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 Acting 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 councils 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? Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Seconded, Wegener. All in favour? Carried unanimously. 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 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 01:13.487
Good evening. Our deputation is on fluoridation. Noosa Shire Council and Unitywater have created a monopoly in the water supply market in the Noosa Shire and we, as residents, have no alternative but to use your water product. The water that is provided has fluoride added. It's all right, Adam. According to ACCC Federal consumer law, there are three violations pertaining to the supply of fluoridated water. There are no consumer guarantees. Of safety to the fluoridated water. Is not fit for purpose. Unitywater 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 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 Unitywater 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. Who 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 Unitywater. Upon writing to them with my concerns, Unitywater referred me to Seqwater. 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 are aware Noosa 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 that the majority of have relinquished this practice. Adding fluoridation incurs a significant cost to Council by way of the purchase of chemicals, staffing, testing, 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 our community who believe they'd prefer to 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. Would result in a significant reduction in fluoride discharged into our environment through the sewerage system. There are 10 reasons 31 Queensland councils have voted out mandated water, and they include the cost, which is a waste of money, particularly as the State government. 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, where there are no Australian government studies, however, accumulating science from overseas studies show significant harm. Fluoride is not a water treatment. It is a health care treatment. A legal risk to councillors with future class actions. Inequity or discrimination forced on some, but not all. In consensus with councils. And lastly, staff health risks. This could lead to future compensation payouts by Council. It is reasonable to assume that Noosa Shire is home to a modern contemporary group of communities 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 their choice. In fact, closer to a thousand have signed that petition. The fluoridation of water is a matter of individual preference. Local councils do not bear the responsibility for health care and 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 avoiding of audio. It. Fluoride is a known neurotoxin. Uricopsin. It is an enzyme inhibitor. It can cause dental fluorosis, osteoporosis. Many consumers have conditions that are worsened by fluoride exposure. Others make statuses that make fluoridation ill-advised. For example, pregnant for whom fluoride consumption is associated with increased risks of pre-term birth and cognitive behavioural effects in offspring. And the elderly, 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 sensitive kidneys or dysfunction, and people with a personal 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 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 fluoridate the water would likely be of little consequence. Directly from the who. Sources of fluoride include toothpaste, mouthwash, other hygiene, dental products, bottled beverages, canned food items, black tea, red and some other teas, black and red rock salt, supplements and medications. Water guidelines. 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, 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 are 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. It 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. Substance. 300 studies have found that neurotoxin. Human studies associate fluoride with reduced IQ. More than 100 animal studies show that fluoride can damage the brain. 2014 lancet medical journal fluoride as a neurotoxin. The bashash study of September 2017 is of significance. Urine fluoride levels in pregnant women link to lower IQ offspring. For example, one milligram per one litre exposure results in a reduction of between 5 and 6 IQ points. 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 dental fluorosis, bone, which results in skeletal brain, the bones, 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 sewage usage. Unitywater calculates that, on average, 90 of water used by residents. Is discharged through the sewerage system, capped at 740 litres per day. For residential customers. Where does this does water end up? Is treated and released into the biosphere, what is the impact of this fluoridated water on our ecosystem and wildlife? Is 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 has ever been undertaken with the community. People believe they have a human right to decide. 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. Times in 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 remove 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 in all your reports and rhetoric then building trust relationships and communicating are the tools for success. As a opposed parent as to opposed power plays intimidation and fear which are the tools of control. Counselors Councillors should use due diligence to avoid infringing upon human rights which basically means to do no harm. But more importantly, 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. 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 100 of their lifetime and will not detrimentally affect their health in any way if 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 current courage to question the safety and legality of fluoride poison in drinking water it is not safe and effective as you would lead us to believe by removing 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 pure reasons, to highlight to you concerns raised in the community. Let me suggest that your time would be better spent debating real health and safety concerns. Such as fluoride in the water and homelessness, rather than the safety concerns of two umbrellas. Before I go on to my question, I just want and thank you very much for your time. Clare Stewart 14:53.220
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 Brian Stockwell 15:02.440
Asking questions. Have a lot of people in the meeting here to listen to debate on the notified mansion don't believe the question time is of such significance that it can't wait. Clare Stewart 15:14.202
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 Mr Walsh, you're up again. Debra Walz 15:30.727
Okay, no surprises here, my first question is on fluoride. Please provide an economic cost analysis and works management time frame for Noosa Shire to become fluoride free. Thank you. Richard MacGillivray 15:53.450
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 Seqwater and distribution by Unitywater. 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 Seqwater on these options. However, due to the complexity of the questions raised, we are aware this may take some time to get this information. Thank you. Clare Stewart 16:27.997
Thank you. Mr Walsh, do you have another question? I do. Is normal fluoride. 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 16:46.162
Thank you, Debra. 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 laws provided state, development, infrastructure and local government and planning. The 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 Council. Consider will 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 the 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 the Council website. Will be seeking to actively engage with the public. We're invited to 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 to consideration consider. And resolution. Clare Stewart 18:40.972
Thank you. Mr O'Connor, welcome. Brian O'Connor 19:06.200
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 formal decision being made, so so they don't have false hope their proposal will get up at Council meetings they're considerable upfront cost wasted as a consequence Clare Stewart 19:38.698
Thank you Richard I like the formality. Richard MacGillivray 19:47.834
Thank you pre-lodgement meetings are an important and valuable tool for both the development industry and Council of development assessment staff the meetings which are commercial and 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 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 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. 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 conflicts with the planning scheme. More than a hundred pre-lodgement meetings have been held over the past two years. Council encourages 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 larger projects to request multiple pre-lodgement meetings to enable a continuous, refinement refined 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. An application being made. Clare Stewart 21:40.350
Thank you, Ms O'Connor. Thank you, Mr O'Connor. Brian O'Connor 21:44.010
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, Lachlan Kim. Thank you. Good evening. Kim Rawlings 22:07.689
The employment land review is currently being finalised. Key outcomes of the 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 diverse economy and employment growth. The report will also make 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 22:48.323
Thanks Kim, Mr O'Connor, appreciate your time. We have one more person, Mr Andrew McCarthy, who is not in attendance, so he has asked our CEO to read out the questions, thanks a lot. Larry Sengstock 22:59.784
Okay, 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 Management Plan? Our response is: further plan will occur next year following Council elections, in accordance with Council decisions to defer consideration of plan until mid-2024. Council generally does not undertake consultation over the Christmas January period and Council will then be in caretaker period or caretaker mode. 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? Our response: the 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. Clare Stewart 24:03.519
Excellent. Thank you. We will now go back to item 5, which is notified motions. There is one notified motion from Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 24:15.683
I'd like to move the motion as provided in the agenda. I'll second it for that. So Councillors, in the last week the results of the annual Healthy Land and Water report card have been published. 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- 2020 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 overclearing and overfishing, but some increasing pressure from climate change, for example resulting from extreme floods followed by prolonged dry periods, which is one of the reasons given for that significant decline in macro and vertebrate health. Continued regional population growth leads 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 of the problem so we should all be solution. The motion therefore seeks to accelerate actions 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. I've provided a pretty detailed rationale as to why I think this step is important, and won't repeat it all, but I will highlight what I think are the important parts. This motion is 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 quite a good riparian Flora and fauna and their habitats. Rehabilitating the ground and wetland and waterway and fish habitats, stream banks and riparian buffers as part of any development or activities undertaken or adjacent to the river system or on tidal lands. Improving the water quality of the Noosa River systems through effective management of sediments 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 used as 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. We found is, after the plume of the reef in March 2023, there was evidence of a dramatic increase in the density of oysters on the restoration structures, with the greatest density occurring at goat island of 833 individuals square metre. Then in September. And. Per 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 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 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 of dedicated followers. 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. Can decades. We have thousands and of hours of volunteers in these community-based environment and natural resource management groups who are doing a great job with the resources currently available. The status quo is not enough to achieve the 2030 targets. I will end with a quote from a retired fisherman after 50 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 nothing back." Councillors, it's time to put more back. Clare Stewart 29:25.322
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 29:35.962
Certainly. Thank you, Madam Mayor. This motion tonight relates 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 30:01.496
Thank you. Would anyone else the notified motion? Amelia Lorentson 30:07.462
Councillor Lorentson. I already have question. In terms of the motion, it's calling for greater commitment or more resources to be allocated. Is this a process? My understanding is that given that the matter is not urgent and doesn't require immediate action, in the process, and this is to that this should be considered as part of the next budget fit, and that's the correct process. Can I just have some clarification on that first? Larry Sengstock 30:48.668
Thank you, kessler? Councillor. Yes, you're right. This, the items that Councillor Stockwell is bringing to the table here are items, and you see it in our, report for our Environment Strategy report. This is part of the reports tonight. Much of, if not all of these are already underway and being undertaken as part of what we do in Councillor Stockwell. Did mention that our staff do work extremely hard in this area and 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 capacity to 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 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, is for us to 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 it would certainly be something we'd bring back to budget because either something has to go out, we have to add more budget in, order to get more resource. And that's a decision for Council. Amelia Lorentson 32:13.467
Can I also ask that another process, just a suggestion, another way to do this is by calling it a review of the project. That they can. So that the Council staff have an opportunity to assess and report with their recommendations. Larry Sengstock 32:31.098
I think that's a good point. Something 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 and to prioritise then again you prioritise something if you're already capacity something misses out so we'd have to bring that 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 will because we can't just add more money you can't add more fuel to the fire. Brian Stockwell 33:10.512
I have a question for Councillor Lorentson and she mentioned that the motion asks for additional resources and I 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? Clare Stewart 33:31.094
Can you put it down please Vicki? Just keep assuming you're finding the right chart. Amelia Lorentson 33:36.594
In human resources there's a cost to prioritising the some other than staff, and so I thought. Frank Wilkie 33:44.561
I'll speak to the motion. Just to reiterate the point that Councillor Stockwell made and it's written clearly on there it's about using existing resources. This motion has been 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. Of the reasons why this motion is before us 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 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's shared goals as agreed under the environmental strategy and existing budget. This motion signals that staff will continue working to ensure that by 2030 waterways, wetlands 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 restored around Australia. Report on the oyster reefs we've recently received from the independent consultants indicate the structures have fostered the growth of seagrasses in previously bare areas around the reef patches, they have halted or reversed 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 through more external grant funding is part of the strategy to create a river that is cleaner, healthier, thinning with marine life and accessible to all. This is just part of ensuring that this Council is seen as one that is not wasted any opportunity to aid nurses' environment in the bed state than we found it for future generations. Clare Stewart 35:55.093
Thank you. I'll speak to this. Karen Finzel 35:56.933
Councillor, 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 at a high level capacity. I'm not sure the available time that we have available. Also taking into consideration the current legislation around the risks of social psycho hazards in the workplace. We don't want to find our staff in a position where they're pushed to beyond their capacity. What would be the opportunity to have a report up to the table to inform us of the actual capacity this organisation and the staff prioritise thank you. Good to see you. Larry Sengstock 36:49.278
Sure. Again, it's something we would need to take away and understand. Actually say prioritise whether takes it means that we're taking staff off other activities in order to prioritise and do more in this and it's utilising available budget existing 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 to do that and bring that back to a future meeting if that's the request of this organisation and 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 37:34.456
I'll speak to it. There are 40 million reasons not to support this notified motion. Cost to our ratepayer. We've heard there is always a cost. There's a staffing cost, resource anyone who has run their own business, who has taken a punt, knows that when it comes to human resources. Always a staffing cost. There 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 to our rate payer. 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 well-being of our river. A new rivers initiative, investment strategy is set to enhance environmental and community outcomes through river rehabilitation projects in South East Queensland. The strategy was developed by the Queensland government and the Council of Mayors we are a part and will support investment in on-ground including revegetation, weed management and fish passage projects to 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. 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 and wetlands investment 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 over the next five years. 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 within the environmental services sector, creation of local jobs in rural 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 being done. It's being done at no cost to us. The river is state jurisdiction, it's state we can advocate. 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. Jurisdiction, the river is managed and governed by the State government. We can advocate but now we are a partner and this is where our future lies. We can get the funding. Make the difference. The major cause of pollution in our rivers is the effluent coming from the houseboats. That 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, getting rid of those and let's get the effluent out of will I not support this motion. Joe Jurisevic 41:21.480
So, I'll ask a question based on, just to clarify what's 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, reconsidered and reprioritised within the workload and capacity of staff. We currently have in the budget restraints that we have. Yes. Larry Sengstock 41:48.363
Certainly. And I'm happy to do that, bring a report back and look at if we are prioritising, we're 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, often come at either 50 80/20, that type of stuff, so there is a need often, if we are going after that, to find additional resources and funding. But that doesn't mean we have to take it, but certainly that's how it does occur. So there is, you know, there is opportunity, but in answer to your question, Councillor, yes, more than happy to do that, take on these initiatives and look at what we are currently doing and whether there's capacity in there to either adjust it and again bring it back to the table. Amelia Lorentson 42:52.959
Falls, the actions identified. Larry Sengstock 43:11.930
Do what we do as in our Environment Strategy and continue to deliver 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 possibility 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 may get through. COMSEQ. Amelia Lorentson 43:39.188
A better course of action than all this uncertainty is to maybe move a procedural motion to additional information to understand whether or not we have the human manpower and the financial capacity to actually progress the notified motion. Larry Sengstock 44:00.135
Well we can do it that way or we can bring this back to a future meeting and not necessarily put a date on the future meeting but we will given it's Christmas and January meetings and then we go into caretaker but I'm happy to say we can go away and analyse this and bring it back to a future meeting and so here's the things that we can do and this is how it would work 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 44:36.616
I'll speak to listening to everybody tonight. Well prior to the delay of the Brewer 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 Brewer plan or not that 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 And now we're asking for new bucket of money. I don't think I just don't think that accurate. I think that we just keep moving along and we need this 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? 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 the new seshire, is what we're talking about here. It is up to us to make that happen. But most importantly, I'd like to point out the opportunity costs of not doing something. And we need so much to at continuing the oyster reef, the work that the communities and NYCED is doing with the oyster reef projects and the baskets and that. But most I want to talk about the disaster 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 kin-Kin. 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 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. But with this, it just gives direction. To and we look at and get back down and try to stop the next emergency from happening. Because 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 47:16.919
I've got a question. Who has jurisdiction in regard to the river? Larry Sengstock 47:22.119
In the actual river, it's the State government at this point in time. So who has the capacity to remove the effluent or the houseboats? Who has that capacity? The State government. Right, so as much as we want to do something in that area, we don't have the capacity. Ability to do it under jurisdiction. No, we can advocate to the State government. So the best we can do is advocate. Thank you. 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, this is not the river plan. This is our Environment Strategy that we have been working on for many years and we have had 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 My understanding is from Councillor Stockwell is that he's looking to make sure we direct it in particular and accelerate areas. That is that a piece of this, that's work we would go away and say we've got, that bucket of money that we're continually to 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 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 doing, we're continuing to do a whole lot while we do this consultation for bimba plan next year. Amelia Lorentson 48:46.934
May I be questioned directly to CEO Wendy king. Councillor Wegener has emphasised the urgency of that. Rivers are in dire straits of attention. The 2023 Y letter 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 microinvertebrate health, diversity of fish and riparian condition seems to be okay. Can I get some clarity or just some details? Larry Sengstock 49:31.051
Around our recent school card I think without going into absolute detail and I won't, but I think that absolutely that our river is doing well, but I will say I understand we've got, more work to do. Brian Stockwell 49:45.838
I think it would be better, 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 results. Clare Stewart 49:58.057
Do we have the exact results here, Kim? I do, but I'd have to just call them up. Okay. Give me a moment. Is there any further questions? Amelia Lorentson 50:11.577
I have a report in front of your queue if you want to share that with you, or I can bring it in myself. Thanks. Can I grab that from you? And yes. I've circled all the significant improvements. Kim Rawlings 50:32.760
Through Chair, not having read this for some weeks, there has, we have, there has been some improvement in some aspects 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, We're starting to get back where we were previously, pre that sort of that weather, massive impact. But in saying that, there is no doubt that sedimentation in our river is an issue. There's a number of reports and the keep it in Kin Kin project has been going for a number of years it's a direct response to trying to manage sedimentation and that's just in a small portion of the catchment. We've also had decline in seagrass in the river and macroinvertebrates So yes, from the Healthy Land and Water report monitor we definitely having getting some improvement and some really good results but there are still some Clare Stewart 51:48.800
Issues Kim just on our Healthy Land and Water is the gold standard isn't it when it comes to you know people who report on our river that's our number one we go to the report yeah are Kim Rawlings 52:03.110
Yes gold standard call that bit 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 have to be able to see the change over time so yes it's a Clare Stewart 52:32.601
In regard to that report about seeing that you know the concerns with the river and the floods we weren't alone in that weren't we every single river catchment across South East Queensland who were affected by floods their rating was affected because of the floods. Kim Rawlings 52:47.936
Yeah there was definitely wider impact we weren't alone in terms of reduction in our rating. Frank Wilkie 52:53.911
Terms of stories that the river report tells, there has been an improvement since the previous year, it was a flood affected year. Is there, does report talk of an improvement compared to last year? Referring to a long-term decline in some indicators where it can't be told for over two decades. Kim Rawlings 53:17.686
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, the report does talk about, you know, an increase in the use of erosion and sediment controls and, you know, there's been some, a whole lot of improvements but it also talks about the needing to, the need to re-establish and invest in our riparian corridors substantially to control. So, you know, there's some improvement but there's still a lot of work to do. Brian Stockwell 53:58.484
Just a further point, a question to clarify. You mentioned the Healthy Land and Water report card is related to water quality and it's in fact an ecosystem process or ecosystem health rating. That isn't designed to report on biodiversity, species abundance or decline, is it? No, it's not. Tom Wegener 54:23.511
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 it's a little better than last year, but we I believe of the community generally looks at things in a long-term sense and looking way back the amount of biodiversity 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 what a river is capable of producing is mentioned in the report. Karen Finzel 55:11.792
Can I just call a point of order? I just think that we've moved away from the report. Focus on the notice of the motion given that it's around the environmental strategy not specifically the river. Clare Stewart 55:25.348
Further question Kim and then we'll let you go because the in the Resilient Rivers when we talk about all 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 improve improving our fish stock is that correct I'm just not sure what that says what that means fish re vegetation weed management fish passage projects to improve waterway and wetland condition Kim Rawlings 55:55.269
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's it actually relates to an actual change in the in a project to re-establish correct fish passages so that our fish can move through the habitat. I guess question is so in regard to what Councillor Stockwell was talking about it is being looked at a statewide SEQ regional level then under Resilient Rivers with the 40 million dollars investment. Yeah it 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 put forward what our priorities are for program. They've asked us are so that the responses are locally specific because what we need here and what pine rivers might need or maroochee might need be yeah it's a collaborative state program but we do need to put forward local priorities. Clare Stewart 57:05.905
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 you? We are doing that. Amelia Lorentson 57:11.465
Thank you in terms of priority actions, you mentioned that just to be clear, are the actions on motion identified in the notice on can you start again? Are these actions priority and is it for Councillors to set the agenda or is that something that normally can't go through staff? Kim Rawlings 57:40.019
Councillors, um you have set these priorities already in your Noosa Environment Strategy so the another report that's been considered tonight is the Environment Strategy monitoring that clearly outlines a theme two is waterways and wetlands theme and under the theme in Environment Strategy and it has a series of objectives and it also actions so these priorities are or endorsed by this Council and we're as part of that Environment Strategy Clare Stewart 58:17.489
Thanks you Amelia Lorentson 58:19.269
I don't think I should answer Clare Stewart 58:27.229
That I don't okay Karen Finzel 58:28.756
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 Councillor Finzel yeah I'd like that the item be referred deferred to a time post the election given that we a report back up around you know resources availability of time given the response just then from staff around the things 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 no we just speak to it now I don't need to I think we've all covered the points here this evening and the it's really some need reason we need to a time talk we okay need some reason oh the reason so the reason would be that we need to thank you we would a like a report back from the CEO Larry Sengstock 59:46.588
To allow for report to be provided back to the meeting yes Clare Stewart 01:00:16.537
A report do you want a report from the CEO? Karen Finzel 01:00:45.207
To provide data in relation to available resources including but will not limited to human from 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 01:01:18.453
Can we do a time frame? Larry Sengstock 01:01:26.400
With coming, we have a six-week period of induction of well we have of caretaker and then we have an induction. Post, so we'll probably be talking May, at I think can, this is something that we can work on, so we can bring this to the table in the first meeting back of fantastic. The new, say, May. I don't know. No, actually April. Because we're musing. Clare Stewart 01:02:20.180
Are Finzel? Karen Finzel 01:02:22.460
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 Frank Wilkie 01:02:32.140
Oh, look, councils are really patient hunters. Look, I, think it is. The kindest thing I can say is it's an unvicious and irrational objection to having even a simple statement of intent that we care for and are committed to our Environment Strategy and the objectives. As set out in the Environment Strategy which we've all endorsed about caring for our waterways. We know it's doable. The staff have said it's doable. Sends a clear message to our community that despite other decisions to defer important pieces of strategy work and plans, 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 object to or block this. Simple statement which clarifies for our organisation, 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. To use a procedural motion to block this sort of plagiarism, I think it's ungracious to say the least and it's not useful and I any for it. We know the work can be done, the Councillors staff told us please we this already in this term with the same environmental projects voted against, motions moved to kill them off, defer them. 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 notice of motion, please. Clare Stewart 01:04:49.084
Would anyone else like to speak to the procedural motion? Councillor Lorentson? I will. 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 There is no reason for confusion by adding this to it we've got an overworked staff already. This just adds additional work, red tape, additional questions, resources. The work's being done. Full stop. It's already in there. It's in the environmental strategy. We've all endorsed it. So why put it up? We don't need to single our intentions with this. We've signalled them. It's here. Be seen to be as, you know, Councillor Wilkie. I disagree with 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. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. It's going to cost us time. Resources. Us staff resources. And add confusion. There is no confusion. It's there. In print. We support it. We don't need to add this. I support Councillor Finzel. Joe Jurisevic 01:06:21.328
I'm a little confused, because either way, the outcome of what we're dealing with here will be a further report to Council. Time frame that the CEO can undertake. So I say 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 I 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 potentially speak to the motion, if we do So I won't be supporting a deferral, because the deferral is actually going to have the same outcome. As the procedural, as the notified motion, if it comes to be. Amelia Lorentson 01:07:16.141
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 motion, notified to either support it or award it, and deferral I don't think is going to achieve any of it. Brian Stockwell 01:07:33.693
Okay. I won't be supporting it. As it unlike my motion, I start to do a report, which is a burden on strapped resources, my motion doesn't require a further report. Do anything but refine the focus of the relevant staff in the existing budget. Please keep your voice as to a reasonable level. Of Council stopping. I'm sorry if that was too loud. It refines it to four dot points. Environment Strategy, waterways, it's quite large. What this does is give staff clear direction on what councils think are the priorities. That's important. Because we have got big buckets of money, not just Resilient Rivers and Federal government urban rivers and catchments. And we haven't given. Staff any clear direction and priorities and it is our role. And that's why I won't spoil it. Clare Stewart 01:08:42.290
How's the tone? Are you spoken to? Us? You haven't spoken. You want to speak? Okay, Finzel, would you like to close? Karen Finzel 01:08:49.340
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 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 need to be identified in the workplace and does come at a cost, given we are in a biosphere that is all about living and working in harmony with each other and within our environment. I certainly support and have voted upon things that in 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. Thank you. We'll put it to a vote. Clare Stewart 01:09:50.853
All in 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 which Councillor Frank Brian, Clare and Tom have spoken to. So we have Councillor Finzel, Jurisevic and Lorentson still to speak if they would like to Amelia Lorentson 01:10:22.770
Thank you very much. This is not about environment. This is about public trust. We've received, and I've got them all here, we've received emails from community members that have asked us to not support emotion. Motion in front of us. And I'll guide you quite a little bit on some of the emails that you received. Some members of the community believe there are inaccuracies in the report. Are still recovering from the Noosa River Catchment Management Plan, the decision there. 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 today is about public trust and also about the integrity of Council and the importance of our role. I represent the community. When the community are widely saying they're concerned, 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 the management plan? Environmental strategy? We don't understand the risks and the implications. So, to me I value the importance of public trust and position and the privilege I have 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 stain. Are Different by Nature and again our actions speak louder than our words. Clare Stewart 01:12:36.119
Thanks Councillor, Joe and Karen, Councillor Joe, I think we've lost our way a bit with Joe Jurisevic 01:12:50.164
What's before us. All this says is that, all this acknowledges is that there's a lot of work in the Environment Strategy. And staff, when you read the report on have got 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 is responsible 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 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 long, time, to be undertaken. We don't have any living litter catchment. One of the thoughts in the river plan was to stop pollution and litter going into the river. It's one of the priorities but that's not going to lot happen at this point. Time. We don't have a lot of sediment traps. Litter collection mechanisms. We don't. They 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 control. The State jurisdiction is why, if the river is a state jurisdiction, why is the South East Queensland Council of Mayors facilitating funding for these sort of initiatives? Because they're a priority. Management plans and getting action plans into place on the areas that councils 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 problem supporting this. It doesn't talk about effluent and houseboats. The greatest pollutant in our river is sediment. And this maintains the priority actions within operate 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 land and water is exactly where Councillor Stockwell got all of these points. Healthy Land and Water report these to where the priorities should be retained and maintained. So I've got no problem supporting that. Looking at maintaining and continuing to maintain the focus of council's actions for the areas of which they are responsible and that is land degradation and sediment at the uh at the forefront of our Environment Strategy going forward. Clare Stewart 01:15:50.546
Question for the CEO. Mr. what part of the river is Council responsible for? Is it responsible from the high water mark? Larry Sengstock 01:16:04.320
Yes. Clare Stewart 01:16:05.460
That's it. Council's responsibility is from the high water mark. Tom Wegener 01:16:12.320
I have to ask the question. So the high water mark, does that include creeks? 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 all jurisdiction? Flowing, we have no jurisdiction over that particular area. Does it change? Thanks. Kim Rawlings 01:16:38.646
To be honest, Councillor stockwell's better to ask and answer that one. Larry Sengstock 01:16:42.226
Can we take that on notice? Honestly, I think we're, thanks, Kim. Clare Stewart 01:16:51.126
Councillor Karen, you're the only one who hasn't spoken to this. Karen Finzel 01:16:53.766
Would you like to speak to it? Yeah, I'll just quickly be really brief. A 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 guide. I'm a little bit confused because this seems a bit neutral, this motion to come before the table, because we've already got. We have provided, as a collective Council, direction to the staff in the entirety of this term around our prioritisation of their workload and what the community wants to see as ratified by the 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 their Resilient Rivers program and any other relevant funding. I feel it has not been a good use of time. It 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. Brian Stockwell 01:18:13.740
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 of this chamber because it would be bringing this case into the supreme court. 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, its wetlands, riparian systems. This term of Council, we haven't set any new priorities in regard to the river plan. Environment Strategy waterways goal. What this motion does, it's actually refining it. There are elements in the Environment Strategy which aren't mentioned here. And the reason is these. Are, 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 staff. They probably will make the right decision, but this says: 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 Land and Water repub card initiative reports on. Let me repeat what is some of the dot points about the decline in our river that's in the synopsis moment. After this motion in the agenda. Habitat decline. Since 1989, there's been an 80% loss of seagrass in the lower Noosa River, Catherine. And according to ecological services professionals, the lack of seagrass recovery in Noosa is therefore alarming. So, no. I don't will believe Councillor Wegener was overemphasising the urgency. Or the The University of Queensland marine ecologist, Dr Greg skelleter, who compared benthic biodiversity since 1998 and his conclusion was that abundance the and in 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 had in generating fisheries and supporting it. The Noosa NICAS long-running 14-year survey of the birds in our estuary has shown consistent decline. And what we 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 It is sediment and we've known this since 2000, when the Healthy Land and Water worked with the biosphere association. Noosa Parks Association, Noosa Landcare to do LIDAR analysis and they identified that 274 hectares of gully erosion, 223 hectares of mouth movement, 1 hectare of sheet and rill erosion, 173 hectares of stream back erosion, not across the Kin Kin. Whole catchment, just in it's the sediment that's having it. Significant impact. On the health of our river and the biodiversity, hence why we need to do something about it. 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 thought their voice hadn't been heard recently, and that's in terms of the Kabi people's interest in the Noosa we haven't talked about 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 should all agree on and 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 Federal government management I'm a man. 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 up to defer it. Kabi's Clare Stewart 01:22:46.447
We put it to a vote, all in favour? Jurisevic, Stockwell, Wegener, Wilkie. Against? Finzel, Lorentson and Stewart. Motions carried. We will move to item 8, consideration of committee reports Audit and Risk Committee meeting report 20th October 2023. Item 8 number 6, Robin Cooper, review of the effectiveness of the and the internal audit function. Item 7, number 7, ICT Cyber Risk update. 8, 2023 closing report Noosa Shire Council annual report 2022-23.10, governance update 11, 2022-2023 annual financial statements. Second. Councillor Wegener. Would anyone like to speak to this? Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:23:39.966
Just concerning the Audit and Risk Committee, this is, they've mentioned that staffing is very, very important, they feel, for us. Basically keeping the motor running under the hood. We have to look at the oil, check the battery, and 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, 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 introvert down to including IT especially. And we really as the world becomes more complex, our team has science tends to be more complex and we'd actually take higher trained staff and a few more staff to keep Clare Stewart 01:24:31.102
Councillor Wegener, we'll put it to a vote. All in favour? Carried unanimously. 8.2 Planning & 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 Environment Strategy monitoring report year 4 1st of July 2022 to 30 June 2023 can have a mover for the B P&E. Please. Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? Carried unanimously. Item 6, steveson organisation committee report 5th of December 2023, 8.3 but 5 Boreen Point campground management services tender. Can I have a thank you. So moved Madam Chair. Seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? Carried unanimously. We are now up to item 8.4, General Committee report, 11th of December 2023. Larry Sengstock 01:25:36.837
Sorry, we had. Was that on your list? Clare Stewart 01:25:40.720
Beginning at 11:00 and I put it to it? It's in the general. No, that was. We're not coming up. Yeah. It's for the General Committee. You're too quick for me, Kerri. All right. 6.1, Noosa Housing Strategy, 12-month update. And 6.2, Noosa Junction Levy and Revenue Statement Amendment, 2023-2024 budget. 6.3 Financial Performance Report November 2023.14.21, 6.4, shade in Cooran streetscape. State, 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. In principle support to dispose of land for community housing. Joe Jurisevic 01:26:32.045
Madam Chair, just 7 a correction, 7.2 not 7.1. Was the principle in support, yes, Clare Stewart 01:26:38.327
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 Council. Happy to second. Thank you. Correct, Kerri? Yes. All right. We'll deal with that separately. All in favour? Carried unanimously. Thank you. And can I have a mover? The General Committee recommendations. I'll second it. 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 Lynn Banford, our manager here, and Andrew Saunders to talk to us. Thank you. Who's going to sit back? Thanks to Emily. Lynn. Kim Rawlings 01:27:53.420
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 developing the Destination Management Plan. Between Friday the 15th of September and Sunday the 29th of October 2023, we undertook six weeks of consultation on Discussion Paper, which was a comprehensive Discussion Paper that unpacked a range of issues experienced in the community at the moment. This process brought about a significant had a 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 place-based facilitated a short form survey of six questions and then we 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, 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 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 process. So the report outlines what the high-level issues are from that. Analysis. Announcement. 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 communication plan so that we can close the loop with the community and thank them, acknowledge time for all 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 01:31:17.471
Thank, you. Kim. Any questions you. For staff? Brian Stockwell 01:31:23.172
I'm going to move a slide slightly that we amended. Compared to the staff recommendation. It is as it occurs in the agenda with an additional, I believe it is it adds a specific, to add a specific step in the process that workshops the 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 and the draft DMP. Councillor's still here. So the slight addition is just to make sure that we bring that broader group along with us and to get them involved in focusing the direction. We've got a number of external people both in our PCG but also in the broader group. Thought you would agree. Councillors, this is a really important step in the process. It's one that I'm glad we got to in this term of Council because in 2020 I actually started the conversation on destination management by this little Discussion Paper. I was talking to community leaders, talking to environment leaders, two 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 initiative the following year. What the paper talked about, and I think it's really important to reflect on, that many destinations similar to Noosa have been loved to death because they failed. To defend those qualities that make the experience attractive 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, in the experience of living and visiting Noosa news are diminished by having to share it with too many people, too many cars encountered 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 we have reached that point and then what is needed is transformational approach to destination stewardry. My thoughts in 2020 it's is too still important today that the Noosa new experience is something we all share. Whether we have lived here since 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 have squabbled over petty differences while the rest of the world looked at what we had with 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. Thank okay. 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 live in, to make it attractive to both residents and visitors alike. So, this is a really right I do support taking a bit longer and pushing it into the next term. I 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 place. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:35:10.627
I'd like to start by thanking the staff for the enormous body of work they've done on in getting Destination Management Plan to this place. Thank you. It's an and we been a very difficult process, negotiating a lot of different interests and you've done exceptionally well and 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 this term as well. 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 decisive transformational action is required and that the community feels that they've been telling us all this stuff over and through other consultation processes over the years and it's time for action now on all these things. 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 and 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 shire's 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. Waste management, we need to transition to more sustainable and innovative waste management practices. 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 overwhelm community communities. Facilities and infrastructure and accommodation. There are concerns over 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. Thank you staff for the work you've done and the work that will be undertaken as we go forward. Clare Stewart 01:37:42.151
Thank you. Thanks, Councillor Wilkie, as I speak to this. Amelia Lorentson 01:37:51.604
To acknowledge the PCG and the external reference group. I sit on the Project Control Group and the level of expertise in that group and even in just helps provide objective third party sort of overview this process. So really want to acknowledge them for 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 volume of work, I think the importance of public participation and we spoke about it just before hand with the notify motion, we need to bring the community on board. The community is part. Of our brand and success. So I am so encouraged. This is a huge body of work and I equate it with the Noosa Plan. It's. 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 that if we make this place a great place for residents to live, work and play, then subsequently. Our visitors. Thank you and thank you very much. Clare Stewart 01:39:31.530
Can anyone else like to sort of the amendment? I shouldn't motion. Think that much. Anyone else? Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 01:39:41.439
Lives 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 to proceed forward this. We've listened to our community. We want to work hard to try and find the balance between being a love to Dev and for our residents. It shows that we are. Committed to action, passionate, and that we do care about our environment and our people together. That we want to live good 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 their time 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 01:40:41.084
I'd like to reiterate those comments to thank the staff and all those involved in the PCG and the drafting of this DMP. Clearly this conversation that our community has been asking us to lead and champion for some time I'm glad we're in the process and I look forward to finding the outcome. Of course in Council our job is to find that balance this is the document that will help guide that lead us into the future thank you Clare Stewart 01:41:05.082
I'll concur with Councillor Jurisevic lead and champion for some time this has been a long time many years in the last term of Council know grappled with this so it's 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 would acknowledge all the hard work you and Andrew did there was a lot of afternoon late nights films and things so thank you for the additional work that you did we really appreciate and it also Kim thank you very much but you guys really drove it you're at every consultation stakeholder engagement and as I said a lot of that was after hours so we thank you and acknowledge that so great piece of work important not to rush. It will be given absolutely the priority that it deserves thank you. Councillor Tom. Tom Wegener 01:42:03.658
Is that you know there's you know hundreds and 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 then in last report there's actually quite few you know longer quotes. I really like that. I think that the people like to actually dig that little bit deeper into what people are saying. So I hope that you know when the report comes out there's a lot of you know appendices out there you know that can be that we can read. But yeah congratulations. Thank you very much. Clare Stewart 01:42:36.462
Close, cancels to do? Brian Stockwell 01:42:37.902
I suppose firstly I agree that this was a this is a project that had you know support at the table of all Councillors and the staff have been thanked a lot and want to start thank the staff is that you've learnt through the process that 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 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 but to me that 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 to acknowledge but it's that our community got so engaged. Richness of the data, the clearness of the message, the weight that 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 big to work with. So thank you all. Clare Stewart 01:43:55.682
Thank you. We'll 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 meeting and I'd like to wish everyone in our gallery, as this is the last one before Christmas, a you have a wonderful Related Noosa Council Meetings
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