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.