Yes, the long prepped for Budget Estimates hearings are underway, and we had hoped with a new government that had railed against the failings when in opposition, that the flaws would be remedied as promised when they were elected in. Alas, not quite so, however some improvement.
For anyone unfamiliar, the Estimates process is a crucial one, providing opportunity to find out how public funds are being spent or not spent, whether what communities had sought was being delivered or not, and ultimately, if anything is missing, why? Our office as you know has been a longstanding advocate for reforming the committee and estimates process to address ongoing failings to achieve greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability. This would go a long way to restoring public trust and confidence in how government manages your hard-earned money by way of taxes.
In response to our Question on Notice earlier this year, the Premier confirmed work had commenced on a reform process for estimates. However as at the time of writing, the only change appears to be the ability to remove disruptive committee members from hearings and the installation of two ‘independent’ chairs to moderate the committees. Government’s definition of independence must differ from everyone else’s, as the chairs are both government MPs and, with no disrespect to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker who from my experience during week one are doing a good job, this was not the independence sought over the years.
Furthermore, welcomed changes to the estimates process that were actioned last year by the previous government have been reversed. These included giving both the opposition and crossbench members more time for crucial questions, via trimming the time allocated to government members and their ‘Dorothy Dixers’. This reversal has resulted in a significant loss of vital questioning for non-government members, and a return in those hours of predictable questions that promote government rather than scrutinising it.
This is not the major ‘overhaul’ the government advocated for while in opposition, and it is disappointing how political parties shift their positions once they are in power, which understandably increases the mistrust that continues to grow in the system and representatives at all levels. May our government demonstrate they are prepared to buck this trend and moving forward commit to agreeing to genuinely independent reviews on not just committee and estimates, but also other ‘trust builders’ such as further electoral reform (let’s not forget those postal vote applications!), the review of pandemic responses as part of disaster management, and public service capabilities. And no, there was nothing in the Budget for these, yet are critical in effective management of the state.
Now on to some updates, with a ‘wrap’ on Estimates in next edition as we are only halfway through, though lots of us have a dose of the flu already which seems to be a standard during this process.
Shark Nets
In response to our Question on Notice (QON), the Minister for Primary Industries stated the government maintains its position that shark nets and drumlines will continue under the Shark Control Program until alternatives are proven effective at reducing shark attack risks. We are now awaiting further responses from Noosa stakeholders on the trialling of net removal during the winter whale migration to reduce entanglements, with Noosa Council recently voting to write to the State Government for this trial in Noosa. For more information, see our latest Noosa 360 update via www.bit.ly/4lIhEpP.
Noosa River Management
Stage six as previously reported is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2025 which applies a limit of 28 days per year for anchoring vessels over five meters in length on the lower section of the Noosa River system. As requested by Sandy based on community feedback, Maritime Safety QLD (MSQ) has agreed to review the scope of this stage and the following stage to ensure there are no unintended consequences, including for Lakes Cooroibah and Cootharaba, in its implementation. Further at www.bit.ly/4l1HK5Z
Shaping SEQ Regional Plan
Following our advocacy, the Deputy Premier has provided further assurances that they plan to work closely with Noosa Shire Council and others in the review of ShapingSEQ 2023 to reset the planning partnership. They also acknowledged key considerations that we have continued to raise on behalf of residents regarding unsustainable population targets and other issues. For more information, visit our latest Noosa 360 update, via www.bit.ly/3IFxFy4.
State Facilitated Developments (SFD)
The Deputy Premier has recently advised that the SFD program has been paused for the foreseeable future, with the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning continuing to assess the remaining applications, including the one at Noosa Junction. See our latest Noosa 360 update via www.bit.ly/40sAzwg.
Inappropriate Social Media Use in Schools
Following recent reports, we asked a Question on Notice (QON) requesting the Minister for Education advise what is being implemented to protect students and prevent further occurrences. They have since responded outlining the antibullying and cyber safety initiatives being pursued. We would appreciate any feedback from residents to inform our advocacy. Read the minister’s full response at our Noosa 360 update via www.bit.ly/4f6UVRG.
E-Bikes & E-Scooters
While the Parliamentary Inquiry into e-mobility safety is underway, we have continued to advocate for increased action now before more injuries and deaths occur. In response, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads has committed to actively seek the support of other state ministers and the federal government, as well tasked the department with a range of initial actions to tackle the issues being experienced by dangerous riders. To read the minister’s full response, visit bit.ly/44QfeiP.
Burgess Creek
The current government committed $100,000 for a catchment management plan during the 2024 State Election, and we emphasized the need to honour this and additional funding for any identified necessary works. In response to our QON, the Minister for Environment confirmed it and stated government is collaborating with Noosa Shire Council on issues like erosion, with further funding options considered after a plan is developed. For more details, see our latest update www.sandybolton.com/burgess-creek-update-july-2025.
All Abilities Toilet Facilities
We followed up on the government commitment of $1 million to fund an all-abilities toilet facility on Gympie Terrace, with the minister notifying us that the funding has been made available to Noosa Council, who has responsibility to deliver.
Tinbeerwah Fire Station
Following our advocacy, a condition assessment was undertaken by the government, which identified several items for repair and maintenance, yet did not address the upgrades reported as needed. On a site visit with the Tinbeerwah Rural Fire Brigade team we saw firsthand the issues, including structural integrity, exposure risks, and more. We will provide an update once we have a response to our latest efforts to ensure that community safety and volunteer needs are met.
Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC)
The QRC reviews enrolment numbers in Queensland’s 93 electorates every seven and a half years and adjusts boundaries to ensure that each remains within 10 per cent of the average enrolment quota, which increases in line with Queensland’s population. Noosa is currently close to 3.4 per cent under the quota and is projected to be 8.9 per cent under quota by the next redistribution in 2032. While our boundaries do not necessarily have to change, redistribution up and down the coast may still have an impact. At this stage the QRC is inviting submissions on changes to electoral boundaries until August 6 via www.bit.ly/QRC2025feedback.
To finish as already mentioned at the time of writing Budget Estimates are only halfway through, so we will provide an update on what was unearthed at the hearings next edition. As well to the many questions we pre submitted as QONs which even though not ‘allowed’, we do every year as part of demonstrating how much more efficient it is for all.
With Facebook commentary on a number of matters demonstrating some residents are not aware on what is occurring in our community, please assist by encouraging others to check our columns, social media pages and newsletter. As well to use our website (www.sandybolton.com), where they can search by topic at Noosa 360, and subscribe to our newsletter whilst there, which ensures they receive any state-related Noosa polls or surveys. And as always, to contact our office for assistance or questions via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or 53193100, as knowledge is everything.
Until next month, enjoy this superb weather, our beautiful home and each other!
