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.