Council calls on state election candidates to commit to key priorities

Respect for local planning laws, better public transport and progress on the long-awaited Tewantin Bypass are among commitments Council is seeking from state election candidates. 

Mayor Frank Wilkie with a copy of the 2024 State Election Priorities for Noosa Shire document.

“Ahead of the October election, we’re letting candidates and political parties know that if they’re truly wanting to deliver for Noosa, this is the wish list,” Mayor Frank Wilkie said.

Council seeks a guarantee local government will retain development assessment rights in the face of legislation allowing developers to bypass councils if they include affordable housing.

“We want assurances that planning schemes will be respected, that the values that have shaped a community are protected and local infrastructure isn’t overwhelmed,” Cr Wilkie said.

Council wants the state to commit to an immediate injection of $1.4 million for a business case for the long-awaited Tewantin Bypass and commit to construction within two years.

“We welcome completion of Stage 1 which delivered a roundabout at the Cooroy-Noosa Road and Beckmans Road intersection, but our community has waited long enough for completion of this vital link. It was agreed to 24 years ago and we need it now more than ever to ease pressure on our road network and cater for growth,” the Mayor said.

The wish list includes a mandatory state-wide short-stay accommodation property register. 

"Since the arrival of online booking platforms we’ve seen a significant increase in short-stay accommodation and it’s had a major impact on residential amenity and availability of long-term rentals. We’ve taken steps at the local level to regulate STA, but there is a lot the state can do to assist us and all councils.

“A mandatory STA register will enable councils to better manage the social and economic impacts of STA and its effect on housing, plus refine policies and management efforts.”

Other priorities include $235,000 to launch an adopt-a-worker program.

“Businesses are hurting due to staff shortages impacted by the housing crisis. This innovative program aims to support people who have spare rooms to take in a worker. We need funds to launch it.

“Similarly, our shire needs greater public transport investment to reach more areas, reduce road congestion and provide better access from our hinterland areas to key services and we also want equitable access to state funding for on-demand transport systems, like that provided to other regional areas such as Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Ipswich and the Gold Coast.”

The Mayor said Council would also like to see all political parties and candidates commit to the continuation of the 50-cent bus fares with the introduction of EFTPOS tap and go payments.

“This trial has increased the number of residents opting for public transport over the private car,” he said.

Cr Wilkie said other key challenges are a lack of local youth mental health services, and crisis accommodation – both priorities identified in Council’s Corporate Plan.

“We urgently need a state-funded crisis accommodation facility to safely support our most vulnerable sectors, including victims of domestic violence and single older people,” he said.

Council is also advocating for a commitment to review legislation relating to safe use of e-bikes and e-scooters, giving Queensland Police the necessary powers to ensure safe use. This issue is emerging as one of the biggest safety concerns in our community.

The Noosa Council 2024 State Election Advocacy Priorities document can be found on Council’s website.