2021-02-09 Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                               9 FEBRUARY 2021


The process then consists of:
   Advertising tenders in media, online and by direct contact of previously interested
     businesses;
   Appointment of tender assessment panel;
   Tender submission period (minimum 21 days);
   Tender assessment period;
   Reporting of results of panel’s tender assessments to Council for approval of new
     permittees; and
   Issue of new permits.
The tender process is proposed to open to the public in March / April 2021 and the results
reported to Council in May 2021 to allow sufficient time to issue permits to successful applicants
for the permit period commencing 1 July 2021.
Assessment Criteria
Similar to the 2017 process, the tender submissions are proposed to be assessed against the
following criteria:
    Track record – 50%
    Current capital investment and future investment plan - 15%
    Activity management plan – 15%
    Contribution to local community, local economy and industry affiliations – 15%
    Environmental initiatives – 5%
Permit Terms
Commercial High Use Permits have previously been offered for three year terms, with the
exception of Hey Bill’s iconic lifetime permit for mobile refreshments on Noosa Main Beach and
the First Point refreshment van, which has a 10 year permit. Both staff and permit holders have
identified that the 3 year terms limit permit holders’ surety, ability to plan beyond the short term
and to invest in their businesses accordingly. As a result, officers sought the views of the
Department of Natural Resources, Mining and Energy (as the department primarily responsible
for administering the Land Act 1994) for a proposed change to 5 year terms. The Department
has written to Council confirming it is supportive of the proposal and it is now proposed that the
new permits be offered for 5 year terms, which would see the next tender round occur in 2026.
New Permit Considerations
The level of enquiry for high use permits is high. Frequent proposals are fielded by staff for new
retail and hire equipment businesses, additional commercial locations and the like. Informal
workshops were held with Councillors in 2020 to outline a range of these, including:
   Coffee vans in multiple locations;
   Electric surf craft hire;
   Exclusive beach use areas (resort guest use, sunbeds, etc.);
   Beach clubs and kids holiday clubs;
   On beach dining proposals;
   Sand sculpting lessons;
   Jetski flyboarding;
   Scooter, city bikes and the like;
   Outdoor gyms;
   Boot camps;
   Tour operators; and
   Various new hire and food vendor locations.
In considering the merits of these staff seek to identify the level of community need, in line with
Council’s adopted policy. Primary considerations include the range and location of existing
commercial businesses and the likely benefits and impacts of introducing additional commercial
uses.

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