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 00:00.000
Welcome everybody to the general committee meeting for April 2023. We have all councillors in attendance, though we have someone to confirm the minutes of the last General Committee Meeting. Please that's Councillor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That's carried. And wait a minute, do we have to vote on that? Yeah, we just did, show of hands is fine. You Don't have to vote online on this. SPEAKER_04 00:24.221
No, no, okay, we're uploading online here. No. We'd also Frank Wilkie 00:27.823
Like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land which we've gathered, which is the Kabi Kabi or Kabi Kabi people. Our respects to elders past, present, and emerging. 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 ask, have someone moved? I'll move. Second. Frank Wilkie 01:38:24.372
You ready to so we've recorded 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 into confidential session was consideration of centralised legal services trial. The information there contains some confidential private details. And also tourist accommodations are in review for proposed amendments which go into the State for a state interest check and remain confidential if they come back for public consultation. We go to the motion for the centralised legal services trial which is before it's moved. Councillor Lorentson seconded by Councillor Jurisevic. Do you wish to speak to the motion. Amelia Lorentson 01:39:20.519
No, I'm very excited to see this report in front of us. Can't really say much about it but I look forward to the oncoming report coming back to council. Thank please. You. Frank Wilkie 01:39:35.850
Anybody else wish to speak to the motion? Put the motion those in favour. That's carried. Next item, Tourism Accommodation Zone review proposal. Proposed amendment 2A to the Noosa Plan 2020. Unknown 01:39:52.646
Happy to move it. Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 01:39:55.546
That's moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Thank you, any councillors wish to speak to the motion? If not, motion goes in favour. Unknown 01:40:06.721
Let's carry unanimously. Yeah, I Don't get it. I Don't understand. I'll do it- Yeah, Amelia. Frank Wilkie 01:40:21.001
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. Yes. So next item the is the MCU22/0209 application for Material Change of Use for short-term accommodation of 515 Cooroy, Noosa Road, Tinbeerwah, the third from the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting. Kim, would you come up? I asked Patrick, didn't I? Well, Patrick... Kim Rawlings 01:41:04.460
Okay, from there we go. Oh, that'd be great. Thank you. Thanks, Joe. You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:41:18.360
Okay, we have to ask you some technical questions in the meantime. Yes, yes, yes. All right. So, Kim, the application for us is consistent with the current planning scheme? Yes, that's correct. That's what it will be. And its current use is as a...former use was as a restaurant? Yes. It has plenty of setbacks from adjacent problems? Yes. Over 100 metres, yes. There was some concern around last week about the dam in the backyard, in the back paddock. Does that need to be fenced off to make it safe... Making a SAFE STA. Kim Rawlings 01:42:07.254
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 act, it's not required to be fenced. So it's not no, a legal requirement. It's obviously up to council whether it's something they want to be considered. Frank Wilkie 01:42:30.575
And it is in the rural residential zone? Yes. Rural zone. The rural zone. And under the current planning scheme, STAs are consistently using the rural zone. And they have no conflict with higher orders of the Noosa in terms of ensuring that it's not in conflict with... That's right. At Kim Rawlings 01:42:51.889
The time of the drafting of the Noosa Plan, short-term accommodation was anticipated as a consistent use in the rural zone. Frank Wilkie 01:42:59.537
There were some recommendations from staff about approvals for STA's in the medium and high density zone. They were also recommended for refusal even though it was a consistent use because of conflict with high orders in the planning scheme. That situation... Doesn't apply in this instance. That's correct. SPEAKER_00 01:43:19.366
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. Thank sure, yes. You. Patrick Murphy 01:43:30.447
Hello Patrick, could you give us a bit of an update on... I can, sorry, things move pretty quick. Okay, so the site of 515 Cooroy Noosa Road is on a rural zone property. Site the is 2.9 hectares. 3 in area. Because it doesn't meet the 4 hectare size requirement, it 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 4 hectares. It obviously doesn't meet corresponding performance outcome is around the character of the area and the amenity of the area. We consider that this proposal would not detrimentally impact upon those. It's noted that the nearest property is 160 metres away on the other side of Cooroy Noosa Road. So the eastern side of the site is a council reserve, so there's a significant buffer between the site and the adjoining dwellings to the east. And again, it's recommended for approval, subject to conditions, five bedrooms, limited to eight people, and with a 9pm curfew on outside areas being used. Questions, councillors? Unknown 01:44:48.380
Anyone care to remove the recommendation? I'll move. Frank Wilkie 01:44:52.020
Moved by Councillor Jurisevic. Joe was speaker. For all the reasons outlined Joe Jurisevic 01:44:58.760
In the report, acknowledging it's also on a very busy major thoroughfare into and out of the region, I'm happy to staff support recommendations. Tom Wegener 01:45:12.217
As you know, I have a very hard time getting past the assessment tables, so the first you look at when looking at these things in an application is you go to the assessment tables, and the assessment table says straight away, located on a site with an area of at least four hectares, and so it says if there's a problem from the assessment tables, you look at the rural residential code, the Visitor Accommodation Code, and the works codes. And then I went back to look at the, well, Pat Patrick, by the way, it's a great report, and Patrick is very, very for me, in learning more about the planning scheme, but it says, "Where there's inconsistency between provisions of the planning scheme, the following rules apply: B, relevant codes are specified so in schedule 6 and 10 of the regulation. So then, we go to the rural zone code, which is 6, which is part 6, and this is where we look at what's acceptable on a higher level, and it says that you could use visitor accommodation when it complements rural uses and promotes sustainable use of rural land. It can, you can houses or outbuildings may be available guests where there is no resultant change to the rural amenity nature-based nature-based tourism is is exemplary what it is is okay home-based businesses which added the economic sustainability of the hincheland are established where nature's scale and intensity of activity is compatible with the character and amenity of the surrounding locality and again later down it says a PO does not detract from rural amenity and adjoining properties and looking at what we've learned from the planning scheme we know that short-term accommodation affects amenity that's the one thing we have learned in our experiences with short-term accommodation that that learning was not around when the planning scheme was actually written and so the question is do you look at the intent of the planning when scheme it was written. Or can you look at it with learnings that you that have become very blatantly obvious to us now and to me it just seems very very clear that if amenity is if you're circling on amenity and the rule of the rule residential code and the other code other the assessment tables they all say four hectares that's it well and then if the other axis is amenity but I Don't believe that the amenity amenities will not be impacted and I think that this would have been very very helpful under you know applicable under that the nature code underneath the nature based nature churros tourism code would be spectacular because we received a very nice letter from the the owner and I thought gosh you know it pains me because he wants to do a nature-based bicycle and uses for bicyclers in the place for bicyclers to stay as they go through the trails which is fantastic and that is exactly what we would like but that could be conditioned if you applied for a nature-based tourism business rather than the very wide open STA in the hinterland turning basically a rural property into a potential dragon amenity or affect the amenity of the area so I I can't get past I just get that it says four hectares minimum I can't get past that so I will be supporting this. Joe Jurisevic 01:49:22.937
Council it raises a question for me and thank you Councillor wittner. Given that it has that property has had commercial use in the past and something like nature-based tourism is a commercial operation would they have pre-existing use rights of commercial activities in the past to continue in that vein? Patrick Murphy 01:49:44.074
They would have existing use rights if they hadn't abandoned the use, but it would also be existing use rights for the activity that was being undertaken. So just by virtue of the fact that it's a commercial activity, doesn't mean that you can do any commercial activity. It would have to be Frank Wilkie 01:49:59.350
The same type of activity. That's right. On that property, seeing as it's been some time since commercial activities have been undertaken, has that commercial use been abandoned? It's my understanding that yes, I'm just trying to clarify that. Thank you. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:50:15.687
It's just a question of clarification, so I think Councillor Wegener suggested it has to be four hectares and that's it. My understanding, and please correct me if I'm wrong, is true that four hectares is an acceptable solution, so that's just one example of how to achieve a performance outcome, is that right? Not the only example? Patrick Murphy 01:50:35.583
That's correct, Councillor. Amelia Lorentson 01:50:37.860
Can I ask a question? Patrick, the condition of the approval is that the total number of guests accommodated at any one time must not exceed eight. One of the submitters noted that for 15 people in six bedrooms. My question is how do we manage that in fact only eight people occupy the property and what is the penalty for non-compliance? Patrick Murphy 01:51:06.161
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 suspend or 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 01:51:56.651
And in terms of submitters, so it went to public notifications, impact assessable because it didn't hit the four hectares and over. How many submissions were there? Patrick Murphy 01:52:08.571
There was one submission. Properly made submission. Amelia Lorentson 01:52:11.447
One properly made submission. Informal submissions or not properly made submissions, how many were there? Patrick Murphy 01:52:19.507
I believe it was only the one, but I could clarify that. I would need to clarify that for you. Thank you. Sorry, just to clarify, that was one of the neighbours neighbours of it wasn't directly a was further east, so you have the reserve, and it was beyond that. You're welcome. Thank you. Okay. Council's received permission to close. Joe Jurisevic 01:52:42.892
No, I think it's all been said. Okay. I hope the motion goes in favour. Frank Wilkie 01:52:46.852
That's Councillor Jurisevic, Finzel, Stewart, Stockwell, Lawrence, and Wilkie. Against? Councillor Wegener, and that is carried. Thank you Patrick. Thanks Patrick. Thanks, Kim. We now come to the next item which is another item referred from the committee which is the Tourism Noosa funding agreement. Stewart. Thank you very much. Councillor. Clare Stewart 01:53:25.446
In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I, Councillor Stewart, inform the meeting that I have declared a conflict of interest to this matter as Leigh McCready, a Director of tourism, 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. I won't... I'm leaving the meeting room. I'm leaving the meeting room. I'm leaving the meeting room. I'm leaving the meeting room. Thank Karen Finzel 01:54:12.740
Yes, I, Councillor Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. Unknown 01:54:40.000
You know just a special song.org community that's nice. Let's take a look at this one. Thank you. That should be on my previous table. Karen Finzel 01:55:47.400
Oh thanks, Mr Chair. I, Councillor Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter, as Leigh McCready, the Director of Tourism Noosa, was involved with my 2020 election campaign with Future Noosa, which is no longer an entity. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Brian Stockwell 01:56:16.560
Thank you very much. I too wish to inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter as on the 24th February 2020 I saw a review by the Independent Council Election Observer as to the public claims of the Future Noosa Team of which Leigh McCready was publicly identified as a campaign manager. Leigh McCready is a 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 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 01:57:01.224
I move that council note the declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Stockwell and determine it's in the public interest that Councillor Stockwell participates and votes on this matter because council believes that a reasonable person could not have a perception of bias because the ICEO review was an advisory service not a statutory service and Councillor Stockwell's queries at the time were in the public interest and neither he nor Ms McCready stood to personally gain or lose from the advice and therefore a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest. Frank Wilkie 01:57:28.667
Can I have a seconder for that please? I BID you second. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-10 do you wish to speak to a Chair? Joe Jurisevic 01:57:34.027
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 01:57:39.959
Okay. My and Councillor Stockwell did not vote. Now we come to substance of the report. Hello, Kim. Could you? The benefit of those who may be listening, could you report us through the report we have before us? Yes, just noting Kim Rawlings 01:58:03.245
This is a report by our CEO. In his absence, I'm stepping in. Yes. So to council today is to recommend a funding and performance deed with the Tourism Noosa. Our current funding arrangements with Tourism Noosa is due to expire mid this year. So we've been for the last number of months in negotiations with Tourism Noosa about the next funding arrangement. The current funding deed arrangement is done by an MOU. What's on the table today for council consideration is a change in the approach from an MOU to a funding and performance deed. It's been through a legal review and been negotiated with with Tourism Noosa over the last couple of months. The deed outlines very clearly obligations and 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. The recommendation is for a two plus two 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 recognises 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. Unknown 02:00:00.474
Do you have questions? No, we Don't. Talk. Tom Wegener 02:00:07.334
In the 4.2 strategic operations plan, by December 31st, 2023, to reduce the Tourism Noosa will implement a four-year strategic plan which incorporates the priorities and obligations and performance measures set out as scheduled. What are 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 Plan? Kim Rawlings 02:00:45.306
So the 4.2 specific specifies that Tourism Noosa need to have their strategic plan in place by that time that incorporates the performance outcomes and objectives in schedule 1. So they've got all the information they need to be able to do that and my understanding is they've already started their strategic planning process well into it. You will note that in in the schedule though on at priority one it then subsequently says that council is preparing a Destination Management Plan and at the 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 into Tourism Noosa's strategic plan or direction that that would also happen at that time we could you give us some idea of the timing for the Destination Management Plan please 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 where our hope is that we have the Destination Management Plan complete by later this year Councillor Wilkie. So that's when the talks with tourists and Noosa's will take place? That's right. Frank Wilkie 02:02:13.325
In order to give tourists and Noosa's some certainty, how long is the term? This agreement is 2 plus 2? So regardless of what comes out of the Destination Management Plan? This agreement is open for 2 years? Kim Rawlings 02:02:27.907
That's right. Frank Wilkie 02:02:29.127
There's no capacity to change anything before the end of 2 years? Kim Rawlings 02:02:33.487
Well, there is capacity to change direction and arrangements, but this does provide funding for 2 years. That's right. 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. Unknown 02:02:58.089
I'll second the motion. Thank you. Seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Frank Wilkie 02:03:10.693
I support this recommendation. This will give Tourism Noosa some funding certainty. For at least 2 years. They've performed their role very, very well in the last 20 years in marketing Noosa and positioning it as a destination choice for on the idea of trauma. High-deal travel. The strategy has always been to target interstate and overseas tourists who tend to spend more and Don't drive. There's some the Destination Management Plan is the opportunity to fine-tune the role of tourism in Noosa redefine but tourism in 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 of Colorado for those who might be questioning whether Tourism Noosa ought to be continued to be funded because Noosa seems to be going so well it's a story of complacency Colorado decided at the height of its success as a destination to discontinue funding its market tourism marketing body and within three years it had lost 30% of market share worth $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 Noosa, the visited 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 that we'd 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. And they are professional we owe them, that. So I support this recommendation. Thank you. Tom Wegener 02:05:45.304
Tom, does he, um... Brand management. Tourism Noosa, rather than number one, is brand management of their, 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 02:06:15.109
The issue of brand Noosa is absolutely central to destination management and what the community and all stakeholders want the destination to be. Continue to 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 02:06:44.571
Yes, I'll speak to it then. Brand management I think is something that Tourism Noosa has done extremely well, and for all the hype that's come about, and Tourism Noosa 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 Noosa's remit brand management. Is 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 Peregian Digital Hub and you know surfers coming here like who could contribute to that brand become a part of the tourism thing but also set down their ribs here and create a Noosa brand that is 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 want to visit well the brand management I think is really key in maintaining in bringing businesses in as well just for example land and sea brewery they made their Noosa gin and just by the brand name Noosa gin all of a sudden it was it's been on what's it brandsons airline like, um... Birds. Birds. Yeah, all he goes it has that straight into virgin and all these other businesses that have come like that the surfer named Jan who came here who started out as a pastry chef and now he has a business as a filmer and ad maker and all these come I mean really people come here for the Noosa brand and as the Noosa brand is an incredibly integral part of Noosa and that's why people come here and so I see that Tourism Noosa has done extremely well at brand management and it's something that I feel is different from destination management it's something it's a bit different and that's what Tourism Noosa does extremely well so I'm very very pleased that Tourism Noosa will be as the funding for the next two years to continue this brand management. Frank Wilkie 02:08:50.282
Excuse me Kim, the new funding agreement that replaces the old, the former, the current funding agreement a more reporting. Can you just talk us through some of the more robust reporting requirements under the new funding agreement please? Kim Rawlings 02:09:07.154
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, events, strategy, marketing plans that captures. The deed and requires them to be reported to council. There's regular reporting, quarterly reporting required under this. As opposed to twice yearly reporting under the former funding agreement. 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 a an increased level of governance and reporting under this, under this deed, absolutely. Thank you. Can the council speak to motion? Brian Stockwell 02:10:05.894
I'm going to 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 the point..I 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 we have someone second that because the debate Frank Wilkie 02:10:47.307
Well I can't I'll second it for the purpose of the debate thank you Brian Stockwell 02:10:52.287
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 really clear it's purely tying loose ends up saying yep once we have a DMP we we would like this funding to go towards TN helping us achieve the aspirations and the actions within that Destination Management Plan- Yeah, Councillor, speak to that motion. Joe Jurisevic 02:11:27.046
I've got a question and I'm not sure who it would be related to possibly Councillor Stockwell in adding that clause does clarify that there are elements of funding to attain different elements of the agreement with Tourism Noosa? Brian Stockwell 02:11:52.565
No, the agreement doesn't separate the different roles and functions of Tourism Noosa at any point. So we do know it mentions things like marketing as a marketing plan and sustainability as another initiative and a whole range of purely saying that that clause talks about the Destination Management Plan being a requirement to respond and this just clarifies that that is sort of key to ongoing funding. Joe Jurisevic 02:12:23.395
I guess the second part of that question then goes to you, Kim. I think that's 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 the agreement? Kim Rawlings 02:12:47.260
What the current deed does is suggest in the same section, a section of the schedule 1, 2.1c, 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? So it Joe Jurisevic 02:13:07.730
Could be specific funding streams based on different elements of the agreement? Kim Rawlings 02:13:11.690
It could be. That's what I'm trying to clarify. That's where we end up Joe Jurisevic 02:13:14.890
Yes. Is precluded that by what's being added here or is that reinforcing it or re-acknowledging it. Kim Rawlings 02:13:22.340
I Don't think that precludes anything. This would be point D to following that. So I think it just is a clarifying. Well thank you. That satisfies my question. Amelia Lorentson 02:13:37.220
Thank you. I have a question, Kim. This is a legally binding contract and it's been going to and fro to our our legal, our solicitors. Does inclusion of this clause need to run past our legals and if so, is there going to be a potential that it may not come back to council by this Thursday's Ordinary Meeting? I think definitely run it by our legals. I think that could be done by Thursday. Kim Rawlings 02:14:13.296
They've been very responsive and been able to turn around any changes that we've made very quickly. Amelia Lorentson 02:14:19.436
In the spirit of collaboration and given that this can between is a partnership. I also request 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 consideration for Thursday, that if this does come up and it's all okay, 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 love but I think as Frank, oh no no okay stop. There should be an apostrophe O in councils. 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 02:15:41.937
Do we have a seconder for a procedural motion? Brian Stockwell 02:15:45.177
Just a question. I did circulate another part of the amendment. Was it your intention that that be part of that request? Because it might be better to have it on the table rather than to arrange it on Thursday night. Amelia Lorentson 02:16:01.059
Can I go backwards? You can. Frank Wilkie 02:16:03.639
Fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 02:16:05.619
I might withdraw until the second amendment gets discussed. There are a lot of other questions as well. Yeah. Unknown 02:16:11.739
Sure. So I'm going to use the amendment. Amelia Lorentson 02:16:16.599
Look, as it stands, Don't I think I have any problems with it. I think my concern is really about getting this across the line this month. I think there's a lot of staff that have been living with uncertainty for some time I think it's actually, 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. I do think that it is explicit in the agreement. Clause 4.3 makes reference to the agreed priorities. Schedule 1 stipulates very clearly these outcomes, but if it's just a, you know, to have it up front and for purposes of clarity, for community, I have no objection to that. Joe Jurisevic 02:17:09.236
Just on a grammatical point, can I just add that council should have a an apostrophe because the council's satisfaction. That no objection to making that correction? Frank Wilkie 02:17:20.466
And Kim, my question will be, what is your wording on that amendment, it doesn't, does it capture the intent of the funding being given away in relation to the D paying paper. Yes, Kim Rawlings 02:17:37.268
I believe that's the intention. Like I said, clause schedule one, clause 2.1, very much puts right up front as priority one, the Destination Management Plan. It requires that TN acknowledge that council is developing the TN, the D &P, and that will inform TN's strategy in relation to management of the visitor economy and tourism. It requires-- Frank Wilkie 02:18:01.930
Yes, just help me find that. Kim Rawlings 02:18:03.470
Page 13 of the-- the shit of the date Amelia Lorentson 02:18:07.400
And page six of the deed clause 4.3 Frank, references during the term TN will report on expenditure of the funding by TN with reference to the agreed priorities activities being undertaken return on investment of- Okay, so 4.06 million, ish? Of course. 4.3 B and schedule one is on page 13 and is included as part of the contract Kim Rawlings 02:18:39.240
And then priority one in that on page 13 under point two of the schedule. Frank Wilkie 02:18:49.860
Implementing strategy and direction of measures for the. Do you like the moving again? 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. And I'm happy to support Tom. Tom Wegener 02:19:15.700
I Don't know what I'm voting for with this. I have a vague understanding of the Destination Management Plan, but what when I think of the things that I think tourism used to do extremely well, say, what would that fit under the DMP? Yes, yes. That? DMP yet. It's not done. Can we do, 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 in cycling strategy. We said, you know, we have the walking in cycling strategy by perhaps the DMP went this way, and it might actually change the, you know, maybe multi-million dollar walking in cycling strategy. I think that we need to get our ducks in a row, and before I tie Tourism Noosa so tightly to the DMP, maybe I can see a draft of it somewhere, or I want to, I Don't know what it is. I Don't, and I'm the Councillor, and it's not in a form where I could agree to something like this where I Don't know what I'm 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 this, or why they would agree to this. I couldn't imagine them agreeing to this. So I can't support it. Frank Wilkie 02:21:03.687
They're doing this at all. Anyway, thank you, Councillor Wegener. Joe. Joe Jurisevic 02:21:09.167
Lorentson's Yeah, look, I know that Councillor Stockwell's intent here is to tighten an element of the DMP to the funding. I'm a little bit inclined to agree with Councillor Lorentson's approach that maybe we need a second set of eyes over this. There's an with regard to the words that any future funding will be reliant on TN responding, if there are different streams of funding, does that prohibit marketing funding? 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. Can you catch us up when we're supposed to close? Brian Stockwell 02:22:04.928
I accept actually what Councillor de ruzza just said. When I first put this up it was along the lines of the intent is that the CEO can play with the words, not necessarily the intent. So if after the next amendment there is a to defer to allow that sort of thing to happen, I'm quite happy with it. As I said, the aim is to make something that I think is implied, explicit. That's all. Frank Wilkie 02:22:29.269
Put the amendment to vote. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Jurisevic, Lorentson & Wegener. The amendment's lost. I've got another one. Brian Stockwell 02:22:55.220
So this will have to now be clause 1 to item B to read Read 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. Unknown 02:23:24.194
There should be a comma after DMP as well. DMP. Brian Stockwell 02:23:29.454
And plans as part of the development of the 15 plan, marketing plan and event strategy. Frank Wilkie 02:23:36.394
Adding to the D, comma, requirements. Enjoying it. A requirement that prior to completion and adoption of the MPD, TEMs must consider and respect key aspirations and positions of council articulated before the planning of the State of New Zealand strategies and plans as part of the development of a strategic plan and marketing plan for that state. I have a question for staff. Joe Jurisevic 02:24:00.653
Is this not already incorporated in the agreement as it stands? Haven't we aligned the agreement to the elements of council's operations and that would incorporate the proper plans for plan, strategic plan, marketing events strategy, particularly the marketing and events strategy? Kim Rawlings 02:24:22.147
What is in the document is a principle of collaboration and alignment. Between both the organisations. So from that perspective, yes that does underpin the deed and our partnership. That's what I would have thought. Does it specifically do that? No, it doesn't 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? Joe Jurisevic 02:25:03.377
No. I'm still asking questions if I may. I guess the question is, given that funding is dependent on that alignment, if it wasn't aligned, one would consider that we could have discussions and look at where that alignment doesn't reach and amend any funding arrangements as necessary. Do we need to be as specific as this to relate it to specific elements of the plan, particularly down to strategic? Making 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 Don't cover the elements that we we sort of go well but we didn't talk about this in 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 but you never said that. 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're being specific to certain elements but not being specific to all elements and how do we become more specific. I would have said if we just tied to the Corporate Plan would that be specific because they Don't they Don't over overarches everything and everything beneath it. Larry Sengstock 02:26:38.615
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 cool to invited, that's be debated but currently our position is that we feel that the collaboration is spelled out well enough in the document. Thank you. That's what I was trying to allude to. Thank you Mr. Mayor. That's to be debated but that's our current intention. Fair enough. Amelia Lorentson 02:27:03.638
Can I just, because I sit 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 and part of the purpose of purpose destination map. The management plan. So I think we've got the DMP, and again, I'm sort of skimming through the actual legal agreement under TN's obligations governance, I reference four 4.1.C. TN will review and make appropriate changes to its strategy and expenditure upon reasonable request by council. There's enough in the obligations, you know, legally binding obligations that allow council at any point, point. Oh, sorry, no. So, so, so, so, Kim, as part of their reporting requirements, does council have a lever to change strategy, TM strategy, to align it with our strategy if, if need, if need be? Kim Rawlings 02:28:34.720
Yes, it does. There's a, there's a number of clauses in the agreement that allow that. You just cited one. The other is that 4.2, that that's... Around strategic plan, and the TM will deliver the strategic plan and operational plan, and it's to be agreed to by council. So there is a number of clauses already in the agreement that do allow that, that collaboration, that feedback, and that agreement by council. Fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 02:29:07.408
And 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? Is that so what's requested here that's captured in the Destination Management Plan Kim? Kim Rawlings 02:29:28.493
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 Councillor Stockwell might want to explain his amendment but I think this says prior to that so the fact that the DMP is not there and so you're right once the DMP is there it will do all of those things but this is because it's not there. Frank Wilkie 02:29:54.952
I'm just about to go there Brian and given that we've asked questions in that vein and and that Councillor Stockwell hasn't had a chance to put his case I'm happy to second this so that we can hear both sides of the discussion. Brian Stockwell 02:30:06.491
Male speaker: A little while ago, Ken from. He doesn't know what's in the Destination Management Plan so if a Councillor doesn't know what's in there should we should we leave it to staff to interpret what that's going to be or should we give guidance to both TN ourselves and to a large part of the community who will be interested in this agreement as to how we would like the partnership or the service revision agreement between council and Tourism Noosa to proceed in the future. Councillor Jurisevic said he'd like to keep it straight to the Corporate Plan. That'd be one way to do it. But the Corporate Plan is currently only a draft. It will be adopted in the near future. 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 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 02:31:11.324
I'm talking about TN, sorry. Brian Stockwell 02:31:12.924
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 there, and this is what's probably the most important issue for our community, that balancing the needs and quality of life of residents while sustaining our tourism sector so that the two can comfortably coexist-existence is critical. To me, it's really important. The 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. But next, our artisan and niche industries form a small part, small but important. But important part of our visitor economy. Another thing that's identifying that what might be as part of a strategic plan, and certainly as far as international destination stewardship protocols, that's an important part of getting to a Destination Management Plan. 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 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. The we are focused on our economy is is transitioning transitioning to a more circular economy economy, focused focused on reducing and recycling, reducing recycling. Using we're using our recycling. And obviously obviously things like plastic free tourism Noosa is that there is in Australia there, and and we aim to achieve zero net emissions by 2026. So when they become a Corporate Plan, we can clearly say, we want you to come on the journey with us. We want... And this is how intelligent use of marketing can build a Noosa brand. It's by building a values-based marketing framework around attracting people who share our values, who share the values of this committee as expressed within documents like the Corporate Plan and other strategies. As Councillor Lorentson mentioned, the DMP will be bringing together a whole lot of strategies. The bill would say, 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. Councillor Stockwell, SPEAKER_04 02:33:48.983
Councillor Stockwell. Duplication between what tourism is doing and what council is doing is a big issue that we're wanting to address. Speaking of duplication is this another duplication of what's already in there? Brian Stockwell 02:34:03.430
I Don't think so. 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 I think we just have to save. Tom Wegener 02:34:37.295
Let's come on the journey together. And Kim, is there, you know, is there going to be a more or less collaboration or, you know, conversation with Tourism Noosa coming up to make sure that this is, that being implemented? Kim Rawlings 02:34:53.535
Yeah, absolutely. I mean, the deed just sets the framework. The substance of is our relationship and the partnership and how we collaborate and consult and that absolutely, that will continue to happen. Okay. Joe Jurisevic 02:35:09.235
Joe? Yeah, I'll speak to it. Having reread it and having heard Councillor Stockwell's articulation of what I misread and stated in relevant plans, strategy and plans is part of the development of Tourism Noosa's strategic marketing plan, event strategy. So I didn't Read that right the first time. Now that I've Read it again and I've heard Councillor Stockwell's description of what he's trying to adhere and that it's a prior to the completion and adoption of the TN, it's to give direction of TN that align with our Corporate Plan is the type of thing that the DMP will facilitate and that we should be going on that journey. One could argue that TN is in fact ahead of council's Corporate Plan in delivering Plastic Free Noosa and eliminated a lot of plastic and created a situation for council that we'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 waste strategy going forward. So I'm quite happy to support this element of it, knowing full well where Tourism Noosa are with elements and I Don't think Tourism 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... Amelia Lorentson 02:36:33.367
Articulate that we're both on the same page I've got a couple of questions Kim so referencing the legally binding agreement on page 5 TN's obligation governance 4.1 point you know ABCDEFGH is all about strategy that there is some serious governance obligations and reporting obligations most of which involve council review of strategy operational again is this superfluous 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 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 30th of September 2023 the TN's going to develop a four-year strategic plan this CEO oh sorry okay I'll talk to the amendment 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 the Tourism Noosa board that this CEO, the Acting CEO, has already commenced aligning TN strategy with the new funding agreement. We... Have we had umpteen opportunity. September 2023, we've got, my gosh, December 2023, the strategy's got to 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 has not been ratified, our DMP, which has not been ratified, but tourism Noosa. Strategies, um, from previous agreements, um, already do that, but they're already on the course. And as, uh, Brian, one of the councillors mentioned, they're actually ahead of the game on sustainability, which is again, one of the. One of our core priorities, um, you know, we're about to enter into a global recession. We need to be at the forefront of waste and sustainability. Um, 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 it's needed. So, um, that's my position. Joe Jurisevic 02:39:46.060
Thank you, Councillor locke. Councillor Jurisevic? Sorry, Councillor Wilkie, it's a minor change, but I'm asking of the mover and of course the entire council around the table. Can we just change the word "it" to "tns" as in Tourism Noosa's strategic plan? Because that was what I was confused with. I just think it clarifies what, who it's referring to with regard to strategic plan, marketing plan and events strategy. Doesn't change the intent, I think it just clarifies who it's, who "it's" is referring to. "tns" so Tourism Noosa's, or Tourism Noosa's, Tourism Noosa's strategic plan, marketing plan and events strategy. I think that clarifies the nature stock of what council Stockwell's I know we Don't typically change these sort of things on the run, but there's no change in the intent, it's just to clarify who it's referred to. If there's no, if that's a technical amendment, nobody objects to it. Amelia Lorentson 02:40:39.849
Can I just ask a question? Still want to move a procedural motion, again, to allow a consultation with our lawyers to see whether the wording is actually correct, to be included in the legal document, and also allow TN the opportunity to at least, at the minimum, be consulted on any amendments. Is this the time to be moving a procedural motion, or should we wait for a decision first? I think we get the amendment done and then we move the procedural motion, should we not? And then I'll move it afterwards. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:41:17.165
I'll speak in favour of the amendment. As Kim said, the funding agreement draws a broad framework around... Which we'll move forward together. This talks about prior to the completion of the GMP, consideration must be given to the key aspirations and positions of council position... Council articulated report and 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 the two can comfortably coexist. There's a lot of other very noble and inspiring aspirations in there, and as Councillor Jurisevic said, Tourism Noosa is already on its journey. From what I observed, when I was the observer of the Tourism Noosa pool, they would have no objection to having regard 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 well 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, I have no problem with this amendment. But I, I do agree that anything should be done our words by Thursday night. And, and terms of notice before Thursday night. And that can happen even without a secret motion. But, yeah. Oh, okay. Amelia Lorentson 02:43:02.288
So we can still vote. Okay. I'm happy with it. Yeah. Yeah. Tom Wegener 02:43:07.968
Tom. Tony okay thank you. So is will this go into the actual contract or does this wording 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. Yeah. So this sits below Kim Rawlings 02:43:27.007
The previous recommendation, as I understand it, which says authorise CEO to make minor changes to the funding and performance agreement as required, and then this amendment specifies that change. So yes, it would go into the deed. Tom Wegener 02:43:45.718
I'm a big of occam's razor, and that is, if it doesn't have to be there, it doesn't, 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 it. So again, I would, if the Corporate Plan was ratified, gone through public consultation or so forth, I think I'd be 100% behind it but I, it's just hard for me to, agree to something, to go into a contract you Don't actually know what it is yet. Kim Rawlings 02:44:17.819
I just want to clarify, the Corporate Plan has gone through consultation? It has, but it hasn't..org community but it hasn't come to council yet, it'll come to council next week. 27, 10 days. SPEAKER_04 02:44:27.343
10 Days. Wanted to clarify, your statement about consultation. Brian Stockwell 02:44:34.003
I'm going to finish. To a certain extent I agree that the framework is in place where these issues could be considered. But I've Read this document probably three times now, and I'm not satisfied that we've given any guidance. To 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 consultations. 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 and aspirations this document is where to start. That journey. I Don't see anywhere explicitly where that's a requirement and I agree that in many aspects the issues, the aspirations that I identified in the draft Corporate Plan Don't see changing next week, they're already on that journey. But what if these proposals come up and we want to go here, we want brand new major events then the on Noosa bench. Majority of the tour of Noosa board can say no, that's inconsistent with council's policy. 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 to Noosa Council. We'll just say no, we want you to go in our direction on aspects. These key aspirations. It's not saying we're going to tell them how to do it, what to do, we're just going to say please respect them. Frank Wilkie 02:46:20.192
Okay, the amendment to the vote, does it fail? That's unanimous. The amendment now becomes part of the original motion. Cast their votes. Amelia Lorentson 02:46:31.492
No, I'm happy to just, if we can just get I'll undertake both of those actions. I should Brian Stockwell 02:46:40.339
Mention that the way that's worded, it doesn't specify what the final 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 02:46:50.399
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? Oh, um... Brian Stockwell 02:47:09.097
Two is in 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... Level of visitation that has underpinned a large part of their economy. We know now that we're in a time where we are suffering the effects of being too popular. That we have got to a point where our attraction is place for visitors, causing congestion, is causing problems on the Noosa North Shore, is a range of things. Now, there is, within the community, well you stop marketing and... Councillor Wilkie did identify one of the reasons why you may not do that, in that you might lose your market share and actually, particularly at the current time, where there is a big degree of uncertainty about the economic outlook globally. I'll be convinced after this national management plan about where we have to head and in the interim, I think there's an opportunity to have with the intelligence and the capacity with interior Noosa to use our marketing budget to start heading in the direction to address some of those problems. If we, for example, attract the right sort of people to our short stay accommodation that Don't have large parties, if we start to attract people from New Zealand who come here because they identify with the values of Noosa, if we start to look at where and who we market to so that they're here, like there is in the tread lightly program, to be part of what 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 for tourism industry, is how do they use their smarts, how do they use all their data to work the aspirations of the community. I think it's a good agreement in terms of the structure and its administrative function and it's become much more performance based and that should provide those within tourism with some fairly clear targets. Time it's deadlines, milestones, which will, I believe, generate more efficiency within their organisation. There's one part of the agreement that hasn't got a lot of bear players yet, but it also encourages them to start looking for their own source of funds to a great extent. That is, when you look at their budget, a real area where significant increases could be achieved. And I think that's one where, you know, when we get to the two years. Will be one of the key performance indicators that councils at the time will be looking at, is how much have member fees or joint marketing programs actually matched the community dollars that go into Tourism Noosa. So, on the whole, I I'm glad that last amendment will go in because I think that is key to reassuring our community that Tourism Noosa and the money that we provide for the sustainability and marketing of that sector is aligned to the aspirations that they hold. I have a question. Frank Wilkie 02:50:39.027
Part C of the motions is confirm the release of the funds as they were reported for 24 and 25 years. That's not saying that money, just to clarify. Is that actually committing this to? Is it 2.52 for both years, pending the signing of this agreement and adherence to conditions? That's right. Saying that both, all money goes out now. It's not saying that. That's right. As per Kim Rawlings 02:51:10.650
The agreement. And paid as per the agreement in two stages. Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 02:51:16.310
Can I just confirm an element of what Councillor Wilkie asked there? Has the amount been determined for 2020? 24 yes. Frank Wilkie 02:51:23.320
It has been? Yes. Within that agreement? Yes. Okay. That's all right. All right. Any other questions? Speak before we move on. Mayor? Amelia Lorentson 02:51:35.280
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. As everyone 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 of Australia's leading holiday destinations. So then why do we need 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 board now for the last three years as the elected observer looking for the answers to these questions. And these are my two main observations. 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 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 and our lifestyle. Positives include living in a vibrant community, having access to new... 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 and they include congestion of 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 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 of data, that it's important for TN to keep investing in, applying, and learning from real data. Who are our best targets? What influences the propensity to spend? And how do we as rate payers get the biggest bang for our rate payer dollar? And number two, the importance of experience protection. Of our the importance protection environment, our beaches, our ocean, national parks, our trails, our rivers and our creeks. And that if we lose that experience, then we lose our edge, and what makes Noosa such an amazing place to live. I think the challenge all is that our experience and our environment is under threat, and once that's gone, it's gone, and our reputation is gone, and that's expensive to get back. Another thing I've learnt is the importance of looking back to look forward. The high spend small footprint is the right direction for tourism in 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, not just rich people in Melbourne, 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 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 do. What 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 2006 report that Frank referred to, the rise and fall of Colorado, shows what can happen if we start marketing a region, if we stop marketing a region with one voice. If we market Noosa with many voices, 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 had built an amazing brand, and now it's is not the time kill 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. 3,000.3,240 jobs depend directly on our visitor economy. In 2020-21, 3,240 people were employed in accommodation and food services in that's 13.8% of Noosa total jobs making it Noosa second biggest single job sector just behind health care and social assistance. That number does not include the in 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 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 they can administer that those funds with probity with accountability, transparency and effectiveness. Tourism Noosa are obligated to justify and account for their programs and activities. To earn trust and prove reliability with the community by providing insight into their decision making process. The community expected and so does council. That is why our new agreement with Tourism Noosa another has increased governance and reporting. Another significant... Change to the agreement is the Destination Management Plan provision the DMP when completed will inform Tourism Noosa's future position in relation to the management of the visitor economy and tourism within the Noosa region. Tourism Noosa might also expected to implement aspects of the DMP which fall within its ambit as agreed between Tourism Noosa and council. In closing Tourism Noosa exists for three reasons number one to protect and develop the Noosa brand two to deliver evidence-based marketing strategies and promotion that attract high-value visitors and achieve increased regional dispersal and number three to provide their 600 plus members with value-added services Tourism Noosa does not to bring increased visitors to the region at all costs. Tourism Noosa do not target day-trippers in their marketing who drive to the region, cause traffic and car parking congestion and you spend less in our region. If Tourism Noosa stops marketing the 1 million plus day-trippers who come here will continue to come. However, the highest spending overnight visitors, particularly those from interstate, many who Don't drive here, will go elsewhere and Noosa will then solely need to rely on second owners and wealthy residents. To compare 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 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 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 brand and destination than the team at Tourism Noosa and their 65 volunteers. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson. Chair, did you wish to speak before? Frank Wilkie 03:01:00.509
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 uh, look, I'll cancel booking your, your. Councillor Wilkie, you mentioned somewhere what said, stop marketing. Look, I Don't, Joe Jurisevic 03:01:16.359
And Councillor Lorentson went along those lines too. I Don't think anybody's suggesting you stop marketing. It's how you market, what you market, who you market to, and the elements that you market. And Tourism Noosa have done a brilliant job of that over the years. They've done more than just promote Noosa as a place to come to. They introduced a program called Welcome to Noosa to ensure the businesses here in the region and those that were part of the visitor experience knew what their job was and what their element of delivery of service to the tourism industry was. They talked about Refresh Noosa so that ageing properties that thought they could demand top dollar year in 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 a marketable destination. 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. Those that have events and that in the region. Unknown 03:02:25.191
And they've looked at other other activities and I can't Read my own scroll. It's terrible. Joe Jurisevic 03:02:31.091
But some of the things that they can help with are alluded to in destination. Management plan and of course in how we manage our tourism numbers in the future and that some of the elements that have been the challenge that we hear our community cry about the impact of on a regular basis. And that's the elements of congestion, particularly around that Hastings Street precinct. We'd have free buses, you 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 it till they get here, so they'll still bring their cars. But if we know before they get here that there's an alternative, perhaps... They'll reconsider their cars. Perhaps that'll aid and ease the congestion of the region. That's just one example of the sort of things that good marketing and well-marketed product that's delivered here as a whole, and part of council's remit, is delivered going forward. So there are solutions there. SPEAKER_00 03:03:29.471
We talked about looking for other funding opportunities. I mean that that should be the the remit of any good business environment. Joe Jurisevic 03:03:38.711
It shouldn't be reliant on one whole income source as the only place to get 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 look at other revenue sources. We have tourism ventures that facilitate that, holiday parks and the like. So, that's just good business acumen to look at opportunities within operations that you undertake for funding opportunities and revenue sources going forward. So, I think all of the elements that we're talking about here are things that Tourism Noosa has embraced and delivered over the years and will continue to deliver over the years. To be a with partner council in that going forward is crucial and I think this document and this funding agreement is a key element of that. 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. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:04:45.447
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. For sitting there and being spoken about in the third person. It's a very odd experience. We'll get Councillor Finzel. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:16:23.416
Okay, let's look at the moon. All right, you ready? All right, welcome. Unknown 03:16:38.980
All right, we're back. Oh, here we go again. Where'd you go? There you go. Julie Byrne 03:16:43.760
Thank you to all the contractors participating that this was under the particular grant funding available as part of the reconstruction of essential assets, and that it's not a, no council funds will be used for this particular project. As part of that, we told them that any costs associated this to be grant funded. Needed and that point back to scope. So as long as we have the scope available, and which we do in 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 it made really clear to the contractors on site that there's no rise or fall negotiation or anything like that, that in terms of council budget, there is none here to spend. Frank Wilkie 03:17:47.141
Any blowout, the extra funds will be covered by QRA. Julie Byrne 03:17:53.761
As long as the blowout is related to a fair and reasonable design change as 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 03:18:14.180
There needs to be a rhyme and reason behind a change in design the concept to facilitate any change in cost. 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 Agriculture and 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. Julie Byrne 03:18:48.243
That's correct, 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. We feel pretty positive about that to date, and if not, we've mitigated that risk by being able to pull that out of the scope, and not have it as a risk to council. What are the advantages of the wing walls? What does that deliver in the design? 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 had a similar overland flooding circumstance like we did in feb /March last year. So an element of resilience in the design going forward for that targets. We probably wouldn't go as far as resilience because there's some certain classifications around what we call resilience and betterment within the grant guidelines but it certainly makes the design much more robust. SPEAKER_00 03:19:56.314
Okay, thank you. Fish passageway Brian. And you'd like to do this one, right? Oh, look, always. Second it. I was going to move it but I'll let Brian go with the fish passageway. Brian Stockwell 03:20:14.188
I know, I think it's good 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 O 'Neill providing the funds to recover from the disaster. Joe Jurisevic 03:20:47.456
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, Julian. Thank you, Julian. Agreed. Julie Byrne 03:21:06.496
Thank you, councillors. Thank you, Larry, but it is a team effort. Yep. Tom Wegener 03:21:10.756
Any other councillors wish to speak? Just a second. I echo other councillors in saying thank you. You, Julie Byrne, for your hard work over the and tape. Frank Wilkie 03:21:22.024
Thank you. Rhymes close? 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 from meetings. She had personal matters to attend to. Yes. Okay. Next item is budget review 2, the 22-23 financial year. Welcome, Pauline and Trent. Trent. Yeah. Pauline and Trent, could you give us an overview of what's happening in budget review 2, please? Sure. And for those who might listening a be for the first time, what our budget review is and why we do it. Sure. Pauline 03:22:17.825
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 budget review the 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 emergent costs that have been funded from additional revenue and grant... 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 $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 a strong financial position did you have any question questions Councillors Joe Jurisevic 03:24:04.688
Yeah the first one if I may the capital extension program decreased from fifty seven point one million down to fifty six point.6 Watt accounted for six what has that half million dollar change Pauline 03:24:14.610
So there's a net movement so of the let me just come back up here six point three million dollars with emergent works and project variations so the largest project variations related to the music array project Beckmans Road and also some emergent to David Low Way at Peregian Beach so that's reduced that's already increased our budget however we've offset eight point seven million dollars so that's pushed out largest of those projects with the Garth Prowd Bridge which has been delayed and deferred to the following year Joe Jurisevic 03:24:44.413
That's not to say those projects won't taken they've just been rescheduled to accommodate the other with the work within our within our final financial strategy absolutely correct Trent Grauf 03:24:54.556
And for those that are looking at this Pauline's talking through it it's page 48 of the agenda has a summary by program and then page 53 onwards does it a hazard? Have has does list of our program actual project this new system those page numbers Don't align that's okay so so Noosa their golf crowd is pushed out that's 2.9 million dollars 1.3 million of our fleet program that actually carried over has been pushed out due to supply chain and delivery issues they still will occur they'll just happen in a future year as well as the Lock and Weir which will span by the year so it's 900,000 so they're the major push outs for this program Frank Wilkie 03:25:31.868
That's something for the CEO to consider there that's 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 the document as a whole but when you break them down into these these Trent Grauf 03:25:44.062
I'll take that on notice I can give you some instruction on how to download the entire packet document I can do that but if we Don't. I think it's the way that they use them, they have to vote in difference. Frank Wilkie 03:25:59.216
Yeah. Just a question, there was an adjustment of $135,000 downward in the development assessment Fees and Charges. What happened there, because normally conservative budgeting is normally more than... Yes. Pauline 03:26:19.637
Historically, based on what we've seen in the last three years, particularly with COVID, there's been an acceleration in development assessment fees and obviously the market has started to slow and we've seen that come through in our development assessment fees. We have spoken to the area and they are expecting some larger development applications to come through. However, we aren't sure on the timing of those, so they may occur in following year as well. So we've adjusted accordingly to be conservative. Mm-hmm. And just to clarify, councillors, what finance and executive team do after the submissions come through from the budget process from management and officers is we identify where there are risks, where there is potential risk of overspend or 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 at the very things as well, so that our forecast between now and June is as accurate as possible. It possibly for the year in position. Frank Wilkie 03:27:19.963
I'm happy to move the I'll report. Happy to second. Councillor Joe seconded Amelia. Joe? Joe Jurisevic 03:27:28.303
I'd like to thank staff for their time. Effort. The financial review, the 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 operational net financial liabilities and asset sustainability ratio as well within the parameters of the State's requirements. So I'm happy to move that the budget review be accepted and acknowledged for the work that's been done. Frank Wilkie 03:28:11.746
Do the councillors wish to speak or have questions? I'll ask a question in the statement of financial position, there's a jump in provisions from about $16 million to $24 million, which is a shift of $8.8 million. Can you just explain? Sorry, quite a significant shift. 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 03:28:47.022
So 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 two, when we did budget review one, 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 and additional costs that were in scoping of what was required, that revised that provision quite substantially up by $8 million. So that's where it's flowing through at the moment in these financial statements, because the opening balance has now been reflect what we adopted at that time. So the landfill provision is essentially what we need in order to restore that site once the site's completed and finished for use. Frank Wilkie 03:29:57.418
In terms of our depreciation value of our assets. Sure. Pauline 03:30:00.978
So the asset revaluation reserve under each year council undertakes a revaluation of the asset class to represent the actual replacement value of those assets. And 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 depreciation, so there's no actual impact to our depreciation expense relating to land, but obviously it inflates our land reserve, but also our asset. Value as well, so asset value has increased. Frank Wilkie 03:30:34.686
Was there an increase in the value of our bank equipment? Pauline 03:30:39.126
Yes, so there was also an indexation of our other other asset class is based on some methodology. We apply indexes in building construction, those sorts of things to assess whether there's a material movement and where there's a material movement. We will take it up and therefore there'll be some depreciation impact from that as well. Frank Wilkie 03:30:56.310
If I Read it rightly, it's 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. So net assets for the community is increased by that $200 million as a result of this? Correct. This year's net revaluation will be for roads and bridges, so we're in the process of conducting that at the moment. Tom Wegener 03:31:33.867
Sporting complex, if they be for roads it one way, and then the auditors decided, no, you've got to value it a different way. Which is the land, what it would cost to go next door and buy all the property and put it there. Is that right, Pauline? Pauline 03:31:46.967
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 community 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. And that's flowed through as well. Frank Wilkie 03:32:21.991
And that's government subsidies and grants for capital works, it's got a figure of $32 million. So $32 million has been received. Pauline 03:32:32.022
So overall we're expecting to receive $32 million. We received $13 million-odd curators. From QRA as it is. Which 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? Yes we have received that money. We've received $13 million of the additional extra. So if we look at... $23 million is year-to-date, councillors. Is that correct? And that'll be in the next agenda item that we're going to. But we are anticipating more grants received between now and June as we get to the end and completion milestones on some of those projects. Frank Wilkie 03:33:11.006
And just in that figure of $32 million in grants, have we received anything like that in the past? I doubt it. No. That's largely to do with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, with the disaster projects. Large. Funding, externally managed projects. Yes. Questions or comments? Brian Stockwell 03:33:37.047
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 03:34:09.571
It would be substantial. Our annual general rating revenue is 60, 62 million. So if it was an annual event it would be 50%. Brian Stockwell 03:34:26.839
I think you have to really be aware like when we talk about the impacts of disasters and the fact that their frequency and magnitude has continued. Continuing to accelerate. The public investment in recovery is substantial. It's pretty huge. Joe Jurisevic 03:34:46.640
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 environmental use at best. So is the capacity for the land to actually deliver alternative uses considered in that land? Pauline 03:35:21.588
So when I was looking at depending on the approach they take they'll look at the highest and best use of that asset so what would we do for that? Regardless of whether a can or can't Brian Stockwell 03:35:28.688
Be used that purpose? So like gear weight, that would say the you're reading was saying highest use is for soccer rather than rugby union. Pauline 03:35:34.554
Correct so in in that so in gear that's for instance for gear away because they adopted the cost approach they looked at whether they had to acquire that land they also looked at that it would probably to be a development site so they actually applied some discounting and what it would actually be worth being a development site as opposed to just selling it as a land a sports ground so they do take into consideration highest and best use it is very subjective and depends and whatever 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 so sorry it's after highest and best use based on for example constraint constraints such as flood so they do consider constrained its ability to be used for residential or for non-community purposes then it's the highest and best use is not residential but they do need to recognise that in such as infill areas our coastal coastal areas our availability of greenfield land to undertake the construction of community land use is quite restricted for us at Noosa Shire so that does feature in their costing exercise block Joe Jurisevic 03:36:54.970
Does that impact upon the of land as a result sorry yes it does because there's less land available it's actually worth more Chris does Frank Wilkie 03:37:04.083
The asset society ratio which is 176.7 percent yep and as it says here the ratio of the first the extent of which the assets managed by include including by Pauline 03:37:23.200
Some of it does yes correct where it's an assets being renewed rather than a completely new asset yes it was already high prior to the curate projects so so what we've carried over yet so it's offsetting some of Frank Wilkie 03:37:38.723
The price refresh my memory what was the final I think I'd have to take I believe it was yes it was yeah I think Pauline 03:37:56.583
Around% was considered. I think it was 120% off the top of my head, Frank Wilkie 03:37:58.206
All right. Alright, do you suppose... Joe Jurisevic 03:38:05.966
No, 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 section with regard to all those QRA projects that are being undertaken. That has to be reassessed and revalued and put on the books for depreciation what's happening once they've been delivered. Okay, so they'll have an impact on your bottom line in the long run, particularly with the... Frank Wilkie 03:38:33.927
Okay, I'll put it back on favour. That is carried unanimously. Yeah, I know we discussed that before. There you are. Ringing in my head. That is the last financial Performance Report. No, it's not. We've got one more. Oh, sorry, there is one more. 6.3 I'm still getting used to this it's evolved. It is. You're going backwards and forwards. It's not as quick as flipping papers. It's cumbersome. Pauline again, please. Pauline 03:39:04.908
Okay, so we're going to cover off on the for March for 2023. So operating revenues continue to out-forecast, and operating expenditures are slightly under-forecast year-to-date to the end of March. Operating revenue is $5.8 million above budget, which is being driven by rates and utility charges, interest revenue... 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 under budget year-to-date, which we mentioned previously. Due to the slowing in the market at the moment, we have seen a decrease in what they have done in the past, especially in the last three years. Materials operating expenditures is slightly under budget, with materials and services $830,000 over budget, with the majority of that relating to civil operations for gravel roads, parks, roads landscaping, and work operations, as well holiday parks, which relates to commission, which is offset by their revenue. I've so, year-to-date variances 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. And overall, also as normally as we do in each quarter, we've included a legal expenditure summary which shows we've spent a million dollars of our 1.5 million dollar legal budget and we anticipate that we will be able to spend that budget this year. Overall council's operating position at March is 5.8 million dollars above budget. You capital revenue is above budget by 14.7 million and as I mentioned is largely and year due to the QRA grant funding here and you today date, excluding disaster projects, council has expended 64% of its four-year capital program which equates to 36.7 million dollars with a further 10 million dollars committed. Yeah. Council's current cash holding at the end of March was 116 million dollars with 50 million dollars of these funds invested in higher yielding term deposits so we maximise the returns to our ratepayers and that's illustrated by the interest revenue that's currently two million dollars over budget. As requested in 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 dollars. I roll council's motion. Position continues to be on track and it's meeting its financial sustainability targets. Any questions? Amelia Lorentson 03:42:00.785
I'll start. This is a question I've been dying to ask I think every month so I'm going to take the opportunity now. I always notice you know when we go through the categories on the operating revenue we're always above our budget in terms of you know our camping grounds our waste property facilities plumbing etc how often do we review the budget? Is the budget set too low and what are the implications if we raise the budget and have less surplus what does that mean in terms of rates and in terms of cash reserve and this is me with my thinking cap thinking how can we work hard at reducing our ratepayers rates and we're in budget deliberations at the moment is this an opportunity Trent Grauf 03:42:58.216
Through the Chair the first part of your question how often we reviewed the budget we do at least two budget reviews a year we've obviously got the one that just came through at the last agenda item one of the processes we what 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 ask officers to budget for what they expect of a number of entrances to an aquatic centre the number of applications that come through the door etc 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 conservative cost our estimates 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 season with quieter peak 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 service 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 the 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 risk for holiday parks one is for that we pay we pay on operating fee or commission to the operators 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 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 fees are all increased and as we work through this year's budget to next you'll see that we've reassessed that they 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. This year we've had a significant increase in interest rate which has driven two and a half million dollars of that upside that was something that none of us actually forecast would happen this money Related Noosa Council Meetings
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