2014-08-19 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda - Pages 102-155

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 19 AUGUST 2014


15   EVALUATION OF LIVING SMART PROGRAM

Author           Sustainability Project Officer, Emma Menzies
                 Executive Office

Index            ECM/ Subject/ Sustainability

Attachments      Nil.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This report presents a review of the Living Smart program and presents several options for
Council’s consideration. The Living Smart program originated from Noosa Council, it is now a
regional initiative between the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Moreton Bay Regional
Council. Since 1 January 2014, Noosa Council has contributed to the cost of the operation of the
program to maintain continuity for Noosa members. The program has grown and evolved over
recent years. The primary aim of the program is to bring about practical improvements in
sustainability for the residential sector. This report reviews the effectiveness of the program with
an emphasis on the Living Smart Homes component and presents a number of options for
Council’s consideration including an assessment of the outcomes of the program and Council’s
continued involvement.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Sustainability Project Officer to the Planning & Organisation
Committee Meeting dated 19 August 2014 and agree to discontinue Council’s involvement in the
Living Smart program as outlined in Option 2 of the report.


REPORT
Introduction

The purpose of this report is to inform Council about the Living Smart program and make
recommendations to Council regarding its future involvement in the program. A review of the
program has been undertaken to assess whether it is offering value for money and achieving
good results. The Living Smart program was initiated by the Noosa Council in 2004 with the aim
of promoting sustainable living and building practices within the Noosa community. Following
amalgamation in 2008, the program was continued by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in
partnership with the Moreton Bay Regional Council with each Council contributing to the costs of
running the program. From 1 January 2014 the new Noosa Council continued to be associated
with the program in the short term by making a financial contribution to the cost of operating the
combined website up until 30 June 2014. This report identifies several options for Council’s
consideration.

Background

In 2004 the former Noosa Council (Environmental Services) developed the Living Smart program
to promote sustainable living and building practices within the residential sector of the Noosa
community. This consisted of a website promoting a database of sustainable products and
services. It also involved an awards ceremony, known as the “Glossies,” recognising sustainable
building practices.




                                                                                  Page 143 of 155