FURTHER REPORT - TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE DEED 2026–2029 · Report

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                              9 JUNE 2026


         i.   Separate Agreed Obligations and Deliverables (Schedule 1) from performance
              measures;
         ii. Introduce a Balanced Scorecard framework of KPIs in Schedule 2; and
         iii. Simplify the performance-based funding adjustment model in Schedule 3;

C. Approve the revised Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026–2029 with Tourism
   Noosa Ltd for a term of three (3) years, commencing 1 July 2026 and ending 30 June 2029, for
   funding of $2,000,000 per annum (ex GST), with CPI indexation applied from the second year of
   the Term, capped at a maximum of 3.5% per annum, subject to the terms and conditions of the
   Deed as provided at Attachment 1;
D. Note that funding will be paid in three instalments, with the second instalment subject to a
   performance-based adjustment of up to $350,000, based on Council’s assessment of
   performance against the Schedule 2 KPIs using the scoring methodology set out in Schedule 3;
E. Note that failure to deliver Schedule 1 Agreed Obligations may constitute a breach of the Deed
   and is managed through the Deed’s compliance and governance provisions, separate from the
   performance adjustment framework;
F. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to:
         i.   Finalise and execute the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026–2029,
              including any minor or administrative amendments required; and
         ii. Administer the Deed in accordance with its terms.


REPORT
This Further Report responds to Council’s resolution of 16 April 2026, which required refinement of
the KPI framework and presentation of a revised Deed and Schedules for consideration in the June
meeting round.

The focus of this further work has been to address Councillor feedback regarding clarity,
measurability and alignment of KPIs with the Destination Management Plan (DMP), while
strengthening transparency and accountability in how Council funding is applied and assessed.

A targeted working group process, including Councillor representation, was established to review
the existing Deed and Schedule framework. This process involved weekly meetings, detailed review
of deliverables, KPIs and target metrics, consideration of alternative performance frameworks,
including a balanced scorecard approach, and input from Council’s legal advisors to ensure clarity,
enforceability and defined roles.

The revised framework has been developed to provide clearer lines of accountability, improved
visibility of performance, and a structure that can be reviewed and refined over time.

The revised Deed introduces a clear and structured approach by separating obligations from
performance measurement and simplifying the performance adjustment model.

Specifically, the original Schedule structure has been refined as follows:
•   The original Schedule 1 (Agreed Priorities, KPIs and Target Metrics) has been restructured into
    two separate schedules:
    i.    Schedule 1 – Agreed Obligations and Deliverables, which defines the mandatory
          requirements under the Deed; and

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                             9 JUNE 2026


    ii. Schedule 2 – Performance Scorecard, which establishes the KPI framework and outcome-
        based performance measures.

•   The original Schedule 2 (Performance Adjustment methodology) has been retained in principle
    but revised and simplified, and is now presented as Schedule 3 – Performance Adjustment
    Calculation.
Importantly, the Schedules are subject to annual review and agreement between Council and
Tourism Noosa, providing flexibility to respond to changing economic conditions, industry trends,
and community expectations, while maintaining continuity of services and accountability over the
term of the Deed.

Schedule 1 – Agreed Obligations and Deliverables
Schedule 1 now contains the core obligations required to be delivered by Tourism Noosa under the
Deed. These include planning, governance, reporting and agreed program deliverables aligned to
the DMP.

These obligations:
•   are mandatory requirements of the Deed;
•   are not subject to performance scoring or funding adjustment; and
•   are enforceable through the Deed’s compliance, reporting and breach provisions.
Failure to deliver these obligations may constitute a breach of the Deed and is addressed through
the Deed’s governance and compliance mechanisms.

Schedule 2 – Performance Scorecard (KPIs)
Schedule 2 establishes a Balanced Scorecard framework for performance measurement, structured
across four key areas:
•   Financial Management
•   Industry Capability and Partnerships
•   Destination Positioning (Brand and Marketing)
•   Sustainable Management and Future Capability
Each area includes defined KPIs, supported by baseline measures and annual targets, enabling
Council to assess performance against strategic outcomes rather than activity alone.

Schedule 3 – Performance Adjustment Calculation
Schedule 3 provides a revised and simplified performance adjustment model, replacing the previous
priority ranking and weighting system. Under this model:
•   each KPI is assessed and scored based on the level of delivery;
•   scores are aggregated to a total performance outcome; and
•   a graduated funding adjustment is applied based on that total score.
This approach strengthens the link between performance and funding in a way that is transparent,
proportionate and consistent year to year.

Governance, Planning and Reporting Framework
The Deed sits within a broader governance and planning framework that supports oversight,
accountability and alignment with Council policy.
Tourism Noosa operates under a structured framework that includes:

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                            9 JUNE 2026


•   a multi-year strategic plan, developed by Tourism Noosa and endorsed by its Board, which is
    reviewed to ensure alignment with Council’s Destination Management Plan and Tourism Noosa
    Roadmap;
•   delivery of that strategy by the Tourism Noosa Chief Executive Officer, who is accountable to
    the Tourism Noosa Board;
•   development of annual business plans, translating the strategy into detailed actions, programs
    and performance targets; and
•   ongoing Board oversight of performance against those plans.
Under the Funding Deed:
•   Council provides $2.0 million per annum to support delivery of agreed services, including
    destination marketing, visitor servicing, industry development, partnerships, and research and
    insights;
•   Tourism Noosa is required to meet defined obligations (Schedule 1) and deliver against
    performance measures (Schedule 2);
•   Tourism Noosa provides quarterly financial and operational reports to Council; and
•   an Annual Outcome Report is submitted each year, summarising performance against
    obligations and KPIs.
This framework provides multiple levels of oversight, including Board governance, structured
reporting to Council, and annual performance assessment linked to funding.

Key Changes from the April Deed
The revised Deed incorporates the following key changes in response to Council feedback:
•   separation of deliverables and performance measures into distinct schedules;
•   introduction of a balanced scorecard framework to strengthen outcome-based performance
    measurement;
•   simplification of the performance adjustment methodology;
•   clear distinction between Deed compliance (Schedule 1) and performance assessment
    (Schedules 2 and 3); and
•   introduction of a transparent and consistent scoring approach.
Alignment with Council Direction
The revised Deed remains consistent with Council’s adopted direction to align Tourism Noosa’s role
with the Destination Management Plan (DMP) and the Tourism Noosa Roadmap, requiring a shift
toward destination stewardship, sustainability and community outcomes. The performance
framework further strengthens this alignment by:
•   focusing KPIs on measurable outcomes rather than activity;
•   embedding DMP principles across performance measures, including brand, industry capability
    and visitor experience; and
•   supporting transparent reporting through the Quarterly reporting and Annual Outcome Report
Conclusion
The revised Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026–2029 provides a clear, structured
and transparent framework for:
•   defining Tourism Noosa’s obligations;
•   measuring performance; and
•   linking funding to outcomes.

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                               9 JUNE 2026


It responds directly to Council’s April resolution and establishes a governance and performance
framework that supports accountability, transparency and ongoing review, while enabling the
delivery of outcomes aligned to the Destination Management Plan over the next three years.


Link to Corporate Plan
Theme No. 3 - Prosperity
Focus areas include economic development, local business, innovation, arts and culture, waste and
a circular economy.

Theme No. 4 - Future
This theme is focused on our future, strengthening our relationship with First Nations peoples and to
ensure our community is prepared and resilient to change. A focus on youth, climate resilience and
adaptation, sense of place and destination management.

Theme No. 5 - Excellence
This theme focuses on customer experience, financial sustainability, innovation and technology,
levels of service, governance, our employees and volunteers, funding streams and asset
management practices.




Previous Council Consideration
Special Meeting, 8 May 2025, Item 4.1
1 TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AGREEMENT AND PERFORMANCE DEED
That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Special Meeting dated 8 May 2025,
and
A. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and execute a 12 month Funding and
Performance Agreement with Tourism Noosa until 30 June 2026;
B. Approve the release of funds to the amount of $2.0M (exclusive of GST) to Tourism Noosa, for
the duration of this agreement (to 30 June 2026), conditional on:
1. A Milestone Payment One of the agreement in the amount of $1.2M (exclusive of GST), to paid
on or before 31 July 2025;
2. A second graduated payment of $800,000 (exclusive of GST) to be made at 6 months, subject to
completion of the Roadmap and KPI achievements.
3. Noosa Council co-creating a comprehensive Roadmap with Tourism Noosa detailing Council’s
future expectations of Tourism Noosa’s role, structure, future focus and actions, and any further
funding arrangements.
C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to transition the sponsorship of tourism events and
associated funding (previously facilitated by Tourism Noosa) to Noosa Council during FY25/26.
D. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to prepare the Funding and Performance Agreement to
reflect the requirements outlined in this report, including the addition of KPIs.
E. Work with Tourism Noosa to complete a comprehensive Roadmap considering agreed service
levels, organisational efficiencies, revenue diversification plans and the transitioning of sponsorship
of tourism events to Noosa Council.
1. That as part of the development of the Tourism Roadmap and considerations of future governance
models, Council obtains benchmarking data against other Local Tourism Organisations and
Regional Tourism Organisations. This information is to consider various funding structures, the level
and proportion of investment by local government, staffing levels and the overall economic value of
tourism. At the conclusion of the roadmap process, two clear options are to be presented to Council
for consideration.
2. Ensure that any future amendments to governance or funding structures be explicitly aligned with
and informed by the final Destination Management Plan (DMP), ensuring consistency of purpose
and long-term strategic alignment between Council and Tourism Noosa.
F. Note the new Funding Agreement (FY25/26) will be established prior to the completion and

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                             9 JUNE 2026


adoption of the Destination Management Plan (DMP), it is therefore not contingent upon the DMP.
However, should the DMP be adopted during the term of the Agreement, provisions will be in place
to allow for variations to the Agreement to ensure Tourism Noosa’s activities align with the DMP’s
principles, outcomes, and relevant actions.
G. Ensure any future proposed funding decisions for Tourism Noosa include consultation with
industry stakeholders and residents, ensuring transparency and input into strategic investment in
Noosa’s tourism future.
H. Request the CEO provide reports to future Council meetings that note:
1. The executed Funding and Performance Agreement with the additional KPIs;
2. The agreed Roadmap (once finalised);
3. The event sponsorship costs including operational; and
4. Resource costs associated with events.
I. That Council recognise and reinforce the importance of maintaining the Noosa Brand and include
in the new funding agreement a requirement for Tourism Noosa to maintain focus, investment and
marketing activities directed on the enhancement and maintenance of Noosa as an iconic destination
through:
a. Ensuring that the marketing product remains strong and appealing by supporting sustainable
tourism and community well-being; and
b. Working with Tourism Noosa to identify key areas for investment that align with the future
Destination Management Plan.
J. Request the CEO provide monthly status reports on the progress of development of the Roadmap
with Noosa Council.

Ordinary Meeting, 18 September 2025
12.1 TOURISM NOOSA 12 MONTH FUNDING DEED (AGREEMENT) & ROAD MAP STATUS
REPORT
That Council
A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 15 September
B. Note the executed Tourism Noosa 12-month Funding Deed provided at Attachment 1; and
C. Note the Road Map status as outlined in this report.

Ordinary Meeting, 18 December 2025
2.2 ADOPTION OF TOURISM NOOSA ROADMAP
That Council
A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Ordinary Committee dated 18 December
2025 regarding the Tourism Noosa Roadmap;
B. Approve the Tourism Noosa Roadmap (Attachment 1) in accordance with the requirements of the
current 12-month Tourism Noosa Funding Deed;
C. Endorse Option 2 – Evolve Tourism Noosa to align with the Destination Management Plan (DMP)
as the immediate and primary service delivery model as outlined in the attached and proposed
Tourism Noosa Roadmap: and
D. Request the Chief Executive Officer to bring back a report for endorsement of final terms with
Tourism Noosa to February 2026 round of Council meetings.
E. Request the Chief Executive Officer prepare a report to Council on the reintroduction of a
dedicated levy, specifically to consider whether the higher rates currently paid by commercial
properties, should be collected and accounted for as a dedicated levy rather than as part of general
rates.
F. Request that in relation to Item D, Council's Procurement department support the development of
any future funding agreements.

Ordinary Meeting Minutes 16 April 2026
That Council:
A. Note the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa;
B. Not adopt the proposed Deed in its current form;

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                                  9 JUNE 2026


C. Resolve that schedule 1 KPIs require further refinement to address specific Councillor concerns;
D. Appoint Cr Wilson to join the Deed working group for final KPI development and finalisation; and
E. Present the revised Deed and the revised KPIs to the June meeting round at the latest.
F. Note that the DMP is supported by a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Council will
   annually publish results of progress against the Tourism Noosa KPI’s and the broader outcomes
   of the DMP via the DMP webpage and dashboard including costs and ensure that this information
   informs annual budget considerations.


Finance
Refer to the Tourism Noosa Funding 2026-2029 and Performance Deed Report presented to the
General Committee on 13 April 2026.


Risk & Opportunities
Refer to the Tourism Noosa Funding 2026-2029 and Performance Deed Report presented to the
General Committee on 13 April 2026.


Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.


Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Tourism Noosa
Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
      Office of the CEO, Mayor &         Community Services             Corporate Services
              Councillors
  x    Mayor & Councillors             Director                       Director
  x    Chief Executive Officer         Community Connection           Financial Services
       Executive Officers              Sport & Active Lifestyles      Revenue Services
       Community Engagement            Arts & Culture                 ICT
       Governance                      Customer Experience            Procurement

                                                                      People & Culture
       Strategy & Environment          Development & Regulation        Infrastructure Services
  x    Director                        Director                       Director
       Strategy & Sustainability       Development Assessment         Civil and Asset operations
       Economic Development        &                                  Infrastructure Planning, Design
                                       Local Laws
       Destination Management                                         and Delivery

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GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                9 JUNE 2026


    Environmental Services     Environmental Health   Waste
    Innovation & Digital Hub   Building & Plumbing    Building & Facilities
    Commercial Property        Property / Permits     Disaster Management

                                                      Fleet