Shark Nets
WITH a second whale entanglement in Noosa and following an Oceans for All meeting where 70 per cent of local business, environment, and water-user groups supported a trial to replace shark nets with safe alternatives during whale migration, I raised in Parliament key evidence including the 2019 Federal Court determination, Administrative Appeals Tribunal findings, and University of Wollongong research which reported nets do not improve swimmer safety. With government ignoring this evidence, as well as KPMG’s recommendations to transition away from nets and calls from Noosa Council and our community, I asked, given safe alternatives are successfully used elsewhere, for government to listen to our community and replace nets with these during migration season. See my full speech at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14F1MFTmATa/.
Council AI Fraud
Following events where overseas criminals used AI-driven social engineering tools to defraud Noosa Council, I asked the Minister for Open Data what is underway to prevent such financial crimes. The Minister referred to the Australian Signals Directorate’s 2024–25 Cyber Threat Report, which shows a cyberattack occurs every six minutes in Australia and outlined the state’s partnership to deliver the Cyber Wardens program to small businesses, with more information available at http://bit.ly/3KQ8DgQ. With AI making scams increasingly complex, we encourage residents to learn how to identify and respond to them through www.scamwatch.gov.au.
Container Scheme
The Health, Environment and Innovation Committee, of which I am a member, tabled its report on improving Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme. The 10-month-long inquiry was complex, and to ensure moving forward, the scheme can be the best version available, and that politics is not a determining factor in matters raised, several findings were referred to an independent entity.
KEEP IN TOUCH
With so much to share and limited space, stay ‘in the loop’ by heading to Noosa 360, where you can also subscribe to our monthly newsletter, which ensures you are notified of any Noosa-specific surveys or polls. In addition, follow ‘Sandy Bolton MP’ on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn! For any questions or assistance on state-related matters, do not hesitate to contact my office at 5319 3100.