Sunshine Coast Council says enough is enough

Council has unanimously agreed enough is enough, and will oppose any boundary realignment for Eumundi, Doonan, Verrierdale and Weyba Downs.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said any further changes to Council’s boundaries would not be in the best interests of the residents of the Sunshine Coast.
“This region has already gone through amalgamation and de-amalgamation – and all the uncertainty and division they brought with them,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Enough is enough, this region deserves the opportunity to get on with the job without any further destabilisation.”
Council does not support the proposal for a change to its boundaries because:
1. It adds further disruption to our community as a whole after six years of upheaval generated by the 2008 amalgamation and the subsequent 2014 de-amalgamation of local government in this region.
2. It potentially erodes business confidence in the region and undermines our ability to present the region as a stable and progressive location for new investment – investment that this region needs to generate employment, provide much needed infrastructure, and the facilities and services that our residents need
3. It is already creating division, instability and uncertainty within and between communities in the region – which in itself, poses one of the biggest challenges to community well-being and economic growth.
The Minister for Local Government will now be informed of the unanimous decision at today’s Sunshine Coast Council meeting,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“In two conversations I have had with the Minister on this matter, he has advised me he will only refer the proposal by the EDV Group to a Change Commission if the proposal has the support of both the Noosa Shire and Sunshine Coast councils.
“The area that is the subject of the proposed boundary change has always been part of the Sunshine Coast, and formerly the Maroochy, local government area. It has never been a part of the Noosa local government area.
“It has been serviced, supported and resourced by this Council and its predecessors since 1912, and we want them to remain a vital part of the Sunshine Coast community.
“This region – and this Council – should be allowed to get on with the job of creating one of the best places in Australia to live, work, play and invest – without being constantly subjected to the uncertainty and disruption that boundary changes produce.”