By MEGAN OGLE
ELECTION promises and funding commitments were the talk of the town as federal politicians paid Noosa a visit.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott, former Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss and LNP candidate for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien travelled across the Noosa region on Wednesday (1 June) in the lead-up to the federal election.
Peregian Beach Surf Club was first on the agenda for the day, with Mr O’Brien announcing plans to provide up to $20,000 funding to upgrade the club’s kitchen and changerooms if the Liberal Nationals are re-elected.
“The Peregian Beach Club has not undergone any significant renovation or refurbishment since it was built in 1980 and this funding will enable the club to expand its operations to better serve the local community,” Mr O’Brien said.
Mr Truss said surf lifesaving clubs improved water safety and created social and sporting opportunities.
“The renovated Peregian Beach Club will encourage more people to participate in the club’s events, strengthen its support base and deliver first aid education and training programs to the Peregian Beach community,” Mr Truss said.
The next stop on the agenda was Cooroy, where the entourage walked Maple Street and spoke to business owners before making an announcement about public safety at the Cooroy Butter Factory.
Small business owner Clara Goodwin spoke to Mr Abbott when he dropped in to her store Blue Brown Bag.
“It was great, I think they’re on the right track and let’s hope for small business they come through,” Ms Goodwin said.
Lifelife Pharmacy owner Jacqui Kiel also met Mr Abbott, saying “it was great to see the government taking interest in the town”.
Mr O’Brien addressed media at the Cooroy Butter Factory to confirm the allocation of $200,000 from round two of the Coalition’s Safer Streets Program which will see the installation of 23 CCTV cameras across Cooroy.
“This commitment will deliver CCTV cameras in Cooroy’s CBD, along Maple Street and the industrial park and allow for access by police at the Cooroy Police Station,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Cooroy CCTV camera network will enable police to monitor and respond to any suspicious activity.
“The presence of CCTV cameras also acts as a deterrent to those who are considering breaking the law.
“Potential offenders will think twice about possible criminal behaviour if their chances of being caught on camera are high.”
