Special Meeting - Draft Budget for Consultation
Date: Monday, 22 May 2023 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:37:56
Synopsis: Draft 2023/24 Budget released for two-week consultation, Economic pressures addressed, modest surplus, Rates mostly below CPI, Capital works $39m and environmental initiatives, Community engagement prioritized.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Clare Stewart Karen Finzel Joe Jurisevic Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Executive Officers
Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock Director, Environment & Sustainable Development Kim Rawlings (Via Microsoft Teams) Director Community Services, Kerri Contini AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Clare Stewart: Council suspended Standing Orders to enable extended budget briefing; later resumed and unanimously endorsed release of the Draft 2023/24 Budget for two-week public consultation, with final adoption set for 30 June 2023 (00:06, 12:40) (Item 2.1; Council Resolutions). Trent Grauf: Set context under Local Government Act/Regulation: annual budget adoption required; Noosa continues voluntary public consultation for the third year to “fine-tune” priorities (01:29) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Economic headwinds: QLD CPI 7.4%; 1% inflation ≈ $1.5m extra costs; major pressures across wages, fuel, logistics, construction materials, utilities, insurance (01:29–03:57) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Base “lights-on” budget covers 2024 election costs (ECQ on-charge), expanded lifeguard services, and escalations in road materials, utilities, landfill operations (04:46) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Operating/capital highlights: $39m capital works (>$28m renewals), waste recovery upgrades, ZEN program continuation, parks staffing boosts (Botanic Gardens, Hinterland Playground), heritage conservation planning, Go Noosa free buses, Living Well Noosa, Destination Management Plan (04:46–08:11) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Disaster recovery works (~$80m, QRA-funded) excluded from capital program; to be incorporated via budget review as delivered (07:27) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Land valuations up avg 62% (2nd year running) with uneven distribution; Council balancing equity via rate-in-dollar, considering averaging/capping/rebates; majority on minimum rate see net 5.5% rise; levies/sep. charges frozen (08:11–09:39) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Fees/charges: >1,000 items; ~80% within CPI; >10% increases mainly for development fees long-frozen; new fees for building/plumbing and Short Stay/Transitory Accommodation to be adopted separately (09:39–10:27) (Item 2.1). Amelia Lorentson: Secured commitment that all consultation feedback will be analysed and transparently reported at adoption (10:33–11:22) (Item 2.1). Joe Jurisevic: Confirmed corporate plan, Livability and Satisfaction surveys were key pre-budget inputs shaping priorities (11:47–12:20) (Item 2.1). Frank Wilkie: Majority of ratepayers to see increases below CPI (~5.5%); >4,000 properties may see rate decreases due to rate-in-dollar moderation after two valuation hikes (20:10) (Item 2.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Clare Stewart: Acknowledged “robust discussions,” areas some councillors don’t support, but collective position advanced for community input, underscoring transparency of trade-offs (12:40–19:01) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Noted urban greening program did not “get above the line” due to rate impact; flagged City Deal livability funding as potential future lever (22:25–26:05) (Item 2.1; Attachment 1 noted). Brian Stockwell: Walking/cycling strategy progressing at “10-year pace” with only small missing-link works; invites community push if priority warrants acceleration (24:49–26:45) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Sought clearer comms on valuation thresholds for minimum general rate to aid public understanding (19:01–19:24) (Item 2.1). All councillors: Repeated emphasis on direct community consultation mechanisms: online survey, email submissions, in-person Chamber session; outcomes to inform final budget (10:41–11:22, 12:40–18:59) (Item 2.1). Legal / Risk Trent Grauf: Compliance: budget aligned to Corporate Plan, Operational Plan, Financial Sustainability Policy; adoption timetable within LG Act/Regulation (01:29–03:11) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Rating risk: uneven land valuation spikes (0–300%+) create equity challenges; Council uses lawful mechanisms (rate-in-dollar, potential averaging/capping, pensioner rebates) to moderate impacts (08:11–09:24; 16:57–18:57) (Item 2.1). Trent Grauf: Special rates/separate charges for precincts (e.g., Hastings St, Noosa Junction, Noosa Waters) excluded at draft stage; separate engagement underway to finalise lawfully (03:11–04:44) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Waste methane “real cost” (>~$1m) not yet added to waste charge this year; strategy is to invest in diversion/resource recovery infrastructure first—policy choice with pricing risk if delayed (27:07–28:53) (Item 2.1). Financial posture: Mayor stated modest operating surplus and all statutory sustainability targets are met, mitigating long-term fiscal risk (12:40–16:57) (Item 2.1). Environmental Concerns Trent Grauf: Increased parks maintenance staffing; Botanic Gardens master planning; heritage conservation plans; continuation of ZEN and waste recovery initiatives (04:46–08:11) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: New initiative to commence Eastern Beaches rehabilitation per Coastal Management Plan, plus added enforcement capacity (22:25–23:40) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Partnership with ZEN Inc aimed at leveraging external funding (e.g., community battery) to accelerate emissions reductions (26:45–27:25) (Item 2.1). Frank Wilkie: Reframed “waste” as recoverable resource; aligns with QLD landfill levy trajectory and circular economy focus (29:14–31:47) (Item 2.1). Short Term Accommodation / Short Stay Letting Trent Grauf: New fees connected to short stay/transitory accommodation to be adopted separately from the main budget to allow business/community systems to update (10:07–10:27) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Housing crisis flagged as high community priority; budget allocates work to progress partnerships on council/state land at Cooroy and Tewantin, subject to state funding and staffing (23:58–25:42) (Item 2.1). Quarry (Kin Kin) and Legal Action Context Brian Stockwell: Kin Kin quarry remains constrained pending court judgment; budget reflects limited scope to act until decision delivered (25:13–25:25) (Item 2.1). Transport impacts: Broader roads/traffic funding largely tied to asset renewal obligations; community often seeks faster action, but fiscal capacity is constrained (25:25–26:05) (Item 2.1). Community Transparency and Engagement All councillors: Strong emphasis on public participation: surveys, emails, in-person session; comprehensive feedback report to be tabled with adoption (10:41–11:22, 12:40–18:57) (Item 2.1). Amelia Lorentson: Emphasised “meaningful” consultation and councillors’ on-the-ground engagement, targeting a back-to-basics service focus (32:27–34:44) (Item 2.1). Transport, Parking, and Visitor Management Brian Stockwell: Studies funded for parking management, including camera cars/ANPR and smart sensing to design strategic, area-wide rules and avoid spillover (26:05–27:07) (Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Expressed desire for new income streams (e.g., day-tripper charging in tourist precincts) and stricter controls (boat trailers, overnight camping), with current budget funding preparatory studies (26:05–27:07) (Item 2.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Special Meeting Monday, 22 May 2023 10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Clare Stewart (Chair), Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie “Noosa Shire – different by nature” SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 22 MAY 2023 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Councillor Clare Stewart Councillor Karen Finzel Councillor Joe Jurisevic (joined at 10.06am) Councillor Amelia Lorentson Councillor Brian Stockwell Councillor Tom Wegener Councillor Frank Wilkie EXECUTIVE Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock Director, Environment & Sustainable Development Kim Rawlings (via Microsoft Teams) Director Community Services, Kerri Contini APOLOGIES Nil 2. CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS 2.1. NOOSA COUNCIL DRAFT 2023/2024 BUDGET FOR CONSULTATION Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That the operation of the Standing Orders or any relevant provision thereof be suspended to allow Council to discuss Draft Budget for Consultation. Carried Unanimously. Cr Joe Jurisevic joined the meeting at 10.06am Council Resolution Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Standing Orders be resumed. Carried Unanimously. The following material was presented to the meeting in relation to this item: • Cr Brian Stockwell – refer to ATTACHMENT 1 TO THE MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 22 MAY 2023 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Clare Stewart Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Director Corporate Services (Acting) to the Special Meeting dated 22 May 2023; and A. Approve the proposed draft 2023/24 Budget and supporting documentation be made available to the public for community consultation prior to its finalisation and adoption. B. Council officers commence a two-week consultation process to seek feedback from the community on the draft budget 2023/24. C. The outcomes from the consultation to be considered in the development of the final budget to be adopted at Special Meeting on 30 June 2023. Carried Unanimously. 3. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil 4. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 10.39am
Meeting Transcript
Clare Stewart 00:06.620
Good morning everyone. I'd like to declare the meeting open. I'd also like to acknowledge that we're meeting with traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi people and I pay my respects to the elders past, present and emerging. I note that all councillors are in attendance Councillor Jurisevic who has a medical appointment and is hoping to join us as soon as possible. So we will, until that time, put down Councillor Jurisevic as an apology. Thank you. We have one item on our special meeting agenda today and that is Noosa Council draft. 2022, 2023, 2024 budget for consultation. We have our Director, Acting Director of Corporate Services, Trent Grauf and Pauline Our Manager here to present the report. Thank you Trent and Pauline for being here and for all your hard work to make this report. We might as well move the suspension and Standing Orders to allow the Acting Director to speak to the report for longer than normal time if Okay, and I will second that. Unanimous. Suspension now in place. Thanks, Trent. Trent Grauf 01:29.260
Thank you, councillors. I'm the Local Government Act and support by by local government regulation. Council is required to adopt a budget each one into a year. Council's budget process runs from December through to June, so it's quite a significant annual project for council and its officers. We require considerable organisational officer and councillor support and input to ensure that we align our budget for the next financial year in line with our corporate plan objectives, our operational plan targets, our financial sustainability policy requirements and our livability priorities. A number of challenges have yet again been presented in this year's budget, as occurs most years. A number of challenges. Similar to most households and businesses across the region and nationally, Council is facing unprecedented economic conditions. Inflationary price pressures on imports, fuel and logistics, construction materials and contracted services, as well as across the wages. And our borrowing for our own investments. As we all know, CPI has reached its highest level for Queensland in this last quarter of 7.4% since the 90s. For context for Council's budget, even a 1 a 1% increase in inflation can equate to $1.5 million in additional costs. We also faced for a second year in a row with land valuations with significant increases which we have dealt with through the rating process. The aim of this report and the special meeting is to seek Council approval for the draft budget to be made publicly available for community review and consultation prior to its finalisation and adoption at the end of June. As such the The aim of this report... The agenda in front of you does not include any budget information, as this will only be released publicly following today's draft endorsement. This is the third year that Council has undertaken public consultation for feedback on its budget. While there's no regulatory requirement to do so, Council remains only one of a small number of local government authorities in Queensland who continues to take proactive steps for its budget to ensure community engagement. But it is important to recognise the extensive consultation undertaken prior to the commencement of the budget, not only with the corporate plan, only with the corporate plan, which was recently adopted by Council, which received thousands of responses from the community, but before that with the corporate with the livability survey from the prior year. These have provided robust community feedback to setting the priorities for the 2024 budget. And this second round of engagement is about fine-tuning and ensuring that we have stuck with the priorities and are on the right track. It is also important to note as we close out that this draft budget still excludes the finalisation of Council's special rates and separate charges, which are levied on rate precincts such as Noosa Junction, Noosa Waters and Hastings Street. Separately, Council is currently engaging with these precinct rate pays through their respective business and associations and will finalise these over the coming month through the final budget. Council, if you're happy to, I'm happy to spend the next few minutes talking through some of the key elements of the budget. Clare Stewart 04:44.140
Thank you, Trent. Thank you. Trent Grauf 04:46.420
Let's start with our base budget. It's what we call our base, business as usual, back to basics, or lights on budget, as some councils will call it. It's about making sure we do the day-to-day as we do every year as good as we can. Some of the key challenges we're trying to do with our base budget include the 2024 election costs, which are on charge. Thank you, welcome Councillor Stockwell. The base budget includes those election costs which are on charge to council from the Electoral Commission Queensland. We have a new lifeguard some of the key challenges we're trying Which we adopted earlier this year which flows through for the whole year next year with increased services and key locations for men like ours. And our cost increases are not immune to external pressures for road maintenance materials. Concrete, asphalt, gravel, utilities including electricity, fuel, water, sewerage, insurance, as well as increased collection costs and management in our landfill and being through playing away. But that said, I have a number of key project initiatives that are proposed in the draft 2024 budget. These include a range of activities including increased investment in maintaining parks across the Shire, including additional staff boots on the ground at the Botanic Gardens and at Hinterland Playground. Botanic Gardens master plan, waste recovery initiatives, reconciliation action plan, continuation of the Living Well Noosa program, continuation of the Go Noosa Free buses, finalisation of our destination management plan, increased flying as well as increased conservation management plans for heritage listed council buildings. In terms of capital works we have another ambitious capital works program, the $39 million capital program. Over $28 million of that is for renewal to ensure that we maintain our assets in line with sustainable asset management practices before we invest in new or build more. A number of key projects A number of key projects continuing next year include waste strategy initiatives and waste diversion infrastructure, continuation of the ZEM program, public amenity renewals and upgrades, including proposal of a new changing places amenities at Roosterville Port Hall, and progression of a water Brooklyn cycling strategy. The capital program does not include the circa $80 million of Queensland Reconstruction Authority disaster recovery works, which is fully funded externally. And as we progress those works, we'll bring those through a budget review. Our rates and levies. In setting our rates and charges, as we've noted, the Valuing General's Office has again undertaken further land valuations for a second year in a row on our Shire. The average land valuation increase was 62%. The challenge does not lie though in the increase in the percentage, the challenge lies in the distribution. Some properties have experienced much higher valuation increases than others, many receiving an increase above 100%. an increase above 100%. Over 2000 we're over 100%. However, conversely, a similar amount received an increase of anywhere between 0 and 10%. So it's a challenge to make sure that we find the right balance and the right way of getting through that. In setting those rates, we've looked at a number of mechanisms available under the Act. We recognise the challenge of finding that right balance between equity and riskfulness. This includes a review of the rate in the dollar and looking at a number of other options that could be available to us such as averaging, cutting of rates and some of our rebates such as our pensionary rebates and discounts. Council's focus has been on the rate of the dollar and for the majority of owner-occupied households that are on the minimum rate we are proposing a net 5.5% rate increase that's comprised of That's comprised of a 5.9% general rate rise, an equivalent 5.9% waste management increase, but we've held all the other levies and separate charges on a freeze to ensure that we maintain a 5.5% increase, which is well below CPI. our general rate revenue remains a total increase of 7.3%, so a total increase in revenue remains within CPI as well. And last but not least, our fees and charges. Fees and charges are set to recover the cost of delivering our fees and services. They cover regulatory activities, such as planning, as well as commercial activities, such as holiday parks and waste fees. Council has over 1,000 fees and charges for the 2024 year. 80% of those are within CPI, or up to For the small numbers that are above 10%, most are related to development fees and related to fees that we have not increased for a number of years due to rounding given their small low value per unit per square metre fees and charges. We have a couple of new fees. Four new fees relating to building and plumbing applications as well as noting the council report earlier in the year about short stay and transitory accommodation. These will be adopted separately to the to the budget to allow council businesses and community to update their fees. And that concludes the brief summary of the detail that we've publicly released on our Your Say site today. I have a question. Amelia Lorentson 10:33.037
How will we be addressing issues raised by community in budget consultation? Trent Grauf 10:41.907
Through the Chair, similar to previous years, we put the budget out for consultation for a two-week period. They'll be able to provide their feedback through an online survey, through direct email or we'll also be holding an in-person session in the Chambers in two weeks' time. We'll compile all the feedback from that and work through a budget workshop there is sufficient and strong feedback in particular matters, the Council will deliberate whether we make any further changes to the budget for its adoption on 30 June. Amelia Lorentson 11:15.786
Will there be an analysis of the community feedback and will that be reported back to Council? Trent Grauf 11:22.926
Through the Chair, yes it will, Councillor. We will present that with the budget adoption on 30 June. It will outline all those key topics... topics raised, the number of feedbacks related to those topics and any particular detail that we feel needs to be identified separately. So we'll make sure that all that feedback is transparently published. Joe Jurisevic 11:47.770
You may have alluded to this, having been a bit late, but what was the level of input prior to the budget and the processes leading up to the budget? Trent Grauf 12:00.470
Through the Chair, a key input to the budget was the corporate plan development. The idea at the start of the budget process is you want to see key input on key priorities. The idea at the start of the budget process... As timing worked this year and thankfully we have a situation where our key strategic document that sets priorities, the corporate plan, was progressed and developed and adopted over the last few months. So those corporate plan priorities are featured through the process. well as the prior year with the Livability Survey and the Community Satisfaction Survey. You'll see a number of the project initiatives coming through for next year's budget are some of those key actions coming out of the corporate plan, such as the Reconciliation Action Plan. Clare Stewart 12:40.201
I'll move to start recommendation. I'll second that. Thank you. Do we have to go back to the board? Yes. I'll move that we... You don't need to, but you can. I'll move that we reinstate Standing Orders. I'll second that. Thank you. All in favour? Unanimous. Thank you. I'll move the staff recommendation. I'll second that. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you, Trent, for calling. Trent, thank you so much. Thank you, it goes to the end, but I want to thank you at the beginning too, because there's been so much work involved in this. There has been sleepless nights... There's been two 3:00am. starts, so there has been a huge amount of capital, personal capital, that has gone into this budget, and we really appreciate you bearing with us. There's been a lot of robust discussions, but thank you for all your hard work, and please pass on our genuine thanks. pass on our genuine thanks appreciation to the team. So the draft 2023-2024 budget has been prepared with a back to basics focus and with reference to the recently adopted corporate plan. All councillors have been heavily involved in the budget process which has been workshopped extensively and our primary goal and consideration has been to minimise as much as possible the impact of costs to ratepayers having to take into account costs to ratepayers having to take into account the inflationary pressures on us too as a council to continue to deliver the same levels of service to the community. Our budget discussions have been formulated around our recently adopted corporate plan as well as 2022 liveability survey and bi-annual community satisfaction survey conducted in the previous year as well as feedback received through the 2022-2023 budget. Feedback from the corporate process as well as the liveability survey was significant and has provided sound insight into the community's priorities with more than 1,000 responses received in both instances. We are now seeking our community's feedback once again on the proposed draft draft 2023-2024 budget which is open for consultation and feedback for two weeks from Monday today the 22nd of May 2023 through to Sunday the 4th of June for residents, businesses, community groups and business associations. We want to hear from you about your priorities, ideas, suggestions and areas of concern. Responses from you, our community, will inform and shape the final decisions for adoption of the budget from the 30th of June 2023. There is is a lot in this budget, but highlights include, and Trent has alluded to many of them, a continued approach to adopting a modest operating surplus, all key statutory financial sustainability targets being met, freezing of all levies to ensure that we keep rates and general rates as low as possible. And rates in general. A capital program of 39 million invested to maintain and improve the condition of existing infrastructure, as well as provide future growth. Disaster recovery infrastructure program estimated over 80 To reinstate infrastructure impacted by the February 2022 floods, with funding provided by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority, as Trent has said. Key capital works projects including: Lawn Hill Road Bridge Renewal, Garth Crown Bridge Renewal, New Civilian Monday Road. Resource Recovery Centre Expansion, as well as stabilisation works at Ross Crescent, and increased investment in the Shires Road Network. Proposed rates will be kept below CPI, 5.5%, for the majority of ratepayers who continue to remain on...minimum rate. Also, the formation of a reconciliation plan is part of this year's budget. The challenges have been significant and discussions very robust, with agreement in some areas and disagreement in others. are aspects of this budget that I don't support. No doubt other councils feel the same about different areas but all areas have been heavily debated and like all decisions put forward, ultimate decisions are determined by the majority support. The draft budget we put out The draft budget we put out for community consultation today is a collective one from all councillors who sit around this table. This has in so many ways been the most challenging of budgets. Councillor Wilkie I think you said the most most challenging since de-amalgamation. Record inflation, rising costs, staff shortages have all occurred. We've also as a council had to take into account the re-evaluation of our land for the second year in a row. In setting rates and charges the Valuer General's Office has again undertaken a further land valuation for the second year to capture property prices increases in Noosa Shire. The average land valuation as Trent said increases just over 62% across the Shire and the distribution between localities and property types in the Shire has been very diverse. Broadly valuation increases... ranging from no increase in land value all the way up to over 300% for some properties. I'd like to quote from the agenda of our corporate services acting director who said the challenge for council is then setting the general rate which is calculated by multiplying the unimproved land valuation by a rate in the dollar for each different category of land. Every effort has been made to of land. Every effort has been made to moderate the impact of valuation increases and has managed to keep most properties within or below CPI. However, it is not possible for Council to mitigate the full impact of the State Government imposed valuation increases for those minimal outlier properties with very significant valuation increases without creating significant adverse impacts to the majority of ratepayers in the Shire who are on the minimum rate. So it has been challenging, but I think we've come to a good result. And despite all that, we as a collective council have worked incredibly hard to deliver our draft budget that we now seek your input on. This is the third year that Noosa Council has engaged in public consultations for its budget. This is the third year that Noosa Council your input on. There's currently only one on a small number of local government authorities in Queensland taking these proactive steps to improve the level of community engagement through the budget process. We welcome our community's feedback welcome our community's feedback. We thank you for participating in the budget. And we really, as I said, we really want to hear from you. This is your budget. This is your community. And again, Pauline Trent, thank you so much. And to our CEO who is also, and our director who's here. And directors listening, they have all sat in on this budget. And as I said, it's been really challenging with everything that's been presented to us over the last couple of months. But I think we're in a good space. And I think it's a good budget. And it's one that, as I said, it's a collective. And again, thank you for your hard work. Brian Stockwell 19:01.540
I've just got a question. It may be helpful for the community to stay waiting through a whole lot of paperwork to have an understanding of what the valuation was that got you the minimum general rate for principal place residents last year versus what it is proposed to be at this year's current valuations. Trent Grauf 19:24.720
I might actually have to take that on notice in terms of what the value of the land property was last this financial year for the minimum the base rate category proposed for next financial year is a base rate that goes up to a valuation of $800,000 but any property up to approximately $600,000 will receive a, 000 will receive a 5.5% net rate rise. So any property within that will receive a 5.5%. Obviously, where properties have not moved in value as we've shifted, some of those properties might actually receive a reduction depending on the timings means we've found the middle ground for the valuation and the rate of charges. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 20:10.953
Just to reinforce what the Mayor has already said, I'd like to mention that despite two land valuation rises in two years and near record inflation rates, the majority of rate payers were all receiving a 5.5% increase with over 4,000 property owners receiving a decrease. Moderating the impacts of two land valuation rises in a row and the highest inflation rates in three decades have been major challenges in preparing this draft budget for public consultation. As the Mayor said, consultation is mandatory, but it provides a good way to foster understanding of a complex process and gain feedback from our community regarding priorities. Two land valuations in two years have caused stress to property owners. and added further complexity. In an hour-long presentation to Noosa Council, the Valuer General Staff stated Noosa and some other Council areas received two valuations in a row because they were markets where property sale prices had not flattened off and were continuing escalate. Land valuations soaring in some cases as high as 300%. This understandably caused some to believe rates would also increase by a similar rate. Fortunately, although Councils must base their rates on land valuations valuations, they can adjust the rate in the dollar to minimise impact on ratepayers. Although Noosa Shire recorded an average 62% increase, with some properties as high as 200-300%, the vast majority of ratepayers, 87%, will see rate increases of below CPI of around 5.5%. In order to moderate the high level of increase and slide and moderate the bell curve of property valuations back into a minimal rate increase, means that some properties over 4,000 will see their rates decrease this year. Despite these challenges, the draft budget proposes an approach that allows our council to continue to maintain and improve services and the public and natural assets our community love and is financially sustainable. Margie, I'm looking forward to the feedback we receive Brian Stockwell 22:25.011
To that what's driven our thinking in the development of this budget is the feedback we got from a thousand people or more on the Livability Survey and the Corporate Plan. So I thought it's really important to have on record what those priorities were. So the top ten values in the Livability I've just got the ones that are over 51% up there. Elements of the natural environment, natural features, views, vegetation, protection of the natural environment, general condition of public open space, street trees, footpaths, parks. So has the budget responded to that? So in terms of the natural environment and protecting it, there is a new initiative in there which looks at the starting of the rehabilitation of the eastern beaches in line with the Eastern Beaches Coastal Protection Plan or Coastal Management Plan and associated with that some more money for enforcement. for enforcement. When we look at street trees, the footpaths, parks, we've heard that there's additional parks and garden staff going into both the botanical gardens and the Cooroy Hinterland Playground which is coming off When we look at street... of the contractors. But also we've got in there another new initiative to look at the long awaited master plan for that botanical gardens which is lovingly cared for by both council staff and a large cohort of volunteers. So giving them the opportunity to giving them the opportunity to look for the future. We look at sense of neighbourhood, safety, landscaping and natural elements. Once again, street trees. And one of the things that didn't go up above the line in this current is an urban greening program. Now that's one that many of us would have liked to put up, but with budgetary constraints trying to keep it low to the ratepayers, that hasn't made it above the line. That might be something the community want to make comment on, but there is this other potential bucket. want to make comment on, but there is this other potential bucket of money sitting out there from the city deal, which is a large bucket of money for livability, and that may be something that comes during this budget. We could look at that during the budget review. Walking, jogging, bike paths, connecting. Okay, so we have progressed the walking and cycling strategy, but still at the sort of 10-year pace it was originally. We've got a few little small projects going around to make missing links on footpaths, and we've got some renewal work on the trail network. But there's no significant big increase to get to that may be suggested by being in the top five priorities this is something we can look at if that livability funding comes from the federal government. So if you can scroll down, when we looked at the corporate plan, we had three questions that asked people to provide comment and these qualitative responses identified the housing crisis as a really high priority. And what have we done in this So we have got allocations in there to progress two new sites of council land and state government land to look at partnerships with housing providers and state and federal government funding at both Cooroy and Tewantin and we have looked at potentially another officer and that's predicated on getting state government money to do that process. this Kin Kin quarry is one that's a Kin Kin quarry is one vexed issue for that community that that we are really hamstrung until the judge comes down with this decision roads and traffic well the the budget you know is largely populated by a huge money it's one of the key constraints on our budgeting for new initiatives is that we have to invest 90% of depreciation and roads being one of our largest assets a lot of the base budget goes into that so but when we look terms of transport we've got requests for you know and I'll leave that to the next one we've got requests for it to go faster on that quite frequently that's one of the big things that comes through climate change in the environment there is a new initiative in there and that's to enter into a partnership with the Zen Inc group because they've been doing such fantastic returning a whole lot of the of money for every dollar we've invested so far and they're looking at probably the first community battery of over five hundred thousand dollars funding in the near future and the opportunity to grow that with the new arena so that's one new initiative in that respect hinterland inclusive obviously with councils around the table have all been very clear keen to make sure that any new initiatives are dollars for that is spread across the side not focused but if you go to that last focus area you see that the top two priorities once again is natural environment and traffic management and transport it's that top one I think is where I certainly would like to see more investment but we're not ready I would have liked to see new income streams coming from the ability to charge day trippers entering the two key tourist tourist precincts. I would have liked to see money to allow us to look at whole lots of parking restrictions to stop boat trailers taking up car spaces, to stop people camping overnight. They may be able to be done operationally, but what we have got in the budget the studies and the investigations to take the next step. We have got camera cars for vehicle recognition and smart sensing to allow us to to come up with a parking management plan. Which will help us make the strategic decisions because if we were just to go down and regulate one area it's probably going to have flow-on effects to the residents nearby. So looking at that opportunity. When we look at the one is focus on environmental sustainability and I think I'll finish off there. We have the waste management strategy coming up. We know this council's committed in in a couple of budgets time to achieve net zero emissions and the biggest We have got a motion on the books that says this time around we're going to charge the real costs and we know the real cost of those methane emissions is over a million dollars and we haven't added that dollars and we haven't added that to the waste charge and there's a key reason because what probably is a good thing for all the residents to look at is our 10-year capital works because within that you'll see sizable investments going into the waste management area, into the resource recovery centre because we're looking at exciting things like the potential to waste to energy plants. We're looking at the potential to have capped parts of the landfill turned into solar farms. We're looking at the potential to have to energy plans. So that's where the big gains are going to be. But they're the issues. The community, when they commented on the corporate plan, gave a real clear message, came over and over again. They wanted us to be a bit more Nike. They wanted us to get down and do So this is their chance to have a look at those priorities that I've outlined and say, "Does this budget achieve it? " And what we want to know is where they think we've done it well, and where they think more effort needs to be put in. Frank Wilkie 29:14.962
Yeah, not much left to say after years where you've said it all. Brian's getting thunder on the wasted issues and all the rest of it. But I'd like to thank the staff, all the I'd like to thank the staff, all the staff in council for their time and effort in this and I'd like to thank all the councillors around the table. It has been a robust discussion. It has been one of the most, probably the most challenging budgets since the amalgamation. of the pressures, the external pressures of inflation and land valuations from this council. Trying to get the balance right, trying to make sure that we're covering all the areas that the community want to see us delivering services. And improvements on, trying to manage that across the board so that everybody, every area is getting a level of service or a level of delivery. And yes, as the Mayor alluded to, we might not all agree with in the budget, but we try to get the best balance we possibly can around the table to ensure that the most of the priorities that have come through, through the corporate plan and through the community consultation to date are being delivered and being delivered for our community. For me, after all this time, I'm glad to see that we're starting to deliver more on the waste initiatives. These are the priorities for the future, the emissions from the landfill, but also we need to start changing our understanding and our priorities. Stop calling it waste. It is a resource. It is a resource. It's a resource to recover, and the more that we recover these resources, the less impact we will have on our community for the future. It's a resource calling it waste. Landfill levy is now a reality in Queensland. It's been a reality down south for a long time, and the initiatives that have come out of that landfill levy are starting to change the way...is viewed and waste is dealt with. And Queensland is well and truly behind the eight ball in that regard. The Environment Minister has started, the former Environment Minister has started some great procedures and we have some great initiatives in place working towards the waste for the future. So I look forward to hearing from the community on what we've put together here. Again, it's based on the input that we've had from the community to this point and a significant amount of input compared to what we've had in past years. And I think we've got the balance. Of initiatives and projects going forward as well as we can around the table. That's not to say that those things that we haven't been able to deliver today won't be delivered in the future. They've just, it's a matter of priorities and what we can deliver. Joe Jurisevic 31:47.949
Based on capability, based on available funding and opportunity still arises as Brian alluded to with the city deals coming forward for potential other projects in the future with other external funding sources and we always look for those wherever possible to try and save community as much as possible so again I praise the efforts around the table and and throughout the building from staff with that with their understanding and their initiatives coming forward to try and deliver for this community for the next the next year. Clare Stewart 32:23.673
Thank you. Thank Amelia Lorentson 32:27.950
I'll keep my my little talk just brief but I do want to sort of reference the consultation. To me consultations think consultation is really important, something that we as a council have committed to and I hope we're doing it better now that we've got a little bit more experience. The process highlights transparency and it also needs to be meaningful. The budget has been informed by the Corporate Plan, the Livability Survey, Community Satisfaction Survey and we're again inviting feedback in the draft. the other bit of consultation bit of consultation and I want to really reinforce it. and I want We've got seven of us around the table. We live and breathe in this place. We talk to residents in this community and you know this morning I started off with a run through the national... the National Park. Yesterday I was at a board riot. This Saturday I was with the Mayor and other councillors at Cooroy Pomona Lions celebrations. We live and breathe this place. We love this place. And I know hand on Everyone around this table, the executive and staff, we work hard to protect what we love and that's Noosa. So I hope that when you get the draft budget, please... please know that there has been a lot of sweat, a lot, a lot, a lot of robust discussion and we hope we've listened to our community and I hope we've met your needs and expectations and in particular... the focus on back to basics when you're on the street that's what community you're asking they want to see what we do not just hear about it so I hope we've delivered that in the budget. Again, thank you Trent, Pauline and our incredible hard-working staff. We may not say we so appreciate you. We may not say enough. But we really appreciate you. And to the Acting CEO, Larry Sengstock, I would like to acknowledge Larry and Kerri Contini in their room as well. Thank you. Karen Finzel 34:58.584
Thank you for the opportunity to speak. Yeah a lot has been said around the table. I'd like to say thank you to all the staff, the executive executive team, the staff members right through the organisation that have contributed so generously of their expertise and their knowledge and their patience with the process and a big thank you of course to all my councillors. We certainly have had some robust conversation around the table and community can be assured that all voices were representative at many different levels through various and robust conversations. When I think about this budget I think about a few words like equity, collaboration, fiscal responsibility and of course responsibility. responsibility and of course responsiveness to our community. So I really want to let the community know that we have worked to our best of our ability with the support from staff to reach a consensus around this decision through very challenging times and especially when we are on the street and we do hear about the struggles people are having and the day-to-day grind that we all you know can empathise with. So I want to hope that this budget meets the aspirations of our community, that our voice represents their voice, and through this opportunity for them to provide feedback and guide us to what we may have missed as a priority or what we need to look further at. We're looking forward to that to contribute to the final decision-making. I'd like to also comment, we've talked a lot around process and how we've reached where we've been. To me, the most important contribution to this is important contribution to this is our people and their voice. How does the man live in our environment whether that's trees, vistas, lakes, mountains or our built urban communities and how do we respond to the people that live in our community on a day-to-day basis. That for me sits at the heart of this budget and hopefully we can have a community that is proud of our council. council. That we can show that we engender trust as we reach out to our community and invite their input into this process. So thank you again everybody. Thank you. Tom Wegener 37:15.372
Just quickly say, this budget process is a colossal undertaking. My gosh is it big. As a new councillor I just cannot believe the size and the amount of effort it takes. I just want to say Thank you. to the community for your input. The staff, councillors, and of course Trent and Pauline. What a great job. It's been fantastic and I feel very confident that this is a very good budget. Thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
← Browse all Noosa Shire Council meeting transcripts
