Meeting papers

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                                 9 MAY 2023


representatives will sit on SEQCRA’s two governing bodies to steer regional direction, projects, grant
applications and other deliverables. As a collective SEQCRA will undertake collaborative projects
that will deliver outcomes unachievable by any one council working alone.

The benefits of membership for Noosa Council include:

      •   Access to large pools of funding
      •   Economies of scale through bulk buys, purchasing agreements and resource sharing
      •   Cost savings on joint projects
      •   Additional shared staff member to coordinate projects
      •   Access to expertise and best practice
      •   Support from other officers and reduced duplication of effort
      •   Enhanced adaptation, climate risk and emissions reduction outcomes through projects
      •   Benefits from increased regional coherence and coordination
      •   Consistent regional messaging
      •   Leverage and increased advocacy.

SEQCRA will form a strong platform for leadership discussions and regional advocacy. Leveraging
a regional voice has potential to provide increased value through influencing legislation reform at
State and Federal levels to ensure that policy supports councils’ transition to net zero, adaptation,
resilience and preparedness.
Previous Council Consideration
Nil

Finance
SEQCRA is a membership-based regional partnership. Membership to SEQCRA requires Council
resolution, allocation of funds and the CEO’s signature. The MoU asks for a 3-year commitment from
1 July 2023 to 30 June 2026.

For Financial Year 2023-2024 Noosa Council would pay a membership fee of $10,000. This has
been included in Climate Change budget request for 2023-2024.
Membership fees rise 2.5% annually to account for CPI inflation.

By signing the MoU Noosa Council would commit to the following annual fees:
2024/2025 $10,250
2025/2026 $10,506.
Risk & Opportunities
There is a risk that Noosa Council will not gain value from SEQCRA membership. This is unlikely,
because membership fees will fund a shared resource that will reduce the administrative burden of
project management and applying for grants. The benefits of being able to utilise the regional
coordinator offers promising value for Noosa Council.

There is a risk the Noosa employees will spend too much time on projects. Project management
support by the Alliance Coordinator will reduce this risk. Additionally, all members have a say in the
projects SEQCRA undertakes through its Governance Structure. Membership can ensure their
relevance and guide delivery methods. Noosa Council will have the option of not participating in
projects that do not demonstrate commensurate value. Projects that Noosa Council participates in




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