2020-07-10 Special Meeting Agenda

ATTACHMENT 3




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ATTACHMENT 3

  8         NOOSA                                                         Council Policy
  | @ |     COUNCIL                                                      DEBT POLICY
 Corporate Plan Reference:                  Long term planning for Noosa Shire

 Endorsed by Council:                       10 July 2020

 Policy Author:                             Director Corporate Services

POLICY BACKGROUND
The purpose of this policy is to ensure the sound management of Council’s existing and future debt.
The policy will provide clear guidance for staff in the management of Council’s debt portfolio and
maintenance of appropriate debt and debt service levels.
This policy applies to all Councillors and Council staff and extends to all borrowing activities of
Council and any controlled entities.
COUNCIL POLICY
Council will utilise a debt management strategy based on sound financial management principles
and ensure net debt (net financial liabilities) remains within financial sustainability targets.
Borrowing Purposes
1.    Council will not utilise loan funding to finance operating activities or recurrent expenditure.
2.    Council undertakes full analysis of all funding options as outlined in the Long Term Financial
      Model, including a forward program of capital works, to determine loan funding requirements.
3.    Council recognises that infrastructure demands placed upon Council can often only be met
      through borrowings, but will always be mindful of the additional cost incurred by the community
      when assets are acquired through borrowings which increases the cost of providing capital
      infrastructure.
4.    Council will endeavour to fund all capital renewal projects from operating cash flows and
      borrow only for new or upgrade capital projects, having regard to sound financial management
      principles and giving consideration to inter-generational equity for the funding of long term
      infrastructure projects.
5. | Where capital expenditure is deferred from one year to the next, the drawdown of approved
      loan funds will be reviewed to minimise interest expenses.
6.    Borrowings for infrastructure that provides a positive rate of return on investment will take
      priority over borrowing for other assets.
Debt Term
7. | Where capital projects are financed through borrowings, Council will repay the loans within a
      term not exceeding the life of those assets, and over a term that optimises cash flow efficiency.
      7.1. If surplus funds become available, and where it is advantageous to Council, one-off loan
           repayments will be made to reduce the term of existing loans.
      7.2. In an environment of fluctuating interest rates, and where there is a distinct economic
           advantage to Council, consideration will be given to renegotiating any outstanding loans
           to obtain the best long-term benefit to Council.

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