Mt Coolum National Park Amenities
CAR PARKING and the lack of toilets have been contentious issues at the popular and beautiful Mt Coolum National Park. I’ve continued to pursue both issues with the State Government and Council. The Environment Department will not allow toilets within the National Park, and on that, they’re not moving. More positively, there have been negotiations between the Department and Council about alternative land under their control, but this is still under investigation. I will continue to pursue them about this, as the issue of toilets is not only an issue of comfort for the visiting public, it is also about reducing the negative impact on the local environment from what people leave behind in the bushland. I also appreciate that local residents do not want to have a facility that impacts upon their own safety and amenity. I will continue to work with Council and the state regarding this matter for the right resolution.
Mudjimba Island Moorings Update
I’d hoped to provide an update on this important issue, but unfortunately, we’re still chasing the Environment Minister’s office for the status of the Feasibility Study that was promised during our deputation at Parliament House last year. Watch this space, as this is too important an issue, and local advocates rightly have said that the health of the coral reef around the island needs protecting, with moorings to provide safe points for people to still moor and dive.
International Women’s Day
Next Friday, 8 March, is International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day is a global day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. All women contribute to society in different ways, be it in the home, in the workplace or in the community. So, to all the mothers, daughters, aunties, grandmothers, community champions, leaders and our female heroes – celebrate being the woman that you are, and I wish you a Happy International Women’s Day.
Youth Crime in the Community
I have recently received complaints from constituents regarding underage parties in the community – on local beaches and streets – involving large numbers of young people. This doesn’t mean that all the kids are doing bad things, but in some instances, cohorts are engaging in unacceptable, drunken behaviour with missiles being thrown at cars. This is dangerous and not on.
Police advise me they are aware and will respond. If community members see such illegal behaviour and Police aren’t already in attendance, please call 000 and ensure that police are equipped with the information to respond. Not all kids have bad intentions or actions. They also may not be aware of some of the more serious offences being committed by others at the parties they are receiving invites to. However, things can escalate quickly in the wrong company with open invitations to parties resulting in the numbers in attendance growing rapidly with people who don’t always know each other. I wanted to give this ‘heads-up’ to parents, too, if they hadn’t heard about this so they can have conversations with their children.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact me if there is anything that I can be of assistance with. Just contact me care of my office on 5406 7100 or maroochydore@parliament.qld.gov.au