2015-03-03 Planning & Organisation Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                     3 MARCH 2015


C.     Endorse the development of Strategic Biodiversity Corridor maps to assist with the
       implementation of the Environmental Levy; and
D.     Endorse the formation of an Environment Levy Working Group consisting of the
       Council staff identified in the report minus the Coordinator Financial Services but
       including Councillor Wellington.”
The Environment Policy provides, amongst other things, for contributions to the Noosa
Biosphere Reserve Trust to fund projects that are directed towards protecting and advancing
the natural environment. The amount of funds to be provided each year is to be determined
through the budget process with provision made in 2014-15 of $250,000.

Finance & Risk
The 2014-15 budget provision for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve is as follows:
                          Environment Projects                $250,000
                          Operations/Labour                   $170,000
                          NBR setup costs                     $20,000
                          Economic Projects                   $80,000
                          Total Budget                        $520,000
Some of the operational budget provision has been expended on costs such as salaries for
the existing project officer who retires in June. It is proposed to provide $40,000 to the
Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Limited for the balance of 2014-15 financial year, and
$10,000 to the proposed incorporated community association as a one-off contribution.
The risk for Council is that the board does not deliver on the objects. This is covered by
requiring performance measures to be agreed upon and for the board to present a budget in
March each financial year.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Council consulted extensively to inform the development of the new management model with
the aim of placing the management of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve in the hands of the
community.
As part of that consultation process it was indicated that Council would continue to fund the
new arrangements.
Internal Consultation
The Director of Corporate Services reviewed the draft Deed and provided budget
information. The draft Deed was also reviewed by the CEO.
Departments/Sections Consulted:

     Community Services                              Planning & Infrastructure
     Disaster Management & Public Order              Building & Plumbing Services
     Waste & Environmental Health                    DA Planning
     Community Facilities                            Strategic Land Use Planning
     Cultural Facilities                             Asset Design & Investigations
                                                     Asset Planning
                                                     Civil Operations
                                                     Environment

x    Executive Office                            X   Corporate Services
     Community Engagement                        X   Finance
     Customer Service                                ICT
     Executive Support                               Procurement & Fleet
     Governance                                  X   Property & Facilities
     Human Resources                                 Revenue Services




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