STATE ELECTION 2024 Sandy Bolton officially launches campaign to keep Noosa independent

SANDY BOLTON MP, Queensland’s only elected independent Member of Parliament for the last seven years, officially launched the ‘Keep Noosa Independent’ campaign surrounded by over a hundred ‘Team Noosa’ volunteers recently.

Enjoying delicious grazing tables hosted at the Noosa Pirates grounds and with entertainment by Noosa Independent Youth Ambassador Emma Tomlinson as a backdrop Ms Bolton said she was thrilled with the launch.

“The afternoon was truly amazing, reflecting the diversity of our community, members of which came together with a genuine love for our home, and all who live within.”

Sandy said that she was incredibly proud of what has been achieved since Noosa became independent, both in terms of funding for projects, as well as culturally to move beyond the poor behaviours and ‘dangling of carrots’ by political parties at election time which is disrespectful to all.

“When I think of the volume of what we have fought for and achieved, I am genuinely puzzled when someone says an Independent MP cannot get anything done.

“The achievements are tangible, and of enormous benefit to our whole community. Whether the funding and completion of Stage 1 of the Tewantin Bypass, $37 million dollars allocated for the Kin Kin Pomona Rd to improve safety, better management of the

Noosa River, the completion of Six Mile Creek Bridge #7… the list goes on,” Sandy said.

As Sandy reported, there are projects and initiatives that are ‘works in progress’ as the processes involved are intensive and lengthy, such as community and affordable housing that involve multiple levels of government, changes to planning schemes and at times, legislation.

“As I have said before, when I have time, I will write a book covering the billions of taxpayer dollars wasted by the combative nature of our majors, the lack of capacity in our public sector, and how flawed our governance is!”

In amongst her very ‘Noosa-centric’ focus, Sandy has also effected change across

Queensland by voting in favour of Voluntary Assisted Dying, bringing forth a Private Members Motion in efforts to end the ‘hoodwinking’ by the majors regarding applications for postal votes, and changes to standing orders during the Estimates process.

Being an independent MP, Sandy has the unique position to work with everyone in the best interests of Noosa.

“There are no benefits to Noosa in having a party-aligned MP as we have seen from when we had two political party MPs, whose respective parties even held government during their terms. To subscribe to calls that Noosa should be sacrificed to ensure a change of government misses the most important point.

Noosa is about people before politics, not a party.”

Noosa’s ‘Indy’ MP said that she will never forget seeing and feeling the incredible energy at this grassroots launch, together with the love of what is important to Noosa residents.

“Regardless of the outcome of the state election on October

26, our community has continued to lead the way into the future on how politics should be done. Gratitude and love to all who are part of the Team Noosa family, whether handing out at pre-poll, letterboxing, donating or proudly wearing the Noosa Independent t-shirt or bandanna. You are all inspirational.”