By Rose Astley
As a proud Noosa resident, business owner, community advocate, and mother of three, I believe a place so iconic as Noosa cannot afford to rest on its laurels and sit complacently in the past.
We cannot kick back and idly float along in the belief all will be well when so many in our community feel disconnected from their local government.
Since announcing I intended to run for Noosa Mayor, I have actively sought community input, canvassing the residents and ratepayers of this diverse shire to best understand the issues that matter to them.
This community consultation is indicative of the way I intend to run Noosa Council, but equally importantly highlights the following issues of concern:
Many in this community feel their voices have not been heard.
Many in this community feel the assets which make Noosa such a unique and vibrant place to live are not being adequately protected.
Many feel the red-tape and governance of Noosa is overly cumbersome, response is slow, communication is lacking, and process is non-transparent.
Many feel council has been side-tracked by issues that extend beyond its scope, wasting valuable ratepayer funds on ad hoc projects that will offer little benefit to the local community.
Many further feel these projects were initiated with minimal community consultation.
Many feel there are valuable assets going to waste where potential for improvement has either been overlooked or neglected.
Many feel the current Council and this Shire has been impacted by negative headlines resulting from poor councillor behaviour.
Many feel the value of small business is not properly recognised or supported.
Many feel it’s time for Noosa, for a change.
I share that belief and I espouse that shift.
I will work to protect and enhance our magnificent environment which is so important to our future and our livelihoods.
My council will support all existing local business and look for opportunities to attract and develop appropriate new business.
I will protect the Noosa lifestyle we all love, through community engagement, real consultation, and honest, transparent leadership.
My council will have a healthy internal culture and a positive, respectful and supportive relationship with the whole of the Noosa Shire community.
My council will continue to partner with the tourism industry to ensure a dynamic, competitive and sustainable future.
My leadership will create a healthy, dynamic Noosa Council with a culture that effectively supports our organisation, environment, and our community.
In addition to the pillars of leadership and policy outlined above, I have also developed the following 10-point action plan in response to immediate community concerns.
These are the issues which require urgent action to restore and protect the Noosa that we call home.
1. Protect our environment with innovative, cost-effective technology to eliminate current Landfill Problems.
2. Implement a new Disaster Management Plan with particular emphasis on fire breaks to alleviate unnecessary risks for our community.
3. Ensure all local roads and bridges are safe.
4. Appoint a dedicated Community Engagement Officer for the Hinterland.
5. Upgrade and connect popular bikeways.
6. Reconnect with sporting and community organisations for a seamless, unbiased flow of information and support.
7. Provide our residents with clarity on the new Noosa Plan. i.e. What is it? How will it affect me?
8. I will advocate for local businesses to ensure their interests are represented in council.
9. Build a new jetty in the Noosa Woods precinct, to allow a safe and convenient drop-off and pick-up point for locals and tourists alike.
10. Assess whether council should continue to own the Sunrise Shops.
Of course, there is far more to be done. Further issues will continue to emerge, and they will require a proactive, accountable Mayor who will consistently meet the challenge.
In both my professional and personal life I have forged a reputation for rising to and exceeding the challenges which come my way.
Professionally, I am a former barrister-at-law, and now the owner of two small businesses. Personally, I am happily married to local business operator Cam Stewart. Together we have three children who we have chosen to raise in Noosa for the lifestyle and community it offers.
In addition, Cam and I support numerous charities. Perhaps the one closest to my heart is Youngcare, where I proudly worked for two years and now have the privilege of being on their Board of Directors.
My advocacy for Youngcare is due to the deeply personal ties I have with this organisation.
When I was 23, I was enjoying a morning jog in Sydney when I was hit by a truck then pinned under it.
Lucky to be a live, I was told I would never walk again. After six months in hospital and a further 37 operations over 10 years, my dedicated medical team and I proved that prediction wrong.
I have a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, I am also a keynote speaker and published author.
These are the qualifications I bring to the table as a leader, in the knowledge they are testament to a no-nonsense individual who has the ability to rise to any challenge and get the job done.
Most importantly however, I am a passionate advocate for Noosa. I believe this community deserves a council with a vision for the future that offers a true voice to Noosa residents and business.
Since announcing my candidacy, I have personally visited all areas of the region, met with hundreds of ratepayers, reached out to the many groups in the Shire, and taken on board all viewpoints.
This is the type of open and accountable council I would lead in a Shire that would thrive, prosper and represent the values of its residents.
I’m here for you, I stand for Noosa, for a change.
For more information, please visit clarefornoosamayor.com
