2015-03-03 Planning & Organisation Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     3 MARCH 2015


A key component of the changes is to establish a new community based association to
provide an avenue for our residents and other interested parties to have hands on
involvement in delivering the objects of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve. This report seeks
approval in principle to the provision of minor seed funding for the association (if established)
to cover them until their second annual general meeting.
The arrangement includes an offer to the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited to
occupy part of premises referred to as “Doonella House” located on Council freehold land at
52 Doonella Street, Tewantin on a “peppercorn” agreement.

1.    Previous funding arrangements for NBL
Direct contributions made to the former Noosa Biosphere Board (NBL) in 2013/14 totalled
$168,569. These funds were used to cover some operating costs such as web, media &
marketing, legal fees, director and company secretary payments, and small amounts for
each community sector board to deliver specific projects.

In addition, Council funded costs such as:
-     Full time project officer (budgeted salary)
-     Technical support through the Environmental Services, Manager and access to other
      internal resources
-     Office and meeting space (incl. all consumables, cleaning, maintenance, security, fire
      and mechanical services etc)
-     Directors liability and related insurances
-     Access to Council’s computer hardware, software and records keeping, postal, email
      and telephone services; as well as consumables (paper, printing, postage etc)
No attempt has been made to quantify the total value of assistance, but in operational terms
it was substantial.

2.    Proposed Funding Arrangements Noosa Biosphere Reserve Public Trust &
      Foundation
In terms of operational costs, Council employed a full-time project officer who was with the
NBR program since its inception. The officer is currently on leave and will retire in June,
2015. The new board needs to engage its own resources as it sees fit to assist in delivering
the objects of the trust.
It is intended to offer the use of part of Council owned premises (upper floor only) at 52
Doonella Street, Tewantin to act as a hub for Noosa Biosphere Reserve activities. Some
minor works will be necessary to prevent access to the lower section where Council archival
records are stored.
In order to avoid the situation where Council takes rent, and then provides a contribution
back to the board by way of operational expenses, it is proposed that use of the building be
a “peppercorn” arrangement, via a community lease under Section 236(1)(b)(ii) of the Local
Government Regulation 2012, for a period of 3 years, with a 3 year option.
Other expenses the board will now be responsible for include some responsibilities for
internal maintenance of the premises, Director’s and related liability insurances, procurement
and maintenance of computer hardware (pc’s and printer) and software applications,
telephone, email, and office consumables.
In respect to projects, Council has made provision in its Environmental Levy Policy for
contributions to be made to the Noosa Biosphere Public Trust to fund projects that are
directed towards protecting and advancing the natural environment. This is the only purpose
of which they can be used by the trustees.




                                                                                    Page 110 of 147