Mark, editor-in-chief of the Sunshine Coast Daily, has been a journalist on the Coast for 20 years and is passionate about fighting for a better deal for the region. When he's not at work, he loves nothing more than spending time with his wife Julie and three kids. Why we must be united
| Mark Furler
AS Sunshine Coast residents and tourists stood almost shoulder to shoulder watching the power of Mother Nature on the last day of 2007, I couldn’t help but hope that 2008 will be a year for unity, not division, in our region.
Many of us have been attracted to the Sunshine Coast because of its great weather (tell that to a tourist this week), awesome beaches and many natural attractions.
And while many are rightly upset about the way the State Government has introduced forced council amalgamations, we should not lose sight of the incredible opportunities a united voice offers for the Coast.
I remember years ago taking a trip with Premier Peter Beattie on the government jet to north Queensland and chatting about the benefits of a united Coast.
At the time, there were certainly many in political, business and tourism circles on the Coast who could see the plusses of having one Coast council.
While Mr Beattie vowed he would never force a merger on local councils, he was clearly a fan of amalgamation.
He talked about how the Gold Coast was able to secure so much more for its region, in terms of roads and infrastructure, simply because it decided as a region what it wanted to go after and then spoke with one voice.
While the Sunshine Coast should never become a Gold Coast, we could learn a thing or two from our southern counterpart when it comes to political lobbying and tourism marketing.
But before we reach that stage, we, as a region, have to decide what do we want from our new council. What is our vision for the region? And who are the people best equipped to implement it?
It’s clear that Noosa is not the only area desiring or needing special protection.
The Coast has many special places like the Glasshouse Mountains, Montville, Palmwoods, Maleny, Pomona – towns which each have their own unique character - and need for protection.
There are many on the Coast who would love to see Noosa’s population cap introduced right across the region.
But what will that do to our construction and building industries – not to mention home prices for young people struggling to get into the housing market here?
Do we really want to become an exclusive enclave for only the rich and famous – and those lucky enough to have their place in the sun well before it became trendy. Are we prepared to have a society where the workers can’t afford to live here?
On the other hand, blind Freddy can tell you that our road system will not cope with the huge population growth the State Government has in mind for this region.
Clearly we need to rethink the way housing and industry is provided in this region – not to mention far more efficient, frequent and reliable transport links.
We have to develop higher density housing in some areas if we are really committed to protecting our natural environment in other areas.
And that doesn’t just mean whacking in six pack unit developments or high rise in exisiting residential areas.
We have to plan new estates which cater not only those looking for traditional lots but also those wanting a small patcher of space – and a two bedroom unit.
We have to decide what population levels individual towns and areas can realistically support without destroying the very character and appeal of our towns.
We must broaden our economic base to develop new, smarter industries which are not so heavily dependent on population growth.
With a great lifestyle and innovations in technology, the Coast is a natural for home-based businesses doing commerce around the world.
Make no mistake, 2008 will be a defining year for the Sunshine Coast.
With the elections just weeks away, it’s vital we ensure we put the very best council in to lead us into this new era.
My wish for the year is that as we face the storms that will inevitability come in the early days of the new council that we will remain committed to ensuring the best interests of the region are at the forefront.
The Sunshine Coast is too special a region to be destroyed by a lack of vision – or bureaucratic bungling at a council level.
The new council has an enormous job on its hands in steering this region to a brighter future – and we as residents have an incredible opportunity to speak with a united voice to ensure George Street and Canberra hears us loud and clear.
That’s why it is so important that we all take a renewed interest in local politics – its the area of government that can affect us all so profoundly.
As a region, we can’t afford the ‘she’ll be right, mate’’ attitude for which so many Aussies have become known.
Let’s make 2008 a year we can honestly say we took the time to care.
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Recent Comments
This election matters!!! We seem to say that in the lead up to each election but this time there is a difference.
The Mayor we choose and the Councillors we select to form the new Council will have the most important 4 years of Council responsibility in decades.
Mark, you refer to the different aspirations of different communities. I agree and believe the 'precinct planning' must tbe the corner stone of the new Council.
A 'unity in diversity' will give us the clear strong voice needed to ensure the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council is heard in Brisbane.
Noosa must be allowed to keep its special qualities. The same goes for Nambour, Caloundra and Montville and all the other centres.
The new regional capital of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore is in its final stages of planning and it must be carefully set as the regional business centre - not a last minute Noosa look-alike and certainly not a Gold Coast clone.
So much to achieve - and only the very best can achieve it.
Let's make 2008 a year we can honestly say we took the time to care.
I agree with Mark that we are going to have to develop a united governance system and at the same time try to represent the wishes and unique issues of the various communities of the Sunshine Coast.
There has been a great deal said about Noosa's campaign to maintain its unique planning scheme, tight controls on population growth and the most community friendly local governance system in Australia.
In fact, I believe that this has been at the heart of most of the agro regarding coast amalgamations. The people of Noosa have been accused of just about everything, but is this not just a case of a local community trying to maintain its unique character as has been enspoused by Mark and the various council and mayoral candidates who have put up their hands so far?
I would suggest that some of our aspiring "super councillors" get behind and support Noosa's efforts, and any other local community for that matter, rather than trying to score cheap political points by undermining them.
This, I think, would go a lot further towards creating unity on the Coast than what I have seen going on so far. Before the howls of protest start rising I would have to agree that this goes both ways. I have seen some cases of unjustified abuse flowing the other way as well.
On the subject of what will make a good candidate for a position on the new Council I personally don't know, but I am not convinced that many of our current councillors will have what it takes when push comes to shove.
In fact, if I was asked how much influence our future Councillors will have on the strategy, decision making and implementation of programs on the Coast, I would have to say, not much.
As Bob Abbot said at a recent forum..."LOCAL government in Queensland no longer exists. The principle of management of local issues by the local communities has been taken away from us."
Make no mistake that in future our council will only be required to ADVISE the State government regarding local issues. The decisions will be made in Brisbane, whether we like it or not.
In actual fact, and I am sure Bob will agree, the statement itself is not correct.
Local government is under pressure (even attack) by State but it does clearly have legal authority.
The incoming Councillors wil have genuine and significant input and control over "... the strategy, decision making and implementation of programs on the Coast".
Indeed, the next 4 years are the most important for decades - and I am certain Bob will agree with me.
Bob and I have discussed a number of issues and I am content to permit him to rate my suitability to the next Council in comparison with any opponent I might have! Why not ask him?
Division is the 'modus operandi' of T. Hulet, all wrapped up in sugar-coasted words that unfortunately all too many people don't see through.
If the Daily seriously desires unity in the new council, it would do well to start publishing some more serious journalism (as it did a few months back on Hulet) that looks into the outrageous shenanigans and manipulation that some councillors partake of on a daily basis.
Mark, as editor of 'daily.com.au' knows that I am content to accept any challenge - but will dispatch quickly the ignorant or mischievious negative comments.
Those who know the truth would not give you or your thoughts a moment's credibility!
So - when and where do we meet?
Unity must come hand in hand with the upholding of the rights and interests of individuals. Unity cannot come at the price of communitarian style government control over our lives. I would hope there are enough independently minded people on the Coast to stop that happening.
We do need a vision for the region and for the people in it.
Only when we are fulfilling the needs of current residents can we hope to deal with the population surge of the future as planned by the State Government.
One issue that must be dealt with by the new larger local government is the realigning of local government boundaries to ensure that the communities are connected, and not disjointed as happens presently to the south west of Caloundra, at Booroobin and probably also Bellthorpe, Cedarton and Peachester.
Some or all of these localities sit on or hug the Conondale or Blackall Ranges, yet sit in the Caboolture Shire Council, or worse, in its amalgamated form with Pine Rivers and Redcliffe Councils.
There is a natural connection for community and business with Caloundra City, or as it will be the new Sunshine Coast regional Council. They ought to be merged as soon as possible with with new Sunshine Coast Regional Council.
Forced local government amalgamations makes bigger government. Big government frequently loses touch with the people and their needs.
The Divisional boundaries bring little better hope of good representation.
I hope that the newly elected local government immediately sets to work on bringing the people together to work out what we want for the area to ensure its sustainability; maximum environmental protection; innovative and affordable ways to accommodate a growing population with new developments carrying maximum, but reasonable developmental infrastructure costs; effective public and private transport roads and infrastructure; maximising low impact business potentials; guaranteeing open, accountable, responsible, and transparent local government decision making; actively continuously minimising red tape at all levels; and ensuring high quality responsive personalised service by local government staff.
- Couldn't agree more - I think the real key is ensuring the style of government genuinely puts both good decision making and the community first. One thing Noosa has done very well is bring representatives of the community onto boards to ensure they have a better idea of community feeling before they make decisions - MF
I don't know of Noosa's processes, but I would welcome community representatives sitting on Boards - but only so long as they reflect the broad range of people, opinions, needs and interests in the community.
They cannot, as has happened in the past, be limited to those people in favour with the current administration or currently elected councilors. This, of course, raises the question of how then such representatives are selected, elected and appointed and how they can claim to represent the diversity of people in the community.
Democracy in Australia is still very young, immature and often manipulated at local, State and Federal levels. The Maleny Community Precinct processes demonstrated how confused many people and groups were with democracy and democratic input and decision making.
I believe we need to move to a type of governance that enables individuals to speak, and be heard, without fear or favour, in monthly, Minuted, public village or town meetings, held after working hours, convened, as a matter of policy or by-laws, by Divisional Councilors, according to proper agreed meeting conduct, in which any person can participate and list agenda items, preferably as Motions, in advance publicly (on the Council's web site for openness and transparency) and have them debated.
Motions would be subject to amendment, by agreement, and voted on by those present. Majority voting would apply. Anything that requires a councillor to act would require Motions to sit on the table and be considered over 2 meetings. Minutes would be posted publicly immediately following meetings, so that maximum individual input can be assured for the best community outcomes.
We need to get to a stage where Australians have better and more effective input into the decisions taken by government.
All governments make decisions that affect our lives every day. Too often, involvement in democracy is minimised to people voting every 3 or 4 years, and complaining about decisions of governments in between elections, because people have no obvious means of input and having a say.
Australians have the capacity to make decisions. They do so all the time with respect to their own personal budgets, incomes and expenditures, many are involved in small and big business, most own shares in publicly listed companies, the majority own property and undertake its maintenance and most own cars and travel the roads or by public transport.
Big Tom Bloggs 3
All other Sunshine Coast Residents 4
C'mon now Ed, let's limit Council Candidates waffle to 2 maybe 3 bloggs a day. Or at least 2 per article!
You're losing us Mr Editor!
Tom has a website, if we want his waffle that is where we will go.
Talk about excuses via the Blogg/i.t. age.
Tom you are becoming more n more of a pain telling us how you are THE best qualified.
I have no doubt with a very well funded campaign, you'll get your chance. I'll back you out.
Big Tom, Til then give average Joe, (or Bob, or Tim, or Joan) a go.
Andrew Muldoon
Buddina.
Until you do Andrew, give this average Tom a go also!
So start planning your holiday - it starts in March.
I see they've just opened up passenger flights to Antarctica. that should be about far enough away for most of us!
I'm not sure what forum atrpeo1 is quoting me from or if the quote is word perfect. As Tom has suggested, I probably did say it "in full flight, generating emotive arguement" but if I said it I meant it and if emotive arguement is a crime then I'm guilty.
I have certainly used similar words in my opening lines of my Sustainable Local Communities and Community Governence policy.
The policy starts with the words"The QLD Govt has chosen to take the word 'local' out of the SSC by giving us a 'Regional Council'. My goal will be to put 'Local' back into the SSC by developing 'local' plans and policies within the region."
So for the record Tom I really don't agree that the "statement is not correct". I do agree with you though, that "the next 4 yrs are the most important in decades".
My first policy release talks about leadership, accountibility and transparency which I believe is the only solid foundation stone that GOOD GOVERNENCE can be built on for the future.
I am listing all my policies as they are released during the campaign on my bigbob.com.au site.
let me know what you think??
BOB