Meeting minutes

ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES                                                          16 MAY 2024


    11.1.   ANDREW MCCARTHY - DRAFT NOOSA RIVER CATCHMENT
            MANAGEMENT PLAN

             Question 1.
             With only two months to go, Mr Sengstock what actions have been undertaken,
             and/or what plans have the Council put in place to conduct a full community and
             stakeholder consultation on the Draft Noosa River Catchment Management Plan
             so that Council can report back in July 2024 with a final and fully costed NRCMP
             in line with October 2023 procedural motion?
             Response provided by Director Strategy & Environment, Kim Rawlings
             The Council election and caretaker occurs over a number of months, as
             previously advised we have been in a process of providing information and
             induction for our new Council on many many Council p[projects, services and
             initiatives. The River Plan being just one of these. In this context Council is
             currently receiving information and considering how best to move forward on the
             River Plan.

             Question 2.
             The inclusion of 'To Consider a Conservation Park' in the Draft Catchment Plan
             created a substantial public backlash. Has the Council contacted the relevant
             state authorities to see if they would approve a Conservation park over the Noosa
             River before splitting the community by adding It again? If not, why not?
             Response provided by Director Strategy & Environment, Kim Rawlings
             Yes, Council has been in contact with the Department of Environment and
             Science (DES). Quite rightly DES have not indicated support or not support, nor
             has Council asked them to indicate support or otherwise, as there is a process of
             investigation required to be undertaken before any indication on support or
             otherwise could occur. DES have been clear on the process required for
             establishment of a conservation park anywhere which would include undertaking
             a detailed feasibility study, including an assessment of current natural, cultural
             and socio-economic values of the river, engaging with First Nations people and
             undertaking public consultation prior to making any formal request to the Minister.
             Further steps would still then be required including the development a draft
             management agreement with the State Government.



    11.2.   DEBRA WALZ - FLUORIDE

            Question 1.
            Can Council provide an update regarding progress with SEQWater in relation to
            removing fluoride from Noosa Shire's drinking water, including a cost analysis and
            estimate timeframe on the impact on Council's budget over the period of time to
            transition to fluoride free water?
            Response provided by Director Development & Regulation, Richard
            MacGillivray
            It’s important to highlight Noosa Council does not manage the treatment and
            distribution of potable water in Noosa. Treatment is undertaken by Seqwater and
            distribution by UnityWater. As the operators of the fluoride dosing process, it is
            appropriate for Seqwater to provide advice on these matters. The question
            received by Council from Ms Walz on 5 December 2023 was forwarded to
            Seqwater for advice on 7 December 2023. I can advise a response was finally
            received from Seqwater in April this year. In their response Seqwater confirm that
            the ‘Fluoridation of the water supply is a public health measure administered by
            the Queensland Government’. ‘Seqwater monitors fluoride concentrations in