Bob Abbot

Mayor of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Bob Abbot, looks back on 2009, reviews Council’s agenda for 2010, and gives the Maleny community a pat on the back.

2009 HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR US ALL. The global financial crisis has given us a fair amount of heartache … significant reduction in interest on our investments; significant reduction in development application fees, and development contributions, and a significant reduction in some of our businesses, which is a real issue in the short term.

So the next budget will be tight again. We had to find $13 million savings in last year’s budget and we will probably have to do the same this year. But I think there’s an understanding out there that a frugal approach to budgeting is the best we can do to ensure that we get as much work out in the community as possible. And this council needs to get a better grip on its expenditure. We must try and reduce the amount of debt carried, and increase the amount of cash that we’ve got to deal with the ongoing needs of the community of the Sunshine Coast.

Looking back over the year the real achievement we have is a water company that covers the needs, outlooks and supply requirements of both Moreton and the Sunshine Coast. That’s been a great win for us, and by the end of June 2010 that company will be up and running and Council will no longer be responsible for the distribution of water supply and sewerage, in this region.

We have launched our economic development strategy about creating a vibrant, green and diverse economy. The kneejerk reaction or suggestion of a de-salination plant in Marcoola by 2017 I think was an inappropriate ministerial statement from a person in power. I think this community is astute in terms of its water use. In fact we have decreased our average from about 330 litres per head of population to about 245 litres, without any restrictions being put in place. This community understands that in not having a Traveston Dam we need a restrictive regime in place on water use, and we need to get right behind the campaign for demand management, water harvesting and re-use wherever possible, which is part of our policy.

I think Maleny’s effort in reducing its water usage late last year was actually a classic of what people on the Sunshine Coast are capable of achieving. Within 24 hours of asking the people of Maleny to reduce their water usage, they had gone down below our recommended level. So, an absolute pat on the back for the people of Maleny for that, and a fabulous indication again that the people of Maleny can lead the Coast community into a bright new future. It’s the sort of community cooperative thing that Maleny has being doing for years.

I am asking for a mid-term review in 2010 so we can gather our thoughts, see the things we’ve done, see the things we haven’t done, and plan an attack for the following two years.

I think we’ve got strong support in the community for the sustainability vision. We’re getting good feedback on the waste management strategy, the transport strategy, and all the other things we’ve got going. The feedback in the street, tends to be positive, and the Sunshine Coast Council is certainly on its way to delivering some fairly significant foundations for the future.

Artists perspective of Cooke Park refit

Maleny’s Maple Street facelift has begun after 16 years of planning, several community consultation processes and budget bottlenecks inside Council.

Sunshine Coast Regional Council has now started work on a beautification and road project that extends from Myrtle Street to the Obi Obi Creek Bridge.

Stage one includes an upgrade to the Cooke Park frontage, a new Coral Street roundabout, Teak Street intersection, the addition of alfresco dining, street tree planting, new paving, street furniture, public art and signage.

Cr Jenny McKay said that she is pleased the upgrade is finally taking place as it catches up with the diverse and thriving nature of the Maleny community.

Work in progress at Cooke Park in Maple Street

“The project not only addresses the need, but takes into consideration the unique quality of the Maleny township while allowing for additional trees and street furniture, which will further enhance the current streetscape,” she said.

Increasing traffic in Maple Street, along with congestion at peak times during the day, have caused a headache for some years, although traffic lights were rejected as a solution by the community. Their preference has been for either one-way traffic through town or for roundabouts, the latter option chosen by council.

“The roundabouts designed for Coral Street and Myrtle Street, and the intersecting of Maple Street are paramount to safe vehicular movements for the community”, said Cr McKay.

Materials for the Maple Street upgrade will be carefully selected to reflect establishment of the timber town’s settlement origins. The use of timber, local stone and artwork will also be encouraged.

Plan of the new Cooke Park layout

Through extensive community consultation the community repeatedly asked for an upgrade that reflected the artistic, rural, historic, cooperative and organic nature of the district and its residents.

Sculptural artworks reflecting Maleny’s timber and dairy industry background, have been created and commissioned from local artists. They will feature along the length of Maple Street.

A large version of the Maple Street upgrade plan is on display at the Maleny Library until Monday August 17 and is available on council’s website.

The Department of infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government has provided council with $311,000 under the Community Infrastructure Program. This funding will enable the construction of the Cooke Park frontage works, which include shelters, paving, seating, artwork and street trees.

Sergeant Gary Ricks with QGAP’s Judy Phipps at Maleny Police Station

Range residents can now access a wide range of Queensland Government services at the Maleny Police Station with the opening of a QGAP office in the building. These services are additional to the ongoing local community policing and the existing provision of drivers and weapons licences.
Officer-in-charge Sergeant Gary Ricks said “Having the QGAP office in such a central location as the police station provides convenience and accessibility for residents needing the services of Queensland Government agencies, without having to travel off the Range”.
QGAP Manager Judy Phipps is employed by the Queensland Police Service and she is also a qualified Justice of the Peace. Judy has received Queensland Transport training to assist with the range of services offered by this Government Department. Ongoing exposure to the range of other services available from QGAP will ensure that the local residents will be serviced effectively. QGAP Maleny is also an agent for Suncorp Metway, NRMA & QBE Insurance companies and Judy is able to provide CTP (Compulsory Third Party Insurance) when required.
Some of the services available for various Government Departments include Births Deaths & Marriages; Electoral Commission, Roll applications, pre-poll activities; Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Receipt of fines, Justice of the Peace (Qual) duties; Office of Fair Trading; Office of State Revenue, Receipt of taxes, stamp duty payroll etc; Public Trustee, Receipt of rent and other payments, assisting with Enduring Power of Attorney etc; Queensland Ambulance information, Seniors Card applications; Workplace Health and Safety, registrations.
Information is also available from Commonwealth Government offices including; Australian Taxation Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Immigration and Multi-Cultural Affairs, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The QGAP office is open 9am - 2pm Mon, Wed and Friday at Maleny Police Station, 49 Maple Street Maleny. Ph 54296293

Andrew Powell with his wife Taryn and his four children - Daniel and Erin and (front) Benjamin and Brielle

Thank you, the people of Glass House, for allowing me to be your state government representative for the next three years. The road ahead will be full of challenges but I can assure you I will always put the best needs of our communities first. This is an important time for the Queensland Government to improve services, cut waste and deliver the jobs they have promised.  As your local representative I will ensure that my parliamentary colleagues, particularly the Government Ministers, hear the voice of Glass House loud and clear.
Many of you may already know that I am a father to four young children - Daniel (7), Erin (6), Brielle (3) and Benjamin (15 months). My wife Taryn and I settled in Palmwoods six years ago for the lifestyle and community spirit – both traits that I aim to support and promote at every opportunity. We are a sports mad family with golf and cricket among my personal favourites.  Whilst my own soccer playing days are in recess I am thoroughly enjoying coaching Daniel’s soccer team again, and watching Erin embark on her own football career with the Palmwoods U6 Spartans.
Getting down to work, I am confident my experience in the Queensland public service will mean better outcomes for you.  For some six years now I have been working with key government officials in the area, from a wide range of portfolios.  I look forward to collaborating with them to resolve your local concerns. I plan to develop strong working relationships with local representatives of Main Roads, Queensland Parks and Wildlife, Queensland Health and the Department of Education to name just a few. 
I will also continue to develop partnerships with the regional councillors and the federal representatives.  Together, I am confident we can address issues like maintenance at our local schools, the Maleny State School drop off zone, safety concerns on the Steve Irwin Way and the Maleny-Kenilworth Rd and compensation issues related to the rail duplication and northern pipeline.
I plan to continue to door knock throughout my term in government so I can better understand the issues affecting people locally – so don’t be surprised if I knock on your door some time in the next three years.
I have received advice that, in the short term, I will be using the former Member for Glass House’s office at Caboolture.  As the location is now outside of the electorate this is not a satisfactory long-term solution and I have begun negotiations to rectify this.
I will keep you posted on contact details in coming issues, but in the meantime, please continue to contact me on powell4glasshouse@gmail.com or 0401 015 502.

Peter Wellington MP Member for Nicklin

I believe the Premier should have served her full term and whoever forms the next government should give a commitment to have fixed terms for State Parliament.
If I am re-elected I intend to move a Private Members Bill to provide for fixed terms with elections to be held every third year on say the second Saturday in March.  Under Queensland law we do not need a referendum if we want to change from three year terms to say four years.

Support your rural fire service:
Jenny and I attended a fire awareness campaign organised by the Belli Park Rural Fire Brigade on the weekend. I was delighted to see many new faces at the meeting, being mindful of the terrible destruction of the fires in Victoria. It is certainly timely that we all think about preventing bushfires, and consider becoming volunteers for the rural fire services. The Belli Park meeting served as an awareness day for residents, and it was great to see some new residents to the area willing to be involved in this important volunteer service. Anyone interested in finding out more about being involved in their local rural fire service should visit their closest fire station for details of brigades in your area.  State School leaders:
It is that time of year when the local schools elect their class and school leaders, and a time when I especially enjoy meeting many of our young people who may become our leaders one day. I attended the Mapleton State School parade on February 16, and was honoured to meet the new school captains Samantha Shannon and Alex MacCallum, and present them with their leadership badges. I know they will perform their roles admirably, and learn a lot about leadership responsibilities along the way. At Palmwoods State School on Tuesday I was most impressed with the students, and enjoyed meeting new school captains Maddy Briggs and Soul Cormick, and the vice captains Shaylee Clyde and Luke Wilson.

Paul Tatton

Dear All,

I hope you are all well. There’s lots going on around the region over the next few months; so head to council’s website for details - www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
You can find events and information on how to get involved. If you have any questions, don’t forget to come along to one of the meet and greet sessions detailed below, or you can contact me at any time.

Wishing you all the best for the coming month
Best Regards
Cr Paul Tatton (Div 10) Sunshine Coast Regional Council PH: 5441 8373 l 0407 161 793 paul.tatton@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
Pedal Power
Community Services and TravelSmart Sunshine Coast are jointly coordinating Bike Week activities across the region.

Activities include a bike competition for under 16 year olds, a family bike ride and expo, workshops, mountain bike rides, riding education, BMX racing, clinics and endurance rides. Council is working with various organisations on programs and activities. An activities calendar is available on council’s online Event Calendar.

Keeping children safe
A Council program aims to reduce the risk of young children drowning in swimming pools that are unfenced or not properly fenced. Statistics show that most backyard drownings are due to children gaining access to unfenced pools or because the pool gate was either defective or open.
Pool fencing rules are made by the state government, however local councils are responsible for making sure all private pool owners follow these regulations.

A more colourful Mapleton
Residents will shortly see some colour emerging at the Mapleton Smith Family Park entrance as council adds new plants and shrubs, including Gardenia, Grevillea and Scaevola to the entry.

Recycling centre tour
The latest round of recycling tours at the Nambour education and recovery centre were packed out. If you missed the tour but want more information about what can go in your recycle bin, head to Council’s website or check the sticker on your yellow-lidded bin.

Gloves and bags at the ready
On Sunday March 1, Council is pitching in with the Clean up Australia Day effort. There’s heaps going on around the region, so if you want to make the Coast sparkle, head to www.cleanup.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).

More than a logo
If you want to have your say on Council’s new brand, your opportunity to give us your thoughts, ends on March 20 - visit Council’s website or one of our libraries to find out more.

Meet and Greet Dates
Mapleton April 8, 9am–1pm, Daily Grind Café
Kenilworth March 27, 9am–3pm, Kenilworth Tourism Office

HT: The amalgamation… has it been a success in your view?

 JK: The merger was always going to be challenging and it continues to be so, but I am very happy with the progress that the organisation’s made, the people in it and perhaps most particularly, the enormous goodwill that the workforce has shown during this exercise, and it has continued to deliver services in the community.

HT: After 12 months there is still a distinct separation of the three administrations .
JK: Well, if people think this is going to be done and dusted in a year, they are kidding themselves. The merger of three, different working cultures into one, highly effective administration will take a number of years. We haven’t even got into the information technology side of the business yet and the integration of systems and processes. So for the last 12 months the emphasis has been on people, and not dropping the ball in relation to business ongoing

HT: Frustrations I hear from the hinterland include the excessive fees and bureaucracy, and assessment processes that often bog down the approval of projects.

JK: A lot of the pace of the development approval process are driven by what standards of assessment, or levels of assessment are in the local planning scheme and are indeed driven by the Planning Act or building control requirements.
Let me give you an example. In recent times there have been a number of bed and breakfasts happening within the areas relevant to the Caloundra and Maroochy planning schemes.  There’s some concern in Council  that similar investment doesn’t  take place in the northern Noosa hinterland. Why is that? It’s because of levels of assessment that were determined in the Noosa planning scheme which are more stringent , than the other two schemes, and take more time and potentially give frustration to some of the stakeholders.
In one place for example, a bed and breakfast  could be code or self assessable, whereas in other places, you might need an impact assessable application. Straight away that starts to inform people’s perceptions about what’s favoured and what’s not. So they are the sorts of things we have to be careful about and not be too quick to judge. Having said that I am alert enough to know that there are systems and processes that take too long. I’m not dispelling that at all.  Across the whole country the development assessment process tends to get bogged down by the rules we as a community set.
So, the three planning schemes will exist for some years and will continue to pose different options. And that can’t change overnight. They are law and can only be changed through public process.  The Council has indicated its desire to put together a planning scheme for the whole region.  That will take at least 2 to 3 years I think.

HT: I notice the outline of the corporate plan on the website. Is it an amalgamation of the three old councils’ vision, or does it strike in new directions?

JK: I think it strikes in quite exciting fresh directions. For some it’s not new, for others it will be. There are directions in relation to entrepreneurship and setting better pathways to job creation and economic prosperity across the whole Sunshine Coast, and the hinterland, the rural sector in particular are I think critical in the history of the Coast right now.

HT: In the economy theme of the corporate plan a sustainable tourism industry is the only industry that’s actually mentioned. Why is that?

JK: It’s self evident to everyone that we need to put effort into broadening the economic base of the region. Tourism is made up of many, many things, from the mechanic to the landscape gardener to whomever. It crosses an array of trades and professions across the Coast. And similarly we need to think about new economy jobs. For example, the fact that Council is laying 29kms of conduit with high speed Broadband from Palmwoods through Sippy Downs and to Maroochydore, and likewise with the broadband and data centre investment in and around Cooroy towards Noosa, these are plans now coming to fruition that give us high speed connections to the world at capital city prices.

HT: It wasn’t so many years ago that your job was called Town Clerk. CEO reflects the corporate world. Is it a natural transition in your view?

JK: I think being a CEO in local government in the 21st century is one of the most challenging jobs there is, both within the public sector and private sector. One of the great challenges professionally  is always to see the big picture and to see where the pieces of the puzzle line up on the table; how they can be connected and ought to be connected.

HT: Since your appointment in August, you’ve had time to climb to the top of the hill and look down on what this job means to you. How does it look?

JK: Firstly, there’s been no surprises. Everything I have seen and see ahead is pretty much what I expected. There’s a few things that I’m focused on at the moment. That’s to settle and build a highly effective organisation, to motivate it and given the good will of people we will be successful. When I get to the financial bottom line I need to find revenue to enable the organisation to be more successful. We are losing around $25 million in revenue per annum by the loss of the water business.
We don’t have an ability to grow a rates base or a tax regime similar to state and federal governments in order to deal with rising expectations.  Fresh relationships with other levels of government and new approaches to business and service delivery will be vital.

HT: You’re obviously not deterred by these enormous restrictions on Council’s earning capacity. Why is that ?

JK: Because I am passionate about our ability to deal with those challenges and  to work with the community and other levels of government, particularly during this economic downturn. Even though we’re not certain of the full recipe, I believe we have the ingredients sitting on the table now. We just need the right formula to put them together.
I don’t see myself doing this forever. I have made it something of a mission for the next five years. I‘m excited and humbled to be at the helm right now at this key time. I have a personal and professional passion about being in this mix.  At an international scale, you can see lifestyle regions around the world within two hours of a capital city having significant potential for local strength and economic resilience, but there are threats to that lifestyle also. And I think that’s a very exciting set of circumstances.  Exploring the lifestyle benefits of who we are and how we might engage with the world, and local government’s role in that process.

Mayor Bob Abbott, Sunshine Coast Regional Council

The Sunshine coast Council is to set up an Environmental Advisory Panel with Coast residents and experts, to provide advice to Council on broad sustainability issues. Following the announcement late last month, Mayor Bob Abbot told the Hinterland Times what sustainability means to the future of the Sunshine Coast
 
Sustainability is not just about the environment but it’s about our social aspects, our economy and our environment. But there will be times when the environment’s priority will be a little bit higher than the others, and times when the economy, or the social aspects, will be a little higher. It’s about getting a balance.
I don’t pretend that the word sustainability means the same to everybody. It’s why I am keen to set up the office of sustainability and innovation. As I said during the last election campaign, if we continue to do the same things the same way as we have always done them, then we can only expect to get the same result.
To a degree we’ve turned the head of the beast. The corporate plan will start to set the parameters, and they will continue to be refined through consultation with the community.
The advisory panel will have people with specific knowledge bases in economics, environment and community to provide ideas for Council.
In the end sustainability is about common sense. Water quality in our rivers and streams is a classic case. We’ve been working for 10-12 years now on a healthy waterways program and changing attitudes of people as to how they deal with the rivers and streams and improving  water quality. And water is not just an environment issue, because the economic cost of bad water in rivers and streams is enormous.
We need the same common sense to manage the rate of population growth. The growth rate was 3.5 per cent on the Coast in November 2007 and it has now dropped to around 2 per cent in November 2008. That’s the kind of growth rate that I believe we can sustain.
The worst thing we could do is to allow the quarter acre block to go out further and further and further, creating more infrastructure problems, more roads to maintain, and a significantly less capacity to service those people with public transport.
The new people coming here may well have to live in an environment which is alien to those of us who live here already. And that means there is going to be higher density living around transport pods, where the shop, the bank, and the doctor are within 5 minutes walk. People will get used to not using the car, because they won’t need to.
I’m talking of density levels that we’re already used to on the Sunshine Coast - maybe two, three and four storeys in places around Maroochydore for example. We have to start to minimise the impact these new people have on our environmental footprint and our economic and social aspects.
Sustainability for me is something that’s measurable in terms of the satisfaction of the community with its future. It was clear from the last election that this community wants change and wants to be sustainable.
If we continue to see ourselves as a municipality, or a community of communities, that’s where we’ll end up, because that’s what we will believe we are. We won’t get that city mentality and we won’t forget the people on the fringes. I think that’s very important to us and it’s an important part of sustainability.

Paul Tatton

Dear All,

I would firstly like to say a belated Happy New Year to you all, I hope that 2009 is full of prosperity and enjoyment.

I would also like to congratulate Mapleton resident Valerie Zwart who is the first recipient of Sunshine Coast Council’s Australia Day Community Award. Valerie has contributed in no small way to the Mapleton community and I sincerely congratulate her efforts. If you would like more information on this year’s winners, visit www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

Kelli and I had a fantastic time at the Mapleton Lilyponds on Australia Day. We enjoyed meeting, and sharing a simple BBQ with, the residents who turned up to enjoy the day. It is great to be able to use the ponds for such functions and it was a fun game of cricket had by all. A note of congratulations to Eve and her sister Gaye for the starting of their new home in Warruga St, well done!!

Council Branding
I am sure you have heard about the Sunshine Coast Council branding. Now is the time to have your say. You can join a community focus group or fill out a survey when the community engagement program starts next week. Visit council’s website, listen to the radio, or visit our libraries from 9 February to find out how you can get involved.

Rates
For those of you who have recently received their rates notice, don’t forget, a discount offer is available if you pay before 20 February. The different ways to pay are detailed on the back of your rates notice.

Clean Up Australia Day
On 1 March, council is pitching in with the ‘Clean Up Australia Day’ effort. If you would like to join an existing clean up site or want to start your own head to www.cleanup.org.au or call 1800 CUA DAY (1800 282 329).

My next meet and greet sessions for Mapleton and Kenilworth are:
24 Feb, 9 – 1, Daily Grind Café, Mapleton
27 Feb, 9 – 3, Tourism Office, Kenilworth
To book an appointment, please contact Gail Griffiths on 5441 8368
and for fast efficient and efficient service contact your local council office on 5475 8501.

Until next time
Best Regards

Paul
Cr Paul Tatton
5441 8373 - work
0407 161 793 - mobile
paul.tatton@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au