By JONATHON HOWARD
THE battle to include four additional suburbs into the Noosa shire has entered a new phase as opposing sides of the debate clashed in a heated exchange outside the Noosa Council chambers on Monday, 20 October.
On the one hand, those residents eager to include Eumundi, Doonan, Verrierdale and Weyba Downs into the Noosa Shire were represented by the EDV (Eumundi, Doonan and Verrierdale) Residents Group, who had made a submission to Noosa Council to rally further support should the re-boundary go ahead.
On the flipside, members of the Sunshine Coast Alliance staged a protest against the EDV Residents Group’ application, demanding the Noosa Council reject it on the grounds that it raises conflicts of interest and the desire to retain divisional councillors under the Sunshine Coast Council.
EDV Residents Group president Johanne Wright entered a verbal slugging match with Sunshine Coast Alliance president Steve Bennett – and the fangs were out.
The two fired accusations at one another as camera crews and media representatives vied for photo opportunities and voices of support were heard from both sides.
The sledging turned nasty when Mr Bennett asked Ms Wright to clarify her involvement with the Noosa Parks Association and whether she had provided funds to a particular councillor in order for him to run for Noosa Council.
Ms Wright shot back and criticised Mr Bennett for his comments in relation to Noosa Council and labelled him a “pro-developer” who she said aligns himself with the Sunshine Coast Council’s pro-development agenda.
Residents from either side joined the verbal sledging, with most accusing each another of concealing their “hidden agendas”.
Noosa Council brought the EDV submission ahead on the list of motions as the chamber filled with members of both groups.
All councillors were present and discussions around the matter lasted several minutes with Cr Tony Wellington as chair.
The councillors determined that although the Noosa Council had no direct say over whether the re-boundary bid would take place, council would support the move should the Minister for Local Government decide to progress with the matter.
CEO Brett de Chastell said the re-boundary application had progressed and the Minister for Local Government was now appointing a boundary commissioner.
Cr Frank Pardon and Cr Bob Abbot said they appreciated the EDV Residents Groups’ submission and Cr Frank Wilkie congratulated the group on the merit of their proposal.
Mayor Noel Playford said EDV had every right to want to join the Noosa shire, stating that EDV residents use Noosa’s facilities and that it was a logical proposal.
Mayor Playford clarified that Noosa Council was not favouring the EDV and stressed the decision was for the Minister.
“But should the re-boundary be successful council would welcome the additional residents,” he said.
Mayor Playford also speculated that the current LNP government was focused on next year’s election and thought the LGAQ minister might be promoted or there might be a change of the ministerial role – which could open up a new application for the EDV Residents Group.
A unanimous vote was carried and included four specific recommendations including: “recognise that proposed boundary change issues should be initiated by the local community; note that there appears to be a significant overall community of interest between the EDV area and the Noosa Council; advise the EDV Residents Group Inc that Noosa Council would participate in any review process undertaken by the Change Commissioner if the Minister for Local Government makes a referral to the Local Government Change Commission pursuant to section 18 of the Local Government Act; and Noosa Council would welcome the EDV community to Noosa should the re-boundary occur.”
The motion was still awaiting a final council vote during the October ordinary meeting tonight.
