Seniors on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast will be eligible for a 50% discount on their council rates and charges under a new seniors’ policy unveiled by colourful mayor contender ‘Big’ Bob Abbot, in his race for the top job at the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council, an amalgamation of Caloundra, Maroochy and Noosa councils. The policy is sure to be popular with the region’s older voters but is it sustainable in the longer term? It’s forecast the region can expect a 250% increase in the number of seniors in the next 15 years, compared to the anticipated state average increase of 150% over the same period. Somebody will have to pay for the increased demand on services. Will this hold potential village residents back?