Noosa councillor Nicola Wilson reflects on her first year in council:
It’s a year already since the election results were finalised and we were sworn into council for our four-year term. It’s also a year since I started having trouble with my balance and walking. So in many respects, a rollercoaster ride!
We started this term with a jam-packed induction program, including introductions to departments and staff, updates on plans and strategies, as well as understanding the broader local government environment and stakeholders. We also talked about councillors’ priorities. Mine included a deep understanding of the financials, developing and rolling out the DMP (Destination Management Plan), increased compliance of STAs, and addressing the housing crisis. These were reflected in the committees I was appointed to.
Much of our first year has been focussed on progressing matters that started in the prior council term, such as the amendments to the Noosa Plan 2020, and the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan. The key part of the learning curve for me has been the complexities of the planning scheme and some challenging planning decisions we were faced with.
Another challenge has been learning about the workings of local government compared to the private sector. My professional career included roles in finance and consulting with EY, Caltex, Qantas, Fairfax, so I’m used to large organisations with multiple departments and services and diverse customers. I’m also used to hitting tight deadlines, presenting to boards and managing teams. It was usually my role to run the numbers, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports, so it’s an interesting adjustment for me to be on the receiving end instead! It’s also interesting to have that close connection with the ‘customer’ that a regular board member doesn’t get to experience.
When I nominated as a council candidate, I expressed that I was practised in reading voluminous reports and being able to absorb, retain and distil data, and I don’t think I realised how important this would be. The key part of our role is to vote in General Committee and Ordinary meetings, on matters that can have major significance for our shire. We usually receive reports when they are released to the public, with only two or three days to read the information, ask questions, and speak to those affected by any decisions. So in the build up to those meetings, my time is prioritised on being as informed and prepared as I can be.
Outside of that monthly meeting cycle, my diary frees up more to get out in the community to talk to people, and I’m really enjoying that. We have such an engaged community, and often there are multiple perspectives on matters put before council. I’m also learning a lot about the history of Noosa and the decisions that led to the place we know and love today.
Inside the chambers, I enjoy talking to staff about the services council offers, the projects people are working on, and their ideas for the future. We’re all constantly aware of the need to get the basics right, improve liveability, support our economy, and balance the budget when costs keep increasing. As a small council, we deliver a lot of services to support residents, businesses and visitors, and I’m very aware of the increasing cost to ratepayers.
I hope I’m building a reputation as a councillor who listens, and who you can trust to give a straight answer to any question (whether you like the answer or not!). I feel the frustration in the community when there is conflicting information, or a lack of transparency. I’m always open to meeting individuals or groups face to face to have an honest conversation.
We all know work/life balance is important, and one of the reasons I chose Noosa as home six years ago was the variety of activities and community groups to choose from. These groups helped me to make friends here while pursuing my hobbies and creative passions. My favourite way to unwind is singing with Good Vibrations Choir (Cooroy) every Monday night. And after many years performing and volunteering in musical theatre in Sydney, it was great to finally get on the Noosa Arts Theatre stage (Ladies in Black) last year. My actual balance is starting to improve and I’m finally getting back to my favourite walks along the Noosa River.
Looking forward to the challenges and successes ahead!
Contact me at nicola.wilson@noosa.qld.gov.au
