12:00a.m. 4th April 2008

| By Sam Benger

New Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot has pledged to ensure an “open door” policy at the new council, with an emphasis on communication and consultation.

“The basis of what makes a council great (is to) reflect the community wants, needs and aspirations,” he told the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s inaugural meeting at the University of the Sunshine Coast yesterday.

“The ‘big job’ for me was one thing, but the big job for the council is another thing and we will need to do it with good manners, hard work and communication.

“We have been given a mandate by the state government but we have also been given an opportunity to ensure that what happens with this community has the support of the community. We won’t let you down.”

History was made as the council staged its first meeting, with Mr Abbot leading a fresh-faced team of 12 councillors on a path promised to bring environmental and economic sustainability to the region.

Tears were shed, papers were signed and promises were made as the new mayor and councillors from across the former local government areas of Noosa, Maroochy and Caloundra, pledged to “faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of office”.

And the newly elected councillors, including familiar faces from the former local government bodies as well as new recruits, echoed the sentiments of their mayor when addressing the council.

There was a clear focus on the environment, sustainability and a clear vision for the future of the region .

Former Caloundra councillor Tim Dwyer was voted deputy mayor. He said he looked forward to ensuring the Sunshine Coast retained its cultural and environmental diversity for future generations.

A number of councillors, including former Noosa councillor and Division 9 councillor Vivien Griffin and new councillors Keryn Jones and Debbie Blumel, also highlighted the importance of the environment and sustainable development in their addresses to council.

And Christian Dickson, who received 71% of the vote in his Division 6 seat, had a swipe at the former Maroochy council by saying the new regional council was the first one where he got along with “every single councillor”.

For their troubles, councillors will receive an annual salary of $105,203, while mayor Bob Abbot will earn $174,334.50 and deputy mayor Tim Dwyer $120,232.

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