What is your working background?
1996-2007. Noosa journalist, newspaper editor where I learned to respect the identities and needs of the communities that make up our Shire, plus the reasons why and how Noosa is different.
2007-2008 Elected in by-election. Worked to help ensure Noosa’s planning scheme and community advisory boards were retained to protect Noosa’s points of difference during amalgamation with other councils
2008-2013 Amalgamation years. Noosa Journalist, high school teacher.
2014-2016 re-elected councillor. Part of the team that rebuilt Noosa Council on financially sustainable and service-focused principles.
2016-2024 Served as Deputy Mayor (and Acting Mayor as needed), gaining deeper understanding of how all council departments can best deliver quality services for the Noosa community while keeping rates as low as possible in face of increased development pressure, fires, floods, COVID and the rise of Short Term Accommodation.
Why are you running for Mayor?
I feel compelled to help shape a team that respects what makes Noosa different, places our residents and environment first and is not afraid to make decisions that can unite and change Noosa significantly for the better in the long-term.
An old fashioned term for this is “vocation”.
In recent years, we’ve seen voting against key planning scheme principles, STA refusals and environmental projects. It’s time to get back to core principles.
What qualifies you to be Mayor?
I have the experience and understand how to collaborate with colleagues and staff within a local government framework to get the best results for our community.
Having served with four Noosa Mayors, and two as Deputy/Acting Mayor, I understand what needs to be done to be an effective Mayor, and how.
My background as a journalist and teacher means open and accountable engagement with the community is an absolute must.
Are you a member of a political party? If so, which one?
No. Never have been.
What organisations in Noosa are you a member of or affiliated with?
Noosa Arts Theatre, Noosa Gymnastics Club, Sunshine Coast Creative Writing Institute, Cooroora Historical Society, Peregian Community House, Institute of Company Directors
If elected, will you be undertaking any other paid employment? If so, what would that be?
No
List the four top Council issues you believe to be the most important to Noosa residents.
Ensuring the responsible financial management that delivers good quality council services- well maintained parklands, footpaths and roads, protection for our environment and keeping rates low.
Reducing traffic congestion and improving access to popular areas through parking and travel solutions that give priority to residents.
Protecting Noosa against overdevelopment, halting the spread and impacts of short term accommodation in residential areas by planning law changes and a properly resourced enforcement regime.
Managing tourism and events in a way that respects Noosa residents’ lifestyle, environment and community identity.
