During October we learnt about the electoral strength of Brisbane city compared with the rest of the State. For after receiving a meagre 2275 submissions opposing the North Bank development, Premier Anna Bligh, (probably sporting her favourite hard hat) called a press conference to say, “The public have spoken and 93% opposed the development so it is my job and the responsibility of government to listen to the ‘will of the people’’. I guess it depends on where you are from as to the impact of your voting power. Clearly Noosa voters didn’t have it last year when we demanded the right to vote on forced council amalgamations. Not only was this rejected but Beattie & Bligh legislated to prevent it happening, threatening to sack any council conducting a community poll on the issue. Ultimately the federal government overrode their legislation and granted us a vote through the agency of a ‘plebiscite’. Peter Beattie and Anna Bligh responded by saying “it was a waste of money as it will not change anything as the amalgamation will proceed as scheduledâ€. Noosa did have its ‘plebiscite’ with 21,000 residents exercising their vote, 95% opposing amalgamation. What happened to the ‘will of the people’ on this occasion, Premier?
On a similar and related matter former premier, Peter Beattie, promised Queenslanders a referendum so they could vote on recycling sewage into South East Queensland’s drinking water. I suspect they knew what the outcome would be, because the current Premier decided against testing the ‘will of the people’ and simply reneged on the promise. Given water treatment could affect the health and perhaps even the life of thirsty Queenslanders it doesn’t say much for our democratic system. However, ‘par for the course’ from this blatantly authoritarian government. Other examples of their ignoring the ‘will of the people’, in recent days include fluoridation and daylight saving. So the ‘will of the people’ is something this government responds to, only when it suits their agenda.
 Noosa once again has been on the receiving end of questionable policy. For not only has our water been confiscated and piped to Brisbane, but if and when they decide to install pumps so some water can be returned in an emergency, it will come from the Wivenhoe dam where up to 25% of its water could be laced with treated sewage and to top it off we may be paying twice as much for it. If ever we needed a robust local government to look after Noosa’s interests, it’s right now.
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Meanwhile, the over worked Sunshine Coast Regional Council, is trying to keep abreast of all these issues without much success. One councillor, Ted Hungerford, recently claimed the increased workload caused by amalgamations, may force elected representatives to quit at the next election. He says that he is working 90 hours a week and feels he is losing touch with the community.
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Well, we can help him and other councillors by dividing the Sunshine Coast in half with two councils one for the South and the other for the North. The Southern council would still be one of Australia’s largest representing residents of Maroochydore, Caloundra, Nambour and the hinterland.
 To the North a ‘Greater Noosa Council’ consisting of Noosa, Doonan, Eumundi, Verrierdale West Peregian and Peregian Springs would have a constituency of around 70,000 people which is about the most effective size for a local government. This should be a win, win situation for both ends of the Coast and pretty much reflects submissions made to the so called ‘Local Government Reform Commission’ by Noosa Council, the Friends of Noosa and many other community bodies and individuals.
Lew Brennan, one of two councillors representing Noosa on the current SCRC said this week, “a lot of resources have gone into the amalgamation process and we would be reversing all that work. So if it is to happen it is up to people like Bob Ansett to explain where all the money and resources will come fromâ€. A fair question! However it has been answered by the LNP who have committed to facilitate the return of local government to those shires wanting it, and have promised to fund the costs associated with the process.
Further, the Friends of Noosa will commission an independent organisation to develop a model analysing the financial and economic feasibility of Noosa separating from the SCRC and forming a new shire with its northern neighbours. Our intention is to ensure the community is fully informed on financial and other implications of separating from the SCRC compared with remaining within it.
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Ultimately, it will be up to Noosa and the other Northern Sunshine Coast residents to decide whether they want the return of self government or wish to continue on as part of the a regional council. After all the facts and details are known and only then will constituents be asked to exercise their vote on the proposal. Isn’t that how the democratic process is supposed to work?
Even in Queensland!
Bob Ansett
Friends of Noosa
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