It isn’t often that I am beyond surprised by what occurs in Parliament, or decisions by government. However, over the past weeks, a concerning trend is developing of making decisions based not on evidence, but on political agendas and ‘mandates’ set as part of political campaigning.
What started as a slogan has led to instrumental changes to our youth justice system with longer detention times that have no basis in publicly available evidence, data or research. However, evidence does show that detention does not deter offending by the over 90 per cent reoffending rate, and that longer detentions further criminalise, leading to increased violence. The last sitting saw the range of offences to which this flawed legislation was to apply expanded, and that both sides of the chamber supported it should have every Queenslander raising serious questions about our two major parties. Through their vote, the parties reiterated that they are prepared to totally abandon any pretence of evidence-based decision-making, as well transparency, with the government refusing to release the advice from the newly formed Expert Legal Panel, which they refer to as a basis for their decisions.
As I said in my speech, due to this, we are running ‘blind’. Waiting until the next heinous crime makes no sense, and I raised again that mandatory long-term rehabilitation in a secure setting needs to take place for those on the Serious Repeat Offender Index, who are committing the majority of these crimes, before they commit their next offence, not after. To see MPs support a policy that evidence says will ultimately make our communities less safe was a sad day, and I will continue to call for public release of data, an update on the 2024 Youth Justice Inquiry recommendations, as well for an independent statistician to end the cherry-picking of data so decisions can be guided by facts, not to suit a narrative or a slogan.
The trend to ignore evidence appears to have continued with the announcement that shark nets would increase, regardless of the findings of a KPMG review on the current shark control program, which recognised the negative impacts the program has on the environment with recommendations to trial the removal of nets during whale migration season to reduce entanglements. The science and data demonstrating that shark nets damage marine life, whilst not keeping sharks out, is evidenced by drone footage of them going under or around the nets, and two fatalities occurring on netted beaches. Even though the plan commits to creating a new framework to trial and evaluate alternative technologies to reduce reliance on nets, questions abound. With a Department of Primary Industries survey on the SharkSmart drone trial showing overwhelming support for the use of drones instead of nets, and a majority of responders to our annual survey supporting the removal of nets during whale migration, we have written to the minister for the rationale behind the increase of nets, as well Peregian’s inclusion and will provide an update when a response is received. We ask everyone to share their views with the minister via primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au and cc our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Then we go to the release of Destination 2045, which is the ‘blueprint’ for doubling the amount of tourism into Queensland. For many communities, this is being welcomed with open arms, for others, the arms are defensively folded. Why? Because so far, there has been no commitment as to how increases will be managed in areas that are already overburdened by volume. For our community, both residents and businesses have relied on our unique selling points (USP) of our natural attributes and laid-back vibes, which have been eroded for both residents and visitors from unmanaged tourism volume over the last decade. To retain our USP, we have the job of ensuring the ‘overloving’ does not see us divorced from the very things that have made Noosa an internationally recognised iconic destination to live, work and play.
Within that plan, there are some wonderful aspirations, however, sadly, except for some additional indigenous rangers, there is no mention found so far of how the impacts from potentially millions of extra visitors will be offset, including longstanding efforts to see current levels managed appropriately. Having seen our volunteers over the decades work tirelessly to eradicate invasive species, pick up rubbish, and form barriers to prevent turtle hatchlings from being run over, that the government has not yet indicated any provisions to address the existing issues is unacceptable.
In addition, moving to a simple permit system for operators in National Parks signals an intent to increase commercialism in our protected areas without any safeguards. It does make one wonder whether recent announcements of an extra 9,000 hectares of national parks and refuges are part of a broader intent that is not about conservation, instead under the banner of eco-tourism, unknown or unmanaged volumes of visitors and associated impacts.
In the development of the plan, submissions from our community, including Tourism Noosa reiterated how Noosa could retain its USP by moving into the internationally trending regenerative tourism space, which focuses on leaving a place better than how you found it. With only 5 of the identified 45 projects listed in the Plan, understandably given previous experiences there are concerns and it is important, as part of our advocacies going forward, that you send your views both for or against what is in the Destination 2045 Plan, by writing to me at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. The plan is available at www.bit.ly/Destination2045, with more on regenerative tourism available at earthcheck.org/research/what-is-regenerative-tourism.
Now to some updates!
Boating Infrastructure
We have had ongoing conversations with the Minister for Transport and Main Roads regarding the $2.5 million commitment for new boating infrastructure, and we welcome the progress made so far. It was noted in a recent Noosa Council General Committee Meeting that priorities for investment would likely include the Noosaville Boat Ramp and Supporting Pontoons, Hilton Esplanade Tewantin (Doonella) Boat Ramp and Noosa Woods Jetty, though this would be subject to further council deliberation and decision. Meetings are occurring between Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and Noosa Council, and verbal support has been reported for assisting with ‘on shore’ infrastructure with this funding, which is positive news, and our recent conversations with Ministerial staff now indicate some flexibility. Thank you to everyone involved in advocating for improved facilities for our community, as we have much to do in progressing priorities, including the Tewantin Bypass.
Kin Kin Quarry EPBC Application
With Senator the Hon. Murray Watt being appointed as the new Federal Minister for the Environment on 13 May 2025, we have written to him with a copy of our submission lodged in September 2023 regarding the Kin Kin Quarry’s application under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Approving this additional clearing of some ten hectares of koala habitat and the resulting environmental impacts will only exacerbate an already impactful and traumatic situation for our community and environment.
Reckless Electric Bike, Scooter and Illegal E-Motorbike Usage
With submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry now open, this is your chance to share your experiences and recommendations to inform solutions. In the meantime, while the inquiry is underway, we will continue efforts on the recommendations from our first responders, local community groups and residents, and to see consistent age limits applied. In addition, increased policing, including at our schools, and support for the pilot of e-tags. For further information and to lodge your submission, visit www.bit.ly/SubmissionsEbikeInquiry. Please send a copy to our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
$1.4m Noosa Coast Guard New Vessel
Our newest addition to the QF5 fleet was gently lowered by crane into the Noosa River. Funded by Marine Rescue Queensland (MRQ), the ‘John Milland’ now joins Bendigo Rescue and Rotary Rescue, which were delivered earlier this year. Our efforts since 2018 to see a fairer model for our bluewater frontliners have seen several good changes, from the establishment of MRQ to the delivery of this new vessel.
Noosa River Navigation Aids
Following long-term advocacy, MSQ have installed navigational lights on the port and starboard buoys and beacons in the Noosa River, marking the navigation corridor from Woods Bay to the Noosa cable ferry. This will assist in making night-time boating safer on our waterway. However, please remember to ‘do your bit’ and ensure your vessel displays the correct navigation lights, whether underway or at anchor!
Queensland Parliamentary Committee Reform
With progress on this nearly achieved under the previous government, I asked our new Premier, via a Question on Notice, to commit to a timeframe for commissioning an independent review of the committee system. Referring to the Budget estimates, the Premier confirmed that work has commenced on a reform process, however, there was no mention of the failings of the broader committee system. Given that the Committee of the Legislative Assembly under the former government was set to decide on a path forward, we will continue to push for a complete review, not half, as this is one of the most important ‘tools’ to build transparency and integrity, while developing bipartisanship.
With so much to share, and never enough space, please visit www.sandybolton.com/noosa360 where a handy search bar is available to find your topic of interest. Also, our monthly e-newsletter is available at www.sandybolton.com/newsletters or paper copies from our office or by calling 53193100. And for those online, head to Sandy Bolton MP on Facebook, Instagram and Linked in for daily posts!
Until next month, enjoy this chilly weather, hopefully minus rain, and if you need any assistance regarding a state government matter, please contact us on 53193100 or noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au
