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Meeting minutes
MINUTES
General Committee
Meeting
Monday, 16 March 2026
12:30 PM
Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Committee: Crs Brian Stockwell (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips,
Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie, Nicola Wilson
“Noosa Shire – different by nature”
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Page 2
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
1 DECLARATION OF OPENING
The meeting was declared open at 12.30pm
2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters
of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and
emerging.
3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Cr Brian Stockwell (Chair)
Cr Karen Finzel
Cr Amelia Lorentson
Cr Jessica Phillips
Cr Tom Wegener
Cr Frank Wilkie
Cr Nicola Wilson
EXECUTIVE
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock
Director Community Services Kerri Contini
Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt
Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray
Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings
Acting Director Infrastructure Services Craig Young
APOLOGIES
Nil.
4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
4.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 16 FEBRUARY 2026
Committee Resolution
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson
That the Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 16 February 2026 be received
and confirmed.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
Against: None
5. PRESENTATIONS
Nil.
Page 3
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
6. DEPUTATIONS
Nil.
7 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES
7.1. UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS GROUPS,
BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2026 (MID TERM REVIEW) (referred
from Services & Organisation Committee meeting 10 March 2026 - Item 7.3)
Motion
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson
That Council
A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and
Organisation Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026; and
B. Appoint the Council representatives to the following groups (noting that
these supersede any prior appointments):
GROUPS ESTABLISHED BY COUNCIL:
a. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair and Cr Phillips as Deputy Chair to the
Local Disaster Management Group (and note that all Councillors
are to be invited to attend as Observers);
b. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair and Cr Lorentson as Deputy Chair to
the Local Disaster Recovery Committee, (and note that all
Councillors are to be invited to attend as Observers);
c. Appoint Cr Wilkie, Cr Wegener and Cr Wilson to the Case
Management Working Group;
d. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Regional Arts Development Fund
Committee (RADF);
e. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Noosa Heritage Reference Group;
f. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilkie, to the
Capital Works Executive;
g. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair, Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilson to the CEO
Performance Review Committee;
h. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Chair, Cr Finzel and Cr Wegener Cr
Lorentson to the Noosa Biosphere Trails Reference Group;
i. Appoint Cr Wilkie as the Chair of the Business Round Table (and
note that all Councillors are to be invited to attend as Observers);
j. Appoint Cr Wilson as Chair, and Cr Finzel and Cr Wegener to the
Climate Change Response Plan Steering Group;
k. Appoint Cr Wilson to the Management Committee, and Cr
Finzel (incorrectly listed as Cr Phillips in Services & Organisation
agenda meeting dated 10 March 2026), Cr Lorentson as an
Observer, to the MOU / Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA)
with the Sunshine Coast University (SCU);
l. Appoint Cr Wilkie and Cr Wilson to the Audit and Risk Committee;
m. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Chair and Cr Stockwell to the Noosa Drive
Pathway Project Reference Group;
Page 4
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
n. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair, and Cr Finzel and Cr Wilson to the
Housing Stakeholder Reference Group;
o. Appoint Cr Wilkie to the Regional Resource Recovery Steering
Group (as part of the MOU with Gympie Council);
p. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair, Cr Lorentson and Cr Phillips to the
Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stakeholders Reference
Group
q. Appoint Cr Phillips Cr Lorentson to the Environment Levy Working
Group;
EXTERNAL GROUPS (not established by Council):
r. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Council’s Observer on the Tourism Noosa
Board;
s. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Council's Observer on the Noosa
Biosphere Reserve Foundation Board;
t. Appoint Cr Finzel as member and Cr Phillips as an Observer to the
Northern SEQ Regional Roads and Transport Group;
u. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell as
Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) ;
v. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council’s Representative, and Cr Wegener as
Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Working Group;
w. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell as
Proxy to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) SEQ 2032 Legacy Working
Group;
x. Appoint Cr Lorentson & Cr Wegener on the Noosa World Surfing
Reserve Committee;
y. Appoint Cr Wilson to the Local Govt Domestic & Family Violence
Prevention Champions Network;
z. Appoint Cr Phillips to the Sunshine Coast Precinct Transport
Security Group.
C. That the Tourism Noosa observer role be reviewed at the time of the
establishment of the Destination Stewardship Council.
Amendment No.1
Moved: Cr Tom Wegener
Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell
That Item D be added to read:
D. Request the CEO to begin a review of the status of the existing working groups
and the potential need for the establishment of any new groups, including
consideration of an external Hastings Street precinct working group.
Lost.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener
Against: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips,
Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
Page 5
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
Amendment No. 2
Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson
Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson
That Item D be added to read:
D. Request the CEO to begin a review of the status of the existing working groups
and the potential need for the establishment of any new groups.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson,
Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr
Nicola Wilson
Against: None
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson
That Council
A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and
Organisation Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026; and
B. Appoint the Council representatives to the following groups (noting that
these supersede any prior appointments):
GROUPS ESTABLISHED BY COUNCIL:
a. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair and Cr Phillips as Deputy Chair to the Local
Disaster Management Group (and note that all Councillors are to be
invited to attend as Observers);
b. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair and Cr Lorentson as Deputy Chair to the
Local Disaster Recovery Committee, (and note that all Councillors are
to be invited to attend as Observers);
c. Appoint Cr Wilkie, Cr Wegener and Cr Wilson to the Case
Management Working Group;
d. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Regional Arts Development Fund
Committee (RADF);
e. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Noosa Heritage Reference Group;
f. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilkie, to the Capital
Works Executive;
g. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair, Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilson to the CEO
Performance Review Committee;
h. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Chair, Cr Finzel and Cr Lorentson to the
Noosa Biosphere Trails Reference Group;
i. Appoint Cr Wilkie as the Chair of the Business Round Table (and note
that all Councillors are to be invited to attend as Observers);
j. Appoint Cr Wilson as Chair, and Cr Finzel and Cr Wegener to the
Climate Change Response Plan Steering Group;
k. Appoint Cr Wilson to the Management Committee, Cr Lorentson as
an Observer, to the MOU / Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA)
with the Sunshine Coast University (SCU);
Page 6
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
l. Appoint Cr Wilkie and Cr Wilson to the Audit and Risk Committee;
m. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Chair and Cr Stockwell to the Noosa Drive
Pathway Project Reference Group;
n. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair, and Cr Finzel and Cr Wilson to the
Housing Stakeholder Reference Group;
o. Appoint Cr Wilkie to the Regional Resource Recovery Steering Group
(as part of the MOU with Gympie Council);
p. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair, Cr Lorentson and Cr Phillips to the Noosa
Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stakeholders Reference Group
q. Appoint Cr Lorentson to the Environment Levy Working Group;
EXTERNAL GROUPS (not established by Council):
r. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Council’s Observer on the Tourism Noosa
Board;
s. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Council's Observer on the Noosa Biosphere
Reserve Foundation Board;
t. Appoint Cr Finzel as member and Cr Phillips as an Observer to the
Northern SEQ Regional Roads and Transport Group;
u. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell as
Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) ;
v. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council’s Representative, and Cr Wegener as
Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Working Group;
w. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell as
Proxy to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) SEQ 2032 Legacy Working
Group;
x. Appoint Cr Lorentson & Cr Wegener on the Noosa World Surfing
Reserve Committee;
y. Appoint Cr Wilson to the Local Govt Domestic & Family Violence
Prevention Champions Network;
z. Appoint Cr Phillips to the Sunshine Coast Precinct Transport Security
Group.
C. That the Tourism Noosa observer role be reviewed at the time of the
establishment of the Destination Stewardship Council.
D. Request the CEO to begin a review of the status of the existing working
groups and the potential need for the establishment of any new groups.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson,
Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr
Nicola Wilson
Against: None
Page 7
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
8 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE
8.1 PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET - STAGE 1 PROGRESS UPDATE AND
NEXT STEPS
Frank Wilkie
In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 - I, Cr Frank Wilkie, declare
a prescribed conflict of interest for Item 8.1 PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET - STAGE
1 PROGRESS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS, which is not Ordinary Council Business as it
proposes to bring benefit in the form of improved safety and amenity to a specific geographical
area. Following public consultation, the project now includes consideration of traffic calming
in my street.
I live near the project site and stand to benefit if the project proceeds and my mother who also
lives nearby attended the public information sessions, made comment, and donated above
the prescribed threshold amount of $2000 to my election campaign.
As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is
considered and voted on.
Cr Wilkie left the meeting room 1.05pm
Procedural Motion
Moved: Cr Phillips
Seconded: Cr Wilson
That the meeting be adjourned.
The Procedural Motion was withdrawn.
Procedural Motion
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson
That meeting stand adjourned.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson
Against: None
The meeting adjourned at 1.17pm
The meeting resumed at 1.32pm
Procedural Motion
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson
That now before the meeting Item 8.1. - PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET - STAGE 1
PROGRESS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting at 10.00am
dated 19 March 2026.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson
Against: None
Page 8
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
Cr Frank Wilkie returned to the meeting at 1.35pm
8.2 REVIEW OF NOOSA COUNCIL MEETING STRUCTURE
Motion
Moved: Cr Tom Wegener
Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Council
A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 16 March 2026
regarding the review of the Noosa Council Meeting Structure;
B. Adopt Option 2, as detailed in the Report, as the Council Meeting Structure, with
implementation to commence from 1 July 2026;
C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint the Deputy Mayor as the
Chair of the General Committee from 1 July 2026; and
D. Approve the Council Meeting Schedule for July 2026 - December 2026 as provided in
Attachment 1 to the Report (noting this supersedes the previously approved meeting
schedule for 2026).
Amendment No. 1
Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson
Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel
Amend Items B,C & D to read:
B. Adopt Option 2, as detailed in the Report, as the Council Meeting Structure, with
implementation to commence from 1 July 1 May 2026
C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint the Deputy Mayor as the Chair
of the General Committee from 1 July 1 May 2026;
D. Approve the Council Meeting Schedule for July 2026 - December 2026 as provided in
Attachment 1 to the Report (noting this supersedes the previously approved meeting
schedule for 2026), after amending to include May and June 2026
Carried.
For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr
Nicola Wilson
Against: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Frank Wilkie
Amendment No.2
Moved: Cr Karen Finzel
Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie
That Item C be amended to read:
C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint Councillors on a
rotating schedule to the Deputy Mayor Chair the General Committee from 1 May 2026.
The meeting adjourned at 2.21pm
The meeting resumed at 2.37pm
Amendment No. 2 was withdrawn
Page 9
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
Amendment No.3
Moved: Cr Karen Finzel
Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie
That Item C be amended to read:
C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint Councillors on a 4 monthly
rotating schedule on agreement, with Councillor Stockwell retaining the chair for the first
period on the schedule commencing from 1 May 2026.
Amendment No. 3 was withdrawn
Amendment No. 4
Moved: Cr Karen Finzel
Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie
Item B & C be amended to read:
B. Adopt Option 3, as detailed in the Report, as the Council Meeting Structure, with
implementation to commence from 1 May 2026;
C. Appoint all Councillors as members of all committees commencing 1 May 2026;
Lost.
For: None
Against: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
Amendment No. 5
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie
That item E be added:
E. Review the new meeting structure in 12 months to ensure that it is delivering its intended
benefits.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
Against: None
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Tom Wegener
Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Council
A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 16 March 2026
regarding the review of the Noosa Council Meeting Structure;
B. Adopt Option 2, as detailed in the Report, as the Council Meeting Structure, with
implementation to commence from 1 May 2026;
C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint the Deputy Mayor as the
Chair of the General Committee from 1 May 2026;
D. Approve the Council Meeting Schedule for July 2026 - December 2026 as provided in
Attachment 1 to the Report (noting this supersedes the previously approved meeting
schedule for 2026) after amending to include May and June 2026
Page 10
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 16 MARCH 2026
E. Review the new meeting structure in 12 months to ensure that it is delivering its intended
benefits.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
Against: None
8.3 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FEBRUARY 2026
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Tom Wegener
Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson
That Council:
A. Note the report by the Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager
(Acting) to the General Committee dated 16 March 2026 regarding Council's financial
performance to 28 February 2026; and
B. Adopt the revised 2025-26 Debt Policy (Attachment 6) which incorporates the revised
borrowings adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 19 February 2026.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica
Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
Against: None
9 CLOSED SESSION
Nil.
10 MEETING CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 3.51pm