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Attachment 1 - 2026-06-18 Notice of Motion - Cr Finzel - Divisional Boundary Review
NOTICE OF MOTION
SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR: Cr Karen Finzel
COUNCIL MEETING: Ordinary Meeting, 18 June 2026
I hereby notify of my intention to move the following motion at the Ordinary Meeting dated
Thursday, 18 June 2026
DIVISIONAL BOUNDARY REVIEW
That Council request a report to a future Council meeting that:
A. Provides a clear understanding of the process required if Noosa Council were to elect to
become a Shire with divisional boundaries;
B. Identifies the regulatory decision-making framework that would need to be undertaken and
completed;
C. Outlines the expected time frame required to achieve the desired outcome; and
D. Provides an indication of cost and resources required to deliver the overall process.
11 June 2026
Date
COUNCILLOR COMMENT
Since its re-establishment as a separate local government in 2014, Noosa Shire Council has
operated as an undivided local government area, with the mayor and six councillors elected by and
accountable to the entire electorate. This model reflected the circumstances of de-amalgamation,
the relatively compact nature of the Shire, and a strong community preference for whole-of-shire
representation.
At the time of de-amalgamation, the undivided model was consistent with principles of prudent and
effective governance. It reinforced a unified community identity, avoided fragmentation of
representation, and ensured that elected members considered issues from a whole-of-shire
perspective rather than through a divisional or ward-based lens.
https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/about-council/documents/council-meetings-
agendas-and-minutes/2014/2014_01_13_Deamalgamation_Report_Attachment_6.pdf
However, governance arrangements should not remain static. More than a decade after de-
amalgamation, Noosa Shire has experienced demographic change, population growth, increasing
regulatory complexity, heightened community expectations, and a significantly expanded role for
local government. Modern councillors are expected not only to undertake strategic governance
functions but also to manage increasingly diverse community interests, infrastructure demands,
environmental pressures, and stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
Accordingly, while the current undivided structure remains defensible and continues to provide
effective representation, it would be prudent for Council and the community to periodically review
whether the existing electoral arrangements continue to best support equitable representation,
accountability, accessibility of councillors, and contemporary governance outcomes.
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It is recommended that Noosa Shire Council retain its current undivided electoral structure at this
time, recognising its historical success and alignment with the objectives of de-amalgamation.
However, an independent electoral arrangements review should be considered within an appropriate
future planning horizon to assess whether demographic change, population growth, community
expectations, and the evolving role of local government warrant consideration of alternative
representational models, including divisional representation.
Such a review should be evidence-based, community-led, and focused on ensuring that Noosa's
governance framework continues to deliver effective, accountable, and representative local
government for future generations
To all Councillors and Directors
I hereby notify that Cr Karen Finzel intends to move the motion as shown above at the Ordinary
Meeting dated 18 June 2026.
11 June 2026
Chief Executive Officer Date