2014-03-25 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                25 MARCH 2014


As part of the transfer process it was agreed that Noosa Council would honour funding
arrangements entered into by the Sunshine Coast Council for the balance of the 2013/14
financial year with commitments totaling $350,932 already in place (Sports Field Maintenance
and Community Partnership).

Council at its meeting on 2 January adopted its Operational Plan for the next six months and
included as a key initiative a review of Council grants/community funding programs and policy.
The proposed new grants program is a strategic investment tool, assisting the community to
meet and respond to Council’s priorities and vision. It will enable the Council to contribute to the
community by:
•     supporting and stimulating diverse and dynamic projects, programs and events;
•     encouraging engagement and participation in the community;
•     leveraging other external funding sources; and
•     facilitating stronger, more resilient communities
Should Council adopt the Community Grants Policy (Attachment 1) and Framework (Attachment
2), relevant information will be made publically available and the operational requirements for the
application and distribution of community grants will be provided by Community Services to
ensure compliance with the adopted Policy and relevant legislative requirements.
Availability of funds will be dependent upon the financial priorities and commitments of Council in
any one year. All applications will be reviewed as part of the preparation of Council’s annual
budget.
It should be noted that priority for Council officers will be to assist community organisations to
identify external funding for projects/programs where available, rather than simply to rely on
Council community grants funding.

Previous Council Consideration

NIL
Finance and Risk
The allocation of funding for the 2014/15 Community Grants Program will be determined as part
of the Budget process. There are a number of related policies, strategies and legislation guiding,
informing and/or relating to the Community Grants Policy:
Queensland Government:
•     Local Government Regulation 2012
•     Local Government Act 2009
•     Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982

The Policy describes a consistent, transparent and equitable application and assessment
process for the Community Grants Program that is in line with current legislation and corporate
priorities.
Without the adoption of the Community Grants Program Policy the direction for administering
community grants is not compliant with legislation.




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