Meeting papers

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                            17 JUNE 2024


that provides significant benefit to the Noosa community; demonstrates value for money; and closely
aligns with Council’s strategic goals and identified key initiatives.
Festive Season grants provide financial assistance for up to three years to eligible not for profit
community organisations for events that are free to the public and occur between late November
and January each year. Events that can be funded through this program include Christmas Carols,
Concerts, Parades, New Year’s celebrations, and Australia Day activities within the Noosa Council
area.

The three year Alliance agreements for Maintenance funding for Sports Field Maintenance and
Hall/Community Centre grants conclude on 30 June 2024. The remaining Alliance grant agreements
for Festive Season, Signature Events, and Community Alliance, were allocated on a different three
year schedule, spanning from 01 July 2022 to 30 June 2025.

It is confusing for community organisations to have the programs in different cycles particularly for
organisations who may be eligible for multiple categories. It would be much clearer and less work
for community organisations to have the four categories advertised in one funding round, to only
apply at one point in the three year cycle and to have reporting processes aligned. It would also be
administratively smoother and more efficient for Council if the three year funding programs were
synchronised to operate on the same schedule. This would mean all four categories could be
promoted, assessed and processed in the one administrative period.

In addition, Council is currently reviewing two closely related policies: the Community Grants Policy
and the Community Purpose Land and Infrastructure Tenure Policy. The reviews are underway and
will likely conclude by December 2024. Both of these reviews may have implications for three year
funding arrangements therefore it is prudent to wait for their completion so that any changes can be
accommodated in future grant programs.

To synchronise all Alliance funding programs, a one year extension is required for the 11 Sports
Field Maintenance and 11 Hall/Community Centre alliance grants so that they expire on the 30 June
2025, the same date as the other Alliance agreements. The intention would be to apply any changes
from the policy reviews to the program and conduct a full Alliance funding application round in early
2025 so that all new three year alliance agreements would be effective from 01 July 2025 and on a
synchronised cycle going forward.
Link to Corporate Plan

Theme No. 2. - Liveability
Liveability encompasses housing, facilities and services, transport, health and wellbeing to enable
an inclusive, connected and vibrant community.


Objective 2.6 - Facilitate strong, vibrant, inclusive communities where people have a sense of
belonging and are active participants in a rich community life.
Objective 2.8 - Provide opportunities to enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our
communities.




Previous Council Consideration
Nil




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