Noosa Council will apply to join the Southeast Queensland Council of Mayors in a show of support for the organisation and its successful bid for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mayor Clare Stewart said it was important Noosa strengthened its collaboration with other local councils in the south-east.
“Noosa’s involvement is long overdue, and councillors feel we need to broaden our engagement with other councils and be part of future discussions on a range of issues impacting the shire,” she said.
“SEQ Council of Mayors have done a tremendous job on a number of matters in recent years, including playing a pivotal role in securing the Olympic Games,
“Understandably this once in a generation event has the potential to accelerate investment in transport, infrastructure, tourism and so much more across the south-east and it’s time Noosa supported the work of this organisation,” Cr Stewart said.
At Monday’s General Committee meeting, councillors were united in their support to apply to the SEQ Councils of Mayors organisation.
Council chief executive officer Brett de Chastel said council would most probably be required to pay an annual membership of $35,000 and may also be required to contribute a one-off $40,000-$50,000 toward Olympic Games’ expenses but that was still to be decided by the group.
Cr Stewart said previous Noosa Councils decided not to be part of the SEQ Council of Mayors and that was their choice, but the current council considered collaboration and robust dialogue with other councils as vital.
“We need to work as one SEQ region to deliver better outcomes for the business sector and wider community,“ she said.
“Working with other councils provides an opportunity to raise issues with the group, who can advocate on our behalf and amplify our lobbying voice to the State and Federal Government.
“The 2032 Games are a golden opportunity for our Council to work more closely with other SEQ local governments and to advocate to the State and Federal Government to improve regional connectivity across the Sunshine Coast and secure state of the art community and sporting facilities.“
Cr Brian Stockwell said he supported the move with the understanding of what Noosa could bring to the group and what the group could bring to Noosa.
