Accountability Checklist

Reporting on my promises to the people of Noosa

In 2020 I asked for your trust to deliver real change for Noosa. Four years later, I am committed to openness and accountability on my 10 key priority areas, and to continue working right up to my final day as Mayor.

Commitment #1: Strengthen the Noosa community against bushfires, through greater preventative measures and bolstered firefighting capabilities. 

Progress: Delivered!
Council has more than doubled its fire mitigation budget, and over the last two years conducted controlled burns across more than 400 ha of bushland. We have a dedicated in-house fire officer and 16 of our staff now have nationally accredited fire training. And we have also added two additional fit-for-purpose Landcruisers to Council’s fleet of light attack vehicles, taking the total number from three to five and our world class Firetech program is testing AI and other tech to detect, predict, and remotely fight bushfires.

Commitment #2: Protect our environment with innovative, cost-effective technology to reduce landfill problems. 

Progress: Delivered!
Council’s new five-year waste and recycling plan is using technology and innovation to cut landfill, and saving around $380,000 per year. Similarly, the installation of a Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) as part of the Containers for Change container is another tangible example of how Council is diverting recyclable material from landfill to both reduce emissions and conserve landfill space.

Commitment #3: Ensure all local Roads and Bridges are safe.  

Progress: Delivering!
The work of ensuring safe roads and bridges will never stop, but we are well on the way. This year’s Budget contains a record $43 million capital works program, including funding for upgrades and renewals to three hinterland bridges.

Commitment #4: Appoint a dedicated Community Engagement Officer for the Hinterland.  

Progress: Delivered!
Since 2021/22 Noosa has had a dedicated community engagement officer for the hinterland, dealing solely with the issues of the quarry. We have also implemented regular Councillor Coffee Chats in hinterland towns.

Commitment #5: Upgrade and connect popular Bikeways.  

Progress: Delivered!
As part of our record $43 million capital works program, this year’s budget contained more than $1.68 million for pathways and connectivity projects that are now under construction.

Commitment #6: Reconnect with Sporting and Community Organisations for a seamless, unbiased flow of information and support.  

Progress: Delivering!
This also will require ongoing effort, but we have provided more than $1.5 million to support a wide range of community groups in last year’s budget, and opened the $1.95 million Olive Donaldson Pavilion at Noosa District Sports Complex. Similarly, Council’s Sport and Recreation team secured more than $3 million from six different funding programs to support local sport and recreation projects.

Commitment #7: Be a champion for “Open Council” with greater transparency and information for citizens.  

Progress: Delivered!
The launch of the Open Council web page enhances transparency and accountability by providing easier access to a raft of information that belongs to ratepayers. This includes detailed financial records from council, purchasing data, current tenders, councillor expenses, capital program delivery schedule and allocation of council grants.

Commitment #8: I will advocate for Local Businesses to ensure their interests are represented in Council.  

Progress: Delivered!
Noosa became a signatory to the Small Business Friendly Councils charter, ensuring greater access to Council for more than 7000 local small businesses. I have also been a vocal advocate to the State Treasurer on behalf of business owners.

Commitment #9: Build a New Jetty in the Noosa Woods Precinct, to allow a safe and convenient drop-off and pick-up point for locals and tourists alike.  

Progress: Delivering!
We have allocated $100k in the budget to begin work on this project, and it is now part of Council’s Transport Strategy going forward. I look forward to seeing this project fully delivered in the years to come.

Commitment #10: Assess whether Council should continue to own the Sunrise Shops.  

Progress: Delivered!
After a thorough assessment, Council determined that the shops were worth keeping, and we secured a tenant for the shops for the first time in years.