I’m not a political activist. I
openly admit that the thrills and spills of politics don’t ignite a passion
from within. However, when my beautiful hometown of Noosa becomes involved,
things get serious. For those of you haven’t heard of Noosa, basically your
missing out. This breathtaking scenery was the backdrop of my childhood and
teenage years.
When I was in year 10, 2008,
there was a big uproar around town; Noosa council was becoming amalgamated with
Sunshine Coast Regional Council. If anyone has been to Marcoola or Coolum
you will understand why Noosa locals petitioned against this relentlessly. If you haven’t,
its because these other coastal towns have been spoilt by high rises and
tourism development, Noosa is the only remaining coastal town on the Sunshine
Coast to maintain its natural and unspoilt beauty, offering a unique
lifestyle like no other.
Since
council amalgamation, rates in the Noosa Shire have been increased, services
such as waste management have decreased, paid parking has been proposed, and the tireless efforts of the community have managed to ward off or delay
potential developments. The recent LNP victory has ignited hope for Noosa to once again become an independent council.
“The
man expected to be the next LNP leader has confirmed that he will honour the
pledge made by his predecessor to ‘Free
Noosa’ from the Sunshine Coast Council. Within 100 days of LNP victory,
a Boundary Commission will be established to consider appropriate shire
boundaries (including analysis of “communities of interest” such as Eumundi,
Doonan, Verrierdale and Peregian Springs)”
For a small, relaxed little town, all I can say is the
locals know what they want, and how to get it. Noosa has reached this milestone
by working together as a community, and not taking no for an answer.
No comments:
Post a Comment