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

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                                    10 JUNE 2025


   •     24/25, ZEN Inc. were allocated $125,000
   •     A financial allocation for 2025-2026 is pending Council’s ongoing budget process.
Funds are primarily used by ZEN Inc. to employ a Program and Project Manager support.

ZEN Inc has calculated their return on investment to council as 21.3 by adding value of
$2,659,000. Details of these calculations are available in attachment 1.

Risk & Opportunities
Risks
The risk to Council is that ZEN Inc. continues to rely on Noosa Council grant funding to run its
operations. A further risk is that the organisation is heavily reliant on volunteers. However, ZEN Inc.
have indicated in their strategic plan that financial sustainability is a key priority for the organisation
going forward and revenue generation will be part of their planning.

Opportunities
Recognising the return on investment that ZEN Inc. provides, Noosa Council can further leverage
the work of ZEN Inc. in the community to drive targets and actions that support transition to zero
emissions.

Considering the limited time capacity of staff in the Sustainability and Climate Change team,
partnerships like the one with ZEN Inc. allow delivery of things that would not be possible for Council
to achieve utilising staff time alone.

Human Rights
Human Rights Compatibility Statement
In developing this Report, the subject matter has been considered in accordance with the
requirements of the Queensland Human Rights Act 2019. It is considered that the subject matter
does not conflict with any human rights and supports a human rights approach to decision making
by Council. Council representatives will endeavour to act and make decisions under this report in a
manner that is compatible with human rights. This report should be read in conjunction with
Council’s Human Rights Policy.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder


Internal Consultation
Departments consulted:
    Office of the CEO, Mayor &            Community Services                  Corporate Services
            Councillors
       Mayor & Councillors              Director                            Director
       Chief Executive Officer          Community Development               Financial Services
       Executive Officers               Sport & Active Lifestyles           Fleet
       Community Engagement             Arts & Culture                      Revenue Services
       People & Culture                 Community Connection                ICT
       Governance                       Customer Experience                 Procurement

                                                                            Commercial Property

       Strategy & Environment          Development & Regulation             Infrastructure Services