Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

A state election campaign is upon us so we have policy statements from candidates covering the two Hinterland electorates - Nicklin and Glasshouse in this edition.
Uppermost in the minds of Hinterlanders will be a  government that has tried to impose an unwanted dam at Traveston Crossing, has taken away income from our well managed water resources, and continues to insist on high urban development despite this region electing a local government with the opposite agenda.
On the other side we’re offered a new Liberal National Party which is untested but is a serious attempt to provide a united state opposition to Labor. We are going through the worst economic conditions in our history, and history shows that at such times we remain conservative when we step into the voting booth. Election day will confirm whether or not voters believe ‘It’s Time’ for a change, they feel more secure with the politicians they know, or make a protest vote in favour of the Queensland Greens.
At local government level we have the first major media interview with the Sunshine Coast’s new CEO, John Knaggs. He is an impressive administrator -  calm and reflective, but decisive and clear about where he needs to take the Coast. John took on the job after being CEO of Maroochy Shire, and as he says, this has become one of the biggest and most challenging local governments in Australia.
Our cover story is about the amazing Lloyd Pennicuik, a paraglider about to take on the most dangerous race in the world. It’s an astonishing adventure. Kevin Baker has had his own adventure - collecting classic auto parts. His juices flow when he finds a rare rotor arm or coil.
We hope you enjoy this edition, which is once again a reflection of our amazing Hinterland.
Michael Berry