Australian politics news and info
Noosa Council will seek State Government approval to again provide paid parking in Noosa Heads Lions Park. Council has honoured a commitment to return Noosa Heads Lions Park to the community on long weekends and school holidays once COVID restrictions had eased. The decision at Thursday’s Ordinary Meeting could also see this greenspace eventually no … Read more
The SS Noosa Council was listing and leaking again this week as it grappled with a different ‘Short Stay’ problem… the surprising announcement of the departure of CEO Scott Waters. (see our coverage here) Mayor Stewart & departing CEO Scott Waters Just 14-months since Noosa ratepayers provided his ticket back to Queensland from Darwin, … Read more
Brisbane has been named as one of the greatest places in the world by Time Magazine. Key points: Brisbane is named as one of the “World’s Greatest Places of 2023′ in a Time Magazine list Cr Shrinner says Brisbane’s inclusion in the list will boost tourism for the city Several of the city’s attractions were cited as reasons … Read more
A new council logo is part of a refreshed council brand that is more accessible for the visually impaired and “articulates the aspirations of Noosa”. At this week’s General Committee meeting, councillors agreed that after 30 years and to complement the soon-to-be released Corporate Plan, an opportunity existed to undergo a brand refresh for the … Read more
Council’s STA local laws are working well in Noosa. Margie Maccoll A 12 month review of Noosa Council’s Short Stay Letting Local Law has determined the law is working well and requires no changes but improvements were needed for application processing, compliance and enforcement. The results of the review were delivered this week to council’s … Read more
The artist behind a controversial light installation on the northern Gold Coast says her work has been used as a scapegoat amid complaints of car hoons and years of community criticism. Key points: Gold Coast City Council is considering the disposal of two public art sculptures following community criticism An artist has called for council to reconsider, saying … Read more
After just 14 months in the job, Noosa Council Chief Executive Scott Waters has resigned to become the CEO at Moreton Bay Regional Council – Australia’s third largest council. The news has reverberated around a stunned Council headquarters in Tewantin. Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart – who was a central player in the appointment and known … Read more
The chief executive of Noosa Council has announced his resignation after 14 months in the role, to become the CEO at Australia’s third largest council. Scott Waters – who commenced the role in February last year – is leaving Noosa to lead the Moreton Bay Regional Council. “I am proud of what we’ve achieved,” Mr … Read more
Wetland Boardwalk, looking towards the Treetop Bridge. Artist impression only. An ambitious vision to restore cleared grazing land to original lush rainforest in a new kind of park has been revealed by Sunshine Coast Council, with the community invited to have their say on the proposal. This comes with the release of the draft master … Read more
Ukraine’s ambassador to Australia has called on Adelaide’s city council to consider a humanitarian partnership with a city in his home country, saying funds raised as part of any such plan could help rebuild schools and hospitals. Key points: Vasyl Myroshnychenko said Adelaide should consider partnering with Kherson He made the comments at Womadelaide, which features a strong Ukrainian … Read more
Exploring a growing town and its “flourishing” retro and vintage scene on the Sunshine Coast has just become easier. An exciting new video series that entices the exploration of Nambour’s heritage, culture and its evolving and thriving arts and music hub has officially launched. A passionate team of Nambour business and community groups have collaborated … Read more
A new subdivision described as an “adult tree house” crossed with “Noah’s Ark” is hoped to become a blueprint for developing property without razing the land of all its trees. Key points: Perth has less tree canopy than any other Australian capital city Authorities agree this needs to change as the climate warms A new … Read more
A good sport story will unite and capture the imaginations of both hardened fans and people who don’t normally care. That fairytale is currently playing out in real life for residents of Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, an area that in the past has struggled with its “Dead-cliffe” image. The first thing the Dolphins did when they joined … Read more
A former Logan mayor has avoided time in jail after being handed a suspended sentence for corruption and misconduct offences while he held public office. Key points: Luke Smith pleaded guilty earlier this week, avoiding a trial Two charges related to his receiving a luxury boat from a developer Smith received an 18-month suspended sentence … Read more
A former Logan mayor has avoided time in jail after being handed a suspended sentence for corruption and misconduct offences while he held public office. Key points: Luke Smith pleaded guilty earlier this week, avoiding a trial Two charges related to his receiving a luxury boat from a developer Smith received an 18-month suspended sentence … Read more
For Emma Turaganivalu, the unexpected opportunity to lead a digital technology and call centre is a dream come true. “This was never on my radar but then it happened,” said the Wakka Wakka woman who heads up the Cherbourg Digital Technology Centre in the Queensland Aboriginal community. The centre opened 12 months ago as a … Read more
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart A year from now Noosa residents will elect a new council and seemingly unfortunate politicking has already begun. In a letter to this newspaper last week (Loved to Death, Noosa Today, 3 March), numerous false and malicious allegations were made. Such denunciations and falsehoods disappoint me. They … Read more
A series of “silver fern” sculptures that could cost the Gold Coast more than $1 million have become the latest in a series of costly public art headaches facing the city council. Key points: Council to consider spending $500,000 to relocate several sculptures from storage, after initially spending $410,000 on them They would cost $41,000 a … Read more
Hundreds of residents of a Queensland cross-border town say they’re “living in fear” due to an increase in violent crime, while authorities say the proximity to the state border is making it harder to address. Key points: About 200 people attended the Goondiwindi crime forum on Wednesday night Residents shared stories of “violent” and “brazen” criminal … Read more
City of Gold Coast (City) staff have been experiencing an alarming trend of occupational violence and aggression from the public, according to a recent study. The study by the City revealed one in three council staffers are facing physical and verbal abuse at work from residents and visitors, with cases spiking significantly. The types of … Read more