Less than 36 hours after it’s launch, a petition calling on the AG to appeal the sentence handed to the driver responsible for the death of popular Coolum local Sharon Cuthbert has received more than 3000 signatures, Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said today.

Mr Purdie said he wasn’t surprised by the overwhelming support the petition was receiving, after seeing the community outrage over the sentence handed down earlier this week.

Andrew David Muirhead was sentenced to three and half year’s imprisonment and will be eligible for parole in 12 months.

“This weak sentence is a slap in the face for Michael Cuthbert and his family,” Mr Purdie said.

“Someone with such a lengthy track record with police and a history of callous disregard for other road users should never have been on the road in the first place.”

Mr Purdie, who launched the petition late on Wednesday, said he believed tougher laws were needed to protect the community from those who flaunt the law and endanger the lives of others.

The former local police officer was working on the coast at the time of the accident and said he could recall it clearly.

“Over the past year in my new role as the local MP I’ve gotten to know Michael and I am amazed by his strength of character and resolve.

“As a father myself of two young girls, if I was in his shoes, I don’t honestly know how I would get out of bed every day.

“I applaud him for his courage and determination, and I encourage the community to get behind our fight for justice for Sharon.”

The petition can be signed at www.justiceforsharon.com.au.