2015-11-10 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT                                        10 NOVEMBER 2015


2.       Contribution of the Thomas family to the Noosa community
David and Barbara Thomas have lived in Noosa since 1998 and, through the Thomas
Foundation, have been philanthropic supporters of many activities in Noosa, including:
       Funding the development of the concept for an auditorium and theatre as part of a larger
         Noosa conference centre in the late 1990’s (subsequently not adopted);
       Providing funding for a full-time manager for six months to develop the inaugural Noosa
         Longweekend festival in 2002;
       Jointly funding a science workshop in 2014 to determine the potential for remediation
         options of the Noosa River;
       Jointly funding projects in 2015 to establish the extent of naturally occurring oyster spat in
         the Noosa river and the potential to re-establish oyster reefs; and
       Jointly funding a baseline study of the bio-diversity of Noosa River fish species in 2015.
3.       Benefits to Council
The site for the garden and landscaping was chosen after discussions between Parks & Natural
Areas staff with Mr Thomas. This site has not been landscaped to the same standard as other
areas of the Gympie Terrace foreshore, and the new garden and seating will provide an attractive
new sitting area adjacent to Pirate Playground, further enhancing Council’s premier playground
facility.
In addition to offering to fund the cost of the new gardens, infrastructure and seating, the Thomas
Foundation has offered to fully fund the cost of five years of maintenance.
Previous Council Consideration
Nil
Finance & Risk
Additional costs to parks renewal and maintenance budget after the term of funding expires.
Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Mr David Thomas, Thomas Foundation
Internal Consultation
Parks Team Leader
Director Corporate services
Departments/Sections Consulted:

      Chief Executive Officer                    Community Services                 x   Corporate Services
      Executive Officer to the Mayor & CEO       Community Facilities                   Financial Services
      Executive Support                          Community Development                  ICT
                                                 Libraries & Galleries                  Procurement & Fleet
                                                 Local Laws                             Property & Facilities
                                                 Waste & Environmental Health           Revenue Services

      Executive Office                       x   Planning & Infrastructure
      Community Engagement                       Building & Plumbing Services
      Customer Service                           Civil Operations
      Economic Development                       Infrastructure Planning & Design
      Governance                                 Planning & Environment
      Human Resources                            Strategic Land Use Planning
      Sustainability




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