2017-02-07 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                7 FEBRUARY 2017


The largest fee increases proposed are to the Learn to Surf (No.1) and Beach Hire businesses
with the preferred positions on Main Beach. Both are known to enjoy significant competitive
advantages and much greater exposure to customers compared to the similar activities allowed by
permits at quieter locations.

New Permit Considerations

Whilst no new High Use Permits are currently proposed, it is important to note the number and
nature of permits is not fixed. New or changed permits should be considered where appropriate
to meet changing community needs, as provided for under the Policy.

Since 2014 Council staff have assessed various Commercial High Use applications but only the
water taxi operation from the Settlers Cove public jetty has been approved for a new permit (being
an upgrade from a previous Commercial Low Use Permit). Other applicants have sought use of
high use areas such as Noosa’s beaches and river foreshore but have not been supported. Broadly
speaking, these areas are observed as highly utilised by the community and additional commercial
uses have not been considered to be in the community’s interest.

Previous Council Consideration

Ordinary Meeting, 1 May 2014, Item 12, Page 3
That Council note the report by Coordinator Property and Land Management to the General
Committee Meeting dated 28 April 2014 and:
A.     Repeal the Commercial Use of Community Land Policy that transferred to the Noosa Council
       from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council under the Local Government (Deamalgamation
       Implementation) Regulation; and
B.     Approve the Commercial Use of Community Land Policy as attached to the report by
       Coordinator Property and Land Management to the General Committee Meeting dated 28
       April 2014 with dot point 5, under the heading “Guiding Principles”, to be amended to read –
       “A permit holder may only be granted a maximum of two permits from the range available to
       reduce the likelihood of a monopolistic permit environment while providing the opportunity
       for added local employment”.

Finance & Risk
The Permits are a high profile part of Council’s land management because:
   There is a high level of competition between applicants;
   The activity locations are highly desirable community lands that are well patronised by tourists
     and locals; and
   There can be conflict between commercial businesses and permit holders providing like
     services if there is an impact on commercial businesses leasing premises at commercial rates.
Competitors have previously taken complaints to the CMC and Ombudsman for investigation
regarding the transparency and rigour of the permit process.




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