Mark Denham is the Labor Party candidate for the seat of Noosa.
1. What do you believe are the major issues facing Noosa?
Maintenance and improvement of the Noosa Hospital and its capacity to cope for the future.
As a local paramedic for 25 years, I know what improvements the medical specialists want and I am best placed to represent community needs. Since the LNP took power we have seen continual reduction in services and threats the hospital will close. I have seen first-hand public elective surgery at Noosa Hospital stopped by the LNP government. First it was the orthopaedic surgeries. What will be next, dialysis?
Job and the security of jobs in the Noosa area, including the 15 to 25 age group. With unemployment for this group at almost 20 per cent, Labor has put forward clear strategies to reduce this level.
2. What is your position on major development in Noosa?
Labor rejects and will repeal the LNP legislation that has reduced the capacity of local councils and communities to oppose unwelcome development.
Labor will restore the right for the Noosa Council and community to plan and ensure an appropriate mix of the natural and built environments.
3. Explain in one sentence why people should vote for you.
My family has lived in Noosa for 25 years and I have demonstrated that I have the dedication, integrity and experience to stand up for what is right and ensure better processes for locals to have input to improve our wonderful community.
4. If elected, what issues would you fight for in Noosa?
As a local paramedic, I am passionate about improving our community and helping others. I will advocate for improving services in the Noosa area and the Sunshine Coast. I will campaign hard with the local community and interest groups, to improved allied health services to bring important infrastructure into Noosa.
I believe in job creation, not job cuts, to stimulate the local economy and reduce unemployment. I strongly support Labor’s “Ready for Work” policy to give young locals, direction and assistance in entering the work environment.
Labor has pledged to rescue the local TAFE that was closed by the LNP. Labor will repeal the LNP legislation that has reduced the capacity of local councils and communities to oppose unwelcome development.
5. Tell us something about you that most people wouldn’t know.
I have been a paramedic (the most trusted profession in Australia) in Noosa for the past 10 years and for over 36 years in the Queensland Ambulance Service. I am currently an on-road paramedic working out of the Tewantin Station.
I have lived in the Noosa area for 25 years and in my Cooroibah home for 15 years, along with my wife, raised four children who attended local schools. I have many interests but on my days off I love spending time with my family and six, almost seven, grandchildren.
I have a third-degree black belt in martial arts and played football (league) in my younger days.
