Special Meeting - 23 Jun 2026
Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026 at 1:00PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:20:18
Synopsis: Budget adopted: 48m and 6.1% residential uplift, Levies and waste charges set, Capital for bridges, roads and recovery, Councillors flagged efficiency, risks and cyber controls.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
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 Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Council adopted the full suite of 2026/27 financial policies (Investment s191, Debt s192, Revenue s193, Procurement s198 LGR 2012), plus asset, hardship, concessions and governance policies; debt settings updated for $10.8m FY26/27 waste borrowings and $40m over 10 years (4.1; 00:00–01:50). 2026/27 Revenue Statement adopted, with net rates and utilities projected at $113.7m after $3.9m discounts and $1.4m pension remissions; general rate uplift 6.1% for minimum residential, overall general rate revenue +9.5% (4.2 Res.1; 02:26–04:25). Rating categories adopted and CEO delegated to assign categories under LGR s81 and LGA s257 (4.2 Res.2–3; 04:24–05:35). Separate and special charges adopted: Environmental Levy $75; Sustainable Transport Levy $35.55; Heritage Levy $10; Bushfire Resilience 0.00245c/$ with $11.50 min; Noosa Waters Lock & Weir 0.01675c/$ (min $175); Canal Maintenance 0.001007c/$ (min $11) with 8.5% Council co-contribution; Noosa Junction 0.182c/$; Hastings Street Precinct multi-map rates; Noosa Main Beach 0.11c/$ core, 0.0168c/$ fringe; Hastings St Community Safety flat charges by lot size (4.2 Res.5–14; 05:35–15:35). Waste utility charges set, entire shire designated a waste collection area; minimum waste charge $278; service availability charge $250 for commercial land without service; garden waste service opt-outs tightly defined; Peregian Beach Precinct bespoke charging (4.2 Res.15; 15:35–20:20). Emergency management levy collection timings confirmed (4.2 Res.16–17; 20:20–21:20). 5% on-time payment discount for general rates retained; 12.19% daily-compounding interest on overdue amounts; pensioner concession 25% capped at $230; broader concessions and up to 2-year interest-free hardship plans adopted (4.2 Res.18–22; 21:20–23:10). NCP: Code of Competitive Conduct applied to Waste (with Full Cost Pricing) and Holiday Parks; not applied to Community Facilities, Cemeteries, Digital Hub due to administrative burden outweighing benefit (4.3; 21:24–23:10). Statement of Estimated Financial Position noted with $92k operating surplus for 2025/26 (4.4; 23:23–24:05). Budget adopted: $248m total; $163.5m operating; $84.4m capital including $29.2m disaster recovery; operating surplus $42k; long-term forecast adopted (4.5; 01:03:50–01:07:30). Capital highlights cited: Doonella Bridge renewal; $10m+ road reseals/patching; $15m waste/resource recovery upgrades incl. composting (subject to funding); pathways/active transport; aquatic centre upgrades; stormwater; foreshore and beach access renewals (Budget speeches; 24:30–39:50). Standing Orders suspended and resumed for budget speeches (Procedural Motions; 28:20–29:10). Contentious / Transparency Matters Jessica Phillips conditioned support on a full service review to test efficiency, scope creep, and legacy of underfunded asset renewals; warned trust depends on spending “as if it’s our own” (Budget speech; 31:54–40:14). Nicola Wilson queried year-on-year 9% expense growth (~$12m) and delivery capacity given prior under-spend/refacing of capital, urging efficiencies and implementation over new plans (40:54–46:39). Brian Stockwell pressed for paid parking with resident exemption to fund trail and visitor impacts, aligning with prior consultation support; flagged inability to fund some operations without new revenue (46:45–52:52). Amelia Lorentson supported budget to keep Council lawful and operating but listed five concerns (design standards, long-term asset position, disaster funding exposure, rating of built-purpose resorts, cyber remediation transparency) (53:01–01:03:15). Minutes show unanimous votes across all resolutions; debate centred in speeches, not on the floor of motions (All items; minutes pages 2–30; transcript throughout). Legal / Risk LGA 2009 and LGR 2012 compliance explicitly cited for every adoption and levy; delegations to CEO under LGA s257 and categorisation under LGR s81 recorded (4.2 Res.2–4; 04:24–06:40). Overdue interest set at 12.19% daily compounding under LGR s133; on-time discount under s130; 31-day payment term under s118 (4.2 Res.17–19; 20:55–23:00). NCP application under LGA ss44,47 justified by significance thresholds; exemptions for some business activities reasoned to avoid unnecessary administrative burden (4.3; 21:24–23:10). Amelia Lorentson warned asset sustainability ratio forecast below benchmark to ~54.1% by 2030/31, risking deferred maintenance and future rate pressure; sought credible long-term asset strategy (53:01–01:03:15; 4.5 C.6). Amelia Lorentson raised disaster funding risk if Commonwealth shifts to 50/50 DRFA split; with $29.2m disaster works this year, Council is exposed to intergovernmental policy changes (53:01–01:03:15; 4.5 C.8–10 context). Amelia Lorentson requested confirmation that coastal/infrastructure design standards reflect UN scenario updates to avoid overbuild risk; a governance/design assurance issue (53:01–01:03:15). Environmental, Transport and Coastal Initiatives Environmental Levy frozen at $75; Bushfire Resilience Levy adopted; foreshore management, beach access renewals ($269k), and living shorelines funded (4.2 Res.5 & 8; 12–14; 24:30–39:50; 46:45–52:52). Brian Stockwell highlighted doubling Walking & Cycling Plan allocation to >$1m and $738k for zero-emissions upgrades (part grant-funded), reducing operating costs (46:45–52:52). Noosa Main Beach Levy set with inner/outer catchments; includes sand recycling, groyne maintenance, infrastructure replacement, and major events beach maintenance ($706,669 FY) (4.2 Res.13; 12:30–14:20). Hastings Street Precinct and Community Safety charges fund enhanced maintenance and private security patrols via association management ($516,438 FY; $213,241 FY) (4.2 Res.12 & 14; 11:10–15:00). Waste, Fees and Levies Waste utility charge +8.1% driven by State levy and service costs; Council benchmarking claims “among the lowest” in QLD; composting facility flagged subject to funding (02:26–04:25; 24:30–39:50). Full Cost Pricing applied to Waste under NCP; $15m capital toward resource recovery safety and upgrades; garden waste service defaulted in mapped areas with narrow exemptions (4.3; 4.2 Res.15; 21:24–23:10; 15:35–22:10). Noosa Waters Lock/Weir and Canal levies adopted with clear overall plans to 2035; Council pays 8.5% share reflecting public ownership along canals (4.2 Res.9–10; 08:49–11:10). Short-Term Accommodation and Managed Resorts Frank Wilkie noted on-site managed resorts received reduced local law fees relative to whole-of-house STA, consistent with DMP intent to have visitors contribute more to infrastructure (01:15:30–01:17:35). Amelia Lorentson and Nicola Wilson argued built-purpose resorts should not be treated/rated like STA; sought separate categorisation to support tourists in zoned accommodation and fairness to resort owners (53:01–01:03:15; 01:14:21–01:15:30). Cyber Security and Fraud Controls Amelia Lorentson referenced the $2.3m AI-enabled social engineering theft with $640k recovered (net $1.7m loss), and called out the budget’s silence on strengthened internal controls/remediation (53:01–01:03:15). Given prior acknowledgment of human error in controls, Council’s risk posture requires visible uplift in payment verification, segregation of duties, supplier bank change protocols, and staff training (53:01–01:03:15; policy context 4.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Special Meeting Minutes Tuesday, 23 June 2026 1:00pm Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” Page 1 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 MINUTES ORDER OF BUSINESS 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 1.00pm. 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 COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Brian Stockwell (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson (via Microsoft Teams) 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 Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4. SPECIAL MEETING REPORTS 4.1 2026/27 FINANCIAL POLICIES Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council A. Note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Special Meeting dated 23 June 2026; and B. Adopt the following: i. The Financial Sustainability Policy, provided as Attachment 1 to this report; and ii. Pursuant to Section 191 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, for the 2026/27 financial year, the Investment Policy provided as Attachment 2 to this report; and iii. Pursuant to Section 192 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, for the 2026/27 financial year, the Debt Policy, provided as Attachment 3 to this report; and Page 2 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 iv. Pursuant to Section 193 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, for the 2026/27 financial year, the Revenue Policy, provided as Attachment 4 to this report; and v. Pursuant to Section 198 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, for the 2026/27 financial year, the Procurement Policy, provided as Attachment 5 to this report; and vi. The General Rates and Charges Concession Policy, provided as Attachment 6 to the report; and vii. The General Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy, provided as Attachment 7 to this report; and viii. The General Rates and Charges Debt Management and Recovery Policy, provided as Attachment 8 to this report; and ix. The Management of Restricted Cash Policy, provided as Attachment 9 to the report; and x. The Financial Securities (Bonds and Guarantees) Policy, provided as Attachment 10 to the report; and xi. The Entertainment and Hospitality Expenditure Policy, provided as Attachment 11 to the report; and xii. The Non-Current Asset Accounting Policy, provided as Attachment 12 to the report; and xiii. The Asset Management Policy, provided as Attachment 13 to the report. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 4.2 2026/27 REVENUE STATEMENT Council Resolution No. 1 Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 and sections 169 and 170 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council adopt the 2026/27 Revenue Statement provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23 June 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No.2 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to section 81 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council adopt the categories into which rateable land in its local government area is categorised, the description of those categories and the method by which land is to be identified and included in its appropriate category is as follows: Page 3 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Page 4 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Guidance Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 3 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That pursuant to section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009, Council delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the power to identify for sections 81(4) and 81(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 the rating category to which each parcel of rateable land belongs. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 5 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 4 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 80 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy the differential general rate for each differential rate category, and pursuant to section 77 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 fixes the minimum differential general rate to be levied for each general rate category, as follows: Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 5 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a separate charge, to be known as the "Environmental Levy", in the sum of $75.00, on each parcel of rateable land in the Noosa Shire, to fund a range of strategic environmental initiatives more fully detailed in the 2026/27 Revenue Statement provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23 June 2026. Carried. Page 6 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 6 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a separate charge, to be known as the "Sustainable Transport Levy", in the sum of $35.55, on each parcel of rateable land in the Noosa Shire, to fund a range of strategic transport initiatives more fully detailed in the 2026/27 Revenue Statement provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23 June 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 7 Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a separate charge, to be known as the "Heritage Levy", in the sum of $10.00, on each parcel of rateable land in the Noosa Shire, to fund a cultural heritage program for the management, protection and improvement of the heritage of the area as more fully detailed in the 2026/27 Revenue Statement provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23 June 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 8 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a separate charge, to be known as the "Bushfire Resilience and Response Levy", the separate charges will be in the sum of 0.00245 cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum levy of $11.50, on each parcel of rateable land in the Noosa Shire, to fund a range of services and initiatives related to bushfire management and prevention as more fully detailed in the 2026/27 Revenue Statement provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23 June 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 7 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 9 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility, or activity comprising operation and maintenance of the lock and weir servicing the Noosa Waters Estate. To be known as the "Noosa Waters Lock and Weir Maintenance Levy", the special rate will be 0.01675 cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum levy of $175.00, levied on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility, or activity identifies (as delineated on Map 1 below). Map 1 Appendix 1 of Council's 2026/27 Revenue Statement details the overall plan. The estimated cost of implementing the overall plan for its 10-year duration, ending on 30 June 2035, is $3.0million. However, the necessity for provision of the service, facility or activity is likely to be ongoing, i.e., to continue indefinitely, and thus to be the subject of further overall plans after 30 June 2035. For the 2026/27 financial year, the annual implementation plan incorporates the operation and maintenance of the lock and weir servicing the Noosa Waters Estate. The estimated cost of the annual implementation plan for the 2026/27 financial year is $88,584 in operation and maintenance costs and $197,313 in loan repayments. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 8 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 10 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility, or activity comprising inspection, maintenance and remedial works in the Noosa Waters estate canal area to support the canal revetment wall system. To be known as the “Noosa Waters Canal Maintenance Levy”, the special rate will be 0.001007 cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum value of $11.00 per annum, levied on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility, or activity identifies (as delineated on Map 2 below). Map 2 Appendix 2 of Council’s 2026/27 Revenue Statement details the overall plan. The estimated cost of implementing the overall plan for its 10-year duration, ending 30 June 2035, is $212,952. For the 2026/27 financial year, the annual implementation plan is to continue the routine inspection program, scour protection maintenance works, and a review of canal profiles to determine the scope of future works. The estimated cost of the annual implementation plan work for the 2026/27 financial year is $16,278. However, the necessity for provision of the service, facility or activity is likely to be ongoing, i.e., to continue indefinitely, and thus to be the subject of further overall plans after 30 June 2035. As approximately 8.5% of the properties bordering the canals in the Noosa Waters estate are Council-owned or controlled, Council will contribute 8.5% of the ongoing costs of the works, with the remainder to be met by revenue raised by the special levy. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 9 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 11 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility, or activity comprising projects and initiatives that advance the recommendations of the 2008 Noosa Junction Commercial and Economic Planning Strategy. To be known as the "Noosa Junction Levy", the special rate will be 0.182 cents in the dollar of rateable value levied on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility, or activity identifies (as delineated on Map 3 below). Map 3 The overall plan for the "Noosa Junction Levy" is as per Appendix 3 of Council's 2026/27 Revenue Statement. The estimated cost of implementing the one-year overall plan is $181,325 in the 2026/27 financial year. It is anticipated that further levies will be made in future years as the need for the services, facilities and activities will be ongoing. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 10 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 12 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility, or activity comprising maintenance of the Hastings Street precinct above the standard level of service Council provides. To be known as the "Hastings Street Precinct Levy", the special rate will be: 1. 0.09318cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum value of $64.90 per annum, on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility, or activity identifies on Map 4A below; and 2. 0.01336 cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum value of $64.90 per annum, on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility, or activity identifies on Maps 4B, 4C and 4D. Council recognises that properties delineated on Maps 4B, 4C and 4D benefit from the service, facility, or activity to a lesser extent than those delineated in Map 4A, given that Hastings Street is a primary asset of the Noosa tourism industry. Map 4A Map 4B Page 11 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 4C Map 4D Appendix 4 of Council’s 2026/27 Revenue Statement details the overall plan. The estimated cost of implementing the overall plan for its 10-year duration, ending 30 June 2035, is $5,020,837. However, the necessity for provision of the service, facility or activity is likely to be ongoing, i.e., to continue indefinitely, and thus to be the subject of further overall plans after 30 June 2035. For the 2026/27 financial year, the annual implementation plan is to continue the maintenance program for which the overall plan provides. The estimated cost of the annual implementation plan for 2026/27 is $516,438. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 12 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 13 Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility, or activity comprising the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Noosa Heads Main Beach. To be known as the "Noosa Main Beach Levy", the special rate will be: 1. 0.11 cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum value of $56.00 per annum, on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan identifies on Map 5A below; and 2. 0.0168 cents in the dollar of rateable value, with a minimum value of $56.00 per annum, on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan identifies on Maps 5B, 5C and 5D. Council recognises that properties delineated on Maps 5B, 5C and 5D benefit from the service, facility, or activity to a lesser extent to those delineated on Map 5A given that Noosa Heads Main Beach is a primary asset of the Noosa tourism industry. Map 5A Map 5B Page 13 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 5C Map 5D Appendix 5 of Council’s 2026/27 Revenue Statement details the overall plan. The estimated cost of implementing the overall plan for its 10-year duration, ending 30 June 2035, is $6,996,980. However, the necessity for provision of the service, facility or activity is likely to be ongoing, i.e., to continue indefinitely, and thus to be the subject of further overall plans after 30 June 2035. For the 2026/27 financial year, the annual implementation plan is to undertake beach restoration works and maintenance activities at the Noosa Heads Main Beach, including sand recycling, infrastructure replacement, beach cleaning, groyne maintenance, and major events beach maintenance. The estimated cost of the annual implementation plan for the 2026/27 financial year is $706,669. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 14 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 14 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That pursuant to each of section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special charge to fund the service, facility, or activity comprising a safety program for the Hastings Street precinct, including the provision of security patrols to be managed by the Hastings Street Association Inc. To be known as the "Hastings Street Community Safety Charge", the special rate will be: 1. $236.30 for each rateable community titles lot and for each other rateable parcel with an area not exceeding 600m2; and 2. $1,493.28 for each rateable parcel with an area not less than 601m2 and not exceeding 2,000m2; and 3. $7,185.76 for each rateable parcel with an area exceeding 2,000m2, identified upon the overall plan for the service, facility, or activity, as delineated on Map 6 below. Map 6 The overall plan for the "Hastings Street Community Safety Charge" is as per Appendix 6 of Council's 2026/27 Revenue Statement. Appendix 6 of Council's 2026/27 Revenue Statement details the overall plan. The estimated cost of implementing the overall plan in the 2026/27 financial year is $213,241. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 15 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 15 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That pursuant to section 5 of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2011, the entire local government area governed by the Noosa Shire Council is designated as a waste collection area. That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 99 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy waste utility charges, for its provision of waste management services in the 2026-27 financial year as follows: Council will levy the charges on all properties in the designated waste collection service areas (as extended if applicable) that are presently serviced, able to be serviced, or commencing receipt of a service. In the designated waste collection areas, the following charges will apply for the 202627 financial year: Single dwellings and duplexes within the defined garden waste collection service area delineated on maps 7A to 7L below will be charged a garden waste collection service unless: 1. the land is owned or otherwise under the control of Council but not leased; or the land is specifically excluded from the provision of a service by Council; or 2. the owner of a single dwelling or duplex located in the designated garden waste service area has applied for an exemption from the service, and 2.1 has provided Council with evidence demonstrating that the area of the land on which the dwelling or duplex is situated (including common areas in community title complexes) does not exceed 400m2; or 2.2 has provided evidence that they employ a garden contractor who regularly removes all green waste from the property to Council's resource recovery facility or other approved location. Map 7A Page 16 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 7B Map 7C Map 7D Page 17 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 7E Map 7F Page 18 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 7G Map 7H Page 19 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 7I Map 7J Page 20 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Map 7K Map 7L For single dwellings and duplexes within the defined garden waste collection area Council will provide a 140 litre or a 240-litre waste bin collected weekly, a 240-litre recycling bin and 240 litre garden waste recycling bin (each collected fortnightly on alternative weeks). An optional 240 litre or 360 litre garden waste recycling bin collected fortnightly is also available to properties other than single dwelling and duplexes within the defined garden waste collection area. For properties outside the defined garden waste collection area Council will provide a 140 litre or a 240 litre waste bin collected weekly, and a 240 litre recycling bin collected fortnightly, to those properties that are able to be serviced. An optional 240 litre or 360 litre garden waste recycling bin collected fortnightly is also available to any property within 5 kilometres of the defined garden waste service area. Additional service capacity can be requested as outlined in the tables below. A minimum charge equivalent to $278.00 per annum shall apply to all properties receiving a waste service. For example, where a bulk waste service is shared by strata / group titled units instead of individual waste bins, a minimum charge per unit Page 21 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 equivalent to $278.00 per annum shall be applied. A Waste Management Service Availability Charge of $250.00 per annum shall apply to all rateable land within the local government area of Council if the land is used for commercial purposes and does not currently receive an available waste collection service. Residential Charges - Wheelie Bins The charges will accord with those listed in the table below. The Queensland Government Waste Levy is included within the charges levied on general waste bins. Residential Charges - Bulk Bins The charges will accord with those listed in the table below. The Queensland Government Waste Levy is included within the charges levied on general waste bins. Page 22 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Non residential Charges - Wheelie Bins For all properties outside of the defined Peregian Breach Precinct, the charges will accord with those listed in the table below. The Queensland Government Waste Levy is included within the charges levied on general waste bins. Non-residential Charges – bulk bins The charges will accord with those listed in the table below. The Queensland Government Waste Levy is included within the charges levied on general waste bins. Page 23 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Peregian Beach Precinct For the Peregian Beach Precinct as defined in Map 7L, the charges will be levied on each separate tenancy and/or lot in accordance with those listed in the table below rather than on the bin charges identified in preceding sections. The Queensland Government Waste Levy is included within the charges levied. Holding Tank Charge Waste management holding tank pump out charges will be levied to defray the costs of providing the pump-out service. Charges will apply to all lands and/or premises within Noosa Shire where waste services are or can be made available. Services provided will be sufficient to cater for the quantity and types of waste generated at each premises. Holding tank pump-out charges are based on a maximum volume of 5,000 litres per service. Quantities in excess of 5,000 litres are charged at a per-litre rate in accordance with Council’s fees and charges schedule. Page 24 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 All charges will accord with those listed in the table below. Adjustment of Charges Where the number of bins or frequency of service is altered at any time during the financial year, a supplementary rates notice may be issued. Service cancellations are permitted: - following demolition of premises – pro-rata adjustments allowed; - if premises will be vacant for a full year and will not be intermittently occupied or offered for sale or rent – cancellation must be made in the form required by Council. If service is cancelled and occupancy subsequently occurs during the financial year, the full annual charge shall apply. It is the owner’s responsibility to check that all waste management charges are correct at the time of the issue of the rate notice. Council will not adjust waste management charges levied in prior financial years. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 16 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That pursuant to section 107 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and chapter 5, part 3A, division 3 of the Fire Services Act 1990, Council's will collect the Queensland Government’s emergency management levy, which it will include in its rate notices: 1. for the half year, 1 July 2026 to 31 December 2026 - in July 2026; and 2. for the half year, 1 January 2027 to 30 June 2027 - in January 2027. Carried. Page 25 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 17 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That pursuant to section 118 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council's rates and charges, together with the State’s emergency management levy, must be paid within 31 days after the date of issue of the rate notice. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 18 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to section 130 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 Council will allow a 5% discount to general rates (only), if all rates and charges are paid in full on or before the due date (the 31st day after the date the rate notice issues). Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 19 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That pursuant to section 133 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, compound interest of 12.19 per cent, accruing daily, will be charged on all overdue rates and charges, beginning on the day after the due date noted on the rates notice. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 26 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 20 Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to sections 120 to 123 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will grant a concession of 25.0% of the general rate, to a maximum of $230.00 per annum, to all ratepayers who are pensioners, where the eligibility requirements below are met, but subject to the further conditions outlined in section 2.4.1 of Council's 2026-27 Revenue Statement. Pensioners must hold one of the following concession cards: - Pensioner Concession C issued by Centrelink or the Department of Veteran Affairs; or - Repatriation Health (Gold) Card - for all conditions issued by the Department of Veteran Affairs. The pensioner also must be the owner (either solely or jointly), or be an eligible life tenant, in accordance with the guidelines for the State Government Rate Subsidy Scheme, of property within the local government area, which is their principal place of residence, and must have (either solely or with a co-owner) the legal responsibility for payment of rates and charges Council levies in respect of the property. In the case of joint ownership or ownership in common, the concession will apply only to the approved pensioner’s proportionate share of the applicable rates and charges, except where the co-owners are an approved pensioner and his/her spouse. The concession will apply to the full amounts of the applicable rates and charge. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution No. 21 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That pursuant to sections 120 to 122 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will grant concessions to all ratepayers meeting the eligibility criteria set out in Council's 2026/27 Revenue Statement and Council’s General Rate and Charges Concessions Policy. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 27 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 Council Resolution No. 22 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to sections 120 to 122 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will grant concessions in the form of interest-free payment periods of up to 2 years to ratepayers that meet the eligibility criteria set out in Council's General Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 4.3 2026/27 NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY REFORM Council Resolution Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council: A. Note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Special Meeting dated 23 June 2026; and B. Pursuant to Sections 44(1)(b) and 47(7) of the Local Government Act 2009, apply the Code of Competitive Conduct to its Waste Management business activity for the 2026/27 financial year, as it meets the definition of a significant business activity pursuant to Section 19 (3) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, with the adoption of the Full Cost Pricing business model providing the greatest community net benefit when compared to the Commercialised Business Unit business model; and C. Pursuant to Section 47 of the Local Government Act 2009, apply the Code of Competitive Conduct to its Holiday Parks business activity for the 2026/27 financial year; and D. Pursuant to Sections 47(7) and 47(8) of the Local Government Act 2009, not apply the Code of Competitive Conduct to its Community Facilities, Cemeteries and Digital Hub business activities, as the application of the Code of Competitive Conduct would add an additional significant administrative burden to Council without improving the decision-making or financial performance of the activities. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 28 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 4.4 STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE 2025/26 FINANCIAL YEAR Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council: A. Note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Special Meeting dated 23 June 2026; and B. Note pursuant to Section 205 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 the Statements of Estimated Financial Position for the 2025-26 Financial Year, provided as Attachments 1 to 4 of this report. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Procedural Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the operation of the Standing Orders or any relevant provision thereof be suspended to allow Council to receive budget speeches from the Councillors. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Procedural Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Standing Orders be resumed. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 29 of 30 SPECIAL MEETING | 23 JUNE 2026 4.5 2026/27 BUDGET AND 2026/27 TO 2035/36 LONG-TERM FINANCIAL FORECAST Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council: A. Note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Special Meeting dated 23 June 2026 regarding the 2026/27 Budget and 2026/27 to 2035/36 Long-Term Financial Forecast; B. Adopt the Budget for the 2026/27 financial year in accordance with section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 and sections 169 and 170 of the Local Government Regulation 2012; and C. Adopt the 2026/27 Budget and 2026/27 to 2035/36 Long-Term Financial Forecast, as provided at Attachment 1, that contains the following: 1. Statement of Income and Expenditure 2. Statement of Income and Expenditure - Business Activities 3. Statement of Financial Position 4. Statement of Cashflows 5. Statement of Changes in Equity 6. Relevant Measures of Financial Sustainability 7. Rates and Charges Comparison (Percentage Change in Rates Levied from 2025/26) 8. 2026/27 Capital Program 9. 2026/27 10-Year Summary Capital Program 10. 2026/27 10-Year Detail Capital Program. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 5 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 6 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2.22pm. Page 30 of 30
Meeting Transcript
Margaret Gatt 00:00.000
The levying of rates and charges, national competition policy, council's estimated financial position as at the 30th of June 2026 and council's 2627 budget and 2627 to 2035-36 long term financial forecast. Required as under the Local Government Regulation Council must annually review and adopt its investment policy, its debt policy, revenue and procurement policy. These statutory policies ensure Council maintains sound financial governance and transparency in line with legislative requirements. While the remainder of the policies outlined in the report are not specifically required under legislation, they do represent best practice and support strong internal controls, effective decision-making and long-term sustainability. The majority of the policies reviewed remain materially unchanged, aside from the minor renaming, grammatical, formatting and disclosure improvements. Key updates include: the debt policy is being updated to reflect the proposed $10.8 million of borrowings for waste management capital infrastructure works 26-27. Over the 10-year forecast period, Council plan to borrow $40 million. The procurement policy has been amended to include an additional section for procurement approvals where procurement falls outside of council's policy thresholds but remains within legislative thresholds. The management of restricted cash reflect the intent of the Local Government Regulation 2012 in terms of the classification of externally and internally restricted cash. Together these policies and others the foundation of council's financial management framework reinforcing our commitment to prudent stewardship of public resources and continued service to our community. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:51.528
Do we have any questions for Acting Director Gatt? Okay, would anyone like to move the recommendation? Karen Finzel 02:01.092
Happy to move. Frank Wilkie 02:02.472
Moved by Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Thank you. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Thank you, thank you. We have the next item, 4.2, is the Revenue Statement and again we have Acting Director Gatt. For a summary of the report. Thank you. Margaret Gatt 02:26.772
Thank you, Chair. Councillors, Councillors required under section 1692 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to include a Revenue Statement in its annual budget. Under council's 2016 26-27 Revenue Statement, total budgeted rates and utility charges for the financial year are $119 million, with estimated discounts of $3.9 million and pension remissions of $1.4 million. Net rates and utilities charges are estimated to be $113.7 million. The more substantial highlights of council's 26/27 rates and charges include a 6.1 increase in the general rates for a residential property on the minimum general rate, an overall increase of 9.5% in general rate revenue. An 8.1% increase in the waste utility charge which reflects higher service delivery costs and the impact of the State waste levy. An increase of $5 an.55 in the Sustainable Transport Levy. The Environment Levy and Heritage Levy remain unchanged at $75 and $10 respectfully per annum. The retention of general rates discounts at 5% on the general rate and pensioner remissions remain unchanged at a maximum of $230 per annum. A strategic approach to council's 26/27 budget has been followed to minimise the impact of rate increases for households on the minimum general rate. This has resulted in an increase after discounts of 6.9% in net rates and utilities charges for these property owners. Noting an overall increase in property valuations since the last revaluation in 2020/2023 of 37%. Council officers offers. Have also remodelled rating category valuation bans to minimise the overall increase to general rates. Frank Wilkie 04:24.713
Thank you Director Gatt. And we have a range of motions here related to the Revenue Statement. Motion 1 is that pursuant to section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 and sections 169 and 170 for Local Government Regulation. Council adopt the Revenue Statement provided as attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23rd of June 2026. We have a mover and a seconder please. Moved by Councillor Wegener, seconded by Councillor Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. Thank you, that's unanimous. Motion 2. We'll just get that up on the screen. Pursuant to section 81 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council adopt the categories into which rateable land in its local government area is categorised. The description of those categories and the method by which land is to be identified and included in category is as follows and they're all in the document. We have a mover and a seconder. I'm happy to move. Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Seconded by Councillor Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? Yes thank you. That's carried unanimously. We go to motion 3 that pursuant to section 257 of Local Government Act 2009 Council delegates to the Chief Executive Officer the power to identify for sections 814 and 815 the Local Government Regulation 2012 the rating category to which each partial of rateable land belongs. May I have a mover and a seconder please? Move Councillor Phillips, seconded Councillor Lorentson. Thank you. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. That's unanimous. Motion for the pursuant section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 80 of Local Government Regulation Council will levy the differential general rate for each differential rate category and section 77 2012 fixes the minimum differential general rate to be levied for each general rate category as follows and that's documented in the Revenue Statement. We have a mover and a seconder please. I'll move it and seconder. Thank you, Kelly. You Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. That's carried. Motion 5. The pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009, section 103 regulation 2020.2012. Will levy a separate charge to be known as the Environment Levy in the sum of $75 on each parcel of rateable land of the Noosa Shire to fund a range of strategic environmental initiatives more fully detailed the 26-27 Revenue Statement provided as attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated June 23, 2020.2026 move up Happy to move, Thank you. Councillor Lorentson. We have a seconder, Councillor Wegener. Discussion? All in favour? Yes. Aye. That's carried. We're up to motion 6, that pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 regulation 2012, Council will levy a separate charge to be known as Sustainable Transport Levy in the sum of $35.55 on each parcel of rateable land of Noosa Shire to fund a range of strategic. Transport initiatives more fully detailed in the 26-27 Revenue Statement provided as attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 23rd of June, 2026. Do we have a mover? I'll it. May seconder, please? I'll second. Thank you, Councillor discussions all in favour? Aye. That's carried. Brings us to motion 7, pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 regulation 2012. Council will levy a separate charge to be known as the Heritage Levy in the sum of $10 on each parcel of rateable land in the Noosa Shire to fund a cultural heritage program for the management, protection and improvement of the heritage of the area more fully detailed in the 26-27 Revenue Statement provided as attachment one the Special Meeting report dated 23rd of June 2026. Councillor Finzel, do you wish to move this one? Karen Finzel 08:45.592
Oh yes please Mr Mayor. Thank you, happy to move. Frank Wilkie 08:49.472
We have a seconder. Councillor Lorentson, any discussion? That's all in favour? Yes. Aye. Carried brings it us to motion eight there is a change there to wording of motion 8, which will be. This is a technical change. That reads now that pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 regulation 2012, Council will levy a separate charge to be known as the Bushfire Resilience and Response Levy. The separate charges will be in the sum of 0.00245 cents in the dollar of rateable value with a minimum levy of $11.50 on each parcel of rateable land in the Noosa Shire to fund a range of services and initiatives related to bushfire management and prevention. To bushfire be removal of the word A. As more fully detailed in the 26/27 Revenue Statement provided as attachment one to the Special Meeting report dated 23rd of June, 2026, thank you, Councillor Phillips, and I'm happy to second that. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. That's carried unanimously. Brings us to motion nine, that pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act and regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility or activity comprising operation and maintenance of the Lock and Weir servicing the Noosa Waters estate, to be known as maintenance levy. The special rate will be 0.0167 cents in the dollar of rateable value with a minimum levy of $175 levied on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service facility or activity identifies as delineated on map 1 below. The estimated cost. The yeah, Do we have a mover for motion 9, please? Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Karen Finzel 11:00.868
Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 11:02.028
Finzel. Discussion? All in favour? Aye. That's carried unanimously. Motion 10.94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility or activity comprising inspection, maintenance and remedial works in the Noosa Waters estate canal area to support the canal revetment wall system, to be known as the Noosa Waters Canal Maintenance Levy. The special rate will be point zero one seven cents in the dollar of rateable value with a minimum value of eleven dollars per annum levied on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service facility or activity. Identifies as delineated on map 2 below. We have a mover and a seconder for that please. I'm happy to move it. Councillor Wegener is seconded. Discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. Thank you. That brings us to motion 11. That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act and Local Government Regulation, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility or activity comprising projects and initiatives that advance the recommendations of the 2008 Noosa Junction Commercial and Economic Planning Strategy. To be known as the Noosa Junction Levy, the special rate will be 0.182 cents in the dollar of rateable value levied on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility or activity identifies as delineated on map three. We have a mover and a seconder. Happy to leave. Moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Phillips. Discussion? All in favour? Aye. That's carried. Brings us to motion 12, that pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service facility or activity comprising maintenance of the Hastings Street precinct above the standard level of service Council provides. To be known as levy, the special rate will be 0.09318 cents in the dollar of rateable value with a minimum value of 64 dollars and 90 cents per annum on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan for the service, facility or activity identifies and map for a. We a mover and a have seconder for the Hastings Street levy. Margaret Gatt 13:35.500
Happy to move. Frank Wilkie 13:36.520
We have Councillor Phillips. We have a seconder. I That's Councillor Wilson. All in favour? Yes. Brings us to motion 13. That pursuant to section 94 of each of the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special rate to fund the service, facility or activity comprising the ongoing restoration and maintenance of the Noosa Heads Main Beach. To known as the Noosa Main Beach Levy, the special rate will be 0.11 cents in the dollar of value with a minimum value of $56 per annum on each parcel of rateable land that the overall plan identifies on map 5A below and 0.0168 rateable maps 5B, 5C and 5D. Can we have a mover and a seconder for that please? Councillor Wegener is quick off the mark. Councillor Lorentson is seconded. Any discussion? All in favour? Yes. Aye. That's carried. Brings us to motion 14. That pursuant to each of section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will levy a special charge to fund the service, facility or activity comprising safety program for the Hastings Street precinct including the provision of security patrols to be managed by the Hastings Street Association incorporated to be known as community safety charge the special rate will be $236.30 for each rateable community lot and for each other rateable parcel with an area not exceeding 600 square metres and to $1,493.28 for each less than 601 square metres not exceeding 2,000 square metres and three $7,185.76 identified upon the overall plan for the service facility or as delineated on map 6 below. Thank you Councillor Phillips has moved that. Karen Finzel 16:00.422
Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 16:01.282
Councillor Finzel has seconded that. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. I think that's carried. Motion 15. Pursuant to section 5 of the waste reduction and recycling regulation 2011 the entire local government area governed by the Noosa Shire Council is designated as a waste collection area. That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 99 I think regulation 2012, Council will levy waste utility charges for its provision of waste management services in the 26-27 financial year as follows. Council will levy the charges on all properties in the designated waste collection service areas as extended if applicable are presently that serviced able to be serviced or commencing receipt of a service. We have a mover and a seconder for the waste levy. Thank you, thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Karen Finzel 16:58.300
Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 16:58.900
Councillor Finzel. Finzel, discussion. All in favour? Karen Finzel 17:03.780
Yes. That's fine. Frank Wilkie 17:08.340
That's the waste charge. Up to okay. Motion 16, that pursuant to section 107 of Local Government Regulation 2012 and chapter 5, part 3A, division 3 of the Fire Services Act 1990, Council will collect the Queensland Government's Emergency Management Levy, which it will include in its rates notices for the half-year 1st of July 2026 to 31st December 2026 in July 2026, and January 2027 to 30th of June 2027 in January 2027. Seven. I'm happy to move that one. And we have a seconder. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Discussion? All in favour? Yes. Aye. That's carried. Brings us to motion 17. Pursuant to section 118 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, council's rates and charges, together with the State emergency management levy, must be paid within 31 days after the date of issue of the rates notice. I have a mover and a seconder for that one. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. I will second that. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. That's carried. Motion 18. Pursuant to section 130 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will allow a 5% discount to general rates if all rates and charges are paid in full on or before the due date, the 31st day after the date the rates notice. Issues. Happy to move that one. We have a seconder for that one. Thank you, Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. Yes. Thank you. That's carried. Motion 19. Pursuant to section 113 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, compound interest of 12.19% accruing daily will be charged on all overdue rates and charges beginning on the day after the due date noted on the rates notice. Have a mover and a seconder, happy to meet you. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. I'll second that. Any discussion? All in favour? Motion 20, that pursuant to section 120 to 123 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will grant a concession of 25% of the general rates to a maximum of $230. Per annum to all ratepayers who are pensioners where the eligibility requirements below are met, but subject to the further conditions outlined in section 2.4.1 of council's 2627 Revenue Statement. May we move for a seconder of that, please? Karen Finzel 20:04.651
Happy to move. Frank Wilkie 20:05.191
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 20:06.451
Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 20:07.251
Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? Yes. That's carried. Motion 21. That pursuant to section 120 to 122 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will grant concessions to all ratepayers meeting the eligibility criteria set out in council's 2627 Revenue Statement and council's general rate and charges concessions policy. Move for a seconder, please. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. I'll second that discussion. All in favour? Yes. Thank you. That's carried. And we come to the final motion, 22, that pursuant to sections 120 to 122 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council will grant concessions in the form of interest-free payment periods for up to two years to ratepayers that meet the eligibility criteria set out in council's general rates and charges hardship financial policy. I'm happy to move that. May we have a seconder, please? Thank you, Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? All in favour? Aye. That's carried. We come now to item 4.3, which is national competition policy reform. Thank you, Acting Director Gatt. Margaret Gatt 21:24.463
Summary of the report, please. Thank you, Through the Chair. Each year, Council is required to decide whether to apply national competition policy, often referred to as NCP, reform to its identified business activities. NCP reform provides greater transparency over council's businesses and assists with removing any anti-competitive conduct and ensures the best allocation of council's limited resources. Council has adopted NCP reforms with respect to waste management and holiday parks business activities since de-amalgamation in 2014. Council has also undertaken review of the nature of other services and activities it provides to the public, including community facilities, aquatic leisure, events, arts and response. Respite centres and cemeteries. Whilst these operations generate fees and operate on a partial user-based system, they do not have the necessary full cost recovery and profit-making focus and Council is not seeking to apply NCP principles to these specific businesses. Accordingly, the recommendations are to continue to apply the full cost pricing reform options to the waste management business activity for the 26-27 financial year in accordance with section 44 of the Local Government Act 2009, as these operations would be considered a significant business activity and exceed the set expenditure thresholds. And to continue to apply the code of competitive conduct to the holiday parks business activity for the 26-27 financial year in accordance with section 47 of the Local Government Act 2009. Frank Wilkie 23:01.641
You, any questions? I have a mover and a seconder for the recommendation. Thank you, Councillor Wegener. A seconder? Oh, happy to second. Finzel. Any yes. That's carried. Brings us to statement of estimated financial position for the 25-26 financial year. Thank you, Director Gatt. Margaret Gatt 23:23.919
Thank you, Through the Chair. In accordance 205 of the Local Government Regulation, Council is required to present a statement of estimated financial position as part of the annual budget adoption process. The provides an estimate only of council's financial performance to the 30th of June. 2026 as adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on the 19th of February 2026. The estimate shows an operating surplus of $92,000. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 23:55.536
Someone like to move the recommendation? Happy to. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Seconded, Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? All in favour? That's unanimous. Now, before we get to the next item, which is the adoption of the 25, sorry, the 26-27 budget, I would like to move the operation of the Standing Orders. Any relevant provision thereof be suspended to allow councils to receive budget speeches from the Councillors. May I have a seconder for that motion, please? Thank you, Councillor Wegener. All in favour? Yes. Okay. Thank you, Councillors. Thank you, everyone. Prioritising the everyday services valued by the community while minimising costs for the average household has been the key focus of Noosa Council's 26-27 budget. It's a budget developed in the face of significant property valuation increases, supply chain pressures, rising material costs and heightened global uncertainty. Through all this. Our priority has been work to meet the expectations of our community, a who want their Council to provide good quality services and well-maintained assets while keeping costs as low as possible for the average rate payer. Fortunately, Noosa Council's financial sustainability over decades has allowed us to respond in a disciplined, measured way. While this year's land valuation increased an average of 37% across the Shire, the minimum and general rates rise and this year's budget has been kept to a total of 6.9%. This means that the majority of owner-occupier ratepayers can expect a rise of $2.58 per week or $134 over this financial year. We've been mindful of cost of living pressures faced by households. This is why the on-time rates payment discount of 5% or as calculated $77 on those on the minimum general rate from this year's budget has been retained and also the full pension rates rebate worth up to $230 for eligible property owners. We put a freeze on most levies apart from $5.55 increase in the Sustainable Transport Levy, the bulk of expenditure from goes towards a $56 million capital works program plus $29 million in disaster recovery work in the hinterland. Noosa's waste bin collection charge remains among the lowest when benchmarked against other Queensland councils. The waste charge will eight cents a week per residential property or $44 a year to reflect rising costs of household waste collections and the State levy, plus the need to invest in improving recycling options and safety at their resource recovery site. A $56 million capital works budget will deliver a targeted program to maintain and improve the essential assets, infrastructure and services that support our Shire and residents. With more than 60 projects across and hinterland communities, there's a strong focus on renewing ageing infrastructure, enhancing transport and recreational networks, protecting the natural environment, all the while supporting our connected and resilient Noosa community. The scale of this year's capital budget both community need and the realities of delivering infrastructure in a tough economic climate. Rising construction costs, supply chain pressures and a competitive contractor market continue to challenge councils Australia-wide. Across the Shire, more than eight million has been allocated to major bridge renewals in Tewantin and Munna Point Bridge in Noosa Heads. The Doonella Lake bridge renewal, which starts next month, is jointly funded by the Australian government and will extend the life of this vital transport link by about 50 years. We've committed over $10 million to Shire-wide road reseals, heavy patching and gravel road network programs. This includes $5.9 million for the annual road reseal program, $1.5 million, a new allocation for targeted safety upgrades on priority sections of. Unsealed roads and $511,000 to relay our gravel roads as part of the established scheduled road grading program. These investments help us better prioritise work across our 187 kilometre of unsealed roads. Waste infrastructure charge receives nearly 15 million towards improving resource recovery and recycling infrastructure. Subject to security and grant funding, a significant allocation has been set aside for composting facility for the Shire. Safety and meeting government waste regulations at the Noosa Resource Recovery Centre and landfill is also high on the capital works program. Recreation and community facilities benefit with over seven dollars with $7 million directed towards upgrades at the Noosa Aquatic Centre. Improvements to pathways and active transport infrastructure through the accelerated walking and cycling program and upgrades to the Cooroy sports complex. Every project is more expensive to build this year due to global market volatility and rising costs of materials. $13 million in grants secured from the State and Federal governments will help us deliver a number of projects in this budget and reduce the burden on ratepayers. In addition to these projects, more than 29 million in disaster repair works is scheduled, fully funded through the State and Federal disaster reconstruction program. Of the highlights of the capital program include $8 million for expansion of the Noosa Resource Recovery Centre, $7 the Doonella Bridge renewal, $5.9 million for the road reseal program, $5. Doonan landfill site upgrades, $3.44 million for stormwater drainage improvements across the Shire, $2.8 million for pathway and boardwalk projects.49 million for the Cooroy Sports Complex upgrade, $1.6 million for road patching across the Shire, $1.5 million for the Noosa Aquatic Centre pools filtration system upgrade, $647,000 for the Kingfisher Drive Peregian playground renewal, $635 changing places facilities upgrade and new facility at Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, $486,000 for living foreshores program and Hilton Esplanade, $269,000 for beach access renewals, $238,620 for the Noosa Leisure Centre renewals and $210,000 for the renewal of rock Armour around the Noosa River, I do commend all Councillors for working diligently on this challenging budget with the best current and future interests of our community in mind. Thank you. Anybody else wish to speak to the budget? Jessica Phillips 30:56.960
Okay. I'll speak to it. Okay, yes, Councillor Phillips. Thank you. I just had a question though. Frank Wilkie 31:02.480
Did we have to move the recommendation for we speak to it no? No, we've suspended Standing Orders to do the speech and allow you to go more than five minutes if you want. And then we'll come to the, this is before the end. It's a normal process. But there'll be a mover and a seconder for when we adopt the budget and long term financial forecast and there's an opportunity to speak there as well. Thank you very much. Karen Finzel 31:44.720
Just doing the budget speech is not speaking to them. Frank Wilkie 31:48.320
Yeah, it's my budget speech, not speaking to them. That's okay. It's not a debate. Jessica Phillips 31:54.280
Yeah, that's right. All My support this budget today is conditional on a commitment from this organisation to undertake a full service review. It is time that we critically examine how we spend ratepayers' money and ensure every dollar is delivering the greatest possible value for our community. This morning I spoke to a local business owner who made the difficult decision to let a staff member go recently, and he was quick to point out that it wasn't because of Council or rates, but rather a broader economic pressure facing families and businesses right now. That conversation reinforced that for me today. If we are asking our community to continue finding money to pay their rates, then we have an obligation to look at our own spending through the same lens and ensure that we are operating as efficiently and responsibly as possible. I have wrestled with this budget, I'll be honest. I've spent a lot of time reading the details. Asking questions, listening to our community and reflecting on what our decisions today will mean for our future. Before I vote, I want to talk about a word that gets used a lot in this chamber, word is 'legacy'. It's time. In strategies and reports and plans and workshops. But legacy isn't a slogan. Legacy is what people are left with because of the decisions we make today, and keep making over many years. When I think about why I became a police officer 16 years ago, and why I eventually put my hand up to run for Council, I keep coming back to the same thing. I it's in my DNA. To believe in fairness. Not just for a select few, but fairness for most. And equality, the people with the loudest voices, but for the people who quietly get on with life and not response ask for much. A belief in responsibility, taking for my own decisions and remembering that a seat in this chamber is about service, not status. It's also why I joined the police, but also very much why I ran for Council. And anyone who knows me I won't always agree just to keep the peace. I'll always have an opinion. Sometimes people will agree with it. And sometimes they won't. But my opinions aren't driven by emotion. They're driven by my experience, by listening, and by doing my best to make the right decision. I have lived here my whole life. I'm raising my family here. I have a mortgage, school fees, and the same pressures that thousands of other families are facing across the Shire, and before I became a Councillor, I have never filled out a Council survey. Not because I didn't care, but because I was just busy. I don't think I'm in the minority. Today isn't about me, but I just want to talk about thousands of people who simply trust their local Council to get on with the job. And that's something I remind myself all job isn't just to listen to people who write submissions and email us or stand at the lectern, our job is to listen to the silence as well, because the social fabric of every community is built on trust and it can be divided by losing trust. That's why I never forget that none of us, none of the money belongs to us. We're warming the chairs for four years, we adopt four budgets, that's it. Every dollar belongs to someone else. Everyone, maybe working overtime, maybe trying to pay off their mortgage, maybe someone on a fixed pension. Someone running a business, someone wondering if they'll afford another rate rise. Before I support spending money, I'm going to always ask myself a simple question. Would I spend my own family's money this way? And if the answer is no, I don't think I'm comfortable spending else's. Anyone in this room aspera. Would disagree with aspiration. But I do think we have to ask ourselves, who do we think we're leaving this community better for? Because I do hope it's not for only those that can afford it. I really care deeply protecting our environment and I always will, but local government isn't always about choosing between environment and then the community. It's about getting the balance right. And I do believe that this Council has possibly lost that balance, not because of the Councillors sorry, not because Councillors didn't care, not because anyone had bad intentions, but because budget after year the dial kept moving in one direction. And at the same time, Councillor made a conscious decision to keep rates low, many times under CPI and possibly celebrated keeping rates low. While committing future generations to aspirations, so who is eventually going to pay? Keeping rates under CPI sounded reasonable and responsible back then. But while rates were being the organisation continued to grow and service levels expanded and new priorities emerged. The scope of what Council was trying to do became bigger and Something's had to give. Too often, it was the things people didn't immediately notice. Asset renewal, possibly deferred, infrastructure aged, maintenance was pushed into future budgets, and the fundamentals of local governments slowly slipped down the priority list. And eventually, the bill always arrives. And that's where I found myself today. Ratepayers being asked to fund the consequences of yesterday's legacy decisions. We will see it in ageing sporting facilities, community buildings that have been patched instead of renewed, toilet box that should have been replaced ago. Two years volunteers their weekends writing grant applications just to replace infrastructure planned for. Then we call those grants assistance. In what? Helping volunteers job that good long-term planning could have already done. I don't think that's a legacy I would like to leave. Legacy isn't always about what's measured on what we build. It's chose to neglect. That's why I believe this organisation now needs to look inwards. If we're asking our community to contribute more they deserve the same from a commitment from us. I do want to see a general review. This organisation. I us challenge whether our structure is still fit for purpose. I want to ask can we be leaner more efficient or more disciplined with spending public money and I want our community to see that we are prepared to reduce our own costs before asking them to continue carrying one more burden. Because leadership isn't asking community to tighten its belt, leadership is being prepared to tighten our own first. I do want to acknowledge something very important and this year's budget process has been very transparent. Probably the most I've seen in my term and the Acting Director and the finance team have been nothing short of professional, responsive and diligent through this process. So today, my speech is not about them. It's cumulative effect of our decisions that have been made over years. For me, local government choice should always start with basics. Protect our environment, absolutely. But we need to maintain our assets, invest in community infrastructure, support our volunteers, deliver core services well. Spend ratepayers' money as carefully as we would spend our own. Because it isn't our money, it's borrowed trust. Every budget we adopt is an opportunity to either strengthen that trust or weaken it. And I want this community to know that every decision I start, I make starts with the same question. This fair? To today's ratepayer and fair to future generations every community across this Shire, not just the loudest voices. One day, every one of us will leave this chamber. Someone else will warm the chairs. What will remain is the legacy that we leave behind, not what we said, promised, but what we protected and what we chose not to neglect, and that I hope I am remembered for. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. Frank Wilkie 40:16.084
Anyone else wish to speak? Amelia Lorentson 40:17.165
We shall we move you can just. Speak. Sorry, Frank Wilkie 40:28.536
Councillor Stockwell, I just noticed Councillor Wilson had a hand up for some time. Allow Councillor Wilson to go first. No, I'm happy to wait. Councillor Wilson. I don't mind if you go first. Nicola Wilson 40:39.276
If you want, I don't mind. But I do want to speak. Frank Wilkie 40:45.576
Alright, Councillor Wilson, you've had your hand up, so we'll go with you. Can you hear me? Nicola Wilson 40:54.600
Yes we can. Firstly I want to thank the finance team for the work that goes into preparing the budget over many months. I looked back at my speech from last year's budget and some of it I'm going to repeat. Every year when Council a budget it also publishes 10-year forecast and it's clear when we're looking ahead costs are always going up, they never go down. That means the income from rates must also increase to absorb those costs. Our enterprise award our wage increases. Our suppliers mostly dictate our materials and services price increases, but not what we choose to do or buy. So on some level Council has built in cost escalations that we have to cover and without a growing population or rate base that means an increase for every rate payer. Our budget process starts with projecting operating costs across the departments to maintain services as they are. Our budget operating expenses for 2027 are 163.5 million compared with 151.6 million in 2026, an increase of 12 million. Wages are increasing from 59 million to 63.8 million, an increase of 4.8 million. $66 and services are increasing from $66 million to $71.7 5.7 million. Depreciation is increasing from 23.5 million to 25.4 2 million. And this is our main contributor to renewal capital works. That's a 12.5 million increase in expenses offset by finance costs, reducing from 2.9 million to 2.4 million, a saving of half a million. Once we arrive at the total cost base, we have to find the operating income to recover it, to be financially sustainable. Council needs an operating surplus each year. Regardless of the bank balance. The operating surplus ratio is one of the nine sustainability ratios Council has to comply with, and we aim to just meet it with a small surplus. We end the year in a better position we top up our reserves to spend on emerging capital works. This could be due to an underspend in expenses or through higher than anticipated revenue from user pay services or bank interest. I support staff being paid a fair wage and service levels being maintained on our roads, bridges, parks and facilities. However, I'm not just going to however, keep accepting an increase of $12 million, or 9% each year, without questioning whether every dollar is needed. Surely we can find some efficiencies, review our workforce, reprioritise projects and expenses. Maybe there are services we no longer need to deliver, or cheaper ways of doing them with new technology. At this stage I can't hand on heart say we couldn't have shaved off some expense here. Do want to talk briefly about the bin collection fees. There are huge costs in operating a landfill site in sorting and moving the waste safely, maintaining compliance with environmental standards, managing the increasing levies and goals set by the State government, and setting aside funds for the huge task of remediating the site once it reaches the end of life. Each piece of waste creates a cost today and for future generations and I really recommend a tour of the landfill site to understand what is involved. If you're on the standard three bin service you're paying less than ten dollars a week for your bins to be collected and I can really see value in that. In making decisions around rates, we're able to consider the types of land use, the different categories of ratepayers and use we want to encourage or deter. We aim to make sure the minimum ratepayers, which is over sixty percent of the rate payer base, are the least impacted by the rise. This year sees an increase from one thousand nine hundred and forty three dollars to two thousand and seventy dollars per year for the total rates bill and that's an increase of 134 dollars, which means those on the minimum rate are paying under forty dollars per week including the bin collection to access all of Council services and facilities and our public roads, bridges, parks, beaches. On that perspective it's worth value but that doesn't mean we don't question every dollar spent and I believe that's why the community put me here. The 56 million dollar capital budget focuses on roads, bridges, transport, waste management, community facilities, stormwater, pathways and parks. We have to keep investing in our infrastructure when we are hit with increasing visitors and extreme weather events. However with this year's 50 million dollar budget only half spent and refaced into the next year I'm not convinced we can deliver this program but I hope I'm wrong. Last year I ended up by saying this budget is founded in the basics. No new strategies, plans and initiatives. Completing what we've started and what we've committed to with the Destination Management Plan, short stay letting, parking plan, customer service and housing initiatives. I hope to be able to stand here next year, that's say we delivered it for our residents and ratepayers. I'm not sure that I can say we delivered all of those things so I'll keep asking the questions including do we need more plans or should we focus on implementation? Meanwhile encourage feedback. I'm happy to answer questions. If you have ideas of where we could cut costs or services I'd love to hear from you. That's it thanks. You Frank Wilkie 46:41.417
Councillor Wilson. Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 46:46.358
You. Yes, so one of the things we've said about our budgeting process is that we're guided by our community's input the community consultation we've done and the priorities that come out of that are adopted through our strategies and our plans so I'm going to take a little walk through of the key elements of the budget that actually reflect how we're investing in the implementation of those plans so nearly every consultation we do whether it's a liveability survey whether it's the Corporate Plan the number one ask from our community for a number of years has been increasing the network for cycling and walking so we've had a standard allocation for the implementation of the walking and cycling plan and this year we've doubled it to over a million dollars for that budget item we've had a one of the key areas where we have waste plan is to improve the facilities to focus on reducing our waste stream by recycling more and so when we look at 15.1 million allocated to the waste management plan in this budget we're looking at initiatives that are doing that so the options to funding passable subject to funding uh past or at least uh for turning our green waste into compost which is a much more uh high value product for our gardens and our farmers but also to improve the resource recovery pad so that we have a safer environment for our workers and an easier place. To drop off your recycle recyclables like concrete. We look at our zero emissions and our. Desire under the climate change response plan to reduce council's emissions and this year we've managed to increase our standard allocation up to $738,000 and that's partially as a result of a funding grant for clean energy upgrades. Now we could talk about that in terms of reducing emissions but obviously most of those projects actually reduce our operating costs so it's really an efficiency grant. We then move on to things like the eastern beaches foreshore management plan. So while it might not be immediately obvious, we have significantly increased the operational funding for the implementation of that plan up to $170,000. We've also invested into $269,000 into Shire beach accesses and that's, you know, obviously the beaches are one of our most valued assets from both our community and our visitors and we really need to focus our attention on maintaining their quality. Promoter placemaking plan is once again, we've we're implementing that via those capital works projects like the footpaths in the last budget or the current budget but we've included in this budget the continuation of the quick winds budget of around 50k but also a native plant trail in the Cooroora Park. One of our biggest initiatives the last year has been the adoption of the Destination Management Plan and in our operational budget we have put in extra funds to start some of those actions that Council is responsible for but what we haven't been able to do what further an action which was thought to be a good thing by the majority of those who gave feedback and that was sixty six seven percent of people thought that paid parking with some form of resident exemption was a good idea now having just been to the blue mountains Council area which has introduced a paid parking for visitors with the residents currently exempt I think that's a really key consideration and I hope that when we come to later budget reviews this year we can actually put aside money to further investigate how we can start implementing that because there's other things that we haven't been able to afford to do. While we've been very successful in getting grants to implement the Noosa Trail master plan find the additional operating cost of this budget to actually maintain them and what we could easily see is that things that we can't afford at the moment can be could be funded easily if we have a form of income coming from our day-trippers and that's obviously what paid parking is an option for so overall I think we had a good job in furthering those strategies while trying to maintain our focus on minimising the rate rise to our minimum general rate holders and it's a that is the vast residents um this year you know as was mentioned we had a 37 increase in valuation but that valuation isn't even across the board uh some areas like rural uh properties went up to others uh not so much so we had to increase the value a property the unimproved land value up to over a million dollars now it's still being within a minimum general rate category um but we've also ensured that um other forms of investments such as uh the trend free rate is also contributing to the impact they have on our rate base and on it on our the use of our assets and that is one of the area where it's gone up above the 6.9 percent so overall I think we have got the balance right and um if we can implement what we plan to with the allocations in this budget I'm sure the community can be satisfied that we're progressing along their preferred priorities as outlined in all the strategies and plans and surveys that we've done in recent years. Frank Wilkie 52:55.481
Any other Councillors wish to speak? Amelia Lorentson 53:01.662
Excuse me. Before anything else I want to thank the officers in particular, mark and Zach and your team who prepared this budget. It's a significant body of work. Thank you also to my fellow Councillors and most importantly to the community. The people of Noosa place their trust in us to make good decisions with their money. And that trust is something, not any of us should take for granted. I'll be voting yes to support the budget today. Under the Local Government Act, without an adopted budget, Council can't lawfully spend, can't pay staff and can't deliver services. That obligation is reason of supporting this. But a yes vote doesn't mean I'm satisfied with the direction we're heading. It means that I think the right thing to do is to keep this organisation moving, while being honest about what needs to its numbers, the budget sounds great. A net surplus of $45.9 million, an operating surplus, an $84.4 million capital works program. Every financial sustainability ratio met. I do want to note that the capital program of $84.4 million is funded through grants, depreciation, reserves, borrowings and reserve transfer. It's not funded through I also want to acknowledge that this budget continues our investment in the environment, from the Environment Levy and bushfire resilience levy through to coastal foreshore works and bio-retention basin renewals. These are important commitments and I want to see them maintained, even as we get tougher on discretionary spending elsewhere. But I have five concerns that I would like on the record. First, infrastructure. Design standards. In April this year, the international scientific committee, responsible for the official united nations climate scenarios, retired its most extreme emissions pathways as implausible, substantially reducing the plausible worst case for sea level rise by 2100. I'm not raising this to debate climate policy. Risks are very policy. Real. I'm raising it because some of our upcoming coastal and infrastructure projects may still be designed to the now retired scenario. And if so, we could be spending more than we need to. I'd like Council to confirm our design standards have been reviewed in light of this change. Second, our long term asset position. Our own forecast projects, the assets. Sustainability ratio falling below the State government benchmark for several years, reaching 54.1% by 2030, 2031. If we're not keeping pace with infrastructure renewal, that cost doesn't disappear. It just shows up later as deferred maintenance, or as a future rate pressure. I want a credible long term asset strategy, not just annual compliance with ratios. Third, our exposure to external funding and external shocks. More than half our capital program, $42.6 million, comes from external grants, including $29.2 million in disaster recovery works. The commonwealth has recently announced plans to shift to a 50 / disaster recovery funding split. Queensland and the LGAQ are fighting it. But if it proceeds, we are directly exposed. And beyond that, this budget is also adopted in genuinely uncertain global environment. Shifting trade relationships, supply chain disruptions, construction sector inflation. These affect what we can deliver for every dollar we spend. I want genuine resilience. Into how we plan, not just ratios that look healthy on paper. Fourth, built purpose resorts. I've raised this before and I'll keep raising it are not the same as short-term accommodation generally and they shouldn't in my opinion be rated in a similar way and that disparity today remains unresolved and I'll keep pressing for it. Fifth, the fraud. Last year we confirmed that $1.7 million of rate-paced funds was lost, $2.3 million stolen, $640,000 recovered to an AI-driven social engineering attack. Council acknowledged that human error contributed to the failures in our internal controls. This budget is largely silent on what's changed to prevent it happening again. Ratepayers are absorbing an overall 9.1 per cent this increase this year. They deserve a clear account of the remediation that's been put in place. I also want to speak to my continuing concern about the sports inclusion officer and I want to say a little bit more than I did at the General Committee because I think this deserves to be said plainly rather than absorbed quietly into a budget line. Council's own sport for all report which was presented at General Committee last week sets out who we are talking about. A meeting age of.5 years in the Shire, well above the Queensland median. 36 of our population here in Noosa are aged 60 and over. 29.6% of residents are living with one-term health conditions. And 5.6% over 3,300 people in this Shire require assistance due to a profound or severe disability. That's not a marginal group. That's thousands of residents for whom the practical accessibility of this Shire is not a nice-to-have. It's the difference between participating in community life and being quietly excluded from it. The $70,000 role that engaged 25 clubs, inclusions, progressed 16 inclusion plans and trained almost 150 people hasn't been continued while 140,000 has been found for a social strategy. I understand the value of a strategy but a plan is not a person. It doesn't return a phone call. And it doesn't sit with a family and work out. What's actually possible for them. This is personal for me. Years ago, I advocated and fought for the all-access beach mat. Something that sounds really simple. I found funding through our wonderful MP Sandy Bolton and the extraordinary Tewantin Noosa Lions Club and yet it still wasn't supported until our former Mayor living herself with a disability understood why it mattered so much and backed me. I invite every Councillor in this room to join me at the next seahorse nipper program, a designed for children with disability. Come and speak to the families raising those children and ask them why and sports inclusion officer matters. Don't want the big plans and commitments. They want the practical work that makes this Shire usable for everyone who lives here. How we spend our money shows what we value. From the outside it could look like plans matter more than the people in the Shire. On this I think we have fallen short and I want that said plainly rather again absorbed quietly into. A budget line. I want to finish with something from yesterday. I met with residents from Cooroy. They didn't ask me about strategies, plans. They asked about roads, footpaths, rubbish collection and keeping rates down. I was able to tell them that this budget includes a $1.5 million for gravel road sealing and safety, proposed to continue for 10 years, subject to annual budget approval. That's real, but $1.5 million a year across a Shire of this size doesn't go very far. And that's exactly why getting our spending priorities right matters. So much. Those residents weren't asking for more spending. They were asking us to spend better. And I'm last I think we have a spending problem. Not in the sense that we're fiscally reckless, the numbers in this budget show that we're not. But over time, we've accumulated too many commitments, too many programs, too many projects that each have individual merit, but collectively crowd out the things people are actually asking. Roads, footpaths, rubbish, keeping rates down. We need to be willing to say no to defer things, to cut things and go back to the basics. And we need to do that with genuine long term thinking behind it. This is the second consecutive year of above inflation rate increases and the community's trust is not a blank check. The decisions now have consequences for the next Council and the one after that. We have an obligation not to defer hard decisions, not to push costs into the future, and not to leave the next group of elected representatives a set of problems we were too uncomfortable, comfortable to confront. Long term planning isn't a document on a shelf. It's a willingness to make difficult now so the community isn't paying for our board in Slater. I'm supporting this budget today because that's the right call. But a yes vote today for me is not a signal that I'm satisfied. It's a commitment from me that I will keep pushing for better. Frank Wilkie 01:03:15.036
Thank you. Councillor Lorentson. Any other Councillors wish to deliver that standing, I now move that Standing Orders be resumed. May I have a seconder? I Thank you, Councillor Phillips. All in favour? Yes. That's carried. Which brings us to item 4.5, which is the budget and 26/27 to 2035/36 long-term financial forecasts. And again, we have Acting Director Gatt. Welcome, Barbara. Thank you, Through the Chair. Margaret Gatt 01:03:52.542
Today, Council is fulfilling one of its most important responsibilities, adopting the annual budget. This sets council's financial direction for the next 12 months and underpins the delivery of essential services, infrastructure projects and community programs across our region. Under the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council is required to adopt a budget for each financial year. The budget before us today represents the result of careful planning, extensive analysis and alignment with our long-term goals as outlined in the Corporate Plan and our financial sustainability policy. The total recommended budget for the 26-27 year of $248 million is made up of $163.5 million in operating expenditure, which funds day-to services such as waste collection, parks and facilities, maintenance, customer service, community programs many more. $84.4 million in capital investments includes $27.5 million for asset renewals, $27.7 million for upgrades and new infrastructure projects, and $29.2 million of recovery works associated with recent natural disaster events, with these works being fully funded through the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. Excluding disaster recovery works council's capital investment for the '26 / '27 year is proposed as $55.2 million. Council continues to be impacted by the same inflationary pressures that our residents are experiencing. Rising costs across labour, asphalt, concrete, utilities, construction materials and service contracts. These cost pressures are also contributing to a flow on increase in depreciation expense. Despite these challenges, through prudent financial management, strong interest revenue, ongoing efforts to ensure our Fees and Charges fully reflect cost pricing and reduce costs, cross-subsidisation, today Council is presenting a balanced budget with a forecast operating surplus of a small $42,000. Council must report both its operating surplus from a service delivery and net result, which includes capital funding received from grants, subsidies, developers and other contributors. So the net result of $45.9 million includes government capital grants of $42.6 million for projects including recovery works of $29.2 million and the renewal of the Tewantin Doonella bridge at $3.9 million. Donated capital roads and stormwater assets of $1.6 million and capital monetary contributions The net result excludes capital expenditure as required under the accounting standards. However this funding ultimately to contributes the delivery of our capital works program. Over the 10-year outlook period, with the exception of the asset sustainability ratio, council's forecasted results are well within the bounds set by the Queensland state government and under the sustainability framework. Reflects. Ratio the makeup of council's forward capital works program with a significant focus on renewal works from 26-27 to 29-30 and it is worth noting that over the 10-year forecast period the average for this ratio is well within the Queensland state government benchmark. Council's asset management plans currently being updated with these improved plans to further inform council's future operating and capital works programs and in turn the asset sustainability ratio. I commend this budget to Council for formal consideration thank you. Any questions Councillors? Frank Wilkie 01:07:33.594
I'm happy to move it. We have a seconder. Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Any Councillors wish to speak? Councillor Wegener? Tom Wegener 01:07:44.074
Yeah I'd just like to congratulate and thank mark and Zach and the team for the hard work that they've done. I think we've heard from just about every Councillor that there is a concern that perhaps we're not keeping up with the asset management and things like that about three years ago one of the directors said gosh we've cut our budget to the bone and since then I think we've continued cutting in relation to the amount of expenses going up so although we're pulling in more money from rates and things we're not keeping up and that's something we've heard reflected here in the speeches today looking forward to this next year because I believe we're really going to have a good long hard look at the budget and start and review the process but also really look further into the future and have our 10 really look at our 10-year asset management plan which is I think really going to be helpful for the next year's budget and for at least in the long term so Thank you. Higgins. Councillor Finzel. Frank Wilkie 01:08:43.902
Thank you. So yes Councillor Wilson after Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:08:48.502
Oh sure okay thank you um good afternoon Mr Mayor, Councillors, executive staff and members of the Noosa community. You for coming together today as we share the Noosa Shire Council budget. Through the Chair I'd like to express my thanks to the Mayor and Councillors around the table, the CEO and the staff who've committed to a time frame to deliver this. The budget is difficult at this time given there's the global pressures, fiscal policies, high debt and rising risks everywhere and I think that's reflected. The challenges that have faced us before us today. But however the beauty of this Noosa Shire and its community is one about resilience. As a long-term residence here this budget reflects more than numbers on a page. It reflects what we value as a community, the choices we make together and the future we wanted to create for Noosa. When we think about Noosa we know it is so much a place. It is a coastline we protect, the landscapes we cherish and the villages we connect. The stories we carry and the people who make this community feel like home. As we look ahead, we recognise that many people are navigating challenging times, including myself and others around the table. We all live here, we play here, we raise our families here and those pressures on our household budgets are experienced by each and every one of us. Rising living costs, housing pressures, global uncertainty, supply chain disruptions. Increasing costs of delivering services are challenges affecting family, business and Council alike. This is why this has been a time together spent over many workshops of careful planning, responsible financial management matters, including our commitment that we've heard around the table today to continue robustly looking at our policies, strategies and what informs our expenditure. We are all committed here to continuous growth and rigorously unpacking the status quo. Our financial policies underpin the 26-27 budget, supporting the Noosa Corporate Plan and of course, most importantly, sitting at the heart and centre of that is the voice of our people. Guiding sustainable investment, responsible resource management and decisions that protect community priorities, strengthen resilience and deliver long-term value for our residents now and into the future. Financial sustainability is not simply balancing the budget. It is about creating the capacity to continue delivering the things that matter most to our community and I think we've heard that around the table today as each Councillor has represented the people in their community and as we all do together. It is about maintaining roads, parks, facilities and public spaces. Protecting our natural environment and investing in the places where people gather, connect and create memories. It is about recognising that well-being is built through community connection, our environment, arts, and the environment. Culture, heritage and shared spaces all contribute to the identity and sense of belonging that make Noosa unique the strongest decisions in my opinion come from listening while navigating unprecedented change and facilitating equity through the real human struggle that affects us all meaningful community engagement helps Council understand the priorities ideas and concerns of residents businesses community groups and the Traditional Custodians by working together we can ensure decisions reflect local values and the aspirations of the people who call Noosa home when we listen to each other trust grows when we work together stronger outcomes are achieved as we look to the future there will always be challenges but there is also great opportunity when a community comes together with a shared purpose our future is shaped by all of us through the conversations we have the choices we make and the care we show for this place and for one another together I believe we can continue to create a Noosa that is connected sustainable inclusive and strong underpinned by the commitment that each one of these Councillors who've been elected to this position commit to this Shire and their roles daily a place where people feel they belong where our environment is valued where and future generations can proudly say this is home. Thank you everyone. Frank Wilkie 01:14:16.148
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:14:21.808
Thank you. I will speak in support of the motion and budget, but just also wanted to make a few points. Thank you Councillor Lorentson for reminding me of one of these. I do want to see changes in the way that we treat managed resorts and I have been talking about this. Becoming a Councillor, I don't believe resorts should be treated as an SCA and I really hope that in this budget we were going to be able to Resolve that issue and separate them out into their own category. We want tourists in accommodation. We want them out of the residential zones and houses. So these ratepayers shouldn't all be treated the same. Those resort owners are paying a minimum of three thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars per year on the transitory rate. Other than it's great that we're in a strong position and can deliver a surplus especially with low debt but being financially sustainable doesn't simply mean pushing rates up every year to keep covering increased expenses so I do want to see a full review of operations and I will keep questioning our expenses and our priorities that's it thanks Frank Wilkie 01:15:30.175
Thank you Councillor Wilson anybody else wish to speak to the motion I'll close I'd like to use this opportunity to again express thanks for our hard-working executive team and especially Acting Director for corporate services Margaret Gatt and financial services manager Zach you put us you've provided opportunity for us to rigorously debate I think was over a hundred staff and Council initiatives that could have been included in this budget but were rigorously debated and looked at and challenged. And so we've ended up only with very few initiatives that are basically following through on things that we'd already started and through the process about Councillors were very focused on making sure that what we funded were the things that the community did want and asked us documents for. And we've got documented evidence of that through the liveability survey, community customer satisfaction survey, and what the community tell us every day. They want their money spent on roads, better waste facility services, diverting waste from landfills so we keep the costs down at that facility. Also parks, gardens. Walking and cycling, libraries, facilities. There's very little money spent on things that the community has not asked us for and I think everyone around this table has been very focused in that regard and that's why we've ended up with the budget which in other times might be described as back to basics or no frills because there's very little waste anyway and we focused on what we know the community has asked us for. And we're always open to reviewing our processes. This whole eight to ten budget workshop process was very rigorous in itself and policies that underpin the way the budget is shaped is always under scrutiny and I'm sure in the lead up to next year's budget we're going to be doing that. We also had rigorous discussion around STA, how we treat them, owned and managed resorts. We were able to give special on-site managed resorts a special reduction in local laws fees. It's only a fraction of what they're charged to whole house short-term accommodation properties. So, and we all have an understanding that are levied at a higher rate because we all agreed through the Destination Management Plan and other policy decisions that we wanted to find more ways in which to have visitors contribute to the upkeep of our infrastructure. Ease the burden on a our residential ratepayers. And despite increasing costs and a state land valuation increase that averaged 37 across the Shire and in some areas was over 100 we've managed through being quite hard and disciplined and focused in reducing the minimum general rate increase to 6.9% or $2.58 per week. And as Councillor Wilson said, residents can access services, the full services that local governments provide for less than $40 a week, which is very good value. And as we know, local governments only collect 3 of the total tax take and need to provide 33 services with that, so we do a very conscious spending the money out in the community on the services, facilities that the community has been asking for with very little waste and it's very difficult and not everyone got what they wanted for this budget, that's for sure. But today is not about us, it's all about the community and I commend this budget as the fruits of the work that every Councillor around this table has done and the staff in service of this community. You. We put the motion. Those in favour? Aye. Yes. That's unanimous. The motion's carried. There is no confidential session. Item 6, meeting closure. Declare the meeting closed at 2:22pm. Thank you everybody for the work you've done and another annual budget. Well done. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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