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.