Pope Francis made positive changes in many realms through equity, compassion and collaboration, and as I raised in a Matters of Public Interest speech last Parliament, leaders must follow his example. As we saw in the federal election with a continuing trend of decreasing support for the major parties, Australians are frustrated by an inability of governments at all levels to manage their responsibilities in a respectful and factual manner, To say I have been deeply disappointed by the toxicity between both sides of Chamber since the 2024 state election is an understatement, and as I said, how can we ask for better behaviours in our youth and communities and an end to bullying in our schools, when we cannot demonstrate this in our own parliament?
Our governments must rebuild trust and integrity through needed reforms, including a review into the flawed committee system and an independent inquiry into Queensland’s Covid response. In addition, an end to the hoodwinking on postal vote applications sent by political parties, and the cherry picking of data to suit a narrative, versus for the solution.
The reality is that hardworking Queenslanders and our retirees are not interested in bickering, whitewashing, blame, nor in band aid slogans. They want answers, evidence-based solutions, transparency, and facts to their questions. It is time for our state and country to collaborate and move beyond the combativeness and divisiveness of our immature parliaments and to pass the ‘pub test’, as Pope Francis did, leaving a legacy that moved beyond religion to one of a template for all politicians.
Now to some updates which are also available in more detail on Noosa 360 at SandyBolton.com/Noosa360
Noosa River Management Next Stages
With stages 5 and 6 commencing May and October respectively, there has been concerns raised that these changes will lead to further upstream being used as a ‘dumping ground’. We have been assured by Maritime Safety QLD (MSQ) that they will be delivering the agreed upon outcomes for our whole river system on the 28-day rule and will be advising of further stages later in the year. Further information regarding the current stages are available at Noosa 360 with more information expected on further changes as we get closer, and for any concerns contact MSQ direct via sunshinecoast.martime@msq.qld.gov.au and please us in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au
Electric bikes, scooters and illegal motorbikes
The Noosa community welcomed the announcement on 1 May of a Parliamentary Inquiry by the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee following our advocacy and call for action the previous Parliament sitting. We thank the transport minister for listening, however, are disappointed that an amendment to see this inquiry completed by August this year was voted down, and instead it will be 2026. We have raised the dangers since 2022, and while there had been some action, including new enforcement laws, it has not been enough. On April 1, I stood in Parliament and requested the government implement innovative and proactive solutions to further curb reckless and dangerous electric bike, scooter, and illegal motorbike usage to ensure safer roads and pathways and submitted recommendations to the relevant ministers from our first responders, local community groups and residents on what urgent reforms are needed to increase community safety. These including enhanced monitoring, awareness and education in schools, and potential licensing and registration for legal e-bikes. May actions that emanate from the inquiry deliver real improvements, and we will post up when submissions are open. In the meantime, we continue to work with our police, as well with E-Bike Safety Australia and schools to do a pilot and ask everyone to report any incidences of dangerous riding to our police on 131444.
Northern Sunshine Coast Transport Strategy
A key issue that we have continued to raise since funding was secured by Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to undertake the Northern Sunshine Coast Transport Strategy was that the area covered under the strategy excluded our northern hinterland rail line towns. We included this in our advocacy, along with public transport options needed for our hinterland communities, increased connections to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, improved rail frequency on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast line and a rail shuttle between Gympie North and Nambour stations. The Transport and Main Roads Minister has confirmed that the Strategy’s focus area would be broadened to the north and west to accommodate the needs of our hinterland rail villages, and I thank him for this.
Queensland Parliamentary Committee Reform
As we have highlighted since 2018, the estimates and committee processes have serious flaws that require reform to improve transparency and efficiency. With a new state government, I asked the 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 what will be done regarding 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 action as this is one of the most important ‘tools’ to build transparency and integrity, as well develop bipartisanship.
Noosa National Park
The $1.1 million coastal walk upgrades have recently been completed, including track resurfacing in some areas, construction of new rock retaining walls, enhanced accessibility, and upgraded interpretive signage. With some residents raising concerns regarding damage from over visitation and the need for more rangers and compliance patrols, there has been some positive progress with the Minister for Environment confirming that Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) are increasing patrols, boosting the number of rangers in our parks, as well promoting user etiquette on the Coastal Walking Track and the Fairy Pools in an effort to improve amenity and reduce the impact of visitation on the environment. In addition, encouraging runners to use Tanglewood Track which is a positive start!
Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project
Seqwater has advised that a larger siphon system has now been installed to assist with the lowering of Lake Macdonald to 42 per cent capacity. This will be operational in May and enable greater control over water releases, with regular environmental monitoring to be conducted throughout the project. The construction of the temporary cofferdam will also commence in line with the lake lowering, to provide a safer work area to demolish the existing dam wall and allow water to remain in the dam during the construction of the new wall. This will assist in minimising impacts on aquatic life and allow some recreational activities to continue where safe and practical to do so. For more information on this project, visit the Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project website.
Cooroy Intersections and Overpass
We welcomed the government’s commitment to fund an upgrade business case and designs for both the Myall/Elm and the Diamond/Elm Street intersections, and sought a timeline on delivery, as well as a further commitment for construction funding. So far the Minister has only confirmed preliminary planning had been undertaken and that the department was in the process of developing project scope and timelines. As the majority of Cooroy, including these intersections, are outside the Noosa electorate, it is important if you have any questions or concerns to contact our State Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt MP, who can be contacted via nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au and please cc our office in.
Queensland Day Awards
Nominations for this fabulous recognition of selfless Noosans close at 12pm on Monday 19 May 2025. Local community groups can nominate up to two individuals who have not received this award before and have volunteered for at least two years within or provided services to the Noosa state electorate. All successful nominees will receive a personalised medallion and a certificate of recognition at the ceremony on Friday, 6 June at The J, and I look forward to seeing everyone there and giving each volunteer a huge hug to thank them for their tireless work for us! For more information or to complete an online nomination, visit sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards. Hard copies of the nomination forms are also available from our office or by calling 53193100.
Be Always Prepared
For anyone that has not yet got their disaster plan done and evacuation bag handy, can I ask that you please do so by heading to www.getready.qld.gov.au. With many new to our community, and others not so new unprepared for any eventuation, I can only reiterate that being organised and knowledgeable takes away any fear, as you know what to do, where to go and who to call! Importantly, if you have some time, please consider volunteering for our incredible organisations who assist us all during floods, fires and other disasters such as the SES, Rural Fire Brigades, Lions’ clubs and others, as you will not only become much loved, you also will make fantastic new friends!
To finish. We finally have our official photo for my Health, Environment and Innovation Committee (HEIC) and as you have seen over the last six months, we have been extremely busy! Between an inquiry into Queensland’s container refund scheme, review of several proposed bills, visits to the Kedron Emergency Services Complex, regional public hearings in North Queensland, and the consideration of Auditor-General reports, including planning for sustainable health services, there has definitely not been a ‘quiet’ moment. For more information on the work of the HEIC, visit bit.ly/HEICWork with a gentle reminder that my role as a Member of Parliament is different to my role as a committee member, so if you ever wish to discuss any of the work of HEIC, please contact HEIC@parliament.qld.gov.au
Until next month, may we see less rain please as our tanks versus cups continue to overfloweth, if that is a word?
Sandy.
