Meaningful consultation on projects promised
By Sonia Isaacs
KERBSIDE pickups, tip vouchers, and better roads and footpaths were all initiatives on the table for Hinterland communities said the new Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli.
Greater acknowledgment for the contribution of the Hinterland to the overall success and appeal of the region was also highlighted, as well as a move to close the perceived divide between the Coast and Hinterland, and embrace the unity of one Sunshine Coast region.
Cr Natoli said it was definitely “an exciting new adventure” to be stepping into the role of Mayor of the Sunshine Coast.
She said some of the big ticket items she would be tackling as a priority; include the inevitable growth of the region, and advocating to the state government for better public transport.
Mayor Natoli said she would also be ensuring the community felt part of the journey in the decision making process, and that on the ground, council was effectively responding to the needs of the residents with service delivery.
“We do need to look more at public transport and engage with the state to make sure we can move people around,” she said.
“Then if we move down a level to what council can do, we need to make sure we have meaningful and appropriate consultation for all our projects, because people have been saying they haven’t been listened to – so we need to make sure anything we do going forward really does bring the community on board.”
Speaking exclusively with GC&M News, Mayor Natoli said one of the first steps she planned to take to engage with Hinterland constituents, was to ensure she was available and accessible to the residents of the region.
Mayor Natoli said it was important to be out, seen and approachable, and to be talking with and listening to people.
“I have already planned to attend a number of Hinterland events, and to be available out and about, meeting and listening to people, and not sitting somewhere locked away,” she said.
Mayor Natoli said recent campaigning throughout Division 1 and Division 5 had highlighted the importance of having ‘back to basics’ core services and maintenance.
She said Hinterland residents had repeatedly raised concerns around issues such as mowing, parks, tree-lopping, roads and footpaths.
“Hinterland residents have told me they need more done and the message I heard a lot was that people in the Hinterland felt ignored,” Mayor Natoli said.
“While I don’t know if that is a fair representation, what I’m saying is that if that is how people feel, then we need to take that on-board as a Council and make sure we are looking after the Hinterland, and our people and places.”
Mayor Natoli acknowledged that a common sentiment she had encountered was that council had traditionally turned their focus towards the Coast.
She added that going forward, in order to do better for the residents of the Hinterland, council needed to ensure it was responding to the required services and needs of those, particularly in Division 1 and Division 5.
Mayor Natoli acknowledged that the issue around the previous council’s decision to scrap the Australia Day awards had been a major concern for many residents.
She said the issue had been raised already, and it would definitely be a topic of future discussion.
While the Mayor would not confirm if she would seek to reinstate the Australia Day awards, she acknowledged that the community had sent a very strong message.
She said she could not pre-empt what council would decide and she did not want to detract from the current awards process at the present time.
“People need to have confidence that we will be celebrating our residents this year. The Biosphere awards have just been launched and will be held this year.
“These new awards need to be valued as they value our people, and then after that we will look at the issue of Australia Day awards and the shape that will take,” she said.
sonia@gcnews.com.au
