CR TAYLOR BUNNING

Division 8 – Sunshine Coast Council

December 4th, 2024

THE 12 days of Christmas is a popular Christmas carol you’ll probably be hearing a lot  over the next few weeks, so I thought it was worthwhile sharing my own version – the 12 projects and initiatives of 2024 that have defined my brief time as your Councillor.

1. Funding secured to deliver a footpath along South Coolum Road between Warrack Street and Scottlynd Street, benefiting residents in Coolum and Mount Coolum.

2. Building 22 affordable rental homes for local workers in Marcoola in partnership with the State Government.

3. Hosting Free Tree Days throughout the division, with my third to be held on Monday, December 16,  between 2-4 pm at Power Memorial Park in Mudjimba.

4. Delivered the Power Memorial Park and Playground Upgrade in Mudjimba.

5. Delivered the Petrie Avenue Carpark Upgrade, and the Lorraine Avenue streetscape is currently under construction in Marcoola.

6. Funding secured to deliver kerb and channelling for Sundew Street East in Mudjimba.

7. Advocated to re-prioritise funding from the Transport Levy, which will see $3.3 million in funding spent on infrastructure projects each financial year to assist the most vulnerable in our community across our region.

8. Refurbished the Pacific Paradise Skatepark, and similar works have started on the Mudjimba Skatepark.

9. Delivered new or refurbished footpaths in Yaroomba, Twin Waters and Maroochydore.

10. Progressed design work for toilet amenities at the base of Mount Coolum with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

11. Rolled out 28 new public space recycling bins throughout Division 8.

12. Proudly supported community groups with $16,271 in discretionary funding and committed a further $8,000 by the end of this fiscal year. I also successfully advocated during the Council budget process to ensure that community partnerships funding for community groups was aligned with the Consumer Price Index annually.

As this is my last column before the festive break, I’d like to say thank you for taking the time to read my comments throughout the year and for your support.

I recognise that for many people, 2024 has been a challenging year. I hope that, however you spend your time over the festive season, you find some enjoyment and happiness.

For me, I’m looking forward to quality time with my family and extra surfing. See you in 2025!

Keeping you connected 
Please keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 8 news and information by searching ‘Councillor Taylor Bunnag – Division 8, Sunshine Coast Regional Council’.

November 6th, 2024

Marcoola Streetscape
I’M EXCITED to see works start on extending the footpath on Petrie Avenue to connect pedestrians to the Marcoola shops in Lorraine Avenue. We are also improving the carpark to provide more parking spaces in the area. The works should be completed within a week. These improvements are the first step in delivering the community-led Streetscape Master Plan. The Streetscape works include a formal shared zone adjoining Felix Parry Park, a more efficient parking layout, enhanced landscaping, street tree planting and turtle-sensitive lighting. I’m looking forward to seeing the project completed in time for the festive season.

Shorebird Conservation Action Plan
We are reviewing the Sunshine Coast Shorebird Conservation Plan 2025-2030. It proposes closing high-value shorebird roost sites to the public between October and April. Visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to complete the online survey before 5 pm Monday, November 15, to provide feedback on the draft plan and what actions should be a priority for Council for the next five years.

Storm Tide Mapping
Do you know how storm tide inundation and wave action works? Storm tides are a natural part of living on the Sunshine Coast and along the Queensland coastline and will be into the future. We can’t prevent storm tides from happening. What we can do is reduce the impact on people and property by understanding where this might occur. Council has recently updated its mapping, which has great data and information that can help you better prepare for the future – search for ‘flood mapping’ on Council’s website.

Save the date
You’re invited to the North Shore Community Centre Christmas Carnivale! Save the date for Saturday, November 23, between 2 pm and 6 pm. It’s a free family event with a jumping castle, face painting, food trucks and live performances. See you there!

October 9th, 2024

Marcoola affordable housing
IN PARTNERSHIP with the State Government, Council will be delivering 22 affordable rental homes on 11 vacant blocks of land for low-income households. Each vacant site is to be developed with a Dwelling House and Secondary dwelling in a form that complies with the Planning Scheme. This is not social housing. The homes will cater for low-income singles, couples and small family households, with a focus on key workers.

The tenancies will be managed by a Community Housing Provider. The modular construction homes will be factory-built and then delivered and installed onsite. I am proud that this Council is taking active steps to help deliver affordable housing for our community to help ensure that Sunshine Coast locals can continue living in the region. The homes will be ready for occupants from June 2025.

Local bus stop connection improvements
A core election commitment of mine was to ensure that we improved pedestrian safety throughout Division 8. I’m proud that we are delivering on these commitments. We are finalising the designs for three pedestrian refuge crossings – two along Mudjimba Beach Road in Mudjimba and one along Jarnahill Drive in Mount Coolum. We value community and local knowledge as the projects progress through the design process. If you have any feedback to provide Council, please contact our project team via email: InternetMailbox.DesignServices@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Turtle screens
I’m pleased that screening along a section of our dunal area in Marcoola is being installed ahead of the turtle nesting season. The screen (installed where Council has observed vegetation damage from illegal herbicide use) acts to reduce light pollution for the nesting turtles and hatchlings in the summer months. It will also prevent increased pedestrian movement, so we can all play our part in reducing interference with our sensitive dune environment.

Power Memorial Park upgrades
I’m excited to deliver the next stage of renewing the play space at Power Memorial Park, Mudjimba. The design gives a nod to two icons, the ex-HMAS Brisbane (which is sunk 3 nautical miles off the Mudjimba coastline) and our iconic surf lifesavers. Works will include removing the existing play equipment, softfall and timber edging and installing new play equipment with sand softfall and two new shade sails. With a mixture of activities focused on collaborative play, it’s a significant investment for Mudjimba that complements the many other projects happening in our community. I look forward to sharing the completion towards the end of November.

Save the date – pets
Come and say hello at our upcoming responsible pet ownership information stalls. Talk to a Council officer to find more about the education blitz and nearby coastal pathway walks you can enjoy with your dogs.
*Friday, October 11, between 3-5 pm, Picnic Point Esplanade, Maroochydore
*Saturday, October 12, between 7-9 am, North Shore Road, Twin Waters

September 11th, 2024

Yaroomba Pathway Upgrade
AS A YAROOMBA local, I have often seen school children and families with prams walking on the road along Bimini Drive as the pathway stops at Yungar Street. I’m pleased that on  September 30, construction will start on a new 1.8-metre-wide pathway stretching 200 metres along Bimini Drive to Jenyor Street. Eleven metres of existing pathway will also be renewed. I’m proud to be delivering on one of my core election promises, to improve pathway connectivity in our community.

Eliza Peatling Park
A new barbecue has been finished at popular Eliza Peatling Park at Pacific Paradise. The upgrade has come just in time for Spring, and I’m looking forward to seeing it put to good use as the weather warms up.

Welcome home
Let’s give our returning Olympic and Paralympic athletes a welcome home to remember!  Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council are proudly hosting the region’s official welcome home celebration for our athletes on Tuesday, September 17, from 10:30 am to 1 pm at Foundation Square Park, Maroochydore.

I encourage you to join the celebration, cheer on our athletes as they arrive, then watch as they take to the stage. Everyone will then have the chance to meet and greet their local heroes and enjoy a free barbecue thanks to the Mooloolaba Lions Club.

Shorebird festival
It’s time to welcome the shorebirds back to the Sunshine Coast at the free, friendly shorebird festival in September. Join us at two locations to learn about the amazing journey migratory shorebirds have taken to get to here – Golden Beach on September 21 and Cotton Tree on September 22. There will be face painting, yummy food, art, fun games, craft activities, live music and much more.  Visit Council’s website for details or secure your free ticket on Eventbrite by searching ‘Sunshine Coast Shorebird Festivals’.

Free tree day
Come and say hello at Glen Retreat Park, Marcoola and receive your free native tube stock plants on  September 25, 9-11 am. I look forward to seeing you there.

August 14th, 2024

Mount Coolum amenities
PROGRESS is being made on the longstanding issue of toilet amenities at the base of Mount Coolum. Council commissioned a consultant to complete preliminary design options for providing toilets, a new sealed car park and connection of services for the Mount Coolum walking trail.

This information is now being considered by Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, with further investigation and funding required to support subsequent assessments, planning, permits and construction of the preferred option, in relation to both the amenities building and car park. I look forward to sharing more information with our community when we know more.

Sundew Street kerb and channelling
I have been engaging with residents in Sundew Street, Mudjimba, regarding the desirability of kerb and channelling. The results of the community engagement, which included doorknocking, a survey and direct mail, indicated that there was support for this approach. I will be hosting an information forum with Council staff on  August 17, 2024, at 1.30pm at the Mudjimba Community Hall to discuss the way forward.

Homelessness Week
Last week was Homelessness Week, which runs from August 5 to 11. I attended the Street Up launch, which is an initiative where people with lived experience share their stories and contribute their ideas and solutions to addressing homelessness.

One of the participants, Ian, shared a powerful message encouraging attendees to look at the big picture, not just what is in front of them, when thinking about these issues. I took a lot out of the event. It also reinforces the importance of Council’s recent investment in a public liaison officer, who will assistin connecting people sleeping rough in public spaces with support services.

Visit Council’s website to learn more – it may change your perspective on how to be part of the solution.

July 17th, 2024

Division 8 Budget wins
COUNCIL handed down its budget for 2024-25 last month (June 20), and I’ve hit the ground running to make sure this Budget delivers practical outcomes for local people. My focus this financial year is on ensuring there’s a balance between what’s most important for our community to thrive, and making sure we have a financially sustainable Sunshine Coast Council.

Some of the wins for our Division include $130,000.00 towards a pathway along Bimini Drive in Yaroomba, the Marcoola Beach Streetscape renewal which received $150,000.00 and over $200,000.00 for pedestrian safety improvements in Mudjimba.

Residents in Coolum and surrounding suburbs like Yaroomba and Mount Coolum will be excited to know that we are progressing to detailed design works to deliver a much-needed footpath along South Coolum Road between Scottlynd Street and Warrack Street, to help make sure families can get to school safely.

There’s plenty more wins for our community, including new netball and basketball hoops for Marcoola, lighting for Eliza Peatling Park in Pacific Paradise and many other pathway and parks improvements. For more about the latest budget, visit Council’s website.

Roo management
I’m calling for residents to support my petition to Palmer Coolum Resort management to open the gate underneath the David Low Way, to help give kangaroos a chance to cross over into the golf course area. As a Yaroomba local, I’ve been saddened to see the recent deaths. I’ve been working with Council officers and experts on how to stop more kangaroo deaths along this stretch of David Low Way, which is a state-controlled road.
Please visit my Facebook page on how you can share your support.

Marcoola Dog park
I’m pleased to share Keith Royal Drive Dog Park in Marcoola has received two new seats and entry paths. Later this year when the weather warms up, we will turf areas of the ground. This is a small but beneficial update I’m sure our locals will enjoy.

June 19th, 2024

Point Arkwright reseal 
AFTER many years, Bertya Place in Point Arkwright has finally been resealed. During the election, I doorknocked residents in this small street who said they felt like this area had been neglected and said their road was an example of this. In less than three months of being our local Councillor, I’ve worked with our fantastic Council staff to get this project delivered.

Coolum Beach Playground Shade Sail
It’s great to see the installation of shade sails over the playground at Magenta Drive, Coolum Beach. This new addition is vital in providing much-needed UV protection for our little ones and will allow families to enjoy the park safely, all year round. The sails are being manufactured and will be installed by the end of the month. The colour will be the closest the manufacturer can get to Magenta – Royal Purple!

New recycle bins
I’m very happy to see 25 new recycling bins being delivered in public spaces across Division 8, including Geeribach Lane and Birrahl Park in Yaroomba, Twin Waters boat ramp, and various other locations in Mudjimba, Marcoola and Pacific Paradise. This is something I was very supportive of in my campaign, and it’s good to see the yellow bins being rolled out. Just remember, no coffee cups please.

Marcoola dog park
Keith Royal Drive Dog Park in Marcoola will soon receive two new seats with areas of the ground also being re-turfed (once it warms up a little).

Upcoming budget
Council handed down its budget for 2024-25 on June 20, which included a valuable combination of projects for Division 8. I look forward to sharing more details and our local wins in my next column.

May 22nd, 2024

Yaroomba Beach development
THE SEKISUI House approval has been cancelled. Council cancelled the approval following a request from the new owners of the Yaroomba Beach development site.
The cancellation of the Sekisui approval is a significant moment for the Yaroomba community because it has ended a lengthy process of uncertainty surrounding this site.

The practical impact of this cancellation is that the current developer, Dennis Family, and potential future property owners will need to develop the site in accordance with the Hyatt Masterplan, which was approved over 17 years ago by the former Maroochy Shire Council.

There are significant differences in the height and scale of buildings allowed under the Hyatt Masterplan in comparison to the Sekisui approval.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of local people who, for many years, fought hard to have their voices heard on what the future of our community looked like.

Play space renewal
As a regular user of Power Memorial Park in Mudjimba with my young family, I’m delighted that council will be starting some staged works to start improving the space.

Later this month, stage 1 works will start, which involves renewing the five shelters adjacent to the playground, with new roofing, barbeques and seating. We will also be widening the pathways and planting new shade trees to accompany landscaping works. Council will also be enhancing the lighting and accessibility to the park, which is a necessary improvement.

Thank you to Mudjimba locals and business owners for their patience during the renewal, which is expected to be completed by the end of July.

I’m looking forward to announcing the second stage later in the year, which includes upgrading the playground.

Keeping you connected 
Please keep an eye on my Facebook page for the latest Division 8 news and information by searching ‘Councillor Taylor Bunnag – Division 8, Sunshine Coast Regional Council’.

April 24th, 2024

HELLO
I’M EXCITED to share my first column as your new Division 8 councillor. So far, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time meeting with local community groups to hear their priorities and I will continue doing this extensively over the next four years.

ANZAC DAY 
This week, we will be marking one of the most important days on our national calendar, ANZAC Day, on April 25, 2024. There are several services throughout the Coolum and North Shore community. I will be attending the Mudjimba Community Service, which commences at 10:30am in Power Park. I would encourage you to attend a service in your area. Lest we forget.

FOX CONTROL PROGRAM 
Council’s Coastal Fox Control Program has resumed to help preserve our precious native species. The program runs between autumn and spring each year in vegetated areas between the Maroochy River and Peregian Springs.

The program was launched in 2015 in response to community concerns that European red fox numbers could decimate native fauna, including hatchlings of the endangered green and loggerhead turtles. There will be operations in public areas and some private properties in partnership with landholders. You can help by making sure that you follow the program signage and keep your pets out of vegetated areas for their own safety (and yours).

ROAD RESEAL
Council recently completed road reseal projects at Melville Court and Power Court in Mount Coolum. If there’s a road reseal project that you believe needs attention in Division 8, I’d encourage you to contact my office.