Leaders get heads together on hinterland’s future

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, newlyelected Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, and Division 10 Councillor David Law met recently to discuss hinterland plans.

SUNSHINE Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, newly-elected Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, and Division 10 Councillor David Law have come together to discuss plans for Nambour and the hinterland.

Mayor Natoli said it was exciting to be working on projects for Nambour and Palmwoods with the Member for Nicklin and Cr Law.

“Working together is the best way to ensure real results can be delivered for Nambour and surrounds,” she said. “This area has been neglected for too long, but I am excited by the prospect of working with Marty Hunt and David Law to make a real difference in the lives of locals.

“I first met Marty back in the late 1990s when we both had other careers, so we have a strong relationship, and I know I can pick up the phone and sort out any problem with him. And it goes both ways.

“This is the first step on a new path with Council and the State Government genuinely working together for the good of Nambour. Who knows what we can achieve!”

Cr Law said he was happy to be working for the benefit of Division 10. “I am very pleased to collaborate with Marty and establish a positive working relationship for the benefit of our community across the whole of Division 10 and Nicklin,” he said.

“At our first meeting I provided Marty with an update of the key projects and issues for Nambour and across the whole area including Kenilworth.”

Mr Hunt said he was eager to collaborate with all levels of government to enhance Nicklin. As part of his election promises, Mr Hunt is working to deliver key road upgrades and projects across the electorate. He has vowed to improve community safety particularly in Nambour through a Nambour Police Beat and CCTV. The entrance to Woombye State School is set for a $1 million upgrade, a business case and design works promised for an upgrade to the Palmwoods overpass intersection and more.

Mr Hunt said his safety measures aimed to restore a sense of security and confidence to the heart of Nambour. “No-one wants to talk the town down, but we need to face the reality of what people are saying,” he said recently.

“The feedback I’m getting from businesses and residents is clear: people want to feel safe in their own town.”

He said the aim was to move beyond raw crime data, acknowledging that perceptions matter as much as statistics.

“It’s not just about crime statistics,” he said. “It’s about behaviour. It’s about people feeling safe. Whether it’s seniors walking through town or families visiting the cinema, everyone deserves to feel secure.”