By JONATHON HOWARD
SIX months have passed since Noosa made the historic leap towards de-amalgamation from the Sunshine Coast Shire Council.
Establishing Noosa Shire Council was a hard-fought victory and showed the true grit of Noosa’s community when faced with such political adversity.
To find out what life in one of Queensland’s busiest electorates has been like for those councillors at the helm, Noosa Today spoke with Cr Sandy Bolton, who provided a unique insight into her role.
Noosa Today posed the following questions to Cr Bolton and her answers are provided below:
Please note: the views expressed by Cr Bolton are her own and may not reflect the views of other councillors or the council as a whole.
Could you please update our readers on your position within council, since taking office almost six months ago?
It has been an incredibly busy, educational and fulfilling time, and I am thoroughly enjoying the diversity and challenges that come with a new council. My current “project” is the implementation of an action plan within the adopted Rural Futures Strategy, which includes the development of our own “Country Noosa” strategy. As Chair of the Infrastructure and Services Committee, I look forward to building on my community services knowledge as well as gaining a sound understanding of the essential components of our infrastructure including a favourite of councillors nationwide…..roads.
In your opinion, how has council been functioning since de-amalgamation?
Extremely well. The transition period and thereafter has encountered only minor issues, and considering the enormous undertaking to enable the “rebirth” of Noosa Council, it has been a fabulous effort by a very committed transfer team and council staff. The overload on the phone systems caused some distress to both residents and staff in the first couple of months, and happily has now been resolved.
What areas have you been working in or feel passionately about?
The variety of areas I have been working in has been diverse, and I am passionate about all. I have been fortunate that within Rural Futures, I am involved in everything from tourism, sustainable farming, environmental practices, and economic development to social issues, affordable housing options, infrastructure and transport strategies. I recently sat on the regional Think Health panel which gave a much better understanding of the issues we face regarding resident health and lifestyle choices as a community, and I have recently been appointed as the council’s representative to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Rural Communities Taskforce.
Do you have any concerns you would like to raise, from both a council and community perspective?
The Think Health forum highlighted the need for the community to work together to address emerging issues from a holistic approach, understanding the multiple elements that contribute to poor physical and mental health. I believe the council plays an important role through the aspects of sustainable planning and the provision of infrastructure and services that assist organisations to provide active recreation, and that promote good health and wellbeing.
Please give us some brief information about your background, interests and personality – this is a chance to engage with residents on a more personal level?
I am sure that during the election and since 1 January our community has heard plenty about all of us. However, in a nutshell – a background in business management and community organisations , a love of people and our incredible home, with a personality that friends and family describe as energetic, warm, and tenacious, with a good sense of humour.
