WHALES 
A NUMBER of whale entanglements have occurred along the coast, including a mother and calf at Noosa. As soon as alerted, we contacted the Shark Control Program Hotline, and a contractor arrived at 9:20 pm, successfully releasing both by 11:00 pm with locals assisting.

We have a briefing with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on the need for faster rescue protocols. Following this, we facilitated a meeting with Oceans for All and relevant business, environment and water user groups to obtain their position on the trialling of alternative measures to shark nets during whale migration season. An overwhelming majority supported, which, in addition to previous surveys and late responses from those who could not attend, will be submitted to the state government.

E-BIKES 
In response to our advocacy, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads has advised that they are increasing e-mobility education in schools, including the deployment of road safety officers to deliver presentations with police officers. While the Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility safety is underway, we continue to advocate for consistent age limits, the trial of ID-tags, as well as the consideration of registration/insurance and for progress on Office of Fair Trading enforcement of retailers who are supplying illegal devices under false or misleading claims.

NOOSA RIVER
Maritime Safety Queensland has advised that, following community concerns, they are consolidating the stage six and seven reforms of the Noosa River Management Plan into a single stage to avoid potentially the northern end becoming a ‘dumping ground’ for boats. These changes will now take effect on January 1, 2026, and implement a 28-day anchoring limit per financial year across the entire Noosa River system, including Lake Cooroibah and Lake Cootharaba.

KEEP IN TOUCH
With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!  For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

Demonstrations 
REPORTS from across Australia regarding demonstrations on federal immigration and population policies have indicated that genuine housing and sustainability concerns were sadly ‘hijacked’ by extremists. This is a reminder for our community to remain aware when holding community gatherings that there are some who do not share the same focus of resolving and uniting. Remember – “We share a dream and sing with one voice.” Now onto some updates.

Waterways
Details of the Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority remain unclear, including regarding Noosa’s inclusion. Our major concerns involve having resources ‘on the ground and river’ to manage our waterways, so the development of an extra level of bureaucracy understandably raises many questions. We have requested government undertake immediate consultation with key Noosa stakeholders before any further consideration of our inclusion.

Tewantin Bypass 
The planning of the next stages of the Tewantin Bypass is underway again, utilising the $8.5m we achieved last year with survey works and investigations scheduled to enable construction to commence in 2028, subject to environmental approvals.

Daniel’s Law 
Consultation is currently open on Daniel’s Law, which proposes a three-tiered public child sex offender registry in Queensland. All interested residents are invited to submit feedback on any aspect of the Bill at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-Committees/Committees/Committee-Details?cid=275&id=4546, and please cc my office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Electoral Boundaries 
The Queensland Redistribution Commission is also seeking public feedback on suggestions received about changes to state electoral boundaries, with submissions closing on Monday, September 22, 2025. For more information, visit https://submission.redistribution.ecq.qld.gov.au/s/comments-on-suggestions 

QPS Award 
A special shout-out to Noosa’s ‘Zappo Stoppie’ team, who were recently recognised at the Queensland Police Service’s Sunshine Coast District Medal presentation for their outstanding work on e-bike safety and enforcement in Noosa and Coolum.

Keep in touch
With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!  For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

Estimates 
BUDGET Estimates 2025 is now over, and we had hoped our new government would remedy the flaws in the process that they railed about while in opposition; however, not so! Even though the Premier confirmed in response to our previous Question on Notice that work had commenced on reforms, only minor changes were apparent that did not address the major issues, and welcomed improvements actioned last year by the previous government, including additional question time for opposition and crossbench MPs, were reversed. May we see the long-needed real reform we have advocated for in both the committee and estimates processes before estimates 2026/27, with a summary from this year posted to 360 next week.

Dental clinic 
The Minister for Health has advised that a future closure of the Noosa Dental Clinic is being considered due to low utilisation rates, with staff and resources being potentially relocated to Nambour. This is not imminent, with reassurances that the clinic will remain open until the expansion of the Nambour Dental Clinic is completed in approximately 12-24 months, with free transport for patients provided should this closure proceed. To inform our advocacy, we would appreciate feedback from Noosa electorate residents who are cardholders and eligible to access this service via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au, as well as to the Minister for Health via health@ministerial.qld.gov.au, with a cc’ to us.

Shark nets  
Regarding shark nets, the government has maintained that these will continue and expand under the Shark Control Program until alternatives are proven effective at reducing shark attack risks. We are awaiting further responses from Noosa stakeholders on trialling net removals during winter whale migration to reduce entanglements, with Noosa Council recently voting to write to the State Government for trial removal during migration in Noosa.

Keep in touch
With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!  For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

IN THE 2025/26 State Budget, there was good news, missing pieces, as well as a few questions raised. Positives this year included nearly half a billion confirmed funds for the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project and construction timelines for the Pomona pedestrian crossing and the new Noosa River boating infrastructure, with construction set to commence in 2026/27 and 2027/28, respectively.

In contrast, the Tewantin Bypass construction commencement date in 2028/29 made no sense, given the $8.5m we achieved last year to fast-track planning for this, as well $30m for construction from the new government. Hence, we requested and held a meeting with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Noosa Council to understand why, after Stage one was completed in 2021, the next stages have taken so long to plan and design. We appreciate the commitment to commence and thank the Minister for TMR for their efforts; however, three years away to start construction is not a fast track. We will update in the coming weeks.

The lack of construction funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Hub for Sunshine Beach State High School is disappointing, given that we have students missing out on essential certification for careers in industries lacking staff.

As well, there was no fairer funding deal for palliative care hospices, like Katie Rose Cottage, and we will continue fighting for the government to assist further with nursing costs. Questions surround funding allocated for a new Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority, as this has never been raised as something Noosa sought, and the Safe Night Precinct, which, from our understanding, was not applied for either. With unclear Budget Papers that require a major overhaul, we look forward to this year’s Estimates to get some answers to our queries. For more information, visit https://www.sandybolton.com/budget-2025-26-summary.

With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!  For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

THE STATE Government’s announcement to increase nets, including for Peregian Beach, raises questions, as it contradicts recommendations from the just-released independent review of the current program, which included reducing environmental impacts and trialling net removals during the winter whale migration. We have written to the minister for the rationale around the increase, as well as Peregian’s inclusion and will provide an update when a response is received. We ask everyone to share their views with the minister via primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au and cc our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

With the release of Destination 2045, the ‘blueprint’ for increasing tourism in Queensland, there are some wonderful aspirations; however, little mention found so far of how the impacts from potentially millions of extra visitors will be offset. In the development of the plan, submissions from our community, including Tourism Noosa, reiterated how we could retain our unique selling point and environmental assets by moving into the internationally trending regenerative tourism space, given the government’s current inability to properly manage visitor volumes. To inform our advocacy, it is vital that you send your views on Destination 2045 to my office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Maritime Safety Queensland have advised that navigational lights have now been installed on the port and starboard buoys and beacons in the Noosa River, marking the navigation corridor from Woods Bay to the Noosa cable ferry. After many years of advocacy, this will assist in making nighttime boating safer on our waterway. However, please assist by ensuring your vessel displays the correct navigation lights, whether underway or at anchor.
With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360, where, under the ‘Connect’ tab, you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!  For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

AS I raised in Parliament, with a continuing trend of decreasing support for the major parties as seen in the federal election, Australians are demonstrating how frustrated they are by the inability of governments to manage their responsibilities respectfully and factually. To rebuild trust and integrity in our Parliament, we must have reforms, including a review of our flawed committee system and an end to cherry picking of data, and our new government has the opportunity to do this. Now to some updates.

With stages five and six of the Noosa River Management Plan commencing in May and October, respectively, concerns have been raised that these will lead to further upstream areas being used as a ‘dumping ground’. We have been assured by Maritime Safety QLD (MSQ) that they will deliver the agreed-upon outcomes for our whole river system on the 28-day rule and advise of other stages later in the year. Further information regarding this is available on Noosa 360, with more information soon. For any concerns, contact MSQ  via sunshinecoast.martime@msq.qld.gov.au, and please copy us in at  noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Our community welcomed the announcement of a Parliamentary Inquiry into reckless e-bike, e-scooter and e-motorbike behaviours following our advocacy and call for action in April, and we thank the minister for listening. However, disappointingly, an amendment to see this inquiry completed by August this year was voted down, and instead, it will be in 2026. With submissions now open, we ask all Noosans to share their experiences and recommendations before consultation closes on June 20. For further information and to lodge your submission, visit the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee’s website and send a copy to our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

With so much to share and limited space, please stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to my website and selecting Noosa 360 under the ‘Connect’ tab, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn!  For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

IN A recent parliamentary speech, I called for innovative solutions to curb reckless electric bike, scooter, and illegal motorbike usage. While there has been some action, including new enforcement in 2024 laws, it has not been enough. We compiled and sent recommendations to the relevant ministers from first responders and local community groups on the urgent reforms needed for community safety, including licensing and registration for legal e-bikes. We thank the ministers for the progress thus far; however, the excuse that licensing and registration are too hard or expensive does not pass the pub test.

The next stage of the Noosa River Management Plan will be implemented on May 31. Vessels over five metres will no longer be able to anchor within thirty metres of the northern shore of the Noosa River from the Noosa Coastal Bar to Lake Cooroibah, including Goat Island, or the southern shore, from Lake Doonella to Lake Cooroibah, including Makepeace and Sheep Islands. As a result of our advocacy, the existing trial, which allows vessels between five and seven-point-five metres to anchor near the shore for up to two hours a day, will also apply to these new areas.

Nominations are now open for the Queensland Day Awards. Until 12 pm on May 19, 2025, local community groups can nominate up to two individuals who have not received a Noosa Queensland Day Award before and have volunteered for at least two years within the Noosa state electorate.  All successful nominees will be recognised at the Queensland Day Awards ceremony on Friday, June 6, at The J. For more information, visit www.sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards.

Finally, happy Easter to all!  With so much to share and limited space, please stay ‘in the loop’ via Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360) with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters, which also ensures you are advised when Noosa-specific surveys are held. If you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

EX-TC ALFRED 
NOOSA experienced just a sample of what Cyclone Alfred delivered elsewhere; however, being prepared for the worst is essential to saving lives and property. In giving thanks to all, including our Local Disaster Management Group and State Government, it is to our community that I give the deepest gratitude. Everyone from our incredible volunteers, our frontliners, and the selfless individuals who helped others, you are all deeply appreciated!
We have written to the Minister regarding our many workers and businesses impacted by ‘Alife.’ While Noosa is not yet eligible for hardship payments, residents can access loss of income payments, with details on the Services Australia website. For businesses, support is available at www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/natural-disaster. For sports and recreation clubs, damage grants are available at www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/disaster-recovery.  With natural disasters a regular part of life, residents should make ‘being ready’ a standard, with information available on Noosa Council’s Disaster Dashboard at htttps://disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au with preparation advice at www.getready.qld.gov.au.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS 
In parliamentary news, the Deputy Premier’s response to my Question without Notice (QWN) regarding the development of new regional plans gave assurances that these would be actioned as soon as possible, which gives opportunity for a review of the excessive population targets thrust upon Noosa in the SEQ Plan 2023. In addition, we submitted a Question on Notice (QON) asking whether the Government will review/revise the State Facilitated Development (SFD) legislation to deliver outcomes in line with community expectations. The Deputy Premier, in his response to the QWN, partially addressed this, stating developers using the process must take the community along with them and work with local governments; otherwise, their applications would be cancelled. We thank the Deputy Premier for this welcome response.

KEEP IN TOUCH 
With so much to share, please stay updated via www.SandyBolton.com, which has Noosa 360, where we ‘post’ on our current advocacies, and also Noosa not-for-profits applications can be lodged until March 31 for our Noosa MP grants. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletter, which ensures you receive any Noosa-specific surveys. If you need assistance regarding state government, don’t hesitate to contact me via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or on 5319 3100.

THANK you to all who participated in our annual Noosa MP Community Survey, with health services, policing, and Noosa River management identified as the top three most important issues. With many of the state concerns raised already in the process of being addressed, please check the full results as well as other updates at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360. Our recent issues-specific survey on a public sex offender registry and fluoridation closed earlier this week, and results will be released in the coming weeks.

The Tewantin State Facilitated Development (SFD) entered the public consultation phase, closing Monday, March 10. The application does not address previous community concerns regarding compliance with the Noosa Planning Scheme. As updated in November, the Government passed legislation allowing the Minister to revise or revoke an SFD application, not prevent the process; therefore, residents need to be clear in their message to the Minister. Please join us in sending submissions to SFD@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au and copying in our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. Information on the application is available at www.planning.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/development-assessment/state-facilitated-development

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have commenced the next stages of the river management plan, advising anchoring restrictions for boats over 5 metres would be extended to the Woods Bay and Dog Beach areas beginning February 24, as well as Little Woods Bay from March 24. Following our advocacy during the commencement of initial anchoring restrictions in July 2024, a trial allowing vessels between 5 and 7.5 metres to anchor for two hours a day was implemented. This trial will be extended to these new areas, demonstrating that MSQ continues to respond to community feedback, which we encourage residents to continue providing via sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au and our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

With so much to share and limited space, please stay ‘in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters, which ensures you are advised when Noosa-specific surveys are held. If you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

HAPPY New Year all! This is always an exciting time with resolutions made, events to enjoy and opportunities in abundance! Thank you to all volunteers who made our Community Christmas Day so special, wrapping presents and preparing a feast for over one hundred. A big thank you also to residents who completed our annual Community Survey, which is currently being collated with results to be released shortly.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) once again conducted Operation Sandstorm, which has been operating since 2019, across Noosa North Shore, Teewah Beach, and Cooloola Coast during the break to target unacceptable behaviour. This resulted in over four hundred Traffic Infringement Notices and fourteen DUIs from over eight hundred and fifty Random Breath Tests. During my first meetings with the new Minister for Environment and Minister for Police regarding our ongoing advocacies, I reiterated the importance of the implementation of automatic sharing of essential enforcement information between agencies, so that permit restrictions can be placed on offenders in our national parks, as well as recommendations regarding decreasing the volume of day trippers during peak periods.

Following reports on social media of several houseboats moored at Woods Bay being used for STAs on the river, we contacted Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), a Federal Government organisation that regulates commercial boating activities and registrations, to investigate.  In response, we were informed that they conducted an on-water joint patrol, with regulatory actions issued against those non-compliant and a commitment to increase monitoring.

With so much to share and limited space, please stay ‘in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters, which also ensures you are advised when Noosa-specific surveys are held, with one in the coming weeks on fluoridation in our water. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

THE FIRST piece of legislation to be debated in the 58th Parliament was the Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill, and it was an ‘urgency’ one with multiple unrelated pieces of legislation that I would normally oppose, as there was no community consultation nor scrutiny from a committee. However, it had a needed outcome for Noosa regarding State Facilitated Developments (SFDs) that was time-critical, with legislation to give power to the Planning Minister to revise or revoke applications. This allows our new Government to keep their commitments made during the election, and I thank the Premier and Planning Minister for this, and for their reassurance going forward to work with Noosa Council in ensuring any applications or proposals do not contravene our local planning scheme. After a contentious journey since we opposed the original Bill facilitating the SFD pathway back in April, this is welcome progress.

The Noosa MP annual community survey is open for you to have your say on Noosa’s priorities for 2025 at www.sandybolton.com, under the ‘Connect’ tab, not to be confused with the annual newsletter! If you require a paper copy of either, do not hesitate to contact my office, as we want to hear from as many Noosa Electorate residents as possible. The survey is a little longer than usual; however, there are many important issues that require feedback.

We are again co-hosting festivities with Noosa Salvos, Making Lives Matter and a band of merry elves! For anyone flying ‘solo’ this year, please join us for a complimentary lunch, Santa and some Christmas cheer. However, you MUST book early as limited seats – so please RSVP with your name/s, phone number and ages/gender of any children before December 18 to 07 5335 8500 or head to www.bit.ly/NoosaXmasLunch2024.

Further information on all the above and more is on Noosa 360 at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available and remember to subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters. Always, if you require assistance regarding state matters, contact us on 5319 3100 or via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

A reminder, our office is closed from 1.30 pm on 20 December to 9 am on 6 January for the Christmas and New Year break.

Have a wonderful holiday season and I look forward to seeing you out and about enjoying our beautiful home!

NOOSANS worked and fought hard to keep Noosa independent – AND WE DID IT! How proud I am of our beautiful community and, in the spirit that has seen us through fires, floods and pandemics, we sent a strong message for remaining unique and continuing to lead the way in Queensland on how politics can and must be done differently.

To be elected, and again the only independent in Queensland, to represent Noosa in its diversity, passion and, at times, opposing viewpoints is the greatest of honours, and a privilege unlike any other. Thank you to all, including the ‘Team Noosa’ army, as well as fellow candidates and their volunteers, and to voters who rejected the US-style grubby tactics that disrespected our community.

The campaign cycle saw both political parties commit to a swathe of projects and legislative promises that would be enacted if they formed Government, which were publicised without caveats, and now it is time for Noosa to collect on those! With the LNP forming Government, we will be holding them to the various commitments they made, as well as seeking assurances regarding commitments of the previous government.

Recently, another whale became entangled in our shark nets off Main Beach. We are continuing to work with Oceans for All Noosa to see an end to this, whilst addressing community concerns. The results from our Noosa MP survey, which were taken forward to the previous Minister earlier this year, showed that a majority of Noosans supported pursuing alternative shark control methods and the removal of nets, with drone trials also currently underway. An independent review is due on alternatives by the end of the year, and any proposed changes will require consultation with our community. With the change in Government, this is just one of many items we will be meeting with the new Minister on, and when consultation opens, we will be sharing via Facebook, our newsletter and in the media, as this is a decision that needs to be made by our whole community, including key stakeholders, Noosa Council.

Further information on all the above and more is on Noosa 360 at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360 – including efforts to end reckless electric bike and scooter usage. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available. Always, if you require assistance regarding state matters, contact us on 5319 3100 or via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Development issues 
IT HAS been a big month for Noosa with some very welcome news; however, a couple of items that are concerning. The first being that notification has been received that two projects that have applied under the State Facilitated Development (SFD) process are now progressing to Stage two. We are calling for the community to remain focused, check the updated information that has been provided, even though it is still insufficient, and make a submission once consultation opens. Complacency is not an option, and should your voices go unheard, we will take them via busloads to the front of Parliament House. Further information, including any new updates since this was written at www.SandyBolton.com/?s=State+Facilitated+Development.

Misinformation
There has been a political party candidate using baseless ‘fearmongering’ in electioneering, saying that Noosa Hospital is at risk. This is completely incorrect, and our community deserves better. Now that the appeal against the previous Noosa Council’s decision in 2023 to reject Ramsay Health’s application to expand onto the adjacent site has been finalised, and an in-principle agreement announced, I look forward to the coming weeks as we move into the future.

Tewantin bypass win 
Now to the great news! Following our calls to the Minister, we have been allocated $7.1m, on top of an existing $1.4m, to fast-track the detailed designs and business case for the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass. This is not an ‘election’ commitment; this is now allocated and in the budget.

Standards for flood mapping 
Forecasts to the year 2100 are having unintended consequences for residents, including increased insurance premiums and changes to town planning that are potentially adversely affecting the values and rights of owners. With neighbouring councils using different mapping models, there is an inconsistent landscape where a minor flood event in one council may be classed as a major event next door. In Parliament, I urged the Government to standardise the definitions and criteria for disasters, as well as the framework for local governments.

With so much to share, ensure you stay updated by checking Noosa 360, which has updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters, which also ensures you get alerts on the SFD’s. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

Don’t forget to keep spreading the message of why it is so important to keep Noosa Independent. Find out reasons why at www.SandyBolton.com/OurFuture

Path funding  
TO BEGIN, a great outcome recently was the $3.8 million of extra funding for Council from the State, for greater accessibility. This amount is for two projects with one being wayfinding signage and cycle street for pedestrians and cyclists and linking to the Sunshine Coastal Pathway at Peregian Beach.

Electric forum 
Thank you to all residents who supported Peregian Family and Friends in facilitating the community forum on electric bike and scooter safety. With the continued incidents endangering riders, pedestrians and drivers, I, Coolum Police Officer Joel, TMR and Stuart from Ecotekk Noosa were invited to speak at the Peregian Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Much was covered from the confusion between e-bikes and e- motorbikes, through to what is being done to reduce reckless behaviours including education, innovation, confiscations and extra resourcing.

A key message is that we all have a responsibility to our children by ensuring they are on compliant bikes, not motorbikes, and are abiding by the laws. Importantly, report offenders to Policelink by calling 131 444 or by lodging an online report at www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting and for anyone who has CCTV cameras, you can register by googling ‘Community Camera Alliance’. Gratitude to our police who shared much including that the vast majority of parents they visit are genuinely shocked when advised of their children’s disregard for the safety of themselves and others, and immediately sell the bike.

Parliament 
The Community Safety Bill had important amendments, including ones supporting some of our Youth Justice Reform recommendations, however there was contention. These included the new firearm prohibition orders and the amendment seeking to clarify ‘detention as a last resort’ which during consultation still had no consensus as to what it actually does. Hence, why in April we put forward ‘recommendation 53’ to lower the threshold at which serious repeat offender declarations can be made and broadening its criteria to target the specific cohort that is creating the danger in our communities. It is positive that government has supported the recommendations from my former committee, with over half of them in progress, however that there has not been any response from the opposition is deeply concerning. We need actual solutions, not slogans, to address youth and adult crime in Queensland.

TO BEGIN, with a ‘no anchoring zone’ 60m from the southern shoreline commencing on July 15 as part of new river management and greater safety, there has been some confusion around access, including the trial exemption for vessels under 5m to access shops and recreational activities. We collated and provided issues to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) for clarification, including around the hitching poles/transit area,s with a response expected shortly. This we will update via ‘Noosa 360’ where information obtained so far and requested links to related legislation is also located, as well as FAQS provided by MSQ. Amongst the confusion online was also misinformation that I was involved in Noosa Council’s Conservation Park concept, which is completely incorrect, and we have posted the facts to www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360. Must be an election coming up, methinks!

During the 2023 Estimates Hearings, we queried how adequate police numbers are determined for a region given the increase we have had in domestic and family violence and mental health callouts since COVID. The Commissioner stated in response at the time that they consider ‘hidden demand’; however, since then, the Queensland Audit Office has conducted a performance audit report called ‘Deploying police resources’. This was found to be  incorrect, and reforms are now being undertaken, as relayed in my questioning during the Community Safety and Legal Affairs Committee 2024 Estimates Hearing, to develop better modelling. As reported previously, ninety-eight additional police officers have been allocated for the Sunshine Coast, and we have requested the amount for Noosa as well as their projected timeline. In addition, the first youth co-responder team for the Sunshine Coast is also in the process, and there is work on the Maroochydore Courthouse to provide improved services for those impacted by Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) underway.

With so much to share and not much space, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters, which also ensures you are advised when Noosa-specific surveys are held. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

Budget Wins 
To begin, to the State Budget. Items welcomed were $25 million for the widening of Eumundi Noosa Road, progress on the Sunshine Beach State High School Advanced Manufacturing Hub, major grants for our sporting clubs, extra police and paramedics, co-responders and more. However, ‘missing in action’ was the detailed design allocation for the next stage of the Tewantin Bypass.

Youth Justice 
Of note for broader Queensland regarding Youth Justice Reform, there are a number of major funding allocations that align with the 60 recommendations from our Inquiry, and during the upcoming Estimates process, I will be searching for more.  A list of Noosa-specific Budget outcomes is at www.sandybolton.com/budget-2024-25-summary, which will be updated after Estimates as we are still digging through the finer details.

Social Housing 
To finish, it was wonderful to celebrate the Bendigo Community Bank and Coast2Bay Housing Group’s partnership on the construction of domestic and family violence (DFV) units. Noosa RISE 2 (which stands for Restart In A Safe Environment) is an instrumental project that I have proudly been involved in, and I thank all who have made this possible, including the Queensland Government for providing over $9 million in funding towards the project here, as well as further down the coast. A special call out to our Zonta Club of Noosa and Noosa Coolum Salvos, who both have, and will continue to be involved along this journey to create safe, supported havens for our families impacted by family violence.

IT WAS a pleasure to update the Peregian Community Association recently on progress on many matters, and I look forward to our upcoming Eastern Beaches Mobile Office ‘Moby’ with details on our Facebook page ‘Sandy Bolton MP’.

With improved management of the Noosa River being one of my first commitments when elected in 2017, this is now in the second phase of being realised, appreciative I am of everyone I have worked with along this time. This has included two Transport & Main Roads (TMR) Ministers and two Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) General Managers every step of the way, as well as two Noosa Mayors, the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee, advocates and many residents. The latest announced changes, whilst difficult for some, were very much welcomed by the majority of our community, and I am especially thankful to the MSQ team for the assurances that anyone vulnerable on liveaboards is being supported through this transition, as this was a non-negotiable for me. A special thanks to former TMR Minister Mark Bailey who delivered all that we requested of him, as this was not an easy undertaking given the river’s long and often very contentious history!

After my Adjournment speech in Parliament on the urgency to address electric bike and scooter safety concerns, I was advised that a dangerous rider on Noosa Parade has been charged with nine counts each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, driving without a driver’s licence, unregistered vehicle, and driving uninsured. We thank our police who have acted swiftly, and have posted a Noosa 360 update regarding at www.sandybolton.com/electric-bikes-and-scooters-update-may-2024, which also contains my speech and how other states are managing this.

As of writing, State Budget Week 2024 is nearly finished, with my Budget Reply speech and Noosa specifics on both the joys and disappointments at www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360.

With so much to share and not much space, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters, which also ensures you are advised when Noosa-specific surveys are held. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.

OF PARTICULAR concern was the recent passing of legislation giving powers to state government to override local government planning laws with regards to the provision of affordable housing. Even though assurance was provided that the state would work with councils and full community consultation will be undertaken, I have submitted concerns  and ask residents to do the same via www.bit.ly/HousingCouncil2024. Yes, we have needed this housing for years, however it must be in line with the expectations of our community, and genuinely affordable to our key industry workers.

Over yummy lamingtons, we celebrated the incredible Marcus Beach Coastal Bushcare team and the work they do for us. From bush regeneration and restoration to working with schools and fundraising, they do it all!  With our Noosa MP grant funding, some much-needed IT maintenance on their website has been done so you now have easy access to identifying ‘nasties’ in your own yard, as well as what to plant. Thank you to the committee and all other volunteers, especially our youngsters, you are deeply appreciated. If you would like to get involved, or need information on local plants, weeds and gardening using native plants, visit https://mbba.org.au

Upcoming changes to anchoring and mooring on the Noosa River have been released, with information also available on Noosa 360. We have been assured that any residents in hardship impacted by the transition for greater safety for all users and to the river itself 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.

To finish, regarding the Cooloola Great Walk Eco-tourism Project, we expect an announcement in the next month to our request for no commercially built structures in Great Sandy National Park, as well as an amendment to the Nature Conservation Act to remove the possibility of a similar proposal in the future. Both the Minister for Tourism and the Minister for Environment have assured us that they are working in line with our community’s expectations, and we will update as soon as received.

With so much to share and not much space, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters which also ensures you are advised when Noosa specific surveys are held. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office on 53193100.

The draft Shaping SEQ 2023 Update has opened for consultation with a projected permanent population into the future for the Noosa Shire of 76,000 residents which is not feasible nor sustainable. That is 13,000 more than what we can sustainably carry, equivalent to Christmas peak season every day. There are many who have fought so hard for Noosa over the decades, including for deamalgamation, and we need to fight again, for our communities, our environment and our economy. To assist in efforts, we ask everyone to ensure they make a valid submission to State Government after attending the information session, 4pm 29 August at ‘Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church (Noosa District) Parish Hall’ 5 Moorindil St, Tewantin. Registration for this and the draft, as well information on how to have your say through submissions, is available via Noosa 360 at www.SandyBolton.com/Draft-Southeast-Queensland-Regional-Plan-August-2023.

In response to concerns raised that crime and alcohol fueled violence has escalated in Noosa, we have posted to Noosa 360 data and information. Whilst we have a full complement of officers with 24/7 manned station 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 all of us to be their ‘eyes’ and report any suspicious or bad behaviour immediately in efforts of prevention to 000 (emergencies) or Policelink on 131 444 (non-emergencies) or online at www.Police.qld.gov.au/Policelink-Reporting.  Also don’t forget to lock up your cars and homes as many crimes are opportunistic. We continue to advocate for increased police resourcing throughout Queensland during the State Budget Estimates processes, as well mandatory and relocation sentencing, and at any time there is a change in crime trends in our community, we would immediately seek extra resources as we have done on many occasions which lead to specific responses such as ‘Operation Sandstorm’. Information on policing in Noosa is available at www.SandyBolton.com/Policing-in-Noosa-July-2023.

We have a community survey open until 8 September on the proposed Cooloola Great Walk Eco Project, which has created some confusion, and I ask that you take a minute, or more, to respond, as well share with your neighbours and friends as it is so important to have everyone’s voices heard! The survey is available at www.bit.ly/CooloolaGreatWalkSurvey.

With so much time between columns and much to share, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters which ensures you also advised of any Noosa MP specific polls or surveys. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available including the Friday ‘Wrap’ with news and grant information! Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state related matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

With the State Budget released, for the Noosa electorate specifically, we had joy, as well a disappointment in the non-allocation for the expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing Hub at Sunshine Beach State High School. All items including those already announced or in process we have posted to Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360), along with a copy of my speech which contains Noosa specifics and for broader Queensland which we shall be querying during the Budget Estimates Hearings. This includes why with a $12b surplus, more is not being put into our housing crisis, youth crime and for our small to medium businesses who continue to experience ongoing hardships from lack of staff, increased rentals, inflations and interest rates.

On the Unitywater front, a reminder for our businesses that the new pricing structure for wastewater has now come into effect, and as part of a staged approach, the first bill includes 50% of the increases. Should any of our small businesses in the Tier 1 category be impacted adversely, please email us on noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au so we can raise this with the Minister for Small Business to further efforts to see impacts mitigated as even though matters relating to Unitywater do not come under the jurisdiction of State Government, we can advocate for other forms of relief for our small operators. Regarding Burgess Creek, Noosa Council and Unity Water are working together on this as readings degrade as released water moves past contributors such as households and roads, and we look forward to the findings with further information posted to Noosa 360, simply search ‘Unitywater’.

It was an absolute pleasure to catch up with so many residents and businesses on our Eastern Beaches Road Trip, aka ‘Moby’ from Sunshine to Peregian Beach, with Sunrise and Marcus in between! We welcomed ‘newbies’ Peter and Dan of ‘O-Ren’, as well as ultimately failing to resist in some retail therapy! To finish the day, we updated Peregian Family & Friends members on State matters, as well as those outside our realm however of interest including Burgess Creek and flight paths. With representatives from Bonza and Sunshine Coast Airport also giving updates, it was a very informative evening. Thank you to everyone who made this ‘moby’ so special.

The Sunshine Beach Surf Club Awards was spectacular in ‘Coachella’ style, as was the fabulous Ross Bartlett who has just received an AM for his lifelong dedication to surf lifesaving. Congratulations to all members of our surf lifesaving clubs on the work you do to keep us safe.

With so much time between columns and much to share, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on, and subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters which ensures you also advised of any Noosa MP specific polls or surveys. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available including the Friday ‘Wrap’ with news and grant information! Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

So much love and appreciation were generated at our Noosa MP Queensland Day Awards Ceremony where over 120 residents gathered to honour 51 deserving and incredible Noosans who give, free of charge, their skills, time and expertise to us. This from a broad range of community sectors including emergency services, sports, environment, animal welfare, heritage, culture and so much more! Thank you to Noosa Today and Cooroy RSL for making the night possible, to St Teresa’s Catholic College’s band for the awesome performance, Richard Hansen MC and to all attendees. To find out more about our award recipients as well as individual photos, please head Noosa 360 at www.SandyBolton.com/Queensland-Day-Awards-2023-Recipients.

Thank you to residents who participated in the Clothing Optional Beaches Survey, which saw over 84% responses in support of Queensland joining other states in providing. As an Independent MP I strive to represent all of our electorate’s diverse viewpoints, and direct feedback is greatly valued to help inform advocacy as we don’t ascribe to the views or ideology of a particular political party, nor my own! The results are now available on our website via Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360).

Our diverse Queensland Crossbench, consisting of the Katter Party, One Nation, the Greens and this Independent, united for the first time this Parliament term over ongoing concerns regarding the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  As requested, the government must be upfront about the social and economic costs and ensure all decision-making is open and transparent, with funding and outcomes equitable for all of Queensland, not just South- East Queensland. The hosting of the Olympics has brought excitement and opportunities to so many, however as I said at the signing, we must get the basics right including to ensure there are no further impacts to our already devastating housing and rental situation, as has occurred following previous games documented in the QShelter research. Currently, we have had no responses to our requests for clarity regarding what will be done to ensure that identified impacts are mitigated, and until such time, every Queenslander should remain genuinely concerned. Nine years may seem a long way away, however, it is not when the Queensland Council of Social Service paper highlighted the need for 11,000 social and affordable homes each year for the next 10 years, with only a portion of this amount committed to by governments.

We will be doing a Mobile Office ‘Moby’ in our fabulous Eastern Beaches on Monday 19 June, holding one-on-one appointments for Noosa Electorate residents in Sunshine (1.30 to 2.30pm) and Peregian Beach (3.30 to 4.30pm). Bookings are essential on 5319 3100. Following these appointments, we will be dropping into businesses at Sunshine, Sunrise, Marcus, and Peregian Beach, ending with an MP update at the Peregian Friends and Family AGM.

With so much time between columns and so much to share, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available including the Friday ‘Wrap’ with news and grant information, and don’t forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state related matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

We look forward to seeing you all shortly!

After the latest disgraceful incident in Maryborough, Queenslanders understandably have had enough when it comes to repeat youth offenders, including our police. If you haven’t read my speech on the latest measures passed by government, you can do so at www.SandyBolton.com/Parliament/Speeches. As 1 of only 5 MPs who voted in favour of an amendment in Parliament to see mandatory 1 year sentencing for recidivist youth offenders convicted of stealing more than two cars, I am equally frustrated, especially with the ongoing lack of support for remote relocation or diversion sentencing.

On the Homefront, as shared via Facebook and sent to our Newsletter subscribers, we are seeking views of Noosa Electorate residents via a survey on Clothing Optional Beaches which has the following 2 questions as well space to make comments:

1. Would you support Queensland laws changing to allow for legalised clothing optional beaches?

2. If yes, would you support Alexandria Bay at Noosa National Park, as a legalised clothing optional beach in Queensland?

Survey Closes 24 May with further information at www.bit.ly/COBSurvey2023.

The consultation period for the Air Service’s Post Implementation Review of flight paths has now been completed. Even though in the Federal Government realm, we have prepared a Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360) summary with points relevant to our community.

Being in the ‘Hot Seat’ alongside Mayor Clare with St Thomas More Primary School Sunshine Beach year 6 students is always an annual favourite! Questions included around the Voice to Parliament, the pros, and cons of being a Mayor and MP, all the way to what our first jobs were! Thank you to all for a wonderful session, you make our world!

Finally, it is that time of the year where we get to acknowledge our brilliant volunteers and businesses who provide their services free of charge for our community via the 2023 Noosa Electorate Queensland Day Awards which are now OPEN! So, for all organisations, please get your nominations in (2 per organisation) by jumping online at www.SandyBolton.com/QLD-Day-Awards, or for hard copy application, please drop in or call our office on 53193100. Nominations close 21 May 2023 so get those in quick!

With so much time between columns and so much to share, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues we are working on. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive information as soon as available including the Friday ‘Wrap’ with news and grant information, and don’t forget to subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state related matters, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Until next month.

There is so much to share this month from Parliament and here at home, including updates on the Cooloola Great Walk and Teewah airstrip, and much, much more!

Firstly, we trust everyone had a wonderful Easter, and given the volume of visitors, happily, there were relatively low numbers of non-compliance. Thank you to our police, Council, and QPWS teams, as well as residents and visitors who, for the most part, respected our community and each other. However, for those who left more than their footprints, including rubbish and dirty nappies on our beaches, Shoey and I, along with others, collected them from where they were left. Shame on you!

In Parliament, I made a Private Members Statement regarding our ongoing efforts to improve committee processes, ‘our de facto upper house’, to address both old and new failings to get the best outcomes for our communities. My Legal Affairs and Safety Committee has been tasked with reviewing support for victims of crime, which is an enormous body of work, and with us already working on three inquiries, the eight weeks given do not do justice to victims and their families. After unsuccessfully seeking leave for this to be debated in Chamber and writing to the Committee Legislative Assembly, I am more determined than ever to get this review of our systems done and await the response to my latest requests! My speeches on this and all other bills before Parliament are available at www.SandyBolton.com/Parliament/Speeches.

The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is seeking feedback from our community until 12 May on the future of the Teewah Airstrip, which has been utilised by community including for evacuations during fires. Option one is to transfer the current Landing Reserve wholly to National Park tenure, and option two is to transfer part of the Landing Reserve lot to National Park tenure and retain the cleared landing area (approximately 10%) as Landing Ground Reserve or some other form of appropriate tenure for community use. We have further information on our Facebook post available at www.bit.ly/SandyBoltonFBpost17April2023,with a Noosa 360 update to be posted soon.

The Kabi Kabi Registered Native Title Claimants have provided responses to questions asked of our office following a women’s gathering at Poona Lake. We have posted the answers in full to Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360). Simply search ‘Cooloola Great Walk’ for our latest updates regarding.

This year, after stops at Kin Kin, Cooroy, Cootharaba & Tewantin, our next Mobile Office ‘Moby’ will be in Peregian, so keep an eye out for details on Facebook/ LinkedIn for those wanting to book a ‘one-on-one’ appointment. In the meantime, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

As always, please stay ‘in the loop’ via Noosa 360, as there is always so much happening between columns. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive updates as soon as they are available, especially our regular ‘weekly wrap’ with the news from the week, and subscribe to our e-newsletter (www.SandyBolton.com/Newsletters).

With Anzac Day approaching, my heart overflows with gratitude and reverence for the brave men and women who have served our country and am always honoured to join our current and former service members, and their families, at the Cooroy & Tewantin services to pay tribute to their selflessness and sacrifice. Lest we Forget.

Until next month.

As I write from a busy week in Parliament, a reminder that you can view Parliament live anytime via www.Parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Live-and-Archived-Broadcasts, and my speeches are shared to our website at www.SandyBolton.com/Parliament/Speeches,  outlining the rationale on how Noosa’s vote is utilized! This includes the Strengthening Community Safety Bill in endeavours to reduce youth crime, and I think my speech said it all?

In an Adjournment speech, I utilised the 3 minutes to share recent concerns regarding some conflict between First Nations people in relation to the Cooloola Great Walk and have requested that any final approvals on this project not be issued until this has been resolved. Bringing Kabi Kabi back to their country should not be negatively accompanied by what appears to be questions on Native Title and other processes, and as part of ‘truth telling’ that is essential on the Path to Treaty, these questions must be addressed.

The Teewah Cooloola Working Group met last Friday to view proposed changes from the Department of Environment and Science to address the issues that have been impacting this area. After 4 years of hard advocacy to get to the ‘pointy end’, we look forward to sharing what will be implemented immediately, and those that will take longer through legislative change. With Easter coming up and secured extra resources, spread the word that there is a zero tolerance approach to anyone doing wrong by our community whether speeding, driving on dunes, hooning or any other unacceptable behaviour.

The new land valuations for the Noosa electorate have been released, and it is not good news for many already having financial difficulties with many households seeing, as a result, an increase in their rates. We have posted to 360 further information, as well details if you require a review of your property.

Airservices Australia has advised that they have extended the deadline for submissions for the Sunshine Coast Airport Post Implementation Review (PIR) draft report, until 26 March. Further information on these and many other local matters is regularly posted to Noosa 360 (www.SandyBolton.com/Noosa360), so please visit and use the handy search bar for your topic.

On a lighter front, it was wonderful to speak at the opening of the Indigenous Yarning Circle at Sunshine Beach State High School, which is another step of greater inclusivity and understanding,  hence the name Wan’din’y which means ‘Gathered Together’.

Gratitude to all Noosans who completed our annual MP Survey, which brought forward some changes in ‘community think’. Decriminalisation of cannabis and the reduction of commercial fishing licenses saw a decline in percentages, whilst a consistent majority of nearly 80% seek an end to political parties and MPs data harvesting from postal vote applications to campaign via text, email and ‘robo calls’. The full results and analysis were published at www.SandyBolton.com under the ‘Connect Tab’.

With thunderstorms and weather events continuing, resources and information to assist in preparing for natural disasters are available www.getready.qld.gov.au. In addition, keep Noosa Council’s Disaster Dashboard handy which has emergency warnings and flood updates at http://disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au. Always remember, if its flooded, forget it.

With so much happening between columns, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive updates as soon as available, especially our regular ‘weekly wrap’ with the news from the week, and by subscribing to our e-newsletter. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

A massive ‘Happy New Year’ to all and I trust you have had some lovely time with friends or family over the Christmas break.  Gratitude to so many including Making Lives Matter and Noosa Chef Tony Crossin, who co-hosted a community lunch with me on Christmas Day which was magic. Thank you to all who volunteered and shared this day including furry friends, and to the Salvation Army who donated not only the venue, but lots of goodies!

We did have challenges, including managing the volume of visitors. Following four years of advocacy regarding sustainable visitor numbers to Cooloola, we are expecting proposed changes to be released mid-February for community feedback, so keep your eyes out for that. We will also update on what will be implemented to mitigate appalling behaviour experienced on New Year’s Eve after my meeting with Noosa Council and newly appointed Senior Sergeant Anthony Cowan this week.

Youth crime has been headlined in many areas of Queensland, with changes to be debated in Parliament shortly. Queenslanders deserve to feel safe in their homes, at work and on our streets, and the biggest question for MPs to consider, is whether proposed changes will be ‘enough’. The devil is in the detail, and we look forward to the Bill being introduced to see what is proposed.

Having participated in public hearings relating to youth recidivism in areas such as Mt Isa, Townsville and the Gold Coast in 2021, I have posted a summary, including findings from those hearings, at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360

There is much each of us can do to create greater safety in our community and deter those who are looking for ‘easy pickings’. Firstly, lock up your car and house, even when home, and keep valuables out of sight. Stay alert for any suspicious behaviours, and report to police, whether during station opening hours or not, as there are always police on duty. For emergencies dial 000, if non-urgent report via Police link website or call 131 444. Neighbourhood Watch groups provide a vital link between police and community, and if there is not one in your area you can join, consider whether it’s time to start one.

For Noosa Electorate residents, a reminder to complete the annual Noosa MP survey. With resident feedback vitally important, we have extended the deadline to 30th January.  You can find the online survey at www.sandybolton.com under the ‘Connect’ tab and please call our office on 5319 3100 for assistance or to obtain a printed version if needed.

With so much time between columns and so much to share, please stay ’in the loop’ via Noosa 360 with updates on a range of important issues including crime, Cooloola, Noosa River, State controlled roads and more. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook to receive updates as soon as available, especially our regular Friday night update with the news from the week, and by subscribing to our e-newsletter. Always, if you have any questions or require assistance regarding state related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Until next month, consider how you can be the change you wish to see in your community as it does take a village.

Happy Holiday season everyone! So many festive events, with much joy visiting our matriarchs and patriarchs in residential care at their Christmas parties and markets. As always, their wisdom from their experiences, and learnt over the course of their lifetime, is deeply appreciated in navigating some ongoing challenges.

While Parliament may be finished for the year, my committee will be working through the Christmas period due to the number of inquiries underway. To find out more about Parliamentary inquiries, including those currently open for public submissions, please visit www.parliament.qld.gov.au

There are several state government consultations underway important to our community, including speed and anchoring on the Noosa River, and the mandating of lifejackets. These consultations are hard fought for to allow our residents to have their direct say, so please head to www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au as social media comments might make for interesting reading however they don’t reach the people who really need to hear!

Our Noosa MP Annual Community Survey is also open and vitally important to help us prepare priorities for the coming year! For those who reside in the Noosa electorate, please take 5 minutes and have your say at www.sandybolton.com, under the ‘Connect’ tab. If you require a paper copy, do not hesitate to contact our office on 5319 3100.

Noosa 360, known as our ‘knowledge bank’, in the same location on our website, has updates on many issues concerning our community such as the QLD Housing Summit outcomes, Cooloola Great Walk and much more! Just browse through or use the search tool if you’re looking for specific information.

A reminder that we are now in storm season, so please make sure you have prepared ahead so you can concentrate on having a wonderful festive season! Important information to assist can be found at www.getready.qld.gov.au and www.energex.com.au/safety

To ensure my staff get a well-earned break, our office will be closed from 1.30pm on 16 December and reopening at 9am on 3 January 2023. If you require assistance on state government matters, please contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and we will respond to messages as soon as possible on our return. For emergencies, head to www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts where handy numbers for all situations are available, including for those experiencing vulnerability or require housing assistance.

To everyone in our incredible communities, may Santa deliver all you have asked for including the simplicity of enjoying our beautiful home with loved ones during the break. Whether on the roads, in our river or wandering through our Noosa countryside, keep yourself and others safe, as well ‘slip, slop, slap’, and share a little of the Christmas spirit with those around you who may need some extra cheer at this time of the year.

Most of all, enjoy. See you in 2023 if not before!

It has been fantastic to see the fruits of our ‘Seeds of Change’ Program, via many catchups with funding recipients including Ken and Uncle Tais from Goorijala, with a water tank in, edible bush tukka planted and a gathering pit for storytelling.

Celebrating 40 years of serving our youngest Noosans is the Peregian Community Kindergarten, and it was a joy to see everyone gather in song, dance, and many fun activities, as well as traditional homemade fare including real lemonade!

The Sunshine Coast Airport Post Implementation Review (PIR) draft report is currently being prepared with an upcoming four-week period for public comment. For those wishing to give feedback, please ensure you’re subscribed to the PIR project page to receive notifications as soon as information is released.

On the community as well as Parliamentary front there is much to relay, so please head to either our Sandy Bolton MP Facebook page or to sandybolton.com where all speeches I deliver are listed, as well where you can also subscribe to the monthly newsletter. To have your say on upcoming pieces of legislation,  head to https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Visit-and-learn/Have-Your-Say/Subscribe to subscribe to different committees to stay up to date and informed. Submissions are now open at https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/, under the Work of the Committee’s tab covering the Liquid Fuel Supply Amendment Bill and will close at 4pm on 3 February.

With the weather definitely warming up, it is time to plan ahead for storms and all natural disasters at www.getready.qld.gov.au.

As we make our Christmas preparations, please support our local businesses as they support us in so many ways, contributing to the ‘circular’ economy we need as part of our sustainability. The festive season can be a wonderful time, as well as intensely lonely for many and we shall be posting up on Facebook where special Christmas Day luncheons will be held. For crisis support, please call Lifeline 13 11 14, with all other numbers available at https://www.sandybolton.com/keycontacts

To ensure my staff get a well-earnt break, our office will be closed from Mon 19^th December until 2^nd January 2023. If you require assistance on state government matters, please contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au before then, otherwise, we will contact you as soon as we return.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to seeing you all out and about enjoying our beautiful home.

IT WAS an honour to attend the Peregian Beach Community Kindergarten’s 40th Anniversary, a magical not-for-profit that started back in 1976 by playgroup parents. A big thank you to all for the incredible work you all do with our youngest Noosans, including Carmel Desjardins, teacher, and director, who has been at the Kindy since 1988!

Even though I could not attend the official opening of the new Peregian Beach Community House due to being in Parliament, my ‘head on a stick’ was thrilled to see the end result of a long journey that started back when I was a Councillor, attending those sessions where residents drafted their visions. Congratulations everyone, you did it!!

The Sunshine Coast Airport Post Implementation Review (PIR) draft report is currently being prepared with an upcoming four-week period for public comment. For those wishing to give feedback, please ensure you’re subscribed to the PIR project page to receive notifications as soon as information is released.

A ‘heads up’ that the Peregian Beach Post Office is moving to the Peregian Springs Shopping Centre on the weekend of November 12-13, which includes post boxes. For anyone who normally utilised the post office for bill paying and has difficulty with transport, a reminder that you can ring Australia Post on 13 18 16 to pay your bills 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In amongst so much funding being awarded to our community in the latest round of Community Benefit Grants, it is important to start getting applications ready for the next Super Round of up to $100k, opening mid-January.

Although the sun has come out and is being enjoyed by us all, remember to plan ahead for storms and all natural disasters at www.getready.qld.gov.au.

With so much always happening in Parliament,  more information on proposed legislation changes and committee inquiries is available at www.parliament.qld.gov.au, with my speeches, Questions On and Without Notice, available at https://www.sandybolton.com/, under the parliament tab.

Having attended the recent QLD Housing Summit, a full summary on this, and many other local matters, are available at www.sandybolton.com/noosa360, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter to keep up to date. A reminder to keep an eye out for our annual Connect including MP Community Survey where you can help determine our priorities for 2023, which will be delivered by mail in early December.

A reminder, with the lead up to Christmas, to please support our local businesses, and keep an eye out for those who may be in hardship by assisting a neighbour, our local charities, or those you meet on the street.

Enjoy the last month of Spring, and I look forward to seeing you out and about enjoying our beautiful home.

THE BEAUTIFUL spring weather has been a delightful backdrop to three intense Parliamentary sittings, travel with my Legal Affairs and Safety Committee to regional communities as part of public hearings for the Blue Card inquiry, and many community meetings. These included with Seeds of Change recipients to see and hear of the projects that have been made possible through this funding from a walking and cycling safe routes project, a portal for a pilot to connect residents with spare rooms to residents seeking rooms; to Goorijalla, our first indigenous learning hub; among just a few!

A wonderful moment after many years of advocacy was testing the new Beckmans/Cooroy Noosa roundabout which is nearing completion thanks to Transport and Main Roads and Noosa Council teams.  Unfortunately, no time to celebrate, as I need to continue chasing the funding for the remaining stages, with the business case for this expected before the end of the year.

A touching event was at the naming of Tricia’s Way, where a truly loving gathering of neighbours, family and friends who benefitted from being in the awesome ‘globe’ that radiated from the extremely amazing Tricia Bradford. Gratitude to everyone in attendance who shared with us her love of the beach and the differences she made in our lives and community.

As guest speaker at Noosa Parks Friday Forum alongside Steve Price from Department of Environmental Services, Col Lawton from Queensland Parks and Wildlife and Inspector Jon Lewis from Queensland Police Service, we spoke on the progress with the issues on the North Shore and Teewah, as well as work required once the Sustainability Plan is released.

There is so much happening in many realms, including consultation into Bills. One example is the Residential Tenancies Rooming Accommodation (Rent Freeze) Amendment Bill 2022. To have your say into the Greens’ proposed two-year freeze on residential rents in QLD, whether as a landlord or tenant, please submit your views by 5pm October 31. More information is available at www.bit.ly/3Dre14g.

As always, too little room here to fit everything in, so for all other news head to our Facebook page, as well as Noosa 360 and our monthly newsletter, which you can find at www.sandybolton.com. Links to all consultations, as well my recent Questions with and without Notice, and speeches, as also available there!  If you have any questions regarding state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Blessings to all and enjoy the beginnings of spring!

COLD mornings and sunny days have provided a perfect backdrop for recent community events, and I have been thrilled to attend so many between Budget Estimates Hearings and endless meetings!  From the Tewantin Noosa Red Cross AGM celebrating all they do for our community to the Pet Expo raising funds for PTSD Dogs, and a record-breaking citizenship ceremony with 86 new Aussies (Noosans!!) and every letter of the alphabet represented by a country, that is just a tiny sample!

Congratulations to the 23 Noosa electorate businesses who received Business Basics funding of $5000 each, and to all our organisations who received funding under round 113 of the Community Benefit Fund. This has enabled varied projects for our community including the upgrading of kitchens to repairing flooring, as well as equipment for sporting groups and wildlife rescuers.

Housing continues to be an issue, and as I have reported, it was disappointing that there was insufficient provision in the extra funds in the Budget to quickly address the volume across QLD. With worker accommodation projects at application stage, the reality is we may still have at least two years before the current crisis impacting our community eases, however you may be able to help. How? We put the call out last year for property owners to ‘head lease’ with our community housing providers, such as Coast2Bay and Purpose Real Estate at Tewantin, and the Help to Home initiative is open until October 31 which provides incentives to private investors to sign up with a guaranteed rental income for two years, paid three months in advance, and then every quarter subject to the terms of the lease. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are available at www.yoursayhpw.engagementhq.com/help-to-home. We have also committed funds for an expansion of the ‘Better Together’ share house program, so if you have thought about renting out your spare room or rooms, this could be for you! More information will be available shortly.

For our community organisations, have your say on amendments to Incorporated Associations and Charities Regulation with submissions closing on 12 September.  For more information on this and other consultations go to www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/

As always, too little room here so to catch up on all other news head to our Facebook page, as well Noosa 360 and our monthly newsletter, which you can find at www.sandybolton.com.  If you have any questions regarding state related matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

THIS MONTH we said hello to an old friend – the sun!! I hope you have all been soaking up the Vitamin D (with sunscreen and hat!) and sensational sunsets while they are available to us?

The sunshine radiated into a month of joyful occasions! At our annual Noosa Qld Day Awards, we recognised those Noosans who go above and beyond, giving back to our community through their selfless volunteerism. Always such a special night, with 39 recipients acknowledged, all of whom I finally got to congratulate with a hug after two years of COVID-19 restrictions. Thank you once again to all our incredible residents who do so much for our community, and to Cooroy RSL who has become a sponsor of this important annual event.

We were also excited to notify our not-for-profit organisations who were successful in their applications for our Seeds for Change grants. There is a number of ‘changemaking’ projects, including our first indigenous learning centre, wildlife signage and a share house program. To see the list of successful applicants and their initiatives, head to my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SandyBoltonNoosa.

The clean-up of the polystyrene from the floods is going to be an ongoing issue and the vacuum deployed by Noosa Council has been busy at work trying to rectify this pollution. Next month, Council will be hosting a round table to discuss this and future measures, alongside Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Department of Environment and Science (DES), and we will update to our 360 the key outcomes.

The CSIRO has just released a research paper on the dioxin testing of Noosa River, which was in response to our three years of advocacy. The paper indicated that there is a strong correlation between our dioxins which have a unique ‘signature’ and the amount of kaolinitic clay in the sediment samples. If you are interested in reading, please head to 360 at www.sandybolton.com.

At the time of writing, I am continuing to dissect the QLD 22-23 budget, which I have posted a summary of to 360 at https://www.sandybolton.com/budget-2022-23-update/. Among the good news, was that our advocacies since 2019 regarding the outdated School Transport Assistance Subsidy (STAS), will be rectified by an injection of $18m, to include students from shared care families.

As always, please keep up to date via our Facebook page, as well as via our monthly newsletter, which you can subscribe to via my website https://www.sandybolton.com/. If you have any questions regarding state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 5319 3100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

Blessings to all, and enjoy the remainder of our ‘chilly’ months!

THIS month we experienced yet another flooding event – the sixth in Queensland since December, putting further strains and delays to repairing damage from February, and reports of very unwelcomed widespread mould.  Thank you to everyone who again stepped up and supported friends, family and neighbours, and to our emergency services teams and volunteers who work tirelessly to keep us safe.

Peregian Beach Surf Lifesaving Club has now secured a 10-year lease of the clubhouse, and with the ongoing assistance of Noosa Heads Surf Lifesaving Club members and the community, we look forward to working together for the needed improvements to the building and looking towards a bright future as a hub for all.

The ongoing housing crisis continues to impact our workers, their families and Noosa businesses, with ‘call outs’ to anyone that has a granny flat or investment property to ‘head lease’ with our community housing providers. Our Housing Action Group members are now transitioning into the newly formed Noosa Housing Round Table (as part of Noosa Council’s upcoming ‘Housing Strategy’), and we look forward to seeing the actions that will come from it. For the latest housing updates, please head to Noosa 360 – https://www.sandybolton.com/housing-action-group-update-april-2022/

With COVID-19 continuing to impact all, including my own staff this month at different times, and with winter and the flu season fast approaching, it is important to keep sanitizing and social distancing where possible to reduce the spread. Second boosters are now available for people aged over 65 and those in high-risk categories. If you are eligible, please head to https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking/ to book yourself in!

Our Mobile Offices (or ‘Moby’ as we lovingly call them) are always fabulous and packed full of drop-ins to businesses and chats to residents who cannot ordinarily make the journey into our office. We will be heading to Peregian Village and their markets on August 21 from 8:15 am. If you would like to book in, please contact the office on 5319 3100 or email us at noosa@parliament.gov.qld.au.

A reminder that Our ‘Seeds for Change’ grants are open until May 31, 2022. These are for innovative ideas that can benefit the Noosa electorate! There are $500 grants available for small initiatives and seed funding of $10,000 for one large-scale, collaborative project. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.sandybolton.com/mp-funding-partnerships/

And another reminder – if you haven’t already, please take the opportunity to prepare your emergency action plan to ensure you are ready for any disaster via https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/. Being prepared should be a ‘norm’ in our households, as we will all find it much less stressful to have that evacuation kit handy as opposed to chasing sandbags, as I needed to once again!

May the cooler months give our frontline teams a much-needed break, and time for our community to ‘dry out’!

WITH the increased relaxations, ‘mostly’ beautiful weather, and improved behaviours from police reports, I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter break! Like many affected by the recent floods, I utilised the time with the assistance of my moon boot to continue the recovery clean up at home and to indulge in a couple of board games and more than a couple of chocolates!

It was wonderful to finally welcome the life-changing Mobi-Mat to Noosa Main Beach after such a long journey. This accessibility mat stretches from the Surf Life Saving Club to near the water’s edge, ensuring that EVERYONE can now enjoy what so many take for granted. Thank you to co-collaborators including Noosa Council and Cr Amelia Lorentson, Noosa SLSC, Noosa Lions Club, Seahorse Nippers, the Mawby’s and a special thank you to Libby Doherty and her daughter Daisy who never lost faith that a dream could become reality.

As part of our ongoing efforts to create more of these collaborations, we are encouraging not-for-profit organisations to submit expressions of interest to our next $10,000 Major Seeds for Change Program, to kick start an innovative project that will benefit the entire community by addressing an unacknowledged issue in our electorate. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.sandybolton.com/mp-funding-partnerships/ Applications close 5pm May 31, 2022.

The next round of the Queensland Government’s Business Basics grants will open on May 4, 2022, with up to $5,000 available for small businesses to seek expert advice to upgrade their capability. Guidelines have been made available via the following link: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/business-basics-grant. This round will close when sufficient applications have been received for competitive assessment.

Throughout the last year and beyond, there are so many to acknowledge for their incredible efforts for our community. A wonderful way to thank them is by nominating them for a Noosa QLD Day Award. To do so, head to https://www.sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards/. Nominations close May 15, 2022, so please get start contacting any not-for-profit organisations that deserve the recognition.

As always, to stay updated on so much, visit Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com, where we post about local issues, as well subscribe to our newsletter, or join us on Facebook. For any queries or assistance, email our office at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 5319 3100.

ALTHOUGH we are somewhat used to extreme weather events, our recent floods were particularly severe and swift. Over three days, Queensland and NSW experienced equivalent rainfall to what London receives in a year, with our communities across the electorate severely impacted.  During our recovery, our thoughts are very much with all impacted, and I can personally relate to the exhausting cleanups being faced by many which can take months.  A summary of all available assistance can be found at https://www.sandybolton.com/flood-assistance-2022/

During every disaster, there are always our many heroes who work tirelessly in multiple realms from our first responders to the volunteers and residents who sandbagged, rescued, hauled out furniture, housed and fed those impacted, whilst coordinating, communicating, and urgently repairing! To our Local Disaster Management Group team, including Noosa Council, police, fire, SES, ambulance, rural fire brigades and many others, as well local organisations and individual efforts, on behalf of our entire community, our deepest gratitude for all that you do for us and how you do it.

With pontoons from Brisbane River and elsewhere landing on our beaches, the devastation from these vessels, along with the vast volume of polystyrene pieces in our ocean, cannot be underestimated. Although Maritime Safety Queensland, local councils, community groups and residents have started the clean-up process, it may take months for missing pontoons to come ashore, hence the cleanup will need to continue. Please whenever you are heading to the beach, take a rubbish bag or grab one that Council has provided, to grab any remnants and dispose of. A huge thank you to all involved who have already contributed to this mammoth task and let this be a reminder to continue our efforts to reduce plastics and contributors to large scale environmental impacts such as microplastics.

Housing opportunities remain critically low in our region and are further impacted by those displaced by the floods, so please reach out to the Housing Service Centre in Maroochydore if you or others you know require assistance.

A reminder that the Community Benefit Fund Super Round offering grants of up to $100,000, is open until March 31, so get those applications in!

And as always following, on from our Cooroibah, North Shore and Peregian bushfires and now these floods, please be prepared by ensuring you have your disaster plan ready, with information available at www.getready.qld.gov.au!  Please do not forget in your preparations to have necessities for either emergency evacuations or being isolated for up to five days including medications, as again during these last weeks this proved to be an overriding problem for residents and our first responders.

To keep updated on the latest, head to Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and join us on Facebook. As always, do not hesitate to contact our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or 5319 3100.

With the Omicron wave having reached its peak resulting in relaxation of some restrictions with more to come in coming weeks, it is still important to stay vigilant, as Covid is now part of our lives, with future waves and variants probable. However, as we have seen, changes to projections occur rapidly! In your Covid ‘toolkit’, handwashing, distancing and masks are recommended standards even when not mandated, and ATAGI recommends boosters to increase protection with Novavax vaccinations are available now.

My Parliamentary portfolio Committee, Legal Affairs and Safety has just completed the inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes in QLD with the report available on Parliament’s website.  It is shocking what has and is being perpetrated to our fellow human beings across communities and online.  Contributing is a lack of understanding and empathy around differing cultures, beliefs, perspectives, and situations.  Whilst we have an amazing and supportive community, I have seen creeping in during COVID, a lack of empathy on a range of matters. For our community to prosper, we all need to be prepared to listen and learn.  Empathy for others with opposing viewpoints does not weaken you or your beliefs and has enormous benefits including decreasing divisions whether in your family or community! It is also one of the most important social contracts we can have with each other. Consider are you a contributor, bystander or changemaker when it comes to vilification?

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is seeking your thoughts on a proposal to permanently reduce the speed limit from the Thomas Street boat ramp to the Noosa River mouth to six knots. Information and links to provide a submission are available at Noosa 360.

Congratulations to Community Benefit Fund Round 112 grant recipients including Noosa Bridge Club who will have facility upgrades and NICA/Friends of Kinaba who will have a boat, trailer and accessories to keep doing their fabulous work! The next round of the Community Benefit Fund Round is now open and closes on March 31.  Unlike other rounds that have grants of up to $35,000 on offer, this ‘super round’ is providing grants of up to $100,000 to go towards projects that benefit local communities across the State.  Go to www.justice.qld.gov.au/initiatives/community-grants for more guidelines and information.

To keep updated on the latest, head to Noosa 360 at https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa360/, subscribe to our monthly newsletter and join us on Facebook. As always, do not hesitate to contact our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or 5319 3100.

Until next time, keep supporting our businesses and each other and increasing that invaluable empathy that is key to getting through those differences of opinion, and our most difficult of times.

Welcome to 2022! A new year brings changes and new focus. With government no longer focussing on where a person has come from, but rather restrictions within QLD to minimise risk, requires an adjustment in how we think and behave. With less focus on contact tracing and exposure site listings as risk is now in every space, our role is to minimise catching and sharing as best we can.

Over the Christmas period, government decisions and preparations for the arrival of COVID-19 created untenable situations that I had raised last year in Parliament, including questions to the Premier regarding stocks of Rapid Antigen Tests in September, as well personally contacting our testing sites to ensure coverage for incoming visitors.  However, no one predicted the speed at which Omicron spread, and that testers with heatstroke would lead to site closures. We were left to resolve each new issue on an hourly basis, and I thank all who took my calls even on Christmas Day to clarify confusing announcements or to access extra resources. Much can be learnt, and we ask all levels of government and commentators to move beyond the ‘blame game’ into the solid logistics needed in managing this virus including grassroots recommendations we have submitted.

With COVID-19 now firmly amongst our communities, as advised many times, hand washing, sanitising, masks, distancing, boosters, fitness, and testing will assist us through this ‘wave’ and those to follow. Whilst there is much commentary that borders should not have been opened at this time, Federal and State government-stipulated reopening at a vaccination percentage to enable all Queenslanders time to access vaccinations. It is now time to focus on the reality that was shared recently that ‘herd immunity’ may not be possible, and there may be a couple of years ahead living with this bug and its variants.

COVID-19 information, including links to testing and vaccination clinics, can be found at www.covid19.qld.gov.au with regular updates to Sandy Bolton MP Facebook page, Noosa 360,  www.sandybolton.com and via our newsletter.

We welcome our police home from the borders to assist with our local issues and thank all frontliners who continue to work above and beyond during this time and ask everyone to assist them by not jamming phone lines or emergency departments with minor symptoms.

In amongst the multiple advocacies over this period has been with the Premier and our Small Business Ombudsman to seek long term relief from National Cabinet for our businesses who have suffered incredibly through staff losses leading to closures and became ineligible for federal support once we hit 80 per cent double vaccination status.

Stay well and don’t forget those New Year’s resolutions! Including expressing gratitude for where we live and whom we live amongst. Stay united and focused as we continue our long journey with that unwanted ‘visitor’, COVID-19.

An incredibly busy time over the last month, between the last sittings of Parliament, annual general meetings, school graduations, peaceful protests and community Christmas parties, there was also the need to fit in end of year roundtables and updates.

Updates on a vast range of issues are shared via www.sandybolton.com/noosa360. Use the search bar to look for a topic, with recent updates including the Housing Action Group and COVID-19 FAQ updates.

With borders now open there has been jubilation as well as trepidation, as we move into a holiday season that we hope will remain relatively COVID free. This can only be achieved with your assistance.

Regardless of vaccination status, it is up to all of us individually to keep ourselves safe. That includes the regime of handwashing, distancing, masks and check-in via the app! As well staying home if unwell and getting tested.

With our business struggling to find staff or accommodation for them, if you are looking for work or have a room to rent, please head to https://www.workinparadise.initiatives.qld.gov.au/

As our office will be closed from December 24 to January 10, important links and contact numbers including testing clinic locations are available at https://www.sandybolton.com/emergency-contacts/ so please keep this handy!

Wishing everyone a happy, safe and kind holiday season from myself and my fabulous team both two and four-legged! A heartfelt thank you for your support and assistance throughout another challenging year, and to all of our front liners, businesses and volunteer organisations who always go above and beyond.

Enjoy spending time with loved ones or doing something you love and reach out to those you know are alone at this time of the year. Give gratitude for what we have and each other, and our beautiful home and its inhabitants.

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November 24th, 2021

Recent announcements for December 17 have as I said in my speech in Parliament, brought much joy in our communities, as well as great angst.

Mandates around vaccinations have seen our inboxes overflow in a way my office has never experienced. From our businesses, residents and patients of the chiropractors, psychologists and other allied health care workers who are impacted, the ramifications of a decrease of available health providers when we are needing them the most will impact all in our community.  As we wait for responses from Government to the many concerns and questions surrounding, including why telehealth cannot be used where possible, I thank everyone for their unity and support for each other, regardless of vaccination status.

Outside of Chamber, there has been greater awareness to our ‘invisible injuries’ including PTSD via local events, and we thank all who work and volunteer in this space. During the coming months, it is really important to ensure our mental fitness is part of our daily regime, including not sending any symptoms to the ‘do later’ box! There are many organisations there to assist, and we have a list of these at 360, as well as some fabulous exercises for our mind.

Remembrance Day 2021 was again one of deep honouring and appreciation for those who gave their lives for us. The releasing of the doves is the greatest of reminders to always strive for peace, whether in our homes, workplaces or internationally.

With the very broad range of state issues that come across our desk, to keep updated just visit Noosa 360 at https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa360/ and use the search bar to look for a topic. Recent posts include hinterland heavy haulage, the Housing Action Group and COVID-19 FAQ updates.

And please, as I continue to request, if you are vaccinating do so urgently to avoid long waits or potential supply issues once COVID visits our community. With our hospital systems struggling already these past months, and ambulance ramping, we must do everything we can to not add to the load when borders open. That includes being vigilant with our hygiene measures, mask up when required and hunkering down when outbreaks occur.

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October 27th, 2021

Wow! The end of year is fast approaching and between border announcements, parliamentary sittings, fantastic events, and some lively debates, more than the weather is heating up!

A catch-up with Dr Ian Norton from Global Response on some COVID-19 claims that have been shared on various social media platforms and into our inboxes provided clarification on many questions you may have. With the recent border announcements and what may be a pre-Christmas rush to get vaccinated, please grab a cuppa (it’s 40 minutes so you will need it) and check out the interview at https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa360/ which in addition has a number of Noosa FAQ’s.

With fire, storm, and flood season upon us, a reminder to make your preparations including cleaning out gutters and any combustibles close to our homes and having your emergency/evacuation plan completed and shared with the household. As from what we experienced during our last fires, it is so important in your essentials ‘kit’ to include prescriptions for your medications. For resources on how to prepare, head to https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/

During last month’s parliamentary sittings, there were multiple speeches delivered, including on COVID transition, housing legislation, and social media. You can find all of my speeches at https://www.sandybolton.com/parliament/speeches/

With the very broad range of state issues that come across our desk, to keep updated just visit Noosa 360 at https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa360/ and use the search bar to look for a topic. Recent posts include hinterland heavy haulage, the Housing Action Group, and COVID-19 FAQ updates.

While you are there, subscribe to our monthly newsletter which covers what is happening at home and in Parliament, as well join us on Facebook for daily updates. As always, please do not hesitate to contact our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or 53193100 if you require assistance or have any questions.

Warmest regards and yes, I did see that the Christmas decorations have hit the shops!

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September 22nd, 2021

Welcome to Spring everyone! Longer and warmer days, the joy of blooms and the warming of our waterways and hearts in the midst of what is still an unprecedented time.

It was a momentous week in Parliament with the passing of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (VAD) 2021. This has been a long journey for so many, and I had asked throughout that respect and compassion for all be demonstrated, and I was grateful that this also extended into Chamber during the debate. With polls and surveys showing overwhelming support in our electorate, the extensive research, consultation and reviews undertaken, as well the work over three years by two separate Health Committee’s, the right to access choice for those who seek and qualify under very strict criteria was voted in 61 to 30. As submitted by those both ‘for’ and ‘against’ increased funding for palliative care from the day of a terminal diagnosis must be a priority.  You can find my full VAD speech at https://fb.watch/82sEbbo9sE/

Those aged 60 and over are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine, with assurance that we now have the supply to meet demand. For information on where to access, including at Queensland Health Vaccination locations and GPs/pharmacies, please visit www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccine/book. With the reality that we may only get to re-open at target percentages as in other states, for those that have been waiting, now is the time to avoid a rush that may emanate as borders nationally and internationally open. For those who have made the choice not to vaccinate, please respect the decision of others who are working to that target.

The recently announced Tourism and Hospitality Sector Hardship Program will provide one-off grants of up to $50,000 to eligible tourism and hospitality businesses facing significant financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 travel restrictions and interstate lockdowns. There will be three levels of support for employing sole traders to small business (with a payroll under $1.3 million), small to medium businesses (with a payroll of $1.3 million to $10 million inclusive), and medium to large businesses (payroll over $10 million). The level of support will increase in line with payroll size from $15,000 for small businesses, to $25,000 for medium businesses, and to $50,000 for large businesses. You can find more information, including eligibility criteria, at https://www.dtis.qld.gov.au/our-work/tourism-hospitality-sector-hardship-program

The Housing Action Group recently met this month in ongoing efforts to address both the short and longer-term shortages, with updates on progress received by all in attendance and a summary available at https://www.sandybolton.com/noosa360/

With so much to report, visit Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com where updates are regularly posted on local issues, including this month Estimates 2021/22 and Beckmans Road. Whilst there, subscribe to our newsletter or join us on Facebook. As always, email our office at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 5319 3100 if you any require assistance.

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August 25th, 2021

From visiting our barbell champions and gardening with our future change-makers at Cooran State School, to recent COVID-19 lockdowns that have highlighted how both strong, and vulnerable we are, this month has brought forward questions not posed before, and I will be speaking of this in the next sitting of Parliament.

Following on from our advocacies to the QLD Small Business Commissioner and the Premier, it was welcome news that COVID-19 Business Support Grants have been announced with inclusion for our sole traders, as well as progress regarding insurances. However, there are still ‘gaps’, which we have written to Minister Farmer and cc’d in the Premier and Treasurer on, with examples of our businesses ineligible for funding support. Thank you to all who have assisted in this advocacy.

It was beneficial to update advocates on non-lethal shark control methods and current trials. As explained, support must come from our community, and we shall be again putting the question during our annual survey which last time only had 32 per cent in favour of shark net removal. My Question on Notice to the Minister and response can be found at www.sandybolton.com/shark-nets-and-control-measures-update-26-july-2021/

As reported previously, Government has allocated funding in this year’s budget towards community transport to address the gaps we had identified and advocated about. The new Community Transport Program supports residents who are not eligible for other subsidisation to access medical appointments with information available at www.chde.qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/community-transport-program. Should any of the existing subsidies, extended PTSS zones or this new program not be able to assist, we shall continue our pilot Be: Noosa Connect-SCUH Transport until we have ascertained that no one else remains in any ‘gaps’.

In amongst Covid restrictions, it has been wonderful to immerse in the incredible energy of our community. Between citizenship ceremonies, book and magazine launches, celebrations, ‘Think Tanks’ and as well as many magical ‘Noosa’ moments. The successful South East QLD bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic games presents an opportunity for our little ones to dream of gold as well as for our businesses to thrive and for the development of infrastructure in our region.  A recent meeting ‘brainstormed’ about what a taskforce would look like, and the key messages were for it to be community-driven, with unity between all levels of government. Thank you to Ted O’Brien MP for hosting and to all that attended!’

With so much to report, visit Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com where updates are regularly posted on local issues, including on the Housing Action Group. Whilst there, subscribe to our newsletter, or join us on Facebook. As always, email our office at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 5319 3100 if you require assistance.

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July 22nd, 2021

From snap lockdowns to health alerts, the impacts from COVID continue to cause disruption and great hardship for many including many of our small businesses, with sadly some poor behaviours being reported that is not very ‘Noosa’!

As reported July 9, the Check In Qld app became mandatory for all businesses that the public is ordinarily given access to for the purpose of accessing retail goods and services, with the exception of businesses where goods and services are supplied in a drive through or supplied at a person’s place of residence. There have been many questions around this, including whether it is the responsibility of the business or the customer to oversee the use of the app. The Chief Health Officer has explained that the onus is on the individual to check in, however the business has the responsibility to make sure the QR code is prominently displayed and there is an attempt to see that people are checking in.

Our housing crisis persists, and I thank all who continue to move ‘mountains’ to ensure no one needs to sleep rough, including the team at the Department of Housing, our backpackers and resorts who are allocating a portion of their rooms for workers and their families, and the residents who are head leasing their properties or offering share accommodation. This month our Housing Action Group meeting had to be rescheduled due to the lockdown, and I will post to 360 a full report once we have held this meeting as there are a number of outcomes we have been waiting on to alleviate the critical shortfall of rentals. For those experiencing end of lease issues, please contact the Residential Tenancy Authority, who can provide tenancy information and support, bond management, dispute resolution, investigations and prosecutions, and education services. There are also two upcoming Bills within this space, the Housing Legislation Amendment Bill 2021 and Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation (Tenants’ Rights) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2021. You can make a public submission at https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/inquiries

It has not been all challenges, as a visit with our PTSD dogs, work experience students, and a host of wonderful news including local biz ScreenCoach receiving $1 million in funding from the Federal Government, are just some of the magical MP moments of late.

With so much to report, visit Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com where updates are regularly posted on local issues. Whilst there, subscribe to our newsletter, or join us on Facebook. As always, email our office on noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 5319 3100 if you any require assistance.

Don’t forget to help our businesses by doing the right thing regarding the app and masks. These guys have had it really tough, and your assistance as we continue to get to the ‘other side’ of this bug is much needed and appreciated.

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May 24th, 2021

How wonderful it is to be back home after Budget week and the late nights spent trawling through Service Delivery Statements! In brief, this year’s Budget did offer something for everyone, however the devil is in the detail. For an overview on what the Budget means for the Noosa Electorate, please visit www.sandybolton.com/budget-2021-22-update/.

The announcement that new parole laws are currently being drafted is very welcomed, which will give the President of the Parole Board QLD, the power to make a declaration against the ‘worst of the worst’ murderers, including child killers and those who commit multiple murders, stopping them applying for parole for up to 10 years after their eligibility date. There will also be no limit on the number of declarations that can be issued. Thank you to the 72,000 who signed the petition regarding Barrie Watts’ parole application and joined us in writing to Ministers Fentiman and Ryan to get these laws changed. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Sian Kingi and Daniel Morcombe, and other families impacted by horrific crimes, and look forward to this coming before Parliament.

It was our privilege to recently honour 25 incredible volunteers at our 2021 Queensland Day Awards and celebrate the spirit of our community that they represent so well. Both the Peregian Springs State School Mural Opening and the ‘Digi’ Welcome to Country at the Noosa Information Centre were wonderful initiatives in National Reconciliation Week, and Mervyns 102nd birthday and Noosa Eat and Drink Festival provided an opportunity to take advantage of our incredible home and its people.

With multiple committee inquiries open for public consultation, including the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill and the Inquiry into serious vilification and hate crimes, you can find out how to make a submission at www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-committees/inquiries

Airservices Australia have advised that the Community Engagement Plan (CEP) has been finalised, following two rounds of community feedback and consideration of submissions. In addition, a Review of Community Feedback on the Draft Post Implementation Review (PIR) has also been released. These documents are available at https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/sunshine-coast-airport-airspace-changes-runway-1331

A reminder that from 1am Saturday June 19, anyone entering QLD from another state or territory or New Zealand, will need to make an online travel declaration. For full information and the link for applications, please visit www.qld.gov.au/queensland-travel-declaration. To stay updated on all COVID-19 matters, visit www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

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May 27th, 2021

Although winter has arrived, for our region this still means clear blue skies, turquoise waters and beautiful days, so no need to huddle indoors, enjoy all the reasons why others holiday here!

Concerns raised with us regarding the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan have been relayed to the Minister for Environment, as it is extremely important that the community has the time to investigate the complexities as part of the consultation process.

It was fabulous to gather with former Brisbane Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson, Mayor Clare, Susan Davies President of Sharing with Friends, and Joanna Blyth from AECOM regarding a co-housing project by women for women. In addition, the first ‘micro’ apartments are housing our hospitality staff, though we need many more to meet the demand with our businesses experiencing a severe staff shortage. If you know any residents looking for work, please get them to contact any of our employment agencies.

Information on the Noosa River Advisory Committee has been updated on Council’s website at https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/environment-waste/environment/rivers-creeks and any questions regarding their work can be emailed to nrsac@noosa.qld.gov.au.

Works have recently commenced on Beckmans Road Stage 1. Design work completed to date had identified the alignment of the new intersection, allowing vegetation clearing and relocation of energy and water infrastructure to start the project.  Main construction is projected to commence in late this year, weather and conditions permitting, with more information available on Noosa Council’s website.

Between Parliamentary sittings and multiple meetings, including with the Climate Council and the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee, there were also several events. This consisted of the Supercharging QLD Showcase, in which I got to catch up with some amazing ‘Noosans’ from both Noosa Council and Zero Emissions Noosa. As well, the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Breakfast demonstrated the depth and breadth of those who work in one of the most difficult spaces, including the fabulous services and organisations that were in attendance.

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased, please remember to physically distance, practice good hygiene and stay updated on https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

Don’t forget to visit Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com where updates are regularly posted on local issues. Whilst there, subscribe to our newsletter, or join us on Facebook. As always, email our office on noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or phone 5319 3100 if you any require assistance.

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April 22nd, 2021

Even though it was a very wet Easter, there were still plenty of visitors out and about enjoying our home. A special thanks to the teams who worked tirelessly over the break to help keep residents and visitors safe, as well to those that respected both our community and its inhabitants. With over 100 infringements issued on the North Shore, it was welcome news that of the 700 random breath tests conducted, there was only one over the limit.

Fire bans within the Cooloola Recreation Area have been extended until September 2021, with further details available on the booking website. This decision was made following an ecological assessment of bushfire impacts from the 2019/20 bushfires and an assessment of the Fraser Island (K’gari) bushfire, however we have requested that this come to local stakeholders for further consultation.

The newly formed Noosa River Advisory Committee held its inaugural meeting last week with 14 selected stakeholder committee members, representatives from both MSQ and Noosa Council, as well Mayor Clare and myself as observers. We look forward to seeing some of our historical river issues finally resolved, as well as any emerging.

Our Housing Action Group meeting in March saw progress on several fronts including legislation around secondary dwellings and dual occupancy, which Council will be workshopping in the coming weeks.

Airservices Australia have advised that the updated draft Community Engagement Plan (CEP) is now available for review until Friday April 30, 2021. In addition, a site feasibility study to identify potential zones in which noise monitors may be placed has commenced, and once completed, community engagement on suitable monitoring locations will begin. For more information head to communityengagement@airservicesaustralia.com.

Between two Parliamentary sittings, regional QLD public hearings for the Youth Justice Bill, and a multitude of meetings including with our new interns and Community Legal Centres, I managed some treasured ‘MP Moments’! Welcoming St Thomas More Primary School students to Parliament House, and catching up with those who are trialing drones as part of swimmer safety, and an end to those shark nets?

Close to my heart are the many hardworking community organisations throughout our electorate, and it was fantastic to be able to fund some endeavours through the Community Connect and Seeds for Change programs. I look forward to sharing these projects as they commence. Please an eye out for our QLD Day Awards announcements shortly to nominate our incredible volunteers and pro bono professionals who work tirelessly in our community.

Even though COVID-19 restrictions have eased, please remember to physically distance, practice good hygiene and stay updated on https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

Blessings until next month, where I look forward to seeing you at the Peregian Beach Mobile Office Saturday 1st May from 9-11am. If you would like an appointment, just give the office a call on 5319 3100

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March 25th, 2021

After multiple weeks spent down in the ‘big house’ and travelling throughout Queensland with the Legal Affairs and Safety Committee holding public hearings on the Youth Justice Bill, I am again reminded of how blessed we are to live in the Noosa Electorate.

Thank you to everyone who reported turtle hatchlings on Noosa North Shore, which resulted in prompt responses and some very happy youngsters making their way to the ocean! A timely reminder for anyone travelling on the beach, especially from Freshwater Lake track up to Double Island Point, to go slow. This will also be discussed at the next Teewah Cooloola Working Group as to how we can better protect during turtle seasons and raised with the Minister for Environment during Question Time in Parliament. Changes to campsite bookings at Cooloola Recreation Area and number plate recognition cameras are some of the measures implemented as part of addressing poor and dangerous behaviours with more improvements to come, including dealing with those mobile blackspots.

After meeting with state planners regarding legislation and critical housing shortages, I look forward to updating stakeholders at our next Housing Action Group (HAG) meeting with confirmation that we have progressed further in efforts to resolve. Updates are posted to Noosa 360 on our website after each meeting.

The Federal Government’s roll out of phase 1b of the COVID-19 vaccination has commenced, yes with a couple of ‘hiccup’s which are quickly being resolved. Information regarding eligibility and locations can be found at https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility.

Having met recently with a number of representatives from locality-based groups regarding Council’s Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plans, it was good to see the quality of submissions being made as instrumental changes of this nature is a journey that requires all of community to travel together as projected impacts in climate change will affect everyone.

Maritime Safety QLD and Noosa Council have jointly selected the members of a new Noosa River Stakeholder Reference Group from submissions received during the recent Expressions of Interest. We look forward to the first meeting and subsequent improvements to many aspects of our river management, including those that have been our ‘gremlins’ including moorings.

Recent Parliamentary speeches included the welcomed ban on certain plastic items, incorporating the fabulous efforts of our organisations and community, and those magic coconut shell bowls in the E-PAC! For Chamber ‘happenings’, don’t forget you can tune in to Parliament TV during sitting weeks at https://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/

A reminder to stay updated on efforts and issues including those above via subscribing to our monthly newsletter or searching by topic in Noosa 360, both available at www.sandybolton.com. As well join us on Facebook by ‘liking’ Sandy Bolton MP!  If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us on 53193100 or noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

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February 25th, 2021

Regarding Sunshine Coast flight paths, feedback on the draft Terms of Reference (TOR) and the draft Community Engagement Plan (CEP) have resulted in the TOR with final changes tracked and a summary of the feedback received by Air Services Australia. The submissions for the CEP are being reviewed, and an updated draft will be provided for a further public review. If you have any questions, please contact Engage Airservices at communityengagement@airservicesaustralia.com.

We continue to be contacted by residents impacted by our current housing crisis, and I thank our community who have assisted enormously in efforts.  The Housing Action Group is working rapidly on both short- and longer-term solutions, and currently we await the response from State Government surrounding the constraints by definition for second dwellings, infrastructure charges and other contributors to the current situation.

The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has commenced for those in the high priority group, with the vaccine hub for our region based at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital.  Information is available at www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccine.

The Lake MacDonald Dam upgrade by Seqwater is to be reassessed due to information that emerged during the procurement stage which predicted that project costs would be significantly higher than anticipated, hence the lowering of the lake will now not proceed in 2021. Seqwater has assured that it will keep our community updated as the assessment progresses with an approximate completion date mid-year.

There has been concerns on Facebook regarding tree clearing, highlighting the need again for a call out for residents to contact our Councillors or myself for information so that what is shared online can be productive versus divisive.

With the first parliamentary sitting for 2021 underway, a reminder to stay updated on efforts and issues including those above via subscribing to our monthly newsletter or searching by topic in Noosa 360 at www.sandybolton.com. Alternatively join us on Facebook by ‘liking’ Sandy Bolton MP. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on 53193100 or noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

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January 28th, 2021

Welcome to 2021 and a huge thank you to all who helped make it a memorable holiday season, from businesses to holidaymakers, our teams and to those blessed to live here.

The vast majority of our visitors were fabulous and ‘did right’ by our community; however, we did have some poor behaviour by visitors and sadly some locals on our river and in our Cooloola Recreation area.  This included some campers disrespecting fellow campers, and then leaving their rubbish. Understandably some of this was due to the storm, however the rest was an ongoing pattern. This has become a non-negotiable situation and I have called on the new Minister to expedite a resolution.

We were caught by surprise when interstate and Greater Brisbane COVID hotspots were announced on a Friday, creating frustration for those attempting to get tested. Thank you to Noosa Council who quickly provided a space for the QLD Ambulance Service (QAS) to set up a ‘pop up’ testing site. In addition, Sunny Street have relocated to Tait Duke Cottage which is open seven days a week. For all updates, head to www.covid19.qld.gov.au.

Our housing crisis worsened over the break, and while we work on resolutions via the Housing Action Group, there are several ways that you can be part of the solution. One is for owners renting out a property to consider the option of a ‘head-lease’ with one of our community housing providers. Under the Property Law Act, a headlease allows these organisations to sublet your property with government subsidisation.

Seqwater has advised that the Lake MacDonald Dam Upgrade is to be reassessed as a result of information that emerged during the procurement stage, which predicted that project costs would be significantly higher than anticipated. The lowering of the lake will now not proceed in 2021, however Seqwater has assured that it will keep our community updated as the assessment progresses with an approximate completion date mid-year.

As always, space is limited so join us at Noosa 360, Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter via www.sandybolton.com to keep updated.

We have a fabulous journey ahead together this year, and I look forward to seeing you soon.