By JONATHON HOWARD
THE year just gone will be remembered in the hearts and minds of Noosa residents as the one where a small community banded together to break the region’s forced amalgamation and forge new relationships and partnerships.
Not only did Noosa etch itself into the history books by de-amalgamating from the Sunshine Coast Council, but Noosa has also revealed a new and more resilient side – one that when residents are called to action they take up the fight with zest and unity.
While questions remain about the future boundary changes of Noosa Council, as proposed by the impassioned EDV Residents Group, there is little doubt that the future is bright for Noosa.
Noosa Council has shown in its first year that it’s both resilient and determined to keep Noosa ahead of the pack.
The council continues to explore fresh ideas and approaches ranging from a peoples’ jury, to greater community input on a whole range of issues such as the future use of the iconic Cooroy Butter Factory.
There have been challenges.
The roll-out of Noosa’s infrastructure expenditure, the Noosa River and lakes downgrading and seeking final separation costs from the Sunshine Coast Council, but all continue to be matters of priority.
While some residents may not agree with all the Noosa Council’s views and even criticise its actions, these critics are passionate long-term members of the community and many still acknowledge a bright and prosperous future ahead for Noosa.
The past 12 months saw a range of major events including many old favourites such as the Noosa Jazz Festival and some new additions such as the Noosaville Night Markets.
Hastings Street continues to establish itself as one of Australia’s premium beach-side destinations with several major property sales, including Sheraton Noosa, pushing the Noosa property market back on the map.
Noosaville is also coming along in leaps and bounds as not only an exciting place to do business, but a place where the heart of Noosa continues to shine.
Noosa Junction has taken a step up this year with a new business association, strong partnerships with Noosa Council and a range of new businesses now opened.
There remain hidden challenges in Noosa, including the increased presence of domestic violence and the rising rates of homelessness.
These people are often hidden in the shadows and only once they have resorted to radical violence, such as the events that took place in November when a journalist’s car was hijacked, do we realise the scale of the abuse.
There have been events in Noosa this year that have made national headlines and left residents deeply saddened, including the recent loss of a Noosa Pengari Stiener School student Student Gabriel Runge, 16, and teacher Andre Vogel, who tragically lost their lives in head-on road accident while travelling through New Zealand.
Residents should also remember the loss of dearly loved Noosa Heads’ identity Peter Maynard who went missing off a Balinese island in September.
The memories of these and other much loved Noosa people will live on in the hearts and minds of their families and friends.
And so we enter 2015 with a renewed sense of optimism and excitement. Noosa Today would like to encourage our readers to get in touch and engage with us on local issues and topics that they feel passionate about.
Your opinions matters and can help shape the world we live – thank you for your support and Happy New Year.
