SPEECHES
PURE STOKE FOR ALL FOLK! ๐๐The opening of the Noosa Festival of Surfing, the largest in the world, was bursting with fab legends, loved Noosans, and excited visitors ready to become fully Noosafied until the 22nd!! ๐๐The vibe was contagious, with a beautiful โmixing of the watersโ ceremony and song by Peppie and her 3 beautiful grandbubbas, accompanied by Cassie and Candice ๐ Congratulations to John and @World Safaris team, Glen and Noosa Malibu Club, all the awesome vollies, sponsors, partners and supporters who have ensured this very Noosa event, now in its 35th year, is growing in numbers, and โmojoโ! ๐ช๐ Top tip? ๐If possible go car free in peak times, and go barefoot, as digging your toes into that sand is magic! ๐๐๐![]()
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Check out the program at www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com/whats-on/
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐! ๐จ๐๐ A wonderful milestone for this much-loved space, with its creativity, history and connection to all. Rescued from disrepair by the Pomona Progress Art and Tourism Association in 1997 and opened as a gallery by fab volunteers in 2001, it remains a testament to what community spirit can achieve. ๐คฉ It was lovely to revisit memories, the gorgeous art and artists, join Noosa FM 101.3 Community Organisation to celebrate our volunteers and what lies ahead, with recent State Government support of more than $34,000 to assist with running costs ๐โจ. Gratitude to President Ron, committee members, and all for your passion in keeping this gem chugging along! ๐![]()
๐ To find out more about the Pomona Railway Station Gallery, visit: www.pomonagallery.com.au/
๐๐๐๐๐'๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ๐๐๐๐' โ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐![]()
๐ซIt has been a very sad week ๐ข The loss of Joe. Son, brother, mate to so many, Sunshine Beach surf lifesaver and lifeguard at the Noosa Aquatic Centre reminds us of all of what is important, real and to be treasured. Gratitude to all who have rallied to provide love and support at this incredibly traumatic time to his family and all who he loved, and who loved him๐๐๐![]()
๐น ๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐ ๐ ๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ก โ fondly remembered for leading children on horseback during the Festival of the Waters on Gympie Terrace until the 1980s, and her work at our Pony Club and Adult Riders. Linda's service will be at Gregson & Weight, Noosaville, 1pm Tues 17 March. Hugs to Lindaโs family and her many friends. ๐ ![]()
๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ก๐ก โ a character never to be forgotten, and โsidekickโ to Agro the puppet ๐ฅฐ, Jamie was familiar to us growing up in the 80s and 90โs. A former Club President of the Noosa Surf Lifesaving Club, and hilarious host of past QLD Day Award, we send love to Jamieโs family, friends and fans ๐ ![]()
๐๐ฆ๐จ๐ก๐ฆ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ฆ๐ง ๐ช๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ช๐๐ฌ๐ฆ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ โ Remember to have your say as submissions close Fri 20 March 12pm and ccโ our office in!๐We have been seeking clarity on what the proposed $36 million authority would mean on behalf of residents for more than a year, including why Noosa was included without community consultation, when what is needed is extra MSQ resources. ![]()
๐ To view the Bill 2026 visit: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5826T0274/5826t274.pdf![]()
๐ To make a submission: qldparlcomm.snapforms.com.au/form/sunshine-coast-waterways-authority-bill-2026![]()
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ As posted earlier, Queenslandโs Valuer-General has updated land valuations across Noosa and 14 other local government areas, which take effect from 30 June 2026 and are based on market values as of 1 October 2025. ![]()
๐ To search for your land valuation by address or lodge an objection visit: www.qld.gov.au/.../valuation/find-your-land-valuation or www.qld.gov.au/.../object.../lodge-objections/process ![]()
๐ ๐ฃ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐ง ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ฆ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฅ๐ง ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ ๐ โ Following our advocacy over many years, we now have a change to eligibility criteria! This means that many more Noosa residents will be eligible to claim this subsidy when referred for specialist medical services not available at the nearest public hospital or health facilities, including SCUH, to assist with travel and related accommodation. ![]()
๐ For more information see: www.qld.gov.au/health/services/travel/subsidies ![]()
๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐ก๐ข๐ข๐ฆ๐ ๐๐๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐๐ก๐ โ is celebrating its 35th anniversary1. Starting today (pic below) and running until the 22nd, the festival includes one of the most iconic longboard events, the Noosa Longboard Pro, and everyoneโs fave, the Surfing Dog Championships ๐๐ at 2.00pm this Saturday. Head to Laguna Bay and First Point to check out all the action๐โโ๏ธ๐and remember to join us at the official opening tomorrow afternoon! ๐![]()
๐ For info visit: www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com/![]()
๐ฅ ๐ฆ๐๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ ๐ง๐ฅ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ง ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ฆ๐๐ข๐ก - The Government has announced a $2.3 million expansion to Sunshine Coast University Hospital to deliver advanced cancer treatment, including a new Cone Beam CT scanner, as well funding further gynecological, prostate and other cancer treatments. The upgrades will allow more patients to access specialised care on the Sunshine Coast.![]()
๐ณ๏ธ ๐๐๐๐๐ง๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ BOUNDARY CHANGE ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ - The Queensland Redistribution Commission has released its proposed new boundaries for Queenslandโs 93 State electoral districts as we posted previously, with minimal changes to Noosa. ![]()
๐ For more information and to provide feedback redistribution.ecq.qld.gov.au![]()
๐ง ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฌ ๐ช๐ข๐ฅ๐๐ฆ โ Night works will take place on Eumundi-Noosa Road at the Redwood Road intersection in Doonan from 16 March 2026, between 7pm and 4am for an estimated three nights, to install a dedicated right-turn lane for eastbound traffic turning into Redwood Road. The upgrade aims to improve safety, with traffic control and temporary lane closures in place.![]()
๐ For more information contact North Coast TMR on phone: (07) 5451 7055 or email: northcoast@tmr.qld.gov.au ![]()
๐ ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐ข๐ฅ๐ง๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ - Queensland businesses looking to expand internationally can now register for the Exporter Academy through Trade and Investment Queensland. The program offers practical training, mentoring and expert advice to help businesses become export-ready and enter global markets. ![]()
๐ Learn more or register via www.tiq.qld.gov.au/exporter-academy![]()
๐ป ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐๐ฅโ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ - Queensland students in Years 3โ10 are invited to take part in this challenge by developing digital solutions such as apps, games or websites to promote online safety. Celebrating its 10th year, the challenge encourages STEM skills and offers a $24,000 prize pool, with entries open until 11 September 2026.![]()
๐ For more information see: education.qld.gov.au/about-us/events-awards/awards-competitions/premiers-coding-challenge/get-sta...![]()
๐ฉโ๐ผ๐ช๐ข๐ ๐๐กโ๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ง๐ฆ - Expressions of interest are now open for Round 2 of these grants, offering up to $4,999 to help Queensland women cover costs like training, childcare, workwear or technology when returning to work. More than 1,000 women were supported in Round 1. A further $5 million will be available in Round 2 and applications open on Monday 23 March 2026.![]()
๐ For more information and to apply visit: womenscareergrants.com.au![]()
๐ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ก๐ง ๐ข๐ฃ๐๐ก - Local sporting clubs can now apply for the Australian Sport Foundationโs 2026 Active Kids Grant, supporting volunteer-run organisations with funding for uniforms and equipment to help more young people participate in sport. Applications close on 27 March 2026. ![]()
๐ For more information visit: asf.smartygrants.com.au/ActiveKids2026 ![]()
๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ โ Public submissions for the following Bills are 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/Subscribe.![]()
๐ The State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee is calling for submissions on the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill 2026. Closing Friday 20 March 2026 at 12pm (midday). ![]()
www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=0&id=8573 ![]()
๐ The Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee is calling for submissions on the Criminal Code (Defence of Dwellings and Other PremisesโCastle Law) Amendment Bill 2026. Closing Tuesday, 21 April 2026 at 10.00am. ![]()
www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=275&id=8570![]()
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๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: ![]()
๐ LAND VALUATION OBJECTIONS![]()
๐ SUNSHINE COAST WATERWAYS AUTHORITY UPDATE ![]()
๐ FORMER NOOSA NORTH SHORE LANDING GROUND RESERVE (TEEWAH AIRFIELD) UPDATE ![]()
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐: (www.sandybolton.com/newsletters) ![]()
๐Subscribe to ensure you are kept โin the loopโ when Noosa MP surveys are held.![]()
๐Paper copies available from our office or posted via โsnail mailโ by calling our office on 53193100.![]()
๐Latest newsletter: www.sandybolton.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Newsletter-March-2026-compressed.pdf![]()
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐:![]()
๐QLD Government: www.grants.services.qld.gov.au![]()
๐Federal Government: www.grants.gov.au![]()
๐Noosa Council: www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/grants/council-grants![]()
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๐ To finish. After so much grief, I thought I would share some moments of joy experienced this week via pics. With cool peeps who volunteer their time for the Surf Festival, catching up with our legend Clinton who is turning yes 50 this year (the party is already in the scheduler)๐ celebrating Hayden Kennys 90th, and strangely (you may not see joy in this?) the plastic bottles that I picked up on the beach. Why? Because in investigations, it appears it is not from our littering as they are not available here, however leads to other questions as all of our investigations do!![]()
Love where we live and treasure our community? Every day! ๐![]()
See you tomorrow ๐![]()
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๐บ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฎ ๐![]()
๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐ฃ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐๐๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ค๐ค๐จ๐ ![]()
๐๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ฐ๐ช๐ค๐ฆ. ๐๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ฐ๐ฐ๐ด๐ข. ๐๐ถ๐ณ ๐๐ถ๐ต๐ถ๐ณ๐ฆ
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐งโโ๏ธ These my final words on a bill that sought to create greater protections for our Jewish Australians. Why? Because the process failed to address the many concerns raised, gave only 1 week to have a say, and missed the most important aspect. โ ๏ธ Ending violence and hatred requires both major parties working together, not constantly against๐ก, with the saddest part the weaponizing of grief against each other. ๐ข The bill had good changes, however I cannot condone such appalling behaviours and disrespect of Queenslanders, nor support legislation that follows this trend. Disgraceful in all ways, and unacceptable for QLD. See my full speech below ๐
๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ก Queenslandโs Valuer-General has just updated land valuations across Noosa and 14 other local government areas, which residents have started receiving. Revised valuations take effect from 30 June 2026 and are based on market values as of 1 October 2025. This is Noosaโs first valuation update in three years, although it can be an annual process. ๐ฐ๐![]()
๐ To search for your land valuation by address, visit www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/title/valuation/find-your-land-valuation![]()
๐ For anyone who disagrees with their new valuation, info on how to lodge an objection is available at www.sandybolton.com/land-valuation-objections-march-2026/ also www.qld.gov.au/environment/land/title/valuation/objections/lodge-objections/process ๐ฅ๏ธ![]()
๐ On how local governments use land values to apportion the percentage of their estimated budgetary needs - www.sandybolton.com/land-valuations-local-government-rate-calculations-march-2023/
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ From getting โartyโ at the Pomona & District Community House Inc screen-printing slogans of collaboration and unity, meeting fabulous young women from The Social selling homemade goodies to raise funds for their Mummaโs Village project, to the Zonta Club of Noosa IWD breakfast at Noosa Springs where we were inspired by keynote speakers Ella and Amelia from Good Shepherd Lutheran College, and Jo, founder and CEO of WorkHaven. Congratulations to Daisy on receiving the Young Women in Leadership Award ๐๐and gratitude to the Zonta team for another wonderful IWD!! ๐![]()
๐To see what's happening and to get involved with the Pomona Community House, visit pomonacommunityhouse.org.au/![]()
๐For more information and to find out how to join Zonta Noosa, visit www.zonta.org
WHO SHOULD MANAGE OUR RIVER? ๐๐Submissions close 12pm (midday) Friday 20 March (in only 9 days) on the proposed Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority (SCWA) Bill 2026. Whether for or against, please share your views via the link below and cc our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au ๐ค As outlined in the Bill's explanatory notes, no public consultation has occurred in the 18 months since the proposal was announced contrary to online commentary, making this short committee process the only formal opportunity for community input. ๐ข![]()
๐To make a submission, visit: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=272&id=8573![]()
๐To read the Bill, visit: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5826t0274/5826t274.pdf
Committee Details | Queensland Parliament
www.parliament.qld.gov.au
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๐-๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐T ๐ฒโกhas been released after receiving 1,223 submissions, including our own which outlined concerns raised by residents, police and first responders since 2022. ๐ With a total of 28 recommendations, key proposals include restricting compliant devices to riders 16+ with at least a learners licence, defining devices that can travel above 25km/h and meet Australian Design Standards as motorbikes requiring a motorbike licence, registration and CTP insurance (restricting these to roads), anti-tampering laws, and giving police powers to seize, impound and destroy illegal devices. ๐ฎ![]()
While these recommendations are welcome, it is disappointing that it took four years of advocacy, as potentially many deaths and injuries could have been prevented. ![]()
Now it is up to government to action, and we will update as information is released.![]()
๐ Read the report: www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5826t0264/5826t264.pdf![]()
๐To view our advocacy since 2022, visit: www.sandybolton.com/?s=electric+bikes
