The Bolton Report with Sandy Bolton
Becoming part of the 56th Queensland Parliament this month was an incredible experience. The ceremonies embedded with traditions, meeting with the Governor General at Government House and the first sitting of Parliament were truly unforgettable.
This first sitting highlighted the importance of developing a new culture in politics where debate is robust and respectful, not personal. As politicians, we have a responsibility to lead by example, especially for our youngest Queenslanders, and spend taxpayer funded time constructively in delivering outcomes.
Whilst in Brisbane I was able to meet with Ministers and Department officers on a number of issues including key local items such as the TAFE site and Beckman’s Road. Discussions are under way and further meetings are planned in the coming months.
The Department of Housing and Public Works have been liaising with Noosa Council to achieve visual improvement of the Russell St Boatshed. Council has viewed the department’s amended plans and have rejected them as they do not meet the Noosa Plan. The negotiations are continuing.
QLD Parks & Wildlife Service have been leaf stripping and treating the Pandanus in the National Park for leaf hopper. They will continue to monitor through health checks and I will be meeting with southern MP’s next month regarding the dieback being experienced on our borders.
Current projects in the National Park include upgrades to the Tea Tree Bay Toilets, Noosa Day Use area, Laguna Lookout, internal tracks including the southern section of the Noosa Coastal Walking Track.
A decision is imminent from Queensland Rail on the historical pedestrian crossing which the Pomona community have been fighting to keep open. The schedule for platform replacements at Pomona and Cooran to be advised shortly.
Extra signage, marking and improved line of vision from the Pomona approach of the Six Mile Bridge is nearly complete and I look forward to some feedback from residents as to its effectiveness in reducing the danger of this bridge.
The long standing issue regarding the lack of a toilet at the first cutting carpark at the Noosa North Shore is being investigated and I am waiting on information from the department.
My commitment to ensuring a broad range of options for residents to ‘keep in the know’ with State issues’ is well underway. The mobile office – also known fondly as the ‘Coffee Corner’ is now on the road for those unable to come to the office at Noosa Civic! First stop is Tewantin Noosa RSL on Friday March 16 from 9am til 10am. Please phone the Electorate office on 5319 3100 to book a one-on-one time.
The community platform ‘Noosa 360’ is now live. The first topic is on the Noosa River, with discussion on a broad range of issues including waste disposal. To register and join in head to www.noosa360.sandybolton.com.
Monthly newsletters are now available and you can access via www.sandybolton.com/newsletters or call the office for a post out.
With so many great events on over the next month I look forward to seeing you out and about, or if not, then online.
Warm regards
Sandy
