A former coach of the Australian rugby union team has announced his intention to return to Sunshine Coast Council.
John Connolly, who guided the Queensland Reds in the 1990s and the Wallabies in the 2000s, will vie for Division 4 at council elections in March.
The area, currently represented by Joe Natoli, includes Alexandra Headland, Buddina, Maroochydore, Minyama, Mooloolaba, Parreara and Warana.
Mr Connolly previously held the division from 2016 to 2020, before he made an unsuccessful bid for the Maroochydore seat in state parliament, as an independent.
The 72-year-old, who appears to have largely recovered from a freak fall, said he was focused on economy and lifestyle.
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“Over the past four years, there has been a noticeable lack of positive accomplishments,” he said.
“I’m as eager as ever to leverage my expertise to really enhance the region’s prosperity and quality of life”.
He listed some priorities, including: reversing council’s decision regarding off-leash dog areas at La Balsa Park; working towards an affordable and reliable public transport system from Caloundra to north of the Maroochy River; a review of the local walkways policy with a view to removing motorised scooters; a car park to accommodate 600 to 700 cars besides Mooloolaba Wharf; and the start of the planned five-and-a-half star Aria Hotel at Mooloolaba.
He was also focused on: the continuation of the Placemaking Mooloolaba Master Plan; ongoing work with Kawana Surf Club and Council’s Placemaking team on beautification at front of the club; increasing the number of disabled and aged car parking spaces; increasing the number of safe houses for victims of family violence; and better planning of the region’s assets and infrastructure with the effects of climate change in mind.
“Everything that council does for the next four years needs to also be around supporting business growth that will improve our economy for the next generation,” he said.
Mr Connolly highlighted some of his achievements when he was previously councillor, including the start of the multi-deck Brisbane Road car park and road improvements.
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