GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT – 17 JULY 2023 · Committee to Council report

ORDINARY MEETING                                                                        20 JULY 2023


I, Cr Stockwell, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as in
early 2020, I received an electoral donation of $500 from Peregian resident Susan Francis. Susan
Francis is the partner of Peregian resident Barry Cotterell. Mr Cotterell is the president of the
Peregian Beach Community Association (PBCA). The Environment Strategy Update mentions the
progress of the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan. The PBCA has provided
feedback on the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves Management Plan. The Office of the
Independent Assessor and legal advice has indicated the Eastern Beaches Foreshore Reserves
Management Plan is not Ordinary Council business because it relates to a specific geographical
area and that links to groups who have made submission to it ought to be declared. Although I nor
the PBCA, which is a volunteer community group, stand to gain personally or materially through
noting this report, I make this declaration out of "an abundance of caution" and commitment to
transparency. I believe I can make an impartial decision in the public interest in this matter and l
therefore choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting
on whether I can remain and participate in the decision.


In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Lorentson provided the
following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter:
I, Cr Lorentson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter because
my brother Gabriel Cerasani, who until recently, was on the Executive of the Eastern Beaches
Protection Association who have made submissions to the Eastern Beaches Foreshore
Management Plan. The report references the Plan as part of the Noosa Environment Strategy.
Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a
perception of bias because I believe my brother nor I stand to receive a personal benefit or loss in
relation to this matter. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect
the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision.


That the matter be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting.


6.1.   FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – JUNE 2023
That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee
Meeting dated 17 July 2023 outlining the interim 2022/23 full year financial performance against
budget, including key financial sustainability indicators.


Committee Recommendation
That the report of the General Committee Meeting dated 17 July 2023 be received and the
recommendations therein be adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution.