LANDSCAPING MAINTENANCE

A major part of the voluntary work undertaken by the Noosa Waters Residents Association is the maintenance of most of the public landscaping in the Estate.

One of Noosa Waters' beautiful parks

In May 2011 a survey was undertaken by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council to see whether residents were willing to pay a special levy to fund the restoration of landscaping maintenance to the level that prevailed for the past 13 years. About half of Noosa Waters' 1,141 ratepayers responded and the results were that 51% were in favour of a levy and 49% were against a levy. As there was not a clear majority of ratepayers wanting a levy, Council will not introduce a levy.

As the levy will not be introduced, the service levels that will now apply, compared with what previously applied, are shown below:

Item	Maintenance frequency for last 13 years	New Council imposed frequency
Mowing cuts per year	24	11-12
Edging times per year	24	4
Hard surfaces blown or swept	Yes	Not mentioned
Garden bed maintenance	Every 3 or 4 weeks depending on the season	Not mentioned
Hedging	Every 3 to 4 months	Not mentioned
Weed control spray p.a.	When required including bindis in parks	4 times per year
Mulching that breaks down	Yearly	Every 3 - 5 years
Timber maintenance	As required	Every 2-3 years
Dog bag refills	As required	Monthly

Council will not reconsider another survey until, at least, the next budget preparations in about 12 months. Council and State elections are due next year and they may affect the issue.

Sharon Woodford, our Landscaping Coordinator, has resigned. For over 13 years, Sharon has liaised with Council, coordinated and looked after our landscaping volunteers and helped maintain our parks and surrounds.

On behalf of all members and residents, The Management Committee would like to thank Sharon very much for all the hard work that she has done. The appearance of Noosa Waters, up to the time Council changed the standards, was significantly due to the efforts of Sharon, John Langdon and the many volunteers who have contributed so much. Our volunteers are not able to make up for the reduction in Council services.

Unfortunately, the appearance of our Estate will deteriorate.

Please contact John Langdon with comments and suggestions.