Seeing across our electorate the joy emanating from residents celebrating being an ‘Aussie’, with flags, snags, music and family, was a powerful reminder of the importance of being able to acknowledge ‘us’. Shared pride and sense of belonging is part of our social fabric ‘glue’ and was in abundance also at The J where we joined 57 Noosans becoming citizens. As I have previously shared, I get misty eyed as I listen to and watch our newest Australians take their pledge and wish I could bottle the gratitude and love they have for our community! The beautiful energy in that room, and at the river side festival held by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, was truly beautiful, and a reminder that keeping our country special comes with individual and shared responsibility, as well a commitment to our social contract with one another.
That ‘contract’ at times becomes contested, whether through media ‘grabs’ sensationalising what was the norm decades ago, for example a shark sighting, or misinformation and disinformation via social media posts in relation to the new anchoring laws that the changes are a result of Noosa being ‘classist’, or a very uncaring MP who is happy to see residents made homeless! This was especially hurtful, given my own early childhood experiences, including in a backyard shed to avoid sleeping on the street, as there was no welfare nor housing assistance for single or abandoned mums back then. This is why I take into my home those who are facing homelessness, as even with the kinds of supports including housing in this era available, this at times in not enough as I continue to raise in Parliament.
Media and commentary that deliberately incite, are not assisting our community and create divisions. This is not unlike political parties and those who fund them, with the most recent affront to the social contract governments are supposed to have with all, is the putting forward of legislation using the words ‘reform’ and ‘fair’ when instead it is a pathway for potential corruption. This is happening right now in our 2026 parliament, and instead of what is sought, including an end to all big campaign donors, as has occurred on South Australia, ours instead will be growing. No wonder support for the major parties continues to decrease, as Australians increasingly become more knowledgeable about what is happening around them.
Social contracts whether between us as individuals, or between communities and governments, involve staying informed about what may affect you directly, or others, especially around disaster warnings and shared spaces. It also means knowing who your elected representatives are so you can contact them with your views and concerns. A strong ‘listening ecosystem’ can only evolve by residents engaging and given we have so much community consultation, surveys, polls and channels to have your voice heard, there is ample opportunity.
So, what does any of this have to do with what is occurring currently in our community? The updates below give an indication, and I am sure I do not need to say anything further except as I did to our newest ‘Aussies’, being a true Noosan involves caring, sharing, staying updated and enjoying that ‘snag’ or ‘lamo’ as we did!
Noosa River Management Plan
The final stage, although previously to commence in October 2025, commenced on 1 January 2026, introducing a 28-day anchoring limit across the entire river system. These changes are the culmination of community advocacy going back to 2015 with Noosa Council’s Community Jury, ensuing recommendations from the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) and then extensive public consultation by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), which have been broadcast through multiple channels over the years. Of note, there was no legislative requirement for MSQ to go through the long processes of the NRSAC or community consultation as the existing regulations could have been changed arbitrarily under their existing powers. However, they gave opportunity for all to engage over the years while drafting these changes, and that this is being criticised by some overlooks vital points including that liveaboard regulations have not changed, only the anchoring regulations, which apply to all vessels over five metres in length. There has always been a requirement for anyone living aboard a vessel to hold a permit and comply with related regulations, including anchoring and pollution controls, and any with a registered mooring and a liveaboard permit are not impacted by the new rules. As of last week, there was approximately 120 non-compliant vessels, with 20 of these being permanent liveaboards and 10 weekenders, with 20 per cent of the ‘20’ having contacted MSQ assessed in hardship. We were advised MSQ has not issued permanent liveaboard permits since 2005, only some temporary permits, which on initial meetings with those non-compliant seems to have created some confusion as to whether they were temporary. We continue to investigate this as well have requested a ‘Statement of Reasons’ and review of the implementation of the regulations from MSQ, and a location for a short-term holding/laydown area for vessels whose owners are endeavouring to comply but are currently unable due to financial or other constraints. Since the plan’s release in 2023, we have been very clear that no resident was to be left homeless because of any changes, and for me this is non-negotiable. MSQ have consistently given reassurances on this, and reiterated the importance of anyone in difficult circumstances to contact them on 5373 2310 or via MSQnoosa@tmr.qld.gov.au, and as I have asked previously, to cc’ my office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Decommissioned Tewantin TAFE site
As reported, the reassessment of the buildings has been completed by the owners, the NRA Collaborative, with the original proposal to reinvigorate as a school of design no longer viable due to deterioration. The alternate proposal is for independent seniors living. This is one of the few allowable uses under the site’s zoning, with assurances given by the owners that no clearing or impact to biodiversity overlays and koala habitat will occur. While the proposed development addresses an identified housing need, we continue to advocate that affordable worker accommodation, as the most pressing need in the Noosa Electorate, be prioritised and have reiterated the importance of Noosa Council being fully involved in the assessment and consultation process, to ensure that the views of the Noosa community and the intent of the local planning scheme are properly considered. Understandably, as a community we remain angry over the sequence of events since 2014 that allowed the devastation to this site to occur, however it is time to move forward and work to ensure this type of waste by governments never occurs again. The full history of the site including its closure without community consultation or warning, decision by Noosa Council not to purchase, and the Expression of Interest process and resulting outcome, is available at www.sandybolton.com/decommissioned-tafe-site-federal-court-native-title-claim-update-october-2024/
Operation Sandstorm
QPS conducted further enforcement operations across Noosa North Shore, Teewah and the Cooloola Recreation Area over the Christmas period, with more than 230 Traffic Infringement Notices issued, including over 90 for speeding, with 75 of those offences and the highest recorded speed of 83 km/h occurring within the 40 km/h Teewah zone. More than 500 Random Breath Tests and 60 Random Drug Tests resulted in charges against three drink drivers and eight drug drivers. These efforts are appreciated, and we continue to raise with the relevant ministers the need for stronger measures to address unacceptable and dangerous behaviours including restricting permit access for offenders within national parks. The Cooloola Recreation Area Management Plan is expected to be released early this year, and we will update the community once it becomes available.
Turtle Nesting Season
The Teewah Turtle Trackers have been hard at work since the beginning of the nesting season to locate turtle nests on Teewah Beach, with them reporting 21 nests at the time of writing, with a number disturbed by vehicle traffic resulting in damaged and destroyed eggs. Hundreds of viable eggs have been moved to safer positions so that these loggerhead and green turtles get to hatch in the coming weeks so please, can everyone assist by slowing down, not driving during high tide and staying well off the dunes when walking or driving.
Noosa MP Community Survey
Thank you to everyone who took part in our annual survey, which assists us identifying the ‘temperature’ of responders on state related issues or what may be raised in Parliament. 600 responses, even though considered an appropriate sample, is not at the level we would like to see as broader engagement, especially from that elusive ‘silent majority’ is our goal! We are currently collating the results for release before next month and welcomed constructive critique from a resident on the methodology, which has resulted in some funds normally dedicated to community grants used to address the concerns raised.
Assistance for Community Committees and Boards
Every year there can be changes to committees who have been elected to our various community and resident organisations, and sometimes with the ‘changeover’ comes different contact information. So don’t forget to update your club’s details after your AGMs to Noosa Council, your federal MPs as well us to ensure we all know who and how to contact when needed!
Finally, there has been so much on this last month, including an increase in poor behaviours between commenters on Facebook. Our office must focus on what needs to be done and those who require assistance, not monitoring the ridiculous and offensive. There are no reasons for anyone to spread misinformation, as issues are broadcast online, via Noosa 360, in these and other columns, on radio and our newsletter. A knowledgeable, informed community makes good decisions, so as I said earlier, please keep spreading the word to engage and participate so that our home remains the sensational place it is to work, rest and play!
Until next month embrace the many gifts that we all enjoy living where we do and give appreciation to those who make possible those gifts. And if you need any assistance, please call us on 53193100 or email noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. as my staff are back from their holidays and look forward to hearing from you!
