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ADOPTION OF NOOSA COUNCIL STRATEGIC LAND ACTIVATION POLICY · Report
SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 2024
5.3 ADOPTION OF NOOSA COUNCIL STRATEGIC LAND ACTIVATION POLICY
Author Director Corporate Services, Trent Grauf
Corporate Services Department
Index Index: 46.15 Use of Council Land and 46.16 Use of State Land
Attachments 1. ATTACHMENT 1. Noosa Council Strategic Land Activation Policy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents a recommendation for Council to adopt a Strategic Land Activation Policy (the
Policy). The Policy has been developed to ensure Council optimises the use of its land assets in
alignment with its long-term strategic objectives. The Policy provides a structured, systematic
approach to direct the activation and development of land assets. It is designed as an operational
directive to improve the utilisation of land and deliver long-term economic, social and environmental
benefits for the Noosa region.
By implementing a structured framework, the Policy embeds processes of due diligence,
comprehensive assessment and benefit review to ensure land activation aligns with Council’s
strategic objectives. It also introduces an internal working group to provide a stage-gate review of
proposals, ensuring sound review and feasibility assessment. The Policy does not grant decision-
making powers but instead outlines best practices for guiding land activation processes.
The Policy is designed to facilitate well-considered land use, aligning with Council's economic, social,
and environmental priorities while ensuring transparency and accountability. Adoption of the Policy
will ensure best practice land activation and sustainable development across the Noosa region.
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Director Corporate Services to the Services and Organisation
Committee dated 12 November 2024 and adopt the Strategic Land Activation Policy, provided at
Attachment 1 to the report.
REPORT
BACKGROUND
Noosa Council manages a diverse portfolio of land assets, which play a key role in achieving the
Council's strategic objectives across community, environmental and economic domains. As the
demands on land and infrastructure grow, the strategic use and activation of land assets become
increasingly important for Council's ability to serve the community.
Land Activation is described as the process of utilising or developing land assets to maximise their
potential and value, aligning with Council’s strategic objectives. Land assets are properties or parcels
of land owned, managed or influenced by Council that hold value for their potential to support various
activities, including both developed and undeveloped areas. It may also include future acquisitions
for this purpose.
The Policy aims to implement a more proactive and planned framework for activation of land. As the
community, infrastructure and other competing demands grow, a strategic approach to Land
Activation is essential. This Policy provides a structured and systematic approach to ensure land
assets, when activated, are used to their full potential.
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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 2024
With limited public resources and increasing expectations for local government to strengthen
communities, it is crucial to maximise the value and utility of land assets. This Policy guides an
informed and proactive approach where land assets are viewed as strategic opportunities to drive
positive outcomes for both the community and Council.
EXPLANATION OF ITEM
The adoption of the Policy by Council will embed a structured process within the organisation for
managing and activating Council-owned land assets. The Policy itself does not grant decision-
making powers, instead it serves as a best-practice framework to direct Council officers and leaders
in aligning land use with the broader strategic objectives of Council.
The Policy is designed to facilitate proactive land activation by setting out clear procedures for
identifying, assessing, and leveraging land assets. By adopting this Policy, Council will empower the
organisation to maximise the value of land assets and contribute to long-term strategic outcomes
without superseding existing decision-making processes.
The Policy is designed to guide Noosa Council in managing and optimising its land portfolio in a way
that supports the region’s strategic priorities. It provides a framework for decision-making regarding
the activation, use, acquisition, or divestment of Council-owned land, ensuring alignment with long-
term community, economic, and environmental goals. The Policy aims to transform underutilised
land assets into valuable resources that benefit the entire community while maintaining a sustainable
and responsible approach to land use.
POLICY OVERVIEW
Purpose:
The purpose of the Policy is to establish a clear, transparent and operational framework for land
activation. Particularly, the Policy will guide Council in:
• Maximising the value and utility of land assets.
• Ensuring land assets contribute to Council’s strategic objectives.
• Providing a structured process for assessing land opportunities, risks and strategic
alignment.
Application:
The Policy will apply to all land assets over which Council has influence, including those owned,
leased, or managed under trusteeship. The primary activities covered under the Policy include:
• Land Activation Projects: Initiatives aimed at maximising land potential to meet community
and strategic objectives.
• Commercial Activities: Commercial enterprises proposed on Noosa Council land, provided
they align with Council’s strategic goals and deliver benefit to the community.
• Community and Environmental Projects: Projects that aim to enhance community welfare,
promote social cohesion and uphold environmental values, including a focus on conservation
or address specific community needs in line with Council’s objectives in line with Council’s
objectives.
• Strategic Infrastructure Development: The development of key infrastructure projects which
are essential to supporting regional growth and service levels.
Out of scope activities include non-commercial recreational use, events and festivals and civil
infrastructure renewal.
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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 2024 Land Activation Framework: The Policy introduces a structured land activation framework that embeds a robust process of due diligence, benefit assessment and thorough review of all concepts and proposals. This framework ensures that before any land activation moves forward, an internal working group assesses the viability, financial sustainability and alignment with Council’s strategic objectives. While the working group is not a decision-making body, it acts as a crucial stage gate, conducting detailed collaborative reviews across all key organisational disciplines to confirm that concepts and proposals are well-founded, properly scoped and sound from both a strategic and community perspective. This process ensures that all land activations undergo comprehensive scrutiny, enabling better-informed decision-making at higher levels of Council. Implementation: The adoption of the Policy will require its integration into the Council’s operational processes. This will involve regular scanning for opportunities to identify land that can be activated to meet strategic goals, conducting thorough due diligence to assess potential land opportunities and maintaining a centralised register of land assets to track and manage projects. The Policy will be reviewed every four years to ensure it remains aligned with Council’s evolving strategic objectives and community needs. Expected Outcomes: By implementing the Policy, Council is expected to increase the value generated from its land assets through well-planned development, infrastructure improvements and strategic partnerships. The Policy will help strengthen Council’s financial sustainability by diversifying revenue streams through land use while also enhancing community amenities and public spaces by activating underutilised land to better meet the needs of residents and visitors. Additionally, it will ensure that all land use decisions are environmentally sound, supporting long-term sustainability goals and promoting the protection of natural resources. GOVERNANCE Legislative/Legal Implications While the Policy itself does not grant legal or legislative authority for land transactions or developments, it operates within the framework of existing statutory requirements and regulations. Any activation of land will still be subject to compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including zoning regulations, environmental legislation and planning approvals. Additionally, the Policy ensures that due diligence is conducted for each land activation project, which includes a thorough legal review to mitigate risks and ensure all actions are legally sound. This approach helps safeguard Council from legal challenges and ensures that land activations are carried out in accordance with the law and best practices. Link to Corporate Plan Theme No. 2 - Liveability This theme encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable an inclusive, connected and vibrant community. Theme No. 3 - Prosperity Focus areas include economic development, local business, innovation, arts and culture, waste and a circular economy.
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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 2024
Theme No. 5 - Excellence
This theme focuses on customer experience, financial sustainability, innovation and technology,
levels of service, governance, our employees and volunteers, funding streams and asset
management practices.
Previous Council Consideration
Nil
Finance
• The Policy creates opportunities to diversify Council’s revenue streams by utilising land
assets for commercial purposes, such as leasing, partnerships or development. This could
result in increased income over time, supporting Council’s long term financial sustainability.
• Where considered appropriate and in alignment to the QTC Project Decision framework,
independent and detailed business cases will be prepared to comprehensively understand
analysis to seek independent assessment of project value.
• Any financial costs arising from land activation concepts or proposals will be managed
through Council’s established operational and capital budgetary cycle. All proposed land
activation projects will undergo thorough assessment and be subject to Council’s standard
approval processes, ensuring that funding allocations align with strategic priorities and
financial sustainability. This approach guarantees that any financial commitments are
carefully considered and incorporated within Council’s broader budgetary planning, ensuring
responsible management of resources.
Risk & Opportunities
Risks:
Without a formal Policy to govern land activation, Council faces several key risks, including:
• Inefficient use of resources: Without a structured approach, there is a higher likelihood that
land assets will be underutilised or not aligned with strategic objectives, leading to missed
opportunities for community and economic benefits.
• Inconsistent decision-making: Ad hoc decision-making may result in actions that conflict with
Council’s long-term goals or strategic plans, which can impact community trust and
governance.
• Financial risks: Poorly planned land activations may lead to increased costs, legal
complications, or investments in projects that do not deliver meaningful returns or benefits.
• Environmental, economic and social risks: Failure to activate land with sustainability in mind
could lead to negative environmental impacts and missed social and economic opportunities
to enhance community welfare, cohesion and job creation.
Opportunities:
The Policy presents significant opportunities for Council and the broader Noosa community:
• Economic Development: By strategically activating land for commercial and community
projects, Council can stimulate local economic growth, generate revenue streams and
diversify the region's economic base.
• Community Enhancement: The activation of underutilised land for parks, community spaces,
or environmental projects can strengthen social cohesion, enhance local amenities, and
improve the overall quality of life for residents.
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SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING 12 NOVEMBER 2024
• Environmental Sustainability: The Policy aligns with Noosa’s environmental goals, ensuring
land activations contribute to the preservation and enhancement of natural systems, climate
resilience, and low-carbon outcomes.
• Improved Governance: A structured, merit-based framework ensures that land activations
are thoroughly assessed for their alignment with Council’s strategic objectives, reducing the
likelihood of inefficient or misaligned projects.
Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil
Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
Office of the CEO, Mayor & Community Services Corporate Services
Councillors
Mayor & Councillors Director x Director
Chief Executive Officer Community Development Financial Services
Executive Officers Sport & Active Lifestyles Fleet
Community Engagement Arts & Culture Revenue Services
People & Culture Community Connection ICT
Governance Customer Experience x Procurement
x Commercial Business Services
Strategy & Environment Development & Regulation Infrastructure Services
x Director x Director x Director
Strategic Land Use Planning Development Assessment Infrastructure Planning, Design
and Delivery
x Economic Development & Local Laws Civil and Asset operations
Destination Management
Environmental Services Environmental Health Waste
Innovation & Digital Hub Building & Plumbing Building & Facilities
Property / Permits Disaster Management