For Noosa, 2012 is the ‘dawning of a new beginning’ as it will enable us---subject to the election of an LNP government---to create a unique 21st Century local government.  One that literally fulfils Abraham Lincoln’s prophecy of “A Government of The People, By The People, For The People.”
As we observe the ongoing violent revolutionary activity in the Middle-East, driven by ordinary citizens demanding representative government,  despatching corrupt totalitarian governments and their murderous dictators to the rubbish bin of history, we in Noosa have quietly engineered our own bloodless revolution.  Before long we will be issuing our ‘Declaration of Independence’ from the virtual dictatorship of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council who tell us what we can and can’t do and is busily planning our future.  Faceless men and women unelected by Noosa residents.

Over the last four years we have witnessed a steady erosion of participative government under this regime and their growing remoteness from their constituents.  It most assuredly is not a government ‘of the people, by the people, for the people’. Consequently, our community has become increasingly blasé about participating in public forums and expressing opinions on issues fundamental to Noosa’s future.  Like George Orwell’s brilliantly imagined future as described in his “Nineteen Eighty Four” novel,   our regional council is morphing into a Big Brother organisation employing Newspeak, Double Think and the Thought Police that annihilates all opposition while accumulating almost mythical power.  All of which discourages community activism.  Who wants to attend council run forums when the results are already pre-determined?

The notion of creating a new council model that could be a precursor for other councils of similar size around Australia is a pretty exciting proposition.  While the NIA has already run a series of workshops around most Noosa precincts a lot more input will be needed once we get the green light, from Campbell Newman’s government, to commence proceedings.  We really want input from a diverse composition of Noosa residents, business organisations, tourism operators, hospitality and conservation groups, sporting entities, charities and other ‘not for profit’ organisations.  You only get an opportunity like this once in a life time, so we have to make every post a winner.

Fortunately Noosa has an abundance of organisations and passionate people who have the intellect, knowledge and energy needed to design a government to meet our aspirations, our values and common interests with the ability  to provide effective and accountable fiscal management.  We want an inclusive council that governs on behalf of all constituents using the latest technology and drawing on the collective wisdom of the community it represents.

It’s an exciting opportunity to truly establish once and for all a point of difference between Noosa and other resort communities and to re-introduce the magic into the Noosa Brand that was once so admired.  A Brand that has the potential to dramatically increase our tourism industry, to grow creative and knowledge based businesses and attract people to Noosa who have the talents needed to support these industries.  Young people who want to raise their families in a healthy, active outdoor environment.

It’s there for the taking so maybe we can make 2012 the real ‘Dawning of the Age of Aquarius’.

Meanwhile we wish you all a very Happy New Year.
Bob Ansett.