Ordinary Meeting - December 2023
Date: Thursday, 14 December 2023 at 5:00PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:44:21
Synopsis: Waterways acceleration adopted with grants and Kabi Kabi collaboration, Fluoride petition referred, Housing land disposal in‑principle, DMP engagement approved, Audit/cyber resourcing flagged, Waste contracts extended.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Clare Stewart Karen Finzel Joe Jurisevic Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Executive Officers
Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Petition to remove fluoride received and referred to CEO; 544+ signatures noted (00:46; Item 4.1). “Accelerating River Action” motion carried 4–3 to prioritise waterways works within existing resources, pursue grants, and collaborate with Kabi Kabi; deferral attempt failed (24:15–01:22:48; Item 5.1). Noosa Housing Strategy 12‑month update noted (Item 8.4.6.1). Noosa Junction special charge reduced by 10% for Jan 2024 levy; Revenue Statement amended (Item 8.4.6.2). Financial performance YTD November noted, with inclusion of sustainability indicators (Item 8.4.6.3). Shade in Cooran: short‑term umbrellas approved; consult on long‑term shelter; trees and bus stop shelter works flagged for budget (Item 8.4.6.4). Resource Recovery Area expansion benefits noted; challenges recorded (Item 8.4.6.5). Contract CN00459: Boreen Point Campground management awarded to 1EIGHT Pty Ltd (Item 8.3.5.1). Waste services: 2‑year extension to Cleanaway (Confidential 7.1; Item 8.4). In‑principle support to dispose of 3,000 m² of 62 Lake Macdonald Dr to a Tier 1 CHP for social/affordable housing under s236 LGR 2012, subject to investigations and terms (Confidential 7.2; Item 8.4). “Noosa Regional Gallery+” business case contract awarded to Knight Frank; CEO delegated to execute (Item 8.4.7.3). Destination Management Plan (DMP) consultation summary noted; deeper analysis, comms plan, and added workshop step with external groups approved; draft DMP early 2024, further engagement mid‑2024 (01:27:54–01:43:55; Item 9.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Clare Stewart: Opposed river motion citing $40m SEQ Resilient Rivers funding, state jurisdiction over river/houseboats, and staff capacity costs (37:34–41:21; Item 5.1). Karen Finzel: Sought deferral to April 2024 for CEO report on resource capacity and psychosocial risk; lost 2–5 (58:37–01:05:26; Item 5.1 Procedural). Frank Wilkie: Argued motion uses existing resources and signals commitment after other deferrals; urged against delay (33:46–35:55; 01:02:32–01:04:49; Item 5.1). Amelia Lorentson: Cited community emails and risk to public trust; called motion redundant under Environment Strategy (01:10:31–01:12:37; Item 5.1). Tom Wegener: Warned of opportunity cost and flood sediment urgency; cautioned against waiting on State (44:37–47:16; Item 5.1). Chair advanced Public Question Time earlier to accommodate audience interest and time (14:53). Legal / Risk Richard MacGillivray: Fluoride control sits with SEQ Water (treatment) and Unitywater (distribution); Council lacks removal cost/timeframe data; seeking advice (15:53–16:28; Item 11.1). Richard MacGillivray: Local laws review will follow LGA 2009 process incl. State interest check and public consultation; reviews to commence “near future” (16:45–18:00; Item 11.1 Q2). Larry Sengstock: River jurisdiction is State; Council can advocate; Council responsibility from high‑water mark (47:21–47:42; 01:15:49–01:16:05; Item 5.1). Disposal for housing under Local Government Regulation 2012 s236 requires investigations and suitable terms to ensure delivery of social/affordable outcomes (Item 8.4.7.2). Audit & Risk review called for additional resourcing of internal audit; ICT cyber risk update noted TechnologyOne portal vulnerability (Item 8.1.6–8; 7). Grant funding often requires co‑contributions (50/50, 80/20), impacting budget posture (41:48–42:47; Item 5.1). Conflicts of Interest Larry Sengstock: Advised no COI for Brian Stockwell on river motion; relates to Environment Strategy, not River Plan (29:35–30:00; Item 5.1). Environmental Concerns & River Health Brian Stockwell: Cited HLW report card: improvements since flood year, but macroinvertebrates, fish diversity, and riparian condition need investment; climate and population pressures noted (24:21–26:20; Item 5.1). Kim Rawlings: Confirmed some improvement post‑floods; ongoing issues include sedimentation, seagrass and macroinvertebrate declines; HLW is reliable benchmark (50:32–52:48; Item 5.1). Frank Wilkie: Reported oyster reef gains: seagrass expansion, halted bank erosion, oyster density increases; $2.4m external funding to date (33:46–35:55; Item 5.1). Brian Stockwell: Monitoring showed oyster densities up to ~917/m² at Goat Island; reinforced benefits and expansion case (26:20–27:55; Item 5.1). Tom Wegener: Emphasised catchment sediment controls after 2022 flood damage; support for accelerating works (44:37–47:16; Item 5.1). Fish passage restoration identified as priority eligible under SEQ Resilient Rivers; local priorities to be submitted (55:55–56:33; Item 5.1). Destination Management Plan: Community Signals DMP engagement drew thousands of inputs; deep analysis and comms plan approved; external workshops added pre‑draft (01:27:54–01:35:10; Item 9.1). Frank Wilkie: Community seeks transformational action on congestion, parking, public transport, environmental protection, waste, youth engagement, and STA impacts (01:35:10–01:37:42; Item 9.1). Amelia Lorentson: Praised PCG/external reference group expertise and resident‑first framing (01:37:48–01:39:31; Item 9.1). Draft DMP due early 2024; further consultation mid‑2024 (Item 9.1 E). Waste, Resource Recovery & Governance Resource Recovery Area expansion benefits recognised to improve diversion and site operations (Item 8.4.6.5). Cleanaway contract extended 2 years with CEO delegated to negotiate variations (Confidential 7.1; Item 8.4). Audit & Risk Committee review urged more internal audit resources; ICT vulnerability in TechOne portals highlighted (Item 8.1.6–8; 7). Tom Wegener: Flagged budget need to bolster audit and cyber capabilities as organisational risk rises (01:23:40–01:24:31; Item 8.1). Housing & Development Economy In‑principle disposal of Council land parcel for community housing advanced with safeguards on density/standard (Item 8.4.7.2). Richard MacGillivray: Pre‑lodgement meetings are confidential, multi‑disciplinary, and produce written guidance; 100+ held in two years (19:47–21:44; Item 11.2 Q1). Kim Rawlings: Employment Land Review being finalised; will assess trends, land needs, and Noosa Plan 2020 provisions incl. levels of assessment (22:07–22:48; Item 11.2 Q2). Fluoridation Petition & Q&A Council acknowledged petition; CEO to determine action, noting water treatment by SEQ Water and distribution by Unitywater (00:46; Item 4.1; 15:53–16:28). Local Laws review will follow LGA 2009 with State interest check, public notice, and submissions; review planned to commence soon (16:45–18:00; Item 11.1 Q2).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 14 December 2023 5:00 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Clare Stewart (Chair), Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie “Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Clare Stewart (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie EXECUTIVE Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 2.1. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 NOVEMBER 2023 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 16 November 2023 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. 3. MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 4. PETITIONS 4.1. PETITION: REMOVE FLUORIDE FROM OUR DRINKING WATER 1 PETITION: DEBRA WALZ - REMOVE FLUORIDE FROM OUR DRINKING WATER Refer to Attachment 1 - Petition Council Resolution Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That the petition with 544+ signatories submitted by Debra Walz, requesting that Fluoride be removed from drinking water be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. Carried unanimously. 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS 7.1. DEBRA WALZ TOPIC: FLUORIDATION OF THE NOOSA SHIRE TOWN WATER SUPPLY 11. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 11.1. DEBRA WALZ Question 1. Please provide an economic cost analysis and works management timeframe for Noosa Shire to become fluoride free. Response by Richard MacGillivray, Director Development and Regulation Noosa Council does not manage the abstraction, treatment and distribution of potable water in Noosa. Treatment is undertaken by SEQ Water and distribution by Unity Water. At this point in time Council does not have information relating to the costs or timeframes involved in removing fluoride from the public supply. Officers have contacted SEQ Water to seek advice on these questions however due to the complexity of the questions raised we are aware this may take some time. Question 2. When are the Noosa Shire Council Local Laws due to be reviewed and what are the consultation processes to involve community input? Response by Richard MacGillivray, Director Development and Regulation ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 Council’s Local Laws are reviewed when they are impacted by a change in legislation or when local circumstances require that they are amended in order for their specific objectives to be met. Noosa’s current Local Laws are based on the model local laws provided by the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning. The process of assessing potential improvements to Noosa’s Local Laws is occurring continuously through ongoing feedback from our community and businesses. The review of specific Local Laws is planned to commence in the near future. These reviews will focus on ensuring they meet the contemporary needs, expectations and lifestyles of our communities. The process of making Local Law is defined in the Local Government Act 2009. It is consistent for all Queensland councils and is a very transparent process. As part of a review process Council officers will prepare a report detailing whether a new or amended local law is required and an authority to proceed is reported to Council. The Council will consider information supporting the proposal and if in agreement will resolve to commence the local law making process. When the draft is completed, Councils are then required to submit the proposals to the Queensland Government who undertake what is termed a “state interest check”. Following the successful completion of this step, notice of the proposed local law is required to be posted publicly in the local newspaper and on Council’s website. Council will be seeking to actively engage with the public who are invited to review the Local Laws and provide feedback. Submissions from this consultation is considered by Council and appropriate revisions made to the proposed new local law before being bought back to Council for consideration and resolution. 11.2. BRIAN O'CONNOR Question 1. Will Noosa Council consider stepping up the effectiveness of its pre-development concierge service to people with a good idea who wish to do the right thing by discussing development proposals in depth and ahead of a formal decision being made, so they don't have 'false hope' their proposal will get up at a council meeting; their considerable up-front costs wasted as a consequence? Response by Richard MacGillivray, Director Development and Regulation Pre-lodgement meetings are an important and valuable tool for both the development industry and Council development assessment staff. The meetings, which are commercial in confidence, provide the opportunity for open dialogue outside of the formal development assessment process, with prospective applicants receiving guidance and advice regarding the alignment of their development proposals with the expected outcomes of the Noosa Plan. The meetings are attended by representatives of Council’s development assessment team including senior planners, development engineers, and environment officers. Advice is also regularly sought from other internal branches, including Council’s Strategic Planning branch, to ensure participants are well informed of all related issues and all positive aspects of the proposal. Written notes are also provided to the attendees summarising the issues discussed in the meeting and providing clear guidance on whether the proposal demonstrates compliance with the planning scheme and is likely to be supported at an officer level. Notably, most significant development applications are preceded by a pre-lodgement meeting. In some instances however, prospective applicants choose to proceed with their preferred form of development despite advice of its conflict with the planning scheme. More than 100 pre-lodgement meetings have been held over the past two years. Council encourages participation in these meetings by only requiring a modest fee and ensure meetings are arranged with staff within a short timeframe. It is also encouraged for applicants with larger projects to request multiple pre- ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 lodgement meetings to enable a continuous refinement of the proposal against the provisions of the planning scheme. We are committed to maintaining our engagement with prospective applicants and will continue to encourage participation in pre-lodgement meetings prior to an application being lodged. Question 2. Will Noosa Council make things easier for those wishing to employ people and diversify the local economy in the 'Noosa Way' by bringing forward consideration of the scheduled Employment Land Review? Response by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment The Employment Land Review is currently being finalised. Key outcomes of the report will include the identification of employment trends and opportunities and how that impacts available employment land and what those implications are for Noosa. In particular, identifying how existing land zoned for industrial and innovation can be used efficiently and what the future land requirements may be to deliver a diverse economy and employment growth. The report will also make recommendations regarding the provisions in Noosa Plan 2020 to support employment outcomes including considering levels of assessment. These outcomes will be discussed with Council once complete. 11.3. ANDREW MCCARTHY Question 1. Mr Sengstock, what actions have been undertaken, and/or what plans have the Council put in place to undertake broader community consultation on the Draft Noosa River Catchment Plan? Response by Larry Sengstock, Acting Chief Executive Officer Further community consultation on the Draft Noosa River Plan will occur next year following Council elections, in accordance with Council decision to defer consideration of the Draft Noosa River Plan until mid 2024. Council generally does not undertake consultation over the Christmas/January period and Council will then be in caretaker period, where it cannot undertake consultation on such matters. Question 2. Mr Sengstock, what plans have the Council implemented to redraft the draft catchment plan based on feedback from broader community consultation? Response by Larry Sengstock, Acting Chief Executive Officer Redrafting of the Draft Noosa River Plan has not occurred, should there be changes and redrafting required this will be informed by community consultation currently planned to begin next year. 5. NOTIFIED MOTIONS ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 5.1. ACCELERATING RIVER ACTION Motion Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That the Chief Executive offer be requested to: A. Accelerate action to advance Council’s and the community’s interest in the Noosa River and its catchment by progressing initiatives and collaborations that work toward the achievement of the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 goal that “by 2030 waterways, wetlands and coasts are healthy, resilient to change and valued by the community” including: 1. Prioritise available relevant staff time and existing budget on a. protecting aquatic and riparian flora and fauna and their habitats; b. rehabilitating degraded wetland and waterway and fish habitats, streambanks and riparian buffers as part of any development or activities undertaken in, or adjacent to, the river system or on tidal lands; c. improving the water quality of the Noosa River system through effective management of sediments and other direct and indirect sources of pollution; and d. regular monitoring, compliance and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions; 2. Pursue new funding and grant opportunities to extend the Oyster Reef Restoration and Oyster Gardening Programs into other suitable locations in the Noosa River and Lakes system, considering the early successes of this program; 3. Collaborate with the Kabi Kabi people to develop and implement a Land and Sea Rangers or similar program that educates others on how to respect and avoid harm to the indigenous, historical, environmental and conservation cultural heritage of the Noosa River system; and B. Utilise the above outline of actions as a guide to Council’s submission for funding under the SEQ Council of Mayors’ Resilient Rivers Program and any other relevant funding/grant programs. Procedural Motion Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That the item be deferred to April 2024 round of meetings to allow a report from the CEO to provide data in relation to available resources including, but not limited to human resources. For: Crs Stewart and Finzel Against: Crs Wilkie, Jurisevic, Lorentson, Stockwell and WegenerLost. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That the Chief Executive offer be requested to: A. Accelerate action to advance Council’s and the community’s interest in the Noosa River and its catchment by progressing initiatives and collaborations that work toward the achievement of the Noosa Environment Strategy 2019 goal that “by 2030 waterways, wetlands and coasts are healthy, resilient to change and valued by the community” including: 1. Prioritise available relevant staff time and existing budget on ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 a. protecting aquatic and riparian flora and fauna and their habitats; b. rehabilitating degraded wetland and waterway and fish habitats, streambanks and riparian buffers as part of any development or activities undertaken in, or adjacent to, the river system or on tidal lands; c. improving the water quality of the Noosa River system through effective management of sediments and other direct and indirect sources of pollution; and d. regular monitoring, compliance and evaluation of the effectiveness of interventions; 2. Pursue new funding and grant opportunities to extend the Oyster Reef Restoration and Oyster Gardening Programs into other suitable locations in the Noosa River and Lakes system, considering the early successes of this program; 3. Collaborate with the Kabi Kabi people to develop and implement a Land and Sea Rangers or similar program that educates others on how to respect and avoid harm to the indigenous, historical, environmental and conservation cultural heritage of the Noosa River system; and B. Utilise the above outline of actions as a guide to Council’s submission for funding under the SEQ Council of Mayors’ Resilient Rivers Program and any other relevant funding/grant programs. For: Crs Stockwell, Wilkie, Wegener and Jurisevic Against: Crs Stewart, Lorentson and Finzel Carried. 8. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS 8.1. AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT - 20 OCTOBER 2023 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Mayor Clare Stewart (via Microsoft Teams) Councillor Tom Wegener Audit & Risk Committee Chair (External) Timothy Cronin Audit & Risk Committee Member (External) Ian Rushworth NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS/ OFFICERS Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings (Item 5) Governance Manager Diana Stewart Governance Advisor Jonci Wolff Financial Services Manager (Acting) Pauline Coles Michael Claydon, QAO Jessica Rossouw, QAO Thomas Cook, KPMG Jillian Richards KPMG Robyn Cooper, Pitcher Partners (via Teams for Item 6) APOLOGIES Executive Officer, Internal Audit & Corporate Performance Debra Iezzi ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 6. ROBYN COOPER - REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE & THE INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION Robyn presented her preliminary findings on her results of the review of the Audit & Risk Committee along with our internal auditing procedures. The review identified that Council needs to commit additional resources to Noosa's auditing processes particularly focussing on internal audits. Robyn also suggested exploring alternative approaches to help Council effectively fulfil this function, offering guidance on the required investment from the Council. 7. ICT CYBER RISK UPDATE That Council note the report by the Director of Corporate Services to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 20 October 2023 noting the significance of a verbal update on a recently identified data vulnerability issue associated with the TechnologyOne Property and Rating System portals. 8. 2023 CLOSING REPORT That Council note the report by KPMG Officers to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting date 10 October 2023 providing an update on the 2023 Closing Report. 9. NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2022-23 That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 10 October 2023 providing a summary of the Noosa Shire Council Annual Report 2022 - 23. 10. GOVERNANCE UPDATE That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to Audit & Risk Committee Meeting date 10 October 23023 providing a Governance update. 11. 2022-23 ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 20 October 2023 providing an update on the 2022-23 Annual Financial Statement. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the report of the Audit & Risk Committee dated 20 October 2023 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted. Carried unanimously. 8.2. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - 5 DECEMBER 2023 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Tom Wegener (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Clare Stewart ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 Cr Brian Stockwell EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings APOLOGIES Nil. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1. POMONA PLACE PILOT - COMMUNITY CONSULTATION REPORT AND NEXT STEPS That Council note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 5 December 2023 regarding the Pomona Place Pilot community engagement outcomes and next steps and: A. Endorse the Pomona Place Plan Engagement Summary Report 2023 as attached to this report; B. Make this engagement summary report available to the public via Your Say webpage; C. Note the proposed next steps and timing for the preparation of the Pomona Place Plan in 2024. 6.1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY OCTOBER 2023 That Council note the report by the Acting Manager, Development Assessment to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 5 December 2023 regarding planning applications that have been decided by delegated authority. 6.2. ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY MONITORING REPORT - YEAR 4 (1 JULY 2022 - 30 JUNE 2023) That Council note the report by the Principal Environment Officer - Policy and Planning (Land) to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 5 December 2023 regarding the Environment Strategy Monitoring Report - Year 4 (1 July 2022 - 30 June 2023) and: A. Note that the Environment Strategy Monitoring Report - Year 4 (1 July 2022 30 June 2023) provides an update of Council's progress towards the 12 targets and strategies nominated in the Environment Strategy for each theme between the baseline data and data collected between 2019/20FY to 2022/23FY (where available); B. Note that the Environment Strategy Monitoring Report - Year 4 (1 July 2022 30 June 2023) provides an update of Council's progress of the 42 actions outlined in the Implementation Plan for the 2022/23FY. These actions are made up of four (4) enabling actions that deliver outcomes across all four themes of the Environment Strategy, and 38 actions that are specific to each of the four themes: 1) Biodiversity; 2) Waterways, wetlands & coasts; 3) Sustainable living; and 4) Climate change resilience and adaptation; C. Note that the Environment Strategy Monitoring Report - Year 4 (1 July 2022 30 June 2023) provides recommendations which will be considered as part of the review of the Environment Strategy and the preparation of the new Implementation Plan to be completed by Environmental Services and presented to Council in the 2024/25FY; and D. Authorise the CEO to make minor amendments prior to publication. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the report of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting dated 5 December 2023 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted. Carried unanimously. 8.3. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE REPORT - 5 DECEMBER 2023 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Amelia Lorentson (Chair) Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Clare Stewart Cr Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Nil EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock APOLOGIES Nil COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1. BOREEN POINT CAMPGROUND MANAGEMENT SERVICES TENDER That Council note the report by the Property Advisor – Commercial Property to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 5 December 2023 and A. Award contract CN00459 to 1EIGHT Pty Ltd for the Boreen Point Campground Management Services for an initial five (5) year period commencing 1 May 2024; and B. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to exercise future options to extend the contract for a further 1 x 2 year period subject to satisfactory performance at Council's sole discretion. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the report of the Services & Organisation Committee meeting dated 5 December 2023 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted. Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 8.4. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT - 11 DECEMBER 2023 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Karen Finzel Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Clare Stewart Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 6.1. NOOSA HOUSING STRATEGY - 12 MONTH UPDATE That Council note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the General Committee Meeting dated 11 December 2023 regarding the Noosa Housing Strategy - 12 month Update. 6.2. NOOSA JUNCTION LEVY AND REVENUE STATEMENT AMENDMENT - 2023- 24 BUDGET That Council note the report by the Director Corporate Services to the General Committee Meeting dated 11 December 2023 and pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, resolve to: A. Reduce the special charge for the Noosa Junction Levy for the second January 2024 levy by 10% from 0.2583 to 0.2329 cents in the dollar; B. Advise the levy benefit area ratepayers of the proposed change; C. Adopt the attached revised Revenue Statement for the 2023/24 Budget; and D. Refer the revenue and expenditure disclosure changes to be reflected in the 2023/24 Budget at Budget Review 2 (BR2). 6.3. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – NOVEMBER 2023 That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 11 December 2023 outlining November 2023 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 6.4. SHADE IN COORAN STREETSCAPE That Council note the report by the Acting CEO to the General Committee Meeting dated 11 December 2023 regarding additional shade measures in King Street Cooran and A. Council provide free standing shade umbrellas in the streetscape as a shortterm solution; B. Undertake community consultation regarding the public use of the space and the subsequent design and construction of a long-term shelter; C. Consider a budget allocation for the 2024/2025 financial year for supply and installation of additional mature shade trees in King Street Cooran in consultation with all local businesses and the community; D. Note that Council has committed to an additional shade shelter at the bus stop in Cooran, with a budget allocation of $65,000. Request that the CEO prepare a budget bid for 24/25 for a Cooran Recreation Precinct Plan which can examine the possibility of shade structures at places such as the Cooran Skatepark. 6.5. RESOURCE RECOVERY AREA EXPANSION That Council note the report by the Waste Project Manager to the General Committee dated 11 December 2023 raising: A. The challenges and constraints associated with the current site; and B. The benefits associated with the proposed Resource Recovery Area expansion. 7.1. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - 1516T043 WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT SERVICES - PROPOSED EXTENSION That Council note the report by the Waste Coordinator to the General Committee Meeting dated 11 December 2023 (the Report) and: A. Resolves to extend Contract No. 1516T043 with Cleanaway Pty Ltd for the period of 2 years commencing 1 September 2024; B. Delegate to the Acting Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise and execute relevant documentation to facilitate the extension and the potential variations outlined in the Report, and do all other things necessary to administer the Contract on behalf of Council. 7.2. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - IN PRINCIPLE SUPPORT TO DISPOSE OF LAND FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING That Council A. Note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the General committee dated 11 December 2023 regarding a 3,000m² (proposed lot1) being a portion of the land at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy; and B. Approve in principle agreement to dispose of 3,000m² of land under Section 236 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to an appropriate community organisation or government agency subject to; 1. Council identifying and finalising any investigations it considers desirable prior and during the formulation or negotiation of the commercial terms for the disposal; 2. Council being satisfied that the outcome of the disposal will result in the delivery of social or affordable housing of a standard, density and configuration that Council considers appropriate; 3. Appropriate commercial terms being negotiated, formulated and agreed to between Council and the appropriate community organization or government agency regarding the disposal; C. Authorise the CEO to enter into preliminary negotiations with a Tier 1 Community Housing Provider to purchase proposed lot 1 for an agreed market value for the purpose of delivering the housing outcomes above. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 7.3. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CONTRACT NO.CN00449 - "NOOSA REGIONAL GALLERY+" BUSINESS CASE Council Resolution Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Arts and Culture Manager to the General Committee meeting dated 11 December 2023 and: A. Award contract No. CN00449 for the development of a Business Case for the "Noosa Regional Gallery+" Project to Knight Frank Australia Pty. Ltd. under a lump sum contract for a total contract value as per the tender submission; and B Delegate to the Acting Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise and execute the Contract on behalf of Council. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That the report of the General Committee meeting dated 11 December 2023 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried unanimously. 9. ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 9.1. SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS AND KEY THEMES - DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN DISCUSSION PAPER Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Manager, Economic Development and Destination Management to the Ordinary Meeting dated 14 December 2023 regarding the process to develop a Noosa Shire Destination Management Plan (DMP) and: A. Note the summary of consultation key themes and feedback received during the recent community engagement process on the DMP Discussion Paper; B. Note the proposed next steps as detailed in this report for officers to undertake a deep analysis of the data and feedback provided to date to inform the preparation of a draft DMP early to mid 2024; ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 14 DECEMBER 2023 C. Prepare and implement a communication plan to clearly inform the community of the key themes from the community engagement to date and outline the next steps in the DMP process and D. Add a specific step into the process that workshops the results of the consultation on the DMP Discussion Paper with the External Community Reference Group and the external members of the PCG, to inform the scope of the next steps in the process of communicating back to the community and the Draft DMP and; E. Note the draft DMP will be prepared early in 2024 and reported back to Council for further community engagement in mid 2024. Carried unanimously. 10. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 12. NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on Thursday 18 January 2024 at 5.00pm. 13. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 6.44pm.
Meeting Transcript
Clare Stewart 00:00.000
There's past, present and emerging. I note that all councillors are in attendance for our final meeting this year and I welcome all of you in the gallery this evening. It's lovely to have so many of our community here this evening so welcome to you too. Can I please have a mover for the confirmation of the minutes of view? Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Seconded, thank you Councillor Wegener. All in favour? Carried unanimously. Namaste. There are no Mayoral minutes. I believe we have a petition received from Debra Walz with over 544 signatures regarding the removal of fluoride from our drinking water. I move that this petition be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. I'll second it. Thank you Councillor Wilkie. Thank you. All in favour? Carried unanimously. Thank you. Does anyone else have any petitions? No. We are up to notified motions but I will move that to the agenda to get through our presentations and deputations because I believe we have a couple of present deputations. So Ms Walz, would you like to come to the podium and present your deputation? Welcome, nice to see you again. Thank you. Debra Walz 01:13.800
Good evening. My deputation is on fluoridation. Noosa Shire Council and Unity Water have created a monopoly in the water supply market in the Noosa Shire and we as residents have no alternative but to use The water that is provided has fluoride added. According to the ACCC federal consumer law, there are three violations pertaining to the supply of fluoridated water. There are no consumer There are no consumer guarantees of safety for fluoridated water. Fluoridated water is not fit for purpose. Unity Water and Noosa Shire Council are supplying a product for which we have not requested or consented to. Some quick facts for you. 97% of Western Europe has rejected water fluoridation. Only 5% of the world's population has mandated water fluoridation. The New Zealand High Court declared mandated water fluoridation a violation of New Zealand human rights law. Many children now exceed recommended daily fluoride intake from cheese paste to wine. Fluoride is not a nutrient. data from Unity Water indicates non-residential fluoridated water accounts for 22.8% of total water. Toxicologists around the world are saying we don't need fluoride added to our water. do we listen to? Toxicologists? Or the lesser-informed government dentists and politicians? 64 studies have linked fluoride with reduced IQ in children. Throughout this year I have written to Noosa Shire Council regarding the inclusion of fluoride in our town water supply. You have referred me to Unity Water. Upon writing to them with my concerns, Unity Water referred me to SEQ Water. Upon writing to them with my concerns, SEQ Water referred me to the Queensland Health Department. Upon writing to them, the Queensland Health Department referred me back to Noosa Shire Council. This might suggest I've been given the runaround. You are well aware that Noosa Council are one of 19 councils across the State of Queensland that is continuing with the addition of fluoride to the town water supply. Despite the fact the fact that the majority of councils across the State of Queensland have relinquished this practice. Adding fluoridation to the town water supply incurs a significant cost to council by way of the purchase of chemicals, staffing... electricity and infrastructure. For example, when Cairns Council ceased fluoridation they made a saving of about $300,000 per annum. Alternatively, there are some residents of some residents of our community who believe they prefer to have fluoride in their water. A solution to this after community consultation is to offer them fluoride tablets which they can add to their personal water supply. This was a cost-effective strategy undertaken by Queensland Council who made the decision to stop mandating fluoride in their water. This would result in a significant reduction of fluoride discharged into our environment. through the sewerage system. There are ten reasons 31 Queensland councils have voted out mandated water and they include the cost, which is a waste of money, particularly as the State state government does not contribute to paying the operational costs. Public opinion, community consultation and opposition to fluoride. Ethical concerns, mass medication and no freedom of choice. Health risks. there are no Australian government studies, however, accumulating science from overseas studies show significant harm. Fluoride is not a water treatment. It is a healthcare treatment. A legal risk to counsellors with future class actions. Inequity or discrimination, forced on some but not all. other Queensland councils. And lastly, staff health risks. This could lead to future compensation payouts by council. It is reasonable to assume that Noosa Shire is and is home to a modern contemporary group of communities. It is reasonable to expect that our community members would want to have a choice over what they consume. The petition I've provided clearly indicates... provided clearly indicates their choice. In fact, closer to a thousand have signed that petition. Defloridation of water is a matter of individual preference. Local councils do not bear the responsibility for health care. council promotes the idea of residents making well-informed decisions for themselves. Do they not? There are more arguments against adding fluoride to our water than arguments supporting it. Fluoride is a known neurotoxin. It is an enzyme inhibitor. It can cause dental fluorosis, osteoporosis. Many consumers have conditions that are worsened by fluoride exposure. Others may have statuses that make fluoridation ill-advised. For example, pregnant women for whom fluoride consumption is associated with increased risks of pre-term birth and cognitive behavioural effects in offspring. And the elderly for whom fluoride consumption whom fluoride consumption is associated with increased risks of urological disorders and arthritis. People at greater risk of health damage from water fluoridation include people with joint problems, people with diabetes or blood sugar regulation problems, problems. People with sensitive kidneys or kidney dysfunction and people with a personal or family history of heart disease. Statistically, this would include many of our community members. Swallowing fluoride poison is not necessary for adding it to teeth. If you think it may help teeth, then let me explain that fluoride is a calcium chelator which actually reduces the available calcium in the human body. The World Health Organisation says if you use fluoride toothpaste, then there is little need to fluoridate the water supply. And a quote from who? In countries where dental health awareness in the public is very high and alternative vehicles for fluoride, such as toothpaste, are widely available and widely used, a decision to not not fluoridate the water would likely be of little consequence, directly from the WHO. Common sources of fluoride include toothpaste, mouthwash, other dental hygiene products, bottled beverages, canned food, black tea, red tea, and some other teas, black and red rock salt, supplements, and medications. The federal government Australian drinking water guidelines agree that the community should be consulted. In 1.4 of the community consultation part of their guidelines, the guidelines are intended to provide consumers with safe and aesthetically pleasing water and ultimately it is consumers who will be the final judges of water quality. It is vitally important that consumers viewed as active partners in making decisions about drinking water quality and the levels of service to be adopted. Community expectation and willingness to pay must be considered. is the responsibility of drinking water suppliers to keep the community fully informed about water quality, existing problems and needs for improvement. Fluoride is a developmental neurotoxin. 300 studies have found that fluoride is a neurotoxin. 52 human studies associate fluoride with reduced IQ. More than 100 animal studies show that fluoride can damage the brain. 2014 Lancet Medical Journal lists fluoride as a neurotoxin. The Bashash study of September 2017 is of significance. Urine fluoride levels in pregnant women link to lower IQ in offspring. For example, 1 milligram per 1 litre exposure results in a reduction of between 5 and 6 IQ points. One milligram. One milligram to one litre is the dosage we have in our water. Why fluoride is not safe according to the USA's NRC report of 2006. It damages the teeth, causes fluoride, dental fluorosis, it damages the bone which results in skeletal fluorosis, it damages the brain, the Just about every part of our body. It interferes with the endocrine system, especially the thyroid. It may cause osteosarcoma which is a type of cancer. Some people are already exceeding safe levels when drinking water at that one milligram per litre of fluoride ratio. In 2008 the Labour Queensland State government mandated water fluoridation across the State including the SEQ but in 1220 the LNP state government gave the power to mandate or remove water fluoridation to local councillors. It's an interesting exercise to look at our sewerage usage. Unity Water calculates that on average 90% of water used by residents is discharged through the sewerage system capped at 700 40 litres per day for residential customers. Where does this water end up? After it is treated and released into the biosphere. What is the impact of this fluoridated water on our ecosystem wildlife? Councillors, is this being environmentally responsible and aware? A great number of Noosa residents and rank payers strongly object to having fluoride added to their drinking water. No consultation ever been undertaken with the community. People believe they have a human right to decide what goes into their drinking water and do not agree a council and /or councillors who have no medical qualifications make that decision for them. Mandating and administering a toxin as a health product is criminal. As times change and our community becomes increasingly responsive to what they are consuming it is a message to councillors to realise that you do not bear the responsibility of health care and you can make the decision to fluoride from our water supply once and for all. In fact community members demand that you take action. If council desire building a healthy relationship with the Noosa Council community as your goal, as you identify all your reports and rhetoric, then building trust, relationships and communicating are the tools for success, as opposed to power plays, intimidation and fear which tools of control. Councillors should use due diligence to avoid infringing upon human rights, which basically means to do no harm. But more take action to respect and support human rights. This means seizing the opportunity to take action to make a positive contribution towards the protection and fulfilment of human rights, whether through your core business, strategic social investment, or simply by stopping the draconian practice of adding fluoride to our water. our water. Would any one of the councillors here today be willing to sign a statutory declaration outlining your personal and financial guarantee that fluoride in the water is 100% safe for 100% of the people for 100% of their lifetime and will not detrimentally affect their health in any way? you can't guarantee this then I suggest your best course of action is to put a stop to the addition of fluoride in our water. Have any one of you the courage to question the safety and legality of fluoride poisoning in drinking water? It is not safe and effective as you would lead us to believe. fluoride from our water you are putting the minds of this community at ease they will no longer have a concern that their kids and their grandkids could be poisoned by this toxin. I've attended many council meetings this year as you know not for malicious or vindictive reasons purely to highlight to you concerns raised in the community. Let me suggest time would be better spent debating real health and safety concerns such as fluoride in water and homelessness rather than the safety concerns of two umbrellas. Cheers! Before I go on to my question I just want to wish you all a very safe and restful festive season and thank you very much for your time. Thank you. Clare Stewart 14:53.360
As we have a number of committee reports on the agenda tonight, we're going to move public question time, item 11, now. So I believe we have three people asking questions. We have a lot of people in the meeting here to listen to debate on the Notified Mansion, which you've looked at twice. I don't believe the question time is of such significance that it can't wait. Well, I'm the Chair and the question won't take long and the Notified Motion will be directly after question time prior to committee reports. So the first person we have for public question time, Ms Walz, you're up again. Welcome. Debra Walz 15:30.535
Okay, no surprises here. My first question is on fluoride. Please provide an economic cost analysis and works management timeframe for Noosa Shire to become fluoride free. Clare Stewart 15:48.655
Thank you, Mr. President, and thank you, Mr. President. Richard MacGillivray 15:53.200
Thank you very much for the question. Noosa Council does not manage the abstraction treatment or distribution of potable water in Noosa. Treatment is undertaken by SEQ Water and distribution by Unity Water. At this point in time, Council does not have information relating to the costs or timeframes. involved for removing fluoride from the public water supply. Officers have contacted SEQ Water to seek advice on these options. However, due to the complexity of the questions raised, we're aware this may take some time to get this information. Thank you. Clare Stewart 16:28.834
Ms. Walsh, you have another question? I do. This is normal fluoride. Debra Walz 16:35.125
My question is, when are the Noosa Shire Council local laws due to be reviewed, and what are the consultation processes to involve community and report? Thank you, Richard. Richard MacGillivray 16:45.945
Thank you very much. Council's local laws are reviewed when they are impacted by a change in legislation or when local circumstances require that they are amended in order for their specific objectives to be met. Noosa current local laws are based on model local laws provided by the Department of State, Development, Infrastructure and Local Government and Planning. learning. The process of process of assessing potential improvements to Noosa local laws is occurring continuously through ongoing feedback from our community and businesses. The review of specific local laws is planned to commence in the near future. These reviews will focus on ensuring that they are meeting the contemporary needs, expectations and lifestyles of our communities. The process for making local laws is defined in the Local Government Act 2009. It is consistent for all Queensland councils and is a very transparent process. As part of a review, council officers will prepare a report detailing whether a new or amended local law is required and an authority to proceed is reported to The council will then consider information supporting the proposal and if an agreement will resolve to commence the local law making process. When that draft is complete, councils are then required to submit proposals to Queensland Government who undertake what's termed a state interest check. check. Following the successful completion of this step, notice of the proposed local law is required to be posted publicly in the local newspaper and on the council website. Council will be seeking to actively engage with the public. We're invited to review the local laws and provide feedback. Submissions from this consultation is then considered by council and any appropriate revisions are made to the new proposed local law before being brought back for council for consideration and resolution Thank you. mr. O 'Connor Brian O'Connor 19:06.300
The first question is this: Will Noosa Council consider stepping up the effectiveness of its pre-development concierge service to people with a good idea who wish to do the right thing by discussing development proposals in depth and ahead of a formal decision being made so they don't false hope their proposal will get up at council meetings their considerable upfront cost wasted as a consequence thank you Richard Thanks. Clare Stewart 19:42.701
You're welcome. Thank Richard MacGillivray 19:47.877
Thank you. Pre-lodgement meetings are an important and valuable tool for both the development industry and council development assessment staff. The meetings which are meetings, which are commercial in confidence, provide the opportunity for open dialogue outside the formal development assessment process, with prospective applicants receiving guidance and advice regarding the alignment of their development proposal with the expected outcomes of the Noosa Plan. The meetings are attended by representatives of Council's development assessment team including senior planners, development engineers and environment officers. Advice is also regularly sought from other internal branches in the organisation such as our strategic planning branch to ensure the participants are well informed of all related issues and all positive aspects of their proposal. Written notes are provided to all attendees summarising the issues discussed in the meeting and provide clear guidance on whether the proposal demonstrates compliance with the planning scheme and is likely to be supported at an officer level. significant development applications are preceded by a pre-lodgement meeting. In some instances, however, prospective applicants choose to proceed with their preferred form of development despite advice of its conflicts with the planning scheme. More than 100 pre-lodgement meetings have been held over the past two years. Council participation in these meetings by only requiring a modest fee and ensuring meetings are arranged with staff within a very short time frame. It is also encouraged for applicants with larger projects to request multiple pre-lodgement meetings to continuous refinement of the proposal against the provisions of the planning scheme. We are committed to maintaining our engagement with prospective applicants and will continue to encourage participation in pre-lodgement meetings prior to an application being made. Thank Brian O'Connor 21:44.380
Will Noosa Council make things easier for those wishing to employ people and diversify the local economy in the Noosa way by bringing forward consideration of the scheduled employment land review? Thank you. Good evening. Kim Rawlings 22:07.695
The employment land review is currently being finalised. Key outcomes report will include the identification of employment trends and opportunities and how these impact available employment land and what those implications are for Noosa. In particular, identifying how existing land zoned for industrial or innovation purposes can be used efficiently and what the future land requirements may be to deliver a diverse economy and employment growth. The report will recommendations regarding the provisions in the Noosa Plan 2020 to support employment outcomes including considering levels of assessment. These outcomes will be discussed with Council once complete. Clare Stewart 22:48.454
Thanks Kim, thanks Mr O 'Connor, appreciate your time. We have one more person and Mr Andrew McCarthy who is not in attendance so he has asked our CEO to read out the questions. Thanks Larry. Larry Sengstock 22:59.925
The first question from Mr. McCarthy was what actions have been undertaken and or what plans have the council put in place to undertake broader community consultation on the draft Noosa River catchment plan? Our response is further community consultation on the draft Noosa River plan will occur next year following council elections in accordance with council decision to defer consideration of the draft Noosa River plan until mid 2024. Council generally Council generally does not undertake consultation over the Christmas /January period and Council will then be in caretaker period or caretaker mode where it cannot undertake consultation on such matters. The second question: What plans have the Council implemented to redraft the draft catchment plan based on feedback from broader community consultation? redrafting of the draft Noosa River plan has not occurred. Should there be changes and redrafting required this will be informed by community consultation currently planned to begin next year. Thank you. Clare Stewart 24:06.483
We will now go back to item 5 which is notified motions. There is one notified motion from Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 24:15.602
I'd like to move the motion as provided in the agenda. Clare Stewart 24:19.442
I'll second it for that. Brian Stockwell 24:21.462
I'll second it. So councillors, in the last week the results of the annual healthy waterways report card have And the good news is that the overall score has improved since 2022, which was a year marked by the floods. However, Healthy Land and Water has clearly identified that... Since 2022, macro invertebrate health, diversity of fish, and riparian conditions all require closer attention and further investment. The health of the Noosa River and lake system continues to be impacted, not just by the long-term impacts of historic over-clearing and over-fishing, but some increasing pressure from climate change example resulting from extreme floods followed by prolonged dry periods, which is one of the reasons given for that significant decline in macro and vertical deaths. Continued regional population growth leading to increased utilisation of the river's resources and the direct and indirect downstream impacts of land uses. This is not about the blame game. We are all part are all part of the problem so we should all be part of the solution. The motion therefore seeks to accelerate action toward achieving the Noosa Environment Strategy's goal, signed off in 2019, that by 2030 waterways, wetlands and coasts are healthy. resilient to change and valued by the community. You know, I've provided a pretty detailed rationale as to why I think this step is important and I won't repeat it all, but I will highlight what I think are the important parts. This motion is asking councils to focus a bit harder on precisely what we've all agreed to, and that is to protect our river and waterways and coasts for the clear benefit of us all. The motion prioritises available, relevant staff time and existing budgets on protecting the fighting and riparian flora and fauna and their habitats. Rehabilitating degraded wetland and waterway and fish habitats, stream banks and riparian part of any development or activities undertaken in or adjacent to the river system or on tidal lands. Improving the water quality of the Noosa river systems through effective management of sediment and other direct and indirect sources of pollution and regular monitoring compliance and evaluation of the effectiveness of these interventions. In the absence of any more specific planning the motion also suggests that these be the priorities for future grant applications such as the SEQ Resilient Rivers Program and the Federal Government's Urban River and Cat Rivers Program. It also requests the CEO to pursue new funding and grant opportunities to extend the Oyster Reef Restoration and Oyster Gardening programs into other suitable locations in the Noosa River and Lake System considering the early successes of this program. Now last week we got a copy of the second monitoring results and what we found is plume of the reef in March 2023 there was evidence of dramatic increase in the density of oysters on the restoration structures with the greatest density occurring at Goat Island of 833 individuals per square metre. Then in September, the average antivirus use has continued to increase in the restoration areas with the highest average density of 917 individuals, once again, per metre at the Coat Island site. The September report however identifies that the greatest change in the benthic habitat between March and September has been substantial increase in the extent of seagrass growing around the reef patches. This was particularly prevalent in the Noosa Sound East and Noosa Sound West restoration areas where seagrass covered 409 and 554 square metres respectively. The motion also calls for collaboration with the Kabi Kabi people to develop and implement a land and sea ranger or similar program that educates others on how to respect and avoid harm to the Indigenous historical, environmental and conservation cultural heritage of the Noosa River system. I'd like to acknowledge our committed Council staff and the huge number staff and the huge number of dedicated volunteers, some of whom are in the audience tonight. Some of these volunteers don't mark the length of the time that they've been working on our waterways and our wetlands by months. Some of them don't even have to do it in years. Some of them can do it in decades. We have thousands and thousands of hours of volunteers in these community-based environment and natural resource management groups who are doing a great job with the resources. job with the resources currently available to them. However, the status quo is not enough to achieve the 2030 targets. I will end with a quote from a retired fisherman after 50 years. years on the river, John Clarey, when lamenting the decline in fish stock in an interview in 1989, he said, "It all boils down to, in my book, that you're taking too much out if you're putting out if you're putting nothing back." "Councillors, it's time to put more back." Clare Stewart 29:25.325
Mr CEO, there has been some queries by the community about the ability of Councillor Stockwell to bring this notified motion tonight. Could you please explain that to us? Larry Sengstock 29:35.965
Certainly. Thank you, Madam Mayor. motion tonight relates to the environment strategy, not to the river plan, so therefore the conflicts of interest are not relevant to this particular, and it's our understanding that Councillor Stockwell does not have any conflicts of interest relating to this particular motion, and we've had advice to such. Clare Stewart 30:00.723
Would anyone else like to speak to the notified motion? Larry Sengstock 30:01.468
Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 30:07.123
Councillor Wegener? I only have a question. In terms of the motion, it's calling for greater commitment or more resources to be allocated. Is this more of a process? My understanding is that given that matter is not urgent and doesn't require immediate action, my understanding is that the process, and this is to the CEO, is that this should be considered as part of the next budget And that's the correct process. Can I just have some clarification on that, please? Larry Sengstock 30:48.733
Thank you, Councillor. Yes, you're right. This, this, the items that Councillor Stockwell is bringing to the table here are items, and you see it in our, in our report for our environment strategy report that's part of the reports tonight. Much of, much, if not all of these are already underway and being being undertaken as part of what we do and Councillor Stockwell did mention that our staff do work extremely hard in this area and are achieving some great successes. Absolutely, I'm not, you know, I need to, I would need to take this away and understand if there is change anything. If there isn't, then it would be something that we'd have to bring to the table for consideration at future budget exercises because, you know, if our resources are already strapped, which in in most if not all of our areas of council they are, then we would have to look at that carefully and understand whether there is capacity to make any change, but this is, from my reading of this, this is for us to understand. understand what our current level of activity and capacity is and then understand whether we can take it on either now or in the future, but that would be, and if it's in the future it would certainly be something we'd bring back to budget because something has to go out, we have to add more budget in, in order to get more resource, and that's a decision for Council. Amelia Lorentson 32:14.046
Can I also ask, in a number of places, just a suggestion, would another to do this is by calling for a review of the project, so that the Council staff have an opportunity to assess and report with their recommendations? Larry Sengstock 32:33.497
I think that's something that absolutely we could do. We could bring this motion, put that back to the staff, and again, if we're going to do the assessment of our capacity to do, accelerate to do, accelerate and to prioritise then, again you prioritise something, if you're already in capacity something misses out, so we'd have to bring that, we'd have to analyse that, bring that back to the table and get the direction from council as to which ones would miss out if we're already capacity or if we need more resource then we would bring that back to the table because we can't just add more, add more money, you add more, add more money, you can't add more fuel to the fire. Brian Stockwell 33:11.655
I have a question for Councillor Lorentson, and she mentioned that the motion asks for additional resources. I can see in part one where it says, "Proprietise available relevant staff time and an existing budget, " and then I can see in the motion where it talks about using these priorities to seek further grant funding. Can you tell me where in the motion it actually suggests we're changing the budget? Amelia Lorentson 33:31.095
Can you put it down, Frank Wilkie 33:46.702
Just to reiterate the point that Councillor Stockwell made, and it was written clearly on there, it's about using existing resources. This motion has worded after talking to staff and getting their reassurance that it can be done within existing resources, and indeed this is the work that staff are already doing and the direction they're already taking. One of the reasons why this motion is is to send a signal, because there has recently been some confusion and concern among some of the organisation and the community that Council has abandoned its commitment as responsible environmental managers to our waterways, which is not the case. This motion confirms and reassures staff and the community that in the closing days of this term we remain committed to looking after our river and waterways and that the environmental staff can, are and ought to be pursuing Council shared goals as agreed under the environmental strategy and existing budget. This motion confirms... This motion signals that staff will continue working to ensure that by 2030 waterways, wetlands and coasts are healthy, resilient to change and valued by the community. Indeed Council and environmental staff are already doing this work. The project to restore Noosa oyster reefs to the river is supported by three levels of government. has attracted $2.4 million in external funding, involves local businesses and community groups, and is part of a network of reefs being restored around Australia. The report on the oyster reefs we've recently received from the independent consultants indicate the structures have fostered the growth of seagrasses and previously bare areas around the reef patches. They have halted or reversed the erosion of the riverbanks on the landward side of the reefs and that the density and size of the oysters have increased significantly on the structures. Anecdotally, when taking boat tours of the reefs, you can see schools of fish and prawns plus stingrays and other marine life clustering around the reefs. Expanding the reefs through more external grant funding is part of To create a river that is cleaner, healthier, spending with marine life and accessible to all. This is just part of ensuring that this council is seen as one that has not wasted any opportunity to aid Noosa's' environment and the vet state than we found it for future generations. Thank you. Karen Finzel 35:55.961
I'll speak to this. Just a question through the chair. The motion talks about available relevant staff time. The staff are committed as shown through the reports that are coming through the environment strategy. My concern is we already have staff a high-level capacity. I'm not sure of the available time that we have available. Also taking into consideration the current legislation around the risks of social psycho-hazards in the workplace. want to find our staff in a position where they're pushed to beyond their capacity. place, but What would be the opportunity to have a report up to the table to inform us of the actual capacity of this organisation and the staff to prioritise the motion? Larry Sengstock 36:49.467
Sure again it's it's a it's a it's something we would need to take away and understand when we say prioritise it's it actually takes it means that we we're taking staff off other activities in order to prioritise and do more in this and it's utilising available budget existing budget but again whether we utilise the budget and take it away from something else to focus on particular things that's a piece of work that we would need to do and I'm more than happy to get our staff get our staff to do that and bring that back to a future meeting if that's the request of this organisation. I'm happy to do it and I understand the need or the desire to really focus on the activities that we currently are doing. Clare Stewart 37:34.457
I'll speak to it. There are 40 million reasons not to support this Notified Motion. No cost to our ratepayer. We've heard there is always a cost. There's a staffing cost, there's a resource cost. Anyone who has run their own business who has taken a punt knows that there is always a cost when it comes to human resources. Always a staffing cost. are 40 million reasons not to support this, because that is what is being invested by South East Queensland Council of Mayors, by the State, in regard to our Resilient Rivers program. $40 million at no cost $40 million at no cost to our ratepayer. I'm going to read this, because it came out last week. It says, new strategy to deliver healthier and more resilient SEQ Waterways and wetlands. Exactly what this motion is talking about, the health and wellbeing. well-being of our river. A new resilient rivers initiative SEQ Waterways and wetlands investment strategy is set to enhance environmental and community outcomes through river rehabilitation projects in southeast Queensland. The strategy was The strategy was developed by the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors, of which we are a part, and will support investment in on-ground rehabilitation projects in South East Queensland, including revegetation, weed management and fish passage projects. improve waterway and wetland condition. The strategy will support the delivery of 40 plus million of new investment by providing improved project prioritisation, governance and capacity building, as well as monitoring and evaluation. Resilient Rivers Initiative is an initiative within the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Brisbane 2032 legacy strategy, Elevate 2042, of which we launched about three weeks ago. The future health and resilience of South East Queensland catchments has received a major boost with the Queensland Government and Council of Mayors today releasing the Resilient Rivers Initiative, SEQ Waterways SEQ Waterways and Wetlands Investment Strategy. The strategy provides a blueprint for the growth and expansion of the successful Resilient Rivers Initiative. It will guide future investment, prioritisation and collaborative delivery of $40 million. the next five years, as I said, including revegetation, weed management and fish passage projects to improve waterways and wetland conditions. On top of its environmental benefits, the strategy will also support new opportunities for capacity building with the environmental services sector, creation of local jobs in rural communities and strengthen First Nations engagement, as Councillor Stockwell has mentioned, in the management of the region's catchments. So why reinvent the wheel? It's already been done. It's been done at no cost to us. The river is state jurisdiction. It's state legislation. legislation, we can advocate. We can It's the environment... Now we've partnered to deliver. We don't need to, as I said, reinvent the wheel. Why expend ratepayer funds when it's unnecessary, when it's regurgitating, when it's wet, and when we are simply the little brother? the State, as I said, state legislation, state jurisdiction, the river is managed and governed by the State government. But now we are a partner. We can advocate. And this is where our future lies. This is where we can get the funding. This is where we can make the difference. The major cause of pollution in our rivers is the effluent coming from the houseboats. is clear and it has bipartisan support. If we want to focus on improving our rivers, improving our environment of our rivers, let's focus on cleaning up the houseboats. Let's focus on getting rid of those and let's get the effluent out of our rivers. I will not support this motion. Joe Jurisevic 41:21.559
So, I'll ask a question based on, just to clarify what's been said here. So, should this motion succeed, what that would, in your actions, as I understand it from what you said, bring a report through as to what could be reviewed. could be reconsidered and what could be reprioritised within the workload and capacity of staff that we currently have and the budget restraints that we have. Larry Sengstock 41:48.662
Certainly. And that's, I'm happy to do that, bring a report back and look at if we are prioritising, we're prioritising within the bucket of money that we've currently got allocated. Thank you. I should also add that, you know, if we are looking for future grants, grants often come at either 50/50, 80/20, that type of stuff, so there is a need often. often if we are going after that to find additional resources and funding but that doesn't mean we have to take it but that's certainly that's how it does it does occur so there is you know there is that opportunity but as in answer to your question councillor yes more than happy to uh to do that take on these on these initiatives and look at what we are currently doing and whether there's capacity in there to to either adjust it and again bring it back to the table. Amelia Lorentson 42:47.299
What you said when we started the conversation is that if this motion falls um the actions identified in the notified motion will still progress have i understood that correctly sorry you mean Sorry, you mean the actions? Larry Sengstock 43:04.435
Well, I think in terms of what we're currently doing, that will absolutely continue to do. We'll continue to do what we do as in our environment strategy and continue to deliver our environment strategy. In terms of this, well, I think what we can do is we can go away and look at whether we can prioritise or whether that's a or what that effect might have given that, you know, we have to do it within the bucket of money that we've got and /or utilising the additional monies that we that we may get through COMSEQ so to see a better course of action than all this uncertainty is to maybe with a procedural motion to request additional information to understand whether or not we have the human manpower and the financial capacity to actually progress the notified motion well we can do it that way or we can we can bring this back to a to a future meeting and not necessarily put a date on the future meeting but we will given it's Christmas and January January meetings and then we then we go into into caretaker but I'm happy to say we can we can go away and analyse this and bring it back to a future meeting and so here's the things that we we can do and this is how it how it would work and and get a decision at an appropriate time absolutely but in the meantime we would continue to do the work that we're doing and delivering the successes that we're getting. Tom Wegener 44:37.320
Listening to everybody tonight, prior to the delay of the river plan there was already a program going forward and so I consider this an extension of that and to say that it almost sounds like it didn't really matter that there was a river plan matter that there was a river plan or not a river plan, we're moving towards on the environment strategy, is that right? And it sounds like there was a bucket of money to do stuff, that was, and all of a sudden there wasn't a bucket of money, and now we're asking for a new bucket of money. I don't think, I just don't think that's accurate. I think that we just keep moving along and we need this for... for guidance, for direction. When it comes to the State, I don't, I'm not in favour of waiting for the State to do anything. I mean, how long have we been waiting for them to take care of that effluent in the riverboats? We've been waiting a long time. I'm not overly confident in the State coming in and really looking after our river. And by the way, the river is entirely in Noosa Shire, is what we're talking Shire is what we're talking about here. It is up to us to make that. But most importantly, I'd like to point out the opportunity cost of not doing something. And we need so much to... at continuing the Oyster Reef, the work that the communities and NYCA is doing with the Oyster Reef projects and the baskets and that. But most I want to talk about the disaster of the last of the last flood and the amount of sediment that comes down the rivers, which clogs up, covers up the seagrass, damages the benthic layer substantially, and this is an emergency, and we should have done something a long time ago, and that last flood was devastating to us, and we know what to do. It's to keep it in It's looking at the water going up the creeks, because it's the whole catchment, including little creeks way back up there, we've got to look at those little creeks, and we've got to stop that sediment from going in, because it clogged up the creek, clogged all the way down, and it's beyond an emergency, it's something we should have done a long time ago, and with this, it just gives it just gives direction to look at and get back down and try to stop the next emergency from happening, because if it's going to come, there's going to be more floods. We should be on it now, not later, and so that's why I really super support this motion to keep the direction going. Clare Stewart 47:16.802
Thank you. I've got a question to see who has jurisdiction in regard to the revoke. Larry Sengstock 47:21.877
In the actual river, it's a state government at this point in time. Clare Stewart 47:25.277
So who has the capacity to remove the effluent or the houseboats? Who has that capacity? Larry Sengstock 47:30.237
The State government. Clare Stewart 47:30.877
Right, so as much as we would want to do something in that area, we don't have the capacity, we don't have the ability ability to do it under jurisdiction. Larry Sengstock 47:36.903
No, we can advocate to the State government. Clare Stewart 47:39.403
So the best we can do is advocate, thank you. Larry Sengstock 47:42.503
Can I just make a point to Councillor Wegener's point? This is to do with the environment strategy. So this is the work that we, this is, as I said at the start, is, as I said at the start, this is not the river plan. This is our environment strategy that we have been working on for many years and we have been endorsed by this group and we continue to deliver on. And there is a budget associated with that. So that budget continues to be there. we continue to deliver. My understanding is from Councillor Stockwell is that he's looking to make sure we direct it in particular and accelerate it in particular areas. That is a piece of work. If you'll accept this, that's a piece of work that we would go away and say we've got that. We've got that bucket of money that we continually use for our environmental strategy. It's a matter of whether we continue to use it in the same way that we are or whether we mould it a little bit differently. That's where this is. That's my understanding of the request. So to say that we're not doing anything is not. We are continuing to do a whole lot while we while we while we do this consultation for the river plan next year. Amelia Lorentson 48:47.620
May we question directly to CEO Wendy King. Councillor Wegener has emphasised the urgency that our rivers are in dry straits, but attention the 2023 Y little ratings was just recently released for South East Queensland and Noosa overall score in as I've read it has actually improved since 2022. The micro invertebrate health diversity efficient riparian condition seems to be okay. Can I get some clarity or just some details around our recent scorecard? Larry Sengstock 49:34.432
I think without going into absolute detail and I won't but but I think that absolutely that our river is doing well but I will say I understand we've got we've got more work to do. Point of order. Brian Stockwell 49:46.651
I think it would be no disrespect to actually hear the results because some of the statements were actually inconsistent with the results and I think the relevant director may have a better grasp on those Do we have the exact results here, Kim? Kim Rawlings 50:02.399
I do, but I'd have to just call them up. Give me a moment. Clare Stewart 50:07.239
Is there any further questions? I don't think we need to have that question answered. Amelia Lorentson 50:11.757
I have a report in front of me, Kim, if you want I can share that with you, or I can bring it in myself. I circled all the significant improvements. Kim Rawlings 50:32.475
Through the Chair, not having read this for some weeks, there has we have there has been some improvement in some aspects of of the river. Our overall rating did decline last year. And that was a result of major floods, and massive sedimentation in the river. So yes, there has been some improvement. We're starting to get back to where we were previously pre that sort of that weather, massive weather impact. But in saying that, there is no doubt sedimentation in our river is an issue. There's a number of reports and the Keep It In Kin Kin project that's been going for a number of years is a direct response to trying to manage sedimentation. And that's just in of the catchment. We've also had a decline in seagrass in the river and we've also had a decline in macroinvertebrates in the river. So yes, from the indicators that the Healthy Land and Water report we're definitely getting some improvement in the river and some really good results. But there are still some issues. Clare Stewart 51:52.055
Just on Healthy Land and Water is the gold standard, isn't it, when it comes to people who report on our river. That's our number one that we go to, the Healthy Land and Water report. Kim Rawlings 52:01.275
Yeah, Healthy Land and Water are... Yes, gold standard, call it that. It's the most consistent rating that's used for various components of water quality monitoring in the river, and it allows us to be able to see the change over time. So yes, it's a reliable source of... of um reporting. Sorry, I've got another question. Clare Stewart 52:31.865
And just in regard to that report about seeing the, you know, the concerns with the river and the floods, we weren't alone in that, weren't we? Every single river catchment across southeast Queensland who were affected by floods, their rating was affected because of the floods. Kim Rawlings 52:48.045
Yeah, there was definitely wider impact. We weren't alone in terms of... in terms of a reduction terms of a reduction in our rating. In terms of stories that the River report tells, there has been an improvement since the previous year, it was a flood-affected year. Does the report talk of an improvement compared to last year? But are you referring to a long-term decline in some indicators over two decades? Yes I am that's right so there has been an improvement since last year and there's been improvement in some of our indicators but there is that's in the context of long-term decline across a number of factors. You know know, the report does talk about, you know, an increase in the use of erosion and sediment controls and, you know, there's been a whole lot of improvements, but it also talks about the need to re-establish. Re-establish and invest in our riparian corridors substantially to manage sediment and erosion control. So, you know, there's some improvement, but there's still a lot of work to do. Brian Stockwell 53:58.452
Just a further point, a question to clarify. You mentioned the Healthy Waterways report card is related to water quality and it's in fact ecosystem process or ecosystem health rating. That rating isn't designed to report on biodiversity, species abundance or decline, is it? Kim Rawlings 54:18.579
No, it's not. Tom Wegener 54:23.745
Part of the report, Ruth Thurston mentions, the real fear is losing our long-term memory of the way it was because... Looking at it year by year, it's a little bit better than last year. But we, I believe, the community generally looks at things in a long-term sense. And looking way back, they might amount of biodiversity and fish in the river was astronomically higher, and so part of the report says we do not want to lose that vision to get back to that stage, not to get better than last year, but in the distant past, when a river past, when a river is capable of producing. Is there a question? That is mentioned in the report. Can I just call a point of order? I just think that... I think we've moved away from the focus on the notice of the motion, given that it's around the environmental strategy, not specifically the river. Further question, Kim, and then we'll let you go. So it is the... In the resilient rivers, when we talk about all the environmental projects that they're looking at, could you just explain what they mean when what they're going to do is look at fish passage projects with that, look at improving our fish stock? Is that correct? I'm just not sure what that says, what that means. Reed vegetation, weed management and fish passage projects. improve waterway and wetland condition. Kim Rawlings 55:55.514
So fish passage is about how fish move through our river system and there are some areas in our catchments, in our sub-catchments that there isn't clear fish passage movement. So it actually relates to an actual change in the... a project to re-establish correct fish passages so that our fish can move through the habitat. Clare Stewart 56:22.126
So I guess the question is, so in regard to what Councillor Stockwell was talking about, it is being looked at a... statewide SEQ regional level then under the resilient rivers with the $40 million investment. Kim Rawlings 56:33.823
Yeah, it is being looked at at a statewide and it's an incredibly fantastic program that we are partnering in and need to be part of. We do need to We do need to put forward what our priorities are for that program. They've asked us to put forward what our priorities are so that the responses are locally specific because what we need here and what Pine Rivers might need or Maroochee might need might be different. So yeah, it's a collaborative state program but we do need to put forward local priorities. And we'll be doing that irrespective of this, won't we? We're already doing that. We're already undertaking that work already, aren't we? We are doing that. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 57:13.365
Councillor Finzel. Councillor Stewart. Kim, in terms of priority actions, you mentioned that just to be clear, are the actions identified in the Noosa on motion? Are these actions a priority, and is it for councillors to set the agenda, or is that something that normally can't go through staff? Kim Rawlings 57:41.488
Councillors, you have set these priorities already in your Noosa environment strategy. another report that's being considered tonight is the environment strategy monitoring report, and that clearly outlines a theme to is waterways and wetlands theme. under the theme in the environment strategy in waterways and wetlands, it has a series of objectives, and it also has a series of actions. So these priorities are already endorsed by this council and were as part of that environment strategy. strategy. Amelia Lorentson 58:17.898
Thanks. This notified motion is redundant. It's not listening. It's already existing. Kim Rawlings 58:25.748
I don't think I should answer that. Clare Stewart 58:27.608
No. Fair enough. Thank you, Kim. Do you have any more questions for Kim? I was going to put forward a procedural motion. Thank you, Kim. Thank you. Karen Finzel 58:37.968
I'd like to put forward a procedural motion that Ida be deferred to a time post the election, given that we want to see a report back up around, you know, resources, availability of time, given the response just just then from the staff around the themes waterways and wetlands coming up in the report. So I'd like to move that motion that we defer this motion until post the election I'll second it. Do you want to speak to it? No I don't need to speak to it I think I think we've all covered the points here this evening and I'm not quite sure the note takers have caught up with the motion. We just need it. Larry Sengstock 59:29.459
We need a tonne of that. We need some reason. Karen Finzel 59:33.126
Oh, the reason? Okay, so the reason would be that we need to... Sorry, cancel the meeting. Oh, sorry. Thank you. We would like a report back from the CEO. Larry Sengstock 59:51.606
Just to allow. Karen Finzel 59:53.866
To allow. Larry Sengstock 59:54.633
To allow for a report to be provided back to the meeting. Clare Stewart 59:59.693
Yes. You're right, Vicky. The only deferred pay selection given, we would like a report back from the CEO to allow for a report to provide data. A report. Karen Finzel 01:00:31.020
Report from the CEO. Do you want a report from the CEO? To provide data. in relation to available resources, including but not limited to. Human resources. So, just a question to the CEO through the chair. It says in our standing orders that we do have to give a time and a date. Is post-election sufficient or do you think we need a date and a time? Clare Stewart 01:01:18.933
We do a tongue fly? Larry Sengstock 01:01:26.360
With the election coming, we have a six-week period of induction, of caretaker, and then we have an induction post, so we'll probably be talking May, June at best. So I think we can, this is something that we can work on, so we can bring this to the table in the first meeting back of the new, say, May... That would be April, I don't know. No, actually April. Because we're... Amazing. Clare Stewart 01:02:07.040
To the April 20th, yeah. You happy with that, Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 01:02:22.420
Yes, I'm happy with that. Through the chair of the CEO, does that read sufficient enough information for you to be able to follow that through? Thank you. Would anyone like to speak to the procedural motion, Councillor Wilkie? Frank Wilkie 01:02:32.433
Councillors, I really urge you not to spoil it. I think it's the kindest thing I can say. It's an unvirtuous and irrational objection to have a meeting, a simple statement of intent that we care for. And I'm committed to our environment strategy and the objectives as set out in the environment strategy, which we've all endorsed, of caring for our waterways. We know it's doable. The staff have said it's doable. It sends a clear message to our community that despite other decisions to defer important pieces of strategy, work and plans, that That other work that's underway, we're still going to keep going with that. And the work that we're doing as responsible environment custodians of our waterways will continue. Councillors, there is no reason to defer this work. There's no reason to object to or block this simple Which clarifies for our organisation, our hard working staff who may be confused about what this council's values are. For the community, signal to the community what our values are in terms of environmental stewardship. a procedure a procedural motion to block this sort of platter, I think it's ungracious to say the least. And it's not useful, and I don't see any good reason for it. We know the work can be done, the staff have told us the work can be done. Councils, please reconsider supporting this. term we've seen environmental projects voted against, motions moved to kill them off, motions moved to defer them. already Please, let's not do this again. It's not the Noosa Council Day. I urge you not to support this, and let's get on with the original Noosa motion please. Clare Stewart 01:04:49.100
Would anyone else like to speak to the procedural motion? Councillor Lorentson? Confusion. The work's already been done. We've had our director standing right here saying this work is already being done. It's already undertaken. In fact, it's in the report tonight that we're going to endorse in our environmental strategy. So why put this up? Why bring it now? The work is already being done. There is reason for it. Confusion. By adding this to it, we've got an overworked staff already. This just adds additional work, additional red tape, additional questions, additional resources. Karen Finzel 01:05:26.659
The work's being done. Full stop. Clare Stewart 01:05:29.698
It's already in there. It's in the environmental strategy. We've all endorsed it. So put it up? We don't need to single, single our intentions with this. We've signalled them. It's here. We don't need to be seen to be as, you know, Councillor Wilkie, I disagree with you. You know, we've got more land under conservation than ever before. We've got an environmental strategy that we've all endorsed. We're bringing to council tonight. every bit of this is contained in that strategy. Every bit of this. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. It's going to cost us time. It's going to cost us resources. It's going to cost us staff resources. And it's going to add confusion. There is no confusion. It's there. It's in print. We support it. We don't need to add this. I support Councillor Finzel. Joe Jurisevic 01:06:20.840
I'm a little confused because either way, the outcome of what we're dealing with here will be a further report to Council in a timeframe that the CEO can undertake. So I said this is being redundant because the other motion, that's what it proposes to do. So I won't be supporting the deferral. I think we need to look at... I need to look at that...need to look at the motion more carefully and actually understand it. I think the reasons will become clear when we get a chance to when some of us get a chance to potentially speak to the motion, if we do get a chance to speak to the motion. So I won't be supporting a deferral because the deferral is actually going to have the same outcome. outcome as the procedure or as the notified motion if it comes to be. Amelia Lorentson 01:07:16.269
Councillor Lorentson? I won't be discussing the deferral, only because I don't think a deferral is the right decision. I think we need to make a decision on the notified motion to either support it or award it. Brian Stockwell 01:07:36.152
I won't be supporting it, as it does, unlike my motion, start to do a report which is a burden on strapped resources. My motion doesn't require a further report. My report. My motion doesn't do anything but refine the focus of the relevant staff in the existing budget. Clare Stewart 01:07:59.550
Please keep your voice to a reasonable level of Councillor Stockwell. I'm sorry if that was too loud. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:08:08.970
It refines it to four dot points. environment strategy, waterways, is quite large. What this does is give staff clear direction on what councillors think are the priorities. That's important because we have got big buckets of money, not just the resilient rivers and the federal government urban rivers and catchments. And we And we haven't given staff any clear direction and priorities, and it is our role, and that's why it won't spoil it. Clare Stewart 01:08:42.179
Councillor Tom, have you spoken to us? You haven't spoken, you want to speak, okay. Councillor Finzel, would you like to close? Karen Finzel 01:08:49.379
Yes, I'd just like to say I've put this up here because just to put another option to broaden the debate. I clearly hear what everyone's brought to the conversation. However, I would like to add that, you know, when we talk that, you know, when we talk about values, as mentioned by Councillor Wilkie, that, you know, we all have values that align with our environment, with our people. I'm concerned about the human resources in relation to too much workload on our staff, given the psychosocial hazards that need to be identified in the workplace, and does come at a cost, given we are in a biosphere that is all living and working in harmony with each other and within our environment. I certainly support and have voted upon things that support our environment. So I have nothing further to say except for the fact that I've raised this to bring a broader debate and conversation to the table this evening. Clare Stewart 01:09:50.959
Favour? I'll support you. Thank you. And that motion is lost. Councillor Finzel and Stewart for, against: Jurisevic, Stockwell, Wegener, Lorentson, Wilkie. That brings us back to the formative motion. Frank, Brian, Clare and Tom have spoken to. So we have Councillor Finzel, Jurisevic and Lorentson still to speak if they would like to. Unknown 01:10:25.860
Is not about environment. This is about public trust. Amelia Lorentson 01:10:31.920
We've received and I've got them all here. We've received emails from community members that have asked us to not support the motion in front of us. And I'm going to quote a little bit from some of the emails we've received. Some members of the community believe there are inaccuracies in the report. Some are still recovering from the Noosa River catchment plan, the decision made. So to me, I'm not going to support this, because I don't believe this is about environment. I am pro-environment, and my actions speak for me. The decision today is about public trust, and also about the integrity of council and the importance of our role. I work for the community, I represent the community. they're concerned, they're raising issues about this notified motion. It just came to us a few days ago. So we're still wondering, where does this fit in? Is it under a river management plan? Is it under the environmental strategy? We don't understand the risks and implications. for patience. Sorry. Subtitles to represent our community. So on that basis, and understanding that these actions are already prioritised in the environmental strategy that we have all endorsed, I just don't see the point in upsetting the community. This is going to happen regardless of whether the motion stands or doesn't stand. You know, we are different by nature, but again our actions speak louder than our words. Clare Stewart 01:12:37.784
Councillor Joe and Amelia, um, Karen. Councillor Joe. Joe Jurisevic 01:12:47.984
Um, I think we've lost our way a bit with the, uh, with what's Um, all this says is that, uh, all this acknowledges is that the, the, there's a lot of work in the environment strategy. And staff, when you read the report on the environment strategy, have got a lot of, a lot of things on their plate. All this asks is that they can't maintain their focus on the areas of the river management which Council's for: protecting aquatic and riparian food, flora and fauna and their habitats, rehabilitating degraded wetlands and waterways, fish habitats, stream banks and riparian buffers as part of any development or activities undertaken, improving water quality through effective management management of sediments and other direct and indirect sources of pollution. We might not be able to do the houseboats ourselves, but there are other sources such as stormwater management, which I've been advocating for a long, long time, to be undertaken. We don't have any. Litter catchment. One of the thoughts in the river plan was to stop pollutions and litter going into the river. It's one of the priorities, but that's not going to happen at this point in time. don't have a lot of sediment traps. We don't have a lot of litter collection mechanisms. We don't. They don't exist. There are some, but they certainly don't stop things going into the river. Which are in our area of control. Not the State's area of control. the State jurisdiction is why, if the river is the State jurisdiction is, why is the South East Queensland Council of Mayors facilitating funding? For these sort of these sort of initiatives because they're a priority. Getting river management plans and getting action action plans into place on the areas that councils are responsible for is we are responsible for is what it's all about. And I believe that all that Councillor Stockwell here is asking is that we maintain the focus of the areas of council for which we are responsible to be at the forefront of our actions. So I've got no problem supporting this. It doesn't talk about effluent and houseboats. The greatest pollutant in our river is sediment. this maintains the priority actions within our capacity to operate within this organisation on the areas of which we're responsible for. So I've got no problem supporting this. I think it's very simple. It's very effective. The priorities are in the environment strategy. This maintains which are the ones that are the priority. Healthy land and water is exactly is exactly where Councillor Stockwell got all of these points, the Healthy Islander Water report is exactly where Councillor Stockwell got all of these reports, all of these points to where the priorities should be retained and maintained. So I've got no problem supporting, looking at, maintaining and continuing to maintain of Council's actions for the areas of which they are responsible, and that is land degradation and sediment, at the forefront of our environment strategy going forward. Clare Stewart 01:15:49.914
Good question for the CEO. Mr. CEO, what part of the river is Council responsible for? Is it responsible from the high water mark? Larry Sengstock 01:16:01.940
Good question. Yes. Yes, it is. Yes. Clare Stewart 01:16:05.480
That's it. Council's responsibility is from the high water mark. Yes. Tom Wegener 01:16:12.380
I have to ask a question. So the high water mark... Does that include creeks? You know, because this is a catchment man... No, our waterways go up the creeks. So does it... When there's a flood, does it change? When the creeks are dry, do we have... dry, do we have all jurisdictions? When the creeks are flowing, do we have no jurisdiction over that particular area? Does it change? Debra Walz 01:16:42.580
We take that on notice? Clare Stewart 01:16:51.140
Councillor Karen, you're the only one who hasn't spoken to this. Karen Finzel 01:16:53.780
Would you like to speak to it? Yeah, I'll just be really brief. lot's been spoken around the table. If we look at the point B of this motion, it says utilise the above outline of actions as a guide. I'm a little bit confused because this seems a bit neutral, this motion. motion to come before the table because we're already got, we have provided as a collective council direction to the staff in the entirety of this term around our prioritisation of their work. their workload and what the community wants to see as ratified by the staff. Staff remains focused, council remains focused on our priorities. I think that this notice of motion, the work is already being done as discussed and using this as a prioritisation tool to outline actions to secure or submit for funding to the SEQ Council of Mayors for their Resilient Rivers program and any other relevant funding. to I feel it has not been a good use of time. does not represent good governance to bring this tonight as a notice of motion when the work has already been done and this council has ratified the work. I will not be supporting the motion. Thank you. Council supports it. Let's close. Tom Wegener 01:18:09.395
Yeah, we'll close. Brian Stockwell 01:18:13.780
The value of public trust. If I was to repeat the numerous emails that I've got in the last two months, I'd be out two months I'll be out of this chamber because I'll be bringing this council into this review. Councillor Wilkie is spot on. There is a need for this council to clearly enunciate its commitment to improving the health of the Noosa River and wetlands and riparian systems. term of council, we haven't set any new priorities in regard to the river plan, in regard to the environment strategy waterways goal. What this motion does is actually refine it. There are elements in the environment strategy which aren't mentioned here. And the reason is these are from all from all the information in front of us, the priorities to address to try and go out and get those big buckets of money that the Mayor alludes to. In the absence of this motion, we are delegating that responsibility to staff. They probably will make the right decision, but this is what we here in this chamber would like you to focus on. We've heard in this debate a lack of understanding of what the Healthy Waterways Repub Card Initiative reports on. Let me repeat what is some of the dot points the decline in our river that's in the synopsis after this motion in your agenda. Habitat decline, since 1989 there's been an 80% loss of seagrass in the Lower Noosa River, Catherine. according to ecological services professionals the lack of seagrass recovery in Noosa is therefore alarming. So no, I don't believe Councillor Wegener was over emphasising the urgency. Or the University of Queensland marine ecologist Dr Greg Skelleter who compared benthic biodiversity since 1998 and his was that the abundance and diversity of benthic animals in the Noosa River is now severely depleted compared with historic levels. He goes on to talk about all the important roles that has in generating fisheries and supporting them. The Noosa NICA's long-running 14-year survey of the birds in our estuary has shown consistent decline. And what we've heard about, the most significant pollutant in the Noosa River, while the houseboats is a popular one, it is by no means the most significant impact or water quality pollutant in the Noosa River. It is sediment. And we've known this since 2000, when the Healthy Land and Water worked with the Biosphere and Noosa Parks Association, Noosa Landcare to do LIDAR analysis and they identified that 274 hectares of gully erosion, 223 hectares of mountain movement, 1 hectare of sheet and rill erosion, 173 hectares of stream back erosion, not across the whole attachment, just in the Kin Kin. It's the sediment that's having significant impacts on the health of our river and the biodiversity, hence why we need to do something about it. It's the sediment. I'd like to say that this motion... Partly refines where we are as staff to guide life. It partly also... A set of stakeholders who I know for their voice haven't been heard recently, and that's in terms of the Kabi Kabi people's interest in the Noosa River. We haven't talked haven't talked about that. That is really important to reinforce this council's willingness to engage with the Kabi Kabi people involved in their desire to have a land and sea ranger program. This is about saying to everyone, these are things we can agree on. There might be broader topics where we don't agree, but these are things we should all agree on, and that is to grow and try that is to grow and try and get funding from other sources to accelerate action that will improve the river, because the status quo, if we just rely on it's the State and federal government, I'll remind you that it's 200 and something years of state and federal government management of the river has resulted in all the declines I just read out. And I, for one, don't want to sit in this council and just say every time this comes put it to a vote. Clare Stewart 01:22:48.165
All in favour? Councillor Jurisevic, Stockwell, Wegener, Wilkie. Against? Finzel, Lorentson and Stewart. Motions carried. We will move to item eight. Consideration of committee reports. Audit and risk committee meeting report 20th October 2023. Item eight. Number six. Robin Cooper, review of the effectiveness of the audit and risk committee and the internal audit function. Item seven. Number seven, ICT cyber risk update. Eight. 2023 closing report. Nine, Noosa Shire Council annual report 2022-23. Ten, governance update. Eleven, 2022-2023 annual financial statements. Second. Second of Councillor Wegener. Would anyone like to speak to this? Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:23:40.000
Just concerning the Audit and Risk Committee, this is, they've mentioned that staffing is very, very important, they feel, for Basically keeping the motor running under the hood. We have to look at the oil, check the battery, and, you know, in a much bigger term within Council, that's what they're telling us to do. And so when it comes to the budget next year... to the budget next year, I think that we all agree that we'll actually have to really look at this and properly further fund the Audit Risk Committee actions. They're wide and diverse, including IT especially. we really, as the world becomes more complex, our team has to be more complex. And we'd actually take higher trained staff and a few more staff to keep this organisation running. Clare Stewart 01:24:31.211
We'll put it to a vote. All in favour? Carried unanimously. 8.2, Planning and Environment Committee meeting report, 5th of December 2023. Number 1, 5.1, Pomona Place pilot community consultation report. next steps, 6.1, planning applications decided by delegated authority, October 2023.6.2, environment strategy monitoring report, year 4, 1st of July 2022 to 30 June 2023. Can I have a mover for the P &E, please? Can I have a mover? Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? Carried unanimously. Item 6, Stevenson Organisation Committee report, 5th of December 2023, 8..3 but 5.1 on our numbering. Boreen Point Campground Management Services tender. Can I have a thank you. So moved Madam Chair. Seconder, Councillor Finzel. All in favour? Carried unanimously. We are now up to item 8.4, General Committee Report, 11th of December 2023. Larry Sengstock 01:25:37.340
Sorry, we had, is that on your list? We needed an addendum to Clare Stewart 01:25:42.400
The... No. Where was it? It's in the general committee. It's in the general, we're not coming up. It's in general. You're too quick for me Kerri, alright. 6.1 Noosa Housing Strategy, 12 month update. 6.2 Noosa Junction Levy and Revenue Statement Amendment 2023-2024 Budget. 6.3 Financial Performance Report November 2023.6.4 Shade in Cooran Streetscape. 6.5 Resource Recovery Area Expansion. 7.1 Confidential not for public release 1516T043 Waste Management Contract for the provision of waste management services proposed extension. 7.1 Confidential not for public release in principle support to dispose of land for community housing. Joe Jurisevic 01:26:32.016
Madam Chair, just a correction, 7.2, not 7.1. Clare Stewart 01:26:34.291
7.2 Was the in principle support. 7.2. Yes, thank you. 7.3, confidential, not for public release, contract award report, contract number CN00449, Noosa Regional Gallery and business case. I believe we'll deal with this one separately as I move the committee recommendation with the addition of item B to read, delegate to the acting chief executive. officer the power to negotiate, finalise and execute the contract on behalf of the council. Happy to second. Thank you. Correct Kerri? Yes. Alright. We'll deal with that separately. All in favour? Kerri unanimously. Thank you. And can I have a mover? Thank you. Move the general committee recommendations. I'll second it. All in favour? Kerri unanimously. Thank you. We have item 9. We have one report direct to the ordinary meeting and that is 9.1 summary of community engagement process and key themes, destination management plan discussion paper and we have our director Kim Rawlings and our... Lynne Banford, our manager here to...and Andrew Saunders to talk to us. Larry Sengstock 01:27:43.630
He's going to sit back. Thanks to you and Lynne. Kim Rawlings 01:27:54.620
Thank you. Through the chair, the purpose of this report, councillors, is to provide you an update and put on the public record a high-level summary of the recent consultation process undertaken for the first phase of developing the destination management plan. Between Friday 15th of September and Sunday the 29th of October 2023, we undertook six weeks of consultation on the destination management plan discussion. was a comprehensive discussion paper that unpacked a range of issues experienced in the community at the moment the this process brought about significant amount of feedback hundreds of ideas thousands of ideas actually and hundreds of pages of information we had an extensive process in terms of informing our community of this process every 40,000 postcards were sent out to every household and business we held 17 stakeholder workshops we had seven local local place-based facilitated workshops we had a short form survey of six questions and then we had a long form survey which took on average well over an hour to complete and when we started this process we said if we had 50 people do that that would be fabulous and we had more than 200 people do the long form survey so we were very happy about that thousands of hours of community investment in and information provided so the report outlines a high-level summary of the data we've been able to in the short time fully analyse the quantitative data so the data where you have to you know choose an option and much easier to analyse but we have got hundreds of qualitative data and free form answers that we are still working through and really warrants a deep dive to honour the amount of effort that the community put into providing us feedback on this critical and important issue and important issue and process. So the report outlines what the high level issues are from that initial analysis. It also outlines what we propose for the next steps for the development of the destination management plan, which include doing a more, a deep dive analysis into all of the information and coming back to council, preparing a council, preparing a communication plan so that we can close the loop with the community and thank them, acknowledge the time and thank them for all of their feedback and report back on the next step of the process so there's real clarity around how the development of the DMP is going to be undertaken. And then of course all of that information will underpin the preparation of a destination management plan and next year which will be developed as a draft and reported back to you prior to it going back out for consultation. Clare Stewart 01:31:18.330
You. Any questions for staff? Brian Stockwell 01:31:23.180
I'm going to move a slightly amended motion compared to the staff recommendation. It is as it occurs in the agenda with an additional, I believe it is D or C, should be one with red, there we go, you've added D. It adds a specific, to add a specific step in the process that workshops results of the consultation on the DMP discussion paper with external community reference group and the external members of the PCG to inform the scope of the next steps in the process of communicating back to the community the draft DMP so the the slide edition is just to make sure that we bring that broader group along with us and to get them involved in in focusing direction we've got a number of external people both in our PCP but also in the broader group. Councillors this is a really important step in the process and it's one that I'm glad we got to in this term of council because in 2020 you actually started the conversation on destination management by this little discussion paper. I was talking to community leaders, talking to environment leaders, I was talking to tourism leaders as well as councillors and the council's leadership. The then CEO, Brendan Shastell, was also very interested in the topic and it was him that put up the new What the paper talked about, I think it's really important to reflect on, that many destinations similar to Noosa have been loved to death because they've failed to defend those qualities that make the experience attractive to to people who like to live and play close to the coast, rivers and to the belch. It asks, at what point is the experience in 2020, at what point is the experience of living and visiting Noosa diminished by having to share it with too many people, too many cars camping along the way, or too much loss of natural values and too little care for the building character of the place. Three years later, we've now got a clear indication in today's report from our community and industry that have reached that point and that what is needed is a transformational approach to decimation and stewardry. My thoughts on 2020 is too important today that the Noosa experience is something we all share. Whether we have lived here birth or just visit for a week, the forests, the waterways, the beaches, and the village scale of our community provide the backdrop to our experience and the backbone of our economy. I suggest that for too long we've squabbled over petty differences while the rest of the world have as envy. In the years leading up to the last election we had a peak in demand as a tourist nation while the economic impact was estimated at a billion dollar mark. Fracture lines were opened up as questions were raised about the impacts of tourism. Over those last four years these sentiments have grown louder or the voice has grown louder. It's not a pro or anti-tourism issue it's about defending the attributes of the place that we we live in to make it attractive to both residents and visitors alike. So this is a really important thing to get right and therefore I do support taking a bit longer and pushing it into the next term. I think what I over that is the Think what I wrote in 2020 is still really important. It is important when considering potential innovations that the aim is to reduce the impact of tourism, not a simple notion of reducing numbers. The goal is to maintain the quality of experience, achieve optimum economic gain, while without diminishing the opportunities for residents to enjoy their place. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:35:10.825
I'd like to start by thanking the staff for the enormous body of work they've done in getting the destination management plan to this place. of work and we thank you, it's been a very difficult process, negotiating a lot of different interests and you've done exceptionally well, and we do appreciate it. I'd also like to pay tribute to each and every councillor around this table for resolving to get this work done. I think that's great. And just for the benefit for people who may be listening, the key points that have come out of it, the community is saying that transformational action is required, and that the community feels that they've been telling us all this stuff over and over through other consultation processes over the years. And it's time for action now these key things. And what are the key things, the key issues? Traffic management, managing congestion, lack of parking, improving public transport, environmental protection. They want us to have a strong focus on protecting Noosa Shire's natural assets, like the forest, rivers, beaches. Community values, defining and upholding the values of the Noosa Shire in the community related to environment, congestion and character. And clearly... communicating those expectations to visitors, so when they come here they understand the community that they're staying with. Population and visitor growth management. Concerns about Noosa Shires carrying... carrying capacity and limited infrastructure's ability to handle projected growth in population and visitors. Managing Noosa success as a tourism destination as well as respecting it as a community. need to transition to more sustainable and innovative waste management practices. Waste management. Youth engagement. Providing dedicated activities for local youth year round. Community amenity. Protecting the lifestyle, amenities and access to the iconic natural sites that make Noosa Shire special for locals. And not allowing tourism impacts to overwhelm community facilities and infrastructure. And accommodation. Concerns the lack of affordable long-term rentals and student accommodation options and concerns that Noosa Shire's sense of community is being eroded by short-term accommodation in residential areas. I think that's an excellent summary and thank you staff for the work you've done and the work that will be undertaken as we go forward. Thank you. Clare Stewart 01:37:42.430
Thanks councillor, can I speak to this? Amelia Lorentson 01:37:48.280
I'd just like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the PCG and the external reference group. I sit on the project control group and the level expertise in that group and even in the external reference group just helps provide an objective third party sort of overview on this process. So I really want to acknowledge them for the hours and the dedication. they had to this community and to this process. Also the staff, you know there were a lot of people questioning this process and I think we're really heading in the right direction and I say that because... in any huge body of work, I think the importance of public participation and we spoke about it just beforehand with the Novi motion. We need to bring the community on board. The community is part of our brand and the community is part of our success so I am so encouraged. This is a huge body of work and I... I equate it with the Noosa Plan. It's our map, you know, it's our opportunity to let the community know that we put in first and we are going to live by the motto or work hard at living by the motto that if we make this place a great place for residents to live, work and play, then subsequently will become a great place for our visitors. Thank you and thank you very much. Thank you. Clare Stewart 01:39:31.524
Yeah, that's sort of the amendment. Motion. Anyone else? Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 01:39:41.064
I think it's all been said, but firstly, thank you to the staff. It's been a huge body of work. Thank you for the councillors around the table that we unanimously voted Proceed forward this. We've listened to our community. We want to work hard to try and find the balance between being loved to death and for our residents. It shows that we are committed to action, that we are passionate, and that we do care about our environment and our people together, that we want to live good lives and protect and lives and protect and value that which is most important to all of us. So a big thank you to the reference group as well, to the community that engaged when you hear the volume of responses back. I mean it's really wonderful to see that people have really committed and energy into seeing this outcome. So I'm looking forward to the data all coming together and informing us next year as we move forward to finding that balance and making sure that we are sustainable into the future. So thank you everyone. Joe Jurisevic 01:40:41.476
I'd too like to reiterate those comments to thank the staff and all those involved in the PCG and the drafting of this DMP. Clearly this is a conversation that our community has been asking us to lead and champion for some time and I'm glad we're in the process and I look forward to finding the outcomes. Of course in Council our job is to find that balance. This is the Clare Stewart 01:41:05.696
I'll concur with Councillor Jurisevic, lead and champion for some time. This has been a long long time, many many years in the last term of Council and I grappled with this so it's terrific terrific that we've actually been able to take it one step further and go out to get that community consultation and take the next step. It is very important. Lynne, I want to acknowledge all the hard work you and Andrew did. There was a lot of afternoon, late nights, early mornings, so thank you for the additional. thank you for the additional work that you did. We really appreciate it. And also Kim, thank you very much. But you guys really drove it. You're at every consultation, every stakeholder engagement. And as I said, a lot of that was after hours. So we thank you and acknowledge that. So great great piece of work, important not to rush, and it will be given absolutely the priority that it deserves. Thank you. That's it. Councillor Tom. I just... Tom Wegener 01:41:58.316
Ditto. Fantastic work. One little request is that there's, you know, hundreds and hundreds of pages of writing. Some of the other reports actually went through and read all of those, you know, it takes a long time. And in the last report, there's actually quite a few, you know, longer quotes. I really like that. I think that the people really like that. I don't... I like to I'd like to actually dig that little bit deeper into what people are saying. So I hope that when the report comes out, there's a lot of appendices out there that we can read. But yeah, congratulations. Thank you very much. Clare Stewart 01:42:35.776
Thank you. We've got to close Council Stewart. Brian Stockwell 01:42:38.816
And I suppose, firstly, I agree that this is a project The staff have been thanked a lot. And what I'd like to thank the staff is that you've learnt through the process. It's been a learning process for all. Where we started off and where I was thinking in 2020 is a long way away. And our consultants have said this is the first one in Australia that's going down this sort of a path. It is taking it in a direction that is about us looking at our role as stewards for this location. There are other things happening around the world similarly. to me, one of the big important issues is that within the organisation, it's being transformational as well. I agree that the expertise in the PCG and the willingness of those in our community reference group is also important. But it's also important to acknowledge that our community got so engaged. The richness of the data, the clearness of the message, the weight of what I used to call the weight of many small voices, it's really hard not to listen to when there is such a consistent message coming out and I think that gives the next council something really meaty to work with. So thank you all. Clare Stewart 01:43:55.658
Thank you. We put it to a vote. All in favour? Carried unanimously. That brings us to the end of the agenda. We have no confidential items. And Councillor Wilkie has just noted that at 6:44. Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. That is the end of the meeting. And I'd like to wish everyone in our gallery, as this is the last one before Christmas, a Related Noosa Council Meetings
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