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2021-03-02 Special Meeting Agenda
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AGENDA
Special Meeting
Tuesday, 2 March 2021
commencing at 9.00am
Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Crs Clare Stewart (Chair), Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson,
Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie
“Noosa Shire – different by nature”
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Section 2
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM PAGE
ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES -
REPORTS 3
1 TEMPORARY EVENT PERMIT APPROVALS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC –
UPDATE REPORT 3
2 EXEMPTION REQUESTS FOR THE PROVISION OF ALCOHOL FOR TEMPORARY
EVENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC - NOOSA LONG WEEKEND INC AND J & S
INVESTING PTY LTD FOR THE ROBB FAMILY TRUST TRADING AS NOOSA
HINTERLAND PROPERTY EXPO 27
MEETING CLOSURE -
Page 2 of 30
Section 3
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
REPORTS
1 TEMPORARY EVENT PERMIT APPROVALS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC – UPDATE
REPORT
Author Director Corporate Services, Michael Shave
Property Manager, Clint Irwin
Corporate Services Department
Index ECM/ 34.60 Licences/Permits/Registrations
Attachments 1. Government responses to events in the COVID environment
2. Stakeholder Feedback – Council proposal to allow larger events
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Australia’s recovery from COVID-19 is not occurring in a continuous easing trend. Instead restrictions
have tightened and eased in response to COVID-19 clusters and community transmission. The
country’s vaccination program commenced in February 2021 and offers the hope of a return to
normal life, however the roll out will take months to complete and the efficacy of the program is
unknown. The State Government continues to competently manage the pandemic and its reaction
to COVID outbreaks is swift and decisive.
Overall, Noosa has endured the COVID period remarkably well. Noosa’s brand and image, proximity
to the south east Queensland drive market, reduced opportunities to travel interstate and overseas,
combined with interstate travellers keen to escape the spectre of continuing lockdowns elsewhere
have all contributed to a relatively buoyant economic period.
At its Special Meeting in August 2020, Council chose not to adopt the State Government’s Industry
Framework for COVID Safe Events in full. Instead it resolved to only approve events and markets
with fewer than 500 people (Category 3 events under the State Framework) and not allow larger
Category 1 and 2 events. There have been a total of 45 Category 3 events with fewer than 500
people approved by Council since the August 2020 meeting.
The State has subsequently relaxed the State Framework to allow 1,500 people for Category 3
outdoor events and Council’s COVID-19 Reference Group supports allowing larger events, however
there is not unanimous support for this position within the group. This divide is reflected in
stakeholder group feedback with some in favour of Council retaining its precautionary approach while
others are more comfortable with Council relaxing its position and adopting the State Framework.
There have been no updates to the Framework to address the issue of public liability insurance
coverage and there has been no further consideration of the impact on individual communities, i.e.
health, social, financial and reputational damage if an outbreak occurs as a result of Council
permitted mass gathering.
This report considers various options available to Council including allowing larger events but given
the prevailing risk factors continues to recommend Council take a precautionary approach to
approving mass gatherings and only approve events of fewer than 500 people for a further 12 month
period. While this recommendation is out of step with other local governments and does not align
with the State Framework it supports a risk based approach and acknowledges the Noosa
community’s unique risk factors.
Page 3 of 30
Section 4
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Director Corporate Services and Property Manager to the Special
Meeting dated 2 March 2021 and:
A. Refuse Temporary Event permit applications for Category 1 events (greater than 10,000
people);
B. Refuse Temporary Event permit applications for Category 2 events (not fewer than 500 indoors
or 1,500 outdoors or more than 10,000 people);
C. Refuse Temporary Event Permit applications for Category 3 events from 500 to 1,500 people
outdoors;
D. Agree to allow events including markets with fewer than 500 people indoors and outdoors once
each application is properly made and Council has received all the required information it
needs to undertake assessment in accordance with its normal permit and application process
(noted as Option 3 in the report and Council’s current position);
E. Agree to undertake a broad community consultation process on Council’s current position
regarding events prior to any decision to increase event numbers; and
F. Agree to consider an update report regarding events in the COVID-19 environment at Council’s
February 2022 round of meetings.
REPORT
1. Background
At Council’s Special Meeting on 31 August 2020, Council considered a report regarding temporary
event permit approvals during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that meeting Council resolved that
Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Special Meeting dated 31 August 2020 and:
That Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Special Meeting dated 31 August 2020
and:
A. Refuse Temporary Event permit applications for Category 1 events (greater than 10,000
people) and Category 2 events (not fewer than 500 or more than 10,000 people);
B. Agree to consider an update report regarding Category 1 and Category 2 events and the
broader events environment at Council’s February 2021 round of meetings;
C. Allow Category 3 events including markets with fewer than 500 people subject to Council’s
normal permit application assessment and approval process and the following additional
assessment criteria:
• Satisfactory completion of a COVID Safe Event Checklist including a signed and
displayed Statement of Compliance;
• Events to be focused towards Sunshine Coast participants only;
• No provision of alcohol (not licensed) unless the applicant has sought an exemption from
Council and the exemption has been formally considered by Council;
• Consideration of the potential for the event to attract larger attendance numbers than
forecast;
• Events that have capacity to implement controlled seating and allocated areas will be
preferred to those with uncontrolled movement of people, i.e. attendees intermingling
onsite; and
• Current health advice from the State.
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Section 5
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
D. Approve the establishment of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group as outlined in the report
whose role will include but not be limited to:
1. Reviewing and making decisions regarding event application requests;
2. Reviewing Category 3 Event Decision Making Framework Assessment Criteria as
outlined in the report;
3. Developing a risk-based decision making framework to guide future event approvals
within the COVID-19 environment which will consider public health and economic impact
factors;
4. Monitoring the success or otherwise of COVID Safe event plans and procedures both
within the Shire and external to it.
5. Providing advice and analysis relating to the above to inform Council’s review in February
2021; and
E. Authorise the CEO to review and amend membership of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group
as required.
2. State Government Industry Framework for COVID Safe Events
In July 2020, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer approved the Industry Framework for COVID Safe
Events (The Framework) which facilitated the resumption of events in Queensland as part of its stage
3 relaxations for easing COVID emergency restrictions.
The Framework has been relaxed since its July 2020 introduction with an increase to 1,500 people
for Category 3 outdoor events (previously 500). The current Framework divides events into 3
categories:
• Category 1 – An event involving more than 10,000 people onsite at any given time. The event
organiser must obtain approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan from the State’s Chief Health
Officer;
• Category 2 – Between 500 people (indoors) / 1,500 people (outdoors) and 10,000 people. The
event organiser must obtain approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan from a QLD Public Health
Unit;
• Category 3 – Fewer than 500 people (indoors) and 1,500 people (outdoors). The event
organiser must complete and adhere to the COVID Safe Event Checklist and sign and display
a Statement of Compliance. No further approval is required.
The Framework notes the State assumes responsibility for monitoring and enforcing compliance with
approved COVID Safe Event Plans while Council continues to perform its role in relation to the non-
public health aspects of event plans and issuing permits.
3. COVID-19 Event Reference Group
At the 2020 August Special Meeting, Council resolved to establish a COVID-19 Reference Group.
The Reference Group’s primary role has been to:
• Review and make decisions regarding event application requests as per agreed criteria for
Category 3 events;
• Review Category 3 assessment criteria having regard to current health advice from the State,
emerging risk factors etc.; and
• Consider timing and risk of allowing Category 1 and 2 events to proceed.
Page 5 of 30
Section 6
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
The Reference Group has met monthly since October 2020 and a number of events have been
approved, including three events seeking an exemption for alcohol (a full list of approved events
from 1 September 2020 is included below). At each meeting the Reference Group has considered
the timing and risk of allowing Category 1 and 2 events. Contextual factors influencing the Reference
Group’s decisions over the last few months include:
• The 31 October 2020 State election and its then likely impact on the public health roadmap.
• A lack of demand and appetite from community groups to undertake festive events exceeding
the threshold of 500 attendees.
• Impact of the influx of Schoolies to Noosa prior to the 2020 Christmas school holiday period.
• Relaxation of state borders, Queensland border reopening 1 December 2020, increased
movement of people interstate, influx of visitors and the possibility of increased COVID risk to
the community leading into the Christmas 2020 school holiday period.
• Easing of the Roadmap restrictions including outdoor event attendee numbers for Category
three events increasing from 500 to 1,500.
• Accommodation sector described as full through most of January and strong demand expected
through February and March 2021 up to Easter.
• Correspondence received from Noosaville Business Association Inc., Hastings Street
Association Inc., Noosa Resident and Ratepayers Association Inc. and Cooroy Area Residents
Association.
• Recurring COVID outbreaks around Australia.
• The arrival of new mutant virus strains.
Given the low number of active COVID cases and community transmission of the virus the Reference
Group gave strong consideration to allowing larger events at the December 2020 and January 2021
Reference Group meetings. There is currently strong support (but not unanimous support) within the
Reference Group to allow larger events and align with the State Framework given COVID
transmission rates are low and ample evidence of the State’s swift and decisive response to
outbreaks. The opportunities and risks of allowing larger events will be discussed further in the
‘Options’ section of this report.
4. Update on risk factors
Public Liability Insurance
As noted in the August 2020 report, Council requires event organisers to obtain public liability
insurance cover to protect Council against insurance claims. While the Framework is a valuable
management tool to assist event organisers plan for and deliver events in the COVID-19
environment, it does not address insurance requirements for COVID-19.
Council’s investigations have highlighted there are still currently no insurance products available
which are free of COVID-19 exclusions and this is unlikely to change for the remainder of 2021.
Council takes on increased financial risk by allowing large events to proceed without adequate
insurance coverage for COVID-19 due to the potential of incurring COVID related litigation.
Reputational Risk
As noted in the August 2020 report, there has been significant effort expended over many years by
different interest groups including tourism bodies and businesses regarding development of the
‘Noosa Brand’ (the Brand). The Brand has iconic status within Australia and has global recognition
in international tourism markets. The tourism industry is a critical economic driver within Noosa Shire
and gives rise to a number of symbiotic relationships in market supply chains.
Page 6 of 30
Section 7
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
For many years, event tourism has been encouraged to inject money into the Noosa economy
outside the main holiday periods. In the COVID-19 environment, however, this strategy presents
significant risks to the business and tourism sectors. The key risks to these sectors in the wake of
COVID-19 transmission are immediate financial damage and longer term reputational damage to
the Brand from lockdowns.
Arguably, businesses stand to lose much more by reintroduced lockdowns borne of a Council
approved event than they would have ever gained economically from the event itself. Council’s own
reputation is important within the community and it is not immune to reputational damage from
allowing events to occur which are the source of a COVID-19 cluster and broader community
transmission of the virus. Its reasons for relaxing its position relating to mass gatherings in light of
mutant virus strains, unknown vaccine program efficacy and the knowledge of how quickly a
seemingly ‘safe’ COVID environment can deteriorate will be subject to scrutiny if COVID-19
transmission occurs.
5. Domestic travel impact on local economy
Border closures during 2020 forced Queensland tourists to look within the state for holiday and
recreation opportunities. Factors such as proximity to the south east Queensland drive market,
attractiveness to interstate visitors looking to escape recurrent lockdowns and greatly reduced
overseas travel opportunities all combined to provide a much needed boost to local businesses. The
trend for last minute bookings in the COVID environment has been a distinguishing feature of the
last few months and bookings are noted as strong through March into the Easter period.
The last quarter of each year in Noosa usually includes a number of larger events held in the
Noosaville foreshore and Hastings Street precincts. Given domestic visitation has been high in
Noosa and capacity has been low, Council’s position of only allowing smaller events has effectively
reduced ‘event impacts’ in already busy precincts.
6. Number of Temporary Events approved during COVID-19 Pandemic Period
There have been 45 events with fewer than 500 attendees approved since the August 2020 Council
meeting. The full list is provided on the following pages:
Page 7 of 30
Section 8
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Event Organiser Location Type Date/s
Sign on Rally for Peregian Beach Life Noosa Heads SLSC Peregian Beach Park NFP Sat 5 September 2020
Saving Services & Verrierdale Fire
Brigade
Noosa Outrigger Canoe River Race Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club Chaplin Park Tewantin NFP Sat 12 September 2020
Sunshine Cycling Criterium Races Sunshine Coast Cycling Club Girraween Sports Complex NFP Sun 6 September
Fri 30 October
Sun 29 November
Thurs 31 December 2020
Surf Crew Program Surf Life Saving Queensland Noosa Main Beach, Peregian Beach & NFP Sept 2020 - May 2021
Sunshine Beach
Beach Safe Program Surf Life Saving Queensland Beach Access 13 Noosa Main Beach NFP Fri 18 September
West Tues 10 November
Fri 4 December 2020
Plastic Free Beach Clean Up Tourism Noosa Sunshine Beach & Ed Webb Park (1) NFP Thurs 24 September (1)
Noosa Main Beach (2) Thursday 5 November (2)
Noosa Junction (3) Thurs 10 December (3) 2020
Noosa Open Studios Deck Chairs Noosa Open Studios Inc Noosa Botanic Gardens Amphitheatre NFP Saturday 3 October 2020
Auction
Noosa Beach Classic Car Show Noosa Beach Classic Car Club Noosa District Sports Complex NFP Sunday 4 October 2020
Noosa Great Trail Walk Cooroy Future Group Cooroy, Kin Kin, Cooran & Pomona NFP Sat 3 - Mon 5 October 2020
Wild Women Adventure Race Tri Adventure Pty Ltd Tewantin, Tinbeerwah & Lake Commercial Sat 10 October 2020
MacDonald
The Beach Farm event People Plates & Places Cootharaba Commercial Sat 10 October 2020
Darkness to Daylight Challenge St Teresa's College Noosaville foreshore NFP Wed 21 October 2020
Australian Diamonds Teambuilding Noosa DMC Noosa Woods Commercial Fri 23 October 2020
event
Full Moon Botanic Gardens Ukulele Sunshine Coast Ukulele Amphitheatre Noosa Botanic Gardens NFP Sat 31 October 2020
Festival Masters Inc
Page 8 of 30
Section 9
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Event Organiser Location Type Date/s
Sunrise Weather live crosses & Tourism Noosa Noosa Main Beach NFP Thurs 5 November 2020
activities
U/15 & U/17 Boys & Girls Sevens Noosa Rugby Union Club Noosa Dolphins Rugby Grounds NFP Sat 7 - Sun 8 November 2020
Event
Learn to Surf Sunshine Beach State School Noosa Main Beach West Access 11 School Wed 11 November
18 November
25 November
2 December 2020
Noosa 7's - Men & Women & Schools Noosa Rugby Union Club Noosa Dolphins Rugby Grounds NFP Sat 14 November 2020
Sunshine Coast Masters Carnival Noosa Heads SLSC Peregian Beach NFP Sat 14 November 2020
NAIDOC Here We Stand, Always Cooroy Future Group 11A Maple Street Cooroy - adjacent NFP Sat 14 November 2020
Butter Factory
Variety Bash Adventure Finish Line Variety - the Children's Charity Noosa Woods NFP Sat 14 November 2020
of Qld
Noosa Summer Hill Climb Noosa Beach Classic Car Club Gyndier Drive NFP Sat 14-Sun 15 November 2020
16 Days of Activism River Walk Zonta Club of Noosa Gympie Terrace Noosaville NFP Sun 27 November 2020
U8-U10 Junior Carnival Surf Life Saving Queensland Noosa Main Beach & NHSLSC NFP Sat 28 November 2020
Christmas in Cooroy 2020 Cooroy Chamber of Commerce Cooroy CBD NFP Fri 4 December 2020
Noosa Outrigger Paddle Sports Noosa Outrigger Canoe Club Noosa Main Beach West / Noosa NFP Sat 5 & Sun 6 December 2020
Festival Woods
Christmas Convoy Tour Noosa Council Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona, Cooroy, Council Mon 7 - Thurs 10 December
Boreen Point, Cooroibah, Noosa Banks, 2020
Tewantin, Noosaville, Sunrise Beach,
Castaways and Peregian Beach
Kin Kin Festive Event 2020 Kin Kin Community Group Butter Factory Park, Kin Kin (55 Main St, NFP Tues 8 December 2020
Kin Kin)
Christmas Street Festivities Tewantin Traders Association Poinciana Ave, Tewantin NFP Sat 12 December 2020
Page 9 of 30
Section 10
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Event Organiser Location Type Date/s
Hastings Street Christmas Hastings Street Association Hastings Street NFP Fri 11 - Sun 20 December 2020
Performers
Waves of Wellness Surf Therapy Waves of Wellness Foundation Noosa Main Beach West Access 13 NFP Thurs - 8 consecutive weeks
Program commencing 11/2/21, 6/5/21,
29/7/21 & 21/10/21
Peregian Beach Village Flicks Peregian Beach Business Peregian Beach Park (in front of surf NFP Wednesdays 23/12/20,
Association club) 30/12/20, 6/1/21 & 13/1/21
Beach Volleyball Training Noosa Volleyball Club Sunshine Beach (north of Surf Club) NFP Fri 8 - Sun 10 January 2021
Operation Fireball Fireball International Noosa Aerodrome Noosaville Commercial Wednesday 20/1/2021
Beginner Surfing/Surf Dancing Noosaville State School Noosa Main Beach West Access 12 Government Feb 12, 19 26 Mar 5, 12, 19 Apr
23, 30 Jun 4, 11, 18 Oct 8, 15
Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 2021
Noosa Skins Aust. Surf Rowers League Qld Noosa Main Beach & NHSLSC NFP Sat 13 February 2021
Combined Coastal Car Club Swap Combined Coastal Car Club Coastal Car Club grounds, 17 Mary NFP Sun 14 February 2021
Meet River Road Cooroy
Noosa Eat & Drink & Youngcare Long Tourism Noosa Noosa Woods NFP Fri 19 February 2021
Lunch
Noosa Eat & Drink High Tea Soiree Tourism Noosa Noosa Woods NFP Sat 20 February 2021
Noosa Summer Swim World Series Swims Noosa Main Beach Commercial Sun 21 February 2021
Great Aussie Wellbeing BBQ Noosa Chamber of Commerce Noosaville Lions Park NFP Sun 21 February 2021
Learn to Surf Sunshine Beach State School Noosa Main Beach West Access 11 Government February 24,
March 3, 10, 17, 24
October13, 20, 27
November 3, 10 2021
Beach Volleyball Training Noosa Volleyball Club Sunshine Beach (north of Surf Club) NFP Fri 26 - Sun 28 February 2021
Noosa Paddlegaine 2021 Qld Rogaine Association Chaplin Park Tewantin NFP Sat 27 February 2021
Seahorse Nippers Noosa Heads SLSC Noosa Main Beach & Noosa Heads NFP Sat 6, 13, 20 & 27 March 2021
Lions car park
Page 10 of 30
Section 11
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
7. Government Responses to events in the COVID-19 environment
Recent government decisions highlight different perspectives regarding events in the COVID
environment. Examples include:
• On 18 February 2021, the media reported the 5 day Byron Bay Bluesfest will proceed over the
Easter long weekend after the event’s COVID Safe Plan was approved by the New South
Wales State Government. The organiser indicates the event will operate at reduced capacity
and will proceed given the current COVID situation in New South Wales. Media reporting on
this issue is included in Attachment 1.
• On 3 February 2021, Ballina Shire Council voted against a proposal to hold a major surf contest
at Lennox Heads. While reasons given for refusal included overcrowding, loss of amenity,
commercial operations in a surfing reserve, lack of a formal application, proper process and
community consultation the proposal was also rejected due to the ‘unacceptable risk that the
event presents to our community due to Covid’. More information is included in the link below
https://ballina.nsw.gov.au/files/Extraordinary-minutes---3-February-2021.pdf. Media reporting
on this issue is included in Attachment 1.
8. Options
A number of options are available to Council to consider with respect to its current policy position on
events. The options, and opportunities and risks associated with each are outlined below.
Option 1 - Allowing Category 1 – 3 events to proceed
Council allows Category 1 – 3 events to proceed in accordance with State Framework on community
land in Noosa Shire
This option involves Council allowing Category 1 – 3 events (fewer than 500 participants to more
than 10,000 participants to proceed on community land in Noosa Shire in accordance with the State
Framework and a COVID Safe Event Plan, but without insurance coverage for COVID-19, and
subject to Council’s normal permit application assessment and approval process.
Opportunities
• Economic boost for some sectors of the local economy.
• Potential for well managed COVID safe ‘large’ events to proceed.
• Aligns Council’s approach with the State Government Framework and avoids questioning from
some stakeholders as to why Council has an alternative position.
• Provides opportunities for many of Noosa’s best known events to continue.
• Reinforces that Noosa is ‘open’ for business, event tourism etc.
• Approval of the COVID Safe Event Plan and compliance is the responsibility of the State.
• Community acceptance is likely to be higher if virus transmission is low.
Risks
• Congregations of large numbers of people present a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission as
per consistent Queensland Health messaging.
• Significant financial and reputational risk for businesses and tourism if a COVID-19 outbreak
occurs prompting a second wave lockdown.
• Council could be exposed to reputational damage and financial risk for COVID related litigation
as a result of inadequate or no event organiser insurance coverage. Council’s defence of
claims will be funded by the ratepayer.
• If the event is a ‘free range’ event without defined seating and allocated areas particularly for
onlookers the event is unlikely to adhere to approved COVID Safe Event Management Plans.
Page 11 of 30
Section 12
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
• Any decision to relax Council’s current position to align with the Framework will be seen as
reckless by some community stakeholders given the pandemic is ‘live’, and a ‘safe’ COVID
environment can rapidly escalate prompting border closures and new restrictions (NSW
Northern Beaches Outbreak over Christmas and Greater Brisbane lockdown).
• This option does not have the support of local resident and ratepayer groups who recommend
Council continue to take a precautionary approach.
Option 2 - Allowing Category 3 events to proceed with fewer than 1,500 people
Council allows Category 3 events to proceed with fewer than 1,500 people on community land in
Noosa Shire.
This option involves Council allowing Category 3 events and markets with fewer than 500
participants indoors and 1,500 participants (outdoors) to proceed on community land in Noosa Shire
with a COVID Safe Event Plan, but without insurance coverage for COVID-19, and subject to
Council’s normal permit application assessment and approval process.
Opportunities
• Allows larger low risk events in outdoor environments to proceed.
• Supports those commercial and community organisations who rely on event revenue over 500
people for ongoing financial viability.
• Provides the community with increased opportunities to connect which enhances social
cohesion and wellbeing.
Risks
• Ongoing criticism from business associations, tourism groups and event organisers because
Category 1 and 2 events will not proceed.
• The risk of COVID-19 transmission is not entirely eliminated.
• Going concern challenges for some commercial and community organisations who rely on
event revenue over 500 people.
• Risks of suit and liability are possible if an outbreak occurs.
• COVID compliance for community event organisers for larger events can be logistically more
difficult.
Option 3 - Allowing Category 3 events to proceed with fewer than 500 people
Council allows Category 3 events to proceed on community land in Noosa Shire with fewer than 500
participants.
This option aligns with the current position and involves Council allowing events and markets with
fewer than 500 participants indoors and outdoors to proceed on community land in Noosa Shire with
a COVID Safe Event Plan, but without insurance coverage for COVID-19, and subject to Council’s
normal permit application assessment and approval process.
Opportunities
• Allows smaller community style events to proceed.
• Provides the community with opportunities to connect which enhances social cohesion and
wellbeing.
• Encourages event organisers to adapt to low risk event management during the pandemic.
• The pandemic has encouraged some event organisers to innovate and incorporate new ideas
rather than an annual ‘rinse and repeat’ event model.
Page 12 of 30
Section 13
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Risks
• Ongoing criticism from business associations, tourism groups and event organisers because
Category 1, 2 and larger Category 3 events will not proceed.
• The risk of COVID-19 transmission is not entirely eliminated.
• Risks of suit and liability are possible if an outbreak occurs.
• Council may be viewed as overly cautious and a ‘kill joy’ for not approving all categories of
events given the State is the health authority.
• Council will continue to receive overtures from some stakeholders to loosen its event
restrictions and comply with the State framework.
• Many community and commercial organisations rely on annual larger style events for financial
viability and long term sustainability
9. State Government cancellation of Noosa events
Given the State’s existing powers and expertise in managing the COVID pandemic there is a strong
view within the Reference Group the State is best placed to determine when an event will be
cancelled as COVID risk escalates within a community. While this report does not seek to predict
the scenarios in which Council might wish to cancel an event, it is likely the State will order a
lockdown if localised COVID risk develops at or about the same time as an event. The order would
override the permit and no cancellation issue for Council would arise.
However, the Chief Health Officer responding in a manner to override a Council approval depends
on the situation and is a matter of perspective. Permit cancellation is not guaranteed because the
State will view any request through its own bureaucratic and operational lens. If the State doesn’t
simply decline Council’s request, Council is likely to meet the following challenges:
• If the permittee holds a CHO or Public Health Unit approved plan the State is unlikely to act to
cancel the event unless there is obvious acute risk which would be dealt with by the CHO
irrespective of any Council request;
• If the State is prepared to consider a Council request it is highly likely they will require written
submissions including those from interested parties;
• The extent of political influence is unknown; and
• The State’s desire to take action when its local government is available to take the blame.
10. Council cancellation of events
Council’s Local Law No.1 allows Council to apply conditions regulating how an event proceeds. The
local law does not seek to apply the conditions to facilitate cancellation of a permit. If conditions can’t
be applied that will overcome Council concerns (i.e. the approval can’t stand on its own with
appropriate conditions) then it should refuse the application and not issue a permit.
Local Law No.1 also sets out the process for a permit cancellation. The process is arduous and
protracted and requires at least 8 weeks to complete with precision allowing for issuing a show cause
notice and response and review periods. Council may grant a permit with the express understanding
communicated explicitly that if Council believes that at a time closer to the event the event cannot
be conducted with appropriate COVID safety it will initiate a cancellation process.
However, in accordance with the Local Law timeframes, a permit cancellation process would need
to begin 2 -3 months before the scheduled event date. The Council’s reasons for initiating a permit
cancellation process that far out from the actual event would likely be challenged by an event
organiser, and late stage permit cancellation is also likely to be subject to vigorous protest given the
investment by the organiser to prepare for the event.
Page 13 of 30
Section 14
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
11. Stakeholder Feedback - Council Proposal to allow larger events
In December 2020, feedback from individual precinct stakeholders and Noosa and Cooroy resident
and ratepayer groups was sought in relation to Council allowing larger events. This feedback is
provided in Attachment 2 and summarised below.
Hastings Street Association
• The HSA supports Noosa Council retaining its own directive on an Events Policy in relation to
assessing non community events.
• Acknowledge the merits in aligning to the State Event Guidelines which provides clear
understanding for industry state-wide.
• State Event Guidelines do not appear to take responsibility for an under-performing operator
and any ramifications of such would only be dealt with post the event, and therefore irreparable
damage to the industry and Noosa community would be costly.
The HSA is of the view that major events need to deliver:
• An independent economic pre-event assessment of the proposed event demonstrating the
value to the local economy and the viability of the event noting the assessment is in the best
interest of the event organiser given the level of investment required to deliver a major event,
and secondly it respects the investment by Council officers in assessing event applications.
• An assessment of their Queensland Health COVID safe plans initiatives by a pandemic
specialist, such as Respond Global, based in Noosa Junction, at the event operators own
expense. The HSA believes this measure would identify major event operators who were
genuine in their COVID safe delivery and hope this would allow the community to recognise
the level of responsibility placed on event delivery to protect the wellbeing and the reputation
of Noosa.
Lastly, the HSA does not believe capacity needs to be ring-fenced to 500 people but each event
application assessed on measures outlined above and crucially the capabilities check of the Event
Organiser and its Entity.
Discussion
• While an economic pre event assessment is important it is not directly related to the subject of
this report and is proposed to be discussed separately with the HSA.
• COVID Safe Plans for Category 1 and 2 events are approved by the Chief Health Officer/
Public Health Unit. There is a high level of confidence in the ability of the State to undertake
this task and the proposal for individual assessments of State approved plans is not supported.
Noosaville Business Association (NBA)
• Possibly allow events with greater numbers depending on uniqueness, i.e. distance
participants are spread over.
• Event organisers need certainty to plan for events which may be 12 months away.
• Preference for aligning with Framework given the State is doing a better job with hotspot testing
rather than a more conservative approach sympathetic to age demographic.
Subsequent feedback from the NBA indicated support for ‘the need to have a group available to
assess applications for events based on merit, QLD Health guidelines as a baseline and then
assessment assuming they meet those guidelines’.
Page 14 of 30
Section 15
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Discussion
• Council has the opportunity to formally allow larger events by amending its adopted position.
It is recommended Council avoid using subjective assessment criteria such as merit or against
QLD Health guidelines given it does not have the expertise to undertake this analysis.
• Event organiser certainty for planning purposes is essential and this report recommends
adopting a position for 12 months.
• Preference for aligning with the Framework and the State’s commendable work thus far
regarding hotspot testing is noted.
Noosa Shire Resident and Ratepayers Association (NSRRA)
NSRRA does not support any relaxation in the approvals process for any events involving large
groups of people and makes the following observations:
• Given the recent history in southern States, and the current situation in NSW, it is easy to see
how fast things can change. The speed with which Queensland (and therefore Noosa) could
be impacted shows a high risk to all communities, including ours.
• There is a high risk of insufficient control in a large event.
• Noosa has a larger than average vulnerable population
• To even request easing of large group restrictions in the middle of a pandemic is of great
concern.
• Council should wait until we have a successful vaccination program before taking this next
step.
• At the very least, any review should be delayed until after the end of the summer holidays.
Discussion
The points raised are noted and discussed broadly within the report.
Cooroy Area Residents Association
• Council needs to take a precautionary approach with any new guidelines. The push by industry
groups for a “return to normal” represents an existential threat to shire residents.
• Effectiveness of the vaccine and uptake are unknown.
• Noosa’s tourism industry is also vulnerable to long term reputational risk if an outbreak begins
and spreads here, and further lockdowns in Queensland would be disastrous for many
businesses in Noosa.
• Older demographic profile of Noosa residents.
• The intrusion of events into public spaces occupied by people not part of the event increases
infection risk.
• Event workforces are often older volunteers.
• Compliance of risk plans is an issue and Council should play a role in enforcing compliance.
• Council should insist on receiving detailed risk management plans from event organisers.
Discussion
Council does not play a role in enforcing compliance. The Framework notes the State assumes
responsibility for monitoring and enforcing compliance. Council’s role is performance of its role in
relation to the non-public health aspects of event plans and issuing permits.
Page 15 of 30
Section 16
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
12. Conclusion
Recent virus outbreaks reinforce the COVID environment is dynamic and the recent lull in infections
reflects only the successful minimisation of the virus and not a permanent victory. As the recent
Christmas COVID experience shows, a few cases in one localised area can rapidly escalate into a
broader COVID outbreak necessitating interstate border closures, lockdowns and movement
restrictions.
The next COVID milestone that provides some hope to Australians is the roll out of the vaccine which
commenced in February 2021. However, the program will take months to complete and its success
is reliant on factors such as uptake by the populace and effectiveness against new virus strains.
An absence of large events has not had a critical impact on Noosa’s economic and tourism fortunes.
Noosa has coped remarkably well during the COVID pandemic aided by an enviable reputation,
interstate visitors escaping repeat lockdowns and dress circle proximity to the south east
Queensland drive market. Noosa’s reputation and brand are critical to the area’s success and there
is much to lose if a COVID outbreak occurs.
Notwithstanding the effectiveness of the State’s COVID Safe Event Framework and recent relaxed
restrictions upon attendance at events, Council is not obligated to follow suit and relax its position.
Council ultimately provides the permit approval for an event (or category of events) and it may refuse
to issue permits if not satisfied the potential short term social and economic benefits will outweigh
the potential adverse health, social and longer term consequences of the event.
While the State has done a commendable job in responding to COVID outbreaks there are likely to
be many in the community who won’t want the State’s reactive response to be tested and support
the ‘prevention is better than cure’ approach, given a State response can lead to necessary
lockdowns and restrictions. Any proposal for Council to move away from its current localised risk
based approach relating to unique risk factors such as demographic profile and reputation and brand
requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits posed of such action.
Council should not rely on the State to cancel events as COVID risk develops. The State may order
lockdowns if a COVID threat escalates and that action will cancel a simultaneous event. However, it
is fatuous for Council to rely on the State to take action relieving Council of the need to cancel a
permit as the State views COVID risk through its own specific lens. There are too many variables at
play and anticipating all of the scenarios and the State’s reaction is futile.
Council cannot issue a permit with a condition allowing it to cancel if it isn’t satisfied COVID risk will
be managed. Local Law No.1 requires a specific process to be observed for permit cancellations
and this process would need to commence at least 2 months prior to the event date and be
completed with precision. Late stage event cancellations are challengeable and likely to encourage
vociferous event organiser protest (particularly for a large event) given the investment to stage the
event.
Accordingly, this report recommends Council continue to take a precautionary approach to allowing
larger events in 2021 and not amend the position it adopted in August 2020. While this approach will
certainly not suit all stakeholders it will provide certainty for event organisers and the community for
the remainder of the year until COVID risk can be further reassessed.
Page 16 of 30
Section 17
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Previous Council Consideration
Special Meeting Minutes, 31 August 2020, Item 1, Page 2
That Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Special Meeting dated 31 August 2020
and:
A. Refuse Temporary Event permit applications for Category 1 events (greater than 10,000
people) and Category 2 events (not fewer than 500 or more than 10,000 people);
B. Agree to consider an update report regarding Category 1 and Category 2 events and the
broader events environment at Council’s February 2021 round of meetings;
C. Allow Category 3 events including markets with fewer than 500 people subject to Council’s
normal permit application assessment and approval process and the following additional
assessment criteria:
• Satisfactory completion of a COVID Safe Event Checklist including a signed and
displayed Statement of Compliance;
• Events to be focused towards Sunshine Coast participants only;
• No provision of alcohol (not licensed) unless the applicant has sought an exemption from
Council and the exemption has been formally considered by Council;
• Consideration of the potential for the event to attract larger attendance numbers than
forecast;
• Events that have capacity to implement controlled seating and allocated areas will be
preferred to those with uncontrolled movement of people, i.e. attendees intermingling
onsite; and
• Current health advice from the State.
D. Approve the establishment of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group as outlined in the report
whose role will include but not be limited to:
1. Reviewing and making decisions regarding event application requests;
2. Reviewing Category 3 Event Decision Making Framework Assessment Criteria as
outlined in the report;
3. Developing a risk-based decision making framework to guide future event approvals
within the COVID-19 environment which will consider public health and economic impact
factors;
4. Monitoring the success or otherwise of COVID Safe event plans and procedures both
within the Shire and external to it.
5. Providing advice and analysis relating to the above to inform Council’s review in February
2021; and
E. Authorise the CEO to review and amend membership of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group
as required.
Finance
This item has been discussed within the report.
Risks & Opportunities
This section has been collectively covered in ‘Options’ in the report.
Page 17 of 30
Section 18
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Noosaville Business Association Inc.
Hastings Street Association Inc.
Cooroy Area Residents Association Inc.
Noosa Residents and Ratepayers Association Inc.
King and Company Solicitors
Internal Consultation
COVID-19 Reference Group
Director Corporate Services
Property Advisor
Property Officer
Departments/Sections Consulted:
Chief Executive Officer Community Services X Corporate Services
Executive Officer Director X Director
Executive Support Community Development Financial Services
Community Facilities ICT
Libraries & Galleries Procurement & Fleet
Local Laws X Property
Waste & Environmental Health Revenue Services
Executive Services Environment & Sustainable Development Infrastructure Services
Director Director Director
Community Engagement Building & Plumbing Services Asset Management
Customer Service Development Assessment Buildings and Facilities
Governance Economic Development Civil Operations
People and Culture Environmental Services Disaster Management
Strategic Land Use Planning Infrastructure Planning,
Design and Delivery
Page 18 of 30
Section 19
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
ATTACHMENT 1
GOVERNMENT RESPONSES TO EVENTS IN THE COVID ENVIRONMENT
• Byron bay Bluesfest hums back to life after green light from Government (In Queensland 17
February 2021) https://inqld.com.au/culture/2021/02/17/byron-bay-bluesfest-gets-green-light-
from-government/
• Why a beachside Australian village turned down the World Surf League (The Guardian 4
February 2021): https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/feb/04/why-a-beachside-australian-
village-turned-down-the-world-surf-league?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other
Page 19 of 30
Section 20
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
ATTACHMENT 2
STAKEHOLDER FEEDBACK: COUNCIL PROPOSAL TO ALLOW LARGER EVENTS
Dear Clint
I am writing on behalf of the Hastings St Association in relation to the current Noosa Council Event Policy
approach. We appreciate the time and information you have furnished us with and we have taken every effort
to consult widely with industry and our neighbouring Associations, Noosaville and Noosa Junction.
The Hastings Street Association supports Noosa Council retaining its own directive on an Events Policy in
relation to assessing non community events. We can see the merits in aligning to the State Event Guidelines
which provides clear understanding for industry state-wide however it does not appear to take responsibility
for an under performing operator and any ramifications of such would only be dealt with post the event, and
therefore irreparable damage to the industry and Noosa community would be costly.
All event applications should be assessed both for qualitative and quantitative measures and an experienced
independent event organiser should be included in your assessment panel.
Our recommendation is that Major Events need to deliver:
1. An Independent economic pre-event assessment of their proposed event demonstrating the value to
the local economy and the viability of the event. We believe this assessment is in the best interest of
the event organiser given the level of investment required to deliver a major event and secondly it
respects the investment by Council officers in assessing event applications
2. An assessment of their Queensland Health COVID safe plans initiatives by a pandemic specialist, such
as Respond Global, based in Noosa Junction, at the event operators own expense. We believe this
measure would identify major event operators who were genuine in their COVID safe delivery and we
would hope this would allow the community to recognise the level of responsibility that we place on the
event delivery to protect their wellbeing and the reputation of Noosa.
We do not believe that capacity needs to be ringfenced to 500 people but each event application assessed on
measures outlined above and crucial the capabilities deck of the Event Organiser and its Entity.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Hastings Street Association
Alesha Gooderham
Hastings Street Projects
m:0499 984 971
w:www.hastingsstreetassociationinc.com.au
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout
Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and
culture.
Page 20 of 30
Section 21
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
22 Dec 2020
Dear Clint,
Good to chat on the phone today, I do understand how complex the issue is and appreciate the opportunity
for feedback. Can you confirm who the reference group members are, I've been unable to find that info?
I'm happy with point 7 if we have a review date again and possibly consider allowing events of greater
numbers being proposed - if they have some uniqueness that organisers feel increases risk mitigation, for
example size of outdoor area participants are dispersed over. What I'm suggesting is an opportunity for our
community to say 'we are open to discussion' at least.
As mentioned, I did catch up with some guys trying to get an event up for next year. While we are aware of
what is currently happening with Covid-19 and therefore restrictions that are in place to manage the current
situation, being able to plan for a future event does require some form of certainty to engage sponsors and
the like to allow for the many months of preparation and promotion, not to mention financial viability testing
which can be 12 months in the making.
I do believe that if we are to 'live' with the COVID threat for some time to come we should consider
consistency as being a means of ensuring greater compliance by removing confusion. We've seen the states
adopt a consistent framework for hot spot designation which is a great leap forward from how we originally
had states pitted against each other. I would also suggest that the type of event, and specifically the service
of alcohol should play a big part too. So personally, I'd be happy to align with QLD Health rather than a more
conservative line due to demographic, and I think this would assist event planners too.
Not sure how, perhaps the Roundtable is the forum, but I think it would be positive to share the event
numbers you have approved rather than have some in the community believe everything has ceased.
Best Regards
Tim Rook
Noosaville Business Assoc
Page 21 of 30
Section 22
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
21 Dec 2020
CEO
Noosa Council
Pelican St
Tewantin 4565
attn Clint Irwin
Noosa Shire Events Policy - Council Review of approvals for (Category 1, 2 and 3) Events during a Covid 19
Pandemic.
Noosa Shire Residents & Ratepayers Assn (NSRRA) notes the Framework for COVID Safe Events.
Category 1 – an event involving more than 10,000 people onsite at any given time. The event organiser must
obtain approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan from the State’s Chief Health Officer;
Category 2 - Between 500 people (indoors) / 1500 people (outdoors) and 10,000 people. The event organiser
must obtain approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan from a QLD Public Health Unit;
Category 3 -(Fewer than 500 people (indoors) and 1500 people (outdoors). The event organiser must complete
and adhere to the COVID Safe Event Checklist
Council has resolved to allow Category 3 events and to refuse event applications for Category 1 and 2 events.
We understand that the tourism and business industry are urging Council to relax its restrictions and allow
larger events.
NSRRA does not support ANY relaxation in the approvals process for any events involving large
groups of people.
We make the following observations:
Given the recent history in southern States, and the current situation in NSW, it is easy to see how fast things
can change. The speed with which Queensland (and therefore Noosa) could be impacted shows a high risk to
all communities, including ours.
There is a high risk of insufficient control in a large event.
Noosa has a larger than average vulnerable population
To even request easing of large group restrictions in the middle of a pandemic is of great concern.
Council should wait until we have a successful vaccination program before taking this next step.
At the very least, any review should be delayed until after the end of the summer holidays.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards
Adrian Williams
President
Page 22 of 30
Section 23
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Page 23 of 30
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Feedback to Noosa Council from Cooroy Area Residents
Association (CARA) concerning the possible relaxation of
COVID-Safe Protocols for Shire Events
This feedback, based on community consultation, builds on recommendations in the
Report by the Property Manager, Clint Irwin, to the Special Meeting dated 31 August
2020 and agreed to unanimously by councillors, and the COVID Reference Group.
https://www_noosa.qid.gov.au/downloads/file/2446/2020-08-3 1-special-meeting-
agenda
Background
This report proposed a management approach that would reduce the risk for
Council, businesses, the tourism industry and the broader community. It proposed to:
A. Refuse Temporary Event permit applications for Category 1 events (greater than
10,000 people) and Category 2 events (not fewer than 500 or more than 10,000
people);
B. Agree to consider an update report regarding Category 1 and Category 2 events
and the broader events environment at Council's February 2021 round of meetings;
C. Allow Category 3 events including markets with fewer than 500 people subject to
Council’s normal permit application assessment and approval process and the
following additional assessment criteria:
+ Satisfactory completion of a COVID Safe Event Checklist including a signed and
displayed Statement of Compliance;
+ Events to be focused towards Sunshine Coast participants only;
* No provision of alcohol (not licensed) unless the applicant has sought an
exemption from Council and the exemption has been formally considered by
Council:
+ Consideration of the potential for the event to attract larger attendance numbers
than forecast;
+ Events that have capacity to implement controlled seating and allocated areas
will be preferred to those with uncontrolled movement of people, i.e.
attendees intermingling onsite; and current health advice from the State.
Reasons
+ Council requires event organisers to obtain public liability insurance cover to protect
Council against insurance claims. While the Framework is a valuable management
tool to assist event organisers plan for and deliver events in the COVID-19
environment, it does not address insurance requirements for COVID-19.
Council's investigations have highlighted there are currently no insurance products
available which are free of COVID-19 exclusions. Council takes on increased
Page 23 of 30Section 24
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Page 24 of 30
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
financial risk by allowing large events to proceed without adequate insurance
coverage for COVID-19 due to the risk of incurring COVID related litigation.
+ For many years, event tourism has been encouraged to inject money into the
Noosa economy outside the main holiday penods. In the COVID-19 environment,
however, this strategy presents significant risks to the business and tourism sectors.
The key risks to these sectors in the wake of COVID-19 transmission are immediate
financial damage and longer-term reputational damage to the Brand from a second
or third wave lockdown.
Arguably, business owners and tourism bodies will lose much more by reintroduced
lockdowns than they would have ever gained economically in the short term from an
approved event.
COVID Reference Group
A COVID-19 Reference Group, which comprises staff with different skill sets
assessing event applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, has met monthly since
October. The Reference Group met on 16 December 2020 and discussed the
content of the update report and the possibility of relaxing Council's event
restrictions.
One of the options discussed by the Group includes allowing Category 1 and 2
events subject to:
* Each event receiving State Government approval of its COVID Safe Event Plan;
+ Satisfactory assessment and evaluation by Council's COVID-19 Reference Group;
and
+ Allowing Category 3 events (up to 1500 people outdoors which is an increase from
Council's approved 500 people) subject to satisfactory completion of a COVID Safe
Event Checklist including a signed and displayed Statement of Compliance.
Council has received feedback from the tourism and business industry urging
Council to relax its restrictions and allow larger events. Council is receiving new
applications for larger events from community organisations and commercial
businesses.
An update report is required to be prepared for Council consideration in February
2021 and community groups are now being invited to make recommendations from
the perspective of shire residents, including volunteers who would be impacted as
part of their involvement in public events.
New State Guidelines for COVID Safe Events 23 December 2020
Events are able to be staged in Queensland in compliance with relevant COVID Safe
plans.
+ Indoor premises — can operate with one person per two square metres allowed
(e.g. restaurants, pubs, clubs, convention centres).
Page 24 of 30Section 25
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
+ Seated, ticketed venues — can operate at 100 per cent capacity. Patrons should
wear masks on entry and exit (theatre, live music, cinemas, indoor sports) and
performers can reduce the distance from the audience to two metres (except choirs).
+ Outdoor events — of up to 1,500 people can operate with a COVID Safe checklist;
larger events still need a COVID Safe Plan.
+ Open-air stadiums — can operate at 100 per cent capacity. Patrons should wear
masks on entry and exit.
+ Outdoor dancing is now allowed (e.g at music festivals).
+ Weddings — up to 200 people can attend a wedding, all guests can dance.
+ Funerals — up to 200 people can attend a funeral.
More details here: https://teq queensland _com/industry-resources/industry-
resilience/update-on-covid-19/covid-safe-events
NB: these guidelines will likely be changed on the advice of the Chief Health Officer
RECOMMENDATIONS BY CARA
CARA believes Council needs to take a precautionary approach with any new
guidelines. We are concerned that the push by industry groups for a “return to
normal” represents an existential threat to shire residents. Unfortunately, this is a
time of high intake of people not living in Noosa Shire and surrounds. Coupled with a
very low number of tests being done, the chances of outbreak detection and control
being effective are relatively poor.
CARA would therefore like to make the following points in support of its position.
+ The current restrictions on events are not in line with the current conditions
imposed by the State. However, it would be wise for Council to remain cautious
about opening up too fast or too broadly in relation to events and to consider each
application on its merits and its ability to meet strict COVID-19 risk management
conditions as well as issues of particular concem within the shire.
+ It's unlikely we will be in a restriction free environment at any time in 2021. Even if a
vaccine is rolled out in the first half of the year the effectiveness of the vaccine and
the extent of population take-up are still unknowns. The recent evolving outbreaks in
NSW and Victoria and the reinstating of border closures demonstrate how rapidly the
situation can change. Noosa’s tourism industry is also vulnerable to long term
reputational risk if an outbreak begins and spreads here, and further lockdowns in
Queensland would be disastrous for many businesses in Noosa.
* Possibly the most important issue for Council to consider is that Noosa’s resident
population is particularly at risk given the ageing demographic profile and their
extensive exposure to people from many other parts of the country through the influx
of tourists. Large events that bring more people into the community increase the risk
Page 25 of 30Section 26
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
for the vulnerable resident population. This risk is exacerbated when events take
place in and spill over into shared public spaces.
+ This ts of particular concern in Noosa where specific, enclosed spaces for larger
scale outdoor events such as stadiums are absent. One of the key tenants of
managing risk for events is a clear separation of activity. Without this separation, risk
management plans are somewhat futile. This is possibly the single most crucial
difficulty in managing risk for events in Noosa, the intrusion into spaces and facilities
used by and inhabited by people (residents and tourists) who are not part of the
event.
+ Many of Noosa’s events rely heavily on volunteers from the community for a
multitude of tasks both on and off the event site. For volunteers, particularly older
volunteers, exposure to large numbers of visitors from outside the Shire and/or State
presents an additional risk of exposure to infection.
* The State provides guidance on developing risk management plans and checklists
for Category Three events that do not require State approval and while event
organisers are responsible for these plans, it should be understood that planning
provisions and ticking boxes are not the same as ensuring compliance. The State
requires all risk management plans to have provisions for 2 sqm for each person
(including staff and organisers) on site and 1.5m but we have all seen in recent
events and general activity in Noosa that compliance with, or enforcement of, risk
management plans is difficult and at times impossible.
+ As a venue owner and having approved the staging of events and risk
management plans, Council would be responsible for ‘ensuring that specific public
health measures applicable to their venue (as set out in legislation or venue-specific
COVID Safe Plans) are understood and implemented by event organisers operating
in their venues’ (QLD Tourism Industry Council — Industry Framework for OVID-safe
Events 2020), so while event organisers might be responsible for developing plans
and compliance, Council also has liability for ensuring implementation of plans it has
approved for events in its venues. Assessing this ability to ensure compliance must
be a key issue for Council in any approval process.
+ Events come in many guises, and rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Council
would be wise to consider each proposal in relation to specific critena relating to the
event, the proposed site and Noosa specific risks. While current Queensland-wide
restrictions allow Category 3 events to complete a checklist rather than present a
detailed plan, given the particular vulnerabilities present in our shire, Council should
still seek a detailed risk management plan before approving events.
Rod Ritchie
President
Cooroy Area Residents Association
4 January 2021
Page 26 of 30Section 27
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
2 EXEMPTION REQUESTS FOR THE PROVISION OF ALCOHOL FOR TEMPORARY
EVENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC - NOOSA LONG WEEKEND INC AND J & S
INVESTING PTY LTD FOR THE ROBB FAMILY TRUST TRADING AS NOOSA
HINTERLAND PROPERTY EXPO
Author Property Officer, Jill Ikers
Corporate Services Department
Index ECM/ 34.60 Licences/Permits/Registrations/ Temporary Events
Attachments Nil
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Not applicable
RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Property Officer to the Special Meeting dated 2 March 2021 and
A. Approve the Noosa Long Weekend Inc.’s application for an exemption to provide alcohol at
the Noosa alive! Reignite Festival 2021 with a maximum attendance of fewer than 500 people
onsite at any one time;
B. Approve the J & S Investing Pty Ltd for the Robb Family Trust trading as Noosa Hinterland
Property Expo’s application for an exemption to provide alcohol at the Noosa Hinterland
Property Expo (Networking Night only) with a maximum attendance of fewer than 500 people
onsite at any one time; and
C. Authorise the CEO to assess each temporary event application once both are properly made
and Council has received all the required information to undertake its assessment in
accordance with Council’s normal permit application and approval process.
REPORT
The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s determination for an exemption request from the
Noosa Long Weekend Inc. and from J & S Investing Pty Ltd for the Robb Family Trust trading as
Noosa Hinterland Property Expo for the provision of alcohol for two separate temporary events on
community land during the COVID-19 pandemic environment.
1. Background
At Council’s Special Meeting on 31 August 2020, Council considered a report regarding temporary
event permit approvals during the COVID-19 pandemic. At that meeting Council resolved that
Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Special Meeting dated 31 August 2020 and:
That Council note the report by the Property Manager to the Special Meeting dated 31 August 2020
and:
A. Refuse Temporary Event permit applications for Category 1 events (greater than 10,000
people) and Category 2 events (not fewer than 500 or more than 10,000 people);
B. Agree to consider an update report regarding Category 1 and Category 2 events and the
broader events environment at Council’s February 2021 round of meetings;
Page 27 of 30
Section 28
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
C. Allow Category 3 events including markets with fewer than 500 people subject to Council’s
normal permit application assessment and approval process and the following additional
assessment criteria:
• Satisfactory completion of a COVID Safe Event Checklist including a signed and
displayed Statement of Compliance;
• Events to be focused towards Sunshine Coast participants only;
• No provision of alcohol (not licensed) unless the applicant has sought an exemption from
Council and the exemption has been formally considered by Council;
• Consideration of the potential for the event to attract larger attendance numbers than
forecast;
• Events that have capacity to implement controlled seating and allocated areas will be
preferred to those with uncontrolled movement of people, i.e. attendees intermingling
onsite; and
• Current health advice from the State.
D. Approve the establishment of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group as outlined in the report
whose role will include but not be limited to:
1. Reviewing and making decisions regarding event application requests;
2. Reviewing Category 3 Event Decision Making Framework Assessment Criteria as
outlined in the report;
3. Developing a risk-based decision making framework to guide future event approvals
within the COVID-19 environment which will consider public health and economic impact
factors;
4. Monitoring the success or otherwise of COVID Safe event plans and procedures both
within the Shire and external to it.
5. Providing advice and analysis relating to the above to inform Council’s review in February
2021; and
E. Authorise the CEO to review and amend membership of the COVID-19 Event Reference Group
as required.
2. Noosa alive! Reignite Festival 2021 Event Details
Council has received an exemption request from Noosa Long Weekend Inc. for the provision of
alcohol for the Noosa alive! Reignite Festival 2021 event.
Event details:
• Venue – Noosa Dolphins Rugby Grounds on Saturday 13 March 2021
• Local community event hosted by Noosa Long Weekend Inc. as part of the Noosa alive!
cultural program
• Session One – 12.00pm-4.00pm – Sunshine Family Festival
o Children’s entertainment, arts & crafts, street performers, face painters etc
o Food Vendors
o Live music
o Provision of alcohol within Dolphins Club house and undercover area
o Signed Covid Safe Event Checklist & Statement of Compliance provided
• Session Two – 6.00pm-10.00pm – Sunset Vibes
o Live music concert
o Food Vendors
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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
o Provision of alcohol within Dolphins Club house and undercover area
o Signed Covid Safe Event Checklist & Statement of Compliance provided
• Fenced outdoor event site restricting public access.
• Attendees for each session to be restricted to 500
• All attendees to be register online for admittance
• Contact free scanners at entry gate
• Security on site
• Liquor licence and bar to be operated by Noosa District Rugby Union Club
3. Noosa Hinterland Property Expo Event Details
Council has received an exemption request from the J & S Investing Pty Ltd for the Robb Family
Trust for the provision of alcohol for the Noosa Hinterland Property Expo (Networking night only)
Event details:
• Venue – Cooroy Memorial Hall & rear car park – Friday 19 – Sunday 21 March 2021
• Free local community event hosted by J & S Investing Pty Ltd for the Robb Family Trust trading
as Noosa Hinterland Property Expo for those interested in the property market, investing,
finance, property maintenance and sustainable living
o Networking night – Friday 19 March 2021 – 5.00pm – 8.00pm
o Venue – rear car park of Cooroy Memorial Hall
o Provision of alcohol in marquee in rear car park of Cooroy Memorial Hall
o Attendees – Sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers - 200-300 people by invitation only
o Liquor Licence application in name of Cooroy Chamber of Commerce
o Security on site for networking event
• Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 March – 3 x two hour sessions each day
o Property workshops, guest speakers, displays set up within Cooroy Memorial Hall and
rear car park
o Free public attendance – restricted to 500 people per session
o All attendees must register online for a nominated session
o No alcohol to be provided for Saturday or Sunday sessions
o Food Vendors
o Outside radio broadcast
o Family activities – craft workshops, face painting,
o Secure indoor and fenced outdoor event site restricting public access
• Signed Covid Safe Event Checklist & Statement of Compliance provided
4. Covid-19 Event Reference Group Application Assessment
On 23 February 2021, Council’s Covid-19 Event Reference Group considered the exemption
requests for two separate event applications by Noosa Long Weekend Inc. and J & S Investing Pty
Ltd for the Robb Family Trust trading as Noosa Hinterland Property Expo in accordance with the
assessment criteria noted in Item C of the Special Meeting resolution (noted above).
The Reference Group considers the two events to be of low risk and has no objection to both events
proceeding with attendance numbers restricted to fewer than 500 people onsite at any one time for
each event, including the provision of alcohol as requested in each application given the temporary
event application satisfactorily addresses the assessment criteria noted in Item C of the Special
Meeting resolution.
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Section 30
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA 2 MARCH 2021
Previous Council Consideration
Nil.
Finance
A temporary event permit fee is not chargeable to Noosa Long Weekend Inc. as it is a not-for-profit
entity. A temporary event permit fee of $551.50 will be charged to J & S Investing Pty Ltd for the
Robb Family Trust trading as Noosa Hinterland Property Expo as it is a commercial entity.
Risks & Opportunities
Risks
• The risk of event based COVID-19 transmission is not entirely eliminated.
• Financial and reputational risks for Noosa Long Weekend Inc. and J & S Investing Pty Ltd for
the Robb Family Trust trading as Noosa Hinterland Property Expo, local businesses and
tourism if a COVID-19 outbreak prompts lockdown measures.
• There is still no available insurance coverage for COVID-19. Council’s defence of legal claims
will be funded by the ratepayer.
Opportunities
• Allows smaller style local events to proceed.
• The decision sends a signal to event organisers that Council is willing to support event
organisers who adapt to low risk event management.
• Well managed events adhering to COVID Safe event practices and criteria noted above
present less risk to the community than larger style events.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Nil.
Internal Consultation
Director Corporate Services
Property Manager
COVID-19 Reference Group
Cross Department consultation as per standard event stakeholder memo
Departments/Sections Consulted:
Chief Executive Officer Community Services X Corporate Services
Executive Officer Director X Director
Executive Support X Community Development Financial Services
Community Facilities ICT
Libraries & Galleries Procurement & Fleet
X Local Laws X Property
X Waste & Environmental Health Revenue Services
Executive Services Environment & Sustainable Development Infrastructure Services
Director Director Director
Community Engagement X Building & Plumbing Services Asset Management
Customer Service Development Assessment X Buildings and Facilities
Governance Economic Development X Civil Operations
People and Culture Environmental Services Disaster Management
Strategic Land Use Planning Infrastructure Planning,
Design and Delivery
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