2015-03-03 Planning & Organisation Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                  3 MARCH 2015


Having regard to the above, it is proposed to enter into a funding deed as per the draft
provided at Attachment 1. The funding arrangements are outlined as follows:
a) An initial payment will be made on signing of the Deed for the financial year 2014-15
   determined as follows:
     i)      $40,000 (excluding GST) – payable to NBRF Ltd to cover start up operational
             expenses.
     ii)     $250,000 (excluding GST) funded from the environment levy – payable to the
             NBRF Public Trust for projects that meet the Trust objects.
     iii)    $80,000 (excluding GST) – payable to NBRF Public Trust for economic projects
             with an environmental benefit.
b) In the following 3 financial years (2015-16 through to 2017-18) the funding for each year
   will be negotiated on an annual basis following negotiations between NBRF and Council
   having regard to ongoing commitments such as employee arrangements. Such
   negotiations will include the NBRF presenting, in March each year, its funding
   requirements in the context of Council’s annual budget process and overall funding
   constraints.
c) On or about 1 July 2018, Council will consider entering into a new agreement to extend
   the period of funding, subject to its annual budget considerations.
3.         Seed funding for proposed Community Association
One of the components of the new Noosa Biosphere Reserve management model is the
formation of a community based incorporated association. Council is facilitating a public
meeting on 19 March to gauge public interest with the view to a steering group being formed
to establish an association. Council will not control, or be involved in the association.
The aim of the association is to provide an avenue for interested members of the community
to become involved in activities associated with the objects of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve,
such as facilitating identification of suitable projects, and working collaboratively with the
Foundation to achieve the objects of the Public Trust.
To help the association to get established, it is suggested Council provide seed funding of
$10,000 as a one-off contribution. The funds would help the association establish and cover
minor operating costs through to the Association’s second Annual General Meeting. It is
proposed to make the contribution conditional upon the association not charging
membership fees until after its second annual general meeting in order to attract as many
founding members as possible.
Any future funding would be subject to Council grants policy & process applicable at the
time, the same as any other community organisation.
Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 20 November 2014 – page 18
“That Council note the report by the Executive Manager to the General Committee Meeting
dated 17 November 2014 and authorise the Chief Executive Officer to progress and finalise
the necessary documentation to establish the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Trust, the Noosa
Biosphere Reserve Foundation Ltd and registration of the company.”
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 15 January 2015 – page 18
“That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer to the General Committee
Meeting dated 12 January 2015 and
A.    Adopt the Noosa Environment Levy Policy as set out in Attachment 1;
B.    Endorse the development of an Environment Levy Guideline to guide the
      implementation of the Environment Levy Policy;


                                                                                 Page 111 of 147