Coast MPs reveal what they’ve done in first 100 days

The Coast’s eight elected representatives open up on their first 100 days in the hot seat since the state election.

It's been 100 days since the state election was run and won, with the new parliament now navigating life in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

An economy reeling from the effects of the pandemic, a tourism industry desperate to rebuild and a flood of interstate migration loom as some of the challenges facing the new crop of MPs.

A youth crime crisis which continues to claim headlines, as well as some major pieces of legislation including voluntary assisted dying also loom large on the horizon.

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Here's a summary from the eight elected Coast representatives on what they've been up to in their first 100 days since Queenslanders hit the polling booths.

Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton. Picture: Josh Woning

Sandy Bolton, Noosa (IND):

From a state budget and estimates processes before Christmas, briefing new ministers on historical issues affecting our electorate, multiple round tables, committee meetings and public hearings.

Preparing for the first parliament sitting this month, and progress on a number of fronts including Teewah/Cooloola, the decommissioned TAFE site, expressions of interest for our River Advisory Board and outcomes from the Housing Action Group.

The first 100 days have been invigorating, with our community showcasing its innovation and passion, including streaming globally the technology for early detection of fires and putting them out.

 

Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson. Picture: Patrick Woods

Fiona Simpson, Maroochydore (LNP):

Queensland has suffered an infrastructure spending shortfall over the last six years which has hurt growth areas such as the Sunshine Coast.

Now is the time to stimulate the economy and build the right critical infrastructure which helps job, economic growth and safety.

The number one project I'm calling on the State Government to start is the Mooloolah River Interchange.

The business case was due last year but has been pushed back.

It needs to be finalised and funded to start this project.

I started the year with hosting the LNP State Leader and the team on the Sunshine Coast together with my Coast colleagues where we met with local residents and business leaders about their plans for rebuilding the coast and Queensland's future.

 

Glass House MP Andrew Powell. Picture: Patrick Woods

Andrew Powell, Glass House (LNP):

It doesn't stop in Glass House. I've been out and about at community events and AGMs, held my first mobile office for the new year and started preparations for the 2021 Glass House Small Business Awards.

And on the back of the government dropping the ball, again, on projects like Maleny-Kenilworth Rd and keeping our scenic hinterland routes "scenic", I've been working with locals to get action.

 

Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP. Picture: Josh Woning

Dan Purdie, Ninderry (LNP):

Since the election, I've hit the ground running, with some early wins on the board for the residents of Ninderry.

We've secured funding to start the planning work to upgrade the Coolum roundabout and tender documents have gone out for the new pedestrian bridge in Eumundi.

On a sadder note, with Queensland in the midst of a youth crime epidemic and the loss of more innocent lives in recent weeks, I am continuing to advocate for stronger laws and more resources for our hardworking police officers.

 

Caloundra MP Jason Hunt. Picture: Patrick Woods

Jason Hunt, Caloundra (ALP):

I've been almost entirely meeting constituents and meeting the electorate.

Last year ended in a frenzy, there was an awful lot of action at the end of the year (in parliament).

I was barely in Caloundra for the first month (due to parliamentary commitments and inductions).

I got back in time to close the electoral office for Christmas and since then I've been in meetings with the electorate.

I wasn't fully aware of the depth and breadth of volunteer organisations on the Coast.

That's the thing that I've found most striking.

I'm talking to as many people as I can, but keeping one eye on my election commitments.

I plan to get into the community more now and ease back a little on the meetings as I want to get out in the community and not be in the office too much.

 

Buderim MP Brent Mickelberg. Picture: Attila Csaszar

Brent Mickelberg, Buderim (LNP):

In terms of local issues, I've continued advocating for the State Government to bring forward construction of the new Palmview State High School so it can open in 2022, not 2023 as is currently planned.

Along with my Sunshine Coast LNP colleagues, I've been pushing hard to get the State Government to finalise the Mooloolah River Interchange.

We need the business case finished so that we can get on with the job of funding construction of these much needed works.

Community safety remains a key concern and I've been working collaboratively to start a new Harmony Neighbourhood Watch that supports the growing Palmview community.

I've also been calling on the State Government to not sell land set aside for a new Sippy Downs Fire Station and to tell the community where and when they intend to build one, given they are selling land set aside specifically for that purpose.

In my new shadow ministerial responsibilities for employment, small business and training I scrutinised the government during estimates, where I asked more than 70 questions.

I've also been meeting with stakeholders like chambers of commerce and training providers across the State.

 

Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie. Picture: Annette Dew

Jarrod Bleijie, Kawana (LNP):

Since the election, parliament has been particularly busy, debating a state budget followed by budget estimate hearings.

Locally I have been meeting with lots of residents concerned at the increase in youth crime in our area.

We need to urgently tackle this issue and change the legislation and make breach of bail an offence once again.

Young offenders must be held accountable for their actions.

We have people in our community feeling unsafe in their own homes. This is not on. Enough is enough.

I was also pleased to recently co-host the Leader of the LNP to the Sunshine Coast for a few days where we discussed the major issues of traffic congestion on our local roads and called on the State Government to urgently deliver the Mooloolah River Interchange and long overdue upgrades to Caloundra Rd.

The Sunshine Coast must play a major role in the economic recovery of the state post-coronavirus.

That starts with infrastructure that the current State Government has dragged the chain on.

 

Nicklin MP Robert Skelton. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Robert Skelton, Nicklin (ALP):

Mr Skelton, who made headlines in mid-December for his cheeky gestures during a parliamentary hearing, did not respond.

Nicklin MP Robert Skelton, left, and Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe.

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