2025-2026 OUT OF ROUND COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATION FOR A THREE-YEAR COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AGREEMENT · Report

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                           7 OCTOBER 2025


remaining 2025/26 Community Project Grants budget subject to sufficient funds being allocated in
Council’s adopted 2025/26 Community Grants Program budget.

Ordinary Meeting, 19 June 2025, Item 11.3.6
That Council:
A. Note the report by the Community Connection Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated
16 June 2025; and
B. Approve the 2025-26 Community Grants for Three-Year Community Alliance Agreements as
outlined in Attachment 1, subject to sufficient funds totalling $135,370.11 being allocated in Council’s
adopted 2025-26 Community Grants Program budget.

Ordinary Meeting, 23 January 2025, Item 11.1.8.3
That Council note the report by the Community Connection Manager to the General Committee on
the 20 January 2025 and approve the revised Community Grants Policy provided at Attachment 1 to
the report.


Finance
The 2025-26 budget includes a total allocation of $553,877.33 for community grants for the
categories of Community Project Grants, Community Alliance and Signature Community Events. Of
this, $111,743.67 remains available for the implementation of Council Community Quick Response
and Individual Sports Development Grants. If this recommendation is supported, this out of round
application will reduce this amount to $105,016.49.


Risk & Opportunities
Risks
•   Financial Sustainability: Without Council support, the Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society
    (THHS) may be unable to continue operating Parkyn’s Hut Visitor Information Centre, due to the
    loss of Tourism Noosa funding and limited alternative revenue sources. This could result in the
    closure of this community asset and loss of volunteer engagement.
•   Community Impact: Closure of the centre would reduce access to local visitor information,
    diminish the visitor experience, and potentially impact local tourism and business. It would also
    mean the loss of a hub for historical research and community events.
•   Grant Budget Pressure: Approving this application will reduce the available balance for Quick
    Response and Individual Sports Development Grants in 2025–26, potentially limiting Council’s
    ability to respond to other emerging community needs during the year.
•   Reliance on Council Funding: Continued reliance on Council grants may not be sustainable in
    the long term if alternative revenue streams are not developed.
Opportunities
•   Community Benefit: Supporting THHS will help maintain a high-quality, volunteer-run visitor
    information service that benefits both residents and tourists, aligns with Council’s strategic
    objectives, and enhances Noosa’s reputation as a welcoming and informed destination.
•   Volunteer Engagement: Continued operation of Parkyn’s Hut provides meaningful volunteer
    opportunities, supporting social connection, skills development, and community pride.
•   Strategic Alignment: Funding this application supports Council’s Corporate Plan objectives
    around liveability, community connection, arts and culture, and inclusive access to community
    facilities.