2014-04-28 General Committee Meeting Agenda Pages 65-200

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                       28 APRIL 2014


12.     COMMERCIAL USE OF COMMUNITY LAND POLICY

Author             Coordinator Property and Land Management, Clint Irwin
                   Corporate Services

Index              ECM/ Project Management/ Commercial Activities

Attachment         1.    Commercial Use of Community Land Policy



EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

High use / high impact permits for commercial use activities on community land previously
approved by Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) were due to expire 30 June 2013, but
were extended for a further 6 months until 31 December 2013 for Divisions 11 and 12, due to
impending de-amalgamation. De-amalgamation Transfer Manager Peter Franks further extended
the expiry date for all high use / high impact permits to 30 June 2014 to allow the new Noosa
Council to consider its policy position.

The current policy governing the administration of high use / high impact permits is the
Community Land and Complementary Commercial Strategic Policy which was adopted on the 27
April 2011 by SCRC. In accordance with the Local Government (De-amalgamation
Implementation) Regulation 2013 this policy subsequently transferred to the new Noosa Council.

The Commercial Use of Community Land Policy (draft attached) is proposed to replace the
existing policy. The main provisions of the policy are:

1.      A simplified Expression of Interest (EOI) permit application process.
2.      To enshrine the approach that the community’s use of community land takes precedence
        over commercial interests.
3.      That consideration of new commercial activities be driven by direct community demand for
        that activity.
4.      To maintain three year permit terms, subject to EOI every three years to allow Council to
        simultaneously assess all applications to consider the overall impact on the community and
        commercial businesses.
5.      That a permit holder be only granted one permit from the range of activities available to
        facilitate more open competition and reduce the likelihood of a monopolistic permit
        environment.
6.      Council reserves the right at its absolute discretion not to offer any permit having given
        sufficient consideration to the impact of the application on the community amenity and
        commercial businesses.

Furthermore, in relation to the upcoming application process, it is proposed that applications are
assessed against the following criteria:

     Track record – 50%
     Current capital investment (if applicable) and future investment plan - 30%
     Contribution to local community, local economy and industry affiliations – 20%

It is also proposed that a targeted fee increase apply for high volume / high patronage activities
which commensurately require additional administration from Council given the total fees payable
to Council are currently at an insufficient level to cover the cost of administering the permit
process.


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