General Committee Meeting, 17 April 2023
Date: Monday, 17 April 2023 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 03:46:23
Synopsis: Short-term accommodation approved with conditions, Tourist Accommodation Zone Review advanced to State review, Tourism Noosa deed strengthened with reporting and alignment, Budget surplus improved.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Joe Jurisevic Amelia Lorentson Clare Stewart Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Executive Officers
Larry Sengstock, Acting Ceo & Director Infrastructure Services Trent Grauf, Acting Director Corporate Services Kim Rawlings, Director Environment &Sustainable Development AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Closed meeting for commercial/legal items under s254J(3)(j) and (g), later re-opened; rationale tied to proposed contract and State Interest Review matters (00:28; Minutes 7 Confidential Session). Amelia Lorentson: Centralised Legal Services Trial advanced: budget consideration for an in-house Legal Officer; invite-to-quote for a panel firm; further report before agreement (01:39; Minutes 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Tourist Accommodation Zone Review (Amendment 2A) to Noosa Plan 2020 progressed to State Interest Review as addendum to Amendment 2; CEO authorised for minor admin changes; public consultation to follow post-State review (01:39:55; Minutes 7.2). Joe Jurisevic: Approved MCU22/0209 STA at 515 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tinbeerwah with conditions; vote carried 6–1 (Wegener against) (01:44:48; Minutes 5.1). Kim Rawlings: Confirmed STA is consistent with rural zone under current scheme; site setbacks >100m; dam fencing not required under Building Act; impact-assessable due to lot Patrick Murphy: Conditions: max 5 bedrooms, 8 guests, 9pm outdoor curfew; nearest dwelling ~160m; monitoring and enforcement via local law/planning if advertised/used beyond limits (01:43:37–01:52:11; Minutes 5.1). Frank Wilkie: Executed Tourism Noosa Funding & Performance Deed (2+2 years), with quarterly reporting and DMP linkage; funds confirmed for FY24–FY25 subject to deed (02:02–02:05; Minutes 5.2). Brian Stockwell: Amendment to require TN to consider/respect Council aspirations in Corporate Plan/strategies prior to DMP adoption PASSED; earlier amendment tying future funding to DMP response LOST (02:22–02:44; Minutes 5.2 Amendments 1–2). Brian Stockwell: Contract CN00311 awarded to Sunshine Civil Solutions Pty Ltd for Golden Gully Rd culvert replacements $1,190,773 ex GST; CEO to negotiate final contract (03:20:14; Minutes 6.1). Pauline: Budget Review 2: operating position improves by $0.88m to $0.162m surplus; capex net decrease to $56.6m with deferrals (e.g., Garth Prowd Bridge); all sustainability ratios met (03:22–03:27; Minutes 6.2). Pauline: Financial Performance to March: operating revenue +$5.8m (rates, interest, grants, holiday parks); legal spend $1.0m of $1.5m; cash holdings $116m with higher term-deposit returns (03:39–03:42; Minutes 6.3). Contentious / Transparency Matters Frank Wilkie: Use of confidential session justified by commercial sensitivity and State Interest Review confidentiality; later decisions recorded in open session (01:38:28; Minutes 7). Tom Wegener: Opposed STA approval citing 4ha acceptable outcome and amenity risks, arguing learnings on STA impacts should inform assessment despite consistency (01:45–01:49; Minutes 5.1 vote split). Amelia Lorentson: Sought legal/Tourism Noosa consultation on amendment wording before Ordinary Meeting; concern to finalise this month for staff certainty (02:14–02:17; Minutes 5.2). Councillors: Debate on explicitly tying funding to DMP vs collaboration already embedded in deed; one amendment lost, a narrower pre-DMP alignment clause adopted (02:10–02:23; Minutes 5.2). Public reporting: Funding deed shifts from MOU to enforceable contract with quarterly reporting and ad hoc reporting within ~10 days on request, enhancing oversight (02:09:07; Minutes 5.2). Legal / Risk Planning Act 2016: STA application impact-assessable due to sub-4ha lot; assessment satisfied performance outcomes on character/amenity given buffers and conditions (01:43:37; Minutes 5.1). Building Act: No statutory requirement to fence private dams; Council could consider as discretionary condition but did not mandate (01:41:50; Minutes 5.1 conditions). Local Laws & Enforcement: Non-compliance on guest caps/ads triggers compliance steps (engagement, local law amendment/cancellation, planning enforcement) (01:51:07; Minutes 5.1). Funding Deed: Legally binding; CEO authorised minor changes; explicit pre-DMP alignment clause reduces interpretive risk; quarterly performance reporting improves probity (02:09–02:18; Minutes 5.2). Procurement: Legal services insourcing trial to run invitation-to-quote for a broad-scope external firm; budget bid for Legal Officer centralising matters within Governance (01:39; Minutes 7.1). QRA Grants: Flood works within fixed scope; variations require QRA negotiation; fish passage upgrades must meet DAF design standards, mitigating environmental compliance risk (03:17–03:19; Minutes 6.1). Conflicts of Interest Clare Stewart: Declarable COI (friendship with TN Director Leigh McCready); left and did not return (01:53–01:55; Minutes 5.2 COI). Karen Finzel: Declarable COI (Future Noosa 2020 campaign involvement with Leigh McCready); left and did not return (01:55:48; Minutes 5.2 COI). Brian Stockwell: Declarable COI (IC EO inquiry re Future Noosa claims incl. McCready); Council resolved he could participate; he did not vote on that resolution (01:56–01:57; Minutes 5.2 COI decision). Short Term Accommodation / Planning Scheme Kim Rawlings: STA anticipated as consistent in rural zone under Noosa Plan 2020; contrast with medium/high density refusals where higher-order conflicts arose; not applicable here (01:42:36–01:43:20; Minutes 5.1). Patrick Murphy: Only one properly made submission; site on busy arterial; conditions aimed at amenity protection incl. curfew and occupancy cap (01:52:08; Minutes 5.1). Council: Advanced Tourist Accommodation Zone Review (Amendment 2A) through Planning Act Part 3 Div 2 pathway to State review, then community consultation (01:39:55; Minutes 7.2). Environmental Concerns Julie: Culvert works include fish passage compliance and design enhancements (wing walls) to reduce scouring; QRA negotiation underway to fund improvements (03:18–03:19; Minutes 6.1). Brian Stockwell: Noted disaster recovery reliance on State/QRA; highlights fiscal exposure if frequency/magnitude of events increase (03:33:37–03:34:26; Minutes 6.3 context). Budget, Assets & Financial Performance Pauline: Capex adjustments reflect emergent works (Noosa Parade, Beckmans Rd, David Low Way) and deferrals (e.g., Garth Prowd Bridge $2.9m) (03:24–03:25; Minutes 6.2). Pauline: Asset revaluation increased land and other assets (~$200m PPE uplift); landfill provision up ~$8m driving provisions to ~$24m (03:28:47–03:31:13; Minutes 6.2). Council: Interest income materially above budget given higher rates; legal budget likely underspent (03:39:06–03:42:59; Minutes 6.3). Julie: Conservative revenue budgeting to avoid deficits; caution on cyclicality (holiday parks) and softer DA/building activity; diversification reduces rate reliance (03:42:59–03:46:14; Minutes 6.3). Tourism Noosa Governance & Strategy Kim Rawlings: New deed codifies quarterly reporting, plan approvals, and Council-requested ad hoc info; TN to develop 4-year strategic plan by Dec 2023, to be agreed by Council (02:00:57–02:10:01; Minutes 5.2). Councillors: DMP will align with Corporate Plan and relevant strategies; pre-DMP clause guides TN to respect Council aspirations now (02:27:03–02:29:28; Minutes 5.2 Amendment No.2). Frank Wilkie: Emphasised continued marketing to avoid “Colorado effect”; focus on high-value, values-aligned visitors; TN already leading on Plastic Free Noosa (02:02–02:06; 02:35:09–02:36:36; Minutes 5.2).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 17 April 2023 12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair) Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson, Clare Stewart, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Clare Stewart Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Larry Sengstock, Acting CEO & Director Infrastructure Services Trent Grauf, Acting Director Corporate Services Kim Rawlings, Director Environment &Sustainable Development APOLOGIES Nil 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 13 March 2023 be received and confirmed. Carried Unanimously 3. PRESENTATIONS Nil 4. DEPUTATIONS Nil 7. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(j) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing a contract proposed to be made by Council and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to that contract for Item 7.1 and (g) GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 negotiations relating to a commercial matter involving the local government for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government for Item 7.2. Carried Unanimously RE-OPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried Unanimously. 7.1. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - CENTRALISED LEGAL SERVICES TRIAL (REFERRED FROM S&O 11 APRIL 23) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 11 April 2023 regarding HWL Ebsworth Lawyers legal insourcing trial and: A. Refer for budget consideration a Legal Officer Role within Governance to centralise all legal matters for the Council; B. To inform the budget process, undertake an "invitation to quote" process to procure a suitable legal firm that can provide a broad scope of legal advice and take legal action on behalf of the Council; C. A further report be provided to the Council in relation to the feasibility of a Legal Officer and outcomes of the invitation to quote process, seeking approval from the Council to proceed prior to entering into any agreement. Carried Unanimously. 7.2. TOURIST ACCOMMODATION ZONE REVIEW -PROPOSED AMENDMENT 2A TO NOOSA PLAN 2020 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the confidential report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 April 2023 regarding the Tourist Accommodation zone review and: GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 A. Propose to amend Noosa Plan 2020 in accordance with this report and Attachments, in accordance with Part 3 Division 2 of the Planning Act 2016; B. Submit proposed Amendments 2A to Noosa Plan 2020 to the Chief Executive, State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning for the purpose of State Interest Review as an addendum to proposed Amendment 2 endorsed by Council on 31 January 2023 currently under review by the state; C. Authorise the CEO to make any further minor administrative changes necessary to proposed Amendment 2A to Noosa Plan 2020 for the purpose of State Interest Review; D. Note that following State Interest Review a report will be submitted to Council on the proposed Amendment 2A to Noosa Plan 2020 for endorsement for the purpose of community consultation and public notification. Carried Unanimously. 5. ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES 5.1. MCU22/0209 APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 515 COOROY NOOSA ROAD, TINBEERWAH (REFERRED FROM P&E 11 APRIL 2023) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Development Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 April 2023 regarding Application No. MCU22/0209 for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use – Short Term Accommodation situated at 515 Cooroy Noosa Road, Tinbeerwah and: A. Approve the application in accordance with the conditions listed in Attachment 1. B. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Joe Jurisevic, Cr Amelia Lorentson, For: Cr Clare Stewart, Cr Brian Stockwell Against: Cr Tom Wegener Carried. 5.2. TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AGREEMENT (REFERRED FROM S&O 11 APRIL 2023) In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stewart provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Stewart, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 Leigh McCready, a Director of Tourism Noosa is a personal friend. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Cr Stewart left the meeting and did not return to the meeting for any further items. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Finzel provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as Leigh McCready, a Director of Tourism Noosa, was involved with my 2020 election campaign with Future Noosa, which is no longer an entity. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Cr Finzel left the meeting and did not return to the meeting for any further items. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stockwell provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Stockwell, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as on 24 February 2020 I sought a review by the Independent Council Election Observer (ICEO) as to the public claims of the Future Noosa Team, of which Leigh McCready was publicly identified as a Campaign Manager. Leigh McCready is a Director of Tourism Noosa. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because the ICEO review was an advisory service, not a statutory process, and my queries at that time were in the public interest and neither I nor Ms McCready stood to personally gain or lose from that advice. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Stockwell and determine that it is in the public interest that Cr Stockwell participates and votes on this matter because Council believes that a reasonable person could not have a perception of bias because the ICEO review was an advisory service, not a statutory process, and Cr Stockwell’s queries at that time were in the public interest and neither he nor Ms McCready stood to personally gain or lose from that advice and therefore a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest. Carried Unanimously. Cr Stockwell did not vote on the above motion. Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 11 April 2023 regarding the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed and A. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to execute the Funding and Performance Deed provided at Attachment 1 to the Report; B. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make minor changes to the Funding and Performance Deed as required; and C. Confirm the release of funds as per the report for the 2024 and 2025 Financial Years. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Stockwell Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That B be amended to read: B. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make minor changes to the Funding and Performance Deed prior to executing the Deed as required; including i. Adding a new clause in Schedule 1 2. 1. (d) stating that “TN understands and acknowledges that any future funding will be reliant on TN responding to the outcomes of the DMP to Council's satisfaction.” For: Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilkie Against: Cr Joe Jurisevic, Cr Amelia Lorentson and Cr Tom Wegener Lost Amendment No.2 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic Adding a new clause i) to item B) i) Adding to the deed, a requirement that prior to the completion and adoption of the DMP, TN must consider and respect key aspirations and positions of Council articulated in the Corporate Plan and stated in relevant strategies and plans as part of the development of Tourism Noosa's Strategic Plan, Marketing Plan and Events Strategy. “ Carried Unanimously. Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 11 April 2023 regarding the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed and A. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to execute the Funding and Performance Deed provided at Attachment 1 to the Report; B. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make changes to the Funding and Performance Deed prior to executing the Deed as required; including i. Adding to the deed, a requirement that prior to the completion and adoption of the DMP, TN must consider and respect key aspirations and positions of Council articulated in the Corporate Plan and stated in relevant strategies and plans as part of the development of Tourism Noosa's Strategic Plan, Marketing Plan and Events Strategy. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 C. Confirm the release of funds as per the report for the 2024 and 2025 Financial Years. Carried Unanimously. 6. REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 6.1. CONTRACT NO. CN00311 - FLOOD RECONSTRUCTION - GOLDEN GULLY ROAD - CULVERT REPLACEMENTS Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That Council note the report by the Disaster Reconstruction Coordinator to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 April 2023, and: A. Award Contract No. CN00311 for Golden Gully Road Culvert Replacements to Sunshine Civil Solutions Pty Ltd for a lump sum price of $1,190,773 (excluding GST); B. Authorise the CEO to negotiate the final contract with Sunshine Civil Solutions Pty Ltd. Carried Unanimously. 6.2. BUDGET REVIEW 2 (BR2) FOR THE 2022/23 FINANCIAL YEAR Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 April 2023 and approve the proposed changes to the budget for the 2022/23 financial year as outlined in the revised Budget Financial Statements attached to the report. Carried Unanimously. 6.3. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – APRIL 2023 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 April 2023 outlining March 2023 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 APRIL 2023 Carried Unanimously 8. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 4.29pm.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
Welcome everybody to the General Committee Meeting for April 2023. We have all Councillors in attendance, though we have someone to confirm the Minutes of the last General Committee Meeting. Please that's Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That's carried. Wait a minute, do we have to vote online? Joe Jurisevic 00:19.061
Yeah, we just did. You don't to vote online, on this, on Unidentified Speaker 00:24.181
This, no, no, okay, we're not, Because uploading online, Gary. Don't You can't make it online, that's okay. Frank Wilkie 00:29.723
I'd also like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land which we've gathered, which is the Kabi Kabi or gabi people. I respect the elders past, present, and emerging. We have no presentations. Deputations. There has been a change to the agenda. The confidential sessions are now up first. We now ask. Confidential session to handle the centralised legal and services trial with move from Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Amelia Lorentson. All in favour? It's carried. Frank Wilkie 01:38:24.472
You ready to report back to us? If you've recorded that motion you go back out. Okay, we're ready to go. Okay. Welcome everybody. We're back in an open session. The reason for going to confidential session was consideration of centralised legal services trial. The information there contains some confidential private details. And also there is a. Accommodations are in review for proposed amendments which go into the State for a state interest check and remain confidential if they come back for public consultation. We go to the motion for the centralised legal services trial which is before it's moved. Councillor Lorentson seconded by Councillor Jurisevic. Wish to speak to the motion. Amelia Lorentson 01:39:20.519
No I'm very excited to see this report in front of us. Can't really say much about it but I look forward to the oncoming report coming back to Council. Frank Wilkie 01:39:35.350
Thank you. Anybody else wish to speak the motion? Put the motion those in favour? That's carried. Next item, Tourism Accommodation Zone review proposal. Proposed amendment 2A to the Noosa Plan 2020. Happy to move it. That's moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any Councillors wish to speak to the motion? I'll put the motion to those in favour. Let's Joe Jurisevic 01:40:19.041
Let's yeah, Amelia. Frank Wilkie 01:40:22.001
Okay now we go back to the agenda and we're now up to items referred from the committee. Councillor Jurisevic, push on. Yes. So the next item is the MCU22/0209 application for Material Change of Use for short-term accommodation of 515 Cooroy, Noosa, Tinbeerwah, referred from the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting. Kim, would you come up? I asked Patrick, didn't I? Well, well, Patrick Oh, that's great. Thank you. Thanks, Joe. You. Campaign so, Ken, the application for us is consistent with the current planning scheme? Yes, that's correct, Councillor Wilkie. And its current use, its former use was as a restaurant? It has plenty of setbacks from adjacent problems? Yes. There was some concern around last week about the dam in the backyard, in the back paddock. Does that need to be fenced off to make it safe? A STA. Kim Rawlings 01:42:06.434
No, there isn't. A requirement for the dam to be fenced. It's not treated the same as a swimming pool, even though it is a body of water. Under the legislation, the building act, it's not required to be fenced. So no, it's not a legal requirement obviously up to Council whether that's something they want to be considered. Frank Wilkie 01:42:31.296
And it is in the rural residential zone, correct? Yes. Rural zone. The rural zone. And under the current planning scheme, STAs are consistent with using the rural zone. Kim Rawlings 01:42:41.670
And they have no conflict with elements of the lucifer miscale. Terms of ensuring that it's not in conflict with. That's right. At the time of the drafting of the Noosa Plan, short-term accommodation was anticipated as consistent use in the rural zone. Frank Wilkie 01:42:59.537
There were some recommendations from staff about approvals for SGA's in the medium and high density zone. They were also recommended for refusal even though it was a consistent use because of conflict with high orders apply in this instance. That's correct. Joe Jurisevic 01:43:18.986
I'll just clarify, comment my day made there by Councillor Wilkie. I believe I understand that the property has had a number of commercial activities there in past, not just sure, yes. Thank you. Patrick Murphy 01:43:31.770
Could you give on us a bit of an update? I can, sorry. Things move pretty quick. Okay, so the side site of 515 Cooroy Noosa Road is on a rural zone property. The site is 2.9.93 hectares in area. Because it doesn't meet the 4 hectare size requirement, it becomes an impact-assessable application opposed to being code-assessable. There's also a provision in the Visitor Accommodation Code regarding it's an acceptable outcome around the lot size being 4 hectares. It obviously doesn't meet corresponding performance outcome is around the character of the area and the amenity We consider that this proposal would not detrimentally impact upon those. It's noted that the nearest property is 160 metres away on the other side of Cooroy Noosa Road. So the eastern side of the site is a Council reserve, so there's a significant buffer between the site and the adjoining dwellings to the east. And again, it's recommended for approval, subject to conditions, five bedrooms, limited to eight people, and with a 9pm curfew on outside areas being used. Frank Wilkie 01:44:41.782
Questions, Councillors? Moved Anyone care to remove the recommendation? I'll move. By Councillor Jurisevic. Seconded by Finzel. Kinsale, do you have a motion? Joe Jurisevic 01:44:57.840
Reasons outlined in the report, acknowledging it's also on very busy major thoroughfare into and out of the region, I'm happy to support staff recommendations. Tom Wegener 01:45:12.217
As you know, I have a very hard time getting past the assessment tables, so the first thing you look at when looking at these things in an application is you go to the assessment tables, and the assessment table says straight away, located on a site with an area of at least four hectares. And so it says if there's a problem from the assessment tables, you look at the first rural residential code, and the visitor accommodation works codes. And then, I went back to look at the, well, Pat Patrick, by the way, it's a great report, and Patrick is very, very helpful for me, in learning more about the planning scheme, but it says, "Where there's inconsistency between provisions of the following rules apply: B, relevant codes are specified in schedule 6 and 10 of the regulation. So we go to the rural zone code, which is 6, which is part 6, and this is where we look at what's acceptable on higher level, and it says that you could use a visitor accommodation when it complements rural uses and promotes sustainable use of rural land. Houses or outbuildings may be available-term guests where there is no resultant change to the rural amenity. Nature-based tourism is exemplary, is okay. Home-based businesses which added the economic sustainability of the hinterland are established where nature, scale, and intensity of the activity is compatible with the character and amenity of the surrounding locality. And again, later down it says a PO does not detract from rural amenity and adjoining properties. And looking at what we've learned from the planning scheme, we know that short-term accommodation affects amenity. That's the one thing we have learned in our experiences with short-term accommodation, that learning was not around when the planning scheme was actually written. And so the question is, do you look at the intent of the planning scheme when was written, or at it with learnings that have become very blatantly obvious to us now? And to me, it just seems very, very clear that if amenity, if you're circling on amenity, and the rural residential code, and the or other the assessment tables, if they all say four hectares, that's it. Well, and then if other axis is amenity, well, I don't believe that the amenity not be impacted. And think that this would have been very, very helpful under, you know, applicable under the nature code, underneath the nature-based tourism code, that would be spectacular, because we received a very nice letter from the owner, and I thought, gosh, you know, it pains me, because he wants to do a nature-based bicycle that uses for bicyclers, and a place for bicyclers to stay as they go through the trails, which is fantastic, and that is exactly what we would like, but that could be conditioned if a nature-based tourism business rather than the very wide open STA in the hinterland, turning basically a rural property into a potential or affect the amenity of the area. So I can't get past, I just can't, it says four hectares minimum, that. So I won't be supporting this. Whitton. Joe Jurisevic 01:49:23.390
I'll raise the question. And thank you Councillor Wegener. Given that it has, that property has had commercial use in the past, and something like nature based tourism is a commercial operation, would they have pre-existing use rights of commercial activities in the past to continue in that vein? Patrick Murphy 01:49:44.034
They would have existing use rights if they hadn't abandoned the use, but it would also be existing use rights for the activity that was being undertaken. So just by virtue of the fact that it's a commercial activity doesn't mean that you can do any commercial activity. Frank Wilkie 01:49:58.830
It would have to be the same type of activity. That's right. Joe Jurisevic 01:50:02.530
On that property, seeing as it's been some time since commercial activities have been undertaken, has that commercial use been abandoned? It's my understanding that yes to clarify that. Thank you. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:50:15.687
It's just a question of clarification, so I think Councillor Wegener suggested it has to be four hectares and that's it. My understanding, please correct me if I'm wrong, is true that it's four hectares is an acceptable solution, so that's just one example of how to achieve performance outcomes, is that right? Not the only example? Patrick Murphy 01:50:35.563
That's correct, Councillor. Amelia Lorentson 01:50:37.860
Can I ask a question? Patrick, the condition of the approval is that the total number of guests accommodated at any one time must not exceed eight. One of the submitters noted that for 15 people in six bedrooms. My question is how do we manage that in fact only eight people occupy the property and what is the Patrick Murphy 01:51:08.801
Need to monitor the property and that would include if we were to issue an approval on this site to look at the advertising platforms to ensure that it wasn't being advertised for more than the eight people if was being utilised or eight people then we would seek to have a conversation with the owner at First Point to bring them into compliance. A local law approval would also be required that would identify number of people that the site would be limited to there's an opportunity to you know seek to amend suspend or cancel so there's that Avenue under the local law approval but also under the planning approval. Would be a mechanism to take enforcement proceedings should that be required. Amelia Lorentson 01:51:56.651
And in terms of submitters, so it went to public notifications, impact assessable because it didn't hit the four hectares and over. How many submissions were there? Was one submission. Properly made submission. Informal or not properly made submissions, how many were there? Patrick Murphy 01:52:19.507
I believe it was only the one, but I could clarify that. I would need to clarify that for you. Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 01:52:26.767
Sorry, just to clarify, that was one of the neighbours? Patrick Murphy 01:52:29.750
It wasn't a directly abiding neighbour, it east, so you have the reserve, and it was beyond that. Frank Wilkie 01:52:36.552
Bye bye. Alright, thank you. Okay, council's received permission to close? No, I think it's all been said. Okay, I hope the motion goes in favour. That's Councillor Jurisevic, Finzel, Stewart, Stockwell, Lawrence, and Wilkie. Against? Councillor Wegener, and that is carried. Thank you Patrick. We now come to the next item, which is another item referred from the committee, which is the Tourism Noosa funding agreement. Stewart. I have a comment. Thank you Councillor Wegener. Clare Stewart 01:53:26.306
In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I. Councillor Stewart informed the meeting that I have declared a conflict of interest to this matter as Leigh McCready, a Director of Tourism Noosa is a friend. Amelia Lorentson 01:53:38.519
As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while this matter is considered and voted on. Thank you. Ms Stewart. I won't and I'm leaving the meeting right away so thank you very much Ms Stewart. Karen Finzel 01:54:16.100
Meeting yes, I Councillor Finzel inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. Joe Jurisevic 01:54:23.363
Second. Hang on, that was. As I have. Yeah, no, that's the wrong one. Yeah, second. Thank just talk about yourselves. You know how you do it. Frank Wilkie 01:54:42.200
Just despise yourself. Amelia Lorentson 01:55:25.700
Let's take a look at this one. Thank you. That should be on Karen Finzel 01:55:36.940
My previous table. Thanks, Mr Chair. I, Councillor Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter, as Leigh McCready, the Director of Tourism Noosa, was involved with my 2020 election campaign with Future Noosa, which is no longer an entity. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Frank Wilkie 01:56:07.900
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Brian Stockwell 01:56:18.920
I, too, wish to inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. As on 24 February 2020, I saw review by the Independent Council Election Observer as to the public claims of the Future Noosa Team, of which Leigh McCready was publicly identified as a campaign manager. Leigh McCready is a Noosa I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias, because the ICEO review was an advisory service, not a statutory process, and my queries at the time were in the public and neither I nor Ms. McCready stood to personally gain or lose from that advice. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room, however I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Joe Jurisevic 01:57:01.704
Move that Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Stockwell and determines in the public interest that Councillor Stockwell participates and votes on this matter because Council believes that a reasonable person could not have a perception of bias because the ICEO review was an advisory service not a statutory service and Councillor stockwell's queries at the time were in the public interest and neither he nor Ms. McCready stood to personally gain or lose from the advice and therefore a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made Frank Wilkie 01:57:29.927
No, Joe Jurisevic 01:57:34.307
I think we've gone through this several times in regard to this matter and I think it's all been discussed before. Frank Wilkie 01:57:38.528
A motion and a favour. That's carried unanimously and Councillor Stockwell has not voted. For the benefit of those who may be listening, could you report us through the report we have before us for the funding agreement? Kim Rawlings 01:58:03.745
Just noting this is a report by our CEO, and in his absence I'm stepping in. Yes. So the today is recommend a funding and performance deed with the Tourism Noosa. Our current funding arrangements with Tourism Noosa is due to expire mid this year, so we've been for the last number of months in negotiations with Tourism Noosa about the next funding arrangement. The current funding deed arrangement is done by an MOU. What's on the table today for Council consideration is a change in the approach from an MOU to a funding and performance deed. It's been through a legal review and been negotiated with Tourism Noosa over the last couple of months. The deed outlines very clearly obligations and Tourism Noosa, as Council is the primary funder of Tourism Noosa. There are very specific requirements for Tourism Noosa and both parties in this arrangement to meet over the proposed time frame. The recommendation is for a two plus arrangement, but there are some milestones and gateways in that need to be met before Council would commit to annual funding. The recognises that Council is in the process of developing a Destination Management Plan, and that once complete, will inform the future direction. Our partnership with our main tourism body, Noosa, and that would inform future negotiations and funding arrangements. Tom Wegener 02:00:06.874
So, in the 4.2 strategic operations plan, by December 31st, 2023, Tourism Noosa will implement a four-year strategic plan, which incorporates the priorities and obligations and performance measures set out as scheduled. One of the needs, considering that there's a Destination Management Plan, will there be time for them to actually fulfil this requirement while waiting for Kim Rawlings 02:00:45.306
So.2 specifies that Tourism Noosa need to have their strategic plan in place by that time that incorporates the performance outcomes and objectives in schedule 1. So they've got all the information they need to be able to do that and my understanding is they've already started their strategic planning process well will note that in the schedule though on at priority one it then subsequently says that Council is preparing a Destination Management Plan and at the point that complete we would get back around the table and consider what that means and if that means any change or any further incorporation into tourism noosa's strategic plan or direction that would also happen at that time we that's we are in the process of preparing a Discussion Paper at the moment that will come to Council and to the Project Control Group in the next month that Discussion Paper is on the issues around the Destination Management Plan it will go out for broad community consultation following that process that all of that information will then inform development of where our hope is that we have complete by later this year Unidentified Speaker 02:02:46.329
There are there are some clauses in it that relate to where the funding may change but that's based on default and things like that. Frank Wilkie 02:02:54.549
For the sake of getting things moving I'll move the motion. I'll second the motion. Second Councillor Lorentson. I support this recommendation. This will give Tourism Noosa some funding certainty. For at least two years, they've performed their role very, very well in the last 20 years in marketing Noosa and positioning it as a destination choice for the high yield. Tremor the strategy has always been to target interstate and overseas tourists who tend to spend more and don't drive. There's the Destination Management Plan is the opportunity to fine tune the role of tourism in Noosa and redefine it. But Noosa but tourism Noosa's still haven't been able execute over the next two years and certainly in the short-term to keep promoting Noosa as we recover from COVID to let the world know that the borders are open and noosa's here for them to enjoy. I am informed by the case study of Colorado. For those who might be questioning whether Tourism Noosa ought to be continued to be funded because Noosa seems to be going so well. It's a story of complacency. Colorado decided at the height of its success as a destination to discontinue funding its market tourism body and within three years it had lost 30 of market share worth $1.3 billion. They decided re-instigate funding again in the year 2000 but it wasn't until 2015 that they recovered their market share. So it's a lesson of yes, Noosa, the visited dependent sector economy, seems to be doing well, better than pre-COVID levels. It's not an invitation to be complacent at this time. The community will decide the sort of destination that we'd like Noosa to become in the future, what sort of visitor experience we'd offer, what the residents could be, and Tourism Noosa. Will have a role to play in that. But in the meantime, this gives Tourism Noosa funding. Certainty for at least another two years. They are professional partners and we owe them that. So I support this recommendation. Tom. Tom Wegener 02:05:46.264
Brand management. Tourism Noosa, rather than number one, is brand management and they've done an incredibly good job with that. And now we're talking destination management as the superseding plan. But does destination management take into account the very different concept of brand management? Unidentified Speaker 02:06:15.109
The issue of brand Noosa is absolutely central to destination management and what the community and all stakeholders want the destination to continue to be, in the future and how that then informs brand so yes I do think it's quite central, Councillor Wegener, I was just going to say Councillor, Tom, Wegener. Tom Wegener 02:06:46.671
But brand management I think is something that Tourism Noosa has done extremely well and for all the hype that's come about in Tourism Noosa week 2 that are bringing visitors in, that's just visitors and I think a much bigger part or equally big part of tourism visa's remit is brand management. And that brand management, is very, very wide in its scope. And as I've spoke about, several businesses that have come here through the digital hub and, you know, surfers coming here, like, who could contribute to that brand, become a part of the tourism thing, but also set down their ribs here and create a Noosa brand that it's not only tourism, but it brings businesses in. Like as we say, a place that is great to live, that's people want to visit. Well, the brand management, I think, is really key maintaining, in bringing businesses in as well. Just for example, Land & Sea Brewery, they made their Noosa gin. And just by the brand name Noosa gin, all of a sudden it was, it's been on, what's it, branson's airline. Virgin. Yeah, goes, it has that straight into virgin. And all these other businesses that have come, like the server named yon who came here, who started out as a pastry chef and now he has a business as a filmer and ad maker. And all these and really, people come here for the Noosa brand. Is an incredibly integral part of Noosa and that's why people come here. And so I see that Tourism Noosa has done extremely well at brand management and it's something that I feel is different. From destination management. It's a bit different and that's what Tourism Noosa does extremely well. So I'm very, very pleased that Tourism Noosa will be has the funding for the next two years to continue this brand management. Frank Wilkie 02:08:49.723
Excuse me, the new funding agreement that replaces the old, the current funding agreement requires lot more reporting. Can you just talk us through some of the more robust reporting requirements under please? Unidentified Speaker 02:09:07.194
Yeah, definitely the new funding agreement has very strong focus on governance and. Reporting. So, you know, there's a number of documents, plans, strategic events, strategy, marketing plans that the deed captures. Requires them to be reported to Council. There's regular reporting, quarterly required under this. Frank Wilkie 02:09:35.670
As opposed to twice yearly reporting under the former funding agreement. Unidentified Speaker 02:09:39.392
That's right. There's also a clause in here that says at any point if Council would like reporting on any particular aspect that within, I think it's 10 days, can request that information from Tourism Noosa. Noosa it's definitely increase an level of governance and reporting under this deed, absolutely. Frank Wilkie 02:10:02.114
Can the Council speak to the motion? Brian Stockwell 02:10:05.914
I'm going to move a couple of amendments on one the at time a so we can deal with the issues individually and they're suggesting tweaks so the first amendment I'm moving is shown up there on screen and it's to amend item B to read authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make changes to the funding performance deed prior to executing the deed as required including adding point new scheduled clause 1.2.1d stating that TN understands and acknowledges that any future funding will be reliant on TN responding to the outcomes of the DMP to Council satisfaction Frank Wilkie 02:10:43.667
We have I'll second it for the purpose of the debate. Brian Stockwell 02:10:52.567
As I the think mentioned by Director in the introduction. Within the agreement at the moment it's implied that is the case but it's not explicit in my reading of the document and I think it's much better to tie it down to make it really clear. It's purely just time lose ends up saying yep once we have a DMP we would like this funding to go towards TN helping us achieve the aspirations and the actions within that Destination Management Plan Frank Wilkie 02:11:25.523
Yeah, Councillor, if you'll speak to questions? Joe Jurisevic 02:11:28.125
I've got a question, and I'm not sure who it would be related to. Possibly Councillor Stockwell. In adding that clause, does that clarify that there are elements of funding to attain different elements of the agreement with Tourism Noosa? Brian Stockwell 02:11:53.225
No, the agreement doesn't separate it doesn't the different roles and functions of Tourism Noosa at any point, so we do know it mentions things like marketing as a marketing plan and sustainability as another initiative and a whole range of initiatives, but this is purely saying that clause talks about the Destination Management Plan being a requirement to respond, and this just clarifies that is sort of key to ongoing funding. Joe Jurisevic 02:12:23.395
I guess the second part of that question then goes to you, Kim. With the Destination Management Plan coming in, are there elements within the funding agreement that we could have that this is for marketing, DMP delivery, and different KPIs associated with the ongoing funding within those different streams of, would there be funding streams the agreement? Unidentified Speaker 02:12:47.300
What the current deed does is suggest in the same section of the schedule 1, 2.1 says that TN will upon request agree to variation of this deed to incorporate agreed obligations arising from in relation to the DMP. So it could be specific funding streams based on different elements of the agreement. That's what I'm trying to clarify with you. Joe Jurisevic 02:13:14.010
Up yes. Is that precluded by what's being added here or is that reinforcing it or re-acknowledging it. I don't think that precludes anything. This would be point D to following that. So I think it just is a clarifying. Or thank you. That satisfies my question. Amelia Lorentson 02:13:37.220
I have a question, Kim. This is a legally binding contract and it's been going to and fro to Noosa and Council, our legal, solicitors. Does inclusion of this clause need to run past our legals? And if so, is there going to be a potential that it may not come back to Council by this thursday's Ordinary Meeting? I think we could definitely run it by our legals. I think that could be done by Thursday. They've been very responsive and been able to turn around any changes that we've made very quickly. In the spirit of collaboration and given that this is a partnership, can I also request between now then Thursday that Tourism Noosa have an opportunity to also be consulted on this, if they haven't. I don't, I'm not sure if they have or haven't, but this has come as a surprise to me. I also would like, again, just for consideration. For Thursday, that if this does come up and it's all okay, but Tourism Noosa have problem, our lawyers can we change the word Council satisfaction again mutual satisfaction that is there's again got to be consideration and respect and again in the spirit of collaboration it should be mutual satisfaction. That's a question for Councillor Stockwell. Oh and you if you can give that some thought between now and Thursday. But I would love, I think, as Frank. Oh no, no, okay, stop. There should be an apostrophe O in Council. Well I think I will speak to the amendment and I might I defer might actually the item 5.2 to the Ordinary Meeting dated 20th of April 2023 to allow consultation with legal Council and Tourism Noosa on the proposed amendments. Frank Wilkie 02:15:41.937
Do we have a seconder for a procedural motion? Brian Stockwell 02:15:45.980
Question, and I did circulate another part of the amendment. Was it your intention that be because it might be better to have it on the table. Rather than to arrange it on Thursday night. Amelia Lorentson 02:16:01.099
Can I go backwards? You can. This hasn't been seconded. Fantastic. I might withdraw until the second amendment gets discussed. Sure. So maybe we should switch the amendment? Look, as it stands, I don't think I have any problems with it. I think my concern is really about getting this across the line this month. I think there's a lot of staff that have been living with uncertainty for some time. I think it's actually, don't think, I know it's taking its toll on the organisation. So, you know, if this can get across the line and there's no issues between now and Thursday, I actually can't see any problems with this. I do think that it is explicit in the agreement. Clause 4.3 makes reference to the agreed priorities. Schedule 1 stipulates very clearly these outcomes, but if it's just a, you know, to have it up front and for purposes of clarity, for community, I have no objection to that. Joe Jurisevic 02:17:09.236
Just on a grammatical point, can I just add that Council should have a an apostrophe if it's the council's satisfaction? No objection to making that correction? Frank Wilkie 02:17:26.786
Does And, Kim, my question will be, what is your wording on that amendment? It doesn't-- it capture the intent of the funding being given away in relation to the D paper. Unidentified Speaker 02:17:34.348
Yes, I believe that's the intention. Like said, clause schedule 1, clause 2.1 very much puts right up front, as priority one, the Destination Management Plan. It requires that TN acknowledge that Council is developing the TN, the D &P, and that will inform TN's strategy in relation to management of the visitor economy and tourism. Frank Wilkie 02:18:01.470
Requires yes just help me find that Unidentified Speaker 02:18:03.490
Page 13 of the deed. Amelia Lorentson 02:18:07.660
And page six of the deed, clause 4.3, Frank, references during the term TN will report on expenditure of the funding by TN with reference to the agreed priorities, activities being undertaken, and return on investment. Okay, so $4.6 million-ish? Of course, $4.3 billion, and schedule 1 is on page 13, and is included as part of the contract. Page 13. Unidentified Speaker 02:18:39.340
And then priority 1 in that, on page 13, under point 2 of the schedule. Frank Wilkie 02:18:49.440
Yes. Which will inform TN's strategy in relation to the management of the business of our economy in terms of the community service. Again. TN will implement ASPEX and DMP, those aspects to be identified by Council from time to after collaborative consultation between Council and TN. Do you believe you can have this run by the lawyers and TN before now? Yes. I'm happy to support it. Tom? Tom Wegener 02:19:15.700
I you know, I, don't know what I'm voting for with this. I have a vague understanding of the Destination Management Plan, but what but when I think of the things that I think TN used to do extremely well, say, Federal IT program, what would that fit under the DMP? Yes. How do we know? I haven't seen the D.O.P. Yet. It's not done. Can we do, things in order? I think one of our problems as of lately, you know, is I think this goes with our Walking and Cycling Strategy. We said, you know, we have the going one direction, perhaps the DMP going this way, and it might actually change the, you know, maybe multi-million dollar and this, I think that we need to get our ducks in a row, and before I tie Tourism Noosa so tightly to the DMP, maybe I can see a draft of it somewhere, or I want to, I don't know what it is, I don't, and I'm the Councillor, and it's not in a form where I could agree to something like this, where I'm voting for, and what I'm tying Tourism Noosa and I think Tourism Noosa doesn't know either, I don't see why they would be excited about this, or agree to this. I couldn't imagine them agreeing to this. So I can't support it. Frank Wilkie 02:20:46.106
Excuse me, Kim. Tourism, under the proposed funding agreement, Tourism Noosa is already tied to the outcomes of the DMP. Is that not correct? Unidentified Speaker 02:20:55.847
That's correct, Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 02:20:58.666
So why was this part of that? This is. It's another way of saying the same thing. Joe Jurisevic 02:21:02.987
I don't think it's really doing this, no. Okay, anyway, thank you, Councillor Wegener. Joe? Yeah, look, I know that Councillor stockwell's intent here is to tighten an element of the DMP to the funding. I'm a little bit inclined to agree with Councillor Lorentson's approach that maybe we need a second set of eyes over this. There's an element in this with regard to the words that any future funding will be reliant on TN responding. If there are different streams of funding, does that prohibit marketing funding? The here way it's worded think is deserving of a little bit more consideration as to how that impacts on different funding elements if there are different funding streams within the arrangement going forward. Brian Stockwell 02:22:03.388
I accept actually what Councillor de ruzza just said. When I first put this up it was along the lines of the intent is that the CEO can play with the words, not necessarily the intent. So if after the next amendment there is a to defer to allow that sort of thing to happen, I'm quite happy with it. As I said, the aim is to make something that I think is implied, explicit. That's all. Frank Wilkie 02:22:29.269
Put the amendment to vote. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell, Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Jurisevic, Lorentson Wegener. The amendment's lost. We've I've got another one. Yeah. Brian Stockwell 02:22:55.300
So, this will have to now be clause 1 read, to-adding to the V a requirement prior to that completion and adoption of the DMP TN must consider and respect key aspirations and positions of Council articulated in the Corporate Plan and state development strategies, plans-- there should be a comma, I think, there. Joe Jurisevic 02:23:22.915
Strategies. There a comma after DMP as well. Frank Wilkie 02:23:57.474
I have a question for staff. Joe Jurisevic 02:24:00.653
Is this not already incorporated in the agreement as it stands? Haven't we aligned the agreement to the elements of council's operations and that would incorporate the proper plan, strategic strategy, particularly the marketing and events strategy? Unidentified Speaker 02:24:22.147
What is in the document is a principle of collaboration and alignment. Between both the organisations. So from that perspective, yes, that does underpin the deed and our partnership. That's what I would have thought. Does it specifically do that? No, it doesn't But there's, like I said, there's a lot in this about working closely together, aligning our work, not duplicating, collaborating. So yes, from that perspective. Is it as specific as this? No. Kim, can I ask a question? Joe Jurisevic 02:25:04.778
Asking questions, if I may. I guess the question is, given that funding is dependent on that alignment, if it wasn't aligned, one would consider that we could have discussions and look at where that alignment doesn't reach and amend any funding arrangements as necessary. Do we need to be as specific as this to relate it to elements of the plan particularly down to strategic plan making events strategy? Is Corporate Plan alone sufficient? Is there a risk that if we don't incorporate every element of Council alignment that we want within our plans that we don't cover the we sort of go well but didn't talk about this in that arrangement and that wasn't brought up so if we're not being specific to every single element that we want them to adhere to tie it all down that we run the risk of but you never said that. You you're here's to these three elements. That's what always a risk and that's so you start itemising and you run that's what I'm potentially seeing here is that we're being specific to certain elements but not all elements and how do we become more specific. I would have said if we just tied to the Corporate Plan would that be specific because that overarches everything beneath it. Larry Sengstock 02:26:39.180
Sorry, yes, thank so you said the bottom line is that officers are comfortable that we've incorporated all of this into the document so far. If there's need for consideration at a mixed level then that's all to be debated, but currently position don't. Is that we feel that the collaboration is spelled out well enough in the document. Thank you, that's what I was trying to order too. Thank you Mr. Mayor. That's to be debated but that's our current intention. Fair enough. Amelia Lorentson 02:27:03.658
Can I just, because I sit on the Destination Management Plan on the PCG group and again I get your point, really. Clearly I've got more privy to the information but the targets and goals of are aligned with council's Corporate Plan. Strategies, local economic plan, social strategy, transport Environment Strategy, and the Noosa planning scheme. So what's captured here is actually captured in part of the purpose of the Destination Management Plan. So I think we've got the DMP, and again, I'm sort of skimming through the actual legal agreement under TN's obligations governance, I reference four 4.1.C. TN will review and make appropriate changes to its strategy and expenditure upon reasonable request by Council. There's enough in the obligations, you know, legally binding obligations that allow Council with any point. Oh, sorry, no. Kim, as part of their reporting requirements, does Council have a lever to change TN strategy, to align it with our strategy if, need, be? Unidentified Speaker 02:28:34.740
Yes, it does. There's a, number of clauses in the agreement that allow that. You just cited one. The other is that 4.2, that around and the TM will deliver the strategic plan and operational plan, and it's to be agreed to by Council. So there is a number of clauses already in the agreement that do allow that collaboration, that feedback, and that agreement by Council. Fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 02:29:07.410
And my understanding with the destination plan. Are you in agreeance with that? Is it intended to align again with all our strategies, Corporate Plan, and in particular our Noosa planning scheme? Is that, so what, requested here, that's captured in the Destination Management Plan, Kim? Unidentified Speaker 02:29:28.433
It, absolutely, the intention is that the Destination Management Plan aligns with those things. It might develop new policy. It probably will and positions. I think and Councillor Stockwell might want to explain his amendment, but I think this says prior to, so the fact that the DMP is not there. So you're right, once there, it will do all of those things, but this is. Joe Jurisevic 02:29:54.972
I'm just about to go there Brian, and given that we've asked questions in that vein and that Councillor Stockwell hasn't had a chance to put his case, I'm happy to second this so that we can hear both sides of the discussion. Brian Stockwell 02:30:06.830
A little while ago, brought doesn't know what's in the Destination Management Plan. So if a Councillor there, should we leave it to staff to interpret what that's going to be? Or should we give guidance to both TN, ourselves, and to a large part of the community who will be interested in this agreement as to how we would like the partnership or the service revision agreement between Council and Tourism Noosa proceed in the future. Councillor Jurisevic said he'd like to keep it straight to the Corporate Plan, that'd be one way to do it, but is currently only a draft, it will be adopted in the near future, and it's about how TN. What guidance are we going to give in the interim before the Destination Management Plan, is there some guidance within our. In the Corporate Plan, in the existing strategies, that will provide TN with some guidance about what Council will be looking at. In my opinion, there is. And, Amelia, if you can bring up the word document that I provided earlier. I'm talking about TN, so, if we look at what's in the draft Corporate Plan, we don't know what's going to be in the DMP, but we know that in the Corporate Plan, we're given a fair bit of guidance. And the first one there, and this is what's probably the most important issue for our community, that balancing the needs and quality of life of residents while sustaining our tourism sector so that the two can comfortably coexist to me, it's really important that tourism dancer understands that once that becomes their Corporate Plan, we would hope that their strategic planning is all based on that understanding that critical. But next, our artisan and niche industries form a small part, but important. Part of our visitor economy. Another thing that's identifying what might be as part of a strategic plan, and certainly as far as international destination stewardship protocols, that's an important part of getting to a Destination Management Plan. Merging local food and drink industry in our established arts and cultural sector is a key to creating an authentic experience for residents and visitors alike. Once again, in the Corporate Plan, once it's adopted, that will give guidance. The success of our economy is driven by our reputation for ecological sustainability and natural conservation. Once again, Tourism Noosa understands this thing, but we need to make it really clear what we think is important and what's in our policy. We seek to support Kabi Kabi in progressing their priorities for their people, and that's another emerging area in terms of where tourism and indigenous tourism can emerge. We are focused on our economy. Transitioning to a more circular economy, focused on reducing, and recycling. Reusing and recycling. And obviously things like plastic free tourism is there. And we aim to achieve zero net emissions by 2026. So when they become a Corporate Plan, we can clearly say, we want you to come on the journey with us. We want. And this is how intelligent use of marketing can build a Noosa brand. It's by building a values-based marketing framework around attracting people who share our values, who share the values of this committee as expressed within documents like the Corporate Plan and other strategies. As Councillor Lorentson mentioned, the DMP will be bringing together a whole lot of strategies. Until we have to rely on something else. And to me, I think it's important just to highlight that these are sort of things that the tourism Noosa's should be considering in the next six months, until the DMP's Frank Wilkie 02:33:37.696
Up you can't stop it. Councillor Stockwell. Unidentified Speaker 02:33:48.943
Duplication between what tourism is doing and what Council is doing is a big issue that we're wanting to address. Speaking of duplication, is this another duplication of what's already in there? Brian Stockwell 02:34:03.450
I don't think so. I think it brings it to a, there's nothing in there that talks about key aspirations. To me it's talking about consider and respect the key aspirations of Council and its policy framework. To me that's really important to say we're on the same vision and same journey together. It's fairly administrative in its approach and fairly specific. To me it's just important that in the interim the Destination Management Plan will achieve this. But up until that point I think we just have to say. Let's come on the journey together. Tom Wegener 02:34:39.255
And Kim, is there, you know, is there going to be a more or less, you know, collaboration or, you know, conversation with Tourism Noosa set coming up to make sure that this is, that is being implemented? Unidentified Speaker 02:34:53.575
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, the deed just sets the framework. The substance of is our relationship and the partnership and how we collaborate and consult and that absolutely, that will continue to happen. Okay. Joe? Joe Jurisevic 02:35:10.054
Yeah, I'll speak to it. Having reread it and having heard Councillor stockwell's articulation of what was done, I misread and stated in relevant plans, strategy and plans is part of the development of tourism noosa's strategic plan, marketing event strategy. So I didn't read that right the first time. Now that I've read it again and I've heard Councillor stockwell's description of what he's trying to adhere and that it's a prior to the completion and adoption of the TN, to give direction to TN that align with our Corporate Plan is. The type of thing that the DMP will facilitate and that we should be going on that journey. One could argue that TN is in fact ahead of council's Corporate Plan in delivering Plastic Free Noosa and eliminated a lot of plastic and created a situation for Council that we we're trying to get a catch up on and that is compostable waste that we don't have a stream for so in some ways they're ahead of our Corporate Plan and our Waste Strategy going forward so I'm quite happy to support this element of it I knowing full well that where Tourism Noosa are with elements and I don't think not in alignment with the elements that we expose to deliver as a destination but that could be good to clearly articulate that we're both on the same page. Amelia Lorentson 02:36:36.637
I've got a couple of questions, Kim. So referencing the legally binding agreement on page 5, TN's obligation governance 4.1 point you know ABCDEFGH is all about strategy that there is some serious governance obligations and reporting obligations most of which involve Council review of strategy operational again is this superfluous councillors Councillor Stockwell requesting already part of the agreement and are we I don't know to me time is of the essence and if this gets put up again I'm going to move a procedural motion because we need answer ASAP for the staff and I just I love the intent I don't actually have any issues with what you're putting forward Brian but I do think it's explicit don't think it's implied think it's black and white and every four months they've got it by the 30th of September 2023 the TN's going to develop a four-year strategic plan this CEO oh sorry okay I'll talk to the amendment reasons already sort of raised at the table I think what's been requested is already captured in the agreement I also know being the Tourism Noosa board that this CEO the Acting CEO has already commenced aligning TN strategy with the new funding agreement we have umpteen opportunity September 2023 we've got my gosh December 2023 the strategies could actually come to Council for approval and that's the opportunity where we sit down and just go does it align with our Corporate Plan which is has not been ratified our DMP which but existing tourism Noosa strategies from previous agreements already do that but they're already on the course and as one of the Councillors mentioned they're actually ahead of the game on sustainability which is again one of the one of our core priorities you know we're about to enter into a global recession we need to be at the forefront of waste and sustainability and that's something Tourism Noosa is already leading on so again I don't actually have issues with any of the amendments but I think where I just don't think it's needed so that's my position. Thank you, Karen lobson. Joe Jurisevic 02:39:47.080
Sorry Councillor Wilkie, it's a minor change but I'm asking of the mover and of course the entire Council around the table. Can we just change the word "it" to "tns" as in tourism noosa's strategic plan because that was what I was confused with. I just think it clarifies what, who it's referring to with regard to strategic plan, marketing and events strategy. Doesn't change the intent I think it just clarifies who it's is referring to. Tourism noosa's I think that clarifies the nature of what Council stockwell's doing. I know we don't typically change these sort of things on the run but there's no change in the intent it's just to clarify who it's referred to if there's no if that's a technical amendment nobody objects to it. Amelia Lorentson 02:40:39.429
Can I just ask a question? You I still probably want to move a procedural motion again to allow a consultation with our lawyers to see whether the wording is actually correct to be included in the legal document and also allow TN the opportunity to at least, at the minimum, be consulted on any amendments. Is this the time to be moving a procedural motion or should we wait for a decision first? I think we get the amendment done and then we move the procedural motion, should we not? If the policy can allow a minister to consider. And then I'll move it afterwards. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:41:17.545
I'll speak in favour of the amendment. As Kim said, the funding agreement, of course the broad framework around which we'll move forward together. This talks about prior to the completion of the GMP, consideration must be given to the key aspirations and positions of Council position, articulated plan. And I think all in our community would hope that TM would be seeking through their strategic plan to balance the needs and quality of life of residents whilst sustaining our tourism sector so that two can comfortably coexist. There's a lot of other very noble and. Inspiring aspirations there. And as Councillor Jurisevic said, Tourism Noosa is already on its journey. From what I observed, when I was the observant of Tourism Noosa, they would have no objection to having regard. This. It doesn't. Lock them in. It's not saying they must do anything. Sorry, they must consider and respect the key aspirations. My guess. Sorry, my. If you understand about tourism is that they're already being, as Joe said, they're already ahead of the Council county. In terms of implementing the plastic free initiatives. So have no problem with this amendment but I do agree that anything should be done by run words by Thursday night and in terms of this before that can happen even without a secret motion, but. Amelia Lorentson 02:43:01.248
Oh, okay. So we can still vote. Okay. I'm happy with it. Yeah. Tom. Tom Wegener 02:43:08.888
So is this, or will this into the actual contract or this wording will go into the contract? So it's not like a normal amendment which goes into one of the reports and telling your staff what to do. This actually goes into the contract itself. Unidentified Speaker 02:43:25.827
Yeah. So this sits below the previous recommendation, as I understand it, authorise CEO to make minor changes to the funding and performance agreement as required and then this amendment specifies that change. So yes it would go into the deed. Tom Wegener 02:43:46.277
Big fan of occam's razor and that is if it doesn't have to be there it doesn't, it shouldn't be there and Corporate Plan which is a fantastic thing it's not done yet and so we haven't actually been ratified public consultation or so forth I think I'd be 100% behind it but it's just hard for me to agree to something to go into a contract if we and don't actually know what it is yet. Unidentified Speaker 02:44:15.959
Just to clarify the Corporate Plan has gone through consultation but it hasn't come to Council yet. It'll next week ten minutes, so it's not going to quite be. I just wanted to clarify your statement about consultation. Brian Stockwell 02:44:33.863
I'm going to finish. To a certain extent I agree that the framework is in place where these issues could be considered. But I've read this document probably three times now and I'm not satisfied that we've given any guidance. We've picked out some of the issues we want dealt with specifically but it's in an administrative, to me it is about key aspirations and when we say positions of Council and articulated Corporate Plan because the Corporate Plan has been through. Two lots of consultation from it's out, also the community's key aspirations and I think we have to restructure the relationship to a certain extent between the community and Tourism Noosa and articulated Corporate Plan in that we are all working towards similar aspirations and this document is to start that journey. I don't see anywhere explicitly where that's a requirement and I agree that in many aspects the issues, the aspirations that I identified in and the draft Corporate Plan, which I don't see changing next week, they're already on that journey. But what if these proposals come up and we want to go over here, we want brand new major events on tour of Noosa board can say no, that's inconsistent with council's policy. That's what does. It actually makes their job of strategic planning more guided to say are we at liberty with the funds provided by Noosa Council to go in a different direction to Noosa Council. We'll just say no, we want you to go in on these key aspirations. It's not saying we're going to tell them how to do it, what to do, we're just going to say please respect them. Frank Wilkie 02:46:20.192
Okay, the amendment to the vote, does it fail? That's unanimous. The amendment now becomes part of the original motion. Councillor Lorentson, would you like to proceed with Amelia Lorentson 02:46:33.173
No, I'm happy to just, if we can just get the information before the Ordinary Meeting. Oh, and take both of those actions. Brian Stockwell 02:46:38.960
Mention that the way that's worded, it doesn't specify what the final words, it just says a requirement, so it doesn't say where to put it, like the last one, or what the specific words are. Frank Wilkie 02:46:52.398
Now back to the original motion, and only Tom and myself have spoken Anybody else wish to speak to it? Brian Stockwell 02:47:02.458
I will. Noosa has done a job for this community that has made the lives of many people in it much better. They have maintained over the decades. A level of visitation that has underpinned a large part of their economy. We know now that we're in a time where we are suffering the effects of being too popular. That we have got to a point where our attraction as place for visitors, is causing congestion, is causing problems on the Noosa North Shore, is a range of things. Now, there is, within the community, well you stop marketing and. Councillor Wilkie did identify one of the reasons why you may not do that, in that you might lose your market share and actually, particularly at the current time, where there is a big degree of uncertainty about the economic outlook globally. I'll be convinced after this national management plan about where we have to head, and in the interim, I think there's an opportunity to have with the intelligence and the capacity within Tourism Noosa use our marketing budget to start heading in the direction to address some of those problems. If we, for example, attract the right sort of people to our short stay accommodation that don't have large parties, if we start to attract people from New Zealand who come here because they identify with the values of Noosa, look at where and who we market to so that they're here, like there is in the tread lightly program, to be part of what community aspires to do, which is to be an example, a global exemplar of sustainability and futures. And for that industry to contribute to things like achieving our ambitious target of zero emissions by 2026, that's the challenge for tourism industry, is how do they use their smarts, all their data to work with the aspirations of the community. I think it's a good agreement in terms of the structure and its administrative function and it's become much more performance based and that should provide those within tourism some fairly clear targets. Deadlines, milestones, which will, I believe, generate more efficiency within their organisation. There's one part of the agreement that hasn't got a lot of bear players yet, but it also encourages them to start looking for their own source of funds to a great extent. That is, when you look at their budget, a real area where significant increases could be achieved. And I think that's one where, you know, when we get to the two years. Will be one of the key performance indicators that councils at the time will be looking at, is how much have member fees or joint marketing programs actually matched the community dollars that go into Tourism Noosa. So, on the whole, I I'm glad that last amendment will go in, because I think that is key to reassuring our community that Tourism Noosa and the money that we provide for the sustainability and marketing of that sector is aligned to the aspirations that they hold. Frank Wilkie 02:50:36.247
I have a question. Part C of the motions has confirmed the release of the funds as they were reported for 24 and 25 years. That's not saying that money, just to clarify, what is that actually committing this to? Is it 2.52 for both years, pending the signing of this agreement and adherence to conditions? That's right. Unidentified Speaker 02:51:09.610
That's right. As per the agreement. And paid in two stages. Joe Jurisevic 02:51:15.690
Thank you. Can I just confirm an element of what Councillor Wilkie asked there? Has amount been determined for 24 yes. It has been? Yes. Within that agreement? Yes. Frank Wilkie 02:51:26.720
Okay, that's all right. Any other questions? Speak before we move on. Mayor? Amelia Lorentson 02:51:35.320
I'll speak and I'm going to ask if I can have some leniency. I've got a little bit of a speech that I've written. Start the clock now. That's right. Test the new system. As everyone knows, I'm the observer on the Tourism Noosa board and have been for the last three and a half years. Noosa is world famous for its surfing destination and it's one of Australia's leading holiday destinations. So then why do we need to continue destination marketing of Noosa? More tourists and what happens if we decide to stop marketing Noosa? I've sat on the Tourism Noosa board now for the last three years as the elected observer looking for the answers to these questions and these are my two main observations. We live in the world. Place on earth and with that comes so many different and high expectation challenges and opportunities and number two in Noosa tourism is everyone's business tourism is the number one economic driver for the region injecting 1.6 billion into our Noosa economy and the flow and effect of tourism every business in our region it also affects the health and affects almost well-being of our residents and our lifestyle positives include living a vibrant community having access to beautiful new a beautiful natural environment and world-class dining experiences and the opportunity to be involved in a range of sports arts and through the events as participants and volunteers like anywhere there are negatives and they include the impact on the quality of our trails the surfing experience our national parks our rivers creeks and the vibrancy of our local art and culture during my time as an observer on the Tourism Noosa learned several things from directors past CEOs and acting CEOs who are passionate about Noosa our environment and our economy two things that have stuck with me over the years one importance of data it's important for TN to keep investing in applying and learning from real data who are our best markets what influences the propensity to spend and how do we as ratepayers get the biggest bang for our rate dollar payer and number two the importance of experience protection environment our beaches ocean national parks our trails rivers and our creeks and that if we lose that experience then we lose our age and what makes Noosa such an amazing place to live I think the challenge all is that our experience and our environment is under threat and once that's gone it's and our reputation is gone and that's expensive to get back another thing I've learnt is the importance of looking back to look forward the high spend small footprint the right direction for Tourism Noosa but we need to be presented in a way that looks inclusive not exclusive marketing should be channelled towards certain demographics that benefit us not just rich in Melbourne but what the tourism industry referred to as the high value traveller those that spend more in the region stay longer and disperse regionally they enjoy cultural events food and wine music theatre art film festivals sporting events many of the things that Noosa is known for what I've learned also by sitting at the table is that as an industry and as a community need to speak with one voice and that without this one voice the destination loses its brand we need to deliver a coordinated and clear message to visitors about who we are and value to enjoy and respect Noosa, our environment and the people who live here and that's where Tourism Noosa fits in. It's our one voice. The Bill seibel report to the rise and fall of Colorado shows what can happen if we start marketing a region with if we stop one voice. If we many. Then it becomes what's in it for me rather than what's the greater good for the destination. The success of colorado's tourism communities just like Noosa was built over decades and of promotional work. Tourism Noosa had built an amazing brand to kill them. The golden goose. Since COVID Noosa has enjoyed good visitation but 2023 is already showing signs of slowing down and will be challenging for not just the tourism industry but all businesses as the flow on continues into our economy and we cannot just assume visitors will continue to come to Noosa. 3,240 jobs depend directly on our visitor economy. In 2020-21, 3,240 people were employed in accommodation and food services in nusong that's 13.8% of noosa's total jobs making it noosa's second biggest single job sector just behind health care and social assistance. That number does not include the many jobs indirectly. Related to tourism. Retail, health, wellness, arts, weddings, events, hire and rental, and real estate which also rely on visitor patronage. Now to the Tourism Noosa funding agreement. What's new? The tourism the Paris and Noosa agreement provides enhanced governance and reporting in relation to expenditure of Council funding whilst respecting that Tourism Noosa is an entity in its own right. Tourism Noosa receives 2.52 million dollars from Shire Council and it's therefore critical demonstrate that they can administer that those funds with probity with accountability, transparency and effectiveness. Tourism Noosa are obligated to justify and account for their programs and activities. To earn trust and prove reliability with the community by providing insight into their decision-making process. The community expected and so does Council that is why our new agreement with Tourism Noosa has increased governance and reporting. Another significant change to the agreement is the Destination Management Plan provision the DMP when completed will inform tourism noosa's future position in relation to the management of the visitor economy and tourism within the Noosa region. User newsom might also be expected to implement aspects of the DMP which fall within its ambit as agreed between Tourism Noosa and Council. In closing Tourism Noosa exists for three reasons number one to protect and develop the Noosa brand Tourism Noosa two to deliver evidence-based marketing strategies and promotion that attract high-value visitors and achieve increased regional dispersal and number three to provide their 600 plus members with value-added services Tourism Noosa does Noosa not exist to bring increased visitors to the region at all costs. Tourism Noosa do not target day-trippers in their marketing who drive to the region, cause traffic and car parking congestion and you spend less in our region. If Tourism Noosa stops marketing the 1 million plus day-trippers who come here will continue to come. However, the highest spending overnight visitors, particularly those from interstate, many who don't drive here, will go elsewhere and Noosa will then solely need to rely on second owners and wealthy residents. Compare, the average spend per person of daytrippers is $105, which is less than 6 of interstate visitors who spend $1,965 on average per day. We need a tourism industry that works with our community to manage and protect our destination. And we need to deliver with one voice, a clear and coordinated message our to visitors. The best managed destinations are good for the community and business. Better qualified and more committed to manage and protect our brand and destination than the team at Tourism Noosa and their 65 volunteers. Frank Wilkie 03:00:55.629
Thank you. Councillor Lorentson, Chair, did you wish to speak before? Joe Jurisevic 03:01:00.549
Yeah, I'm just trying to work out if there's anything left to say. What she said. No, look, there are some elements of that. And look, you mentioned somewhere what you said, stop marketing. Look, I don't, and Councillor Lorentson went along those lines too. I don't think anybody's suggesting you stop marketing. It's how you market, what you market, who you market to, and the elements that you market. And Tourism Noosa have done a brilliant job of that over the years. They've done more than just promote Noosa as a place to come to. They introduced a program called Welcome to Noosa to ensure the businesses here in the region and those that were part of the visitor experience knew what their job was and what their element of delivery of service to the tourism industry was. They talked about Refresh Noosa so that ageing properties that thought they could demand top dollar year in out without doing anything about their properties weren't going to get that going forward and that were actually going to diminish the image and the projection of Noosa as a marketable destination. Worked on plastic news, free Noosa as I alluded to before. They're actually a head of Council in having reduced plastic waste and delivering that waste reduction message to those that come to visit this region and those that have events and that in the region. And they've looked at other activities and I can't read my own scroll. It's terrible. But some of the things that they can help with are alluded to in Destination Management Plan and of course in how we manage our tourism numbers in the future and that some of the elements that have been the challenge that we hear our community cry about the impact of on a regular basis. And that's the elements of congestion, particularly around that Hastings Street precinct. We'd have free buses, you know, one of the things the Council has delivered, free holiday buses and free. But unless we market that to those that are coming here, they won't know it till they get here, so they'll still bring their cars. But if we know before they get here that there's an alternative, perhaps. They'll reconsider their cars. Perhaps that'll aid and ease the congestion of the region. That's just one example of the sort of things that good marketing and well-marketed product that's delivered here as a whole and part of council's remit. Is delivered going forward. So there are solutions there. We talked about looking for other funding opportunities. I mean, that should be the remit of any good business environment. It shouldn't be reliant on one whole income source as the only place to grow and develop into the future. Council's doing that of its own course. We're looking at how we can. Burden on ratepayers. We look at other revenue sources. We have tourism ventures that facilitate that, holiday parks and the like. So that's just good business acumen to look at opportunities within. Operations that you undertake for funding opportunities and revenue sources. Going forward. So I think all of the elements. That we're talking about here are things that Tourism Noosa has embraced and delivered over the years and will continue to deliver To be a partner with Council. In that going forward is crucial and I think this document and this funding agreement is key element of that. I welcome it and I hope Tourism Noosa we continue to work together hand in for the good sustainable tourism region that we are renowned for being. Frank Wilkie 03:04:48.247
I'll wait for my mic to close. I think it's all been set. I'll put the motion to the vote. All in favour? That is unanimous, and thank you for sitting there and being spoken about in the third person. It's a very odd experience. We'll get Councillor Finzel. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:16:24.322
All right, you ready? All right, welcome. Right we're back oh here we go again where'd you go there you go thank you Julie Byrne 03:16:44.840
To all the contractors participating that this was under the particular grant. Funding available. As part of the reconstruction of essential assets and that it's not a no Council funds will be used for this particular project as part of that we told them that any costs associated this needed to be grant funded and that points back scope so as long as we have the scope available and which we do in a really strong scope we're unlikely to see any blowouts from that point of view unless we come across is not known to us now so we dig something up and find something yes that will be a variation but negotiation we have with QRA as part of fulfilling the scope we also made it really clear to the contractors on site that there's no rise or fall negotiation or anything like that but in terms of Council budget there is none here to spend Frank Wilkie 03:17:49.004
Any blowout the extra funds will be covered by QRA Unidentified Speaker 03:17:53.041
As long as the blowout is related to a fair and reasonable design change as dictated by the scope relation. To the guidelines which is part of the reason that we have the team that we allocated at the beginning of this project allocated because they were they understand those aspects so intimately. Joe Jurisevic 03:18:13.460
There needs to be a rhyme and reason behind a change in design concept to facilitate any pleased with in this incident, two water crossings are Amber fish passageways, so the sites need to be upgraded to meet the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries design standards. So this looks that it's included all the elements that are required to be at today's standard of engineering requirements and that's correct so as part of the reaper process Unidentified Speaker 03:18:52.183
That if a particular Duff requirement is required we'll include that there is a small portion where we're wanting to make some improvements around some wing walls on them and we're in currently in negotiation with QRA to fund that as well we feel pretty positive about that to date and if not we've mitigated that risk by being able to pull that out of the scope and not have it as a risk to Council what Joe Jurisevic 03:19:21.988
Are the advantages of the wing walls? What does that deliver in the design? The side of that waterway there to prevent any future impacts in those particular areas if we had a similar overland flooding circumstance like we did in feb /March last year. So an element of resilience in the design going forward for that area, for those two targets. Unidentified Speaker 03:19:44.813
Yeah, we probably wouldn't go as far as resilience because there's some certain classifications around what we call resilience and betterment within the grant guidelines but it certainly makes the design much more robust. Unidentified Speaker 03:20:00.968
Fish passageway, Brian. Yeah. And this one, right? Oh, look. Always love moody fish passageway. And I'll second it. I was going to move it but I'll let Brian go with the fish passageway. Brian Stockwell 03:20:14.122
I know, I think we continue to get these projects through and start to get some of that major damage that was done throughout our building assets. And it's just fortunate that we do have the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. Obviously the impact on this community from last year's flooding would have been totally unreasonable fund from ratepayer funds, so we do appreciate the role of the State in providing the funds. To recover from the disaster. Joe Jurisevic 03:20:47.136
I'll not only thank the QRA, I'll thank Julie for her tireless efforts in this sphere, for the large task ahead of us, and being able to, one by whittle our way through all of the elements before us to deliver the repair works for Council. Thank you, Julie. Julie Byrne 03:21:04.461
Thank you, Councillors. Thank you, Larry, but it is the team effort. Frank Wilkie 03:21:10.661
Any other Councillors wish to speak? Tom Wegener 03:21:13.881
Just echo to other Councillors in saying you, Julie Byrne, for your hard work over the last. And the team. Frank Wilkie 03:21:20.884
Thank you. That is unanimous. Thank you, Julie. Thanks to all of you. Unidentified Speaker 03:21:32.764
I appreciate your time. I'll see you in the office. Frank Wilkie 03:21:40.346
We should also note that Councillor Finzel didn't return from meetings. She had personal matters to attend to. Yes. Okay. Next item is Budget Review 2, the 22-23 financial year. Welcome, Pauline and Trent yeah. Could you give us an overview of what's happening in Budget Review 2, please? Sure. And for those who might be listening for the first time, what a budget review is and why we do it. Pauline 03:22:17.285
Sure. So under the Local Government Act, Council is required to undertake regular reviews of our adopted budget to ensure it remains reflective of our planned activities that need to be funded through the financial year. This is the second budget review for the 2022-23 financial year and it incorporates any new or emergent issues that we become aware of during the year or any actions that come out of Council resolution so that it reflects an accurate forecast of where we believe we'll end up at the end of financial year. So does that explain what a budget review is? Okay. So in summary the proposing a net improvement of $880,000 in our operating position. With our current operating deficit of $718,000 this will improve to $162,000 surplus. This results from a range of emergent costs that have been funded from additional revenue and grant. Funds received year to date. Council's operate capital expenditure program has decreased from $57.1 million down to $56.6 million with $6.3 million in emergent works and project variations being recognised. This is offset by $8.7 million. With projects being delayed till the 2023-24 financial year. Because they're multi-year projects, and also incorporates the recognition of $2.5 million. Spent in relation to the QRA disaster funded projects that have occurred this year. We've also recognised an additional $14 million revenue predominantly relating funding that we've received to date, and this offsets obviously the spend that we have on those projects. All forecast financial sustainability ratios continue to be met out of this budget review. So overall, it continues to show the Council is a strong financial did you have any questions? Councillors? Joe Jurisevic 03:24:05.088
Yeah, the first one if I may. The capital expense program decreased from $57.1 million down to $56.6. What has accounted for that half million dollar change? Pauline 03:24:15.390
There's net movement, so of the, let me just plumb back up here, $6.3 million with emergent works and project variations. So the largest project variations related to the Noosa Parade project, Beckmans Road and also some emergent works relating to David Low Way at Peregian Beach. So that's reduced, increased our budget, however we've offset $8.7 million, so that's pushed out. The largest of those projects was the Garth Prowd Bridge, which has been delayed and deferred to the following year. Joe Jurisevic 03:24:44.613
That's not to say those projects won't be undertaken, they've just been rescheduled to accommodate the other, to work within our financial strategy. Absolutely, correct. And for those that are looking at this as pauline's talking through it, it's page 48 of the agenda has summary by program and then page 53 onwards does programs? Our actual project. This new system, those page numbers don't align. Pauline 03:25:12.593
That's okay. So Noosa their golf crowd is pushed out, that's 2.9 million dollars. 1.3 million of our fleet program that actually carried over has been pushed out due to supply chain and delivery issues. They still will occur, they'll just happen in a future year, as well as the lock and weir which will span both years, so it's 900,000. So they're the major push outs for this program. Joe Jurisevic 03:25:33.589
That's something for the CEO to consider there, that's an omission in this new system is that the page numbers don't get referred when you break them down into, if you look at the document as a whole, but these, Yeah, it's we're going to have two or five and no page numbers. I'll take that on notice. I can give you some instruction on how to download the entire packet document. I can do that, but if we don't. I think it's the weather thing. Them, they have to make a difference. Frank Wilkie 03:25:59.476
Yeah, yeah. Just a question. There was an adjustment of $135,000 downward in the development assessment Fees and Charges. What happened there? Because normally conservative budgeting is normally more than. Pauline 03:26:18.917
Yes, and historically, based on what we've seen in the last three years, particularly with COVID, there's been an acceleration in development assessment fees and obviously the market has started to slow and we've seen that come through in our development assessment fees. We have spoken to the area and they are expecting some larger development applications to come through. However, we aren't sure on the timing of those, so they may occur in the following year as well. So we've adjusted accordingly to be conservative. Trent Grauf 03:26:44.910
And just to clarify, Councillors, what finance and executive team do after the submissions come through from the budget process from management and officers is we identify where there are risks, where there is potential risk of overspend or some downside in revenue and we take that up through the process so that we're recognising that you'll see that the same at the very things as well. So that our forecast between now and June is as accurate as it possibly can be for the year in Joe Jurisevic 03:27:20.164
I'm happy to move the report. I'd like to thank staff for their time. Uh. The budget uh. Review shows that we're in a sound financial position. We're managing all of the programs for the year. We're doing sound and prudent amendment of our capital works program to stay within our budget and that we're meeting all of operational net financial liabilities and asset sustainability ratio as well within the parameters of the state's requirements. So I'm happy to move that the budget review be accepted and acknowledged for the work that's been done. Frank Wilkie 03:28:11.746
Do the Councillors wish to speak or have questions? I'll ask the question in the step of finding financial position, there's a jump in provisions from about $16 million to $24 million, which is a shift of $8 million. Can you just explain? Sorry, quite shift. Yeah. What that movement's, what provisions are under non-current liabilities and what that shift represents and why we've done that? Pauline 03:28:46.622
Sure. So provisions are basically an estimate of council's estimated liability for whether it be employee entitlements, restoration of landfill or quarry, they're the predominant provisions that we take up. So in terms of Budget Review 2, when we did budget review 1, we hadn't finalised end of year financial statements for 2022 and they have now been reflected in the opening balances in BR2 and a part of those adjustments that went through in the 2022 financial statements was a revision of our landfill provision estimate. Due to the work that was going on at site, and the additional costs that were in scoping of what was required, that revised that provision quite substantially up by $8 million. So that's where it's flowing through at the moment in these financial statements, because the opening balance has now been adjusted to reflect what we adopted at that time. So the landfill provision is essentially what we would we need in order to restore that site once the site's completed and finished for views. Use. Frank Wilkie 03:29:43.730
On sign. The same document, asset re-evaluation surplus went from $144 million up to $343 million. Could you just explain what has actually happened now and what that means in terms of our depreciation value of our assets. Pauline 03:30:00.738
Sure. So the asset re-evaluation reserve under. Each year Council undertakes a re-evaluation of an asset class to represent the actual replacement value of those assets and last year Council undertook the re-evaluation of land. So in the last year's financial statements we increased our asset reserve in relation to land by about $175 million. Land doesn't attract depreciation so there's no actual impact to our depreciation expense relating to land but reserve, but also our as well, so asset value has increased. Frank Wilkie 03:30:34.686
Was there an increase in the value of our bank equipment? Pauline 03:30:39.126
Yes, so there was also an indexation of our other asset class is based on some methodology. We apply indexes in building construction, those sorts of things to assess whether there's a material movement and where We will take it up. And therefore there'll be some depreciation impact from that as Frank Wilkie 03:30:54.469
Well. Property plan equipment I read it rightly, it's increased by some $200 million? Correct. So does that include buildings? That includes buildings, roads, stormwater, other infrastructure, land, plant equipment. So net assets for the community is increased by that $200 million as a result of this? Correct. Pauline 03:31:13.631
This year's net revaluation will be for roads and bridges. So we're in the process of conducting that at the moment. Frank Wilkie 03:31:19.665
You, Pauline. Tom Wegener 03:31:20.765
So, to clarify, I'm on the Audit and Risk Committee, and we've talked about this extensively, and they actually changed the way they value something. For example, we have the Girraween sporting complex. They revalued it one way, and then the auditors decided, no, you've got to value it a different way, which is the land. What it would cost to go next door and buy all the property and put it there. Is that right, Pauline? Pauline 03:31:46.767
So, with land, there's two different ways. You can do market value or cost value. The independent value is that we gauged last year adopted a different approach, which was a cost approach, which would mean instead of just taking the market value of that site, so you can't really buy a sports complex, they don't really go on the market and discounting it, they adopted the approach of if they had to acquire land on that site and develop the site, what that cost would be. So yes, there was an inflation in terms of that as well, so the approach increased the value, but we also had substantial land value increases, as most people are aware in Noosa as well, and that's flowed through as Frank Wilkie 03:32:20.791
Well. The government subsidies and grants for capital works, it's got a figure of $32 million, so $32 million has been received. Pauline 03:32:31.442
So overall we're expecting to receive $32 million, we received $13 million odd from QRA as it is, which is currently not budgeted for. Movie accounts, so that's where the majority of that adjustment has come from. So we haven't actually received that money? Yes we have We've received $13 million of the additional extra, so if we look at. Trent Grauf 03:32:54.559
$23 Million is year-to-date, Councillors. Is that correct? And that'll be in the next agenda item that we're going to. But we are anticipating more grants received between now on some of those projects. Frank Wilkie 03:33:10.686
And just in that figure of $32 million in grants, have we received anything like that in the past? I doubt it. No. No. That's largely to do with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, with the disaster projects. Large funding, externally managed projects. Questions or comments? Brian Stockwell 03:33:37.707
Just for comparison purposes, because it is important to understand the impact of disasters on our community. The fact that the State is paying for it tends to push it a little bit out of the scope of local government. But if the forecast in terms of the frequency of disaster comes forward, it is something we need to think about. So if the Council had to pay that $32 million we got in grants, would that be equivalent to roughly in terms of percentage increase in rates? Pauline 03:34:09.591
It would be substantial. Trent Grauf 03:34:11.891
Our annual general rating revenue is $62 million. Yeah. So if it was an annual event it would be 50%. Brian Stockwell 03:34:26.838
I think you have to really be aware when we talk about the impacts of disasters and the fact that their frequency and magnitude is continued. Continuing to accelerate. The public investment in recovery is substantial. Joe Jurisevic 03:34:46.520
Some of the things Tom brought up or was brought up with regard to the land valuations on say a sporting field for example. Is there any consideration in how that's valued with regard to what alternative uses could be on that land, because often sporting fields and the like are on land that cannot be used for other purposes, or it's flood plain and the like, and it doesn't have another use, or you know, an environmental use at best, it. So is the capacity for the land to actually deliver alternative uses considered in that land? Pauline 03:35:21.328
Yes, so when I was looking at it, depending on the approach they take, they'll look at the highest and best use of that asset. So what would we do for that? Regardless of whether a kennel can't be used for that purpose? Correct, so like Girraween, that would say the so for instance for Girraween, because they adopted the cost approach, they looked at whether they had to acquire that land, they also looked at that it would probably to be a development site. So they actually applied some discounting and what it would actually be worth being a development site as opposed to just selling it as a land, a sports ground. So they do take into consideration highest and best use. It is very subjective and it depends on the area and what sounds very subjective. If it can't be actually utilised for that other use, how can it be valued So they look at it as to, if you had that piece of land, what could you do with it in its current form? Trent Grauf 03:36:14.850
So you have to hire some best use based on example, flood level. Constraint its ability to be used for residential or for non-community purposes, then it's highest and best use is not residential or development purposes. It feels a lower category. But they do need to recognise that in infill areas, such as our coastal areas, our availability of greenfield land to undertake the construction of community land use is quite restricted for us at Noosa Shire. So that does feature in their costing exercise block. Joe Jurisevic 03:36:54.951
Well. They have an impact upon the value of the land as well? A result? Yes, it does. Because there's less land available, it's actually worth more? Correct. Frank Wilkie 03:37:02.983
Okay. The asset sustainability ratio, which is 176.7%. And as it says here, the russia. Ratio increase the extent to which the assets managed by Council are being replaced as they reach the end of the list of lives. Does that include the work being done by BIPs, QRA. Funded works. Some of it does, yes, correct. Where it's an asset that's been renewed rather than a completely new asset, yes. And now the satellite, because of that? It was already high prior to the QRA projects, so what we've carried over, yeah, correct. So it's offsetting some the price. Refresh my memory, what was the final assets, the last one actually, what did we end up on? I think I'd have to take that one. Say because I noticed off the top of my head. Was it more than 100 I believe it was, yes. Joe Jurisevic 03:37:51.483
I think it was, yeah. And anything above 90 is considered? Around 120% off the top of my head, but I'd have to check. Thank you. All right. Another question. With regard to all. I said probably not the relevant part of the discussion as to maybe in the next. Maybe it belongs section those QRA projects that are being undertaken. That has to be reassessed and revalued and put on the books for depreciation once they've been delivered. Okay, so they'll have an impact on your bottom line in the long run, particularly with the. No, I'm fine. Frank Wilkie 03:38:33.927
Okay, I'll put it back on favour. That is carried unanimously. Yeah, I know we discussed that before. Ringing in my head. That is the last. Financial Performance Report. No, it's not. We've got one more. 6 I'm still getting used.3. To this system. Pretty you're going backwards and forwards. It's not as quick as flipping papers. It's cumbersome. Pauline again, please. Pauline 03:39:04.908
Okay, so we're going to cover off on the financial report for March for 2023. So operating revenues continue to out-forecast, and operating expenditures are slightly under-forecast year-to-date to the end of March. Operating revenue is $5.8 million above budget, which is being driven by rates and utility charges, interest revenue. Grant income, as well as sales of goods and services, which is predominantly holiday parks, waste disposal and community facilities. Our Fees and Charges have actually dropped, and they predominantly relate to building fees and development assessment fees under budget year-to-date, which we mentioned previously. Due to the slowing in the market at the moment, we have seen a decrease in what they have done in the past, especially in the last three years. Operating expenditures is slightly under budget, with materials and services $830,000 over budget, with the majority of that relating to civil operations for gravel roads, parks, landscaping, and work operations, as well holiday parks, which relates to commission, which is offset by their revenue. I've year. To-date so, have been addressed as part of budget review too, so in the previous item, many of those variances have already been addressed, so will not appear in future months. Tourism and economic development expenditure remains on track year-to-date with the renewal of Tourism Noosa being considered today at meeting, so that has been finalised. And overall, also as normally as we do in each quarter we've included a legal expenditure summary which shows we've spent a million dollars of our 1.5 million dollar legal budget and we don't anticipate that we will able to overspend that budget this year. Overall corporate council's operating position at March is 5 capital revenue is above budget by 14.7 million and as I mentioned is largely due to the QRA grant funding that we have received and year-to-date excluding disaster projects, Council has expended 64 of its four budget. Year capital program which equates to 36.7 million dollars with a further 10 million dollars committed council's current cash holding at the end of March was 116 million dollars with 50 million dollars of these funds invested in higher yielding term deposits so we maximise the returns to our ratepayers and that's illustrated by the interest revenue that's currently two million dollars over budget. As requested in past we've also included call a quarterly update on the breakdown of council's cash holdings and you'll note the major movement in the graph compared to the previous quarter is in relation to working capital and that's the receipt of the rates run in February so we receive our biannual rates run and this will fund the operation through till June so that's why increased to 27 million dollars. Overall, council's financial position continues to be on track and it's meeting its financial sustainability targets. Any questions? Amelia Lorentson 03:42:00.785
I'll start. This is a question I've been dying to ask I think every month so I'm going to take the opportunity now. I always notice you know when we go through the categories on the operating revenue we're always above our budget in terms of you know our camping grounds our waste property facilities plumbing etc how often do we review the budget? Is the budget set too low and what are the implications if we raise the budget and have less surplus what does that mean in terms of rates and cash reserve and this is me with my thinking cap how can we work hard at review the reducing our ratepayers and we're in budget deliberations at the moment is this an opportunity Trent Grauf 03:42:58.216
Through the Chair the first part of your question how often we reviewed the budget we do at least two budget reviews a year we've obviously got the one that just came through at the last agenda item one of the processes we do we differently to a lot of other councils we build from base with our budget so when it comes to expenditure we expect our officers and our managers to budget from each individual widget ton of gravel pack of batteries number of consultancies all the way up we do the same with our revenue so we ask our officers to budget for what they expect of a number of entrances to an aquatic centre the number of applications that come through the door etc across all those business activities now what we don't do is in one of the important things with our revenue is we don't stretch target our revenue targets too fast so use a conservative cost our estimate for revenue and a good example of why is you look at BR2 which we just adopted where we've had to bring down our very revenue forecast by 15% because it was too ambitious this financial year because we had a quieter peak season with the number of crossings on the ferry. Town planning fees, our development application fees, our Short Stay Local Law building and plumbing revenue fees, they are all down. So the risk is if we stretch our revenue targets for Fees and Charges, goods and service sales too far, we will be in a position at the end of the financial year where we could running at a loss. So we need to find the right balance between what is realistic and conservative with our revenue targets. The other consideration is a lot of those revenues are offset with direct variable costs. So a good example of that is the holiday park fees. So we can see obviously one of the upsides that is remaining for the rest of the financial year is holiday parks. Now the two key risks for holiday parks for example is one is that we pay on operating fee or commission to the operators of the holiday parks. So the more revenue we earn, the more costs are equivalent to that. And it's the same with our facilities. The more visitors we have to one of our community facilities such as the NAC, the more casuals we need to support the operations of it. And the other consideration for fees like holiday parks is it is also subject to seasonality and demand where we're walking into what could be the risk of a recession. We've got a drop in consumer confidence. That may in turn impact our occupancy rates on our facilities in the coming year. So we always consider those factors when we budget for our revenue. And you'll see year on if you compare this and year's budget to last, the are all increased and as we work through this year's budget to next. The fees You'll see that we've reassessed it may do increase significantly year on The goal is that the more we diversify our revenue base. Less reliance we have on our rates. Pauline 03:46:14.246
This year we've had a significant increase in interest rate which is driven two and a half million dollars of that upside. That was something that none of us actually forecast would happen this money. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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