With the local government elections now only days away, and pre-polling already open, candidates are making their final pitches for why they should be elected.
To help voters decide, Sunshine Coast News asked all 14 candidates to become Noosa councillors to share no more than 100 words about themselves.
They were asked: Why should you be elected to the council? What issues in our community do you feel are most pressing, and how do you plan to address them if elected?
All candidates below are as they will appear on the ballot paper and are listed as independent.
In Noosa Shire, there are six councillors and the mayor. It does not have divisional boundaries.
Chris Darwen: If elected to represent the shire as one of the six councillors, I believe my skills, experience and non-affiliation with political parties means I can provide an unbiased and educated position during the decision-making process. I am committed to improving community engagement through regular town hall meetings, online platforms and workshops; advocating for sustainable development by balancing growth with environmental preservation; working tirelessly to deliver on affordable housing so everyone has a place to call home; thinking outside the box as to what defines a home. You said you want a change, here is your chance Noosa.
Karen Finzel: Given the experience I have gained following my election in 2020 as a Noosa Shire Council elected representative and my close connection to the people of Noosa, having lived here for nearly 40 years in the hinterland, I would like to continue with a proactive local focus to bring representation that is independent, forward looking and focused on the issues and opportunities in Noosa. I bring with me inclusive community engagement, advocacy and collaborative solutions, with a focus on creating positive outcomes between council, individuals, community organisations, business and young people to address pressing concerns around neighbourhood amenity, traffic congestion and population growth.
Jess Phillips: Vote for Jess Phillips because I’m dedicated to prioritising your needs and fostering a transparent and inclusive community. As a council candidate, I bring a fresh perspective, believing that experience alone doesn’t define capability. I’m committed to learning, asking questions and ensuring our community’s voices are heard. Rejecting alignment with non-transparent groups, I promise to uphold the values of honesty and accountability. I aim to build a community that thrives on openness and mutual respect. With 15 years of dedicated service in the police service, I have honed my skills in negotiation and developed a keen understanding of the importance of community engagement.
Nicola Wilson: I have the skills and experience the community has been asking for – financial literacy, responsible budgeting, the ability to listen to the community and work effectively with others, without any conflicts of interest. I’ll make sure ratepayers’ money is being used for the whole community, focused on the basics – roads, bridges, traffic, parking, waste and protecting our environment. The most pressing issue is housing. Members of the community have great ideas to increase sustainable housing supply, and we need to explore those further and find ways to make them work, such as freeing up land and allowing second homes on larger blocks.
Related story: Who’s in: nominations for council elections finalised
Andrea Newland: An independent without political affiliations or conflicts of interests, bringing unbiased representation on all important issues for Noosa residents disillusioned with current council. Agreements with state government will be scrutinised, pushing for funding reviews and joint initiatives with federal government to improve infrastructure and housing, and reduce fees and charges. The next four years must provide greater consultation and demonstrate council are acting on community consensus by adjusting or abandoning proposals that are not widely supported to benefit Noosa and the environment. I am prepared to work diligently to bring this change about as quickly as possible. There’s only one Noosa, let’s protect it.
Brian Stockwell: I bring my track record as the shire’s most experienced councillor, plus decades as a town planner and environmental manager. Our shire’s natural environment and human-scale communities underpin our lifestyle and our economy. They are under attack from threats to natural values, a loss of village character and congestion from too many day trippers. I commit to working with the community to achieve a better future through championing: a Destination Management Plan that reduces over-tourism; a Noosa River Plan that drives better management, rehabilitation and fishing outcomes; the implementation of the Housing Strategy and enhanced STA Local Law compliance.
Amelia Lorentson: I am committed to my responsibilities and consider my role more than just a career – it’s a calling. There’s unfinished business, projects that I have started that demand continuity and my genuine passion for the job drives me forward. When it comes to the most pressing issues in our community, I believe that quality of life and environmental preservation demand urgent attention. If elected, I intend to tackle these challenges with unwavering conviction, providing strong leadership and a commitment to actionable solutions.
Leigh McCready: I have a proven track record of getting things done for our community and I believe the current council has lost its way. If elected I will: bring back hard rubbish kerbside collection; not support commercial development in National Parks; improve roads, parking and infrastructure; reduce whole-house short stays in residential areas; manage growth – no high-rise in Noosa Shire. I believe well-run councils always engage with and include the community in decision-making. I will work with residents and ratepayers to produce collaborative policy which is designed for the community, with the community.
Joe Jurisevic: I am standing once again to continue my proud record as a Noosa councillor delivering outcomes for this community for over 10 years. My priorities for the next term will be: upgrade ageing community facilities, further improvements to our pathway and trail networks, Noosa District and Cooroy Sports Complex and Botanic Gardens Master Plans, new regional art gallery and indoor sporting facility for the shire; transition food waste from landfill; disaster management, recovery and resilience; free buses everyday through the introduction of paid parking in the Hastings Street precinct so tourism contributes and replace the Transport Levy. Experience counts. Recycle your councillor!
Related story: Election angst: confusion ahead of upcoming ballot
Mat Bankes: In the midst of a contentious election, where accusations and divisive tactics abound, emerges a candidate of distinction. This individual rises above the fray, poised to distinguish between mere contenders and true leaders. With a commitment to reforming and revitalising the council, this candidate embodies strength and capability. They pledge to take charge from within, bringing order and excellence to the very core of the council – delivering core responsibilities at a world-class standard while upholding an inspirational vision for all. Can you guess who that candidate is? For change, growth and unity, vote Mat Bankes.
Fiona Jacobs: At the core of any thriving community are its residents, and their voices matter deeply to me. As an advocate, I’m committed to ensuring every resident feels heard and valued in our decision-making processes. Addressing the issue of STA local law reform is essential to maintaining the integrity of our neighbourhoods. We must protect residential areas from commercial encroachment to preserve the quality of life for our residents. Moreover, my dedication to environmental advocacy stems from a genuine desire to safeguard our planet for future generations. Let’s work together for a better, more sustainable community.
Michelle Ngatai-Stokes: I have 40-plus years as a local resident and volunteer. I wish to serve the people and to leave a proud legacy for all future generations. I will do this by protecting, preserving and maintaining the Noosa environment and lifestyle, through building effective connections with community, and uniting all communities to strengthen our collective futures. I intend to implement monthly meetings in six shire areas for reasons of accountability. I acknowledge urgent issues include, but are not limited to, increasing rates, the Noosa River Plan, hinterland quarry trucks, waste management in Black Mountain, car parking plus more, which the current council has been ineffective at addressing.
Tom Wegener: I came to Noosa in 1998 with a surf film, Siestas and Olas, and fell in love with my future wife and Noosa. We started a family and a surfboard business. Noosa has been very good to me. Along my journey, I practised law in Los Angeles and earned a PhD in the sustainability of small manufacturing in Australia at UniSC. When I ran for Noosa Council in 2020, I felt it was time to give back to Noosa. During my first term I supported the environment and local businesses. I believe our economy is largely leveraged off our most valuable asset, Noosa’s natural environment.
Alecia Staines: I’ve had a career of service as a classroom teacher of nearly two decades, and I’m keen to serve Noosa Shire. I have proven positive outcomes for community, having campaigned for better maternity services through the organisation I founded, Maternity Consumer Network. This year, as a result of our campaigning, the Queensland Government directed $42 million into rural maternity services. Council needs to get back to focusing on core services: roads, footpaths, kerbs, rubbish, playgrounds, public toilets. Over successive terms, council have failed to plan for adequate infrastructure and residents are keen to see a better return for their ratepayer dollar.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
