By Nick Hluszko, Mayoral Candidate
I am running for Noosa Mayor to make a change for the better in how Noosa Council is managed and to improve services to the community.
Council staffing is a mess and there have been three CEOs in three years. We need to fix the staffing and culture so council can do its job.
If elected, I will aim to keep rates to a minimum and focus on core council services – like roads, rates, and rubbish.
Current councillors have had years to make things better in Noosa. After speaking with hundreds of locals regarding their expectations of our council, residents are not happy and expect more.
Of course, like me, the community want to see our shire’s unique environmental values, community amenity and quality of life protected.
But many are also asking why rates are up 26 per cent in three years, while $106.8 million is being held in surplus and when basic services are being neglected.
The message is clear – they want council to stop wasting time and money on pet councillor projects and state issues. They want our council to urgently re-focus on its core services, such as:
• Fixing roads and parking issues.
• Solving traffic congestion.
• Rebuilding and maintaining boat ramps.
• Maintaining parks, gardens, and children’s playgrounds.
• Maintaining and improving community sports/recreational facilities.
• Weed removal and maintenance.
• Street and footpath cleaning.
• Rubbish and recycling including re-introducing hard rubbish collections.
I have a clear plan to fix these issues including a focus on:
Better management – I will lead an efficient, well-managed council controlling costs and imposing minimum rates and levies (at a time when far too many are struggling with the cost of living and interest rate rises).
Strong leadership – I want to see a positive, can-do council culture, that accurately plans for future needs, fosters transparency and communication, with defined goals to deliver cost-effective, accountable results.
A plan for infrastructure – While I oppose the State Government’s 18,000 additional residents, we need to be realistic – and plan for the impact that growth will have on infrastructure needs. I want to develop in consultation with communities, locality-specific infrastructure plans to address their concerns and fix our infrastructure problems.
About me…
I have numerous qualifications including an MBA and my background is in business management having held numerous CEO roles.
Recently retired, and prior to nominating, I have been devoting my time to the Noosa Community including as President of the Noosa North Shore Association, Chair of the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Sub-Committee, member of the Council Climate Change Round Table, Teewah and Cooloola Working Group, and member of the Rural Fire Brigade.
I am passionate about Noosa and excited by the opportunity to service the community as Mayor. I believe that I have the passion, energy, skill, qualifications, and experience that Noosa needs, right now. If elected, I will dedicate my full-time efforts to the betterment of our community.
It’s time for a change. Vote for me, and I will provide the strong leadership and financial management experience needed to better manage the council budget, get back to basics, engage meaningfully and get things done.
