Happy New Year fellow Noosans! To say the festive season so far has been ‘full’ in all ways is an understatement! Locally, from the volume of visitors to hearts overflowing from the kindness and caring shown to each other, there has been so much to be thankful for, as well parts not so. That includes those who do wrong by speeding, driving on dunes, or locking their pets in cars. Thank you to all who have saved both two and four legged residents including our police, firies and SES during storms, or as I saw, the smashing of a car window to save a very distressed pooch.
Then, we had the debacle that occurred at the decommissioned TAFE site, which is only weeks away from finally seeing activity after nearly a decade of vandalisms, frustrations and being caught in Native Title determinations.
An organisation previously unknown to this area, Community Village, unlawfully entered the site, under the pretext of doing so to prepare it for homeless people in conjunction with Queensland Homelessness Working Group, another group previously unknown in Noosa. On arrival at their ‘volunteer clean-up day’, I was confronted with a combination of innocent volunteers who had responded to a Facebook callout, as well people with an agenda that is deeply concerning, using unknown Kabi Elders claiming to have sovereign rights to the property. As State Government had advised previously to our requests to utilise this site in the interim for transportable accommodations, the site is totally unsuitable due to its fire risk assessments from the surrounding bush, which cannot be cleared due to biodiversity overlays and koala habitat mapping.
L-R: decommissioned Tewantin TAFE site
What was truly sad about this situation is the lack of respect for our community and any resident experiencing or at risk of homelessness as nobody involved in these ‘organisations’ have ever contacted our organisations that work in this space locally, nor could even name someone homeless. We had strangers from Brisbane and north of Gympie, as well from the Sunshine Coast, in what appears to be an orchestrated effort, jamming recording devices for their ‘live streaming’ into my face, being abusive, rude and denying the laws we operate under. As of writing, we have been advised that 24/7 security had been placed on the site, with a zero tolerance for any further activities of this kind. As I have said, this site has been hard fought for to be reinstated for the benefit of our community, and I will do everything in my power to prevent any further delays to a frustratingly decade long journey thus far. This includes it being dragged into an agenda that is much larger than what appears, lacks transparency or a ‘face’, does not recognise processes under Australian law, and is detrimental to efforts for indigenous and non-indigenous to walk together into the future. Please read further here as well in my next column in Noosa Today.
Sadly, again at the time of writing, we are still missing much loved resident Evonne who was last seen in Tewantin on December 15, with her photo on our post here. Please contact police on 131 444 if you have any information.
On the broader Queensland front, we have a new Premier and some changes to Ministers, leading to another round of meetings to brief new Ministers regarding our ongoing advocacy on many Noosa matters, as well those that would impact us indirectly such as raised by the cross bench in a united statement last year with an update here.
To all of our fellow Queenslanders who have gone through so much including the loss of loved ones during the devastating storms and flash floods, we send our heartfelt wishes to you and all of our frontline teams and volunteers that worked tirelessly to save lives, open roads and restore power. Yes, I constantly ‘harp’ about being disaster ready, and again ask that all Noosans take their safety in relation to natural disasters very seriously by ensuring you have your plans ready by heading to www.getready.qld.gov.au
Noosa MP Quick Start Grants Open 5 February
Alert for our volunteer organisations who do such an incredible job! Applications open 5 February, and close 12 pm 1 March, lodged at www.sandybolton.com/mp-funding-partnerships. These grants are for Noosa Electorate not for profits in need of up to $1000 for a small project/initiative, or for a helping hand to cover increased costs.
Previous MP Funded Projects: L-R: Peregian Sensory Garden; Allabilities Mat @ Main Beach; Transport to SCUH
This initiative is funded from within my office operating budget as I have never supported efforts that see MPs advertised on signage, on drink coasters, or in other forms of paid advertising. Where possible these funds should be used to benefit the residents and community rather than the office bearer. For other government grant opportunities head to QLD Government Grant Finder or Grants Guru.
From the Inbox
In response to community concerns regarding wildlife road injuries in our electorate, I commissioned Dr Elizabeth Brunton, a recognised expert on macropods, to identify key hotspots and provide recommendations for best-practice mitigation methods. This has now been completed with the results shared to the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Noosa Council as well organisations who have requested. Further on this here.
LR: Landcare Graduation 2023; Peregian Carols in the Park; Noosa Women Shed celebrates!
The final South- East Queensland Plan has been released with many of our concerns regarding addressed, including around mandatory requirements. In addition, that secondary dwellings have now been included as part of the housing stock amount will assist in the need for diversity in housing options. However, whether using the 2046 prediction of some 5,000 more residents than the top end projection for 2041 by the Queensland Government Statistician’s office, or the 900 extra dwellings required by 2046 in this Plan from what was required by 2041 in the 2017 Plan, there must be appropriate initiatives to ensure the amenity of residents and visitor experience is enhanced, not further depleted. This is especially important with recent, planned and further projected increases to our south which will also impact on our communities. More on this here.
Following advocacy from community and our office, TMR completed pavement repairs on the railway overpass on Elm Street, Cooroy. As these were not to resident expectations, we have sent feedback to TMR and are awaiting a response. Even though the bridge and the two historically dangerous intersections (Elm & Myall streets and Elm & Diamond streets) are in the Nicklin State Electorate, I have continued to advocate regarding on behalf of our community which has included the need for TMR to reengage with residents on this. To assist, please write to NCR_Planning_Comms@tmr.qld.gov.au, and if you live within the Noosa Electorate, cc us via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or if in the Nicklin Electorate, cc Rob Skelton MP at nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au.
As I do on the lead up to any peak period, we work to ensure our frontliners have additional resources to manage the holiday volume. This included a ‘Question on Notice’ as to what actions government were taking to improve safety along the North Shore stretch. In summary, reassurance was provided that extra highway patrol units were being diverted as a part of Operation Sandstorm, and I have been working with residents and our police on specific hotspots over this time. The volume of infringements that occurred demonstrates again the need for greater education, prevention and monitoring, as well the changes we have been impatiently waiting for from the advocacies of myself and the Cooloola Teewah Working Group! Happily, New Years Eve saw better behaviours and less alcohol, though a couple of incidents were disgraceful. As always, the mounted police did a fabulous job assisting our teams, and I thank all who did the right thing to ensure celebrations were exactly that!
LR: Youth Detention Centre visit; Lighting of the Parliament Tree; Youth Member for Noosa Zac appointed to IMAC.
On the Cooloola Great Walk Ecotourism Project, as we had not received a response to our letter to the Minister for Tourism and the Minister for the Environment regarding our request for a transition to non-permanent built accommodations, I asked a ‘Question Without Notice’ last Parliament. Reassurance was provided that they are working on a solution to meet community expectations, and we look forward to updates once Parliament resumes.
From the Chamber and Beyond
My Youth Justice Reform Select Committee has been extremely busy, with public hearings, briefings and site visits to detention centres. We have heard from a wide range of experts, practitioners and government officials over recent weeks, and have identified seven areas to further investigate. These include the current operation of the Youth Justice Act 1992 in relation to court decisions, the effect of sentencing principles, the criteria for serious repeat offender declarations, and penalties for traffic offences. In addition, the development of a long-term strategy for youth justice in Queensland, drawing on the expertise of all involved including front line agencies, community organisations and the local communities that are directly affected by youth crime. Other priority areas include how to instigate earlier assessment, intervention and prevention strategies, reimagining youth justice infrastructure, and transitions back into the community, with consideration of supported accommodation models. As well, the impact of social and traditional news media, improving crime data communications and ensuring victims’ are able to access what they need across the state.
LR: WOK Xmas Party 2023; With Santa and our gorgeous Edna at Arcare; The awesome Noosa Salvos Team
We will be holding public hearings in Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast between Monday 5 February and 23 February 2024. Details including venues/dates and times are available on the inquiry webpage found here.
A super congratulations to our very own Zac Davidson, who has been announced as the youth representative to the Independent Ministerial Advisory Committee (IMAC) on youth crime. It was really lovely to be able to catch up at Parliament House, and every day I get super excited about our youngest Noosans who do us so proud!
On the Homefront
It was a huge Christmas Day Noosa Community Lunch with over 120 enjoying a fab feast prepared by Noosa Chef Tony Crossin and many gorgeous elves, as well fresh prawns (thank you Peter!) and other Christmas goodies wrapped and ready ! Thank you to all including the ‘Elf Team’ both Xmas Eve and Day, my cohosts, Making Lives Matter and Noosa Salvos, awesome sponsors Tewantin Market Garden, OzHarvest and OKboocha as well musos Anne & Gray who had us singing and dancing, AEO Dylan and my better half Shoey who ‘covered’ for Santa. Extra special was to have my grandbubba Vivi with us, with so many new friends and memories made, magic!
In amongst many end of year celebrations showcasing the work of and in our community was Waves of Kindness, Noosa Combined Business Associations, Pomona Night of Lights, and the Peregian Carols. Magic abounded at all, and the gratitude for all these volunteers immense! Noosa Womens Shed, who have over 80 members drilling, sawing and hammering, are on their way courtesy of Unitywater and State Government to the development of a permanent, fully accessible workshop. This is a fantastic outcome after the efforts from so many!
LR: Noosa Christmas Community Lunch 2023 – Thank you to all the incredible Elves including Grandbubba Vivi!!
Noosa and District Landcare celebrated its 10th year of graduations (220 trainees!) as part of state government’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW). I am always in awe of the efforts of Phil and his team who are now the largest employer in our Hinterland. The next round of SQW funding opens 29 January with info avaliable here.
End of year visits included our residential care homes to check in with our matriachs and patriachs. Even though aged care itself is within the federal government realm, it is vital that we have a proper understanding of the challenges facing our much loved ‘elders’, and I always appreciate conversations over christmas ‘choccies’!
We had office meetings galore! With advocates on the homegrown ‘Thrive’ program, the Association of Veterans Surfers, organisations working in youth justice, water conservation and afforable housing initiatives, as well it seemed committee sessions daily! The Kin Kin route assessment and dust monitoring were covered in a session with Save Noosa Hinterland, and I learnt more on the gas supply/production, medicinal cannabis, and how quickly chocolates melt in my car. A bonus was to catch up with Helen at the Eclectica Exhibition who had requested I sit still in efforts to capture ‘Independence’. You can imagine how really hard that was for me as I can never sit still!
LR: Council/QFES fire session; with Janelle from Thrive; @ Eclectica Exhibition viewing ‘Independence’
Parliamentary Speeches and Questions
Recent Questions on Notice (QON’s) can be found at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Questions-on-Notice-and-Answers. and latest speeches at www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches
Independent Annual Noosa MP Community Survey Closing soon
Don’t forget to have your say on our annual Noosa MP Community Survey to determine our state government priorities for 2024 before 16 January! Head to www.sandybolton.com/your-say-annual-survey.
Office Reminders
Our office is open 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday, except during public holidays. For community organisations we have the photocopier, marquees, and trailer available at no charge for your use, simply phone and book on 5319 3100. We are also a proud drop off location for DV Safe Phone & Hope in a Suitcase!
LR: Combined Businesses Christmas Party; Festive cheer at the Community Christmas Day Lunch!
Connect
With so much to share, stay up to date via Noosa 360, Facebook page updates or our monthly newsletters. Columns are in Noosa Today, Coolum Advertiser, Cooroy Rag, Your Local Lifestyle, Forest star and Eastern Beaches News.
And finally….
As of writing with Lisa, Dylan and James back from their holidays, I am about to embark on my own break with Shoey for his ‘bucket list’ and will post some photos to my personal page, however, will be online as always!
A fabulous new year’s resolution for all to share? Be kind in both deeds and words. Just like this beautiful dawn below, and our glorious bush and beach, they are free to explore, and only bring great joy, as well healing.
This is especially relevant with Council elections coming up in March. With many already putting their hands up, I ask everyone as always to please desist from any form of degradation, misinformation or nastiness regarding any candidate. Remember, these are our fellow Noosans, with elections a community celebration of democracy. How fortunate we are to live in a world of choice, where our voices can, and do, make a difference!
With so many newcomers to our community since COVID unaware of what we do, or how we do it, we need your help! Whether the history or progress on matters such as the decommissioned TAFE site and Cooloola Great Walk, or even who to contact in emergencies, please reach out to any new neighbours/friends with our contact details. As well, encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters so they have up to date information, as well be advised of when Noosa related polls are underway such as the upcoming one on shark nets in March. Let them know about Noosa 360, and the emergency contact numbers at www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts which is handy for them to print out and stick on the fridge. We can also supply hard copies from our office! Welcome to the wonderful, exciting and at times unknown opportunities of 2024!
Until next month, love where you live, and who we live with, as I do every day.
𝙎𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙮
𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙈𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙤𝙨𝙖
𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘝𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘢. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦
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.
