Meeting papers

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                                10 JUNE 2025


8.2       ZERO EMISSIONS NOOSA INC. (ZEN INC.) ANNUAL REPORT


Author               Climate Change Officer, Sion Zivetz
                     Strategy & Sustainability | Strategy and Environment
Index                21.43 - Carbon Emission Reduction - Community (Zero Emissions Noosa)
                     (ZEN)
Attachments          1.   ATTACHMENT 1_ZEN Inc. Report on Partnership Alliance Agreement
                          to Council 2024


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Noosa Council has an established partnership with Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN Inc.), this
partnership is strong and important to both organisations. Council provides annual funding to ZEN
Inc. in accordance with the Partnership Agreement established in December, 2023. The agreement
sets out that council will:

      1. Work cooperatively with ZEN Inc. on activities and projects that align with the Climate Change
         Response Plan and that will assist Noosa Council to implement this Plan and work towards
         net zero emissions for the Noosa Shire
      2. Provide access, as determined by Council acting reasonably, to staff resources, expertise
         and data to support progress of projects and community engagement.

Additionally, the Partnership Agreement stipulates that in accordance with its Strategic Plan, ZEN
Inc. will:

      1. Fund the majority of its projects through grants, donations and diversified funding sources
      2. Work cooperatively with Council and community in the identification and development of its
         program and projects to assist with implementing the Climate Change Response Plan and
         achieve net zero emissions for the Noosa Shire.
As part of the funding agreement ZEN Inc. is required to:

      1. Develop and regularly review a strategic plan outlining the goals and objectives for ZEN Inc.
         so that its purpose and objectives will be achieved.
      2. Develop an annual Operational Plan setting out the priority actions for the next financial year
         in order to achieve the goals and objectives of the strategic plan.
      3. Monitor the ZEN Inc program activities and submit written reports to meet Council’s acquittal
         requirements, including but not limited to:
           a. Provide an annual report against utilisation of the Funding towards the ZEN Inc
              Operational Plan for the financial year or alternatively as otherwise required by Council.
This report meets the requirements of the partnership agreement by:

      •   describing projects undertaken by ZEN Inc. and their current status
      •   reporting on achievements against their strategic and action plans
      •   providing financial reports, including funding sources, revenue generated and operating and
          project costs




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