2021-12-07 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Minutes

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES                                        7 DECEMBER 2021


    In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stockwell provided the following
    declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter:
    I, Cr Stockwell inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest regarding the climate
    response grant application submitted by the Zero Emissions Noosa Group which is for the proposed
    use of a consultant to enhance the adoption of solar in strata titled developments. The application lists
    the consultant as Mr Ian Wright. Mr Wright was on the Noosa Lakes Resort Body Corporate
    Committee on an off for the last 3 years while I was the Chairman of that group. I have worked closely
    with Mr Wright and have had occasional dinners as part of the committee network and recently at the
    completion of the large solar installation on the site. I am no longer a member of the Body Corporate
    Committee and have not socialised with Mr Wright outside of that context. Although I have a
    declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias
    because I believe the close association with Mr Wright, as defined by the Act, has ceased and further,
    he is not the direct recipient of the grant. I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will
    respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision.
    I, Cr Stockwell, also inform the meeting that I have a further declarable conflict of interest in this matter
    in relation to the application by the Noosa District Landcare due to my long standing connection with
    the organisation as one of the inaugural members of the unincorporated group dating back to the
    1980s and a current ordinary member. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe
    a reasonable person could have a perception of bias considering the community nature of this
    relationship. I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the
    meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision.
    Committee Resolution
    Moved:              Cr Stewart
    Seconded:           NA
    That Cr Finzel be appointed as Acting Chairperson of the meeting for this item for the purpose of
    considering the conflict of interest declaration by Cr Stockwell.
                                                                                        Carried unanimously.
    Committee Resolution
    Moved:             Cr Stewart
    Seconded:          Cr Finzel
    That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Stockwell and determine that it is in the
    public interest that Cr Stockwell participates and votes on this matter because Council believes that
    does not stand to receive a personal benefit or loss in relation to this matter and does not have a close
    personal relationship with Mr Wright or Landcare and therefore a reasonable person would trust that
    the final decision is made in the public interest.
                                                                                        Carried unanimously.
    Cr Stockwell did not vote on the above motion.

    Cr Stockwell resumed the Chair.


    Committee Recommendation
    Moved:              Cr Stockwell
    Seconded:           Cr Finzel
    That Planning & Environment Committee Agenda Item 6 be referred to the General
    Committee for further consideration.
                                                             Carried unanimously.
    Cr Wegener returned to the meeting.




                                                                                                 Page 7 of 17