General Committee Meeting - May 2023
Date: Monday, 15 May 2023 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:22:31
Synopsis: Bridge to Ark; safety/comms/env noted, Procurement gender push, Finance surplus/liquidity clarified, Consultancy transparency, Burgess Creek coordination, Housing amendments pending, Native title consent, RAL22/0028 noted.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Joe Jurisevic Amelia Lorentson Clare Stewart Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Executive Officers
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock Director - Environment & Sustainable Development, Kim Rawlings (Via Microsoft Teams) AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Clare Stewart: Moved noting report for RAL22/0028 (1 into 2 lots at 1 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin) with the applicant stopping the current assessment period; carried unanimously (00:48–01:35) (Item 5.1). Joe Jurisevic: Moved to award CN00236 Lawnville Road Bridge Replacement to Ark Construction Group Pty Ltd for $1,452,428 excl. GST; CEO authorised to negotiate final contract; carried unanimously (03:00–10:10) (Item 6.1). Craig Aldridge: Reported 11 conforming tenders and 4 alternates; Ark’s bid deemed best value; construction targeted Jul–Nov with single-span design reducing disruption and environmental impacts (03:10–04:05; 03:58–04:10) (Item 6.1). Brian Stockwell: Queried approach road safety/accident history; officers noted bridge renewal funding constraints but will review during closure window (04:12–05:35) (Item 6.1). Amelia Lorentson: Probed budgeted consultants/superintendent costs and contingency; officers confirmed separate contingency exists and design approach reduces variation risk (05:40–07:10) (Item 6.1). Jasper: Outlined resident communications for closures (letterbox drops, social, project news, VMS boards, diversions) to mitigate impacts (09:00–10:10) (Item 6.1). Amelia Lorentson: Pressed for “gender on the tender” social procurement levers; CEO to take on notice given state/federal settings; potential LGAQ advocacy noted (10:22–14:31) (Item 6.1). Pauline: April YTD: operating revenue $1.3m above budget (interest +$473k), operating expenses $289k under; overall operating position +$1.6m; capital revenue +$1.3m (QRA advances); cash $107m with $50m in term deposits (15:33–18:25) (Item 6.2). Karen Finzel: Queried high cash expense cover (13.2 months); finance clarified restricted funds (grants/reserves/levies) mean true cover ~3–6 months (18:40–19:10) (Item 6.2). Amelia Lorentson: Sought visibility on $1.598m consultancy actuals vs $2.142m budget; staff to provide higher-level breakdown next report, noting confidentiality and likely capital attributions (19:27–20:53) (Item 6.2). Larry Sengstock: Q3 Operational Plan: 96 initiatives; 8 behind schedule as at 31 Mar; staff turnover for permanents trending down (~1.93 to ~1.58%); digital process improvements ongoing (23:50–25:10) (Item 6.3). Kim Rawlings: Housing Strategy already endorsed (Nov 2022) and in implementation; Planning Scheme amendments to implement housing measures await State interest check; community consultation likely after State sign-off (35:00–36:43) (Item 6.3). Rebecca: Burgess Creek: Council holds 10 years of Unitywater data; subject to confidentiality agreement; working to harmonise datasets and develop public messaging with Unitywater; citizen science data being integrated with emphasis on consistent methodologies (28:39–33:42) (Item 6.3). Larry Sengstock: Hazard reduction burns ahead of plan; recent rain affects next window; early fire detection tech being deployed; fleet capacity boosted (38:48–40:50) (Item 6.3). Councillors: Voted to proceed to closed session under s254J(3)(e) LGR 2012 to discuss legal proceedings; later consented to Kabi Kabi native title determination under s87A NTA; CEO delegated for changes/instructions and withdrawal from Part B (46:40–47:30; 01:18:21–01:22:20) (Item 7.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Amelia Lorentson: Pressed for consultancy transparency and trend analysis across council term; finance agreed to provide aggregated categories next report while respecting confidentiality (19:27–20:53) (Item 6.2). Amelia Lorentson: Challenged Unitywater confidentiality over Burgess Creek data; officers said agreement designates Unitywater as custodian/messenger; working to co-release meaningful findings (29:27–30:15) (Item 6.3). Amelia Lorentson: Sought stronger KPI frameworks and community indicators aligned to new Corporate Plan; executives confirmed review and potential changes underway (26:40–27:58) (Item 6.3). Amelia Lorentson: Advocated adding gender equity targets to procurement weighting; CEO noted jurisdictional limits but open to policy development and LGAQ advocacy (11:37–14:31) (Item 6.1). Brian Stockwell: Raised crash history and approach safety at Lawnville Rd; officers to take on notice despite grant scope limits (04:12–05:35) (Item 6.1). Legal / Risk Council: Closed session justified under s254J(3)(e) Local Government Regulation 2012 to discuss legal proceedings; reopening and resolutions recorded properly (46:40–47:30) (Item 7). Council: Approved entering a s87A Native Title Act 1993 agreement consenting to Kabi Kabi determination (QUD20/2019 Part A); CEO delegated to accept court-required changes, instruct Holding Redlich, and withdraw from proceedings post-Part A (Item 7.1). Rebecca: Noted consent determination excludes freehold; prior grants/works may extinguish native title; recognition pertains to certain State land parcels incl. Council-trustee land (01:18:48–01:20:50) (Item 7.1). Officers: Bridge grant constraints limit scope to renewal for freight/heavy vehicle outcomes; risk if scope creep into approach road upgrades could breach funding conditions (04:26–05:10) (Item 6.1). Finance: Elevated liquidity driven by restricted funds (grants/reserves/levies); risk of misinterpretation mitigated by disclosure that true cash cover ≈3–6 months (18:40–19:10) (Item 6.2). Environmental Concerns Craig Aldridge: Single-span bridge avoids central pylons, reducing in-stream disturbance and shortening construction duration (03:58–04:10) (Item 6.1). Rebecca: Burgess Creek dataset (10 years) under review for compliance/health insights; confidentiality limits raw release, but joint messaging planned; citizen science integration expanding with QA/QC emphasis (28:39–33:42) (Item 6.3). Larry Sengstock: Hazard reduction burn program ahead of schedule; wet conditions now narrowing burn windows; early detection tech in use (38:48–40:50) (Item 6.3). Brian Stockwell: Noted heritage value of timber bridges and reuse of hardwood components where possible, reflecting circular economy principles (08:27–08:58) (Item 6.1). Planning Scheme Kim Rawlings: Planning Scheme amendments to implement Housing Strategy are with State for interest review; workshops with agencies scheduled; consultation likely post sign-off (35:20–36:43) (Item 6.3). Frank Wilkie: Queried “Noosa Entry Experiences” project; officers advised upcoming workshop; scope inferred to entry landscaping/signage within infrastructure services (36:43–37:31) (Item 6.3). Community Transparency Pauline: Detailed drivers of variance (interest, holiday parks, waste cost recovery, plant recoveries); signalled providing higher-level consultancy breakdown next report (15:33–20:53) (Item 6.2). Officers: Commitment to enhanced KPI suite aligned to new Corporate Plan, including community indicators and performance measures (26:40–27:58; 41:47–42:22) (Item 6.3). Jasper: Proactive resident notifications for bridge closure (letters, social, VMS, diversions) to minimize disruption (09:31–10:10) (Item 6.1). New Development Applications Clare Stewart: Council noted RAL22/0028 for 1 Poinciana Ave with the applicant stopping the current decision period; no determination made pending applicant timing (00:48–01:35) (Item 5.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 15 May 2023 12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair) Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson, Clare Stewart, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 MAY 2023 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Clare Stewart Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock Director - Environment & Sustainable Development, Kim Rawlings (via Microsoft Teams) APOLOGIES Nil 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 17 April 2023 be received and confirmed. Carried Unanimously. 3. PRESENTATIONS Nil 4. DEPUTATIONS Nil 5. ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES 5.1. RAL22/0028 APPLICATION FOR RECONFIGURING A LOT (1 INTO 2 LOTS) AT 1 POINCIANA AVENUE, TEWANTIN (REFERRED FROM P&E 9 MAY 2023) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 MAY 2023 That Council note the report by the Acting Manager of Development Assessment to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 May 2023 regarding Application No. RAL22/0028 for a Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot – 1 into 2 lots, situated at 1 Poinciana Ave, Tewantin and note that the Applicant has stopped the current period. Carried Unanimously. 6. REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 6.1. CONTRACT NO. CN00236 - LAWNVILLE ROAD BRIDGE TENDER AWARD Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Project Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 April 2022 15 May 2023 and: A. Award Contract No. CN00236 Lawnville Road Bridge Replacement to Ark Construction Group Pty Ltd for the lump sum price of $1,452,428 (excl. GST). B. Authorise the CEO to negotiate the final contract with Ark Construction Group Pty Ltd. Carried Unanimously. 6.2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – APRIL 2023 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 May 2023 outlining April 2023 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. Carried Unanimously. 6.3. OPERATIONAL PLAN 2022-23 Q3 QUARTERLY REPORTING Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 May 2023 regarding the 2022-23 Operational Plan and: GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 MAY 2023 A. Note the progress report for the Q3 2022-2023 Operational Plan to 31 March 2023 provided as Attachment 1; and B. Note the status of Council's Key Performance Indicators provided as Attachment 2. Carried Unanimously. 7. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart The meeting will be closed to the public pursuant to section 254(J)(3)(e) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 as it is necessary to do so to discuss legal proceedings involving the Council for reason outlined below: 1. This report relates to resolving Council’s interests in legal proceedings and it is appropriate to deal with the matter in closed session. Carried Unanimously. RE-OPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried Unanimously. 7.1. CONFIDENTIAL NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - KABI KABI NATIVE TITLE CONSENT DETERMINATION (REFERRED FROM P&E 9 MAY 2023) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Acting Environment Manager to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 May 2023 regarding the Kabi Kabi Native Title Claim and: A. Agree to enter into an agreement made under s 87A Native Title Act 1993 and consent to the determination of the Kabi Kabi People native title claim QUD20/2019 in the terms of the s87A Agreement and Proposed Consent Order considered by Council (Attachment 1); B. Delegate to the CEO the power to agree to any changes that may be required by the Court to the final determination referred to in paragraph (a) and to instruct Holding Redlich to sign the s87A Agreement on Council’s behalf; and GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 MAY 2023 C. Delegate the power to the CEO to provide instructions to Holding Redlich to withdraw Council from Federal Court proceedings QUD20/2019 after the determination of Part A becomes effective on the basis that Council has no interest in Part B of the proceedings. Carried Unanimously. 8. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 1.54pm
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
In May 2023, declare the meeting open. Begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land which were gathered today, that's the Kabi Kabi people, and pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging. We have everyone in attendance. Now apologies. May we have someone to confirm the minutes from the April meeting please? That's moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Lorentson. All in favour? That's carried. We have no presentations, no deputations. Applications as items referred from committees. The first is an application for including a lot, one into two lots at 1 Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin. Referred from the Planning and Environment Committee meeting I've just made. We have a new resolution, the applicant has asked the matter be withdrawn. We have a motion to that effect, someone care to move that motion? Moved by Clare Stewart, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? Minister? Mayor Stewart? No. No, councillors? No. Any discussion? No. The motion is carried unanimously. Next is...well done, Patrick. You agreed with everything he said. Then we have a contract for the long... We have a contract for the Lawnville Road Bridge Tender Award, and we have Craig Eldridge and Jasper here to give us an overview. Sorry, Jasper. Rob and Craig, could you give us an overview? Sure. Craig Eldridge 01:24.042
Good afternoon, everyone. As mentioned earlier, we're here today to award a contract for the Lawnville Road Bridge replacement. Good afternoon. It's contract CN00236. It's a Lorentson It's a lump sum contract that includes all materials and all services required for the construction of the bridge. Invitation to tender was advertised and we received 11 conforming tenders and 4 alternate tender responses. All of these 11 responses were deemed conforming. The tender evaluation panel completed a extensive evaluation and review and considered the tender submitted by Ark Construction Group Pty Ltd the most advantageous to Council in representing the best value money for Council. ARC's tender submission demonstrated compliance with the requirements of the tender invitation and ARC are deemed to have suitable experience, capability and the resources to carry out the works. It's anticipated that construction will start in July this year and it's anticipated that construction will be finished in November this year. The recommendation is that Council note the report from the project manager to the General Committee meeting today. And award the contract CN00236 Lawnville Road Bridge Replacement to Ark Construction Group Pty Ltd for the price of $1,452,482 and authorise the CEO to negotiate the final contract with Ark Construction Group Pty Ltd. Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 03:10.064
Yeah, thanks. Craig, I noticed that... Jasper, I noticed that they put in two tender prices, one at 1.5 mil and one at 1.45 mil, and we've gone for 1.45 mil. Can you just give us a bit of an idea on the difference between the two prices and why one is more favourable over the other? I'll give a really high level, broad overview. And if I get it wrong, I'll allow Jasper to correct me. But my understanding is that we had two spans, which would be a headstock, a series of piles, and then a headstock, but the alternate tender, and correct me if I'm wrong, Jasper, has come in a single span bridge, which has a lot of benefits environmentally and for different reasons. There's less disruption. Thank you. I sort of got that from that, but I just wanted to clarify if that was the reason behind. So it is a single span bridge as opposed to a dual span bridge with no central pylon. Thank you. Councillor Stockwell, this is a question. This is the one down at the bottom. It's got reasonably constrained sort of road dynamics around. Is there any work being done to lead into the bridge? Craig Eldridge 04:26.882
Again, I'll give a high level explanation and then Jasper will correct me if I get this wrong. I think we're constrained with the bridge grant requirements. So the purpose of the bridge funding is to renew bridges to allow or improve freight and heavy vehicle movements throughout Australia. So that's the idea of renewing the bridges. So we have fairly tight constraints on what is funded and what isn't funded and the team would have done an assessment of the approaches. Jasper did you want to add anything on that? Jasper 04:59.693
The main works of the approaches would be making them tie in Making them tie in neatly to the new bridge design levels, so they'll be pavement rehabilitation and just adjusting the approach grades to match into the new bridge, but that's how we're limited by the bridge funding programs and we can't be doing full scale road. We can't be doing full scale road rehab or improvement works if we're covered under a bridge renewal grant. Brian Stockwell 05:22.712
Has that one been identified? I just, a couple of people have told me that there's been accidents and things in that location as a result of the alignment. Craig Eldridge 05:29.712
I'm not aware of that. I'd have to take that on notice. If we're closing the road, it might be good to have that look at. Yeah, I'll take that on notice. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 05:37.992
John? Sorry, you had a question? Amelia Lorentson 05:40.792
Oh, on page 15, Jess. On page 15, Jasper, or Craig, the total forecasted project cost is $1.944 million and $873, and there's $292,000 that's been identified for consultant staff, superintendent costs, levies and project allowance. Does that absorb a budget contingency? Budget contingency in case there's any variations. I can answer that question thank you. We haven't included the contingency in this report specific specific reasons but we've highlighted the consultants and the internal cost but we haven't included the contingency in this report that there is a sufficient contingency available within the budget. And if there isn't, what happens? Craig Eldridge 06:36.967
Yes, so we have a robust government process where we have a PCG and CWE and we manage the project within the budget. We've done an extensive design so part of this project was to go out with a design so that we know the actual costs and so rather than going out And so rather than going out with a design and construct project where we don't know the design, therefore it's very hard to cost, we've actually done a design so we've got a very good idea of what this project is going to cost, however the current tender has put in an alternate tender which does have some cost savings within it. I hope I explained that okay. Frank Wilkie 07:20.782
Thank you, really great, thank you Craig. Joe Jurisevic 07:27.165
So yeah, just to clarify that, so within the cost year to date and all the consult staff and superintendent costs, that's part of your design, that your design elements have been included in that and we would have done soil, environmental, geotechnical, all of those checks. And just to clarify, this is a timber bridge currently, so this is one of the last significant timber bridges going to concrete. How many more timber bridges, I know it's probably not relevant to this, how many more timber bridges that we've got. I couldn't tell you that. Do you know any more we've got to look at? I think there's one down there. I'll follow up with you later. Don't expect you to have the answer off the top of your head. Thank you, that's it. Frank Wilkie 08:05.796
Do you have a motion? Yeah, I'll move it. Moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Councillor Jurisevic. Joe Jurisevic 08:11.376
Yeah, it's one of the last significant tips. One of the last significant timber bridges being put over to concrete, single span, so environmental outcomes and cost savings to be had by it. I'm supportive of the tender going forward, thank you. Frank Wilkie 08:25.212
Any other councillors wish to speak? Brian Stockwell 08:27.412
I will, just because in report notes it's the oldest remaining wooden bridge. There's something about wooden bridges that everyone loves. get sentimental but we do keep if the timber's good we keep them for other purposes and stockpile them so because you can't get hardwood these days the same as they did when those bridges were built with the lifespan so they do the the old timber structure The old team of structure is still saying we'll have a second life somewhere. Any other questions, Mr. Speaker? I have a couple. Amelia Lorentson 09:01.443
Can I ask still a couple of questions, please? In terms of disruptions... I note the alternative tender that was submitted, the duration is expected to be shorter and, therefore, less impact to residents. How is Council going to communicate to potentially direct residents that are directly or indirectly impacted by the works? Did you want to answer that? Did you want to answer that one? Jasper 09:30.982
Yeah I can speak on that one. So in the past and for previous bridges where there has been a road closure we've sent out a letterbox drop to all the residents along the area or that may be directly impacted. For example along Lawnville Road saying these works are coming up, the road will be closed, please be aware that traffic delays and extended direct trip duration times may occur. Then we've also done our project news, social media posts well out in advance, roughly four weeks to two weeks prior, just to inform the wider community of the bridge closure and the possible foreseeable impacts. side Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 10:11.026
I'm assuming there'll be a VMS board there and giving an idea of the dates and obviously diversion signs telling people the alternate. Sorry, Yeah, we always notice. Amelia Lorentson 10:23.505
And just one more thing I'm going to ask and I'm only asking this because I've been invited to speak for the women in construction conference later on in a couple of months and construction in 2023 still remains the most male dominated sector in Australia and female participation is at 13%, trades I think at about 2%. In Victoria there's been a push with gender on the tender that there's an opportunity to get more skilled workers because there's a shortage of skilled workers in trades. The opportunity is to tap into the female workforce and I know all this because I've been doing quite a bit of research and it's quite interesting. My question is Is there an opportunity for us to ask contractors and suppliers to meet minimum standards in their policies, plans and targets? Can we look at putting gender on the tender? Again, just to acknowledge, let women know that there are opportunities in engineering, in building. Craig Eldridge 11:36.632
I can comment on one component I suppose. Internally I know we've just employed a young graduate lady who's an engineer and internally also we have a communication and consultation lady within our team. So within this project we'll have two internal staff working on this project. So Lindsay will be supporting Lindsay will be supporting Jasper throughout the project as the graduate and also we'll have Rachel doing the comms and communication. However on the tender component I'd probably have to defer to defer to Scott Eisen or perhaps the CEO on that one. Joe Jurisevic 12:19.470
I'd have to defer on that one. So we're not only building bridges we're bridging the gap as well. Frank Wilkie 12:27.530
I'm flaring to the point of the story. Yeah I'd love to take that on notice. I know in Victoria where I've been most recently working on larger projects there's certain specifications in terms of trainees, apprentices, indigenous, a whole range of different groups I suppose you could say within the construction and within the contractors. I'm not too sure exactly what we do up here in terms of state and federal legislation. In terms of us, we don't really have the power to control that but obviously it's looked upon fondly. Amelia Lorentson 13:08.861
Maybe an opportunity to bring something forward to the LGAQ. In Victoria it's actually mandated for publicly funded projects of over $20 million. Brian Stockwell 13:30.276
I know we're producing a social procurement policy, that could be one we could add into those considerations. Clare Stewart 13:37.376
It's probably along those lines, just wondering through the Chair to the CEO, could we add it under the weightings as a heading? Larry Sengstock 13:44.332
Difficult to add in the waves, but it's certainly possible to put into the social side of it, to ensure that it's part of. If you bring it out too far, then it becomes quite inhibitive in some respects as well, particularly for the smaller contractors. Joe Jurisevic 13:59.732
If in the short term contractors weren't able to meet a certain target obligation, we may restrict them from... Absolutely. We may not have any... So what I was referencing that we ask contractors and suppliers to meet a minimum standard of policies, plans and targets that identify this gap and opportunity. Larry Sengstock 14:23.863
But again, it's difficult for the smaller projects and the smaller contractors, you know, if you're a clan contractor. It cuts out a lot of... Brian Stockwell 14:31.243
Sometimes even answering the question in your tent actually helps you think, oh... So it's an That's exactly what I said. Larry Sengstock 14:37.127
Encouragement. Frank Wilkie 14:38.687
We can bring the comments and debate back to the tender itself. Any other houses wish to speak to the motion? Joe Jurisevic 14:48.707
No, Mr Chair, but thank you for bringing it back to the... That's unanimous. And so we've changed the date, you know, we've changed the date from 12 April... From 12 April, which is a typo, the 15th of May, 2023. I know we can reflect this just a minute. As a seconder, you have anything to say, Karen? Frank Wilkie 15:09.003
No, I don't have anything to say. Thank you, Jasper. Thank you, Clare. Thanks to you, Jasper. Amelia Lorentson 15:14.903
Thank you, Dave. Frank Wilkie 15:18.763
The next item is the financial performance report. Welcome, Pauline. Pauline 15:52.831
Revenues are $1.3 million above budget, and that's being driven by interest revenue, which is $473,000 above budget, and that's due to QTC increasing their interest rates in line with the higher yielding The higher yielding term deposits, and we also hold quite a substantial amount of money with QTC, so that's driving some of that. And we've also reinvested some of our higher yielding deposits that have matured since March. Fees and charges. Fees are down against budget, $241,000, and that's predominantly development assessment fees, plumbing and building fees. So they're offsetting that higher interest revenue. Sales of goods and services are $597,000. The budget is $597,000 above budget and that's driven by holiday parks at $404,000 but they also have some offsetting costs that are associated with those operations and community facilities which are $142,000 of budget. Other revenues above budget are $336,000 and this relates predominantly to the recovery of waste costs from SULO bins. That's $110,000. We have touched on that in previous meetings. So where we purchase bins we recover that cost from Cleanaway. The other component of that relates to internal plant recoveries for disaster projects is where we're uncharging to capital projects as well. Operating expenditures $289,000 under budget with employee costs $80,000 of this. Materials and services are also under budget and that's a combination of factors. So civil operations is $461,000 over budget and as is holiday park which as I mentioned is offset by the additional revenue that it generates. Fleet costs infrastructure planning libraries and galleries strategic plan planning and development assessment. Tourism economic development expenditure remains on track year to date and overall council operating position at April is $1.6 million above budget capital revenues above budget 1.3 million and this is due to the receipt of some further advance payments of PRA disaster projects. Year to date council has expended 73% of its four-year capital program which equates to 41.3 Overall, Council's financial position continues to be on track and is meeting its financial sustainability targets. Frank Wilkie 18:37.388
Any questions? Thank you, Pauline. Questions? Yeah, I have a question. Clare Stewart 18:39.948
Thank you. Sure. Thank you, Mr Chair. Just cash expense cover, we're pretty high. Our target is graded in three months. We're at 13.2. Can you just elaborate a bit on that, please, Pauline? Pauline 18:49.268
Sure. So, with the receipt of some advance payments in relation to the four-year payment We have quite a substantial holding, so when we calculate it, we don't take into account that those are committed to other things, so when we calculate that cover, it's based on our total cash payments. of the waste subsidy and the curation. So some of that cash is actually restricted to other things, so it's grant funding, it's reserves, it's levies as well. So while it does sound quite high, it is actually, we have probably about three to six months which is what we're trying to aim to cover. It is, it shows high but it's untrue. Amelia Lorentson 19:27.638
Councillor Lorentson. Hi, Pauline. Sure. Consultancy services on page 34 of the report. Actuals, 1.598 million. The budget, 2.142 million. A couple of questions. A couple of questions. Where could we find or can we, as part of the next report, get a list of completed and current consultancy engagements? Let me re-ask that question. Do we have a consultant register that allows us to access that sort of information? Pauline 20:08.397
I wouldn't say that we have a consultancy register per se. We obviously know which consultants they are. We obviously know which consultants that we pay that can make up that amount of money. I'm not sure exactly what you're wanting from your analysis of the consultancy costs. It just seems like a lot of money we're paying to consultants. So just to understand, has this always been the case? And what this looks like from, you know, even the term of this council from year one to year four? And we could include a summary for you in the next report at a higher level, probably not so specific just for confidentiality reasons, but we could certainly, and give you a bit of an understanding of what's driving that. It could be environmental levy projects, it could be a number of different aspects that would be driving it. Thank you. Yeah. Brian Stockwell 20:53.461
Brian? Just a question on that. Is the firm that handled all our disaster response, would that come under consultancy arrangements? Pauline 21:00.061
It would be running through the capital program, so it wouldn't actually be showing on that Frank Wilkie 21:08.540
Any other questions? Anyone keen to move the report? Moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Jurisevic? Joe Jurisevic 21:20.220
Once again, thank you for the staff time and effort in introducing the report. I'm quite happy with the position that we're at. The shows were in, as usual, in a sound financial position without too many areas here of concern to be raised. So I'm looking through the financial position of councillors. Frank Wilkie 21:45.700
Any other councillors to speak? I'll put the motion those in favour. It's carried, it's unanimous. Thank you Pauline. This item on the agenda is the operational plan quarterly report. We've got to bring in the new CEO. Joe Jurisevic 22:08.600
You're on the tail end of all this Harry. Frank Wilkie 22:18.100
Can we ring you? Yeah well the other piece to this is it's actually compiled by David Piozzi and David is away sick today as well so you've got me as first day on the job. Not saying fully across this but certainly in terms of operational plan across the organisation. I think what we need to understand here is this is to 31 March so it's the third quarter. We're now in May. But it's really showing that we've been tracking along well. We've fought against 96 operational initiatives against our five themes that are in our current corporate plan, the existing corporate plan. Previous. Sorry, previous. Well, yes, it has been adopted. So it's our previous corporate plan. Previous corporate plan, so it's still reporting against those. It sits under our corporate plan and above our bridge plan, so everything feeds back up through to the operational plan and then into the corporate plan as such. Larry Sengstock 23:19.091
Some of the things, we are still tracking well. We've got eight initiatives that are behind schedule in accordance with this, but some of those, to be honest, have been picked up. I think over this last few weeks, some of those have now started and got back on track. I won't go through them all. I think if we go to the KPIs, some of the highlights out of the KPIs that this report talks to. Something that's been very much front of mind for us as an organisation and across a number of organisations is the The number of organisations is the staff turnover and reporting against just the, so this is just against permanent positions, but we've decreased the turnover, so we're now from approximately 1.93 to 1.58%. So that's a good thing in terms of all the work that we've been doing with our cultural and values work. And there's an organisation with our realignment and everything else that's going on, so to keep that down is a good thing that we need to be very proud of, I think. Customer wise, we've got an increase in, slightly in the quarter, for trends in terms of customer requests, and dealing with those obviously takes a lot of resource. Our finances, as we've just heard, we're tracking well, and our systems and processes, we're very much in line with doing, improving our processes in terms of paying a line rather than cash, and those types of exercises. So I think that's an iterative process as well. So if this gradually, where we can, we bring on the new initiatives and new processes. Open to questions if you have any, if I can answer them, otherwise I'll take them on notice. Clare Stewart 25:25.421
Thank you very much for all the hard work and the amount of work we're doing. It's so comprehensive across so many areas. So a big thanks to the staff for all their hard work because every line item is hundreds of hours of work and a huge amount of staff input. So we're very grateful for that. Just a question on the ferry, the jetty. It says that it is behind schedule can you give me a bit of an update on that? Larry Sengstock 25:50.320
I think that report is being finalised and coming to council as a workshop, not report but as a workshop for an update on that in the coming weeks I believe. I think we had an update on that in the last CWA, I don't think you were there, Waterbite? Yeah. Thanks. It's for Chris. Tom Wegener 26:15.859
The library, the new library, the bus. The bus, yes. How does that go? Because it says that it's here now, and it's getting ready for, to be pulled out. I think it's still being, I think it's still being painted, is my understanding. I think it's still being painted, is my understanding. It's still being made ready, so I don't know that it's actually operational yet. Joe Jurisevic 26:31.449
Was that the depot the other day when I was there? So the bus is here, isn't that exciting? Yeah, that's right. Amelia Lorentson 26:40.429
I've got a couple of questions, Larry. My first one is, I think page 38 of the report, it states that KPIs will... KPIs were last reviewed in 2014, 2015. Are we reviewing the KPIs? Are we setting different measurable goals as part of our corporate plan? And should we be measuring how much time, effort and rate of dollars these plans and initiatives are taking? My question is, is the current KPI system, is it enough to see us through our next five years? I think the KPIs relate to our corporate plans, so they're being reviewed as part of the implementation of the new corporate plan that we've just endorsed. So the KPIs speak out of that, they come to the CEO as but will we be changing the way we measure organisational goals and strategies? Potentially Larry Sengstock 27:44.176
Yes, I can't say yes or no, but potentially yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. Because they have to relate to the way we do business, essentially. Because I have Potentially, yes. Because I have two questions. Potentially yes, I can't say yes or no, but potentially yes. Absolutely. Because I have two questions. And it's surprising that they are quite that old, but it relates to the corporate plan. Amelia Lorentson 27:58.032
You know, this one's coming. Page 44, in terms of Burgess Creek, modern water monitoring program. Page 44, it states that water quality data for Burgess Creek has been received from Unitywater for the last five years on monitoring. My question is, is that information publicly available? And have they provided 10 years' worth of water quality data and the receiving environmental management? Kim Rawlings 28:38.620
Hi councillors, we do have 10 years of data for Burgess Creek and we're currently working through that to make sure it's compatible with the way we're inputting data from other catchments as well, other streams and doing an initial analysis of what that means in terms of compliance and overall health of the waterway. So that's some way progressed now and we're The way it progressed now and we're working with Unitywater because we do have a confidentiality agreement with them so that data will not be made public unless that's authorised by Unitywater. We're working with them so that we can get some meaningful messaging out to the community about Amelia Lorentson 29:25.965
So why is that held up in confidentiality? Kim Rawlings 29:31.597
That was the request of Unitywater. I guess they want to make sure that they can have clear and consistent messaging that comes directly from them about the data that they collect and they want to get the custodian and the messenger of that information so people can go direct to Unitywater if they wish to. To get further detail around that. But so far as the way we receive that information and how we can use that, that's bound up in that confidentiality agreement. It provides some assurity for Unitywater that they can provide it to us in a way that's being managed how they should be managed. Amelia Lorentson 30:15.155
And I note there's a workshop planned for councillors and I'm imagining a report also will be coming to council. Yes that's true. Thank you. Again on Burgess Creek the citizen science water quality quality monitoring program. So in November of 2022 I moved an amendment that was ratified by council for a citizen science water quality monitoring program for both Burgess Creek and Cooroy six mile creek catchments and the impacts of wastewater discharge. It's noted in the report and I'm just requesting just some more information on its progress. Thank you. Kim Rawlings 31:03.567
Council staff work with the various natural resource management groups of the community groups on citizen science water collection projects and we collect that information and put it within our swim database and that's really useful and we hope that we can do more of those partnerships over time with it. What's important for council at the moment is to make sure that we have a really consistent method around the collection of that water quality monitoring and that it does come back into the centralised database so it can be used for management purposes and we've been reviewing some further projects from community groups just in the last week around some additional projects out there in the community. So they exist now and we hope that we can continue to expand upon them. But we also emphasise the importance of the quality of that data collection and the consistency. So it can be looked at across the board and we can learn from that and then make management decisions from that, knowing that that data is as accurate as necessary. Just a quick question, how many, how long have NICA and Mary Mary River River, Cashman Cashman Coordinated Coordinated Committee. Have you been doing citizen science in terms of your current job? Over 20 years. Frank Wilkie 32:29.272
So does that mean we have access to all that data? Kim Rawlings 32:32.372
Yes, as much of it as is useful and that we can put into our database, we have been. We've been lucky that we have been able to collect it over that time. And it's been a huge job over the last nine months bringing that all into a single system. Frank Wilkie 32:53.767
And do the results marry up with the Council's own water testing? Kim Rawlings 32:57.787
They're mostly... Frank Wilkie 32:58.567
Using similar methodology? Yes yes yeah. So it's accurate? Kim Rawlings 33:04.106
Yeah, we're happy with the data, the quality of the data that's coming through so far, but we'll continue to look forward to any future water quality results that are collected that they're done with the methodology that's consistent across. So rather than still looking back in time, making sure that we've got good training so that those people out in the field are using the best available equipment, best available methods. So there will be a little bit of variety in what data we've received to date, but looking forward to making sure that we get that good quality of results. Frank Wilkie 33:42.110
Thank you. Can I ask a question on average lost time for injury duration? Does that include illness or is it purely injury? I think it's injury. Larry Sengstock 33:59.955
I'm pretty sure it's injury. It's very difficult. It should be explained. Clare Stewart 34:07.595
So ongoing injuries. Karen. Yes, thank you. I just note on page 50 of the report that we've completed the draft housing strategy back to state. Just a question through the chair to staff. Do we have any indication when the State will be signing off on that to just notify the community when we'll be able to have a public consultation? Larry Sengstock 34:40.724
Do you want me to answer that, Councillor Finzel? Rebecca 34:51.544
Thank you. Yeah. So was that in reference? Was that in reference to the housing strategy or the planning scheme? Clare Stewart 34:56.829
The housing strategy. You've got finalise, initiate, implement. Remember this is to the 31st of March as well. We don't require state sign-off on the housing strategy. That's a local government housing strategy and councils have endorsed that already in November last year and we are now in implementation of the housing strategy. That's a local... It doesn't require state sign-off. What about just the planning scheme would require the sign-off from the State? Rebecca 35:25.277
Yes, any changes to the planning scheme require sign-off from the State and as you know we have a round of amendments with the State at the moment for state interest that is still going through state interest and some of those amendments seek to implement the housing strategy. We have not yet received state sign-off. We have a series of meetings and workshops with all the State agencies set for the next couple of weeks and then following that we hope to receive state, first state interest check on the planning scheme amendments that would then come back to council prior to going out. Clare Stewart 36:01.402
Thank you, Kim. And do we know any type of indication as to when that might happen, the community consultation? Rebecca 36:09.682
Look, not really. It is subject to state sign-off. You know, we're sort of planning for maybe July /August or August /September, but it is a little hard to predict. This is a little hard to predict because it's with the State government at the moment and we just don't know when we'll get sign-off. It then needs to come back to council. So we're hoping sort of mid-year. Yeah, but like I said, it's a little bit hard to predict. Clare Stewart 36:41.446
Okay, thank you. Frank Wilkie 36:42.906
Kim, under the Noosa environment, reinforce our Noosa design principles. Municipals. It's mentioned here that it is noted that the Noosa Entry Experiences Project is underway with a briefing expected in the fourth quarter. Could you give us a bit of an explanation of what the Noosa Entry Experiences Project involves? I mean, I can imagine what it will involve, but if you can, I'd like to hear it from you, please. Rebecca 37:11.955
Sure. I'm not sure if Craig Eldridge is still in the room. No, no, no. No. Because that project is actually sitting in infrastructure services, it's not sitting in my department. And my understanding is there will be a workshop with council coming up about that project. Larry, I'm not sure if you could make any comment. Frank Wilkie 37:31.467
The Noosa Entry Experiences Project. So I imagine it's about the entryways to the Shire, there'll be some treatment. It is, it is. It is about street treatment, isn't it? Landscaping, roads, signage. We've currently got a sign on Walter Hay Drive that's out of date. That works in progress but I don't have it. That's what I imagine it is. Absolutely in progress. Joe Jurisevic 37:53.620
Yeah, Kim, while I've got you there, or Rebecca at the back of the room. Implement the Noosa bushland strategic management plan. I see no mention there of new bushland care groups being started. That was, from my recollection, something That was, from my recollection, something that was to happen in the second half of this year. Have any of your bushland care groups been able to be initiated? Kim Rawlings 38:15.588
I can take that one. Not at this stage. We've had some vacancies across that area that we need to fill and have the supervisor return for long leave. So that has created some delay in the filling of the... of the new bush care coordinator roles. We're expecting that we will be able to recruit that in the coming month, hopefully. And that will allow us to start up a couple of those new groups... that have been in the waiting for some time. Joe Jurisevic 38:48.793
So once we've got the full complement back on board. That's right. Thank you, Rebecca. Frank Wilkie 38:52.573
I have a question for Larry and maybe even Joe. The continuation of the implementation... of Council's fire management plans and bushland reserves... that we've come out on a wet period... has been commented... going into El Niño into a dry summer. A lot of extra vegetation growth. Karen, it mentions here... burn planning underway. But it's weather dependent. How are you placed... in terms of the amounts of controlled burns... you would have liked to have done by now and the amount that... I believe we're actually ahead of our plans in terms of controlled burns, but I think now the ground has dried out to the extent that it's becoming more difficult. So I believe that in terms of the area or the overall Shire and the amount of burns that we've done, we're ahead of others and also, from my understanding, our officers are very comfortable with where we've got to. The element of whether we're having today, on yesterday for example, we've had well over 100, closer to, what was it, 25 I measured yesterday, 50 odd, so 75, 80 odd mills of rain in the last couple of days. So that'll have an impact on when the next pipe window becomes available for them so, yeah but my understanding was we were on target or at least ahead of target at this point in time because we've had the opportunities there with a reasonable amount of dry weather and ideal conditions. And we'll have an opportunity to test the early fire detection and test the technology as Larry Sengstock 40:27.578
Well. Yeah, so that's all being used and we've actually boosted up our capacity as well in terms of vehicles and things for our own fire detection. Joe Jurisevic 40:37.878
Next LGAQ meeting we'll get an update potentially, so we'll have an update on the next LGAQ meeting, Frank can you pass that on? I think the Mayor alluded to it earlier, it shows the amount of work that Council does undertake, the depth of work and the range of services that Council delivers to this community and I think it's a credit to And I think it's a credit to CEO and all our staff and managers and directors that we do function and do manage to undertake all these projects and that we're delivering with accountability. With a few minor elements maybe not starting or just a bit behind schedule that we're delivering really, really well this year, so in a challenging year with challenging financial restraints and all the rest of it, I think it's a credit to the staff where we are. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 41:46.951
I too would like to acknowledge and thank all the staff. When you see them in writing in a report, you actually get an idea of the enormity of this business and Council is a business. In terms of the KPIs, I actually love KPIs. It's really important We've made a commitment to transparent and open governance and we've also made a commitment to continual improvement and the only way we're going to achieve that is by actually measuring our progress and I note in the report that part of the review of KPIs, there's going to be community indicators and performance measures. another step towards our commitment with continuous improvement and being an open council. So again, Tom Wegener 42:45.449
I'm looking at the corporate plan excellence as a council 5.7. Assure that workforce planning is in place across the organisation. Develop and implement an employee attraction and retention strategy. Well, I hope that the lower turnover recently is a part of this. And of course, this includes the THRIVE, Expand THRIVE, T capital letters THRIVE activities. And that this is being implemented. And I'm hoping that that continues on and that staff, you know, we raise our just retention levels, I guess, exactly for working here. Larry Sengstock 43:21.601
That's the intention. At this point in time, the data is showing that we're on track. Yeah, very good. Sure. Clare Stewart 43:29.765
Thank you for the report, Larry. As we've all said, a huge amount of work being undertaken, we're consistently back well above our capabilities in the sense of being a small Shire, we do so much. So, as I said, every line item is hundreds of hours of work and a lot of sweat and toil, and we're very grateful for it. And, you know, when you look through this, I wasn't through behind schedule or not completed. There's not many. so first you're on track or completed. So that's a real testament, especially in the trying times we're facing economically as well as staff retention-wise, and the figures that you espoused earlier, that's a great indication. The fact that we are retaining staff and keeping them, and those turnover rates are far less than what they were 12 months ago. So I think that's a testament to you and all the executive team and all the managers. Thank you. It's always so interesting to get this because it's a real breakdown, but it's also a reinforcement and how much we do do, so thank you. Larry Sengstock 44:30.130
Thank you, I'll pass that on. Clare Stewart 44:31.430
Yeah, please do, yeah, thank you. Now, it's all been said, and while we're at the table, Larry, it's good to see you stepping into some shoes of the previous CEO, and we look forward to working with you. I'll make sure I'm up to speed on every line I review. Frank Wilkie 44:48.922
And Larry, Not not every, every not every step never works not every staff member watches the general committee live stream, because they're probably very busy, but is there some way that you could tell staff about the vote of thanks from the council, as indicated in the operation of the plan, because we're reminded of that every time we receive a report like this. Joe Jurisevic 45:11.195
Yeah, it seems to me, even on your first day, Larry, how across the board you are on all the matters in front of us. You are on all the matters in front of us, so even from where you sit in infrastructure services, you have a good group across so much of council, and it's no wonder we've welcomed you to the interim position of taking over the CEO's position, and thanks. have been initiated and looked at. It is a business, and it's probably one of the most complex businesses you'll see operating as a local council. We cover so many different areas, so many wide and varied areas that a lot of other businesses wouldn't have to delve into, so it's a very diverse hat we wear, a very challenging role that is undertaken to try and please all the facets of the community with all the demands that are made, so I'm really pleased to see where we are with the operational plan at this stage of the year. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 46:27.440
Next item is a confidential session regarding the Kabi Kabi Native Title Consent Determination. Joe, seconded Joe Jurisevic 46:46.865
Mayor Stewart. The meeting be closed for Stewart. Section 254J3E of the Local Government Regulation 2012 says it is necessary to do so to discuss defending legal proceedings involving the Council for the reason outlined below. This report relates to resolving Council's interest in legal proceedings and it is appropriate to deal with the matter. And it is appropriate to deal with the matter in close session. Frank Wilkie 47:09.319
Just a clarification, we're not actually defending the legal proceeding. Could we say, as it is necessary... It says resolving Joe Jurisevic 47:19.159
Council's interest in legal proceedings. Frank Wilkie 47:21.059
To discuss legal proceedings. Correct. Sorry, defending... To discuss legal proceedings, yeah, fair enough. Is everyone happy with that? I'm happy with that. Yeah, can we put the motion those in favour? And may we have the recommendation, the motion, please. Welcome back, everybody. We have a motion, of course, regarding a native title determination. Rebecca, could you, through your statement, just read out what we're consenting to and what a native title claim refers to? Kim Rawlings 01:18:48.220
Yes, sure. Sure. The Kabi Kabi claim is a federal court case. the State government is the main respondent to the claim. Noosa Council, along with the other local governments within the area of the claim, is also a party to the claim. And it extends from Redcliffe in the south to the north to Isis Junction in the Bundaberg region and includes the whole of the Noosa Shire local government area. Claim area: the native title process and the federal court requires respondent parties to consider whether they consent to the court recognising native title in the claim area. The native title... Council will need to decide this ahead of the May 2021 deadline that's been set by the court. The council report on the Kabi Kabi claim is listed as confidential as the item relates to legal proceedings. The report needs to be decided by council in closed session. The determination currently proposed is proposed to occur in July and provides for formal recognition of native title rights and interests over certain public land parcels within Parcels within the claim area. State-owned land including where council is trustee of that land. Under the Native Title Act 1993, recognition of native title does not interfere with freehold property rights. Freehold land is excluded from native title claims. Previous licenses, grants, leases and public works may also extinguish or remove native title. This is an exciting time for Kabi Kabi to finally have native title recognised. Noosa Reconciliation Action Plan has been considered as part of the 23/24 budget of council and if this plan moves ahead it will be developed in conjunction with Kabi Kabi over the coming months. In the coming months, as a commitment towards reconciliation and respectful engagement and to promote inclusivity and opportunity in Council's work. Frank Wilkie 01:20:49.866
Thank you. It's moved by Mayor Stewart, seconded by Councillor Wilkie. Thank you. I think we appreciate all the information you've given us. It is an exciting time for Kabi Kabi and we stand with all other respondents in this matter and we wish everyone all the best. Thank you. Mayor Stewart. Any other councillors with respect to the motion? Councillor Stockwell? Yeah, I'll do so. What we can say, I think it's a privilege to be in the position. I'm very privileged to be in the position to make this decision in that we in our own small way across our Shire are helping to redress what was the historic injustice of the Declaration of terra nullius that was determined by our vocation originally. So the name of the title is very important to the traditional owners of our Shire and we hope that it becomes a positive benchmark benchmark and I suppose a critical stage in that recognition which leads to their identification with their traditional lands only to acknowledge and recognise the efforts of all parties that have been involved in this on achieving this historic gap the motion goes in favour. It's carried unanimously. Clare Stewart 01:22:18.180
Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 01:22:20.980
And that is the last item on the agenda. I declare the meeting closed and thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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