Important decision for region

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the decision by the Minister for Local Government to grant a de-amalgamation vote to the people of Noosa is an important one.

“The result will not only affect the people of Noosa – but all residents of the SunshineCoast,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“I think it’s important for the people who get to vote – and those who don’t – to understand exactly what the costs are, and how they will be affected.

“The Boundary Commissioner’s report has only been released a short while ago, and I will examine it closely before getting into the detail of the document.

“But I am worried about some of the concerns identified by the Commissioner, in particular:

• The questions about the financial sustainability of both councils – the report says one strong council would be turned into two weaker councils
• The questions raised about the ability to deliver key regional projects such as the airport expansion, development of Maroochydore CBD
• The detrimental effect of levels of service on tourism
• The reduced capacity of council to contribute to the economic development of this area“I was elected as the Mayor of the whole SunshineCoast, including Noosa and I will continue to represent the whole region to the best of my ability.

“Every decision I make will be continue to be with the best interests of this region at heart.

“That’s what I was elected to do, that’s what I have been doing and that’s what I’ll continue to do.

“The council team and I will continue to focus on getting on with job of creating the right environment for investment and jobs, and building a community second to none.

“This work is so important it simply can’t be put on hold – and we will continue to get on with the job of creating opportunities for people on the SunshineCoast.

“I have consistently said, and Sunshine Coast Council has consistently said it respects the state government process around this issue.

“Council has co-operated fully with this process and will continue to do so.

“Council’s position, has been clear on de-amalgamation – it would prefer it to stay as one united council for one united region.”