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DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE · ATTACHMENT 1 DSC Draft TOR Oct 26
ATTACHMENT 1
DRAFT - Terms of Reference
Noosa Destination Stewardship Council (NDSC)
1. Purpose The Noosa Destination Stewardship Council (NDSC) is a high level,
strategic leadership body established to advise, guide, champion and
oversee the implementation of Noosa’s Destination Management Plan
(DMP).
While the NDSC is a future focused forum, Noosa Council remains the
statutory decision-maker and retains responsibility for its formal policy,
planning and regulatory decisions.
2. Objectives The NDSC exists to support Noosa Council to achieve successful
destination outcomes by:
2.1. Ensuring Council's destination management and tourism decisions
are informed by collective industry, community and government
expertise through strategic advice and recommendations.
2.2 Actively using the NDSC’s collective influence, relationships,
advocacy capacity and strategic leverage to help progress outcomes
where the decision-making authority, funding, assets or jurisdiction sits
beyond Noosa Council.
2.3 Ensuring that the destination and tourism is managed in ways that
consistently protect community wellbeing, regenerates Noosa’s natural
environment and delivers a net benefit to Noosa’s economy and way of
life.
3. DMP Vision To help realise Noosa’s vision of a way of life and travel that respects
community, actively protects the environment and nurtures a thriving
local economy, working in balance with nature and looking after the
place we love, together.
4. DMP Guiding 4.1 Respecting Community
Principles Noosa’s wellbeing is at the centre of the Destination Management Plan,
with responsible tourism contributing to improved quality of life,
connectivity, accessibility and housing amenity.
4.2 Leading the Way
Noosa’s lifestyle, community, environment and visitor experiences are
strengthened through shared, responsible and regenerative tourism;
underpinned by strong Council leadership and collaborative destination
governance with our community, industry and partners.
4.3 Living our Values
We all share a deep love for Noosa – everyone, residents, businesses and
visitors tread lightly and work together to keep Noosa special – protecting
its natural beauty, community spirit and cultural heritage for current and
future generations.
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4.4 Tourism for Good
In Noosa, tourism is for good – enhancing and regenerating Noosa’s
community, environment, and economy while protecting our way of life
and supporting a healthy and thriving place, for all.
5. Scope and 5.1 Strategic Oversight
Responsibilities The NDSC will provide strategic guidance and advice on the
implementation of Noosa's Destination Management Plan by:
• Guiding and overseeing the prioritisation of the DMP actions.
• Contributing insights, expertise and advice, where relevant and
appropriate.
• Recommending evidence-based approaches to support the
achievement of the DMP's objectives.
• Identifying emerging opportunities, risks and challenges that may
impact the delivery of the DMP.
• Ensuring implementation remains aligned with the Guiding
Principles outlined in Section 4.
5.2 Monitoring and Accountability
The DSC will have a key role to help guide the DMP Monitoring and
Evaluation Framework (MEF), the NDSC will:
• Determine the priorities, agenda and frequency of meetings.
• Monitor progress against the DMP's objectives and outcomes.
• Review community sentiment and other performance indicators
contained within the MEF.
• Recommend adaptive responses where outcomes are not being
achieved or where new information warrants a change in approach.
• Support transparent reporting of progress and outcomes through
appropriate governance and public reporting mechanisms.
5.3 Advocacy and Collaboration
The NDSC will champion the implementation of the DMP by:
• Advocating for the DMP's vision, objectives and priorities within
members' respective spheres of influence, where relevant and
appropriate.
• Encouraging collaboration between government, industry,
community and other stakeholders to support destination
outcomes.
• Promoting alignment between organisational priorities and the
long-term aspirations of the DMP.
• Providing strategic advice on matters that influence destination
outcomes, particularly where delivery extends beyond Noosa
Council's direct jurisdiction.
5.4 Building Community Trust
The NDSC will support community confidence in destination
management by:
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• Promoting transparency in the intent, progress and outcomes of the
DMP.
• Considering community perspectives when providing advice and
recommendations.
• Encouraging approaches that strengthen social licence, shared
responsibility and stewardship of Noosa's destination values.
5.5 Risk and Crisis Stewardship
During significant destination disruptions or crises, the NDSC may
provide strategic advice and guidance with a focus on protecting and
advancing long-term community, environmental and economic
outcomes.
6. Role of Noosa 6.1 Decision Making Authority
Council Noosa Council will retain statutory decision-making authority and:
• Appoint an Independent Chair to the NDSC
• Convene and resource the NDSC
• Provide the secretariat for each meeting
• Act as a participant, not the sole driver of the forum
• Consider recommendations from the NDSC, including preferred
options and supporting rationale, in making decisions on
destination management
• Respond formally to NDSC recommendations through
appropriate governance processes
• Ensure relevant information, decisions and requests are
communicated between the NDSC and community
• The NDSC will be supported by Noosa Council CEO and a Noosa
Council Executive Director
7. Membership 7.1 Number of NDSC Members
• Between 10-12 members plus Chair
7.2 Potential NDSC Composition
7.2.1
May include but are not limited to the following membership
representation :
• Noosa Council - Mayor and one Councillor
• Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation
• One representative - Tourism Noosa
• One representative - Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
• Two representatives of Business and Industry organisations/
Tourism Industry
• Two representatives of Environment and or Community
organisations
• Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local
Government and Planning (DSDILGP) - core role to be a conduit
and coordinator into whole of government and connection to
other government agencies including but not limited to
• Department of Main Roads (TMR) MSQ and SCWA
• Department Environment, Tourism, and Science (DETS)
• Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS)
• Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local
Government and Planning (DSDILGP)
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and
Water (DCCEEW)
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• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development,
Communications and the Arts (DITRCA)
• Community membership - 2 permanent residents of Noosa that
meet requirements outlined in section 7.3.2
7.3 NDSC Member Profile
7.3.1 Organisation Representation
Membership will be invited from individuals occupying leadership,
executive, governance or statutory roles who possess the authority,
expertise and organisational reach required to guide, champion and
support implementation of the Destination Management Plan.
• Mayor/Deputy Mayor/Councillor
• Board Chair or Vice Chair
• Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance
Officer
• President or Vice President of the Organisation
• Executive Director, Director
• Senior Government Officers, e.g., Department Manager
• Statutory Agency Leaders at any of the above roles
7.3.2 Community Representation
Community members will be drawn (through an Expression of
Interest Process) from permanent residents currently residing in
Noosa Shire that can demonstrate characteristics including but not
limited to the following:
• Understanding of Noosa and the community
• Connection to networks within the community and credibility
with the community
• Can bring community perspectives, not just personal opinions
• Can think strategically rather than advocating for a single issue
• Relevant skills and experience
8. Independent Chair 8.1 Independent Chair
An independent appointed Chair must be a proven leader with a
track record of guiding strategic groups through complex, contested
or multi-stakeholder issues and:
• Independent of current political office and any organisation
represented on the NDSC
• Possess a high level of credibility, standing and trusted
relationships across government, industry and community
sectors.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage effectively with senior
decision-makers at local, state and national levels.
• Regarded as independent, impartial and knowledgeable
• Familiar with Noosa's history, governance environment and
stakeholder landscape.
• Independent of operational tourism delivery and free from
commercial interests that may create a conflict of interest.
• Experienced in complex governance, stewardship and
stakeholder management.
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Following recommendations and appropriate process from Council
Officers, an independent Chair will be selected by Council and invited by
the Mayor. In recognition of the importance of this role to the overall
success of the NDSC, the role of Chair may be a remunerated position.
8.2 The role of the Chair is to:
• Drive the DMP Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
• Guide collaboration and agreement between members,
ensuring all perspective are considered and no single viewpoint
holds undue influence
• Ensure constructive, outcomes- focused dialogue is achieved
• Hold members to purpose, future focus and action-based
deliverables.
9. Appointment of 9.1 Membership of the NDSC
NDSC Members 9.1.1 Appointment by Mayoral Invitation
Chair, State Government representative and Organisational
representatives.
To maintain institutional knowledge, encourage active member
participation, and ensure a staggered refresh of membership
• Members are appointed for an initial term of either two years or
eighteen (18) months.
• At the conclusion of each term, members may be reappointed at
the discretion of Noosa Council.
• Noosa Council may review and vary membership (e.g., seek new
members) from time to time, to maintain an effective balance of
continuity, capability and fresh perspectives.
• Reappointment is not automatic and will take into consideration
a member's attendance, contribution, alignment with the
purpose of the NDSC and the skills and representation required
by the Committee.
• Noosa Council is represented by the Mayor and one other
Councillor representative on the NDSC. The Council
representative will serve a one-year term before the role is
rotated to another Councillor, at the discretion of Council.
9.1.2 Appointment by Expression of Interest
Community Representation
To ensure a fair, transparent and merit-based selection process,
local community members (including business/industry and
community/environment organisation representatives) will be invited
to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join the NDSC.
• Applicants will be assessed against a range of criteria, including
relevant skills and expertise, leadership and influence within the
community, and their capacity to make a meaningful, long-term
contribution to the Committee's objectives.
Criteria include but are not limited to:
- An understanding of community issues, aspirations and
challenges relevant to Noosa’s future
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- Established connections and credibility within the local
community including participation in community, sporting,
environmental, cultural, social or volunteer organisations
- An ability to reflect a broad community perspective
- A commitment to Noosa through ongoing community
involvement, or other meaningful contributions
- Existing networks and ability to engage with and understand
the views of different sections of the community
- Relevant skills, knowledge and experience that support the
functions of the NDSC.
Other considerations will include:
- Diversity of lived experience, backgrounds and
demographics
- Geographic diversity to ensure perspectives from across
Noosa Shire are represented.
Members Tenure
• Members are appointed for an initial term of either two years or
eighteen (18) months.
• At the conclusion of each term, members may be reappointed at
the discretion of Noosa Council.
• To maintain an effective balance of continuity, capability and
fresh perspectives, Noosa Council may review and vary
membership from time to time.
• Reappointment is not automatic and will take into consideration
a member's attendance, contribution, alignment with the
purpose of the NDSC and the skills and representation required
by the Committee.
Renumeration and or disbursements may be considered if necessary to access
the required skills and advice.
9.2 Noosa Council Councillor Participation
Councillors who are not formally appointed as Council
representatives to the NDSC may attend meetings in an observer
capacity only.
Observing Councillors are not members of the Committee and are
not entitled to participate in discussions, contribute to decision-
making processes, or vote on Committee matters.
10. Termination 10.1 Termination of Membership
To ensure the NDSC remains effective, constructive and representative
of its intended purpose, Noosa Council in consultation with the Chair
may terminate a member's appointment at its discretion where:
• The member fails to attend three (3) consecutive meetings
without reasonable explanation or prior notification.
• The member consistently demonstrates low levels of
participation or contribution that materially limit their ability to
fulfil the responsibilities of membership.
• The member acts in a manner that is inconsistent with the
purpose, values, objectives or Code of Conduct (tbd) of the
NDSC.
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• The member engages in conduct that may bring the NDSC,
Noosa Council or the destination of Noosa into disrepute.
• The member fails to disclose, or repeatedly fails to manage, an
actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest, thereby
compromising the integrity, independence or reputation of
NDSC.
• The member is unable to continue to fulfil the eligibility
requirements or representative role for which they were
appointed.
• The member resigns their appointment in writing.
Prior to terminating an appointment, Noosa Council may provide the
member with an opportunity to respond to any concerns regarding their
conduct, attendance or performance.
10.2 Replacement of Members
• Where an organisational representative's appointment is
terminated, Noosa Council may invite the organisation to
nominate an alternative representative, however, no
organisation has an automatic right to ongoing representation on
the NDSC.
• Where a community representative's appointment is terminated,
Noosa Council may go to EOI or, select a representative from
those candidates making the original shortlist.
11. Operating Model 11.1 Role and Contribution
• The forum operates in a spirit of mutual respect, collaboration,
transparency and shared commitment to achieving the best
outcomes for Noosa's community, economy and environment.
• The NDSC is an advisory body that brings together diverse
perspectives, expertise, industry intelligence and community
insights to inform and support Council’s decision making on the
DMP.
• The NDSC provides advice and recommendations to Council on
destination management priorities and initiatives.
• Recommendations to Council will reflect the Committee's
deliberations and may include a preferred recommendation and
alternative options where appropriate.
• While the NDSC contributes strategic insights and
recommendations, Noosa Council remains the final decision-
making authority and retains all its statutory, regulatory and
governance responsibilities.
11.2 Meeting Frequency
• Meeting times and frequency to be determined by the Chair and
members of the NDSC at the inaugural meeting.
• Sub-groups, working groups and or expert advisers may be
convened or invited separately by the Chair – see section 12.
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11.3 Meeting Expectations
Members of the NDSC:
• Attend meetings in person. Proxy delegates and attendance via
technology may be permitted only in some circumstances and
with prior notice.
• Members attend meetings fully prepared, having considered all
agenda materials, undertaken appropriate internal consultation
(where appropriate), and obtained the necessary approvals and
authority to contribute to deliberations and vote on matters
requiring a decision.
• Actively progress agreed actions through their sphere of
influence, expertise, and professional networks.
• Champion and advocate for agreed outcomes and decisions
within their respective organisations and networks.
11.4 Recommendations to Noosa Council
• Recommendations of the NDSC will be determined on a
consensus basis wherever possible.
• Where consensus cannot be reached, differing views and
dissenting opinions will be documented and communicated
through appropriate governance and reporting mechanisms.
• Deliberations and discussions of the NDSC will remain
confidential to support open, frank and constructive dialogue.
• Recommendations agreed actions and progress updates may be
communicated publicly through approved governance and
reporting mechanisms.
11.5 Member Conduct
Members of NDSC are expected to:
• Act respectfully, professionally and in good faith.
• Contribute constructively to discussions and actively consider
differing perspectives and evidence.
• Focus on the long-term interests of Noosa and the delivery of
sustainable destination outcomes.
• Uphold the integrity of Council, the NDSC, and their decision-
making processes in all external communications.
11.6 Quorum
• A quorum requires 50% + 1 of members including the Chair.
12. Subgroups 12.1 NDSC Subgroups
The Chair, in agreement with NDSC members may:
• Establish specific skills or knowledge-based subgroups to
progress DMP priorities, subject to a clear scope of work and
timeframes to deliver outcomes.
• Participants in the sub-group will have expert knowledge or
specialist background on the subject matter.
Additional, independent subject matter experts, thought leaders and
community representatives with significant local knowledge and
intelligence, may be invited to join the sub-group or advise the DSC
where specialised advice or background information is required.
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Renumeration and or disbursements may be considered if necessary to access
the required skills and advice.
13. Conflict of Interest 13.1 Conflict of Interest Declarations
• Members are required to declare actual, potential or perceived
conflict of interests
• Conflicts will be managed transparently and recorded
• Confidential matters will be handled in accordance with Noosa
Council governance standards
13.2 Failure to Declare a Conflict of Interest
Members must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of
interest as soon as reasonably practicable. Where a member fails to
disclose a conflict of interest:
• The conflict will be recorded in the meeting minutes once
identified.
• The Chair may require the member to refrain from participating
in discussion, decision-making or voting on the relevant matter.
• Any recommendation or decision influenced by the undeclared
conflict may be reviewed by the NDSC.
• The matter may be referred to Noosa Council for consideration
under the NDSC Code of Conduct and governance
arrangements.
A serious or repeated failure to disclose a conflict of interest may
constitute grounds for termination of membership under clause 10.1.
14. Governance 14.1 NDSC Effectiveness
Performance and NDSC effectiveness indicators include but are not limited to:
Review • Provision of timely, evidence-based advice and
recommendations to Noosa Council and DMP delivery partners
on priority destination management issues.
• Demonstrable influence on the direction, prioritisation or
refinement of DMP implementation activities through
recommendations, advocacy and strategic guidance.
• Strength and diversity of stakeholder collaboration, alignment
and commitment to shared destination management objectives.
• Evidence of members championing DMP priorities within their
organisations, sectors, networks and spheres of influence.
• Improved visibility, transparency and accountability of DMP
implementation through regular monitoring, reporting and
communication of progress to stakeholders and the community.
14.2 TOR Review
The Draft Terms of Reference will be reviewed and finalised by the DSC
once formed and reviewed by Noosa Council after 12 months, and
thereafter, every two years, to ensure continued relevance and
effectiveness.
15. Collection of Noosa Shire Council will only use the personal information collected for
Personal Information the intended purpose, to remain in contact with representative on the
NDSC regarding their participation in the NDSC and the legitimate
functions and services of Council.
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Council is authorised to collect this information in accordance with the
Local Government Act 2009 and associated laws.
Access to DSC applicants and members personal information will only
be provided to appropriate Council employees and authorised officers.
Personal information will only be disclosed to authorised third parties as
required to conduct Destination Stewardship Council business, or if
required to do so by law, and will not be transferred outside of
Australia.
If members do not provide your personal information, Noosa Council
may not be able to conduct DSC business.
Personal information is handled in accordance with Council’s Privacy
Policy which contains details on how to request access to your personal
information and complain if you believe there has been a breach of the
Queensland Privacy Principles in the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld).*
*For questions regarding how your personal information will be handled, please contact
Noosa Council using the following email address:
[email protected]
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