Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN Inc.) Annual Report · Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                                10 JUNE 2025


ZEN Inc. provides a high return on investment by delivering projects, programs, and community
education around emissions reduction through a predominantly volunteer run organisation.

ZEN Inc.’s has a strong and professional volunteer base, and their commitment to see Noosa
transition to renewable energy and reduce community emissions to zero is commendable, Noosa is
fortunate to have such great organisations working on very important issues in, and for, the Shire.

Noosa Council staff continue to work collaboratively with ZEN Inc. on a range of projects, including
the Noosaville community battery and the EV & Electrify Everything Expo.

ZEN Inc. have two working groups that focus on emissions reduction through electrification and
transport action:
   •   ZENe works on projects related to electrification and stationary emissions reduction
       (households, buildings, businesses).
   •   ZENTAG works on transport related emissions.
Council staff attend both working groups and give input to the ZEN Inc. teams on what Council is
working on in this space and discuss areas for collaboration.

ZEN Inc. was incorporated in 2017 and ran solely on volunteer input and one-off grants. Through a
partnership agreement, Noosa Council has committed to financially support ZEN Inc. from 2023 to
2026. In December 2023/24, ZEN Inc. were allocated $65,000 and a further $125,000 in 24/25. A
financial allocation for 2025-2026 is pending Council’s ongoing budget process. Partnership funding
is used by ZEN Inc. for program support staff that enable the organisation to do project delivery.

Financial Contributions
Financial allocations are primarily based on two criteria:
   1. Availability of council funds and allocations made through the Council budget process.
       a. It is acknowledged in the partnership agreement that the amount to be funded will be
           determined by Council as part of its annual budget process.
   2. Strategic alignment with Council programs and objectives.
        a. Funding is allocated after ZEN Inc. submits an annual report and strategic plan for the
           coming year.
        b. Upon receipt of ZEN Inc.’s strategic plan, Council review this and work with Zen Inc on
           alignment and the best value for Council.
Upon receipt of ZEN Inc.’s yearly strategic plan, Council staff review these against Council’s strategic
and corporate plans to ensure that there is alignment.

 The attached report from ZEN Inc, demonstrates this community not-for-profit organisation has
delivered, and continues to deliver, significant projects for community in the climate mitigation and
sustainability space, delivering on critical and important strategic outcomes in partnership with
Council.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council
   A. Note the report by the Sustainability and Climate Change Officer to the Planning &
      Environment Committee dated 10 June 2025 and note Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. Annual
      Report as provided in Attachment 1;
   B. Note that Zen Inc has fulfilled its requirements under the Funding Agreement, by providing a
      strategic plan and annual report including financial reporting and program updates.