This week I was interviewed via Zoom by Daniel Pizzaro, 10 Local News Sunshine Coast. Daniel was very generous with his time and showed a real interest in Noosa and the upcoming local government elections.
Here are the News Bulletins that include excerpts of interview, together with transcripts.
On tackling the tough issues
Transcript:
Good morning a woman in her 60s is recovering in Sunshine Coast University hospital after being airlifted following a jet ski incident on the Noosa River. The RACQ Lifelite rescue chopper was called to the site around 11:00 a.m. yesterday after two tourists came off the jet ski. The woman suffered spinal injuries while the man, also in his 60s, was driven to Sunshine Coast University Hospital. Both are in stable conditions.
Noosa’s Deputy Mayor Frank Wilkie says in order for the shire to tackle the housing affordability crisis partially caused by a rise in short-term rentals, as well as traffic congestion and rebuilding community connections you need an experienced hand at the helm. He told 10 News Local that’s why he’s running for the Region’s top job as mayor.
“So we really need a mayor who has experience and knows how local government works to tackle these tough issues in a collaborative and effective way. So that’s why I’m stepping up, because I know how to do that.” – Frank Wilkie
- Daniel Pizarro
On traffic and transport
Transcript:
Good afternoon. Noosa Council’s Deputy Mayor and now Mayoral candidate Frank Wilkie has emphasized his long-standing association with the region as he makes his pitch to voters ahead of next month’s elections. Speaking to Ten Local Mr Wilkie says he’s not afraid to make the hard decisions on policies including expanding transport options to popular Noosa precincts. We need now to address the number of people who are still choosing to get down there by car. So we need to put in initiatives that will be disincentives for people driving in by car but also, at the same time, gives priority access to residents. Sso it will be hard decisions that will need to be made.
– Daniel Pizarro
Putting residents and the environment first
Transcript:
Good afternoon I’m Daniel Pizarro with your 10 News Local update for the Sunshine Coast.
It’s been revealed several passenger aircraft landed at Sunshine Coast Airport without a single firefighter being on duty over the peak summer period. the United Firefighters Union says the shortage of Aviation rescue firefighting or ARFF is becoming critical as traffic increases at the airport, and have accused the federal regulator Air Services Australia of compromising passenger safety.
They claim five Boeing 737s landed without any firefighters on the tarmac over the past 2 months, with 59 having insufficient staff members. Air Services Australia says 21 full-time firefighters are employed at Sunshine Coast Airport during approved operating hours but says the airport is allowed to operate outside of those hours. Airport management said they also have 24 / 7 support from Emergency Services.
Noosa Council’s Deputy Mayor and now candidate for Mayoralty, Frank Wilkie, says he has the grassroots support from locals, both new and old, as he steps up his campaign for the Shire’s top job.
Speaking to 10 Noosa’s local Mr Wilkey argues he puts residents first.
“I’m hoping that my track record of always voting for recommendations and motions that put residents and the environment first will hold true and people can see that. And people know that my words match my deeds.”