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FURTHER REPORT - NOOSA DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE (REQUESTED AT GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 6 OCTOBER 2026) · Attachment 1 - Draft Noosa Destination Stewardship Council Terms of Reference (TOR) - REVISED
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 residential 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 NDSC 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.
• Reporting at least annually on its activities, performance, and the
DMP Delivery Risk Register.
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.
• Undertaking public reporting of the DSC’s recommendations,
agreed actions and progress against the DMP, subject to
confidentiality and privacy requirements.
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 NNDSC and community
The NDSC will be supported by the Noosa Council CEO and a Noosa
Council Executive Director.
7. Membership
The NDSC is comprised of 12 members (plus Chair) across a number
of membership categories, each serving a distinct purpose as follows;
1. Chair
2. Government Representatives (State, Mayor and Councillor)
3. Designated Partner Organisations x 1 member from each
(Tourism Noosa, Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation and
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation)
4. Community Partner Organisations x 4 ( refer table 1 below)
5. Individual Community Representatives x2
Please refer to Appendix 1 - Table 1 on page 9 for further details on the
role, member profile, and recruitment method associated with each
membership category.
8. Independent Chair Please refer to Appendix 1 - Table 1 on page 9 for further details on the
Criteria & Appointment role, member profile, key characteristics and appointment method.
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9. Tenure of 9.1 Membership of the NDSC
NDSC Members To maintain institutional knowledge, encourage active member
participation, and ensure a staggered refresh of membership:
• Member organisations, and individual community members are
appointed for an initial term of either two years or eighteen (18)
months.
• At the conclusion of each term, member organisations and
individual community 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 on the NDSC by the Mayor and
one other Councillor representative.
• The Council representative will serve a one-year term before the
role is rotated to another Councillor, at the discretion of Noosa
Council.
Renumeration and/or disbursements may be considered if necessary to
access required skills and advice.
9.2 Noosa Council Councillor Participation
Councillors who are not formally appointed as NDSC
representatives may attend meetings in an observer capacity only.
Observing Councillors are not members of the NDSC and are not
entitled to participate in discussions, contribute to decision-making
processes, or vote on NDSC 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 organisation or individual community
member’s appointment at its discretion where:
• The member organisation, or individual community 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 organisation, or individual community member
acts in a manner that is inconsistent with the purpose, values,
objectives, or Terms of Reference of the NDSC (see section
11.5).
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• The member organisation, or individual community member
engages in conduct that may bring the NDSC, Noosa Council or
the destination of Noosa into disrepute.
• The member organisation, or individual community 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 organisation, or individual community member is
unable to continue to fulfil the eligibility requirements or
representative role for which they were appointed.
• The member organisation, or individual community member
resigns their appointment in writing.
Prior to terminating an appointment, Noosa Council will provide the
member organisation or individual community 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 are permitted for organisational representatives 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 will 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 NDSC
where specialised advice or background information is required.
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Renumeration and/or disbursements may be considered if necessary to access
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
To ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness, the Destination
Stewardship Council will review the Terms of Reference annually and
recommend amendments to Council, with any significant amendments
requiring Council endorsement prior to taking effect.
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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.
Council is authorised to collect this information in accordance with the
Local Government Act 2009 and associated laws.
For clarity please note your name may be disclosed as part of Council
decision making on the establishment of this NDSC and for the life of the
NDSC. If you do not consent please advise Council on below contact
email.
Access to NDSC 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 NDSC 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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APPENDIX 1 – Table 1
NDSC Members Profile (Sections 7 and 8)
Member Role and Criteria Proposed Recruitment Process Timing
INDEPENDENT CHAIR ROLE – STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP • Open Expression of Interest EOI process
x1 • Applications to be assessed on merit by a anticipated pre-
A proven leader and experienced Facilitator with demonstrated panel of senior Noosa Council Executives Christmas 2026.
experience in building productive relationships across government • Recommendations to Council for
and stakeholders. endorsement
• EOI criteria publicly available through the
Potential Criteria DMP Community Portal and Council’s
standard recruitment
• Ability to guide collaboration and agreement between NDSC
members ensuring all perspective are considered
• Ensure constructive, outcomes- focused dialogue is achieved.
• Deliver recommendations to Council on behalf of the NDSC.
• Provide progress updates on the DMP to Council on a quarterly
basis or as required.
• Reputation for integrity, transparency and accountability
• Respected for ability to lead with independence and
impartiality
The role of the Chair may be renumerated.
STATE GOVERNMENT ROLE – SENIOR STATE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATION AND Early 2027.
REPRESENTATIVE x 1 CONDUIT By Invitation from Noosa Council CEO
• A senior representative from the Department of Local
Government, Water and Volunteers (DLGWV), will be invited by
the Noosa Council CEO to act as a conduit to other State
Government Departments as required.
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DESIGNATED PARTNER ROLE – IDENTIFIED CORE ROLE IN DESTINATION Designated Partner Organisations as identified Early 2027.
ORGANISATIONS MANAGEMENT will be invited to take up a seat on the NDSC by
the Mayor.
• Kabi Kabi Peoples • Representatives hold a senior position within the nominated
Aboriginal Corporation x 1 organisation and is authorised to represent its strategic
interests as aligned to Destination Management.
• Tourism Noosa x 1 • Maintains a demonstrated commitment to advancing actions
and outcomes aligned with the Destination Management Plan.
• Noosa Biosphere Reserve
Foundation x 1
COMMUNITY PARTNER ROLE – PROVIDE REPRESENTATIVE COMMUNITY PERSPECTIVE • Open Expression of Interest Early 2027
ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY SECTOR INSIGHT • Applications to be assessed on merit by
senior Noosa Council Officers
Community partner organisation representative members bring • Recommendations to Council for
• Business &/or Industry
both a cross section of representation of various sectors and endorsement
Organisations x 2 issues of importance as they relate to Destination Management. • EOI criteria will be publicly available through
the DMP Community Portal and Council’s
• Community &/or An ability to contribute the perspectives, knowledge and insights of standard recruitment channels
Environment Organisations established community/business-based organisations
x2 with a demonstrated connection to Noosa's social, environmental,
economic, cultural, sporting or community outcomes.
POTENTIAL CRITERIA
• Representative of a community-based organisation that
operates within, or delivers benefits to, the Noosa community
• The Organisation has an established track record of
community contribution, engagement and participation within
Noosa
• Ability to represent the perspectives and interests of the
organisation and its broader stakeholder, member or volunteer
networks
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• Demonstrated understanding of community issues,
opportunities and challenges relevant to Noosa's future
• Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders and working
collaboratively across community, government or industry
sectors
• Relevant skills, knowledge and expertise that support the
functions of the NDSC
Other considerations will include:
• Diversity of organisational focus areas across social, business,
tourism, environmental, cultural, sporting and community
sectors
• Demonstrated reach into, and connection with, different
segments of the Noosa community
• Capacity to contribute a strategic and informed organisational
perspective
COMMUNITY ROLE – PROVIDE AN INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITY VOICE, • Open Expression of Interest Early 2027
REPRESENTATIVES LOCAL KNOWLEDGE AND INSIGHTS • Applications to be assessed on merit by
senior Noosa Council Officers
• Individual Community Individual community representatives contribute local knowledge, • Recommendations to Council for
lived experience and community perspectives to NDSC endorsement
Members* x 2
deliberations. • EOI criteria will be publicly available through
the DMP Community Portal and Council’s
*Not representing an organisation
standard recruitment channels
Their role is to provide insight into community priorities, identify
emerging opportunities and challenges, and help ensure
destination stewardship recommendations and advice remain
informed by the values, priorities and aspirations of the Noosa
community.
POTENTIAL CRITERIA
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• Resident in Noosa for at least 5 years
• Ability to represent broad community perspectives
• An understanding of community issues, aspirations and
challenges relevant to Noosa’s future
• Established connections and credibility within the local
community including participation in community, sporting,
environmental, cultural, social, or volunteer organisations
• Strong existing networks and the ability to engage with,
understand the views of, and navigate different community
perspectives
• Relevant skills, knowledge, and expertise in subject matter
that supports 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
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