After a closely contested election and drawn out vote count, the new Noosa Council last week took their oath of office in a swearing-in ceremony.
This was officiated by Acting CEO Larry Sengstock who welcomed councillors to the term he expects to be an “exciting ride over the next four years“ before inviting each to deliver an inaugural speech.
Mayor Frank Wilkie led the team:
“A new council brings new opportunities and hope – opportunities to recommit to the principles that have kept Noosa different by nature in the face of unrelenting challenges and constant change and hope that we can collectively make this council a place where councillors and staff love coming to work, love and respect the people they work with and love the work we do for the community,“ Cr Wilkie said.
“Council’s values for supportive, passionate, authentic, respectful and committed actions are central to creating a high-performing and committed team and people of goodwill within this organisation demonstrate this through their deeds every single day.
“I’m confident this councillor team can play a lead role in this. That’s because this is a well balanced mix of experienced and new community-minded councillors with solid financial, communication and government skills and I know they are all committed to making a positive difference.
“Like the community this is a council that wants the basics delivered – quality services and facilities while keeping rates as low as possible. Another strong message we heard was the need to put residents and the environment first. Staff are already amplifying efforts to rein in illegal camping and parking on Noosa spit, river mouth and national park.
“A review of short term accommodation (STA) local law is already underway.
“There is much work to do to maintaining and restoring our natural assets and actions from
the Destination Management Plan will be shared and put in place this term.
“We will be collaborating with neighbouring councils and other tiers of government on issues such as housing and waste management.
“Ultimately community judgement on us will depend on the quality of our decisions, our capacity to work professionally and the content of our characters above all else.“
Cr Karen Finzel:
“Democracy gives us a right to have a framework that gives each of us a voice, that democratic process even in the midst of change allows us to come together as a community with a collective voice to choose those we wish see as our leaders.
“I look forward to servicing this community with an open heart, an open mind and true engagement with a community that has supported me and my family for many years.
“I wish to bring everyone along on the journey over the next four years, to serve this community faithfully, to listen carefully, to engage respectfully to work with colleagues to bring a collective leadership that our community can be proud of, to engender trust in times of uncertainty and change.“
Cr Amelia Lorentson:
“Four years ago I made a promise to the community to be a truthful voice, to deliver outcomes in the best interests of our residents and to stand up and fight for what is right and for community consultation.
“That commitment has not changed.
“The recent election underscored the divisions within our community, highlighting the urgent need for increased engagement, active listening and a commitment to balance, equity and fairness.
“We have one Noosa and it’s our collective responsibility to keep it special.
“Let’s lead with respect and collaboration.“
Cr Jess Phillips:
“I stand before you today filled with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility as your newly elected councillor.
“As I embark on this new chapter of service my foremost priority will be to build strong relationships with local staff in council, constituents, stakeholders and fellow councillors. I recognise the importance in collaboration in addressing the challenges we face.
“I am deeply passionate about connecting with our community and being a visible presence in our neighbourhoods and I believe accessible and engagement are essential qualities for any public servant. I commit to being a frontrunner in this regard. I am eager to connect with each and every one of you.
“I believe in the power of setting ambitious yet realistic objectives and working tirelessly to see them through to completion.
“Collaboration, empathy and innovation will be my guiding principles in my approach to governance.“
Cr Brian Stockwell:
“Yesterday we received new shiny laptops and some practical guidance from staff on accessing various council systems and applications including how to click on AI.
“It made me reflect on a piece of technology for use for councillors in 1988: it was a phone fax machine. There’s been massive advances in technology since I was first elected.
“However some of the main issues grappled within the community haven’t – the desire to protect the environment, the threat to village character and threat to development in the wrong place are frequent themes.
“We’re all elected as independents. We have points of difference and similarity from each other.
“From today we act as one in the interests of a single entity, Noosa Shire Council, in fulfilling obligations to residents and ratepayers. This doesn’t mean we have to agree on everything. In fact arguing points of difference is the key to an effective democracy.
“A desire to build a better future is at the heart of good council. I want to be judged on what this council has achieved working for and with the community and the legacy it’s created and preserved for the community.“
Cr Tom Wegener:
“I look at the new council and I’m filled with optimism. Last time there were three new councillors. We are still here, We’ve learnt a lot. We can benefit the existing councillors and relate and help out the new ones. An important part of any body is succession and we’ve been successful at that.
“I believe we’re going to have a consistent, shared big picture view.
“More important is having councillors that have been here long enough to see the depth of what goes on when it comes to maintaining the balance sheets, the constant upkeep of infrastructure. What I came away with from this election is infrastructure may not have been maintained to as good a standard as it could.
“I think our vision here with Frank as mayor can be a very consistent vision for all council.
“When it comes to community consultation and bringing the community along and listening to the community it’s a lot easier to communicate with all the different community if we have a solid stance to begin with, to tell the story to be defined or redefined or challenged or whatever by the community.“
Cr Nicola Wilson:
“Just a few months ago I saw a need in the community and stepped up, but I didn’t expect to get such traction in such a short time. But the issues I talked about in my campaign resonated with voters and will continue to be my priorities – responsible budgeting, financial transparency and using the ratepayers money wisely, solutions for housing especially for lower income workers, getting STA issues under control with compliance, working for residents and the environment.
“I am here to represent the community. I’ll use everything I’ve got to work with Frank and the other councillors to get the best outcomes for everyone.
“I’m very proud and humbled to be standing here today at the start of a four year team with this great team who will work well together. Noosa has voted for change, to leave the division, the grudges and factions behind. Together we can focus on the future. The work starts now.“
