2014-01-13 Item 6.3 Appendices 1-5

Key points and recommendations
The Commissioner would like to extend his thanks to The Noosa Independence Alliance
(NIA) and all stakeholders for their participation in this process. The level of engagement
has been high.

The Commissioner would also like to extend his thanks to the SCRC for their efforts. The
Commissioner would like to acknowledge that participating in this process has required
significant resources and the high level of cooperation given to both the Queensland
Boundaries Commission (QBC) and QTC is appreciated.

Key points
   According to projections by QTC, ratepayers of the proposed NSC will have to
    contribute a minimum increase of $260 in the first year, and a minimum of $142 over
    the following four years, adjusted for inflation.
   According to projections by QTC, the proposed NSC will be rated as Moderate
    (neutral) and the remaining SCRC will be Sound (neutral).
   De‐amalgamation is likely to affect a number of proposed projects (including capital
    projects and events) in the remaining regional council area.
   De‐amalgamation will result in a number of diseconomies of scale.
   There are considerations other than financial sustainability at play such as social and
    cultural issues (including but not limited to perceived loss of identity). This was evident
    in the high level of engagement by both the council and proponent group.
   The airport is a significant asset to the region and should de‐amalgamation occur,
    careful consideration will need to be given to its place in the region.

Recommendation
Although there are many reasons for the current SCRC to remain as it is, the
Commissioner’s view is that a new NSC would be financially viable and there are enough
reasons to allow the people of Noosa to decide the future direction of their local
representation.

In the case that the Minister accepts this recommendation the poll should be in March
2013 to allow enough time to disseminate information in this report. The poll should be
attendance rather than postal and will be compulsory for the enrolled voters in the new
NSC.

In the event that the required percentage of people vote in favour of de‐amalgamation, it
is recommended that:
 consideration should be given to appointing administrators
 the de‐amalgamation will be complete and the new council will be operational no later
    than March 2014
 the Commissioner will produce transition procedures after the poll.



                                        Queensland Boundaries Commissioner Report – Proposed Noosa De-amalgamation
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