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Catching the waves The Noosa Festival of Surfing delivered a spectacular weekend, with near-perfect conditions at First Point showcasing long, peeling waves in classic Noosa style. From seasoned locals to rising groms, the event captured the true spirit of the festival, blending generations of surfers and attracting competitors from across the globe despite challenging travel conditions. With standout performances, electric finals-day surf and a vibrant beachside atmosphere, it was a fitting celebration of Noosa’s enduring place at the heart of longboarding culture. Full report in Sport.
Women’s Logger champ Sophia Culhane. (Melissa Hoareau/NFOS: 542754)
Mayor mea culpa By Steve Linnell Noosa Mayor Councillor Frank Wilkie has issued an unreserved apology after admitting he failed to correctly declare a conflict of interest relating to the controversial Peregian Beach Active Streets project. In a statement to council, Cr Wilkie said he had misunderstood his obligations under the Local Government Act, describing the mistake as serious and conceding it should have been identified much earlier. “Pending further legal advice I wish to apologise upfront, unreservedly, to my fellow councillors, staff and the community for a mistake I have made,” he said. The mayor revealed legal advice had clarified that a campaign donation of more than $2000 ($5,000) from his mother - who also participated in community consultation on the project - constituted a “prescribed conflict of interest” that
should have been declared last year. “That donation from my mother ought to have been declared… and would have excluded me from some briefings,” he said. Cr Wilkie said he initially believed his proximity to the project - living near the affected streets - was the primary issue, and that it fell under a standard declarable conflict. However, the legal advice confirmed the donation triggered a higher level of conflict requiring earlier disclosure. The admission comes as the Active Streets proposal, which includes traffic calming measures in Peregian Beach, continues to divide the community. Cr Wilkie said he had previously disclosed to councillors and staff that he lived in the neighbourhood impacted by the works, but acknowledged he had “clearly made a mistake” in not recognising the significance of the political donation.
“When I received this advice I felt sick. And I am deeply sorry,” he said. Despite maintaining he acted in good faith, the mayor conceded he had failed to fully understand how the conflict of interest rules applied in this case. The matter was due to be considered by council this week, marking the first time it would come before councillors for a formal decision after initially being treated as an operational matter. However, following the disclosure, councillors resolved to defer the Peregian Beach Active Streets item until June 2026. The controversy raises fresh questions about governance and transparency at Noosa Council, particularly around how conflicts of interest are identified and managed at an early stage of major projects. Noosa Council later released a statement: “At Monday’s General Committee meeting, Mayor Frank Wilkie declared a conflict of interest, aris-
ing from an electoral donation of $5,000 made by his mother, who lives near the proposed Peregian Active St project site. The agenda item was deferred to today’s Ordinary Meeting. At this meeting, Cr Wilkie apologised to councillors and the community, accepting responsibility for his oversight in not making the declaration earlier, as this project was initially to be an operational matter and not a Council decision. In accordance with the Local Government Act 2009, the matter has been referred to the Office of the Independent Assessor. Deputy Mayor Cr Brian Stockwell said councillors have agreed to defer any decision on the project until June. “This deferral is in the community’s best interest, and we look forward to considering the full report in two months’ time,” he said.