Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb for accountability, credibility and transparency. Preference will be given to letters of 100 words or less.
- Read the story: New holiday park booking policy sparks petition
Karen Lynch, Victoria Point: I wish to follow up with your article on the new booking system coming into the sunshine coast caravan parks.
My family has been coming to Mooloolaba caravan park for our Christmas holidays for over 70 years. We always had a site for six weeks but have recently cut it down to five as it’s getting quite expensive to stay in the parks over Christmas.
I am not happy with the proposal to change to Monday check-ins as that means at the start of your holiday you can’t begin until lunchtime Monday and at the end you don’t check out until Monday, which for most people means taking an extra day of work. They are stating it is to do with public holidays over the weekend but the Monday after Christmas is the gazetted public holiday anyway, so people are still booking in and out on a public holiday.
Over the years, if Christmas day falls on a Saturday, they have changed check-in to the Sunday but to do it on a Monday is just stupid. I have complained to Mooloolaba Caravan Park because we are booking in on the first week. We are still allowed to come in on the Saturday but can’t not check out until the Monday, which means I will be paying for five weeks and two days, which I do not wish to do, and will have to check out at least on the Sunday as we won’t want to take another Monday off work.
The proposal for the block at the moment does not affect my family as our five-week blocks works in with their new system but if I ever want to change my weeks it will be hard and there are a lot of fellow campers in the park around me who have been coming for a long time and the block bookings will definitely affect them. I have emailed the manager of the park twice and basically been told this is what is happening, and they have full support from the council. Hoping with the paper’s involvement that this stupid decision can be changed. Thanking you for your time.
Geoff Edwards, Noosa Heads: I am a caravanner and I am frustrated that someone can book 12-months ahead, year-on-year. The ‘first come, first served’ policy locks out fair rotation to others. Bad policy Queensland. Look at the popularity of camping since Covid, everyone wants a slice of the pie, stop this discrimination, I am sure it would be in conflict with councils’ code of ethics.
Jill French, Hervey Bay: These pen-pushers in government have no idea of how the real world works. We don’t all work 9am to 4.39pm Monday to Friday as they do. These days, flexibility of working hours is real. Stop this communistic stand-over stuff. Don’t they know the caravan industry is so busy with people of all ages and all requirements trying to use parks? They have never built so many vans RVs etc in history. Computers make booking so easy you idiots. Stop this ridiculous carry on.
Iain Duff: My wife and I retired four years ago and have been travelling around Australia in a caravan for the first two years. We find the major concern with booking a campsite for a caravan is that preference is given to current users of the camping site over newcomers under their loyalty process. This means the same people book the premium campsites because they have rebooking rights, year-after-year, in many cases 10 to 15 years continuously denying the opportunity for new users to book sites. The system should be fair for all campers. First to book should get the site, not someone who has been booking the same site for the last 20 years, denying the opportunity for newcomers to visit that destination. In many cases the original camper who booked does not even arrive but still books so their families and friends take the site. Totally unfair.
- Read the story: Parking changes proposed for headland street after complaints
Kathy Caswell, Alexandra Headland: I am writing as a local resident of the Marina Walk area regarding Sunshine Coast Council’s proposal to restrict all parking from 8pm to 4am due to disruptive behaviour by groups who congregate in this location.
While I acknowledge and share council’s concern about antisocial and disruptive behaviour, I strongly oppose the proposed blanket parking restriction as it unfairly penalises residents of Marina Walk and their visitors rather than addressing the behaviour of those causing the problem.
If overnight parking is prohibited, residents will be left without reasonable access to park their own vehicles near their homes. In addition, family members, carers and visitors will be unable to park when visiting in the evening or overnight. This proposal would significantly impact our quality of life and sense of safety, despite residents not being the source of the disruptive behaviour.
Residents of Marina Walk do not support closing or effectively isolating this area. We believe the issue is not parking itself, but the behaviour of certain individuals who gather late at night. Restricting parking does not address the root cause and instead displaces the problem while creating hardship for law-abiding residents.
We respectfully ask council to consider alternative measures, such as: increased patrols or targeted enforcement during peak problem hours; CCTV installation or improved lighting in known trouble spots; collaboration with police for behaviour-focused responses; time-limited parking restrictions that exempt residents and their visitors; and other community-based or enforcement solutions that deter antisocial behaviour without restricting access for residents.
We ask council to reconsider this proposal and engage with all residents in Marina Walk to develop a solution that addresses disruptive behaviour while preserving reasonable access, safety and amenity for those who live on Marina Walk.
Thank you for considering our concerns.
Joe Rabbit, Alexandra Headland: As a society we are always looking at band-aid solutions in particular when rich and power citizens are involved. We should identify the real root cause of the problems and solve the root causes and not to implement band-aid solutions that benefit only a few. The root cause is not parking. It is education of the individuals of the community and laziness of enforcement agencies to impose the law. The solution is not changing the parking but to impose the laws by enforcement agencies.
If we only put signs on Marina Walk for not parking, the following scenarios will happen: teenagers will double park and stay there the same way; or they will start the same thing in another location and disturb another community; or we will lose necessary parking all other times for all other residents that want to visit our shores.
I live in the area and in front of the water. I am a individual privileged by life. I am disturbed by the noise of loud cars and noisy teenagers. However I am not selfish and think that I am better than another person and then need to receive special attention from authorities because I have money.
Read the story: Houseboat owner warns new rules could put lives at risk
Taya Gilleard, Noosa: Around 25 people who have made their homes on boats along the scenic Noosa River in Queensland are facing an imminent threat of homelessness due to a recently implemented 28-day anchoring rule. This policy, which goes into effect at the end of January, mandates that these boat dwellers move their floating homes, thus endangering their primary residence and way of life. For these individuals, their boats are not merely vessels but homes, carefully built and maintained over the years.
Moreover, this regulation also affects approximately 60 other boats on the Noosa River that are not being lived on full-time. These boat owners too are required to relocate their boats, but they face this challenge without any substantial guidance or assistance from the authorities. This lack of support leaves them in a precarious position, unsure of their next steps.
The most significant concern is the absence of a practical pathway to comply with the new rule. Currently, there are no alternative moorings being offered to accommodate the displaced boats. Additionally, there is no provision or financial assistance for relocation or towing services, exacerbating the problem for those who cannot afford such costs.
The local community is being forced into an untenable situation with no viable solutions in sight. These boat owners, many of whom have been part of the Noosa community for years, now face the harsh reality of potentially losing their homes without any safety net or viable alternative.
We believe the community should he made aware of the issue that locals are facing.
- Read the story: ‘Disappointed’: MP confirms TAFE site plans shelved
Maidie Low, Noosaville: Why not use the land for affordable housing? I mean really affordable housing, not $1m homes. Basic homes. What a terrible waste of resources. There’s no way it was going to stay in prime condition being empty all those years.
- Read the story: Coast to lose bank branch amid widespread closures
Edward Jaeger, Penfield SA: I am a member of People’s Choice in South Australia and have been for many years. When it was previously Savings and Loan CU it merged with Australian Central Credit Union with similar assurances to members regarding continuation of services. Branch closures then followed. I opposed the mergers at that time.
Then the merger with Heritage Bank occurred, with the same assurances as previously. They then decided to cut the number of savings accounts on offer to a bare minimum. Branch closures are now following. The problem is the credit union ethos has been lost to the management call for a bigger and better bank. Members don’t matter. Management and staff now appear to be ex-bank employees.
The only winners here are upper level management, who can now justify their inflated salaries because we are now a bank.
Lyn Stephens: I will now consider going to another bank.
Darren Sherlock: Banks suck.
Michael Wong: The purpose of banks essentially is to provide services to the people. If banks are not prepared to meet the needs of the people/community, then they should not be in business in the community.
- Read the story: Coalition calls for federal review after tourist park approval
Matt Dyason, Buddina: The Sunshine Coast Council needs to do everything in its power to stop the LNP and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie developing this wetland for commercial gain, which will decimate such a fragile ecosystem. You only get one go at saving wildlife and the Bleijie approval will destroy this habitat.
Rhett Hook, Moffat Beach: Existing coastal structures on the Sunshine Coast are being bolstered or upgraded to withstand damage caused by floods, waves and high seas. These works are being paid for using council funds, taxpayer funds or debt and will be ongoing.
Surely the three levels of government are facing huge debts after their present commitments to the 2032 Olympics and transport infrastructure in SEQ. Delay in developing new coastal infrastructure for 30 years, including Coochin Creek, is sensible considering current congestion and future costs to the community.
Beth Macpherson: I seriously question how this application was approved legally. Many voices, both individually and as groups, were opposed to the development. It was deemed not beneficial to the public and yet it took a single person to override the opposition and approve it.
Not only is it questionable for an individual to override the decision of its own experts, it sets a dangerous precedent for future development of designated environmental reserves.
Perhaps our shadow minister can help to overturn this heinous decision?
- Read the story: Work to start on upgrade of major road
Phil Garrad, Beerwah: Upgrading 300-metres on First Ave in Maroochydore will take 14 months? Surely you can’t be serious, even in Australia.
Lisa Mandl: I am writing to raise serious public safety concerns following an extremely dangerous and life-threatening encounter with a group of dingoes on K’gari.
On November 26, 2025, at approximately 8am I was walking alone along the water’s edge in Zone 8 when I was approached by approximately eight dingoes displaying coordinated and aggressive behaviour. Two dingoes attempted to bite me from the front while others circled behind me.
I defended myself using a stick, as recommended in official dingo safety advice. The situation escalated to the point where I was completely surrounded and genuinely feared for my life.
A male member of the public witnessed the incident from nearby sand dunes and ran to assist me. He yelled, threw sticks and stones and helped drive the dingoes away. Without his intervention, I firmly believe I would have been seriously injured or killed.
I later contacted the ranger office to report the incident in detail. Unfortunately, I was left with the strong impression that the seriousness of the incident was not treated with appropriate urgency. I also sent a written report to Queensland Parks and Wildlife but did not receive a response. While rangers did later contact me by phone, I did not feel that the gravity of the situation was fully acknowledged.
I am deeply concerned that these dingoes are highly habituated, bold and dangerous, and that it is only a matter of time before a fatal attack occurs — particularly involving a child or another vulnerable visitor.
I am speaking out because I believe the public deserves to be aware of the real and immediate risks currently present in this area. I also believe stronger safety measures may be urgently required, such as increased ranger patrols, clearer warning signage or temporary access restrictions in high-risk zones.
- Read the story: Multi-generation farm battles proposed rezoning
Eon Radley: I noted the impact on the local farmers whose property was rezoned without any opportunity to have input. This is not an isolated incident even though many may think so.
There are many examples of how the state will override property title expectations of owners, the vast majority of which go unreported. Why? Because the cost to take the state on is beyond that of most people.
One of the biggest in this state was the South East Queensland Regional Plan brought in by the premier Beatty at the turn of this century. I am unaware of anyone getting compensation for the huge losses incurred as a result under this new legislation that overrides local zoning.
I for one lost millions on a land purchase aimed at being my retirement fund on which I paid many years of interest. The result being that 160-acres ended up being worth about the same as 5-acres in the area. No compensation available. If Stockland could not win taking this rezoning to court then I certainly could not win, I reasoned.
Just had to roll over and cop it as a part of the collateral damage of the socialist dream of our Labor parties. I feel sad for these people, but they are nowhere near being the only persons affected by non-caring government leaders. Most of us are unknown, however, and ignored by the media generally.
Brian Purdon, Hobart, Tasmania: I farm 100-hectares and have no other income other than from my farm in Tassie next to Hobart and my rates are $3000 per year. Rates and taxes are crazy in Queensland. Looks like they will have to go. Capital gains tax issues give government more revenue. CGT could be large, or it might be $0. Depends. It’s sad not much going on with the Queensland farm. But not much profit in agriculture, hence the tax exemption. I recently spoke to valuer one month ago on farm – a revaluation on way for me. He wanted to see that I was actually farming. Interesting, I thought, now I know why. Revenue for government. I run 400 sheep and irrigated cropping. And have 50 houses along my boundaries. I am in a similar situation and the land will remain land tax exempt. Sad they must go, money not everything, some of my neighbours don’t understand why I stay.
- Read the story: Traffic change sparks councillor scrutiny
Trevor Till, Kings Beach: The above changes do not affect me as much as the fact that it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident or road rage being published. Arthur Street is so narrow that two cars can’t travel up or down it at the same time, very dangerous.
- Read the story: Developer plans 18-storey tower on main road
Rudy Formigoni, Marcoola: I totally agree with Richard Bishop, Cotton Tree on this one regarding his open letter to Mayor Natoli.
- Community bank won’t give cash to veterans
Mitch Wilson: We are currently fighting a tier-2 community bank which will not give us cash money unless we give a reason for wanting the cash. As an Army veteran with 21 years of service, we are not trying to launder legally acquired money. This is outrageous and the community should know that a bank can do this if it wishes.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb for accountability, credibility and transparency. Preference will be given to letters of 100 words or less.
