‘I don’t envy her’: Bob Abbot’s advice to Noosa’s new mayor

‘There are holes to be filled in the Hinterland. They are probably in the roads.’

IT'S just the beginning for an all new Noosa Council and mayor, but one man who knows this path all too well said there were a few simple things they should keep in mind.

Former Sunshine Coast and Noosa mayor Bob Abbot wished the recently sworn in Noosa Council all the best for their adventure ahead.

He believed for Noosa's first female mayor Clare Stewart, she had a considerably steep learning curve ahead.

"I don't envy her," Mr Abbot said.

"Not only does she have to come to grips with the daily running of Council, but she has a whole new element in how to deal with the next 6-12 months of COVID-19 imposed restrictions.

"It adds another element to the game."

With four new faces in Noosa Council, Mr Abbot said it was important they get up to speed with Council's processes quickly and assess what voters shared with them during their campaigning.

"It's really important to get the processes right so they can protect themselves," Mr Abbot said.

"Early in the piece they need to do a bit of a review of what the election actually said and what policies were challenged.

"It was a very close election so there is no clear mandate."

The former mayor said there was a clear message from voters that the Hinterland wants action.

"There are holes to be filled in the Hinterland," he said.

"They are probably in the roads."

"I said three elections ago, anyone who ignores the Hinterland will never get elected," he said.

"There are no divisional councillors in Noosa, so everyone has to be aware of everything."

As the new Council team get accustomed with their new roles, Mr Abbot offered his support and a gentle reminder of what, or more importantly, who should be at the forefront of every Council decision.

"I wish them all the best," Mr Abbot said.

"The people have spoken and it's time to get on with it.

"Never ever forget who put you there."

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