Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                        6 OCTOBER 2026


       businesses to save electricity costs, reduce emissions and build resilience to growing
       disruptions.

Council allocated budget ($148,000) towards Zen Inc in its 26-27 budget continuing the partnership
arrangement with the organisation. This report provides an update to the Alliance Agreement 2023-
2026.

All funding commitments under the new Alliance Agreement 2026-2029 (hereafter, the Agreement)
remain subject to Council’s annual budget process, as well as annual reporting and evaluation
requirements outlined in the Agreement. Notable additions to the new Agreement include:
   •   Improved contractual conditions;
   •   Improved clarity of language and structure;
   •   Payment terms better aligned to Council processes;
   •   Clearer links to ZEN Inc’s three-year Strategic Plan, Annual Operational Plans, budget
       submissions and annual reports that measure progress against targets and KPIs; and
   •   The recommendation for a Councillor to be appointed as an observer to the ZEN Inc board
       of directors.
The funding partnership with ZEN Inc allows Council to continue investing in emissions reduction,
resilience and cost savings for the Noosa Community through a volunteer-led not-for-profit. The
updated Agreement supports Council's climate objectives and helps deliver the Corporate Plan and
Climate Change Response Plan goals of achieving net zero emissions and a low-carbon
community.

Council’s funding enables ZEN Inc to focus on project delivery, advocacy, education and governan
ce, supporting households and businesses to reduce energy costs, increase resilience and lower g
reenhouse gas emissions.

This report provides a concise overview of the proposed updated three-year Alliance Agreement as
well as ZEN Inc's accomplishments in aiding the Noosa Shire community to reduce costs and build
resilience through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council
   A. Note the report by the Sustainability and Climate Change Officer to the General Committee
      Meeting dated 6 October 2026 regarding Zero Emissions Noosa Inc;
   B. Authorise the CEO to execute the Alliance Agreement 2026-2029 provided as Attachment 1
      to the Report;
   C. Authorise the CEO to make minor amendments/corrections to the Alliance Agreement 2026-
      2029 if required prior to execution;
   D. Note that any future funding contribution will be determined at annual budget considerations;
   E. Appoint a Councillor to act as observer on the ZEN Inc board;
   F. Note the Annual report (2025) and Ev & Electrify Everything Expo Report (2026) delivered
      by ZEN Inc as at Attachment 7 and 10 to this report; and
   G. Note ZEN Inc’s strategic plan (Attachments 8 and 9) that sets the direction of the organisation
      for the next three years and the Annual Operational Plan (Attachments 2 and 3) that includes
      targets and KPIs for the 2026/27 financial year.




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