General Committee Meeting - 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 00:00.760
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. Tom Wegener 00:17.040
Yeah, Wait a minute, we have to vote on that. we just did, we just did. Show of hands is fine. Joe Jurisevic 00:21.579
You don't have to vote online, on this, on this. Tom Wegener 00:24.399
No, no, okay, we're uploading online, Gary. No, we're uploading online. Frank Wilkie 00:28.639
Okay, okay. Look, I'd also like to begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land which we're gathering, which is the Kabi Kabi or Gabi Gabi Pika, our respects to elders. We have no presentations, we have no deputations. There has been a change to the agenda, the confidential sessions are now up first. We now have someone move to handle the centralized legal services trial with move from Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Amelia Lorentson. All in favour? It's carried. So we've reported that motion to 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 centralized legal services trial. The information there contains some confidential private details and also proposed amendments which go into the State for a state of interest check and remain confidential when they come back for the public consultation. So we go to the motion for the centralized legal services trial which is before it's moved. Councillor- Councillor Lorentson, seconded by... You wish to speak to the motion? Amelia Lorentson 01:39:19.460
No, I'm very excited to see this report in front of us. Can't really say much about it, but look forward to the oncoming report coming back to Council. Frank Wilkie 01:39:35.780
Thank you. Anybody else wish to speak to the motion? Put the motion those in favour. Next item, Tourist Accommodation Zone Review. Proposed Amendment 2A to the Noosa Plan 2020. Happy to move it. Amelia Lorentson 01:39:54.380
Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 01:39:55.720
It's moved by... by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel, any councillors wish to speak to the motion? Put the motion those in favour. Let's carry unanimously. Okay, now we go back to the agenda and we're now up to items referred from the committee. Councillor do you have to push on? Yes. The Material Change of Use for Short Term Accommodation of 515 Cooroy Noosa Road, Tinbeerwah, the third from the Planning and Environment Committee meeting. So the next item is the Kim, would you come up? Can I ask Patrick to come up? Kim Rawlings 01:41:05.660
Oh, that's fine, thank you. You're welcome. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:41:18.500
Kim, are we able to ask you some technical questions in the meantime? Yes, yes, yes. So, Kim, the application for us is consistent with the current planning scheme? Kim Rawlings 01:41:36.780
Yes, that's correct, Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 01:41:39.740
And its current use, its former use was as a restaurant? Yes. It has plenty of setbacks from adjacent problems? Kim Rawlings 01:41:50.540
Yes, over 100 metres, yes. There was some concern around last week about the dam in the backyard, in the back paddock. Does that make any sense, though, to make you say that's a safe SGA? No, there isn't requirements 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 the legislation, the building act, it's not required to be fenced. So no, it's not a legal requirement. It's up to council whether it's something they wanted to be considered. Frank Wilkie 01:42:30.548
And it is in the rural residential zone? Yes. Kim Rawlings 01:42:34.528
Rural zone. The rural zone. Frank Wilkie 01:42:36.248
And under the current planning scheme, STAs are consistent with using the rural Yes. And they have no conflict with elements of the Noosa Plan scheme in terms of ensuring that it's not in conflict with the plan of use. That's right. At the time of the drafting of the Noosa Plan, short term accommodation was anticipated as a consistent use in the rural zone. Because there were some recommendations from staff about approvals for STAs. 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 of the planning scheme. That situation doesn't apply in this. Joe Jurisevic 01:43:20.784
I'll just clarify a comment made there by Councillor Wilkie. I believe I understand that the property has had a number of commercial activities there in the past, not just a restaurant. Hello, Patrick Murphy. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:43:31.792
Could you give us a bit of an update on the-- I can, sorry. Things move pretty quick. OK. Patrick Murphy 01:43:37.612
So the site of 515 Cooroy Noosa Road is on a rural zone property. The site is 2.93 hectares in area. Because it doesn't meet the four hectare size requirement, Yes. Becomes an impact-assessable application as 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 four hectares. It obviously doesn't meet that. The corresponding performance outcome is around the character of the area and the amenity of the area. We 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, a city 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 Frank Wilkie 01:44:48.360
Anyone care to remove the recommendation? I'll move it. Moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Jody was to speak to the motion. Joe Jurisevic 01:44:57.160
For all the reasons outlined in the report, acknowledging it's also on a very busy major major thoroughfare into and out of the region, I'm happy to support staff recommendation. Tom Wegener 01:45:08.330
May I speak to it? Frank Wilkie 01:45:10.710
Yes, Tom. Tom Wegener 01:45:12.950
As you know, I have a very hard time getting past the assessment tables, okay? So, the first thing you look at when looking at these things is an application. You go to the assessment tables, and the assessment table says straight away, "Located on a site with an area of at least Of the regulation. So then we go to the rural zone code, which is six, which is part six. And this is where we look at what's acceptable on acceptable on a higher level and it says that you could use visitor accommodation when it complements rural uses and promotes sustainable use of rural land. And houses or outbuildings may be available for short-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 Hincheland 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 And looking at 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 that question is do you look at the intent of the planning scheme when it was written or can you look at it with learnings 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 assessment other code, the assessment tables, if they all say four hectares, that's it. Well, and then if the other axis is amenity, well, I don't believe that the amenity will not be impacted. And I think that this would have been very, very helpful under, you know, applicable under the nature code, underneath the nature-based tourism code. 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 in place for bicyclers Into a potential drag on amenity or affect the amenity of the area. So I can't get past. I just can't. It says four hectares minimum. can't get past that. So I will be supporting. Frank Wilkie 01:49:21.342
Thank you Councillor Wegener. Any other questions? Joe Jurisevic 01:49:23.362
It raises a question for me 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? 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 Patrick Murphy 01:50:35.784
That's correct, councillor. Amelia Lorentson 01:50:37.840
Can I ask a question? Patrick, the conditions of approval is that the total number of guests accommodated at any one time must not exceed eight. One of the submitters noted that it that it was advertised 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 penalty for non-compliance? Patrick Murphy 01:51:07.744
We would 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 it was being utilised or advertised for more than 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 also identify the number of people that the site would be limited to. There's an opportunity to you know seek to amend cancel a local law approval so there's that avenue under the local law approval but also under the planning approval there would be a mechanism to take enforcement proceedings should that be required. Amelia Lorentson 01:51:56.696
And in terms of submitters, so it went to public notifications, impact accessible because it didn't hit the four hefters and over. How many submissions were there? Patrick Murphy 01:52:08.556
There was one submission, properly made submission. Amelia Lorentson 01:52:11.396
One properly made submission. Informal submissions or not properly made submissions, how many were there? Patrick Murphy 01:52:19.298
I believe it was only the one, but I could clarify that, I'd need to clarify that for you. Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 01:52:26.638
Sorry, just to clarify, that was one of the neighbours of the? Patrick Murphy 01:52:30.798
It wasn't a directly abutting neighbour, it was further east, so you have the reserve and it was beyond that. Frank Wilkie 01:52:40.478
Okay, Council's received permission to close? Joe Jurisevic 01:52:42.878
No, I think it's all been said. Frank Wilkie 01:52:44.218
Okay, good. That's Councillor Jurisevic, Finzel, Stewart, Stockwell, Lorentson, and Wilkie. Against? Councillor Wegener, and the matter is carried. Thank you Patrick. Pauline 01:53:02.540
Thanks Patrick. Thanks Patrick. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:53:05.780
Thank you. We now come to the-- the next item which is another item referred from the committee which is the tourism Noosa funding agreement. Mayor Stewart. Amelia Lorentson 01:53:26.736
In accordance with chapter 5B of the Local Government Kim Rawlings 01:53:29.656
Act 2009, I, Councillor Stewart, inform the meeting that I declare a conflict of interest to this matter as Lynne McCready, a director of tourism Noosa, is a friend. 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 went and I'm leaving the meeting. Yes, I, Councillor Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of Amelia Lorentson 01:54:57.280
I'm going to sit in the toilet. Subtitles That should be on my previous table. Karen Finzel 01:55:48.660
Thanks, Mr Chair. I, Councillor Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter, as Liam 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. Brian Stockwell 01:56:18.940
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 a review by the Independent Council Election Observer as to the public claims of the Future Noosa team, of which Liam McCready was publicly identified as a campaign manager. Liam McCready is a director of Tourism 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 the 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. Joe Jurisevic 01:57:01.217
I 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 trust that the final decision is made in the public interest no 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 01:57:41.481
It's carried unanimously and Councillor Stockwell has not voted. we come to substance of the report. Hello Kim, could you, for the benefit of those who may be listening, could you talk us through the report we have before us please. just noting this is a report by our CEO. In this absence I'm stepping in. So the report to Council today is to recommend a funding and performance deed with the Tourism Our current funding arrangements with Tourism Noosa are 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 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. through a legal review and been negotiated with with Tourism Noosa over the last couple of months. The deed outlines very clearly obligations and performance measures for Tourism Noosa as Noosa 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. Kim Rawlings 01:59:07.247
There are very specific requirements Tourism Noosa. The recommendation is for a 2 +2 arrangement but there are some milestones and gateways in that that need to be met before Council would commit to to annual funding. The agreement very clearly The agreement very clearly recognises that council is in the process of developing a destination management plan and that that destination management plan, once complete, will inform the future direction and our partnership with our main tourism body, Tourism Noosa, and that that would inform future negotiations and funding arrangements. Tom Wegener 02:00:06.900
So in the deed at 4.2, strategic operations plan, by December 21st, 2023, Tourism Noosa will implement a four-year strategic plan which incorporates the priorities and obligations and performance measures set out. set out a schedule. Let's go to one of the deeds. 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 a destination management So the 4.2 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. Kim Rawlings 02:00:57.302
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 into it. You will note that in the schedule, though, at Priority 1, it then subsequently says that Council is preparing a destination management plan, and at the point that that's complete, that 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 strategic plan or direction, that that would also happen at that time. 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 the development of the destination management plan. Our hope is that we have the destination management plan complete by later this year. Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 02:02:10.298
So that's when you talk to the That's right. In order to give jurors and Noosa's some certainty, how long is the term? Is this agreement two plus two? That's right. So regardless of what comes out of the destination management plan. That's right. Well there is capacity to change direction and arrangements but this does provide provide funding. There are there are the there are some clauses in it that relate to where the funding may change but that's based on default and things like that. Okay. Well, for the sake of getting things moving, I'll move the motion. I'll second the motion. Seconded by Councillor Wilkie you. 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. The strategy's always been to target interstate and overseas tourists, who tend to spend more and don't drive. The destination management plan is the opportunity to fine tune the role of Tourism Noosa and redefine it, but Tourism Noosa still have a brief to 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 is here for them to enjoy. I am informed by the case study by the case study of Colorado for those who may be questioning whether tourism Noosa ought to continue 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 marketing body, and within three years it had lost 30% of market share with $1.3 billion. They decided to 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 visitor dependent sector of the 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 they would like Noosa to become in the future. What sort of visitor experience we'd like to offer, what the experience of 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. Tom Wegener 02:05:44.960
Tom. Brand management. Tourism Noosa, rather than number one, is brand management of what they do, the focus. 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? Kim Rawlings 02:06:15.438
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, to be in the future, and how that then informs the brand. So yes, I do think it's quite central, Councillor. Wegener. Wegener. I was just going to say Councillor. Councillor Tom, Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 02:06:44.464
Yes, I'll speak to it then. But brand management, I think, is something that Tourism News has done extremely And for all the hype that's come about, and Tourism News being too good at bringing visitors in, that's just visitors, and I think a much bigger part or equally as big part of Tourism News' remit 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 Noosa brand that it's not only tourism, but it brings businesses in. Like, as we say in a place that is great to live, that's a place that people ought to Well, the brand management, I think, is really key in maintaining, in bringing businesses Just for example, Land and Sea Brewery, they made their Noosa gin, and just by the brand Noosa gin, all of a sudden, it was, it's been on, what's it, Branson's Airline. Virgin. Yeah, all of a sudden, it goes, it has that straight into Virgin. And all these other businesses that have come, like the surfer named Jan, who came here, who started out as a pastry chef, and now he has a business. He's a filmer and ad maker. And all these other people come. I mean, really, people come here for the Noosa brand. The Noosa brand is an incredibly integral part of Noosa, and that's why people come here. And so I see that tourism in Noosa has done extremely well at brand management. And it's something that I feel is different from destination management. It's a little different, and that's what tourism in Noosa does extremely well. So I'm very, very pleased that tourism in Noosa will be has the funding for the next two years to continue this brand management. Excuse me, Kim. The new funding agreement that replaces the old, the former, the current funding agreement requires a lot more reporting. Can you just talk us through Can you just talk us through some of the more robust reporting requirements under the new funding agreement please? Kim Rawlings 02:09:07.161
Yeah, definitely the new funding agreement has a very strong focus on governance and reporting. So, you know, there's a number of documents, plans, strategic plans, event strategy, marketing plans that the deed captures. and requires them to be reported to Council. There's regular reporting, quarterly reporting required under this. Frank Wilkie 02:09:35.667
As opposed to twice yearly reporting under the former funding agreement. Kim Rawlings 02:09:39.467
That's 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. So that yes it's definitely an increased level of governance and reporting under this under this deed, absolutely. so that yes it's Frank Wilkie 02:10:01.945
Can the council speak to motion? Brian Stockwell 02:10:05.968
I'm gonna move a couple of amendments one at a time so we can deal with the issues individually and they're suggesting tweaks. So the first amendment that I'm moving is shown up there on the 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, dot point I, adding a new adding a new clause schedule 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 02:10:44.414
We have someone second that for the purpose of the debate. Joe Jurisevic 02:10:49.034
I can't. I'll second it for the purpose of the debate. Brian Stockwell 02:10:52.074
As I think mentioned by the director in the introduction, within the agreement at the moment it's implied that 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 It's purely just tying the loose 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 02:11:25.597
Councillor, would you speak to that motion, Joe? Questions? Joe Jurisevic 02:11:28.037
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 02:11:53.080
No, the agreement doesn't separate the different roles and functions of Tourism Noosa at any point. 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 that clause talks about the destination management plan being a requirement to respond, and this just clarifies that that is key to ongoing I guess the second part of that question then goes to you, Kim. Joe Jurisevic 02:12:28.873
With the destination management plan coming in, are there elements within the funding agreement that we could have that this is for marketing, this is for DMP delivery, and different KPIs associated with the ongoing funding within those different streams of, would there be funding streams? Kim Rawlings 02:12:46.524
What the current deed does is suggest in the same section, a section of the Schedule 1, 2.1, says that TN will upon request from Council agree to a variation of this deed to incorporate agreed obligations arising in relation to the DMP. Joe Jurisevic 02:13:07.662
So it could be specific funding streams based on different elements of the agreement. That's all I'm trying to clarify. Is that precluded by what's being added here or is that reinforcing it or acknowledging it? Kim Rawlings 02:13:22.319
I don't think that precludes anything. This would be point D to following that. So I think it just is a clarifying. Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 02:13:35.478
That satisfies my question. I have a question, Kim. This is a legally binding contract and it's been going to and fro to and fro our legal, our solicitors. Does inclusion of this clause need to Kim Rawlings 02:14:07.729
I think we could definitely run it by our legals I think that could be done by Thursday. Amelia Lorentson 02:14:13.309
They've been very responsive and been able to turn around any we've changes that made very quickly. In the spirit of collaboration and given that this is a partnership, can I also request between now and then Thursday that Tourism Noosa have an opportunity to also be consulted on this? They haven'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 also would like, again just for consideration for Thursday, that if this does come up and it's all okay, but Tourism Noosa have no problem, our lawyers have no problem, can we change the word council satisfaction again to mutual satisfaction that 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 that's a question for you if you can give that some thought between now and Thursday. But I would 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 and I might actually defer 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 02:15:41.771
Do we have a seconder for that procedural motion? Brian Stockwell 02:15:44.952
Just a question and I did circulate another part of the amendment. Was it your intention that that be part of that request? it on the table rather than to arrange it on Thursday night. quest, because it might be better to Amelia Lorentson 02:16:00.874
Can I go backwards? You can. This hasn't been seconded. Fantastic. I might withdraw until the second amendment gets discussed. I have a lot of questions as well. Frank Wilkie 02:16:11.634
Sure. So I'm going to use the amendment? Amelia Lorentson 02:16:16.514
Look, as it stands, I 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, and I think it's actually, I 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. So, you know, organisation. I do think that it is explicit in the agreement. Clause 4.3 makes reference to reference to the agreed priorities. Schedule 1 stipulates very clearly these outcomes, but if it's just to have it up front and for purposes of clarity for community, I have no objection to that. Joe Jurisevic 02:17:08.363
So, just on a grammatical point, can I just add that Council should have an apostrophe, because to Council's satisfaction? No objection to making that correction? Frank Wilkie 02:17:20.962
And, Kim, my question will be, what is your wording on that amendment? It doesn't ring in your mind, does it, Senator? Does it capture the intent of... Kim Rawlings 02:17:35.401
Yes, I believe that's the intention. Like I said, Clause Schedule 1, Clause 2.1 very much puts right up front, as priority one, the destination management plan. requires that TN acknowledge that Council is developing the TN, the DMP, and that will inform TN's strategy in relation to management of the visitor economy and tourism. It requires page 13 of the deed. Amelia Lorentson 02:18:07.754
And page 6 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. Clause 4.3 and Schedule 1 is on page 13 and is included as part Kim Rawlings 02:18:39.140
And then priority one in that on page 13 under. Frank Wilkie 02:18:49.120
Which will inform TN's strategy in relation to the management of the visitor economy, tourism and research. TN will implement aspects of the DMP, those aspects to be identified by Council from time to time 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. I'm happy to support it. Tom? Tom Wegener 02:19:14.083
You know, I don't know what I'm voting for with this. I have a vague understanding of the destination management plan, but when I think of the things that I think tourism needs to do extremely well, say what would that fit under the DMP? Kim Rawlings 02:19:40.254
Yes, yes. Tom Wegener 02:19:41.974
How do we know? I haven't seen the DMP 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 walking and cycling strategy. said, you know, we have the walking and cycling strategy going one direction, perhaps the DMP going this way, and it might actually change the, you know, maybe multi-million dollar walking and cycling strategy, and this, I think that we need to get our ducks in a row, and before I tie tourism nuisance so tightly to the DMP, maybe I can see a draft you have a DMP? Maybe I can see a draft of it somewhere? I don't know what it is, and I'm the councillor, and it's not in a form where I could agree to something like this. I don't know what I'm voting for. voting for and what I'm tying Tourism Noosa to, and I think Tourism Noosa doesn't know either. I don't see why they would be excited about, or why they would agree to this. I couldn't imagine them agreeing to this, so I can't support it. can't support it. Frank Wilkie 02:20:45.827
Excuse me, Kim. Tourism under the proposed funding agreement, tourism Noosa is already tied to the outcomes of the DMP. Is that not correct? Kim Rawlings 02:20:55.847
That's correct, Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 02:20:58.667
So why was this part of that? This is this... It's another way of saying the same thing. I don't understand. Tell me you mean this. No. Okay, anyway, thank you, Councillor Wegener. Joe. Joe Jurisevic 02:21:09.187
Yeah, look, I... I know that Councillor Stockwell's intent here is to... is to tighten an element of the DMP to the funding. I'm... I'm a little bit inclined to... 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... of funding, does that prohibit marketing funding? There are the implications here with regard to the way it's worded I 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 02:22:05.120
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 the necessary intent so if after the next amendment there is a motion to defer to allow that sort of thing to 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 02:22:29.900
The amendment to the vote. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Jurisevic, Lorentson & Wegener. The amendment's lost. Brian Stockwell 02:22:55.340
So, this will have to now be Clause 1 to Item B, adding to the 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 State Development Strategies, Plans, there should be a comma I think there, Strategies. Joe Jurisevic 02:23:24.020
Should there be a comma after DMP as well? Brian Stockwell 02:23:26.780
DMP. And plans as part of the Development and Sustainability Plan, Marketing Plan, and Events Strategy. Frank Wilkie 02:23:36.876
To the D, a requirement. Adding to the D, a requirement. A requirement. A requirement that prior to completion and adoption of the MPD, DMP must consider and respect key aspirations and positions of Council articulated. Joe Jurisevic 02:23:57.632
I have a question for staff. Yes. 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 plans, strategic plan, marketing plan, marketing event strategy, particularly the marketing and event strategy? Kim Rawlings 02:24:22.052
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 specifically do that. 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... Joe Jurisevic 02:25:04.176
I'm still asking questions, if I 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. Do we need to be as specific as this to relate it to specific elements of the plan, particularly down to strategic plan, marketing plan, event 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 we um don't cover the elements that we we sort of go well but we didn't talk about this in We that 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 to tie it all down that we run the risk of you didn't adhere us to that policy you're here's to these three these three elements and that's that's what I'm that's what that's what I'm potentially seeing here is that we make specific being specific to certain elements but not being specific to all elements and how do we become more so I would have said if we just tied to the corporate plan would that be specific because that overarches everything and everything beneath it The bottom line is that the 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 to be debated. But currently our position is we feel that the collaboration is spelled out well enough in the document. Thank you, that's what I was trying to allude to. That's to be debated, but that's our comment. Amelia Lorentson 02:27:03.602
Can I just, because I've on the destination management plan on the PCG group, and again, I get your point, Tom, really clearly, I've got more privy to the information, but the destination management plan, the targets and goals of the destination management plan are aligned with council's corporate plan, strategies, local economic plan, social strategy, transport strategy, environment strategy, and the Noosa planning scheme. So what's captured here is actually captured in part of the, you know, the purpose of the 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 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 at any point... Oh, sorry, no. So, Kim, as part of their reporting... Kim, as part of their reporting requirements, does Council have a lever to change strategy, TN strategy, to align it with our strategy if need be? Kim Rawlings 02:28:34.784
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 2, that's around the strategic plan, and the TN 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 02:29:07.460
And my understanding My understanding with the destination management plan, are you in agreeance with that? Is it intended to align again with all our strategies, our corporate plan, and in particular our Noosa planning scheme? that, so what's requested here, that's captured in the destination management plan, Kim? Kim Rawlings 02:29:28.574
Absolutely, the intention is that the destination management plan aligns with those things. It might develop new policy. It probably will develop new policy 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 the DMP is there, it will do all of those things, but this is... This is because it's not there. Joe Jurisevic 02:29:55.162
I'm just about to go then, 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 02:30:07.888
Councillor Wegener brought up the point he doesn't know what's in the Destination Management Plan. So if a Councillor doesn't know what's in there, should we leave it to staff to interpret what that's going to be? Or should we give guidance to both TN 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 to proceed in the future. Councillor Jurisevic would like to keep it straight to the corporate plan. That would be one way to do it. But the corporate plan is currently only a draft. It will be And it's about how TN, what guidance we're 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. 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. Joe Jurisevic 02:31:11.212
I'm talking about TN, sorry. Okay, 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 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 is critical. To me it's really important that Tourism Noosa understands that once that becomes their corporate plan, we would hope that their strategic planning is all based on that understanding that that's critical. initiative form a small part important small but important part of our visitor economy. Brian Stockwell 02:31:49.936
Another thing that's identifying that what might be as part of a strategic plan and certainly as far as international destination stewardship our art protocols, that's an important part of getting to a destination management plan. Building our emerging local food and drink industry and 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 nature 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, economy transitioning to a more circular economy, focused on reducing, reducing and recycling. Reusing and recycling and obviously things like plastic and we aim to achieve zero net emissions by 2026. So when they become a corporate plan, we can clearly say, this is what we want you to come on the journey with us. We want, and you know, this is how intelligence... 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 community as expressed within documents like the corporate plan and other strategies. He says, Councillor Councillor Lorentson mentioned, the DMP will be bringing together a whole lot of strategies. Until it's there, we have to rely on something else. And to me, I think it's important just to highlight that these are the sort of things that the tourism Noosa's should be considering in the next six months until the DMP is up and running properly. Tom Wegener 02:33:44.700
Tom? Question for Councillor Stockwell. Duplication between what Surgeon 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? I don't think so. Brian Stockwell 02:34:04.628
You 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 the 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... Let's come on the journey together. Tom Wegener 02:34:50.960
Sure that this is being implemented? Kim Rawlings 02:34:53.620
Yeah, absolutely. I mean the deed just sets the framework. The substance is our relationship and the partnership and how we collaborate and consult. And that, absolutely, that will continue to happen. Joe Jurisevic 02:35:09.701
Joe? Yeah, I'll speak to it. Having reread it and having heard Councillor Stockwell's articulation of what was done, I misread stated in relevant plans, strategy and plans is part of the development of Tourism Noosa strategic plan marketing plan and 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 achieve 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 actually has eliminated a lot of plastic and created a situation for Council that we're trying to catch up that we're trying to 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 ahead of our waste strategy going forward. So I'm quite happy to support this element of it, knowing full well that we're Tourism Noosa are with elements and I don't think Tourism Noosa are not Noosa are not in alignment with with the elements that we we exposed to deliver as a destination but that could be good to clearly articulate that we're both on the same page. Amelia Lorentson 02:36:36.554
I've got a couple of questions Kim so referencing the legally binding agreement on page 5 TN's obligation to 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. review of strategy, operational. strategy. Again, is this superfluous? Is what's 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 an answer ASAP. an 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. I don't think it's implied. I 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. The CEO's... I'll talk to the amendment. For 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 observer on the Tourism Noosa board that the acting CEO has already commenced aligning I'll talk to you in a minute Already commenced aligning TN Strategy with the new funding agreement we we have umpteen opportunity September 2023 we've got my gosh my gosh uh December 2023 um the strategy's got 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 has not been ratified but existing tourism Noosa strategies um from previous agreements um already They already do that. 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 our core core, 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 that Tourism Noosa is already leading on. So again, I don't actually have issues with any of the amendments, but I think we're, I just don't think I just don't think it's needed. So, that's my position. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Jurisevic? Joe Jurisevic 02:39:47.671
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 strategic plan? Because that was what I was confused with. I just think it clarifies who it's referring to with regard to strategic plan, marketing plan and events strategy. I just think it clarifies... It doesn't change the intent, I think it just clarifies who "its" is referring to. Tourism Noosa strategic plan, marketing plan and events strategy. I think that clarifies the nature of what Councillor 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 "its" referred to. If that's a technical amendment, nobody objects to it. Amelia Lorentson 02:40:39.292
Can I just ask a question? 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 to allow TN the opportunity to at least, at the minimum, be consulted on 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'd like to get the amendment done and then we move the procedural motion, should we not? Well, if the policy can allow amendments to be completed first. And then I move it afterwards, thank you. Okay. Frank Wilkie 02:41:18.212
I'll speak in favour of the amendment. As Kim said, the funding agreement... funding agreement talks of a broad framework around which we'll move forward together. This talks about prior to the completion of the DMP, consideration must be given to the key aspirations and positions of council position... council 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. And I think... There's a lot of other very noble and inspiring... and inspiring aspirations in there. And as Councillor Wilkie said, tourism Noosa is already on this journey. From what I observed, when I was the observant of tourism Noosa, they would have no objection to having regard to this. It doesn't... lock them in. It's not... It's not saying they must do anything. Sorry, they must consider and respect the key aspirations. My guess and... Sorry, my... What I understand What I understand about tourism is that they're already there. As Joe said, they're already ahead of the council in terms of implementing the plastic free initiatives. So I have no problem with this amendment. But I do agree that anything should be run by our words by Thursday night, and terms of use before Thursday night. And that can happen even without a secret motion. Oh, okay. Okay. Amelia Lorentson 02:43:02.215
So we can still vote. I'm happy with it. Tom. Tom Wegener 02:43:09.227
So is this, will this go into the actual contract, or this wording will go into the contract? So it's not like a normal amendment which goes, you know, into one of the reports and telling your staff what to do. This actually goes into the contract itself. Yes. So this sits below the previous recommendation, as I understand it, which says authorise the CEO to make minor changes to the funding and performance agreement as required, and then this amendment specifies that change. I'm a big fan of Occam's Razor, and that is, if it doesn't have to be there, it doesn't mean it shouldn't be there, and the corporate plan, which is a fantastic thing, it's not done yet, and so we haven't actually been ratified, and so again, would, if the corporate plan was ratified... plan was ratified and gone through public consultation or so forth, I think I'd be 100% behind it, but it is hard for me to agree to something to go into a contract when we don't actually know what it is yet. Just to clarify, the corporate plan has gone through consultation? It has, but it hasn't come to council yet. It'll come to council next week. 10 Minutes, so it's not going to quite be... 27, 10 minutes. Kim Rawlings 02:44:29.075
I just wanted to clarify your statement about consultation. Frank Wilkie 02:44:32.935
I agree that the framework's 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. That we've given any guidance to that effect. We've picked out some of the issues we want dealt with specifically, but it's in administrative. To me, it is about key aspirations and when we say the positions of council and articulated corporate plan, because the corporate plan has been through two lots of consultation promised out, it's 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 Aft in that we are all working towards similar aspirations. And this document is where to start that journey. I don't see 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 the draft corporate plan which I don't see changing next week. They're already on that journey. But what if there's proposals come up and we want to go here, we want brand new major events on Noosa bench. Then the majority of the Tewantin Noosa board can say no, that's inconsistent with Council's policy. That's what that does. That's what that 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 than Noosa Council. It actually makes their job. We're just saying no, we want you to go in our direction 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. Okay, the amendment to the vote doesn't fail. That's unanimous. The amendment now becomes part of the original motion. Councillor Lorentson, would you like to make a procedural motion? Amelia Lorentson 02:46:33.346
No, I'm happy to just, if we can just get the information before the ordinary meeting. I'll undertake both of those actions. That would be great. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:46:40.123
And I should mention that the way that's worded, it doesn't specify what frame of words, it just says a requirement. It doesn't say where to put it, like the last one, or what the specific words are. Frank Wilkie 02:46:50.683
Okay. Okay. So, now back to the original motion, and only Tom and myself have spoken to the original motion. Anybody else wish to speak to it? Brian Stockwell 02:47:09.340
Tourist 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 our 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 a place for visitors is causing congestion, is causing problems on the Noosa North Shore, is a range of things. There is within the community of views that 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 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 a with the with the intelligence and the capacity within tourism Noosa to use our marketing budget to start heading in the direction to address some of those problems if we for example attract 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 if we start to look at where and who we market to so that they're here like the reason tread lightly program to be part of what this 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 tourism is how do they use their smarts how do they use all their data to work with 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 There are 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 where significant increases could be achieved and I think that's one where you know when we get to the two years that will be one of the key performance indicators that councils at the time will be looking at is how much have member fees How much have member fees or joint marketing programs actually matched the community dollars that go into Tourism Noosa? So, on the whole, I think it's a good agreement. 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 money that we provide for the sustainability and marketing of that sector is aligned to the aspirations that they hold. Frank Wilkie 02:50:37.076
I have a question. Part C of the motions has confirmed the release of the funds... that were reported for 24 and 25 years. That's not saying that money... Just to clarify, what is that actually committing us to? Is it 2.52 for both years, pending? The signing of the settlement and adherence to the conditions. That's right. right, as per the agreement, and paid as per the agreement in two stages. In two stages. Joe Jurisevic 02:51:15.726
Can I just confirm an element of what Councillor Wilkie's asked there? Has the amount been determined for 24/25? Yes. It has been? Yes. Within that agreement? Amelia Lorentson 02:51:35.220
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. So... Start the clock now. That's right. Test the new system. So, as everyone knows... As everyone knows, I'm the observer on the Tourism Noosa board and have been for the last three and a half years. Okay. Noosa is world famous for its surfing destination and it's one it's one of Australia's leading holiday destinations. So then why do we need to continue destination marketing of Noosa? Do we need more tourists? And what happens if we decide to stop marketing Noosa? I've sat on the Tourism Noosa for the last three years as the elected observer looking for the answers to these questions and these are my two main observations. One, we live in the best place on earth and with that comes so many different and high expectation challenges and opportunities. And number two, in 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 affects almost every business in our region. It also affects the health and well-being of our residents. also affects the health and well-being of our residents and our lifestyle. Positives include living in a vibrant community, having access to a beautiful natural environment and world-class dining experiences and the opportunity to be involved in a range of sports, arts and food events as participants and volunteers. Like anywhere there are negatives of traffic and the impact on the quality of our trails, the surfing experience, our national parks, our rivers, our creeks and the vibrancy of our local art and culture. During my time as an observer on the tourism and they include congestion Noosa board, I've 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, the importance over the years one the importance of data that 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 rate payer dollar and number two the importance of experience protection protection of our environment our beaches our ocean national parks our trails our rivers and our creeks and that if we lose that experience then we lose the experience of our experience then we lose our edge and what makes Noosa such an amazing place to live I think the challenge for us all is that our experience in our environment is under threat and once that's gone it's gone and our reputation is gone and 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 is the right direction for tourism Noosa, but we need to present it in a way that looks inclusive, not exclusive. Marketing should be channelled towards certain demographics that benefit us, But what the tourism industry refer 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, surf festivals, sporting events, many of the things that not just rich people. Noosa is known for. What I've learnt also by sitting at the table is that as an industry and as a community, we 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 what we 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, 2006 report that Frank referred to, the rise and fall of Colorado, shows what can happen if we start marketing a region with, if we stop marketing a region with one voice. If we market Noosa 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 decades of promotional work. Tourism Noosa have built an amazing brand, and now is not the time. And now is not the time to kill 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 in Noosa. That's 13.8% of Noosa total jobs, making it Noosa second biggest single job sector, just behind healthcare and social assistance. That number does not include the many jobs in direct 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 new Tourism 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 Noosa Shire Council and it's therefore critical that they demonstrate that can administer 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 when completed, will inform Tourism Noosa future position in relation to the management of the visitor economy and tourism within the Noosa region. Tourism Noosa 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. and develop the Noosa brand. Number two, to deliver evidence based marketing strategies and promotion that attract high value visitors and achieve increased regional dispersal. And number three, to provide the 600 plus members with value added services. Tourism Noosa services: Tourism Noosa does 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 who spend less in our region. If Tourism Noosa stops marketing, the one million plus day-trippers who come here will continue to come. compare the average spend per person of daytrippers is a hundred and five dollars which is less than six percent of interstate visitors who spend one thousand nine hundred and sixty five dollars on average per day. We need a 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 to our visitors best managed destinations are good for the community and the best managed destinations are good for business and there is no team better qualified and more committed to manage and protect our more committed to manage and protect our brand and destination than the team at Tourism Noosa and their 65 volunteers. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:00:56.406
Councillor Lorentson, Chair, did you wish to speak before? Joe Jurisevic 03:01:00.546
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, Councillor Wilkie, you mentioned somewhere with your, with 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 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. was. They talked about refreshments, so that ageing properties that thought they could demand top dollar year in year 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 They worked on plastic 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 some of the elements that have been the challenge that we hear our community... cry about the impact on a regular basis, and that's the illness of congestion, particularly around that Hastings Street precinct. We have free buses. It's 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 until they get here, so they'll still bring their cars. But if we know before they get here that there's an alternative, perhaps I'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 ease the burden on ratepayers. We're looking at other revenue sources. We have tourism ventures that facilitate that, holiday parks. So that's just good business acumen to look at opportunities within the 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 over the years. partner with Council in that going forward is crucial and I think this document and this funding agreement is a key element of that. to be a I welcome it and I hope Tourism Noosa welcome it and I hope we continue to work together hand in hand for the good sustainable tourism region that we are renowned for being. Frank Wilkie 03:04:45.463
I'll wait for my right to close. I think it's all been said. 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. Kim Rawlings 03:05:01.763
We'll get Councillor Finzel. Thank you. Julie 03:16:56.144
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 to scope. So as long as we have the scope available, which we do, and a really strong scope, we are unlikely to see any blowouts from that point of view unless we come across something that is not known to us now. So we dig something up and find something yes that will be a variation, but that will be a negotiation we have with QRA as part of fulfilling the scope. We also made it really clear to the contractors on site that there is no rise or fall negotiation or anything like that. In terms of council budget, there is none here to spend. Frank Wilkie 03:17:44.767
So if there's any blowout, the extra funds will be covered by QRA? Julie 03:17:59.707
Dictated by the scope in 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 understand those aspects so intricately. Joe Jurisevic 03:18:13.866
There needs to be a rhyme and reason behind a change in design concept to facilitate any change in concept. The element within this that Councillor Stockwell will be particularly pleased with... In this incident, two water crossings are amber fish passageways, so the sites need to be upgraded to meet the Department of Agricultural Fisheries design standards. So this looks to me that it's included all the elements... are required to be at today's standard of engineering requirements and environmental requirements. That's correct. Julie 03:18:49.574
So as part of the RECA process, that if a particular... DAF requirement is required, we'll include that in there. There is a small portion where we're wanting to make some improvements around some wing walls on there, and we're currently in negotiation with QRA to fund that as well. that to date. We feel pretty positive... 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. Joe Jurisevic 03:19:21.830
What are the advantages of the wing wall? does that deliver in the design? Julie 03:19:26.670
Yeah, that'll just prevent some scouring on the side of that waterway there to prevent any future impacts in those particular areas if we have a similar overland flooding circumstance like we did in Fedmark. Joe Jurisevic 03:19:35.229
So an element of resilience in the design going forward for that for that area, for those two targets? Julie 03:19:44.849
Yeah, we probably wouldn't go as far as resilience because there's some certain class certain classifications around what we call resilience and betterment within the grant guidelines, but it certainly makes the design much more robust. Joe Jurisevic 03:19:56.425
OK, thank you. Yep. Yeah. Would you like to move this one, Brian? Oh, look. Always like a 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 03:20:14.081
I know, I think it's good that 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 because, obviously, the impact on this community from last year's flooding would have been totally unreasonable to fund from ratepayer funds. So we do appreciate the the role of the State in providing the funds to recover from the disaster. Joe Jurisevic 03:20:47.328
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 one, whittle our way through all of the elements before us to deliver the repair works for Council. Thank you, Julie. Thank you. Agreed. Julie 03:21:06.424
Thank you, councillors. Thank you, Larry. Pauline 03:21:08.032
Larry, but it is a team effort. Yep. Frank Wilkie 03:21:10.712
Any other councillors wish to speak? Tom Wegener 03:21:13.912
Just like an echo to other councillors in saying thank you, Julie, for your hard work over the last... And the time. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:21:27.420
That is unanimous. Thank you, Julie. I appreciate your time. Thank you. I'll see you in the office. We should also note that Councillor Finzel didn't return to the meeting. She had personal matters to attend. Yes. Okay. Next item is budget... Next item is Budget Review 2, the 2022-23 financial year. Welcome Pauline and Trent. Pauline and Trent, could you give us an overview of what's happening in Budget Review 2, please? Sure. Pauline 03:22:11.631
For those who might be listening for the first time, what are budget 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 the financial year. So does that explain what a budget review is? Okay. So in summary the budget review is 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 emerging costs that have been funded from additional revenue and grant funds that have been 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 eight by $8.7 million of the 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 to the QRA disaster 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 in a strong financial position. Did you have any questions? Questions, councillors? Joe Jurisevic 03:24:05.134
Yeah, the first one, if I may. The capital extension program decreased from fifty seven point one million down to fifty six point six. Sure. The capital extension program... What has accounted for that half million dollar change? Pauline 03:24:15.102
So there's a net movement, so of the six point three million dollars 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. that's increased our budget, however we've offset $8.7 million so that's pushed out. So that's reduced... The largest of those projects was the Garth Prowd Bridge, which has been delayed and deferred to the following year. Joe Jurisevic 03:24:44.569
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. Julie 03:24:53.909
Correct. And for those that are looking at Pauline's talking through it, it's page 48 of the agenda has a summary by program, and then page 53 onwards does have it listed by program, actual project. Joe Jurisevic 03:25:09.941
This new system, those page numbers don't align. Pauline 03:25:12.901
That's okay, so Noosa, the golf crowd has pushed out, that's $2.9 million, $1.3 million of our fleet program that actually carried over has been pushed out due to supply chain and delivery issues. So they still will occur. They'll just happen in a future year, as well as the lock and wear, which will span by the year. So it's $900,000. So they're the major push outs for this program. Joe Jurisevic 03:25:33.096
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 when you break them down into these. Julie 03:25:47.640
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. Joe Jurisevic 03:25:55.660
I think it's the weather thing. Frank Wilkie 03:26:00.440
Just a question. There was an adjustment of $135,000 down in the development assessment. Pauline 03:26:33.512
They are expecting some larger development applications to come through. However, we aren't sure on the timing of those. they may occur in the following year as well. So, we've adjusted accordingly to be conservative. Julie 03:26:44.999
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 there is potential risk of overspend or whether that where there is some downside in revenue and we take that up through the process so that we're recognising that you'll see that the same with the very things as well. So that our forecast between now and June is as accurate as it possibly can be Frank Wilkie 03:27:20.040
I'm happy to move the report Councillor Jo seconded Amelia. Jo? Joe Jurisevic 03:27:28.440
I'd like to thank staff for their time and effort. The financial review, the budget review too budget review too 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 our net financial liabilities and asset sustainability ratios well within the parameters of the State's requirements. operation So I'm happy to move that the budget review be accepted and acknowledged for the work that's been done. Frank Wilkie 03:28:11.714
Do the councillors wish to speak or have questions? I'll ask a question on, in the statement of financial position, there's a jump in provisions from about $16 million to $24 million. Can you just, which is a per ship of $8.8 million, can you just explain, sorry. Quite a significant shift. Could you just explain what that movement's, what provisions are under non-current liabilities and what that shift represents and why we've done that? Sure. Pauline 03:28:47.084
Provisions are basically an estimate of Council's estimated liability for whether it be employee entitlements, restoration of landfill or quarry. So they're the predominant provisions that we take up. So in terms of Budget Review 2, when we did Budget Review 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 eight million dollars 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 that site once the site's completed and finished for use and on the same document asset re-evaluation surplus went from $144 million up to $343 million just explain what has actually happened now and what that means in terms of our depreciation value of our assets. Sure, so the asset revaluation reserve under each year council undertakes a revaluation of the asset class to represent the actual replacement value of last year, Council undertook the revaluation 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 appreciation, so there's no actual impact to our appreciation expense relating to land, but obviously it inflates our land reserve, but also our asset value as well. So asset value is increased. Yes, so there was also an indexation of our other asset classes based on some methodology. We apply indexes in building construction, those sorts of things, to assess whether there's a material movement, and where there's a material movement, we will take it up. take it up and therefore there will be some depreciation impact from that as well. Frank Wilkie 03:30:54.791
So property planning equipment, if I read it right, it gets increased by some $200 million? Correct. So does that include buildings? Pauline 03:31:02.931
That includes buildings, roads, stormwater, other infrastructure, land, plant equipment. Frank Wilkie 03:31:08.414
So net assets for the community is increased by that $200 million? Correct. Pauline 03:31:13.494
This year's net re-evaluation will be for roads and bridges, so we're in the process of conducting... Tom Wegener 03:31:22.058
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, the Gitterween 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 are the costs to go next door and buy all the property and put it there. Is that right, Pauline? Pauline 03:31:46.841
With land, there's two different ways you can do market value or cost value. The independent values 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 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 well. Frank Wilkie 03:32:22.795
The government subsidies and grants for capital works, it's got a figure of $32 million, so $32 million has been received out of that. 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 in the accounts, so that's where the majority of that adjustments come from. So we haven't actually received that money yet? Yes we have received that money, we've received $13 million of the additional extra, so if we look at... Julie 03:32:54.474
$23 Million is year-to-date, councillors, so that's correct and that'll be in the next agenda item that we're going to, but we are anticipating more grants received between I now and doubt June as we get to the end it. No. Pauline 03:33:21.605
That's largely to do with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority with the disaster projects. Frank Wilkie 03:33:28.340
Funding externally managed projects. Questions or comments? Brian Stockwell 03:33:37.000
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 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 03:34:09.567
It would be substantial. Julie 03:34:12.287
Our annual general rating revenue is $60. Amelia Lorentson 03:34:18.547
60 Brian Stockwell 03:34:26.746
I think we have to really be aware, like, when we talk about the impacts of disasters and the fact that their frequency and magnitude is continuing to accelerate, that public investment in the Public investment in recovery is substantial. Joe Jurisevic 03:34:46.773
Something 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. Or a use to it. So is the is the capacity for the land to actually deliver alternative uses considered in that land valuation? 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 it can or can't be used for that purpose? So like Girraween, they were saying the highest and best use is for soccer rather than rugby union. Pauline 03:35:34.527
Correct. So in that, 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 be more beneficial to be a development site. So they actually applied some discounting and what would actually be worth being a development site, as opposed to just selling it. 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 other constraints there are. It sounds very subjective. If it can't be actually utilised for that other use, how can it be valued for that other use? So they look at it as to, if you had that piece of land, what could you do with it in its current form? Alright, so it's the highest and best use based on, for example, constraints such as flood level, so they do constrain its ability to be used for residential residential or for non-community purposes, then it's the highest and best use is not residential or... So it does, it fills a lower category. But they do need to recognise that in infill areas, such as... 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. Joe Jurisevic 03:36:55.407
Does that impact upon the value of the land as a result? Yes, it does. Because there's less land available, it's actually worth more? Frank Wilkie 03:37:04.302
As far as the asset sustainability ratio, which is 176.7%. Yep. And as it says here, the ratio reflects 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, B &I and funders? QRA funded works? Pauline 03:37:23.741
Some of it does, yes, correct. Where it's an asset that's been renewed rather than a completely new asset, yes. Frank Wilkie 03:37:29.061
And is the number so high because of that? Pauline 03:37:31.881
It was already high prior to the QRA projects, so what we've carried over, yeah. So it's offsetting some of the prior years. Frank Wilkie 03:37:39.621
Refresh my memory, what was the final assets associated with the last financial Julie 03:37:46.600
I think I'd have to take that one. I must have to say that I noticed off the top of my head. Is it more than 100%? I believe it was, yes. I think it was, yeah. Frank Wilkie 03:37:53.060
Anything above 90% is considered. That's right. I think it was around around 120 off the top of my head, but I'll have to check with you. No, Joe Jurisevic 03:38:06.343
It does raise 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 in the next, the next section with regard to all those QRA projects that are being undertaken, that has to be reassessed and revalued and... Yeah, I know, I've discussed that before. It's just ringing in my head. Frank Wilkie 03:38:44.598
That financial performance report. 6.3 It's pretty old. It is. Joe Jurisevic 03:38:53.817
It is. It's hard going back. You're going backwards and forwards. Frank Wilkie 03:38:56.737
It's not as quick as flipping papers. No. Alright. It's cumbersome. Pauline, again, please. Okay, so. Pauline 03:39:06.897
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 Operating revenue is $5.8 million above budget, which is being driven by rates and utility charges, interest, revenue, and 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 that are under budget use today 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 our fees and charges have actually facilities. Operating expenditure is slightly under budget, with materials and services at $830,000 over budget, with the majority of that relating to civil operations for gravel roads, parks, roads, landscaping, and work operations, as well as holiday parks, which relates to commission, which is offset by their revenue. 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 today's meeting. So that has been finalised. Also, as normally as we do in each quarter, we've included a legal expenditure summary, which shows we've spent $1 million of our $1.5 million legal budget, and we don't anticipate that we will be able to spend that budget this year. Overall corporate council's operating position at March is $5.8 million above the budget. Capital revenue is above budget by $14.7 million, and as I mentioned, it's largely due to the QRA grant funding that we have received year-to-date, and year-to-date, excluding disaster projects, council has expended 64% of its four-year capital program, which equates to $36.7 million, with a further $10 million committed. 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 2 million dollars over budget. Thank you. As requested in the past we've also included 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 in relation to 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 that's increased to $27 million overall council's financial position continues to be on track and it's meeting its financial sustainability target any questions Any questions? Amelia Lorentson 03:42:00.797
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, our property facilities, plumbing, etc. How often do we review the budget and 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 in terms of cash? And this is me with my thinking cap thinking how can we work hard at reducing our rate pays rates and we're in budget deliberations at the Is this an opportunity? Julie 03:42:59.567
Through the Chair, the first part of your question how often do we review 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 one of the processes we item one of the one of the processes we do and one of their what 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 all the way up we do the same with our revenue so we asked our offices to a budget for what they expect of a number of entrances to an Aquatic Centre the number of applications that come through the door etc etc across all those business activities now what we don't do is in one of the important things we don't do with our revenue is we don't stretch target our revenue targets too fast so we use a concern our revenue targets too fast so we 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 quieter peak season with the number of crossings on the ferry, town planning fees, our development application fees, our short stay local law application fees, our building and plumbing revenue fees, they are all down. So the risk is if we if we stretch our revenue targets for fees and charges, goods and services sales too far, we will be in a position at the end of the financial year where we could be running at a loss. So we need to find 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 that we pay an 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-year if you compare this year's budget to last the fees are all increased and as we work through this year's budget to next you'll see that we've reassessed it may do increase significantly year-on-year. The goal is that the more we diversify our revenue base the less reliance we have on our rates. Pauline 03:46:14.235
This year we've had a significant increase in interest rate which has driven two and a half million dollars of that upside that Related Noosa Council Meetings
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