2020-08-31 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                           31 AUGUST 2020


Under the Framework, Council is still obliged to play its role in assessing and permitting events
and a critical role of which is ensuring event organisers have adequate insurance cover. Insurance
cover for COVID-19 is an issue the Framework does not address.

Investigations have identified there are no insurance products available for COVID-19 and without
adequate insurance cover Council will have to absorb the expense of any COVID related litigation
directed against it, which may be significant. While COVID-19 insurance cover is important the
cover would only save Council the litigation expense; it would not provide the silver bullet against
COVID transmission within the community.

Of concern is the reputational damage that could occur as a result of COVID-19 transmission
originating from a mass gathering event which Council approved. Damage to Council’s reputation
would be certain and resultant damage to the Brand could be long lasting and is economically
unquantifiable.

Notwithstanding State approval of a COVID Safe Event Plan, Council may decline to permit an
event if it is not satisfied the potential short term social and economic benefits outweigh the
potential adverse health, social and longer term consequences of the event. Council has a broad
responsibility to the whole community (of which the business and tourism community are important
sectors) and it may refuse permission for an event (or for that matter categories of events) if not
satisfied with the level of COVID risk posed.

Accordingly, it is recommended only Category 3 events including markets are considered for
approval in accordance with criteria outlined in this report and in consultation with a new COVID-
19 Event Reference Group. Category 1 and 2 events are proposed not to be approved by Council
until such time as COVID-19 exclusions are removed from event organiser policies and the
potential financial, community health and reputational risks of approving mass gathering events in
the COVID-19 environment have decreased to lower levels and been formally considered by
Council in February 2021.

Previous Council Consideration
Nil.

Finance
This item has been discussed within the report.

Risks & Opportunities
This item has been collectively discussed in ‘Options Analysis’ within the report.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
King & Company Solicitors
Noosaville Business Association
Noosa Junction Business Association
Hastings Street Association
Internal Consultation
Director Corporate Services
Director Community Services
Governance Advisor
Property Advisor
Property Officer


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