 360 updates are available at www.sandybolton.com/?s=housing.
Shark Net Noosa MP survey results
Thank you to all residents who participated! As you will see, there is diversity of views, with some still having concerns regarding the use of alternative shark control methods to reduce entanglement of other marine life including whales. All results have been sent through to the Minister, and we will continue to track current trials whilst the Shark Net Working Group and Oceans for All Noosa continue their work to support our marine life, surfers and swimmers. Please visit www.sandybolton.com/shark-nets-on-noosa-main-beach-noosa-mp-survey-results-april-2024 to see the full results.
Teewah Cooloola Recreation Area
Government’s response to the Sustainable Visitor Capacity Management study has finally been released, as well the draft Cooloola Recreation Area Management Plan which is now open for submissions here. Having worked on this with our community for over five years, I found the government’s response disappointing in some areas and lacking urgency, and am currently working with the Teewah Cooloola Working Group on a response. So please, get your own submissions in, as well note that the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) has commenced a study on beach driving, open to residents who have driven on Noosa North Shore, Teewah, Rainbow or Double Island beaches in the past five years. Further information including some good news regarding recent improvements from our ongoing advocacy, head to Noosa 360 for our latest update at www.sandybolton.com/cooloola-recreation-area-management-plan-sustainable-visitor-capacity-management-study-released-update-may-2024
L-R: Noosa MP Quick Start grant recipients: Tewantin Noosa Red Cross; Peregian Tennis Club; PTSD Dogs
From the Chamber and Beyond
Protecting Queenslanders’ privacy by ending political parties and MPs from harvesting voters’ personal details was the topic of my Private Members Motion (PMM), which was shamefully voted down by the two major parties.
Given that the banning of this practice has been recommended by the Commonwealth Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, we all need to ask, why? The Attorney-General (AG) in response to my motion claimed that I was incorrect regarding the Commonwealth recommendation, however she has since confirmed that I was correct, with Recommendation 21 stating “The Committee recommends that section 184 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918 be amended to clarify that postal vote applications must be sent directly to the Australian Electoral Commission’s nominated addresses.” We live in a world where trust is more important than ever, and Noosa residents, as well all Queenslanders, deserve to know how their private information is used and where it goes. Further information is available at www.sandybolton.com/electoral-laws-and-poltical-parties-update-april-24.
L-R: Noosa MP grant recipients: Save Noosa Hinterland; Slow Food Noosa; Noosa Swimming Masters
The Housing Availability and Affordability Bill created a state facilitated application process as an alternative development pathway for state priorities that overrides local governments. This basically means that the Minister does not have to apply the local planning scheme which is deeply concerning, however government assured that they would always work with our councils. The question is: how much will the new power be exercised, and local councils overridden? We do not know because we do not have a definition of what a ‘state priority’ is within the bill. Yes, we need affordable housing, but we also need our community alongside in these efforts, and each project must be individually assessed with full community consultation.
In the Building Industry Fairness Bill, we raised the failings of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) with Noosa residents experiencing time-consuming and unrealistic loops leading to financial and emotional duress. What is deeply concerning is that it appears from reports that there are no consequences should works not be remedied in an acceptable time frame, and this needs clarification and immediate action.
Before and after Chamber, there were meetings with advocates, interviews, and events including the Youth Parliament launch which was heartening! With these young Queenslanders calling for an end to misinformation, disrespectful behaviours, and to challenge the status quo, I particularly loved where they stressed the importance of not limiting ourselves to ‘these walls and history’, and the importance of tolerance and respect in debate. As always the ‘run intos’ are always interesting including with our new Mayor Frank who was attending his induction. The end of week treat was packing up to move back into our rooms in the Parliamentary Annex after nearly two years away!
On the Homefront
There has been so much, where to start? Many, many meetings with advocates, residents and businesses including Australia Post for their new ‘hub’. Then fabulous events such as the Kin Kin Long Lunch (awesome!), the World Premier of ‘Aria’ at Noosa Arts Theatre, and Noosa Regional Gallery for the ‘Art in Conflict’ exhibition opening. Congratulations to all as these outings, offerings and volunteers who make these possible, provide the beautiful texture and context of the incredible talent in our home, and a wonderful way to catch up with all the ‘goss’!
L-R: QLD Day Award nominees Lions John & Vicki; Police Awards 2024 ; Pomona Markets Moby
It was a joy to again judge at the colourful and very fun Noosa Netball ‘March Past’, bringing back wonderful memories of my time playing, and of the huge benefits that sport brings to all. With the Noosa Masters celebrating their 25th anniversary, it was an honour to open their swim meet and check out their new score system from their successful application to our Noosa MP grants. It was also great to catch up with other Noosa MP grant recipients Save Noosa Hinterland, Slow Foods, Noosa Tigers, Rise &Thrive Co, PTSD Dogs, Peregian Tennis Club and the Cooroy Pomona Lions Club to celebrate as not for profits always deserve assistance to do the amazing work they do. Speaking of fabulous volunteers, Vicki Dessaix and John Edwards have dedicated to the Lions’ 52 years, and I spilled the ‘beans’ that they were nominated for our Queensland Day Awards! With the ceremony at the Noosa J on June 6, recognise your favourite volunteer by heading to www.sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards before 12 pm 22 May.
The 2024 North Coast Police Awards reminded us every day to be grateful for our men and women who put themselves in danger every day to keep us and our community safe. Their dedication, selflessness and courage are a constant, and this year’s awards ceremony was a small way to send a massive thank you and congratulations, with a special call out to those awarded including our very own Sergeant Craig ‘Lawsee’ Law. Gratitude to all in attendance and to Superintendent Craig Hawkins, our District Officer and Assistant Commissioner Darryl Johnson, as well the whole of the Queensland Police Service as we acknowledge the enormous sacrifices to you and your families.
And finally….
We had so much to be grateful for, as well celebrate in the past four weeks! One beautiful gift was being able to attend the University of the Sunshine Coast Graduation Ceremony, where yes, I did cry! Our work placement, the inspirational Lucia, graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work, and how proud we were. Being able to provide an environment for our young Noosans through internships, work experience and traineeships to reach their aspirations is something we treasure, with their insights invaluable!
Have a wonderful month and to all ‘mums’, happy Mothers Day 2024!
𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮
𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙖
𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦
For Emergencies, head to www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts where a comprehensive list of contacts numbers is available to assist.
To avoid missing out on important updates, subscribe to receive this monthly newsletter via email at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters. This will also ensure you are advised when Noosa MP specific surveys are held. Paper copies can be picked up from our office at Noosa Civic at the start of every month.