DESTINATION STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                      6 OCTOBER 2026



1.3 Development of the Draft Terms of Reference

The Draft Terms of Reference were informed by research into destination stewardship governance
models and recognised best-practice approaches used by comparable destinations and advisory
bodies.

The draft was subsequently refined through consultation with Tourism Noosa, a Councillor workshop
(10th August 2026) and further detailed Councillor feedback and, was review by Council's
Governance team.

Feedback from each stage was incorporated into the final draft Terms of Reference attached as
Attachment 1 for Council's consideration and endorsement.

The Draft Terms of Reference proposes to establish the DSC as a strategic advisory body
responsible for guiding, monitoring and championing implementation of the Destination Management
Plan.

Key features include:
   •   Proposed Independent chair appointed by Council.

   •   Representation from community, business and industry, government and strategic
       stakeholder organisations and the process by which they will be recruited to the DSC.

   •   Clear governance, accountability and conflict-of-interest provisions.

   •   Mechanisms for collaboration, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

   •   Periodic review of membership, performance and effectiveness.


The Draft Terms of Reference ensure the DSC can provide informed, evidence-based advice while
recognising that Noosa Council retains its local statutory decision-making authority.



Destination Stewardship Council Recruitment

On the recommendation of officers and selection by Council, an independent Chair is proposed to
be appointed to the role by the mayor.

It is recommended that a highly credible and impartial leader with demonstrated experience in
governance, stakeholder stewardship and facilitating complex, multi-stakeholder environments
would best suit the role of the Chair.

Alongside the appointment of the Chair, membership will be established through a combination of
targeted invitations and an Expression of Interest process. Organisational members will be invited
from key partner organisations and agencies identified in the Draft Terms of Reference, with
nominees expected to hold senior leadership, governance or decision-making roles and possess the
authority to represent their organisation.

Two community representatives will be selected through a public Expression of Interest process.
Community members will be assessed against criteria including their understanding of the Noosa
community, connections across the community, ability to represent broader community perspectives,
and capacity to think strategically about destination-wide outcomes.