2022-12-15 Ordinary Meeting Minutes

ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES                                                               15 DECEMBER 2022


4   CLIMATE CHANGE RESPONSE GRANTS – ROUND TWO 2022/23
    In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Wilkie provided the following
    declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter:
    I, Frank Wilkie, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. The Climate
    Change Response Grant application by ZEN Inc. - to investigate community views on paid visitor
    parking, Cycling and Walking Strategy Priorities and Shade Tree planting - lists a range of organisations
    as being in support, including the not-for-profit volunteer organisation the Peregian Beach Community
    Association. In early 2020, I received a $750 electoral donation from Susan Francis, partner of PBCA
    president Barry Cotterell. Although this grant is not recommended for approval, even if it were approved,
    no fair or reasonable person would perceive that I, Ms Francis or Mr Cotterell could gain any personal
    or material benefit from this project grant being awarded to ZEN Inc. or that I could not make a decision
    in the public interest on this matter. Therefore, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I
    can remain and participate in the decision.
    Council Resolution
    Moved:             Cr Lorentson
    Seconded:          Cr Jurisevic
    That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Wilkie and determine that Cr Wilkie stays and
    participates on this matter because Council believes that neither Cr Wilkie, Ms Francis or Mr Cotterell
    could gain any personal or material benefit from this project grant being awarded to ZEN Inc and
    therefore a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest.
                                                                                      Carried unanimously.
    Crs Wilkie and Stockwell did not vote on the above motion.

    In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stockwell provided the following
    declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter:
    I, Cr Brian Stockwell inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest on the Climate
    Change Response Grant application by ZEN Inc. - to investigate community views on paid visitor
    parking, Cycling and Walking Strategy Priorities and Shade Tree planting - lists a range of organisations
    as being in support, including the not-for-profit volunteer organisation the Peregian Beach Community
    Association. Susan Francis donated $500 to my 2020 Election Campaign. Ms Francis’ partner Mr Barry
    Cotterell is the President of the Peregian Beach Community Association (PBCA). PBCA has an interest
    in this Grant. Although this grant is not recommended for approval, even if it were approved, no fair or
    reasonable person would perceive that I, Ms Francis or Mr Cotterell could gain any personal or material
    benefit from this project grant being awarded to ZEN Inc. or that I could not make a decision in the public
    interest on this matter. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect
    the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision.
    Council Resolution
    Moved:             Cr Wegener
    Seconded:          Cr Jurisevic
    That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Stockwell and determine that Cr Stockwell
    participates and votes on this matter because Council believes that neither Cr Stockwell, Ms Francis or
    Mr Cotterell could gain any personal or material benefit from this project grant being awarded to ZEN
    Inc. and therefore a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest.
                                                                                     Carried unanimously.
    Crs Wilkie and Stockwell did not vote on the above motion.

    In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stockwell provided the following
    declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter:
    I, Cr Stockwell, also inform the meeting that I have a further declarable conflict of interest in this matter
    in relation to the application by the Cooran Community Garden which is auspiced by Noosa District
    Landcare due to my long-standing connection with the organisation as one of the inaugural members of
    the unincorporated group dating back to the 1980s and a current ordinary member. Although I have a
    declarable conflict of interest and this grant is not recommended for funding, I do not believe a
    reasonable person could have a perception of bias considering the community nature of this relationship.
    I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on
    whether I can remain and participate in the decision.

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