Services & Organisation Committee Meeting - 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. $90m, 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 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 and 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 Australian's First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Gov or Kabi Kabi people as the traditional owners of the land 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 Kabi Kabi or Kabi Kabi elders who have come before us and acknowledge and deeply regret traumas experienced by Kabi Kabi people through colonisation and beyond. We pay respect to current and emerging leaders and their enduring commitment in pursuing a strong and healthy future for First Nations people. 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, Councillor Karen Finzel and... Councillor Tom Wegener in yellow. 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 councillor code of conduct to treat fellow councillors code of conduct to treat fellow councillors and council 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 go to item two. 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. There are no presentations. So let's move to item five. Reports for consideration of the committee. Firstly, are there any conflict of interest? I are no conflicts of interest. So I'm going to request the staff member, Robyn Mercer, who is on video conference. Hello Robyn, welcome to the services and organisation meeting. organisational 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 the ordinary meeting on the 15th of March, and my question is, why is this before us again, and what's changed? I'd like to invite her to... I'll pass it over to you. Robyn Mercer 03:08.400
Thank you, and good afternoon, all. Yes the report in front of you today is in relation to the leasing of shop 7 at Spurs Sunrise Shops. Yes, the report in front of you afternoon all. In March of this year a report was put in front of you 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 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 same base period of five 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 04:11.006
Thank you. you. Thank you, Robyn. Councillors, have you any questions for Robyn? Karen Finzel 04:17.068
Robyn, I've got a question. Thanks to you, Chair. Under the recommendations to agree to initial rent-free period of six months, I believe we did that for, that was correct with RGA too, wasn't it? That was, we've done it before. Robyn Mercer 04:29.388
We had done that With RGA, that's correct. Also, that rent-free period was also approved within the March report for this same lease arrangement. Great. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 04:44.889
Happy to move it. Amelia Lorentson 04:45.909
I'll second it. second it. 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 revised lease introduce any new risk to Council? Robyn Mercer 05:04.595
I don't believe so because commercially for Council to enter into an extension, that's at our discretion. So we still have opportunities within that whole lease period as in the base plus the options to determine what's best for Council and 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, I guess, that is accessed by the community. Securing them for a longer period is probably a commercial and economic benefit to the shopping centre and to the community there. Amelia Lorentson 05:45.623
Thank you, Robin. I'll put that to a vote. Frank Wilkie 05:49.500
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. Amelia Lorentson 06:13.180
Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. All those in favour, put it to the vote. Unanimous. Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Robin. Thank you. That's all right. Karen Finzel 06:29.522
Thank you, Robin. Amelia Lorentson 06:30.602
Thank you. We are now up to item 6, reports were made by the committee and what we have in front of us is the capital programs delivery status. It's a note in the 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. And Melissa, thank you. I just had a brain block. No worries. Thank you. Welcome, Melissa. Can I ask, can you start by giving us a I ask, can you start by giving us a summary or an overview of the report, noting the report in front of us? Thank you. As mentioned earlier, it's the regular capital status report as at 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 have $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 as at the 31st of March, Council has expended 69% of the '22/23 financial year budget, with another $10.3 million sitting in commitments. The road reseal program has expanded $4.5 million out of $5.7 million for the '22/23 financial year. Design services continue to work on projects for next year and the following year, and the planning team is continuing to work on projects for the next sort of three to five years as well. There's currently 44 multi-year projects in various stages of completion. There's currently 44... Thank you. Frank Wilkie 08:33.883
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 have been delivered, also the commitments made and those that I think we're simply setting a record level of work each year under increasingly difficult circumstances. You've outlined the risks in the risk and opportunity section of your report, including a 30 per cent staff turnover rate in the infrastructure. Can you 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's over? And what factors are inducing staff to perhaps take up work in other locations? Larry Sengstock 09:32.420
Yeah, I think there's a heated employment 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 turn over in three months. Our strategy at the moment is we're bringing through graduates, we're bringing through project graduates, we're bringing through project officers and then we're bringing them up through project managers and then we're bringing those project managers up into the senior roles. So we've got a succession plan, we've got a formula that's working quite well for us at the moment. We're noticing that we're getting the graduates and the project We're seeing the graduates and the project officers, so that's working quite well, but we're seeing that turnover at the senior level at the moment. I think that's due to opportunities in the market. 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 we weren't successful in getting those project managers. So I suppose it's an employee's 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 10:45.265
Well. And would it be fair to say that that level of turnover is pretty consistent amongst local governments at the moment? Larry Sengstock 10:53.105
I can't really comment on the whole as local government but it's what we've seen section or the engineering section or infrastructure service 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 to do with the market and opportunities. 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 energizing the culture down there from what I've observed most definitely and this has had a history of having graduates and and it's working quite well for us at the moment it's a very good strategy at the moment. Frank Wilkie 11:32.621
I'll finish with it. I 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 and so thank you to you and your team. Thank you. Karen Finzel 11:50.879
Craig, thank you. 56 projects scheduled for the 2022-23 financial year, and that's for undertaking design works and providing design support. That's a lot. When are we, when will the completion, is that, are they ongoing projects? Obviously, will they be done in five? Do we have a completion date for all of those? Or how many can we expect to, I guess, see completed in the short term? Larry Sengstock 12:14.952
Yeah, so it's a very good question. And so a good example of that is, say, the Noosa Drive. 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 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, and some of it is projects that will be funded, but obviously where there's opportunity. 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. Karen Finzel 13:03.148
Just a question on the disability upgrades for the Commonwealth Disability Standards for Public Transport, page eight. We've done eight. Clare Stewart 13:17.568
Shelters have The Press: Just a question then there's two to go in Purdue and Barron. Have we got more to go after that? That makes it 10 in total. Are we looking to do more, or are they the ones that we This has been a long-term project that Noosa has been very successful with. Larry Sengstock 13:39.528
We've been working for, say, I think it must be the last eight to nine years, going through all our bus stops. Don't hold me to it, but I think there's about 206 we've worked our way through. 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 remaining next year to be completed and then that's it and then that's it That's right. Amelia Lorentson 14:06.555
I have some questions. 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 can those in wheelchairs actually get to the bus stops? Larry Sengstock 14:39.261
Sure. So as I mentioned earlier 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 reason that this program has 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 is a limited area and I think it's 10 metres either side of the bus stop and I think 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 cycling strategy and the local links strategy so I hope I've 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 15:39.859
So to summarise Craig, you've identified that there are some problems in accessing the bus stops but that's going to be addressed. Larry Sengstock 15:52.185
There's a complementary 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 approach there. Amelia Lorentson 16:02.451
In terms 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? Larry Sengstock 16:32.370
I'll have to take that on notice to get any detail but we've got the resale program listed there and just a summary we've got Black Mountain, Cooroy, Noosa Heads, Noosaville, Pomona, Sunshine Beach, Tewantin so there's a good mix there of Shire wide. wide projects and then also with the pathway program we've got a good mix again of Cooroy, Cooroy, Pomona, Tewantin and Noosa heads so and again with the bus stop program we've got Noosaville, Tewantin, Peritchin and Pimpin So just as a summary of those three programs, the reseal program, the full path program and the DDA bus stop program, there's a mix there throughout the Shire, but I don't actually have the actual breakdown of numbers. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 17:24.126
And my last point is in terms of state funding and local governance through grants. There seems to be like a pressure that when a grant comes to council, A, we need a master plan, B, we've got to meet the criteria, we need to have the resourcing and we need to have a project. And I'm imagining councils like Noosa and other councils are missing out on critical funding because they don't have the resources or they don't have the master plan. through LGAQ is there a review of how states are actually going to be funding local government projects? To me it's great if you can get the money when you've got the resources but not so great if you're not really... 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 funding local government infrastructure which to me is critical? Larry Sengstock 18:37.834
I can probably answer one component. With the cycle we've been very successful in getting planning money and a good project example is Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive. So generally we'll try and work with TMR to get the initial funding for planning and then we'd work with TMR to get the initial funding 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 then 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 for design funding for the sorry we'd go for design funding for the walking and then we'd go for future delivery funding so there are two programs that I funding, so there are two programs that I can talk about that TMR having, but I can't really talk about on a larger scale. Trent Grauf 19:46.792
Through the chair, not aware of any progress at this point or any fundamental shift in the way are funded for capital works. Obviously, in terms of operating funding through the FAY grant, they've gone through a methodology review over the last 18 months, which has changed our allocation as it has other councils in Queensland. And an element of that is our roads to recovery funding. So 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 the Olympics. The 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 pools. But at this point in time the key state grant pools such as the 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. You can probably argue maybe too successful sometimes because we end up with lots of works in our program as you can see by the report at this point in time. We haven't seen any major changes. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 21:03.007
I'll throw it to the gallery, any questions? Just on that point Craig, in your report you mentioned that the council has 17.6 million of programs grant funded revenue underway, projects underway. That doesn't mention the, is it about a hundred million dollars in pro and grant funded projects we've got from the Queensland Reconstruction Authority for disaster recovery. 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? Larry Sengstock 21:51.866
I'll probably defer to the Director on that. Frank Wilkie 21:55.606
Are we missing out? It doesn't sound like we're missing out. Scott Waters 22:00.366
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 now in terms of that program on top of that $57 million that we deliver as part million that we deliver as part of our day-to-day. We have been very successful with our grant funding because we're organised, we know what we want and we're able to advocate for it and we're able to identify where those opportunities are and where we meet the criteria, so that's why we've been successful and we just continue to do that. With Craig and his leadership over the last over the last number of years is giving 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. We want funding for this because we've already got it in place. So when you see the see the budgets come through, and 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, because some people will say, why do you do so many master plans? Well, master plans are integral to getting involved with it. So, you know, we're ahead We're going on that. We're pushing very hard to stay. Frank Wilkie 23:17.826
Authorities don't give Noosa Council over $100 billion in grant funding unless they have the four designers in place. Absolutely, and the confidence that we can deliver. Yeah, that is the other piece. Karen Finzel 23:30.070
To say, just in the back of Black Mountain, the tender's gone out and I just read somewhere that it's the largest ever tender we've ever put out. Amelia Lorentson 23:35.910
Yeah, unbelievable. The report states that we're in a hot construction market and that labour and materials are still pretty challenging. terms of variations in costs and delays, are we set up to absorb any of those variations? What are our cash reserves and does the capital works program and, you know, attracting all this extra funding, does it introduce risk to council? Larry Sengstock 24:11.823
I can comment on one component but I'll defer to the Acting Director of Finance on the cash reserve component. So this year reserve component so this year we've seen or previous year we saw a flood in November we saw a flood in February we've seen pricing going through the roof this year but we've managed to partner and work together with their 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 year and deliver those projects within the governance framework and we've 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 process where working with our contractors and having continued good relationships work for us as well as the contractor. work for us as well as 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 initiation. we've got a more robust process 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. Trent Grauf 25:42.019
Through the Chair, I guess just before I mention cash reserves, it's probably just worth recapping Craig's comment there that what we have seen in the last 12 to 18 months in terms of of cost escalation is unprecedented, it's not just been for Noosa Council or local government generally, it's across the entire construction sector, you don't need to look too far into the newspapers, the articles about issues with building a house and building companies... I need to put up clauses into their contracts and building companies 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 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 QRI in advance. It's levy money that we've been... that we're required to hold in reserves. And what we have in terms of what we would call unrestricted cash or free cash is approximately $5 billion. That is our... it is the last balance of our cash that is available to absorb unexpected events or cost escalation on capital growth. 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 or we have to reduce scope or divert another project. we have to reduce scope or divert another project in order to fit that in. So that's dealt with on a case-by-case basis. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 27:26.139
Question, councillor? No question. Just what I do with the question, thank you. Firstly, I'd like to commend the staff for the huge body of work. 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... 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 well-being and to be adaptable, resilient and compassionate in the face of life's challenges. Now this is great that we were all this money we're delivering to community. You know, it should be people first in our organisation. We're in a biosphere, we're all about man in a 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 28:50.755
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, 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 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 time. 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 has 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 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-day but also to be able to look after themselves. each other. We've just completed session three most recently of our health and well-being sessions and that's an external facilitator facilitator from here on the Sunshine Coast to be able to just provide resilient strategies for 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, we've had the quiet quitting. Now, I think I saw one today, which is the loud, loud exiting of the workplace. So, you know, there's a phase for 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 a government environment in favour is that there is a lot of security working in a government a lot of security working in a government environment or 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 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 in meetings. Recognise, 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've tried to instill over the last 15 months. All the building blocks in place to be able to get that delivered. What we need to achieve, though, as a council now is to ensure that that we walk 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 over time and ensure that with everything that we do, our culture equals the very best services to our community, the very best communications to our we always have that in our front line, that if we're working to deliver something bigger and better for those that are going to positively affect within our community, we can't go wrong and keep that in the front of our mind. I'm very optimistic about the future and what has been put in place. Like every day-to-day, 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, okay, I've learned from that, I'm now going to go and deliver it this way and I won't do it that way again. that way again. We're working towards a better workplace and it will be more and more important as we go through different generations for attraction and retention. We're working towards... We see the talent of our baby boomer generation within our workforce. We need to ensure that they have transitioned to retirement in a respectful way. We then have the Gen Xs, the Gen then have the millennials that that are coming through our workforce and each one of these generations before us look 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 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 that 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 Whether it be through disability or whether it be through that they weren't born in Australia and they have language other than English. They have the qualifications, they can be part of what we do here. That will become more and more important for not just councils but Australia overall when we're looking to to attract talent and that talent that needs to have a specific skill set. We may be in five years in a situation where 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 to get the job done. So we're firmly focused not just we're firmly focused it's not just about today we're working towards a plan for the future but adaptable workplaces will 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 35:26.196
Can I add to that, Scott, that I think this new generation, our graduates, they probably understand pressure better than most of us. Can I add to that? And I would say, knowing some of them, that they thrive under pressure. There's an expression that, you know, diamonds are formed out of pressure. I think generation exemplifies that. You're overachievers, you excel inside and outside academia. I know know some of your accomplishments down in infrastructure, you've know some elite athletes that understand pressure better than most of us, so I'm actually excited that you guys are going to bring some fresh ideas and fun. You're part of And, fun, you're part of, you know, this change when we talk about workplace culture and why people want to join organisations like Council. So I acknowledge, am excited and appreciate this new stream of youth coming through. Lovely energy. And respect all those that are older with their wisdom and experience. But, yeah, thank you. Karen Finzel 36:38.082
Can I ask one final question? Just the, how are we tracking for the Noosa District Sports Complex stage one? I know we're going to have completion June this year. How will it be? Yeah. Larry Sengstock 36:49.171
I know the slab's been pulled 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? Karen Finzel 37:00.931
Yes. So the latest update that we've received for the most recent most recent progress claim is that everything is on track so practical completions due on the 23rd of June Another exciting project I've got to add in getting a lot of comments in the community is the sundial park vmix on track. Amelia Lorentson 37:19.712
Mm-hmm. It's also on track for completion in June, I think, this year. Larry Sengstock 37:27.532
Yeah, yeah. That's the plan at this stage, yes. Fantastic. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Amelia Lorentson 37:33.452
So, anything further? No further discussion? I'll move. I'm happy to move that. Can I move it a second? a second. Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. All those in favour? I'll talk to it. Oh, thanks, staff. Karen Finzel 37:45.141
Yeah, huge, 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 much effort behind all this, so please pass on our thanks. thanks and appreciation to the staff because it's greatly valued 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. Amelia Lorentson 38:07.137
All those in favour please carry in a decision. in favour, please carry in a decision. All right. Thank you. We're now up to... Thank you, Melissa. Thank you, guys. We're now up to item seven. There are no confidential items. So I now declare the meeting closed. Time is 2:09.2:09. And the next meeting will be the general meeting 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 CEO, Scott Waters. And I'd like to pass And the next meeting Thank you Scott, we just wanted to acknowledge you and thank you for all your help, 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 evolve and spark values the organisation restructure. 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 your ongoing support. We wish you and Tory all the very best for the future and no doubt... look forward to staying in contact, but we've always got a friend down in Moreton Bay. So thank you and we'll miss you. Scott Waters 39:37.793
Thank you, Mayor. 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, serve our councillors. council staff and just to serve the community of Noosa. Shorter than I would have expected, but 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 that occurs for all of us. So thank you all. Well, thank you Scott, thanks a lot. Amelia Lorentson 40:16.716
I now officially declare this meeting closed. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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