By MEGAN OGLE
Noosa councillor Sandy Bolton will go head-to-head with fellow councillor Tony Wellington as they vie for the top job in the 2016 council elections.
Speaking in front of supporters at the Tewantin RSL Park on Tuesday, Cr Bolton confirmed rumours and said she would contest the Noosa Council election as a mayoral candidate.
Cr Bolton’s announcement makes her the third candidate to run for the coveted positon of mayor alongside former councillor Ray Kelly and Cr Wellington.
Cr Wellington said he welcomed Cr Bolton’s announcement and said it was good for the community to have a choice of candidates.
“Sandy and I first had dealings when I was elected to the Sunshine Coast Council back in 2012 and she was working for the Cooroy RSL. Since both being elected to Noosa Council two years ago, we have worked amicably together,” he said.
“Inevitably there are some differences in our approach, but that is as it should be. My policies will be made clear when campaigning begins after the holiday season. I’m sure no-one wants to think too much about politics right now.“
Fellow councillor Frank Pardon said he supported Cr Bolton’s announcement and said Cr Wellington was no match for the popular Sandy.
“She is the hardest-working councillor, she has a lot of energy and drive and she talks about not just the environmental things, but she talks about economics, job creation, and the social aspects of the shire,” he said.
“Tony thinks it’s all about koalas and flying foxes but Sandy knows it’s all about the people.”
Cr Bolton said Noosa had been blessed with solid leadership for many years and it was crucial the new council got off on the right foot.
“Good leadership is earned every day, and I’m excited about putting the same work ethic I’ve had in place these past few years in a leadership capacity,” she said.
“Strengthening Noosa’s economy is achievable. It will require new ideas and innovative approaches. But building a stronger community means bringing people together to ensure that the environmental, economic and cultural concerns and priorities of our residents are reflected in both the discussion and the decisions made by council.”
