Cooroy’s Meet the Candidates forum – 22 February 2024

Last night I attended the Cooroy Meet the Candidates forum at Coory Memorial Hall. Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for organising, and all who attended. In the spirit of transparency, and for those who missed it, here is what I said! I’ll do a video shortly too.

I was on this stage just 2 months ago singing Christmas carols in the Cooroy festival. That night is a great example of the community spirit here.

I live in Cooroy with my partner, Roy, who runs two small businesses from the industrial park, and we’re members of the chamber.

My background is in finance and accounting, and then teaching accountants. Yes, I’m a nerd. I spent my 20’s and 30’s working in the city, and my 40’s working remotely from home. Now as I hit my 50’s it feels like the right time to serve the community. I’m old enough to have experience to offer, but young enough to give council my all, for a few terms!

I decided to run in this election because I have skills and qualifications that the community has been asking for – financial literacy, business experience, the ability to negotiate and work effectively with others.

Some Noosa residents are happy with the way things are and want to protect their lifestyles from change, and I respect that. But many are frustrated with council and are feeling let down and really want to see change and feel heard. Is that you?

Using my skills in due diligence and cashflow modelling, my mission will be to make sure ratepayers money is being used in the best interests of the WHOLE community and is focussed on the basics – roads, bridges, traffic, parking, waste, and protecting the environment.

The issue I’m hearing most about is housing – we all know the shortage affects everyone, but especially lower income workers and families.  Workers are living in their cars or hours away because they can’t find a home here. That’s just not fair.

All levels of government need to work together to increase supply, and council can do more – like freeing up land, and allowing more homes on larger blocks.

It can also crack down on STA properties to return homes to residents. The population is going to keep growing, and we need to find solutions that work for the way our community wants to live now and in the future, not just to put money into the hands of developers or distant investors. Community led solutions.

My values are based around fairness and equity. In my professional career and as a volunteer, I’ve proven that I get my hands dirty, I get the job done, I tell it like it is and I stand up for what’s right. I’m here to represent the community, and I’ll use everything I’ve got to work with other councillors and the mayor to get the best outcome for you.

Tourists are welcome, but residents come first.

Think carefully about who should manage ratepayers money. Your money.

I’m Nicola Wilson. Put me in your top 6.