Thanks to Development Watch champion!
THE COOLUM and Yaroomba community said thank you this month to one of its hardest-working volunteer champions, as she steps down from her role as President of Development Watch.
Lyn Saxton has steered the high-profile community group for more than nine years, battling on behalf of thousands of residents for better planning outcomes to ensure this part of the Sunshine Coast remains a beautiful and liveable place.
She is stepping down as President of Development Watch but will keep working for the group as its Legal Officer.
Community battles don’t come any tougher than the marathon Sekisui-Yaroomba fight that ended with a far better outcome for the community than the plan for high-density seven-storey buildings.
Lyn Saxton was one of those on the front lines of that battle for years as it worked its way through the courts.
She was respected for her style of advocacy, dealing with the community, development companies, Council officers, the State Government and the court system – always with integrity and tenacity.
Deputy Mayor and Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said she thanks Lyn for “making submissions on behalf of your community, asking questions about applications and offering me feedback on community sentiment or proposals that were lodged long before my time in Council.”
Division 8 Councillor Taylor Bunnag also praised Ms Saxton saying, “Lyn has fought tirelessly to protect the character of our area over the years. She is truly a person who has shaped the Yaroomba community for the better.”
Brian Anker takes over as President of Development Watch, and he says the community owes Lyn an enormous debt of gratitude. He presented her with a Life Membership award from Development Watch.
Lyn Saxton says while she’s pleased to take on a less demanding role in the group, many matters need attention.
“There is still much more work to be done by our volunteers in protecting our coastal lifestyle, our wetlands and our beautiful environment from inappropriate development.”