Councillor Maria Suarez
for Division 9

The ECQ have provided final election counts to candidates, however the Division results have not yet been publicly declared.

We were successful with the preliminary count and the preference count confirmed the win for me to be elected as the new Councillor for Division 9.

I’d like to acknowledge Angela Dunbavan - Division 9 - Sunshine Coast Council, Daniel Bryar from Queensland Greens - Sunshine Coast, Bruce Dunne Division 9 Sunshine Coast Council and Daren Edwards - Independent Candidate for Division 9 - SC Council for individually congratulating and wishing me well in the role.

It was a hard fought division against talented candidates who were also committed to pursuing the best outcome for our constituents. I wish them each well in their future endeavours and will no doubt keep in touch.

Rates spent on Services and Infrastructure

Our rates and council income are being spent on projects that are predominately focussed on areas south of Maroochy River. Residents of Division 9 are desperately calling for better infrastructure and improved services.

Open Meetings & Accessible Information

Decisions to hold closed meetings are optional not mandatory. The community have a right to be adequately informed of council decisions. Live streaming should be implemented and access to information radically improved.

Sustainable Development & Local Employment

Ad-hoc amendments to the Town Plan and approvals granted well outside of the Town Plan scope is eroding our way of life. Development needs to support our construction industry and be approached in a way that better balances the economic, social and environmental needs of our communities.

Protecting and enhancing our Environment

Division 9 has the opportunity to further progress Council’s vision of becoming Australia’s most sustainable region by approving eco initiatives over areas not suited to development in Division 9.

Diverse Employment Opportunities

The Sunshine Coast has an abundance of part-time, low paid, no future career path jobs. We need to encourage industries that provide secure, well paid jobs with career opportunities for our current and future workers.

Authentic Community Consultation

Instead of undertaking an ‘Inform and Defend’ mentality to community consultation, Council need to involve the community at earlier stages of projects, where true community consultation provides real outcomes as a result of collaborative discussions.