Pirates give thumbs up to subsidy

Noosa Pirates president, Chris O’Grady.

Noosa Pirates rugby league president Chris O’Grady has given the thumbs up to Sunshine Coast Council’s $1 million subsidy for Unitywater bills, hoping that their $6000 bill is covered.

But Mr Grady said he will need to find out more about the stipulation that the additional funding was reliant on clubs reducing their dependence on town supply by installing tanks and other water-saving devices.

“We don’t use a lot of water out there – we use bore water on the fields and the main charge is from the sewerage component,” he said.

“I think it’s great what council is doing.”

Last week it was reported in the Noosa News that the council’s underwriting of hard-hit community and sporting groups has a caveat to be more water-wise.

Cr Debbie Blumel said linking assistance with Unitywater bills to the need for change would stop clubs from simply relying on heavy subsidisation.

Mr O’Grady said he had finally heard back from Unitywater by telephone about the club’s bill concerns, but the call has failed to answer important questions.

Like how did the new water and sewerage company arrive at separate bills for all the Tewantin Sports complex users, like the netball at the northern end of facility, who all share one meter?

“I think they really have to come out here to have a look before they can sort all this out,” Mr O’Grady said.

And he is keen to attend the Unitywater water public forum organised by Member for Noosa Glen Elmes at Noosa J to discuss community concerns next Tuesday, September 7, with company CEO Jon Black.

“The public reaction to the bills received by residents in the Noosa electorate from Unitywater has been almost as overwhelming as during the amalgamation process of the Noosa Shire Council” said Glen Elmes, Member for Noosa.

“My office received so many calls that I have had to put a separate complaints process in place and invite residents to access this via a link on my website.

“The subsequent traffic, both from the website and phone calls, continues to be very heavy.

“Consequently Jon Black, the CEO of Unitywater has volunteered to come to Noosa and answer questions at a community forum which I have organised, and I thank him for making this commitment.

“We do ask that people be seated by 3.15pm,” Mr Elmes said.

HAVE YOUR SAY

What: Unitywater Community Forum

Date: Tuesday 7 September, 3.30 – 5pm

Venue: The J, Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction