ZERO EMISSIONS NOOSA (ZEN) Inc. ALLIANCE AGREEMENT · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                           6 OCTOBER 2026


   •   Indemnity
   •   Termination of the Agreement
   •   Dispute Resolution
   •   General Provisions
   •   Insurances

A notable change to the governance arrangement between ZEN Inc and Noosa Council is proposed
in this updated agreement. It is recommended to nominate a Councillor as an observer to the ZEN
Inc Board of Directors. The purpose of this appointment is to provide greater oversight and
transparency for Noosa Council and strengthen the link between Council and ZEN Inc. It is noted
that whilst Council staff are in regular contact with ZEN Inc members through its working groups and
on various other matters, a direct link between Councillors and the ZEN Inc board will support an
increased understanding of the opportunities for the two organisations to continue to work together
at a strategic level.

The observer will not have Director responsibilities (such as voting) and will serve to provide
guidance and support and be a conduit between Noosa Council and the ZEN Inc Board. The
appointed Councillor would attend and participate in scheduled Board meetings (unless prevented
by extenuating circumstances). This model is similar to the alliance arrangement with other
community organisations which provide a specialised and dedicated function to supporting Council
to achieve its vision and objectives.

It is important to note that funding for the three-year Agreement is subject to review and consideration
by Council through the annual budget review process. As noted in the Agreement, this consideration
will be informed by ZEN Inc’s budget proposal, Annual Operational Plan, and Annual Report to be
submitted to Council in February ahead of each subsequent financial year.

Annual Operational Plan FY26/27

The ZEN Inc Annual Operational Plan (Operational Plan) sets out key activities and projects for the
organisation to advance. This year’s operational plan is delivered in two parts, one for each of the
ZEN Inc working groups (ZENe and ZENTAG) Attachment 2 and 3. The plans for FY26/27 include
the following projects:
   •   Deliver community forums and education on the benefits of electrification and renewable
       energy
   •   Train the trainer program to upskill and inform a network of community education champions
   •   Support Sustainable House Day
   •   Deliver the solar for low-income homes project
   •   Support businesses to save money and reduce emissions through the Business Energy
       Advisor service
   •   Deliver Noosa’s EV & Electrify Everything Expo (9th annual)
   •   Deliver Noosa’s E-bike library
   •   Swap the drive program to support modal shift
   •   Advocacy on EV charging infrastructure, modal shift and sustainable transport
Details on KPIs associated with each project, as well as strategic alignment with Council objectives,
are included in the Annual Operational Plan included as Attachment 2 and 3.