The next state general election will be held on Saturday 26 October and Noosa Today has asked Noosa’s current candidates the same six questions to help you decide on your vote before Election Day.
The early voting period is Monday 14 October to Friday 25 October from 8am-6pm (excluding the weekend) at Girraween Sports Complex, Cnr Eenie Creek Road and Langura Street, Noosa Heads, and Pomona Uniting Church, 27 Factory Street, Pomona.
Postal vote applications close – Monday 14 October at 7pm.
Election day – Saturday 26 October from 8am-6pm.
Postal vote return deadline – Tuesday 5 November.
Candidates:
Queensland Greens Rhonda Prescott
Independent Sandy Bolton
ALP Mark Denham
LNP Clare Stewart
1. Why did you get into politics?
RHONDA: Strong belief in the democratic process and the need for an alternative to the two old political parties who have really messed things up.
SANDY: As a local resident, like many, I grew frustrated of the inaction on identified issues in our community. Despite the clear need, projects sat undelivered in the two decades prior to my election, regardless of who held power in Government. The closure without community consultation or notification in 2014 of our TAFE was another reason as it was an appalling waste of a multimillion-dollar facility. Over the last 7 years, having a local member aligned only to residents and our community – not a political party or ideology – has been liberating for Noosa. In this time, we have achieved so much, including the completion of long-standing local issues such as the Beckmans Road roundabout (Stage one of the Tewantin Bypass), Six Mile Creek Bridge #7, better management of the Noosa River, and finally about to embark on the repurposing of the decommissioned TAFE site.
MARK: I have always been in and around health my whole life – as a paramedic, and as a dad and now grandfather. What I know is good health policies mean our communities are stronger, and supported. Labor has a plan for the people of Noosa to access better healthcare closer to home. Ensuring every member of our community has access to the best healthcare services possible is vital and it’s something our Labor government will provide if elected. This is all at risk under the LNP whose only plan is to cut healthcare and sack nurses.
CLARE: I ventured into politics back in 2019 when I ran for Mayor when I was driven by a deep desire to represent and advocate for our community. My involvement in local sporting and community groups, spurred by my three children, fuelled my passion to enhance the wonderful place we call home.
2. What makes you qualified for this role?
RHONDA: My commitment to justice, democracy and integrity in politics. Decades of experience in leadership roles in business and community organisations in the Noosa area. Financial literacy. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Public Accountants (FIPA) and my professional qualifications include a Master of Commerce. I understand the pressures experienced by local people and businesses.
SANDY: For almost 35 years, I have lived, worked and raised my 3 children in the Noosa community. I hold formal qualifications in Social Innovation and have a diverse background in managerial and consultancy roles in tourism, agriculture, sporting, community, training and social services. Prior to becoming Noosa’s MP in 2017, I held roles such as NDIS project manager for disability service provider Sunshine Butterflies, founding member of Innovate Noosa, Director of the four local Bendigo Community Banks and Community Advisory Council Member of the Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network. In addition, was one of the original Noosa Councillor after deamalgamation. Since 2017 I have been the only elected independent State Member of Parliament, which is invaluable for both Noosa and Queensland to hold both sides to account, have sat on multiple portfolio committees, and chaired the Youth Justice Reform committee, the first independent chair in 20 years. This resulted in 60 recommendations to create greater safety now and into the future, with over half of those since April this year in progress, and I will be fighting to ensure that the remainder are actioned.
MARK: Having been a paramedic for most of my career and raising my family right here in Noosa, I know my local community very well. I enjoy spending time talking with the people of Noosa, and I believe that’s what makes a good local representative – someone who listens and acts. Noosa is the best place in the world to live and I want to keep it that way so as your Labor candidate I want to make sure we continue to have excellent local education, transport, and health resources.
CLARE: My diverse background as Noosa’s former Mayor, Barrister at Law, Board Director, wife, and mother equips me uniquely for this role. As Mayor I spent four years working tirelessly for our community. Recognising the gaps at the State level and the desperate need for a change in government compelled me not to seek re-election as Mayor, but to put my hand up to represent Noosa so I can address these issues directly as your representative.
3. What are your top three election priorities?
RHONDA: 1. Phasing out coal and gas. 2. Investing in TAFE to fix our skills shortage. 3. Fixing the housing crisis by implementing a range of measures including clamping down on residential homes being used for short term accommodation and providing publicly-built affordable homes.
SANDY: It is extremely difficult to keep to only three, as all needs in our community are important! Infrastructure – With Stage 1 of the Tewantin Bypass completed at the end of 2022 and $8.5 million now allocated to fast track the detailed designs and business case for the remaining stages; our efforts will be to see its full completion, as well other infrastructure needs within our community, such upgraded boating infrastructure, pedestrian crossing needs in Pomona, and the construction of the Advanced Manufacturing Hub at Sunshine Beach High School. Health – To ensure Ramsay Health’s expansion plans for the Noosa Private Hospital as well associated increase in public contracts are actioned as soon as possible, as well the various mental health services I have been advocating for. Community Safety -To push the actioning of all recommendations from the former Youth Justice Reform Committee, an end to the dangers presented by illegal e-bikes and e-motorbikes, and ensuring our local police have adequate resources.
MARK: My priorities for are focussed on ensuring we have access to the best resources possible for our community that protects our idyllic lifestyle. This includes the best education for our students, worldclass health care facilities and ensuring every local has job opportunities to set them up for the future they want. All of which is under threat by the LNP who when last in government sacked teachers, nurses and police.
As a healthcare professional, my biggest priority is seeing our community access better healthcare closer to home, but importantly, improving health services already being delivered to our community like upgrades to Nambour and Noosa hospitals.
As well as cost-of-living initiatives like Free TAFE which is getting more Queenslanders trained up and into good jobs.
CLARE: 1. Stop the high rise development proposals in Noosa. The LNP will stop the State Facilitated Development process and work with Council to ensure Noosa’s planning values are respected. This is my number one priority.
2. Making our community safer by boosting police numbers to tackle community concerns including those with e-scooters and e-bikes, and initiatives such as establishing a Safe Night Precinct in Noosa which provides additional police powers and resources.
3. Driving record investment in essential infrastructure including additional facilities for our boaties, pedestrian safety improvements in Pomona and much more.
4. What will you be doing to help curve cost of living pressures?
RHONDA: The Greens have plans to make sure everyone can see a bulk-billing doctor, to establish a publicly-owned bank which will offer lower interest rates on mortgages and to restrict rent increases .
SANDY: Our efforts will continue on genuine affordable housing for our workers and families that align with our community’s vision, the lowering of land tax threshold to provide relief to residents, tenants and local businesses alike, payroll tax as this contributes to the end prices being charged to consumers and supporting legislation that will see an end to the fuel and supermarket gouging, and increased insurance premiums.
MARK: The new Premier Steven Miles has a plan to provide cost of living relief to the people of Noosa. We will do this through $1000 energy rebates, 20 per cent off car rego, Free Kindy and Free TAFE. Free Kindy is a big priority for me as it shows ways the Miles Labor Government is investing in our young families. Our community is growing, and more younger families are moving here, we need to make sure we have the services ready for them.
CLARE: The LNP will prioritise cost of living relief for Queenslanders by delivering our maintenance guarantee to boost power supply and reduce electricity costs, stopping Labor’s patient’s tax to ensure people can continue to access primary health care when they need it, our new crime laws will drive down insurance costs, supporting 50c public transport fares, abolishing Stamp Duty on new home builds for first home buyers and more to ensure that all Queenslanders can benefit from more manageable living expenses.
5. How would you support Noosa Council’s Housing Strategy in tackling the proposed State Government’s high-rise housing development at Noosa Junction?
RHONDA: Firstly, at the time of writing this the building height for the proposed Noosa Junction development is currently unknown and there are many questions yet to be answered regarding this project. The Greens support democratic processes including the community consultation that goes into formulating local planning regulations and retaining local authority over planning decisions.
SANDY: In Parliament, we sought to halt the State Facilitated Development (SFD) process until detailed information became available to Noosa Council and residents on which to base their initial feedback, have spoken against this flawed process and outlined that State should work with Local Governments instead of overriding community endorsed planning policies and schemes. Local planning decisions need to be made in Noosa not Brisbane, and in opposing the legislation that facilitated the SFD process due to its lack of definition of ‘affordable’, I continue to oppose a process that is being pushed through without the initial negotiations between state and local governments in efforts to deliver a good outcome for all. Changes like these remind us why it is so important to remain vigilant and independent of statewide political party agendas.
MARK: We need more homes, especially affordable ones – for our frontline crews, our teachers, hospitality workers and young families.
The proposal in Noosa Heads aims to deliver 195 homes, and 50 per cent of them would be affordable housing managed by a community housing provider. The other proposal in Tewantin is for 40 homes and 26 per cent of those, again, would be affordable housing that would be managed by a community housing provider. This is the right thing to do for frontline workers in this state, for hospitality workers who need to be employed in the businesses in Noosa. Noosa businesses are crying out for workers, but they need affordable housing.
CLARE: The LNP has heard the voices of Noosa residents loud and clear and we have made a firm commitment to stop the 195-unit State Facilitated Development high rise development proposal. We absolutely need to ensure there is affordable housing in Noosa, but to achieve this an LNP government will engage with council and the community, not dictate to them. The only way to stop this development is to vote LNP.
6. It has been well-documented that live music is positive for all economies and enriches the cultural, economic, and social fabric of communities. Therefore, how would you work with the community to support Noosa Junction Association in its fight to sustain the live music scene at Noosa Junction?
RHONDA: The Greens support the provision of live music in Noosa’s hospitality precinct at the Junction as a vital part of our economy. We have so many talented local musicians and it is a joy to see and hear them performing. However noise levels must be kept to a reasonable level in consideration of local residents. There is a role for both Council and State Government to formulate consistent regulations that strike a balance between competing claims from stakeholders.
SANDY: We are currently seeking Council’s support and involvement in hosting a community forum or roundtable for everyone to get together after the election to consider all perspectives and needs, and work together positively towards a good outcome.
MARK: The Miles Labor Government is doing what matters when it comes to investing in live music and fostering Queensland artists of the future. Labor is providing $1.6 million to support venues to grow and enhance the sustainability of their business as well as providing a stage for local musicians to develop their talents. The funding, available through the Growing Gigs Fund and the Live Music Venue Business Grants, will help the venues to diversify and develop a new range of opportunities for their business ventures, offset operational costs, and amplify the growth of the live music industry for local musicians and artists. We know how much cultural activity means to building resilient communities. I will always advocate for and work with the community to deliver results that matter to them.
CLARE: I agree that the live music scene in Noosa Junction is vital for the social fabric of our community. I am dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and balanced discussion among all stakeholders — artists, venues, residents, and local businesses to ensure that Noosa Junction remains a dynamic hub for live music that benefits everyone involved.
