JIM FAGAN
Noosa Council “flying squad” – Councillors Sandy Bolton, Frank Wilkie, Frank Pardon and Joe Jurisevic – were at North Shore yesterday as part of their series of quick-fire visits across the Shire to catch up with local issues.
More than 50 sites from Peregian to Kin Kin have been checked out in the last two weeks. This hands-on approach to hearing concerns is already a hit with Noosa, one farmer telling Cr Wilkie that: “This was the way it was in the old days when councillors used to visit people on their properties to see for themselves what was going on.” Cr Wilkie told Noosa Today the no-divisions shire meant councillors had to work together to find solutions for problems, or possible problems, across the region. “There’s no more looking after your own patch. We intend continuing visiting residents and communities personally to hear their concerns, discussing answers and solutions wherever possible. “Noel Playford and Bob Abbot are sharing their collective wisdom and Tony Wellington has provided extensive, detailed background briefings on issues he’s been dealing with.” Cr Wilkie said de-amalgamation had created a higher level of community unity and expectation than ever before. “This is a rare time when everyone seems to want the same things, the community, council staff and councillors. “Yes, there are problems to be addressed and challenges ahead. But so far, we’ve been able to gather first-hand feedback from residents and marry that with quality advice from professional staff. The aim is to collectively deliver better outcomes for the community. “The expectations are high, but they’re also clear. There is an enormous amount of goodwill in the community, which we value and don’t take lightly.”
