Annual Report 2020-21

         Noosa Shire Council



  Message from the Mayor
  The 2020-21 year was certainly a roller coaster
  ride and a challenging one for all of us.
  The impacts of COVID continue to dictate
  much of what is possible, but our Shire has
  shown resilience, determination and a strong
  community approach to this unpredictable
  environment. We continue to work with our
  residents and our business community to
  overcome the challenges that we still face. The
  formation over 15 months ago of our Business
  Roundtable continues to keep us closely
  aligned with our business owners and our
  workers.
  Council has remained focussed on maintaining
  the right balance between carefully managing our finances and delivering the services and
  infrastructure expected from our community.
  To ease the burden on residential households and guide them through the pandemic, we put a
  freeze on rates and charges by reducing a number of levies in the 20-21 financial year.
  This resulted in almost 80 per cent of Noosa ratepayers having no increase in their total rates
  charges.
  One of the highlights of 2020-21 was the completion of the Orealla Crescent bridge. This was yet
  another jointly funded project with the Federal Government, which has delivered a great legacy
  piece of infrastructure for our community.
  Equally important was the delivery of the $3 million upgrade to Hilton Terrace and new roundabout
  plus a $2 million revamp to Gympie Terrace.
  We have received generous financial support from the Queensland Government under the Unite
  and Recover and Works for Queensland programs during the 12 months.
  It resulted in the delivery of over 60 grassroots projects. These include new shower facilities for
  Youturn, resurfacing local netball courts, upgrading lifeguard towers, refurbishing the Pomona
  Memorial School of Arts Hall and many other improvements to other community halls in the Shire.
  It has been a big focus for this Council. We have been very proactive in delivering “grassroots”
  style projects that provide a tangible benefit to our community.
  Another key decision made in 20-21 was the adoption of the New Noosa Plan – the culmination
  of a long journey for our Shire. The new Noosa Plan involved a complete re-write of the 2006
  Planning Scheme and its adoption was a red letter day for Council and the community.
  We have also had and will continue to have a strong focus on engaging and talking to our
  community.




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