Before we head into some updates, it was a privilege to be one of two Queensland delegates to accompany the Speaker of Parliament to the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, and I thank the government for the opportunity.
There are 56 countries in the Commonwealth, with MPs in attendance representing one third of the world’s population, or 2.7 billion people. To have them, as well as world leaders in one room, was educational with informative workshops and lectures, as well as inspirational speakers. This included the Prime Minister of the host nation, Barbados, who spoke of the challenges facing democracy, the importance of governments acknowledging when they have made a mistake, that a pause on a decision is not incompetence as it is taking the time to listen, and that the people we represent engage in their own time, not when we determine! This made me think about how we could improve our surveys, as even though the number of Noosans that respond is considered acceptable by industry standard, I do not and would appreciate ideas on how we can encourage more residents to participate as part of good decision making and how we vote on legislation!
A key and consistent message throughout the topics discussed at the Conference whether in relation to financial management, discrimination, violence in society or the loss of trust in governments and representatives; was the role that political parties, parliamentarians, media and social media play in inciting abuse and hatred through their behaviours. As well as the erosion of a point of ‘truth’ and impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and social engineering which will further amplify mistrust through misinformation.
Hence, why I will continue to seek respectful and relevant debate in our Chamber, systems that are transparent, credible and efficient, and importantly decision making based on evidence, not on political fear mongering and emotive ‘grabs.’
To read more about the conference, head to www.cpahq.org/68-cpc/.
Now to some updates.
Whale Entanglements and Shark Nets
Following further entanglements, a dolphin fatality and an Oceans for All meeting that I chaired seeing 70 per cent of representatives from Noosa business, environmental, and water-user groups in attendance support a trial to replace shark nets with safe alternatives during whale migration as requested by Noosa Council, I raised this in Parliament. Included was key evidence provided, such as the 2019 Federal Court determination, Administrative Appeals Tribunal findings, and University of Wollongong research that nets do not improve swimmer safety. With government ignoring this evidence, along with KPMG’s recommendations to transition away from nets and calls from both Council and our community, I asked given that safe alternatives are already used successfully elsewhere, for government to listen to our community and work towards replacing shark nets with these alternatives during the next whale migration season. In addition, given a James Cook University Study advised people not to swim or surf near shark nets due to the potential for bycatch attracting sharks, a request to the Department of Primary Industries to investigate this. After this, the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) passed Councillor Amelia’s motion (204 For, 7 Against) for our government to work with interested coastal councils to trial non-lethal, evidence-based shark mitigation technologies. To view the latest updates, head to www.sandybolton.com/shark-nets-and-control-measures-update-october-2025/. My speech is available at bit.ly/43ualuu.
Noosa River Management
As reported, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have announced they are consolidating the stage six and seven reforms into a single stage commencing 1 January 2026. This introduces a 28-day anchoring limit per financial year across the entire Noosa River system, including connected lakes and creeks. Information on this is available at bit.ly/49dBXrt and to provide feedback on any of these changes, please email sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au and CC our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au. For the full history of these changes and the journey over the last seven years, head to www.sandybolton.com/noosa360/.
Vessel Registration Reforms
Transport and Main Roads (TMR) are also developing reforms to vessel registration and identification requirements as part of addressing boat abandonment and dereliction. These changes aim to improve accountability and reduce future wrecks in our waterways, so please provide feedback on the current system and what you feel is needed to inform our advocacy and help shape these future reforms. For more information head to www.msq.qld.gov.au/registration and please email your feedback to noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Financial Scams
Following recent cyber fraud here in our community, I asked the Minister for Open Data what the government is doing to prevent this financial theft using social engineering AI tools which are impacting governments, businesses, and individuals statewide. With cyberattacks occurring every six minutes in Australia and AI making scams more complex, we urge residents to learn how to identify and respond to scams via www.scamwatch.gov.au, and businesses to explore the Cyber Warden program at bit.ly/3KQ8DgQ. To read the Ministers response, visit bit.ly/477OCJZ.
Operation Spring Break
Sunshine Coast Highway Patrol issued 126 infringements over four days during the recent school holidays along Teewah Beach. These figures highlight long-held community concerns about unsafe and damaging behaviour in the Cooloola Recreation Area. Whilst we appreciate increased enforcement activities, current management and protections are inadequate, and we continue to urge government to implement long-requested measures including speed reductions, restrictions during turtle season north of Freshwater Track, and management of volume during peak times to meet community and visitor expectations, as well ensure that our key economic assets and international drawcard are protected. For the history on community efforts, head to www.sandybolton.com/?s=teewah+cooloola.
Containers for Change
The Health, Environment and Innovation Committee, of which I am a member, released the findings of its Inquiry into Improving Queensland’s Container Refund Scheme, with several referrals made to appropriate independent bodies. Recommendations included for the Productivity Commission to investigate whether raising the return amount would deliver better return rates, however ultimately it is up to all of us to boost our recycling efforts and lessen the load on our landfills! To view the report, head to www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Work-of-the-Assembly/Tabled-Papers/docs/5825t1593/5825t1593.pdf
Queensland Energy Roadmap
This newly announced plan scraps the previous government’s aim to phase out coal-fired power by 2038 and instead will continue until at least 2046. The rationale given is to address rising energy costs and maintain supply reliability, while supporting the transition to net zero by 2050. The changes have drawn mixed responses from stakeholders around impacts on industry, jobs, and the environment, as well in renewable investment. Our office is currently reviewing the roadmap, and we invite resident feedback to help inform advocacy. Please read the Energy Roadmap at bit.ly/479Qmmb and share your views via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Cooroy Intersections
Transport and Main Roads has now called for tenders to progress the business case and designs. Please note that these intersections are within the Nicklin electorate, which is represented by Marty Hunt MP, who can be contacted via nicklin@parliament.qld.gov.au and if Noosa electorate residents could please cc our office at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au
Get Ready Queensland
This month saw Get Ready Queensland Week, a reminder that we are now in the season of fires, floods and storms! Please take a few minutes to get prepared by checking your emergency kit, advise everyone in your household of the emergency plan, and make the Noosa Disaster Dashboard at disaster.noosa.qld.gov.au/ a ‘favourite’ on your phone for live updates, road closures, weather warnings and remember to opt in for Noosa Alerts. For tips on how to prepare, visit www.getready.qld.gov.au to keep your family, neighbours and friends safe.
To finish. This year’s Connect will be in your ’snail mail’ boxes in December, and within are links to the 2026 Noosa Community Survey, which is vital for you to fill out as this is how we share your voice in Parliament, as well prioritise our efforts! We also broadcast to newsletter subscribers, the community organisation database, on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, as well to our newest Noosans via a welcome letter when they notify the Electoral Commission of Queensland of their new address. So please, spread the word as this is about our home, our people and our future!
With columns, social media and newsletters never ‘enough’ to share all that we are working on, please visit our website (www.sandybolton.com), where you can search by topic at the Noosa 360 tab. Whilst there, subscribe to our newsletter which ensures you receive any state related Noosa polls or surveys. As always, please contact our office for assistance on state related matters via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au or 53193100, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Linked In to get updates as they come to hand!
Have a fabulous ‘getting ready for Christmas’ month, and with some very hot days here, stay cool and hydrated, and have your evacuation kit always on hand, including medications for yourself and furry family members!
