Meeting papers

                                NOTICE OF MOTION

SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR:                       Cr Karen Finzel
COUNCIL MEETING:                               Ordinary Meeting, 18 June 2026


I hereby notify of my intention to move the following motion at the Ordinary Meeting dated
Thursday, 18 June 2026


DIVISIONAL BOUNDARY REVIEW
That Council request a report to a future Council meeting that:
A.   Provides a clear understanding of the process required if Noosa Council were to elect to
     become a Shire with divisional boundaries;
B.   Identifies the regulatory decision-making framework that would need to be undertaken and
     completed;
C.   Outlines the expected time frame required to achieve the desired outcome; and
D.   Provides an indication of cost and resources required to deliver the overall process.




                                                    11 June 2026

                                                    Date



COUNCILLOR COMMENT
Since its re-establishment as a separate local government in 2014, Noosa Shire Council has
operated as an undivided local government area, with the mayor and six councillors elected by and
accountable to the entire electorate. This model reflected the circumstances of de-amalgamation,
the relatively compact nature of the Shire, and a strong community preference for whole-of-shire
representation.
At the time of de-amalgamation, the undivided model was consistent with principles of prudent and
effective governance. It reinforced a unified community identity, avoided fragmentation of
representation, and ensured that elected members considered issues from a whole-of-shire
perspective rather than through a divisional or ward-based lens.
https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/files/assets/public/v/1/about-council/documents/council-meetings-
agendas-and-minutes/2014/2014_01_13_Deamalgamation_Report_Attachment_6.pdf
However, governance arrangements should not remain static. More than a decade after de-
amalgamation, Noosa Shire has experienced demographic change, population growth, increasing
regulatory complexity, heightened community expectations, and a significantly expanded role for
local government. Modern councillors are expected not only to undertake strategic governance
functions but also to manage increasingly diverse community interests, infrastructure demands,
environmental pressures, and stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
Accordingly, while the current undivided structure remains defensible and continues to provide
effective representation, it would be prudent for Council and the community to periodically review
whether the existing electoral arrangements continue to best support equitable representation,
accountability, accessibility of councillors, and contemporary governance outcomes.

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