GC&M News will be running a series of ‘Meet the Candidate’ editorial features over a three week period leading up to the March 16 Sunshine Coast Council election.
Our aim is to provide a ‘level playing field’ platform to give all of our declared mayoral and divisional candidates running in the Sunshine Coast Council election the opportunity to present their pitch and provide responses to key issues raised by our Hinterland readers.
The series will be featured in both our print and online publications.
Each candidate has been approached and asked to provide a response of no more than 250 words.
Question to the candidates
Question 3
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is known for its natural beauty. How do you plan to balance development with environmental conservation, and what is one measures will you implement to protect and preserve our local ecosystems and natural environment?
Question 4
Every division has its own set of challenges. What do you see as the most pressing issues in the Hinterland region, and what concrete steps will you take to address these challenges during your term as a Mayor?
Michael Burgess
Question 3:
My philosophy is rational ecological economics. The environment is an integral part of the economy, not a sideline or optional issue we deal with if there is some capacity left after all other matters have been dealt with.
My platform of Environment:- Lifestyle – Prosperity is a clear acknowledgement that we can not have any two of those without the others. A good lifestyle can not exist in a degraded environment, nor will an environment be protected by a community for which it is not part of their lifestyle. To have both the lifestyle and the environment, it must be enabled and protected by a prosperity that does not impinged upon either.
I have long advocated for the establishment of an Eco-Park in Nambour, which is an interactive installation that incorporates both consciousness-building observable displays, plus interactive facilities such as Urban Farming & worm farming spaces.
It is visited by many hundreds of schools a year and many thousands of other visitors. This encourages, particularly in children, an understanding of how we can exist in co-operation with nature & the benefits it brings.
I believe also encouraging the development of industries and job creators that are compatible with our environment will both enable our country towns to retain their uniqueness & provide the resources to regenerate damage already done to some of our environment.
As I said we need the resources to create our lifestyle and protect our environment without harm either way.
Question 4:
Other than the economic development the entire Coast needs the other particular issue unique to the Hinterland would be the neglect its infrastructure has experienced & the rectification that will require
The challenge within that is the poor state of the council’s finances may mean finding money even to improve current repair & maintenance will not be easy but I believe within the existing budget there should be room to refocus a considerable amount of money going to contractors, consultants, & the council’s internally-decided upon “Special Projects” back into servicing the community’s needs could create an extra budget with $10s of million in funding for Hinterland projects
I stand on a basic platform that the economic future of the Coast lies west of the Bruce but for that to be so the infrastructure present there must be as good as we can make it & all money spent there will show a great deal more return in positive economic impact than that spent down on the “Glitter Strip”
I have long advocated for the establishment of Citizen Committees that will allow “forgotten voices” to break through the noise to have their issues addressed. These are ad hoc bodies formed to deal with particular issues in a forum where all those with opinions, expertise or knowledge on a matter being considered by the council can have their say & have that communicate to the council in an organised way
Such matters as the Maleny Swimming Pool & the repurposing of the Nambour Council Chambers could be matters these committees could consider in order to achieve the best outcome
Rosanna Natoli
Question 3:
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is a mix of country towns, ancient forests and waterways, and rich agricultural farming land. Each of these elements has a special character which must be preserved for future generations. We only get one chance to protect our environment. Much of the Hinterland falls outside the urban footprint, which means it is protected from development.
I commit to continuing my ‘Listening Tour’ after I am elected, so that I have a monthly meeting with residents across the divisions, so that I remain personally aware of the issues affecting the people of the Sunshine Coast. That means Hinterland locals will have access to their mayor regularly, allowing you to inform me of the measures needed at every step of the Council planning process. I also commit to continuing to purchase important environmentally-sensitive land as part of the Environment Levy process.
Furthermore, I commit to focussing on the basics of council service delivery: rates, roads and rubbish. The shift away from maintenance, operational works and basic Council services has been happening over time, and the effects are now becoming increasingly obvious. We need to do better in maintaining our infrastructure, roads, footpaths, parks and basic services.
Another way to protect the local ecosystem will be to reduce illegal dumping. I will seek to deliver curbside recycling across the region and investigate tip vouchers, so residents don’t feel illegal dumping is their best option.Protecting the natural beauty of the Hinterland is a multi-pronged approach.
Question 4:
The Hinterland faces similar challenges to the region as a whole, like growth and public transport, infrastructure and maintenance, along with particular issues that affect the Hinterland only, such as dirt roads and weeds, allowing secondary dwellings on properties and maintaining the unique character of each location.
We need better public transport options for now and the future. The duplication of the track to Nambour is important, so long as the heritage values of our railway towns are preserved.
We need a network of clean, green buses connecting all of our communities east and west, north and south, with convenient routes and regular travelling times. This should be free for students and seniors, at the very least, so we can encourage bus use and change the culture towards public transport.
Let’s focus on housing affordability and availability, both to rent and to buy. We need a range of solutions to meet our diverse population needs, including housing types and price options. We should explore tiny homes and secondary dwellings on suitable properties with the appropriate checks and balances, and modular housing opportunities – I will engage with the community for new and innovative solutions.
We must identify where excess spending can be cut to provide the best value for money. A review of council services will identify where the priorities lie. The Hinterland must not miss out on its fair share. Proper maintenance of parks, roads, verges, footpaths, and public facilities like toilets must be a priority. We all want to feel proud of our region.
Jason Opray
Question 3:
We must ensure that we do not ever develop the interurban break; it is what delineates us from Moreton Bay, and we must honour the commitment of this Council to keep further urban sprawl out of the hinterland.
Preserving the Sunshine Coast Hinterland by preventing further urban sprawl is crucial for several reasons.
The hinterland is a natural treasure, characterised by its lush landscapes, unique ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Restraining urban expansion safeguards these environmental assets, ensuring the hinterland remains a haven for diverse flora and fauna.
Limiting development in the hinterland supports sustainable practices.
Concentrating growth within existing urban areas helps reduce the environmental impact of expansive new developments.
This approach aligns with global sustainability goals and minimises disruption to the hinterland’s delicate ecosystems.
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council has a proud record of delivering quality environmental outcomes.
However, there is more to be done.
Whether protecting turtle nesting sites, planting more trees, or investing in the blue heart.
I am proud of what we have achieved; together, there is more that we can do to keep the Sunshine Coast special.
Question 4:
I am establishing a comprehensive Hinterland portfolio featuring myself and the Hinterland Councillors to actively address and resolve issues within our communities. The primary goal is to bridge the coastal-hinterland divide and ensure a permanent framework for effective problem-solving. Emphasising accessibility, I have committed to a monthly Mobile Mayor’s Office program, setting up community locations across the region. This initiative aims to provide residents with a direct channel to voice their concerns, fostering a sense of inclusivity and engagement. The Hinterland holds a special place in the Sunshine Coast, reflected in one of my five policy pillars dedicated to its development. To delve into the entirety of my policy platform for the Hinterland, please visit www.jasonopray.com/hinterland.
Together, we will work towards a united region where every resident’s needs are met, fostering a stronger and more connected community.
Wayne Parcell
Question 3:
Embracing and preserving the natural and built environment is not only a civic duty but also an investment in the well-being and sustainability of our community. As Mayor, I will champion the protection and enhancement of our surroundings, aiming to create a harmonious balance between development and environmental stewardship. This can be achieved by adherence to the agreed planning strategies and controls.
I will advocate enhancement of locations and areas that support a vision not to expand the current urban footprint. The urban sprawl must stop.
I support the maintenance of the Inter-Urban Break: In the absence of compelling evidence and advice to the contrary, development of Hall’s Creek would seem to pose a risk of unacceptable environmental impacts on the Pumicestone Passage and Ramsar Wetlands.
The proposed development of Beerwah East presents a sustainable proposition in terms environment, connectivity and transport. Public participation and awareness are fundamental to success in planning outcomes. We will organise educational events, workshops, and community clean-up initiatives to foster a sense of environmental responsibility. By encouraging everyone to play an active role in preserving our natural and built environment, we can collectively contribute to a more sustainable and thriving community for generations to come.
In today’s world, environmental consciousness is a collective responsibility.
Question 4:
There is a laundry list of issues needing attention. Based on the feedback to me from residents of The Hinterland, there are three issues of particular importance:
gravel roads, invasive species, and public transport.
Gravel roads – unsealed roads are a significant feature of the Sunshine Coast Region. Gravel roads impact the day-to-day life of thousands of Sunshine Coast residents. Whilst there is an existing program to seal these gravel roads, my office will work with council for greater priority to this issue through a strategic analysis to determine priorities for an enhanced program of improvement – for the sake of safety and liveability we need to prioritise sealing gravel roads so there is a better quality of life for our hinterland residents.
Invasive species – council alone cannot solve the problem of dealing with introduced invasive plants and animals. However, Council can take a leadership position, in addition to its own activities, to encourage and support appropriate community action to manage or eradicate invasive pests.
I will work to ensure that there is a credible and realistic response to invasive species that engages the community to bring us closer to eradicating invasive pests. Along with active collaborative engagement with other councils and communities dealing with this issue, our neighbouring local government areas and state and federal authorities, we can work together to save our very special natural environment.
I believe that the Sunshine Coast Council’s commitment to our very own biosphere provides a platform to address this challenging problem.
Ashley Robinson
Question 3:
The new Planning Scheme is a document now in creation, which will set the tone for how development is balanced, and the conservation and tourism potential of the Hinterland can be preserved and enhanced.
It is essential that as many residents as possible engage with the planning process and take every opportunity to contribute to submissions.
I grew up in the Hinterland at Eudlo and have a keen appreciation of the heritage and conservation values of our region and a desire to ensure my grandchildren can also experience the best of what we have as a region.
As mayor I will ensure that the community’s views are respected and represented in all submissions to the State Government as the planning process evolves.
What we all need to accept though, is that a path forward must be found that provides opportunities for businesses to establish or expand, for new arrivals to be accommodated and the best of what we enjoy is maintained and enhanced.
That will mean everyone won’t be satisfied with everything in the document.
What it doesn’t mean is that we can’t collectively identify a path forward where smart planning ensures the Hinterland’s values are retained and enhanced.
Question 4:
The Wedding Industry in the Hinterland is now generating $100 million in economic benefit to the region with very little support from the council which includes the Economic Development portfolio chair, Jason O’Pray, repeatedly praises himself for leading.
I’ll ensure all councillors are aware of the diversity of small businesses that benefit from the industry so they understand why council should provide financial support to help it maintain its place as the Number One wedding location in Australia.
I’ve also committed to driving policy change to ensure all the money collected for infrastructure charges collected from development in the Hinterland, is spent to the benefit of the Hinterland.
Min Swan
Question 3:
The community consultation for the Planning Scheme review clearly shows that the priority of the community is to protect our environment and ensure development captures the local character of our region, especially our Hinterland towns. A priority of the new mayor and the division councillors over the next four years is to work with State Government and the community on preparing the Planning Scheme to provide clarity, consistency and guidance on future development to accommodate the projected 150,000 population growth by 2041. In the hinterland I have received calls for greater subdivision opportunities, the installation of tiny homes and temporary housing on acreage, and changes to land use. These are all factors that need to be considered for impact.
By building a ‘Team Sunshine Coast ‘ mentality and bringing the brightest environmental, development and community focused individuals together into an active and meaningful task force, we will be able to deliver a Planning Scheme that will reflect the unique nature of the Sunshine Coast and protect what we hold dear.
Another priority is ensuring the Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability strategy is more than a glossy brochure! The next four years will have profound generational consequences. We need strong leadership that focuses on the elements of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – and a balanced and planned outcome for blending our environment with our growth needs.
Question 4:
The Hinterland is unique because it has such a diversity of individuals that call it home, some of which have competing views on what will make the Hinterland great. Some wish to prosper economically and look for business growth opportunities, others moved to the region to escape the growth and wish for it to stay the way it is. All want to protect what makes it such an environmental wonderland. The most important concrete step is that the Hinterland wants to feel like they have achieved equity of attention to their specific issues. Equity is quite distinct from equality where everyone gets an equal share regardless of need. Equity focuses on really understanding the key priorities and bridging the gap. I firmly believe there is incredible potential to leverage what makes the hinterland so special for further economic prosperity in the region, allowing for reinvestment and sustained growth.
As a highly accessible Mayor that will conduct regular Walk’n’talks throughout the entire region, I will work closely with the elected Divisional Councillors on genuinely understanding the needs of each unique part of the Hinterland and consult with community associations and Chambers of Commerce to ensure a finger on the pulse approach is taken to resource allocation at a City Hall level. Redirecting wasted resource and looking for efficiencies in project delivery is part of my corporate background. I have the skills of a corporate executive, the heart of a small business owner and the soul of a long-term community contributor.
