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

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 19 AUGUST 2014


Options for Council

Possible options relating to the Living Smart program are identified for Council’s consideration:

Option 1:
Council could continue to be an active participant in the Living Smart Program along with the
Sunshine Coast Council and Moreton Bay Regional Councils. If so a budget adjustment would
need to be made in the 2014-15 budget as no provision has been made. The adjustment of
approx. $13,500 would also need to recognise the contribution made by the Sustainability Officer
in the delivery of the program which is estimated to be .40 EFT. It should be noted however that
the Sunshine Coast Council plan to review their approach to sustainability in line with their new
corporate plan including the Living Smart program which may result in changes to the program.

Option 2:
Discontinue Council’s involvement in the program. This will require informing Noosa members
and advising them of the changes, they could also be asked for their feedback and suggestions.
Further consideration could be given to Council’s position in relation to promoting sustainability
within the community and achieving broader sustainability objectives. This would include further
engagement with the community and key stakeholders with the aim of developing a Sustainability
Plan which utilises existing mechanisms (for example within the Noosa Biosphere) to deliver
targeted sustainability actions and aligns the activities of different community groups. Under this
scenario the Sustainability Officer could co-ordinate the development of the Plan with Council.

Option 3:
Continue with the program in the short term until the new Sustainability plan can be developed
and implemented. If Council were to pursue this option to continue then a budget adjustment of
approx. $5,000 and a percentage of staff time (.25 of the sustainability officer) would be required
to meet the cost and demands of Noosa Council’s short term participation in the program (Dec
2014).


Previous Council Consideration

Nil.


Finance & Risk

There has been no provision made in the 2014-15 budget to meet the ongoing costs of the Living
Smart program. In the event Council decides to continue with the program then a new budget
provision will need to be made.

In the event Council chooses not to continue with the Living Smart program possible risks include
disenfranchising current members of the program and the negative impact on sustainable living
in Noosa.

Consultation

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
 Sunshine Coast Regional Council (Strategic Project Officer, Environmental Initiative’s &
   Climate Change
 Moreton Bay Regional Council




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