2017-07-11 Services and Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     11 JULY 2017


Noosa Social Strategy

In its community snapshot the Noosa Social Strategy (the Strategy) identifies 10-15% of the
Sunshine Coast region’s population as being LGBTI.

Theme 3 of the Strategy which discusses the creation of an accessible, diverse and affordable
community states:

Council values and embraces diversity be it cultural, spiritual, ethnic or capacity-based. We aim
to be a community that is tolerant, inclusive and welcoming. We will strive for social equity by
advocating for vulnerable groups to have access to appropriate support to enable their full
participation in our community.

And also under Key Issues the Strategy states:

There are an increasing number of vulnerable groups emerging in our community e.g. lone
person households, some within the LGBTI cohort, and disengaged young people. To service the
needs of these groups will require new and innovative approaches that support those most at
risk.

Councillor support for marriage equality

In the lead up to the March 2016 Local Government elections a number of Councillors expressed
their personal support for marriage equality.

On May 17, 2016 and 2017, Noosa Council flew the rainbow flag (a symbol of lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender pride and diversity) in support of International Day against Homophobia
and Transphobia (IDAHOT Day).

On 28 June 2016, Noosa Councillors released a press release welcoming the ALGA motion in
support of marriage equality. In that release Mayor Tony Wellington said Councillors had
discussed what their position should be, in light of the ALGA motion. “We agreed that ALGA is
the appropriate body to pursue this issue at the federal level on behalf of local governments."

On May 8, 2017, a number of Councillors met with a delegation from the LGBTI community. The
delegation asked that Council formally consider supporting marriage equality.

Right of others to hold contrary views

While this report is recommending Council formally support marriage equality and national polling
would suggest that a majority of Noosa residents support marriage equality, it is important to
acknowledge some sections of our community hold that marriage should only be between a man
and a woman.

Council’s support for the ALGA resolution is in no way disrespectful of these views, or people’s
right to have their own beliefs and opinions, rather it aims to uphold the notion of equality for all
under the law.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil

Finance & Risk

Nil


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