It is election time and I enjoyed the OSCAR (Organisation of Sunshine Coast Association of Residents) Mayoral Forum conducted at the Maroochy RSL. The six mayoral candidates provided a festival of ideas and opportunities that they would instigate if they were to be elected Mayor of the Sunshine Coast Council.
There were plenty of challenges identified from bringing back ‘real’ community consultation, housing, environment, infrastructure and the $450 million dollar debt that the outgoing Council will leave to the citizens. There has been poor investment in outsourcing and consultants rather than building employee capability and a Council culture that is accountable, respectful and transparent for the citizens it serves.
With the Mayor and a number of existing Councillors leaving, hope for new ideas and opportunities are a real possibility. Based on the performance of mayoral candidates at the forum and their election statements, Rosanna Natoli appears to me the best. Rosanna is ready and equipped to lead and listen.
In Division 8 I am supporting Kathryn Hyman who I have worked with at OSCAR. Kathryn’s research and communication skills are excellent. Kathryn has effectively advocated on issues like building on the flood plains, the planning scheme and the environment.
Also, this is an election for the entire Sunshine Coast and Queensland local governments. In the Noosa Council area, the Mayor is leaving and existing Councillor Frank Wilkie and Deputy Mayor Noosa Council are going for the Mayor’s position. My experience with Noosa Council has been quite different and there is much more a sense of ‘working together’.
In Noosa the community organisations are being actively supported by Council and a standout private sector organisation the Bendigo Bank which is keen to invest back in our community. The Bendigo Bank has provided $3,000 for 5 innovative Asparagus Assassin tools that can be used by not-for-profit volunteer-based environment groups. These groups are importantly fighting against invasive weed species threatening the biodiversity across the Sunshine Coast which is an issue close to my heart.
I write this opinion piece knowing there are a range of views on any issue which I respect and invite you to have your say.