Services & Organisation Committee Meeting, 9 May 2023
Date: Tuesday, 9 May 2023 at 1:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:40:22
Synopsis: Lease Approved: Sunrise Shops, 5-yr lease w/ 6 months rent‑free and two 5‑yr options, Capital Program: progress, Disaster Recovery: approx. 0m, Workforce: capacity/wellbeing, CEO departure.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Amelia Lorentson Clare Stewart Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer, Scott Waters Director Infrastructure Services, Larry Sengstock Acting Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Apologies (Did Not Attend)
AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Amelia Lorentson: Opened meeting, noted apology from Cr Jurisevic and attendance of Councillors and executives; sought confirmation of prior minutes and proceeded to reports (00:00–02:00; Minutes Sections 1–2). Committee: Approved lease for Shop 7, Sunrise Shops to Luke and Kayla Marshall T/A Butchers of Noosa for five years, six months rent-free, and authorised CEO to award up to two five‑year extensions, subject to compliance (03:08–06:13; Item 5.1). Robyn Mercer: Explained change from two 3‑year options to two 5‑year options due to lessee’s capital investment and financier advice; no other term changes (03:08–04:44; Item 5.1). Amelia Lorentson: Sought assurance extended options don’t raise Council risk; officer advised extensions remain at Council’s discretion and longer tenure benefits centre and community (05:04–05:45; Item 5.1). Frank Wilkie: Supported lease as providing tenant security and stable revenue to Council (05:49–06:13; Item 5.1). Officers (Infrastructure): Reported 69% YTD spend of $57.1m capital program as at 31 March, with $10.3m committed; 44 multi‑year projects underway; reseal program $4.5m of $5.7m expended (06:30–08:33; Item 6.1). Infrastructure (Larry Sengstock): Noted hot employment market with senior staff turnover; succession via graduates/project officers to PMs is working (09:32–11:32; Item 6.1). Infrastructure: Strategy is to keep “design‑ready” projects to leverage co‑funding; example Noosa Drive/Parade pathways (12:14–13:03; Item 6.1). Clare Stewart & Officers: Bus stop DDA upgrades near completion with a small number into next year; program has run 8–9 years across ~200+ stops (13:17–14:06; Item 6.1). Infrastructure: Access to upgraded bus stops assisted via Local Links and Walking & Cycling Strategy where TransLink/TMR grants don’t cover approaches (14:39–15:52; Item 6.1). Trent Grauf: Funding landscape stable; FAGS methodology changed and Roads to Recovery decreased; Olympics and 2024 QLD election may shift mechanisms (19:46–21:03; Item 6.1). Scott Waters: Disaster recovery funding ~up to $90m supplements core $57m delivery; Council success due to organised advocacy, master plans, and shovel‑ready designs (22:00–23:30; Item 6.1). Officers: Noosa District Sports Complex Stage 1 and Sundial Park BMX on track for June practical completion (36:38–37:27; Item 6.1). Meeting: Noted departure of CEO Scott Waters to Moreton Bay and expressed thanks (39:37–40:16; Minutes 8. Meeting Closure). Contentious / Transparency Matters Karen Finzel: Queried rent‑free concession precedent; officer confirmed prior comparable rent‑free arrangements (RGA) and earlier approval for this lease (04:17–04:44; Item 5.1). Amelia Lorentson: Probed whether long options increase Council risk; officer emphasised Council discretion on exercising options (05:04–05:45; Item 5.1). Amelia Lorentson: Questioned equity of capital works across precincts; officers cited spread across shire, detailed breakdown to be provided on notice (16:02–17:24; Item 6.1). Amelia Lorentson: Challenged grant dependency and readiness constraints; officers outlined pipeline planning to secure co‑funding and noted external factors (17:24–19:46; Item 6.1). Discussion: Acknowledged outsourcing bulk of disaster recovery due to scale; recognised market capacity constraints and largest‑ever Black Mountain tender (21:03–23:35; Item 6.1). Council: Stressed staff wellbeing amid heavy workload, with leadership outlining mental health training, values, and resilience initiatives (27:26–35:26; Item 6.1). Legal / Risk Lease governance: Lease terms and CEO authority to approve future options were resolved in open committee and carried unanimously, preserving Council discretion over extensions (03:08–06:13; Item 5.1). Commercial prudence: Longer lease options justified by tenant capital investment and stable essential retail use; mitigates vacancy risk and supports centre viability (03:08–05:45; Item 5.1). Program risk: Officers cited unprecedented construction escalation, contractor fragility, and supply issues; Council using governance (PCG/CWE), contingencies, scope control, and relationships to manage variations (24:11–25:42; Item 6.1). Financial capacity: Acting CFO indicated constrained unrestricted cash and case‑by‑case variation decisions via capital executive, reducing over‑commitment risk (25:42–27:26; Item 6.1). Workforce continuity: Senior staff turnover elevates delivery risk; succession through graduates and internal progression is current mitigation (09:32–11:32; Item 6.1). Conflicts of Interest Chair: Called for conflicts before Item 5; none declared (04:45–05:04; general business). Funding Outlook and 2032 Olympics Influence Trent Grauf: Flagged Olympics and 2024 QLD election as potential inflection points for grant mechanisms; core state pools remain reliable (19:46–21:03; Item 6.1). Scott Waters: Emphasised master plans/design readiness as critical to winning funds; current disaster and capital programs reflect strong pipeline discipline (22:00–23:30; Item 6.1). Workforce Capacity & Wellbeing Infrastructure: Employee market favours candidates; recruitment for PMs challenging; succession plan in place (09:32–10:53; Item 6.1). Scott Waters: Detailed mental health first aid, leadership programs, wellbeing sessions, and culture/values work to sustain delivery under pressure (28:50–35:26; Item 6.1). Councillors: Recognised high-performing graduates and multi‑generational workforce needs for retention and resilience (35:26–36:38; Item 6.1). Disaster Recovery & Major Tenders Scott Waters: Disaster recovery program ~up to $90m underway in addition to core capital; reflects severe flood impacts and intergovernmental support (22:00–23:17; Item 6.1). Councillors/Officers: Black Mountain works identified as Council’s largest ever tender; market tightness acknowledged (23:17–24:11; Item 6.1). Public Transport Accessibility Councillors: Queried whether DDA bus stop upgrades ensure wheelchair access via connecting paths; officers to bridge gaps via Local Links and Walking & Cycling Strategy (14:06–15:52; Item 6.1). Officers: Co‑funding scope with TransLink/TMR limited to near‑stop areas; complementary Council programs target broader accessibility (14:39–15:52; Item 6.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Tuesday, 9 May 2023 1:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Amelia Lorentson (Chair), Joe Jurisevic, Clare Stewart, Frank Wilkie “Noosa Shire – different by nature” SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 MAY 2023 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Amelia Lorentson Councillor Clare Stewart Councillor Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Karen Finzel Councillor Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer, Scott Waters Director Infrastructure Services, Larry Sengstock Acting Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf APOLOGIES Councillor Joe Jurisevic 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie The Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 11 April 2023 be received and confirmed. Carried Unanimously. 3. PRESENTATIONS Nil 4. DEPUTATIONS Nil 5. REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 5.1. PROPOSED REVISED LEASE TERM - SHOP 7 SUNRISE SHOPS Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 MAY 2023 That Council note the report by the Property Advisor – Commercial Property to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 9 May 2023 regarding the lease of Shop 7, Sunrise Shops and: A. Agree to enter into a commercial lease of the premises to Luke and Kayla Marshall TA Butchers of Noosa for a five (5) year term; B. Agree to an initial rent-free period of six (6) months; and C. Authorise the CEO to award up to two (2) subsequent lease extensions each of five (5) years, subject to the Lessee complying with the terms of the lease. Carried Unanimously. 6. REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE 6.1. CAPITAL PROGRAM DELIVERY STATUS Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Infrastructure Planning, Design & Delivery Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 9 May 2023 providing an update on the delivery of the 2022/2023 Capital Program as at 31 March 2023. Carried Unanimously. 7. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil 8. MEETING CLOSURE Mayor Clare Stewart and Councillors thanked the CEO - Scott Waters - for his hard work at Noosa Council and wished him all the best for his new role at Moreton Bay Council. The Meeting Closed at 2.10pm.
Meeting Transcript
Amelia Lorentson 00:00.000
Good afternoon and welcome to the Services & Organisation meeting Tuesday April 11, 2020-23. I declare the meeting open. I would like to begin this afternoon by an Acknowledgement to Country and I've taken of our Corporate Plan and I intend to use it. I actually love it. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects australians First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise gubbi we recognise the gabi or coming people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area and offer gratitude for their careful custodianship of this unique environment over thousands of years. We pay respect to govi or Kabi Kabi Elders who have come before we and deeply regret the traumas experienced by Kabi Kabi People through colonisation and beyond. Current and emerging leaders and their enduring commitment in pursuing a strong and healthy future for First Nations people. I note there is an apology today, Councillor Joe Jurisevic and I note that Councillor Frank Wilkie and the Mayor Clare Stewart is in attendance. I also note Councillor observers, Karen Finzel and Councillor Tom Wegener in the can I please request before commencing the meeting that everyone have their phones on silent or turned off. I would also like to remind Councillors of their obligations under the Council code of conduct to treat fellow Councillors and employees respectfully. I will now go to item two, confirmation of minutes. Can I have a mover? Thank you Clare Stewart and a seconder, thank you Councillor Wilkie. Now I'll sorry now there are no presentations. Excuse me, I'd like to put that to the vote. All in favour please, thank you. That's carried unanimously. And there are no deputations so let's move to item five. Because consideration of committee. Firstly, are there any conflict of interest? I note there are no So I'm going to request the staff member, Robyn Mercer, is on video conference. Hello, Robyn. Welcome to the Services & Organisation meeting. I'd like to invite her to give us a summary and overview of the report before us. And I'll start by stating Robin, that this matter was brought to Council. At the Ordinary Meeting on the 15th of March. And my question is, why is this before us again and why has it changed? I'll pass it over to you. Robyn Mercer 03:08.336
Thank you and good afternoon all. Yes, the report in front of you today is in relation seven the to the leasing of shop 7 at first Sunrise Shops in March of this year, a report was put recommending that Council enters into a lease with Butchers of Noosa for a period of five years with two option periods of three years each. Subsequent to approval of that, we've been working through the actual lease preparation and the lessees have undergone further due diligence and they are now seeking to enter into a lease term of the same base period years but two extension periods of five years each rather than three. This is driven by their capital investment and advice that they have received from their financiers and financial team. So the report in front of you today is seeking a recommendation to the change in lease period only, no other terms and conditions. Amelia Lorentson 04:11.115
Thank you. Robyn. Councillors, have you any questions for Robyn? Unidentified Speaker 04:17.029
Robin, I've got a question. Thanks Through the Chair. Under the recommendations to agree to initial rent free period of six months, I believe we did that for, that was correct with IGA too, wasn't it? That was, we've done it before. Robyn Mercer 04:29.389
We with IGA, that's correct. Also, that rent free period was also approved within the report for this same lease arrangement. Great. Unidentified Speaker 04:42.602
Thank you. Unidentified Speaker 04:44.876
Happy to move it. I'll second it. Amelia Lorentson 04:47.176
I have a question for you, Robin. So the approved lease was initially 11 years. That's moved to a 15 year lease period. Does the. Introduce any new risk to Council? Robyn Mercer 05:04.666
I don't believe so because commercially the Council to enter into an extension, that's at our discretion. So we still have opportunities within that whole lease period as in options to determine what's best for Council and for that precinct. I think it's actually a benefit. A butcher is a persistent and ongoing retail type. Guess that is accessed by the community so securing them for a longer period is probably commercial and economic benefit to the shopping centre and to the community there. Frank Wilkie 05:49.481
Like to speak. Excuse me. That's all right. Look, I think the motion offers the tenant security of tenure and also the Council on the ratepayers versus Shire security of financial revenue stream from that tenancy, and I think it's a very good move. That's why I support it. Amelia Lorentson 06:13.258
Thank you. Councillor Wilkie. All those in favour, put it to the vote. Unanimous. Thank you. Very much. Thank you, Robin, for bringing that question to us. Thank you. That's great. Thank you, Robin. Thank you. We are now up to item 6, reports for November 2020. And what we have in front of us is the capital program's delivery status. And report, and it's to inform Council of the overall status of the capital works program at the end of March 2023. Welcome to the table, Craig and Melissa. Thank you. I just had a brain block. Thank you. Welcome. Melissa. Can I ask, can you start by giving us a summary or an overview? Thank you. Craig 07:15.625
As mentioned earlier, it's the regular capital status report as of the 31st of March. So we're reporting on spend, year to date spend on the $57.1 million program. And out of that, we $50.7 million in direct control of infrastructure services. And then we have another $6.4 million sitting with others. And that includes ICT, community projects and fleet. And as at the 31st of March, Council has expended 69 of, 200. Million for the 22-23 financial year budget, with another $10.3 million sitting in commitments. The road reseal program has expended $4.5 million out of $5.7 Design services continue to work on projects for next year and the following planning team is continuing the next sort of three to five years as well. There's currently 44 multi-year projects in various stages of completion compilation. You. Amelia Lorentson 08:27.172
I'll hand it over to the Councillors present any questions for staff? Frank Wilkie 08:33.612
Sure Craig and Melissa firstly congratulations to your team for carrying an enormous workload and delivering under very difficult circumstances. I was looking at this summary of works that has been have delivered also the commitments made and those that you also plan to undertake I think we're simply setting a record level of work each year. Increasingly difficult circumstances you've outlined the risks in the risk and opportunity section of your report including a 30% staff turnover rate the infrastructure can just give us some idea of context in terms of that rate compared to previous years is it less than previous years or is it holding steady now that COVID is over and what factors are inducing staff to perhaps take up work in other locations? Craig 09:32.307
Yeah I think there's a heated employment market at the moment and there's opportunities for senior staff that's what we're seeing is we've seen three senior staff turnover in three months our strategy at the moment is we're bringing through graduates and then we're bringing them up through project managers those project managers up into the senior roles so we've got a succession plan formula that's working quite well for us at the moment we're noticing that we're getting the graduates and the project officers so that market the senior level at the moment I think that's due to opportunities obviously there's opportunities out there we've been out to the market recently for two project managers as replacements and during the recruitment process we saw I suppose opportunities in the market as well and weren't successful in getting those project managers so I suppose it's a employees market at the moment that's what we're experiencing and I think that's the turnover we're seeing at that senior level as Frank Wilkie 10:45.661
Well and would it be fair to say that level of turnover is pretty consistent amongst all the governments at the I can't really comment on that. Moment? Craig 10:53.111
I can't really comment on the whole as local government but it's what we've seen in this section or the engineering section or infrastructure services probably the last two to three years yes yeah we've seen a regular turnover and I don't think it's anything to do with the culture or the organisation I think it's market and opportunities Frank Wilkie 11:11.173
And it's more of a comment that the graduates that have been employed seem to be really rising to the challenge doing excellent work and are a big part of energising the culture down there from what I've observed Craig 11:24.238
Most definitely and this has had a history of having graduates and it's working quite well for us at the moment it's a very good strategy Frank Wilkie 11:32.618
I'll finish with a compliment these internal difficulties of councils to manage you're managing very well as far as the community is concerned you're delivering a record number of capital works out in the community for the benefit of the community Unidentified Speaker 11:46.283
And so thank you to team thank you great Unidentified Speaker 11:48.903
Thank you um 56 projects scheduled for the 2022 23 financial year uh and that's for undertaking design works and providing design support uh that's a lot um when are we when will the completion is that are they ongoing projects obviously will they be done in five do we have a date for all of those or how many can we expect to I guess see completed in the short-term Craig 12:14.682
Yeah so it's a very good question and so a good example of that is say the Noosa drawer pathway which is a long-term project is currently unfunded we're in that sort of we've been out for concepts community engagement design and then the opportunity would be to have a ready design sitting there for future funding opportunities so it's not to say that Council would fund that project but then we'd seek funding opportunities so a lot of that design work is getting design ready projects to seek future funding and some of it is projects that will be funded but obviously where there's opportunities to get grant funding it's much easier on the ratepayers in the community. That's the thinking at the moment is having good planning good design and having projects ready for opportunities in the future. Clare Stewart 13:05.779
Question on the disability upgrades for the commonwealth disability standards for public transport, page 8. We've done 8, the shelters have been completed that with and then there's two to go in Peregian and Barron, is that complete? Is that have we got more to go after that? I mean, that's makes it 10 in total. Are we looking to do more? Or are they the ones that we had like Craig 13:34.081
Yes so this has been a long term project that Noosa has been very successful as we've been working for say, I think it must be the last eight to nine years, going through all our bus stops and don't be hold to but I think there's about 206 we've worked our way through. And this year, we made a decision to split the program over two years to make it easier on the budget. So I think there's a small amount remaining next year. So there's a very, probably a handful to be completed. And then that's it. Yeah. Perfect. All great. Amelia Lorentson 14:07.205
Right. Yeah. I have some questions. Sure. I'll follow up on the Mayor in terms of the upgrades with the priority bus stops. When the bus stops are upgraded, is consideration given to the footpaths that access the bus stops? So it's great that we're having compliant wheelchair accessible bus stops, but most I expect can. In wheelchairs actually get to the bus stops? Craig 14:39.231
Sure, so as I mentioned earlier this is a long-term project that we've been working our way through over the last sort of eight to nine years and the opportunity or the this been so successful is the co-funding with TransLink and TMR so all these bus stops over the years we've managed to get co-funding for those bus stops but a part of that co-funding is a limited area and I think it's metres either side of the bus stop that's even reduced throughout the program how much is co-funded so we're limited in what we can do with this program however outside of that have a Local Links budget we also have the Walking and Cycling Strategy and we're funding pathway projects through the walking the local link strategy so I hope I've answered your question in that we're limited in scope in what we can do with the bus stop program by the grant applications. Amelia Lorentson 15:39.185
So to summarise Craig, you've identified that there are some problems in accessing the bus stops but that's going to be addressed. There's complimentary supporting program through the Local Links and the Walking and Cycling Strategy. So the same area is looking at all three programs so there should be a holistic of precinct equity, in terms of pathway links, gravel, reshooting and other works, can we have an idea whether it's evenly across the Shire? And the report is quite clear. Can I just get a summary from yourself? Craig 16:33.526
I'll have to take that on notice to get any detail, but we've got the reseal program listed there. And just a summary, we've got Black Mountain, Cooroy, Noosa Heads, ville, Pomona, Sunshine Beach, Tewantin. So there's a good mix there of Shire-wide projects and also with the pathway program, we've got a good mix again of Cooroy, Pomona, Tewantin and Noosa Heads. So, and again, with the bus stop program, we've got Noosaville, want and preach. Tewantin, Peregian and Pinbarren. So just as a summary of those three programs, the reseal program, the footpath program and the DDA bus stop program, there's a mix there throughout Shire, but I don't actually have the actual breakdown of numbers. Amelia Lorentson 17:24.099
And my last point is in terms of state funding and local governments through there seems to be like a pressure that when a Council, A, we need a master plan, B, we've got to meet the criteria, we need to have the resourcing, a project. And I'm imagining councils like Noosa and other councils are missing out on they don't have the resources or master plan. Is the State, through LGAQ, is there a review of how states are actually going to be funding local government projects? To me, it's if you can get the money when you've got the resources, but not so great if you're not ready for the grant funding. So, I don't know, question to yourself or Trent or Larry, is the State considering different ways of offering grants? Funding local government infrastructure, which to me is critical. Craig 18:38.537
I can probably answer one component. With the cycling, we've been very successful in getting planning money and a good project example is Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive. So we'll try and work with TMR to get the initial funding for planning and then we'd for the design and then that would put us in a good position to get funding for delivery. So that's how we've been generally working is going for those co-funding in the planning stage and if that's successful you're setting yourself up for co-funding in design and delivery. We're seeing a new program coming out at the moment around walking. We've been successful this year in funding for two projects for that walking strategy so the idea then we would go design funding for the sorry we'd go for walking and then future delivery funding so there are two programs that I can talk about that TMR having but I can't really talk about on larger scale Trent Grauf 19:47.991
Chair not aware of any progress at this point for any fundamental shift in the way that we are funded for capital works obviously the in terms of operating funding through the bag grant they've gone through a methodology review over the last 18 months which has changed our allocations as it has other councils in Queensland and an element of that is our roads to recovery funding that has moved and that has decreased for us I think the fundamental shift you'll find moving forward will be as we move closer towards Olympics may change the funding mechanisms that we might see coming forward and the other consideration is the 2024 state election obviously post-election may change those funding goals but at this point in time the key state goals pools such as local government grants and subsidy scheme etc have been very consistent funding trenches for us to access and as Craig alluded to have been very successful um you can probably argue maybe too successful sometimes because we end up with lots of works in our program as you can see by their report at this point in time um we haven't seen any major changes thank you Amelia Lorentson 21:01.784
Okay um I'll throw it to the gallery any questions Frank Wilkie 21:05.184
Just um on that point um Craig in your report mentioned that the Council has um 17.6 million of grant funded pro revenue which feeds into the Acting Director of corporate finances comments that we've been very successful in attracting grant funding and perhaps too successful we've had to outsource the vast bulk of that disaster recovery funding and more rivers of gold on the way in the lead-up to the Olympics is that a fair comment Craig 21:51.601
I'll probably defer to the Director on that Larry Sengstock 21:57.821
It doesn't sound like we're missing out. No I think the disaster funding is because of what we needed to recover and that's just been really welcomed by us in terms of the State and Federal government funding those which is right it's about you know anywhere up to about 90 million dollars now in terms of that program on top million dollars that we deliver as part of our day-to We have been very successful with our grant funding because we're organised, know what we want and we're able to advocate for it identify where those opportunities are. Meet the criteria. That's why we've been successful and we just continue to do that. With Craig and his leadership over the last number of years is getting our planning and design in front of the game so when those opportunities come, we've got things to say here's what we want, here's what funding for this because we've already got it in play. So you know when you see the budgets come through you're obviously aware of it but when the community sees the budgets there's money in there for planning and design because that's why we need it and master planning say why do you do so many master plans? Well master plans are integral to getting the funding. So you know we're ahead of the game on that. We're pushing very hard to stay. So authorities don't give Noosa Council over a hundred billion dollars in grant funding unless they have the four designers in place. Absolutely. The culprits that we can deliver. Great. Unidentified Speaker 23:28.607
So I've got a call. And I was going to say, just in the back of my mind, the tender's gone out and I just read somewhere that it's the largest ever tender we've ever put out. Unidentified Speaker 23:35.548
So, yeah, I'm on board. Amelia Lorentson 23:40.032
We report states that we're in a hot construction market and that labour and materials are still pretty challenging. In terms of variations in costs and delays, are we set up to absorb any of those variations. What are our cash reserves? And what are some of the things that we can do to debt? And does the, I think, capital works program and, you know, attracting all this extra funding, does it introduce risk? Craig 24:11.154
Cancer. I comment on one component but I'll defer to the Acting Director of finance on the cash reserve component. So this year we've seen, or previous year, we saw a flood in November, February, we've seen pricing going through the roof this year. But we've managed to partner and work together with our contractors to manage projects and we've got a governance process in place through PCG and CWE, so we've managed to work within our contracts this deliver those projects within the government's framework and we've had good relationships with those contractors and we will continue to have those good relationships because a key component is if we can't get contractors to work for us we can't deliver our works there is a I suppose a process we're working with our contractors and having continued good relationships work for us as well the contractor, so that's a key component and going forward with the future budget or the 23-24 budget we've got a more robust process around our project initiations and we've around our contingency so I suppose in reflection we've learnt from this year and we're applying those learnings in next year's program cash reserves a cash reserves track Trent Grauf 25:41.861
Through the channel I guess just before I mention cash reserves it's worth recapping craig's comment there that what we have seen in the last 12 to 18 months in terms of cost escalation is unprecedented it's not just been for Noosa Council or local government generally is across the entire construction sector you don't need to look too far in the newspapers to see articles about issues with building a house and building companies aiding to put opt-out clauses into their contracts now facing significant financial stress so it is a very difficult construction market. In terms of our cash reserves we have approximately out of our and I won't be able to confirm the exact amount until the General Committee but in excess of a million dollars a lot of that cash is already committed. Some of it is disaster money that we've received from QRA in advance, it's levy been required to hold in reserves and what we have in terms of what we would call unrestricted cash or free cash is approximately five million dollars the last balance of our cash that is available to absorb unexpected events or cost escalation. On capital projects. The key element is the governance framework that Craig talks about which is where the decision is made through our capital executive about whether we can afford to absorb a variation have to reduce scope. Another project in order to fit that in. So that's dealt with on a case-by basis. Amelia Lorentson 27:24.349
Thank you. Question, Councillor? No question. Just what I do have a question, Karen Finzel 27:30.549
Thank you. Firstly, I'd like to commend the staff for the huge body of work and successful contracts. What I'd like to talk about today, we talked about resilience, cash reserves and what we're delivering. And Through the Chair, perhaps this is to the CEO, I'm just interested in how we, as an organisation, when we look at our risks and our capabilities, I'm concerned about. How we are managing the mental health issues of our staff and how are we measuring and monitoring things like burnout, mental health awareness, navigating change, stress and resilience and maintaining emotions. How are we equipping our employees with the mental skills to maintain wellbeing and to be adaptable, resilient and compassionate in the face of life's challenges. Now this is great that we've attracted all this money, we're delivering to community. You know it should be people first our organisation, we're in a biosphere, we're all about managing the biosphere and how do we live in harmony and part of that, I have real concerns about the capacity of this organisation to look after our staff. Scott Waters 28:50.750
Thank you. Through the Chair, Councillor Finzel, look if there's one thing I've tried to achieve in the last 15 months here at Noosa is to put people first. That is something for me as a leader that I find extremely important. You'll see our values were very much externally focused but they weren't internally focused on us and each other how we work together as a team to deliver services to our community and how we break down silos within the Council business to ensure that where one part of the business is feeling pressure that they're not on their own that we have the ability to be able to be agile and move in between different pressure points that occur within the business from time to pressure point for us right now is to get the budget done that's a pressure point for corporate services but infrastructure they've had pressure points now for the last three years and it's not ending and particularly with what we're going to see now coming into the flood damage program delivery largest tender this council's ever delivered one of the largest single construction projects from a flood damage perspective being delivered in Queensland there are others but what will be delivered at Black Mountain is going to be extremely significant and substantial we've now started to be able to work through a process through our mental health first aid training that we have in place within our organisation we have off-site training sessions for our course coordinator team up as part of our lead program and that program is very much focused around having our future and current leaders not only have the skills to be able to deliver the day-to but also look after themselves and each other. We've just completed session three most recently of our health and well-being sessions and that's an external facilitator the Sunshine Coast to be able to just provide resilience strategies for it not just our staff but that is also then helpful for our family and our community so we're working towards having a very robust and resilient workforce but there are pressures out there and as was noted from Councillor Wilkie's question in relation to turnover you know we've seen so many phases post pandemic we've had the great resignation you know quiet quitting now I think I saw one today which is the loud exiting of the workplace so you know there's a phase for everything right now but it will stabilise that's one thing that we'll know particularly working in a government environment what will work in the government environment in favour is that there is a lot of security or the government sector it may not be the highest paid compared to the private sector but that security as we are coming into what is going to be a more difficult economic environment I see our attraction and retention. Also on the back of the work that we've done from our values employee reward and recognition and you know it doesn't have to be a huge reward for somebody for doing a job but it is just giving recognition and being able to have a safe place and meetings but then also pull each other up when we're not delivering in the best way that we can that's the culture that we try to instil over the last 15 months all the building blocks in the place to be able to get that delivered what we need to achieve though as a Council now is to ensure that the talk that from the very top end of our Council all the way through to our newest graduate or trainee or somebody that's come in and volunteering that they feel those values and they feel the culture throughout the organisation it doesn't happen overnight though culture takes time but we've got everything in place we just need to continue to work towards that by the time and ensure that with everything that we do our culture equals the very best services to our community communications to our and we always have that in front of mind that if we're working to deliver something bigger and better for those yeah are going to positively affect our community we can't go wrong and keep that in the front of our I'm very optimistic about the future and what has been put in place. Like every day-to you're going to have lumpy days and you know something that didn't go right. It's how we build resilience within ourselves to go yep learned from I'm now going to and deliver it this way and I won't do that way again we're working towards a better workplace and it will be more and important as we go through a different generations for attraction and retention. We see the talent within our workforce we need to ensure that they have transitioned to retirement in a respectful way we then have gen xs the gen ys millennials that are coming through our workforce and each one of these generations and see things through a different lens they communicate differently and they are looking at the workplace in a way that's never been looked at before so as leaders we need to be adaptable to those generations but then have inclusiveness and ensure anybody that puts their hand up no matter where they're from that they can actually if they want to work with Noosa Council and they go through a process that we have the ability to accommodate them whether it be through disability or that they weren't born in Australia and they have language other than english they have the qualifications they can part of what we do here that will become more and important for not just councils but Australia overall when we're looking to attract talent and that talent that needs to have a specific skill set we may be in five years in a Australia can't provide that not just this region but Australia and we will need to look further to be able to get the skills that we need job done so we're firmly focused not just about today we're working towards a plan for the future but adaptable workplaces be the workplaces that deliver the best outcomes for us our customers or our community but any customer driven organisation you need to adapt and get the right people in the right roles Amelia Lorentson 35:25.317
Can I add to that Scott I think this new generation our graduates they probably understand pressure better than most of us and I would say knowing some of them that they thrive under pressure there's an expression that you know diamonds formed out of pressure I think your generation exemplifies that your overachievers excel inside and outside academia I know some of your accomplishments down in infrastructure we've know some elite athletes and that understand pressure better than most of us so I'm actually excited that you guys are going to bring some fresh eyes ideas and you're fun part of you know this change when we talk about workplace culture and why people want to join organisations like Council so I acknowledge and excited and appreciate this new stream of youth coming through lovely energy respect all those that are older with their wisdom and experience but um yeah thank you. Unidentified Speaker 36:38.043
Can I ask one final question? Just the how we're tracking for the Noosa District Sports Complex Stage 1, I know we're going to have completion June this year, how will it be? Yeah I know the slabs been poured and the under slab drainage has been done so really it's that above ground component now. Mel did you have any update on that? Yes so the latest update that we've received for the most recent progress claim is that everything is on track so practical completions due on the 23rd of June Amelia Lorentson 37:12.054
Another exciting project I've got to add in getting a lot of the community is the sundial. And it's also on track for completion in June I think. Yeah, that's the plan at this stage, yes. Fantastic. Thank you. So, anything no further I'll move it, I'm happy to move it. Can I move it a second bit? Thank you Councillor Wilkie. All those in favour? I'll talk to it. Unidentified Speaker 37:44.153
State staff, yeah, huge, body of work. We see this but, you know, this comes to us in a few pages but there is so much work, so all this so please pass on our thanks and appreciation to the staff because it's greatly made and appreciated and we see how much this organisation is certainly bats above its average regularly with all the work we're doing. So thank you. Craig 38:04.426
Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 38:07.160
Can you guys in the background please carry in decision. We're now up to. Thank you, Melissa. Thank you. Guys. Item seven. There are no confidential items. So now declare the meeting closed. Time is 2:09. And the next meeting will be the General Committee dated the 17th of April 2024. I will also note in the Minutes that today is the last meeting that we will be blessed with our CEO, current Scott Waters, and I'd like to pass it over to Clare. Clare Stewart 38:52.784
Scott. We just wanted to acknowledge you and thank you for all your health support and contribution to Noosa and the community over the past 15 months. To say you're going to be missed is an understatement, but we know that your legacy will live on, spark values, the organisation restructure, all the work that you've done in 15 months is so beneficial to this organisation, so we're so grateful. Thank you for the support you've given us as Councillors. I know we've had a terrific relationship and I'm really valued as the other Councillors have your open door policy and ongoing support. We wish you and tori all the very best for the future and no doubt we look forward to staying in contact, but we've always got friend down in Moreton Bay. So thank you and we'll miss you. Scott Waters 39:37.828
Thank you. Chair, Councillors, thank you. Yeah, I lost for words, right? It doesn't happen often with me, but look, I wasn't expecting that. So thank you very much and thanks everybody for the opportunity to serve you, our Council staff and just to serve the community of Noosa. Shorter than I would have expected. It's a great opportunity for me and my family and our future and Mayor you're absolutely right, Noosa has a friend in Moreton Bay and I'll make sure that occurs for all of us. So thank you all. Thank you Scott. Thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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