General Committee Meeting - January 2024
Date: Monday, 15 January 2024 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:41:50
Synopsis: Bounce cafe trial approved to Jan 2025 with complaint-based monitoring, Council defending hospital and STA appeals, Budget Review delivers surplus and $173m capital, Tenders awarded.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Joe Jurisevic Amelia Lorentson Clare Stewart Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Executive Officers
Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings (Via Microsoft Teams) Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Council approved Bounce Hostel’s Other Change: retain Condition 5 (short-stay only), delete Condition 8, add a trial Food & Drink Outlet with lapse 18 Jan 2025 subject to complaints/prudence (Item 6.1; 22:41–29:37). Amelia Lorentson: Pushed for a shorter lapse (to 31 Jul 2024) citing no substantiated noise complaints and support for small business; Council ultimately adopted 12 months to capture peak holiday data (6.1; 07:36–10:08, 15:45–17:23, 22:41–27:49). Nadine (Planning): Supported Food & Drink use despite minor parking shortfall; recommended trial with monitoring of noise/parking; deletion of Condition 5 rejected as it mirrors “Visitor Accommodation Type 4” definition (6.1; 01:36–05:29, 14:06–15:25). Brian Stockwell: Amendment passed to set lapse at 18 Jan 2025 to test across Easter/July/September/Christmas peaks; unanimous (6.1; 22:41–24:43). Council: Resolved to defend two Planning & Environment Court appeals: Health Care Service/Hospital at 47 Goodchap St (Appeal 3156/2023) and STA cabins (15) at 94 & 142 Noosa Dr (Appeal 3746/2023) (Items 6.2–6.3; 29:37–35:33). Richard MacGillivray: STA refusal grounds included removal of 71–82 native trees (27–33 koala feed trees), overdevelopment, non-compliance with EMC zone, stormwater, and outside urban boundary (6.3; 33:33–34:55). Council: Budget Review 2 approved; operating position shifts from BR1 deficit $761k to $304k surplus; capital works (excl. QRA) revised to $46.1m; QRA disaster program added $127m, taking total capital to ~$173m (6.5; 36:46–39:42, 45:24–45:42). Pauline Coles: Interest revenue +$2.1m from higher term deposits; Holiday Park fee schedule adopted for 27 Jan–13 Jul 2025; ratios on track (6.5; 42:51–44:31, 36:46–39:42). Council: Noted Dec YTD performance: revenue +$3.2m (interest/parks/waste), operating underspend $1.2m; legal spend $1.2m of $1.6m 4‑yr budget; cash $106m (6.6; 01:08:21–01:11:04). Council: Extended Timothy Cronin as Audit & Risk Committee Chair to 10 Oct 2025; councillors praised his expertise and independence (6.7; 01:26:33–01:32:19). Council: Noted QLD Remuneration Commission determinations; Noosa reclassified to B3 from 1 Jul 2024 (6.8; 01:32:37–01:37:18). Confidential Awards (unanimous): CN00427 Garth Prowd Bridge upgrade to Marine & Civil Maintenance; CN00511 Noosa Spit nourishment to Hall Contracting (by 30 Sep 2024); RP00359 prequalified panel for pathways/kerb/drainage to six suppliers (7.1–7.3; 01:39:30–01:41:33; s254J(3)(g)). Contentious / Transparency Matters Council: Food & Drink trial conditioned on no “substantiated” complaints; officers to assess vexatious claims vs. evidenced impacts, reflecting procedural fairness (6.1; 20:28–21:12). Karen Finzel: Sought bus-usage data to inform parking impacts; current-period data unavailable until late Jan, underlining data timing limitations in decision-making (6.1; 12:54–13:45). Council: Closed meeting for three tenders under s254J(3)(g) LGR 2012 due to commercial sensitivity; then re-opened and resolved awards publicly (7; 01:38:50–01:41:33; Minutes 7.1–7.3). Amelia Lorentson: Probed rising legal costs and whether details are restricted under privacy; CEO confirmed confidentiality of specific advice (6.6; 01:11:08–01:12:38). Legal / Risk Council: Appeal 3156/2023 defence aligns with Noosa Plan intent to maximise co-location on hospital site or within designated centres; refusal also protected residential zoning and parking standards (6.2; 29:37–32:49). Council: Appeal 3746/2023 defence rests on significant native vegetation/koala feed tree loss, EMC zoning non-compliance, stormwater/drainage issues, and outside-urban-boundary controls (6.3; 33:33–34:55). Planning Officers: Bounce cafe trial includes lapse/extension criteria referencing substantiated complaints on noise/parking, creating a clear administrative law record for any future extension or challenge (6.1; 01:36–05:29, 22:41–23:14). Finance: Recognition of $127m QRA-funded capital with matching grant revenue and contract liabilities ensures compliance with accounting standards and mitigates ratepayer exposure (6.5–6.6; 45:24–46:06, 01:10:12–01:11:04). CEO/Finance: Elevated legal expenditure driven by governance/IR matters; in-house counsel commenced Dec but external advice still required, reflecting prudence amid legislative changes (6.6; 01:11:04–01:13:10). Conflicts of Interest Frank Wilkie: Declared prescribed conflict on RACV STA appeal due to sponsorship of Noosa Arts Theatre where he is president; exited, Tom Wegener appointed Acting Chair, then Wilkie returned post-vote (Item 6.3; 32:49–35:33). Short Term Accommodation / STA Richard MacGillivray: Active reconciliation indicates total STA numbers may be lower than earlier 4,000 estimate; dashboard in development to report approvals, hotline trends, and applications (6.6; 01:18:39–01:22:18). Council: Defending RACV STA cabins refusal based on environmental loss and planning non-compliance establishes strong precedent against STA intensification in sensitive zones (6.3; 33:33–34:55). Environmental Concerns & Stormwater Council/Infrastructure: Bioretention basins program prioritised; asset responsibility moved to Infrastructure to ensure stormwater performance while consulting Environment on biodiversity (6.5; 54:18–58:12). Amelia Lorentson: Queried adequacy of stormwater capex share post-2022 floods; officers stated renewals for roads/drainage are robust, with parks/buildings to improve (6.5; 48:30–52:39). Shaun Walsh: Belmore Terrace pathway works advanced as early stage of Web Park upgrade to meet grant acquittal by June and improve circulation during later park works (6.5; 47:49–48:30). Infrastructure: Retaining wall design at 56 David Low Way, Sunrise Beach (near bridge) progressing; construction in future budget (6.5; 52:45–53:41). Planning Scheme / Zoning & Parking Planning: Bounce cafe trial approved despite 4-space shortfall; officer evidence relied on on-site monitoring, historical operation, and management controls; Condition 5 retained to prevent de facto long-stay use (6.1; 01:36–05:29, 14:06–15:25). Councillors: Emphasised need to gather seasonal parking/noise data before any permanent approval; six-month option rejected to ensure Christmas peak captured (6.1; 10:14–12:39, 15:45–17:23, 22:41–24:43). Financial Governance Council/Finance: Holiday Parks revenues materially above budget; modest fee increases (4–8%) adopted for early 2025 bookings, benchmarked to market (6.5–6.6; 36:46–39:42, 01:17:19–01:18:39). Council: Recognised large QRA program administration load; praised decision to engage specialist program management to safeguard delivery and compliance (6.5; 01:00:13–01:02:59).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 15 January 2024 12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson, Clare Stewart, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Clare Stewart (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings (via Microsoft Teams) Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Wilkie Seconded: Cr Lorentson That in accordance with Section 254K of the Local Government Regulation, Cr Stewart is approved to attend the Meeting dated 15 January 2024 via Microsoft Teams. Carried unanimously. 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 11 December 2023 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. 3. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 4. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 5. ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES Nil. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 6. REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 6.1. MCU18/0102.02 APPLICATION FOR AN OTHER CHANGE TO INCLUDE A FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL (VISITOR ACCOMMODATION TYPE 4 CONVENTIONAL) FOR BOUNCE HOSTEL AT 14-16 MARY ST, NOOSAVILLE Motion Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 regarding Application No. MCU18/0102.02 for an Other Change to Development Permit for Material Change of Use – Visitor Accommodation Type 4 Conventional, situated at 14-16 Mary St Noosaville and: A. Refuse to delete condition 5 for the following reasons: 1. Condition 5 is reflective of the approved use definition for Visitor Accommodation Type 4 Conventional, does not further restrict the use and provides clarity for all owners/ operators. B. Approve the Other Change to include the Food and Drink outlet. C. Agree to delete Condition 8. D. Include a new Condition 62 to read as follows: 62. The Food and Drink Outlet approval lapses on 31 July 2024, unless written consent is provided by Council’s delegate to extend the approval. In assessing a request to extend the approval, Council will have regard to any substantiated complaints relating to noise, car parking and any other relevant matters associated with the Food and Drink Outlet use. E. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Amendment Moved: Cr Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jurisevic That Item D be amended to read: D. Include a new Condition 62 to read as follows: 62. The Food and Drink Outlet approval lapses on 18 January 2025 31 July 2024, unless written consent is provided by Council’s delegate to extend the approval. In assessing a request to extend the approval, Council will have regard to any substantiated complaints relating to noise, car parking and any other relevant matters associated with the Food and Drink Outlet use. Carried unanimously. Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 regarding Application No. MCU18/0102.02 for an Other Change to Development Permit for Material Change of Use – Visitor Accommodation Type 4 Conventional, situated at 14-16 Mary St Noosaville and: GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 A. Refuse to delete condition 5 for the following reasons: 1. Condition 5 is reflective of the approved use definition for Visitor Accommodation Type 4 Conventional, does not further restrict the use and provides clarity for all owners/ operators. B. Approve the Other Change to include the Food and Drink outlet. C. Agree to delete Condition 8. D. Include a new Condition 62 to read as follows: 62. The Food and Drink Outlet approval lapses on 18 January 2025, unless written consent is provided by Council’s delegate to extend the approval. In assessing a request to extend the approval, Council will have regard to any substantiated complaints relating to noise, car parking and any other relevant matters associated with the Food and Drink Outlet use. E. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried unanimously. 6.2. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 3156 OF 2023 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR HEALTH CARE SERVICE AND HOSPITAL AT 47 GOODCHAP STREET, NOOSAVILLE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 3156 of 2023 and agree to defend the appeal. Carried unanimously. 6.3. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 3746 OF 2023 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION (15 CABINS) AT 94 & 142 NOOSA DRIVE, NOOSA HEADS In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Wilkie provided the following declaration to the meeting of a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter: I Cr Wilkie inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as RACV have been a sponsor of Noosa Arts Theatre where I serve as the committee president. As a result of this prescribed conflict of interest, I will leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Cr Wilkie left the meeting. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Cr Wegener be appointed as Acting Chairperson of the meeting for this item for the purpose of considering the conflict of interest declaration by Cr Wilkie. Carried unanimously. Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 3746 of 2023 and agree to defend the appeal. Carried unanimously. Cr Wilkie returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair. 6.4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY - NOVEMBER 2023 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Manager, Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 regarding planning applications that have been decided by delegated authority. Carried unanimously. 6.5. BUDGET REVIEW 2 (BR2) FOR THE 2023/24 FINANCIAL YEAR Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 regarding Budget Review 2 for the 2023/24 Financial Year, and A. Approve the proposed changes to the budget for the 2023/24 financial year as outlined in the Revised Budget Financial Statements provided in Attachment 1 - 4 to the report; and B. Adopt the proposed general cost recovery fees and commercial charges schedule for Noosa Holiday Parks for the period 27 January 2025 to 13 July 2025 as detailed in the tables contained within the report. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 6.6. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – DECEMBER 2023 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024 outlining December 2023 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. Carried unanimously. 6.7. AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council Note the report by the Executive Officer Internal Audit and Corporate Performance to the General Committee meeting dated 15 January 2024 and extend the appointment of Timothy Cronin as the Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee to 10 October 2025. Carried unanimously. 6.8. COUNCILLOR REMUNERATION UPDATE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That Council note the report by the Executive Officer, Internal Audit and Corporate Performance to the General Committee meeting dated 15 January 2024 informing Council of the determinations of the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission, as detailed in the Local Government Remuneration Commission Annual Report 2023. Carried unanimously. 7. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g - negotiations relating to a commercial matter involving the local government for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, for the purpose of discussing: Item 7.1 - Confidential - CN00427 Garth Prowd Bridge Upgrade - Tender Award; Item 7.2 - Confidential - Contract Award Report - Contract No. CN00511 - Noosa Spit Nourishment; and Item 7.3 - Confidential - RP00359 - Register of Prequalified Suppliers for Construction of Pathways, Kerb, Channel, Drainage Pits & Associated Works. Carried unanimously. RE-OPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried unanimously. 7.1. CONFIDENTIAL - CN00427 GARTH PROWD BRIDGE UPGRADE - TENDER AWARD Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Project Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2023 and A. Award Contract No. CN00427 Garth Prowd Bridge Upgrade to Marine & Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd for the lump sum price of as provided in their conforming tender documentation; and B. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise and execute the Contract on behalf of Council. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 7.2. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CONTRACT NO. CN00511 - NOOSA SPIT NOURISHMENT Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council A. Note the report by the Project Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024; B. Award Contract No. CN00511 for Noosa Spit Nourishment to Hall Contracting Pty Ltd for a schedule of rates contract for the construction contract value as provided in the conforming tender documentation with works being completed on or before 30 September 2024 (“the Contract”); and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and administer the Contract on behalf of Council. Carried unanimously. 7.3. CONFIDENTIAL - RP00359 - REGISTER OF PREQUALIFIED SUPPLIERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PATHWAYS, KERB, CHANNEL, DRAINAGE PITS & ASSOCIATED WORKS Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council A. Note the report by the Roads Infrastructure Coordinator to the General Committee Meeting dated 15 January 2024; B. Award Contract No. RP00359 for a Register of Pre-qualified Suppliers for Construction of Pathways, Kerb, Channel, Drainage Pits & Associated Works for a period of two (2) years commencing on 1 February 2024 to the following suppliers: i. Exceed Concrete Construction Pty Ltd ii. Pentacon Pty Ltd iii. Sunshine Civil Solutions Pty Ltd iv. The Trustee For Integral Concreting Services Family Trust t/as Assured Concreting Services v. Wilson Concreting Constructions Pty Ltd, and vi. Yeti Services Pty Ltd; C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and administer the Contract on behalf of Council; D. Subject to satisfactory performance of the suppliers, authorise the CEO to approve the option to extend the contract at the expiry of initial term for a further three (3) terms of up to twelve (12) months each ending on 31 January 2029; E. Authorise the CEO to approve the addition of new suppliers to Contract No. RP00073 for the Register of Pre-qualified Suppliers for Construction of Pathways, Kerb, Channel, Drainage Pits & Associated Works as a result of an advertised refresh at the expiry of the initial term and term extensions. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 JANUARY 2024 8. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 03:31 PM
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
Begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we're gathered, which is the Kabi Kabi people. Paying respects to elders past, present and emerging. We have everyone in attendance. We have Mayor Clare Stewart online. Do we need to move a motion for Clare to attend us? We will do that now. I'd like to move that in accordance with section 254k of local government regulation, Councillor Clare is approved to attend the meeting dated 15th of January 2024 by Microsoft Teams. Do we have a seconder for that please? Seconder, Councillor Lorentson. All in favour? That's carried. Welcome Clare Thank you Clare Stewart 00:42.153
Councillor Wilkie, thank you. Frank Wilkie 00:43.693
We will have someone to confirm the minutes of the meeting for December please. Move Councillor Jurisevic seconded, Councillor Wegener. All in favour? We have no presentations, we have no deputations. We have items referred from the committees. The first is reports direct to General Committee. Sorry Chair, can I correct that? We don't have any committees. That's what I said Joe. Items referred to committees. Then we have reports direct to General Committee which is MCU 1801... You're quite correct, Councillor. Application for another change to include a food and drink outlet to a development approval visitor accommodation type 4 conventional for Bounce Hotel Hostel at 14 to 16 Mary Street, Noosaville. we have our staff here, Nadine, Patrick and Richard. Nadine, would you like to give us an overview, please? Nadine 01:36.816
Yes, good afternoon, Councillors. This report provides an assessment of an application for an other change to the existing approval for There are only two matters that the applicant is asking to be modified. The first one is he's requesting deletion of condition five, which requires the accommodation to be used for short term visitors. And the second one is he's requesting a change, another change to allow a Noosa to be located on the site, which is a food and drink outlet which is able to be used for non-staying guests to utilise that. So there's an existing cafe around the pool area at the moment, so guests are allowed to use that. So he's now wanting the ability for the general public to come in and utilise that cafe. So at this stage, the planning report, we don't believe that there's any real reason to delete Condition 5, as the approval is for a hostel, the planning scheme supports a hostel, so we consider that we consider that condition just to be, again, consistent with the approval. And it just also gives the operator and the owners further advice that this is approved for a hostel. The second part, in terms of the food and drink outlet, whilst this wouldn't be something that's specifically envisaged for this area under the existing precinct, due to the site being quite, it's quite unique, and there's an existing approval on it, the way it's designed, and there's the existing hostel component, staff are quite supportive of having this ability. that food and drink area to be located and used for other staff, so we have no objection, and we support that proposal. We've also included, concluded a condition, just to make sure that there are no complaints, to limit, sorry, after 12 the applicant can apply, and, you know, so there's a, sorry, there's a 12-month trial period to make sure that there are no complaints. The one thing I haven't mentioned, sorry, is also, it doesn't fully comply with car parking, but based on the use, the surrounding area, and how this is operating, we believe that the car parking should be sufficient for the proposal. Frank Wilkie 03:58.830
Councillors? Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 04:02.180
Just a question in terms of the reasons they provided for deleting condition five? Nadine 04:09.160
They were just saying it's superfluous. Brian Stockwell 04:10.740
Okay, so it has nothing to do, during COVID and the housing crisis afterwards, they offered service to... to hospitality workers to actually live there. No, there was nothing in the submission. The submission that was lodged to us was really just to say they wanted it deleted. And just on that, if they did want to convert it to that side, I think car parking might be a different issue. But that wasn't mentioned. Joe Jurisevic 04:40.456
But given there are three banks three pavilions within the complex, perhaps one or another could be considered for a longer term hostile type of accommodation. Nadine 04:55.799
They haven't requested that as part of this submission, so we haven't investigated that side of things. Joe Jurisevic 05:01.279
Fair enough. If it's not put forward by the applicant, not expecting that to be the case. Frank Wilkie 05:07.979
Just a question. With the Food and Drink Outlet approval lapsing on 18th of January, the need to apply to extend it, would you expect that they would be applying for an extension well before that date? And you will know well before that date whether there have Nadine 05:29.322
Yes, at this stage we haven't, it has operated during COVID and there haven't been any complaints so that COVID extension finished in July. The food and drink out there? The food and drink. So it did have an operational period during COVID. Yeah. It hasn't operated since July. Since July... Since Frank Wilkie 05:48.220
July which year? This year. Okay. Nadine 05:49.960
This year. Sorry, last 23 Frank Wilkie 05:54.198
Yeah. 23, yes. So it finished last year. Our understanding and what we're hearing is that the backpacker industry is ramping up, buses are backing in. So when it was previously operating, there were no complaints. I've actually been on site and in terms of noise, it is really well designed. There was music playing. So the noise component is really well buffered to the surrounding areas. So it really comes down to that car parking and I suppose that whole management side. So I would anticipate, yes, in that 12 month period there would be sufficient period for anyone to make a And we could evaluate and if there was an issue we could also report back to the client and say we're getting issues because of A, B, C and D. I'd like to move the motion with an amendment to condition 62. Include a new condition 62 to read as follows: the food and drink outlet approval lapses on 31st of July 2024, unless written consent is provided by Council's delegate to extend the approval in assessing request to extend the approval, Council will have regard to any substantiated complaints relating to noise, car parking and any other relevant matters associated with the food and drink outlet use. We have a seconder for that please, for the purpose of debate. Councillor Stewart. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 07:36.631
We've received a request from the applicant and I believe all the councillors have received the request and they asked for an amendment and their request is for the 18th of July 2024. I've pushed that to 31st of July 2024 and my reasons are as follows. Firstly, the business has been operating for 18 months and to my understanding there has been no substantiated noise complaints. Also, I've They've requested a six-month period basically to just give the operators some sort of certainty and clarity. They have proven track record of responsible operation and they're that we help support the business by allowing some certainty. I'd like to note that through COVID and also the period six months after the COVID period, we actually have already allowed an extension is my understanding. So there was only a temporary variation allowed to the permit. So we've had actually quite an extended period for council to ascertain whether there were going to be any substantiated noise complaints. And to date, there's been none. So I am really supportive of their request for us to help support their business. About the 31st of July 2024, because I think within the next six months, there'll be plenty of time during school holidays, Australia Day long weekend, Easter holidays. And now with the 31st of July, we get the opportunity also to see if there are any complaints during the July school holidays, which I think ends I think ends on the 7th of July, so I've allowed 2-3 weeks after that period just in case any complaints come through and I just think that's just fair and equitable and also, what's the word, in keeping with our small business charter where we've made a commitment to help support businesses, local And, in particular, responsible operating local businesses. So, yeah, leave that to all the Councils to make a decision. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 10:08.226
Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Councils, any questions? Wegener. Tom Wegener 10:14.323
My concern is that it's the parking that the staff's mostly interested in. You know, would six months be enough time to really give it a go for Because it seems that you'd want to go through the various seasons to see how much parking is actually, how the parking situation is going to change because of the eat and drink. Question for staff? Yeah, that's the question. Is it long enough? Nadine 10:43.120
I tend to agree. It would be nice to have that full length. anticipate exactly, we have different peaks through the year. So I guess it would be good to see how it performs over that early Christmas period. Richard MacGillivray 10:56.310
I think it's important to reiterate that the 18 month trial period, you know, which went well, was at a time when the the occupancy of the premise and other businesses within the area, you know, we're talking about COVID, it's very different to where we are. So we think 12 months is prudent to get a full pulse check throughout the periods that you're referring to, Councillor, in terms of, yes, it is important that we pick up the July holiday period, June-July holiday period, but just as important to pick up Christmas period as well and through the warmer months where it might be busier as well. Thank you through the chair. So has there been any complaints through the current Christmas period around parking in the space? They're not currently operating as the cafe. Clare Stewart 11:48.400
Oh you want to like collect data for the end of Christmas. So the cafe ceased Richard MacGillivray 11:51.680
In July last year and seeking now to recommence. Joe Jurisevic 12:03.400
I see the merits in what Councillor Lorentson is suggesting but I think given a full 12-month period would be prudent. think given the pressures that we've been hearing about during the current Christmas period and the months just gone past, I think it would be prudent to see a full year's operation through each of the holiday periods and I tend to concur with the staff recommendation for a full year there. Frank Wilkie 12:35.382
Other councillors wish to speak to the motion? Tom? Tom Wegener 12:39.820
Yeah, we take our parking pretty seriously, don't we? And so this is a this is a situation where we're looking at the parking, so yeah. Frank Wilkie 12:53.884
Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 12:54.904
Through the Chair, just given in relation to our transport strategy and diversifying traffic out of that area, are we looking at how many people, surely we've got data about how many people are using the bus to be able And we've got data around the bus usage, the free bus usage in this Christmas period to help us with this decision. Frank Wilkie 13:23.379
With the permission of the Chair, the data comes at the earliest following January 25th and usually it's two or three weeks after that that we get the bus use data. We certainly would have bus use data in the previous years, but not for this Clare Stewart 13:45.331
The report suggested, Nadine, that about there was a camera and monitoring of the car parking and the cars. Yes. Can you just reiterate, because from my recollection, and I don't have a hard-to-read report on me, nor have I got it up, I've just got the recommendation up here, it was mean it was basically not being used at all was it? Nadine 14:06.983
That's correct, they did check the video stills at certain times, they were taken about three times a day and for that month of September it was predominantly empty most of the time. However when they originally put in the application the information over that period showed that it was full on two Saturdays. So again there is that difference there is that difference of data. But yeah, definitely September still showed parking was available on site, in the basement. Was the cafe working there? No, the cafe was not. The cafe was only being used for internal guests. Again, there was no external guests coming. Amelia Lorentson 14:43.774
My understanding also, Nadine, is that the occupancy rate at that time was 80%. Can I ask, Patrick and yourself, have you had any sight, you've mentioned you've done some sight visitation, and can you ask during what period? I went, it was in an afternoon, I did an inspection on the site and there was there was car parking space available and there was, I don't know what the occupancy was, but I did observe the management on site and you know we discussed in terms of how they were controlling people and again they were and Nadine 15:25.753
The management is looking for, the current management is looking for a, you know, accommodation is their primary purpose so they're wanting it as a nice place to come, they're not wanting it as a party area. that was what they were telling me but it wasn't busy when I went, no. Thank you. I'll, I'll speak to the motion. Frank Wilkie 15:45.189
Look, I, I appreciate what Councillor Lorentson's trying to do. I have no objection to no objection to a shortened trial period if it gives the data that we're after but the if the six-month period fell at a time when the cafe had been operating providing for both staff visitors and people from outside outside the the premise through the September holidays and the school holidays so you could capture that data data. I would have been satisfied with the six month period but given that there are the cafe is not operating currently it hasn't operated through this Christmas period it'll probably be a while before it gets up and running and Christmas will have passed if we extend if we have the six month trial only to the 31st of July 2024 that will exclude the opportunity to get the data during a Christmas period. and for that reason I would like to see a 12-month trial period in this instance because it will capture the holidays during the year and also when the cafe is operating through through a Christmas period which if it was a six-month trial we wouldn't have that data. I'm not against a six-month trial per se, just what's able to be captured in that time frame and the 12-month in this instance will give instance, we'll give the opportunity for the operator to be up and running and for us to capture the data during school holidays and the Christmas period, which if it ends on the 31st of July, we'll have missed the Christmas date. Amelia Lorentson 17:23.923
For that reason I won't, I can't speak. Councillor Lorentson and then Councillor Jo So the approval lapses on the 18th of January, sorry, but we have some data collated over this Christmas period, is that correct, Nadine? correct Nadine? Nadine 17:40.935
From the applicant I haven't received that but again remembering that it's the it's the cafe is only operating at the moment for the current guests so this will allow people like us to go and utilise it so we haven't got that data he because he's not using the use just to note on this too so this isn't this is just restricting him the approval will the food and drink approval to allow external guests is to lapse next year the existing hostel doesn't change we're not we're not affecting that so those existing operations there's no limitations on that this is just just to allow external guests to come and the idea so if everything's okay they would just apply to us and then Patrick if there are no complaints we'll just sign off on it and and they're a way to go. Councillor Joe and Councillor Karen. Joe Jurisevic 18:32.978
Based on what's been said around the table, I need some clarification. Food and drink outlet has been operational. Nadine 18:39.238
Previously during COVID. Joe Jurisevic 18:41.598
So when did it cease operating? Nadine 18:43.558
July last year. year. Joe Jurisevic 18:46.626
All external but still bunching to internal? Nadine 18:49.466
Internal, that's correct. So it hasn't ceased functioning, it's been operational, but just not external? That's correct, yes. I thought I'd want to clarify. The mention of it's not operating, it is operating, but it's operating in a different capacity to what's being requested here, which is to enable external... Guests or patrons, yes. Joe Jurisevic 19:11.394
Guests in a similar way that was allowed during the October period when perhaps it wasn't operating in its full capacity into internal residents. Yes, that's Yes, that's correct. Thank you. Karen Finzel 19:23.545
What is the usual process for the planning when people make an application? Is this the normal process that we do collect data over the period before we approve? So this proposal doesn't comply with car parking in accordance with the planning scheme. So it's required to provide an additional four spaces on site. So they can't do that. So normally they would submit a car parking assessment and we would We would review that and often we would send that out to a consultant so in this instance they relied on their own data so we've had we've just had raw data provided to us by the planner and that and that's what we've been making our- Councillor Finzel. So, if it goes for 12 months, and for example, there is complaints that can be data proven, you know, issue and increasing intensification of traffic to the area, what's the process then? Nadine 20:28.620
How does that affect the applicant? So again, they would come to us at that period, at the end of the period, and we'd have to be able to substantiate those complaints. So, yes, we'd have to look at our own data, see when the complaints were, what was happening, I would assume if we receive a complaint during this process, we'll investigate it ourselves to see whether there is any factual basis to it. Meaning it couldn't just be a vexatious complaint from a competitor? No, no, that's right. And we know that's a busy area, so, you know, one complaint about, you know, might about, you know, might not be enough, or one complaint could be if there's a massive party there or something like that, or there's massive problems with car parking. Richard MacGillivray 21:12.500
This situation is one where the infrastructure exists on site. cafe is there, it's being used by guests of the hotel, and if there was a problem and we couldn't extend the public going as a food and drink outlet, they would be able to continue using that infrastructure forward for their so it's a bit different in terms of someone maybe committing to a lease or buying equipment to facilitate a use and we're saying we can only use it for 12 months and then you know you may not be able to use it going forward there's an element of certainty for them that they can continue to operate in this space as they currently are. and I think it's important to highlight too that council officers have been working closely with the operator for some time, even obviously during COVID where they were given the ability to operate and a special permit was provided. and even the 12 month period or the six month depending on the decision that council makes, officers will continue to work closely with them and monitor that and if there's any discussion or issues that arise in that in that period. We really want to make sure that yeah we've yeah, we've got this decision right and being able to evaluate the impacts and issues during operation with external guests, I guess that's the reason for the 12-month period, similar to a sunset clause where we get to sort of review and analyse. make sure we've got the decision right for perpetuity. Frank Wilkie 22:41.742
Councillor Lorentson has the right to close. Sorry, Councillor Stockwell. I'm moving the amendment. Yes. And that just mends the 31st of July back to the staff recommendation of 18th of January 2025, just to save time. Karen Finzel 23:01.480
I have a question to the Chair. Is that a direct negation of the original motion with the change of date from the commencement? Frank Wilkie 23:14.457
So it's not changing that substance of the whole motion, it's just the change to a detail? Yes. Okay, well we'll just, yes councillor. Excuse me through the Chair, with regards to the standing orders, through to the Senior Councillor Stockwell you have the floor. Oh yeah, I'm just having listened to the arguments. I believe that the 12 months is a safer bet. I don't think it impacts the operation in any way other than another six months of a slight uncertainty as to the approval that's in place, which may, you know, if there's market issues involved that may affect that, but when we're doing town planning applications we shouldn't be considering that. So to me, based on staff advice and the need to, I suppose, look at various holiday periods of Easter, July, September, Christmas, 12 months appears to be a reasonable situation. Other councillors who would speak to the amendment? Councillor Jurisevic. Joe Jurisevic 24:43.220
I appreciate what was there. What we had before us is something that hasn't operated fully in format the proposed since the operation commenced due to COVID and due to the conditions that were opposed upon the uh the establishment when it was first established that was to be internal uh guest for standing so this would be an opportunity to see a full 12-month operation in the uh under the conditions of which uh it intends to operate okay i'll speak to it also um i'm i'm actually happy to support the amendment um think when us when a business approaches us and makes a request to reduce that lapse period um i think it's our duty to try to work with them um i however know the operator um don't know him but i know the um the business and i know that he's a responsible operator and i know that there aren't to date after an 18-month period um any complaints noise so i can't see that happening in six months out during an extended six month period so i'm happy i don't think it's a do die recommendation i think he has issues no um unfortunately you know we can't give him the clarity that he wants after a six month period a 12 month period um i think it is fine so i'm happy to support the amendment thank you councillor finzel i'm happy to speak to the motion well i agree i think um it's prudent um like to get the data we need we know that congestion and traffic is a huge impact on our shot um at the moment i've called the the owner this morning before the meeting just to have a conversation with him um he is a good operator he's worked really closely with council staff after doing the outcomes, especially through COVID, and personally... cost to him in terms of being away from his family and different things. His main concern for the operation of this is for you know to bring greater connection for community and I think that sits in line with our lifestyle survey that we did where 48% of people said that they were interested in more cafes and restaurants and businesses where they could come and meet with their friends and you know have a nice time together and I think this is also feeds into you know our destination management we're working towards finding that balance between how work together to find equity for you know residents, workers, visitors so this is one small aspect of a much bigger strategic direction the council is taking and I'm happy to support the Frank Wilkie 27:49.115
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Anybody else wish to speak to the amendment before Councillor Stockwell closes? I waive my right to speak I think it's all been well said already. Councillor Stockwell put the amendment those in favour? That's unanimous That's unanimous, thank you Clare. We go back to the original motion to which Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Jurisevic and Councillor Wegener have spoken. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 28:16.513
It has been mentioned. This is a very good asset in terms of our tourist offering. It is, as we said, has been managed really well and has demonstrated a lot of the sorts of values that we want to see in our tourism industry. had during COVID gone and taken the extra mile there to make sure that as a start-up business that was opening during COVID that it did survive and that's great benefits. I ran into a young couple over in my New Zealand ride last year and they just that was their last night after 18 months backpacking and they said by far the best and you Far, the best backing place they ever stayed at was Bounce Hostel on Mary Street, one of the things they were very complimentary of. So we do need to support businesses like this. I do understand the owner's desire to have some certainty within six months rather than 12 months, but I believe if the current trends are indicative, that it shouldn't be an issue. it is a fairly significant reduction in car parking over the stipulated that there's four additional spaces, was my reading of, so it's probably worthwhile being sure that we're not going to create any more dramas on the street. was a 12-month period. Frank Wilkie 29:37.304
Thank you. Councillor Stockwell. Anybody else wish to speak to the original motion before Councillor Lorentson closes? Councillor Lorentson, do you wish to close? No, all that's been said, Thank you. Put the motion, those in favour? That's carried unanimously. That's carried. Thank you. We now go to item 6.2. Thank you Nadine, which is Planning and Environment Court Appeal number 3156 of 2023, application for material change of use for healthcare service and hospital at 47 Goodchap Street, Noosaville. Mr Murphy. Yes, okay, so the report advises that we have received or the appeal has been lodged against the decision that was made by Council to refuse a development application for material change of use for and Hospital at 47 Goodchap Street in Noosaville. Councillors may recall the application was seeking the development of residential zone land and that was going to comprise two separate buildings. being a single storey infusion centre located at the front of the site and also a two storey day surgery located over a basement car parking to the rear of the site. The application was refused on the basis that the scheme seeks that the use of the hospital site be maximised with further health services co-located on the existing hospital site. There are other areas available such as the Noosa Business Centre, the Noosa Junction, Mary Street, Thomas Street Precinct and Opal Street, Cooroy that could accommodate the proposed health facilities and day surgery consistent with the current zoning pattern for the Shire and that the existing lot is well suited for residential development and is needed to cater for future housing. The proposed development is of a scale and character that is likely to adversely impact on residents amenity and the streetscape and that it had that it had not been demonstrated that sufficient car parking would be provided to meet the likely parking demand. Accordingly, the matter is in order for Council to defend at the appeal. Councillor, we have a motion whether to defend the appeal or not. Councillor Stockwell: Move the recommendation as opposed. Moves Councillor STOCKWELL, seconded by Councillor JURISEVIC. Wish to speak to the motion. Any of the councillors wish to speak? If the motion doesn't those in favour. That's carried unanimously. Thank you. We now have item 6.3. Planning and Environment Court Appeal number 3746 of 2023. Application for material change of use, short-term accommodation, 15 cabins, 94 and 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads. This is the RACV appeal and I have a declaration to make please. I, Councillor Wilkie, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as RACV have been a sponsor of Noosa Arts Theatre where I serve as the committee president. As a result of this prescribed conflict of interest, I will leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted upon. Larry Sengstock 32:49.180
Okay, as Councillor Wilkie is the chair, we need to appoint a new chair. Brian Stockwell 32:54.660
I'll move Councillor Wegener, he's sitting in the right spot. Larry Sengstock 32:59.500
I'll go in first. Councillor Wegener? All in favour? Karen Finzel 33:04.120
I move second to that, sorry. Seconded by Karen, sorry. Councillor Wegener, you're in charge. Tom Wegener 33:11.139
Okay, well first we have Planning Environment Court Appeal number 3764, application for material change of use for the short-term accommodation, 15 cabins at 94 and 142 Drive Noosa Heads. Patrick, would you want to talk through this? We recently, this came before us recently, but please. Richard MacGillivray 33:33.539
Yep, okay. So the report advises that appeal has been lodged against the decision made by council to refuse the development application for material change of use for short-term accommodation at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive Noosa Heads. The application involves application involved eight separate buildings comprising 15 two-storey dwelling units. There were 18 additional car parks. All buildings were going to be elevated structures. The buildings were connected by a timber boardwalk. development was going to result in the removal of a minimum of 71 potentially 82 native trees with a minimum of 27 being koala food trees. and potentially to 33 koala feed trees being removed and it was refused due to the unacceptable loss of vegetation the proposed development being an over development of the land at the expense of the site's natural values non-compliance with the Noosa Plan requirements for the development within for the development within the environmental management and conservation zone, stormwater and drainage and development outside of the urban boundary. The matter is in order for Council to defend. Joe Jurisevic 34:55.713
Discussed and debated when it came to full council. Any further questions? Councillor Finzel, Councillor Lorentson? Shaun Walsh 35:09.213
Okay, I'll get you to put it to a vote. In favour. Joe Jurisevic 35:21.315
We can carry. We can read. Okay. Frank Wilkie 35:33.616
Thank you. Back to planning applications decided by delegated authority. We have no declarations. declarations to be made. Moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? Thank you, I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you. Now up to Budget Review 2 for the 2023-24 final. Thank you, Patrick. Thank you, Richard. And welcome, Pauline. Shaun Walsh 36:13.040
You. Frank Wilkie 36:26.060
Welcome, Pauline. For those watching, Pauline is the Acting Financial Services Manager. Pauline Coles is her full name. She's going places. Could you give us an overview please, Pauline. Pauline Coles 36:46.483
Sure. Afternoon councillors. In accordance with the Local Government Act, Council is required to undertake regular reviews of its adopted budget to ensure budget to ensure it remains reflective of planned activities to be funded throughout the financial year. This is the second budget review for 23-24 and incorporates any new or emergent issues or actions that arise from Council meetings. In summary the budget review is proposing a net improvement of a million dollars to Council's operating position with the current operating deficit of $761,000 improving to a $304,000 surplus. This result includes a range of emerging costs that have been funded through additional revenue and grants received year to date. Council's capital expenditure program excluding its QRA disaster projects will decrease from $51.3 million to $46.1 1 million and that's due to the updated delivery schedule for several multi projects. With the delivery of the QRA fund of disaster projects now currently underway, Council will also recognise $127 million of disaster projects as part of its proposed capital works program. These projects relate to the February 22 flood and are all 100% fully funded by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. This brings the brings the total proposed capital works program to $173 million. As a result of that, we also recognise a corresponding increase in our capital grant revenue of $123 million relating to these projects. All capital submissions have been reviewed by the Capital Works Executive Committee and all forecast financial sustainability ratios continue to be met. In addition to the budget review, we're also including a review, or the twice-yearly the Noosa Holiday Parks fees and charges. This allows us to provide a forward booking period to customers of 18 months. The current fees and charges for Noosa Holiday Parks apply to 27 January 2025 and this report includes the proposed fees and charges up until the 13th of July 2025. Overall the increase Overall the increase to holiday parks and fees and charges is between three to four dollars which is about four to eight percent. This increase is driven by inflationary pressures on operational costs with council and park management experiencing inflationary trends between five and The proposed fees have also been benchmarked and tested against fees and charges adopted by other government and privately owned camping and caravan parks that are as similar in size, location and type so that we ensure we're in line with industry pricing. Overall this budget review continues to show council in a strong financial position. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 39:42.878
A couple of councillors may have some questions which we weren't able to attend the workshop. Joe, do you have a question? I was at the workshop. Joe Jurisevic 39:50.496
Just to reiterate, just the three things. In the original budget, what was our forecast deficit or otherwise? What was it in BR1 and what was it in BR2? I was going to say Pauline Coles 40:14.911
121 Off the top of my head, but bear with me. so it was... Joe Jurisevic 40:19.906
No, you're right. It's okay. I had it before and I didn't bring it with me. I do actually have it in here, so I'll just look at it. All right, all right, all right. Frank Wilkie 40:32.189
Was your question again, please, Joe? Joe Jurisevic 40:33.589
What was the situation with the surplus and deficit as of the original budget, as of BR1 and now BR2? Frank Wilkie 40:39.949
It was a deficit of 760. Joe Jurisevic 40:41.989
No, that wasn't just BR1. It was in the report. The original budget was... budget? Pauline Coles 40:45.032
So the adopted original budget was $121,000 surplus and then it was budget review one, it was $761,000 deficit and now it's a $304,000 surplus. Joe Jurisevic 40:55.932
Thank you for the hard work. creates that turnaround in the financial position and brings us back to the surface for the rest of the year. Frank Wilkie 41:07.223
Questions, Councillor? Councillor Stewart, you have some questions. Clare Stewart 41:10.543
Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. Thank you, Pauline. just got a couple of questions and it's just to do each attachment so I'll go through attachment by attachment if that's okay. As you highlighted, $173.3 million is incredible. Post capital works, it's unbelievable. And I see that we've got 64 submissions received from capital works programs for 2023-24 and a revised decrease in works of $5.1 million. Can you give me an explanation or Larry, perhaps someone from infrastructure of the... Decrease in works, is that just because it's carry over or we're just holding off or... Pauline Coles 41:51.236
I can comment if you want. No, that's fine. So in terms of the decrease to the initial program. program. was about $8.6 million of reprogramming of multi-year projects. So some of those were grant funded. Some of those are relating to supply and delivery timelines. So they've just pushed out into the next year. So we're taking that up. There's some... emergent works and variations that we've taken up, which is about $4.2 million. And then some other savings and overspends that we've netted out, which brings you back to the $5 million. So a lot of the push out relates to either multi-year programming or... new grant funded projects that have come on board or some variations that have happened. Clare Stewart 42:34.817
Okay, terrific. Thank you. Just another question. The financial services, the operating submissions attachment one. So we've seen an uplift because of higher yielding deposits of 2.1 million. So we've Is that correct? Pauline Coles 42:51.104
Correct. So in terms of offsetting some of the submissions that have come through, we've taken up the year-to-date upside in interest revenue, which is about 2 And that's due to the high yielding term deposits from the surplus funds that we're currently carrying. That obviously may not continue and probably won't continue into future years as we consume that project money for the QRA projects. Clare Stewart 43:11.163
Okay, thank In regard to attachment to, in regard to the bridges and revetment wall, can you just talk me through, there were, I went through and they were where I noticed that the larger discrepancies were, just the differences. Okay so there were... 450,000 and 400,000 I think. Pauline Coles 43:35.245
So one, so there's a slight variation in relation to Garth Prowd which is an increase of about 250,000 and then there's, 000 and then there's also a reprogramming of the Donella Bridge renewal as well which is about 400,000 that's pushing out. Clare Stewart 43:52.968
Attachment 3 revised statement of income and expenditure. Interest received through a change is considerable as in grants in grants and donations, is there a $13.4 million change in grant funding or is that just, again, to do with timelines and money coming in? Pauline Coles 44:19.846
Sorry, could you just repeat which line you were looking at? Clare Stewart 44:23.506
Attachment 3, revised statement of income and expenditure. Yep, and the line that you were looking at particularly? Hang on, I'll just get back. Sorry, Pauline. No, that's okay. Pauline Coles 44:31.326
Sorry, the Clare Stewart 44:33.136
I'm on the computer here. That's okay. I think I know what you're referring to, the operational grants, the $1.3 million. Yep, okay. Yep, so that relates to some additional operating grant programs that we have had come online. Let me just find that for you, if you bear with me. One of them is a QCoast grant, one is a flood resilience management program, and and the the other one was part of a QA resilience program was an operational component of those programs okay so that's additional grant that we're for grant renew that forecasting that obviously also has a corresponding expenditure line item because they offset each other okay perfect thank you and can can you tell tell me me what Capital Works Constructed Assets specifically means? Pauline Coles 45:24.996
Whereabouts exactly are you looking? The capital expenditure, there's a big difference. Capital Works Constructed Constructed Assets, BR1 was $40... And to the $165 million? Yeah, correct. So that's us recognising the QRA program. Clare Stewart 45:42.399
Okay, so this is the, this is, and do with just with accounting processes, is it? Yeah, so that's just the capital component of in and out as well. So the top section is operating, the below section is capital. Okay, and in attachment for Pauline, contract assets under... under liabilities. I know it hasn't featured before but it is in this these set of documents. Can you talk me through that. Pauline Coles 46:06.593
Sure so for accounting purposes we're required to undertake a review of all the grants, levies, funds that we receive in terms of how we recognise that revenue over time so depending on the criteria so if they're sufficiently specific and measurable we're required to recognise them as a liability going forward so we remove them from revenue and recognise them as a contract liability. in terms of the 24 million that's recognised there that is pretty predominantly QRA so we had advanced payment of QRA funds so we took that up at the end of last financial year so that's why it's flowing through in this budget review. Because we've now finalised our audited financial statements for 2023 so those numbers have now picked up in this budget review. Thanks and last question I apologise non-current liabilities on page three provisions the term provisions yes is that the increase you're referring to yes yes so as part of again the finalisation of the 2023 financial statements we recognise an additional eight million dollars of rehabilitation costs for the the landfill site the the landfill site so that's pushed up that provision amount okay thank you thanks so much appreciate all of that. Frank Wilkie 47:18.444
Thanks Councillor Stewart. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 47:20.644
I've got a couple of questions also Pauline in terms of web park upgrade I note that that's been pushed out but I also note in the report that Belmore Terrace Parkway renewal has been included as part of VR2. Can you just clarify? I was did Pauline Coles 47:43.462
Shaun want to talk to that because he's probably better placed to do that as the infrastructure director? Thank you. Shaun Walsh 47:49.302
Thank you Chief. So what we've done is we'll commence the early works which is the Belmore Terrace Pathway networks which is really good because it's the circulation network around the edges of the park and it's also a substantial budget component of the overall project so for the community it'll appear like we've actually started work on the park and it'll make it I'll make it much easier for the community to circulate around the park when we actually do the works in the park itself. It also means that in terms of the pathway upgrades, that's subject to a grant and we're actually expending the grant funds prior to the acquittal date which is June this year. it's sort of like it's two stages, the early works which is the Belmore Terrace Park pathway works and then the balance of the landscape works actually within the park. Amelia Lorentson 48:30.503
Terrific, thank you. Okay, in terms of stormwater drainage, current budget 4.485, proposed budget review 1.052. So on page 41, so stormwater infrastructure, it's a significant part of our infrastructure services. What my question What my question is, does our strategic asset management plan align with our annual approved budget? So I'm doing sort of playing with my calculator at the moment and working out what percentage of our capital works program is dedicated to our stormwater infrastructure system and I actually pulled out I think it was the stormwater infrastructure asset management plan 2019 just to get a benchmark and at that and at that time I think it was 2% and my calculations unless it's wrong we're at about 7.78% of total budget so there's been... Joe Jurisevic 49:40.038
Can you just point out what model you're referring to? I'm on page 41, Joe. I'm on page 41 of 145 of the reports report she's not like I know I'm on the general committee Frank Wilkie 49:57.064
I'm on the general committee report. She's in the full agenda Jo. I'm on the full agenda of only page 41 refers to capital works it's just a summary yeah it's just a summary yeah so so my question is given how critical you know our infrastructure managing our assets arch of financial sustainability is this a good percentage of total capital works program to sustain you know future risk. Would you like to take a permanent seat here? I was going to say that the reason it pushed out was to do with Ross Pauline Coles 50:38.862
Present which is grant funder program that's just the timing of grant funding. Amelia Lorentson 50:42.882
And my question stems from the 2022 rain events and population increase and our visitation numbers have also increased. So stormwater infrastructure is high priority and I actually get how it is critical to our council financial sustainability so that's really been my focus just are we spending enough. Shaun Walsh 51:07.972
Through the chair so as you recollect the council's had council's had a briefing from Brian O 'Connor our assets manager on the status of our asset management plan in recent months and the general summary is that our asset management system and the renewals budgets tied to it are very strong when it comes to roadways and drainage systems as a result of work and that being high priority the areas we're still to develop you know better quality asset management system is parks and also buildings and facilities so they'll be our priority moving forward so I have confidence in our asset renewal system and the amount of money applied to it for our stormwater assets and our roadways I'm not so confident when it comes to parks and buildings facilities but they're areas significant improvement in the next year to two years and you have to remember that we came from basically a base of zero when we were de-amalgamated and you know trying to actually get good quality information and survey to actually get an asset management system working has required tremendous effort. So in some of the work they've done in the stormwater, they've actually put robots up all the drains to determine their level of clearing, to determine whether they're blocked, give us confidence in the stormwater management system so and we also need to be careful that stormwater is different from flooding you know stormwater is to deal with you know predicted events where the water runs through the system and discharges into the river of course when we have determine whether they're we have an extraordinary event like river flooding that's a different scenario whatsoever where you're looking at protection of our critical assets thank you very much Thank you. Frank Wilkie 52:39.265
Would you like to say anything? Yeah, I'd certainly like to say anything. Thank you, Sean. Do you want to read the structure? Yeah. Items. Amelia Lorentson 52:45.804
Probably, I've got lots of questions but probably the only other one I need really answered in terms of retaining wall construction Sunrise Beach, 56 David Lowe Way. Where exactly is that? Shaun Walsh 52:59.484
So that's the one that's below the old caravan park if you want a better word. Above the old caravan park in Sunrise. Amelia Lorentson 53:07.930
So has that got anything to do, is that the one closest to the Burgess Creek? No. No, it's close to the bridge. It's near the bridge, very near the bridge, not far past the bridge, south of the bridge. I know exactly where it is. Larry Sengstock 53:28.024
Just an area that we identified last year, so the money that's in the budget now is to do the review, to do the planning and the end of the design, and then future budget will be to actually repair it. Fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 53:41.044
Thank you, that's all. Thank you very much, I'll wait here too. Any other questions, councillors? Karen Finzel 53:46.555
Thank you to the Chair and the CEO. I just have a question around stormwater breaking as well, in relation to the infrastructure across the Shire. And the prioritisation process. Can you just talk me through how if we review the budget and then extra money is allocated, in what way does that affect how we roll out the upgrade? So for example with the bioretention basins, rehabilitation programs and things like that. Sure. Larry Sengstock 54:18.889
So you notice there is an allocation of money in there for the bioretention basins and there is an ongoing program. We've got 42 bioretention basins across the Shire. I've done a little bit of research on this as you can hear. Thank you. But in terms of prioritisation there was a report done in 2022 that itemised all those bioretention basins and audited them essentially and put them in a good, bad or indifferent order. In terms of doing what they're supposed to do and the maintenance level. I think that there is an ongoing question and understanding of residents in terms of the level of what we call maintenance. Shaun Walsh 55:06.961
Appearance is probably a better word. Appearance is probably a good word too in terms of it being a reserve therefore being fully natural versus being manicured for like a mode or kept in a different state. So it's along those lines we need to do a bit more work in terms of education of people because there is a definite line between the two that we need to work through and you know I get some people look at it and go that's not well kept and I think that because of the amount of of the amount of land and space that we do have under control and under reserve then it's, you know, it's difficult to keep up with it and difficult to keep it at the level that we need but we are working through that program and that's why with those 42 potentially that particularly the retention basins basis we're working through those in terms of some of them have been got out of hand a little bit in recent years and we are working through our best to to prioritise those so I don't have the answers for you in terms of which ones but we do have a program in place And where can we access our programs now? No, that's in their internal operational documents here. If I can add to that, it's just of interest that a lot of these bioretention basins are actually in environmental reserves. So, you know, the spaces are being maintained for both their stormwater qualities as well as environmental properties and as you can appreciate, a highly known, you know, surface, you know, is not consistent with an environmental reserve, you know, so. and I think that there needs to be, at the same time, a number of these spaces immediately adjacent to residents who, you know, pay a lot of money for their land and they have different expectations of those spaces. So, um, I think part of it, as Larry said, is education, that this is an environmental reserve. This is how it should look. This is what it should look like. But at the same time, we need to ensure that those bioretention basins are actually doing So, It's probably in terms of residents' expectations, there's a balance or a middle ground about maintaining environmental quality, stormwater qualities, but certainly not achieving a high amenity standard in terms of it being manicured to ensure biodiversity properties are maintained. But it's also an understanding on Council's part that there is a maintenance element by retention basins and properties that weren't quite maintained. In the last 12 months, the bioretention basins asset portfolio, as part of the asset program that I talked about, has actually been transferred from the environment team over to the infrastructure team to ensure that there's much more rigour ensure that it meets our stormwater parameters and the skill set is actually appropriate. Of course, they need to consult with the environment staff to ensure biodiversity properties are maintained, but to give a better emphasis on you know, maintenance of the stormwater assets. And that's been an agreed process between infrastructure services and environment services. Amelia Lorentson 58:12.135
Any more questions, Councillor Wegener? Just one more. Page 46 of the report, Pauline. This is operating submissions made, I'm assuming, by the local laws officers, a submission of $42,000 for increased legal costs for prosecution of offenders. Local laws. Do they also make a submission for just increased... increased local law officers? I've been, not inundated, but I've been receiving quite a few emails about dogs on beaches. And have And have they made a submission in terms of resourcing? No we didn't receive a submission for additional resourcing for local laws but obviously I'm assuming obviously as part of the 2025 budget they'll review their service levels and what they need in terms of that so at this stage no they haven't requested any additional resourcing. Frank Wilkie 59:04.736
Thank you very much. Just to clarify this extra unasked is due to enforcement actions? Correct this is due with the enforcement of infringement. Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 59:14.322
I know I was just pointing out we were discussing a budget review. Frank Wilkie 59:17.882
Yes exactly. We're going down a bit further. We're going. I know that's right. No question. Okay. Moved, Councillor Jurisevic. Second. Seconded, Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Jurisevic. Joe Jurisevic 59:29.565
I think that's already been said. Good to see a return to surplus for BR1, which typically happens. We do some shopping changes in the some shopping changes in the end financial year, but looking at the programs going forward, we're predicting a surplus for the end of financial year. It shows sound financial management terms. It was greatly honed by our financial team to understand the very last... vast sums of money that we deal with and go through the various departments and I'd like to commend our financial team for their prudent financial management of our council funds and all of the council team in that regard. Thank you. Pauline Coles 01:00:12.180
Joe. Frank Wilkie 01:00:13.380
Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:00:15.900
Oh yeah there's an interesting comparison to be made on this budget and I reflect back to last term where there's a great deal of a certain amount of community concern that we weren't getting our opera our capital works done so the capital works budget now for this year is about three times just for the the stuff that the ratepayers are funding three times that which was averaged during the Sunshine Coast Council era but if we add in the the amount of capital work with disaster it's over ten times as much capital works then what Sunshine Coast Council is putting into the Noosa Shire area during the amalgamated period. Now you know sometimes it's just one wise decision we can thank our CEO when he's in his substandard position suggesting very early in the disaster recovery process that we should get expert consultants in to run that disaster recovery program. Without them you know we'd be pulling our hair out and so a hundred and twenty three million of over 120 million of disaster funding that's coming in. It's also really important to understand how disaster affects the budget. Now, we're dealing with successive climate-related disasters, and we think about our other budgets in terms of our climate action budget. new normal will have probably a fairly constant stream of disaster recovery for local councils to deal with. So while we may get that state government funding to do the work, there is a whole host of administrative responsibilities within this building that need to be met. And that's something we really have to understand is as long as the State government continues to fund it, it's not going to be a do or die thing. And that's something we It's clear But if we had to come up with over $120 million, our ratepayers couldn't afford it. There'd be projects that just wouldn't be getting done. There'd be residents who would continue to have to take the long way around for the rest of eternity before we could do some of the repairs that were getting done through the State funding. So it's really it's really important to say short term, yes, this is what we're going to do in the next six months. Long term, our budget, we have to think about what's ahead of us for the next 10 years and realise that recovery from disaster is going to be an impost on the ratepayers of this community for at least another decade and probably a lot longer. Frank Wilkie 01:02:59.595
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Wegener. Shaun Walsh 01:03:04.382
I'd like to thank Councillor Stockwell for your cheerios there. First name Beckett. Just to say thank you to the team, Rowling, Trent, everybody. Thank you very much. I'm hoping that as we do go forward, there's been such a fantastic succession from... Our first... Michael. Martin. Michael. You're Michael to yourself. You've maintained this transition of great, great, great, talented... thoughtful, generous, and qualified people in your space. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:03:47.960
Just a really quick note, thank Pauline and team. But also the, you know, it's free money, we're getting the money from state, but there's also resourcing human resourcing implications with that funding. So I know there's there's passionate, hard-working people working in infrastructure under this roof and we don't say thank you enough. It's big business and they're really good people making really making really big things happen at this council. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:04:23.902
Councillor Stewart. Clare Stewart 01:04:25.802
Thank you Councillor Wilkie. Just to reiterate what's already been said. Thank you Pauline Trent and all the team. It's remarkable to turn over a million dollars in such a short amount of time. It's a terrific way to finish off the council term as well. So I want to thank you for all your hard work in that space. Also the infrastructure team, Larry, Shaun, thank you. unbelievable, $173.3 million of capital works. We are a small council and that is certainly, as Councillor Stockwell said, the largest that we've seen, probably 10 times what's been done. And it's great, it's great for our rate payer because we are receiving from the QRA and we're receiving grant funding from the feds and the State, but also it's a lot of hard work and investment by our council staff too. So please pass on our thanks to them because that is just a remarkable level of work that's been achieved. Frank Wilkie 01:05:21.840
Anybody wish to speak before Councillor Jurisevic closes? Councillor Jurisevic. Joe Jurisevic 01:05:28.860
I'll close, thank you. Yes, a good voice raising. Thank you, Brian. Yes, the level of capital works goes goes down to exactly what Shaun was talking about. Our understanding of our assets and the need to renew those assets and the need to renew those assets with an element of resilience, knowing what goes on with regard to fires and floods and disasters and what the future brings. So we're... We're getting ahead of it. It's taken a bit of time. We're planning a bit of catch-up, and that's why the spend is where it is. The QRA funding, of course, is significant. And you're right, we'd be challenged by that. I've just recently come back from the Shoalhaven Shire where, as a result of disasters over the next three years, their council is proposing to raise rates by 46%.% because of the impact on their council of recent disaster events in that area. So they're realistic challenges going forward for any council. The impacts are huge, particularly in Flood's Devastator and Fire's Devastator region. They've had the impact of a number of events over the last few years, a lot of those southern councils did. So you can see the sort of challenges that councils can face and so we've got a clear way on top and thank goodness we do have the QRA funding to renew these assets and thank goodness that they now understand the element of resilience which is in the Queensland disaster recovery plan. Resilience is part of asset renewal going forwards. But all good. Again, the asset management plans are the crucial nature of those and to continue to drive the renewal of assets, particularly with the ageing assets that we've got, community facilities and the like, we'll continue to challenge our budgets for years to come. Frank Wilkie 01:07:14.606
Thank you, put the motion those in favour it's carried unanimously thank you both Larry Sengstock 01:07:20.361
Can I just make one point we have focused a lot on our assets and our infrastructure in here because they're big numbers but you'll also look there's a there's a it's a massive spreadsheet in front front of of you with a whole lot of staff there's 500 on staff out there working delivering services all meeting their budgets and all meeting the delivery levels that they need to so we I don't it would be remiss of me if we didn't say that it's a know it's it's a it's a whole a whole council of council here and we need to thank them all so from my perspective please thank them all and I know our focus went to the infrastructure because of it and I know you're well aware of the overall services that we deliver Thank you. Shaun Next item is the financial performance report. Frank Wilkie 01:08:10.176
Next Don't go too far though Shaun. Financial performance report for December. Pauline Coles, you have the floor Pauline Coles 01:08:21.928
Again. so operating revenues to outperform forecast and operating expenditures are under forecast year to date to the end of December. Operating revenue is 3.2 million dollars above budget which is being driven by 2 million dollars of interest and 1.4 $1.4 million of sales of goods and services from holiday parks, community facilities and waste. We also have a slight above budget amount of about $300,000 in operating grant revenue. This has been offset by lower than forecast revenue in rates due to some valuation changes and category changes and fees and charges are about half a million dollars below budget year to date. Operating expenditure $1.2 million underspent with the majority of this underspend relating to employee costs resulting from vacancies and recruitment timing. Materials and services expenditure is marginally under budget at this point in the year. Many of these year to year-to-date variances that you'll see in this report have been addressed as part of the budget review too, which will be reflected in the January report. The quarterly update on Tourism and Economic Development Expenditure shows that this program is on track year-to-date. included in the report is the quarterly summary of legal expenditure, which shows $1.2 million spent of the four-year budget of $1.6 million at this point in the year. Overall Council's operating position at December is $4.4 million above budget. Capital revenue is above budget $5.2 million due to the further advance funding from QRA, and year-to-date excluding disaster projects Council has expended 33% of the full year capital program which equates to about $17 million with a further $6 million currently committed. A further $12.6 million has been funded year-to-date on QRA disaster projects but as I mentioned with BR2 coming into place that will adjust those budgets back in the January reports. budgets back in the January reports. Council cash holdings at the end of March was $106 million, with $30 million invested in term deposits. The quarterly update on the breakdown of cash holdings has also been included in this month's report, and you'll note the major movement in the graph compared to the previous quarter is in working capital, as we're at the end of the first rating cycle of the year. So we issued rates in July, and we've spent that money through to December, is why that's come down. Once we issue rates in January /Feb, that'll kick up once that comes back in, and that'll fund through the operations to the end of the year. Restricted and unrestricted cash has also declined, and that's basically due to the delivery of the capital works program, and also the utilisation of QRA disaster funding that we received in advance. With half the financial year complete, Council's financial performance continues to be strong. Frank Wilkie 01:11:04.800
Okay, questions, calculus. Amelia Lorentson 01:11:08.520
In terms of the legal costs, can you explain, so general legal advice, so we've got an in-house legal Council, she or he started in December, probably too soon to ask the question, are there any savings? But I did notice CEO and governance, that seems to be quite high, $65,000 of the $74,000 allocated budget, and industrial relations advice. Is that unusual? Pauline Coles 01:11:46.722
Or should the question be to the CEO? Do you want me to answer? Larry Sengstock 01:11:54.375
The advice that we've been requested or needed to get in this recent sort of six to 12 months, while I've been in the chair particularly. I don't know whether that's me or whether that's just Daniel, but... the advice that we get obviously comes at a cost. So any time that we ask for external advice, then it does come at a cost. So there's been quite a bit of that in recent times for a whole range of purposes. So that's been reflected there in that budget. Pauline Coles 01:12:25.528
It's all dependent on really what types of work and what's happening at the time that impacts on that budget. In some years it's quite low and other years it can be quite high. Frank Wilkie 01:12:38.153
Amelia, have you got any more questions? Just in terms of details of the expenditure or advice that's been sought, is that protected under Privacy Information Act? It is. Thank you. Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:12:54.497
Thank you. Just coming off the back of that with the expenditure through Augusta Relations, the CEO, would that have anything to do with the change in legislation around the reduction of working hard towards trying to minimise cyber social hazards in the workplace? Larry Sengstock 01:13:10.717
Question. To some degree there is some advice that we've been seeking for that we've been been seeking for that but there's also in terms of the training and education for our staff in general that's that's been accommodated in our you know budgets through the people and culture. Joe Jurisevic 01:13:25.491
Have a move to start. Frank Wilkie 01:13:27.571
Move councillor Jurisdicts. we have a seconder? Second. Seconder councillor Lawlinson. Joe you have the floor. Joe Jurisevic 01:13:35.900
This is, you know, I know you're in VR too, we tend to focus on the capital, but here we've got a lot more information about the operating system. Sure. The operating budget, but we do sometimes tend to forget, you know, we are operating in the realms of hundred million dollars of operation and expenditure, of revenue and expenditure with regards And the detail, the challenges that staff do have with regard to staying within the budgets and trying to maintain the budgets of every element, every facet of council through And you can see the, those that are below and those that are above and the swings and roundabouts that go through the organisation and where those challenges, is month on month, year on year, so. It's a very comprehensive report on a monthly basis and it gives us a good snapshot on a monthly basis of how we're tracking with our financial performances and should alert us quite readily of any concerns and be able to, as our financial staff do, alert us to any challenges and and try to address those challenges as they arise. I think for anybody that wonders about the financial performance of councils should take the time to read each of these financial reports and understand what happens and what is going on in council on a regular basis. We often challenge some of the elements some of the elements, and the one that I like to bring up with the CEO is staff training, and I think it's important that we have that approach, and we do meet that, and it's often difficult to, when we don't have a full column of staff, to facilitate all of their training. So how are we going Pauline Coles 01:15:23.881
I think we're actually behind budget, aren't we? We are, we are behind budget. Yeah, to some degree, but we've also got a number of things in train... we're going to be using that budget for. in train in And one of those is psychosocial, but also it's, you know, there are things, there are things in play. It was a nice little leg you did there, thank you. Absolutely. Larry Sengstock 01:15:45.066
We've also... in this round, in this last 12 months, implemented more in looking at staff and what training needs they want individually. So we're actually trying to cater for that as well, particularly from the, you know, in the management area, not the management area, there's the regulatory training that we need to do for various things like licences and permits and things like that, but then there's also the training that we want our management training to get, it our coordinators, supervisors, all the way up through to the CEO, everybody needs to be given, afforded that ability to improve their personal development. So, and professional development. So, we're looking at all that and that's part of the program that we're now putting in place. And where possible, where we can afford it, we're going to implement those. Joe Jurisevic 01:16:37.828
In terms of psychosocial hazard training. That's going to be made available to council employee staff. Given that councillors are not considered employees, will there be an opportunity to maybe extend that training? Absolutely. Larry Sengstock 01:17:00.698
That's part of what we're looking to, and there's a whole program of discussion that needs to happen around that. But absolutely, we're in the induction program that's for the new round of council. cycle, that will be certainly part of the part of the program that we'll be looking to implement. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:17:19.199
Question, Pauline. The holiday park revenue... To date, it's $660,000 above budget. Yes. That's an extraordinary result. What is it due to? It can't just be efficiencies. Some of of it's to do... We've had record high occupancy of sites across the board, so a lot of it's driven through that. We do have offsetting upside as well in expenditure that relates to that as well. But yeah, predominantly, it's the utilisation of sites and maximising... Yeah, And even though it was included in the BR2, there's a downturn in rates revenue because of revaluations because you... Yeah, so there's been some changes in whether it's been through the individual property owners' request and from reviews from the Valuer General's Office on the valuations of some properties, but there's also been some changes in categories of properties. it might be where for say a rate payer was previously in a transitory category and they've gone through and gone actually no we're not in transitory anymore and that's moved out. So there's been a lot of movements in terms of valuations and category movements. Are we noticing many owners shifting their properties from transitory back to... Pauline Coles 01:18:39.439
I couldn't tell you numbers but there has been some movement but I wouldn't have the quantum of that unless Richard does. Any indication of trends? Richard MacGillivray 01:18:54.787
We've been following up in relation to the short stays just recently, particularly with transitory rating categories being applied. We've been finding that some of those properties that we suspected that were short-term letting have actually been rated. They haven't been basically following and checking their rates. It is a principal place of residence. Residents and they've actually been playing the transitory rate so we've been making adjustments as we've been dealing with that so we suspect and you'll be aware around the total number of possible STAs was as high as 4,000 you might might recall we suspect with the work that we've been doing in the team recently it may not be quite as high as that in fact we're rolling through those other numbers at the moment so it might be a lesser number than the 4,000 we suspected we're still working We're still working our way through that as we ground truth and undertake those detailed investigations and which means in a good sense that potentially overall less SDAs than we first envisaged. We've still got a bit of work to do and during this year of 2024 we'll be doing a bit of work Narrow that down to get that total number more accurate. There will always be a bit of fluidity there in terms of people you know going into SDAs and coming out on some of those 460s and things like that and we'll just have to continuously keep our eye on keep our eye on that but the good news is potentially that numbers not quite as high as we first envisaged. Still more work to be done so. Frank Wilkie 01:20:25.096
And while you're here Richard, the $101,000 above expenditure, above budget and expenditure for development assessment, is that a combination of a high workload and needing to outsource the work, or why is it so high? Richard MacGillivray 01:20:40.352
Yeah, yes, so we're actually, we're about 25 we're about 25% under in terms of establishment for planning assessment at the moment so we've been having to outsource to cover some of that resource gap and that's possibly where we've got a lot more expenditure and that we've been outsourcing to cover that gap. are slowly filling those positions in fact we've got a new senior development planner that arrived today so we filled another role there we've got one more to fill in there so we are making inroads this year so that that number should come back. Amelia Lorentson 01:21:11.398
Should come back down shortly now we've got a full establishment of working our way towards a full establishment Thank you. and in terms of STA will you be able to provide us with some data and how many applications were approved this term of council just be great to understand what the real number is absolutely and in fact it's good timing we're working on a dashboard that will get some material for you and then for the general public SDAs around overall numbers also looking at the trends since the start of the local law in terms of what's been happening in terms of hotline requests are different trends number of approvals that have been issued for the different categories so we're working working on that. We'll hopefully have something for councillors shortly and the general public. Joe Jurisevic 01:21:58.524
And that will give us the number of accruals, the number of outstanding applications that are still being assessed and the suspected number of... Yeah, potentially. Richard MacGillivray 01:22:07.961
That's right. And it is an assumption number on the total numbers. It'll be always hard to probably lock down... Yeah, we're slowly making good inroads through that number of properties on there. Frank Wilkie 01:22:18.681
Thank you. Thanks. Thank you. Jody, would you like to... Brian Stockwell 01:22:24.746
Yeah, just sitting back, it's interesting to see when we're talking about swings and roundabouts. So the upside that we saw in budget review too is interest rates going up, so our investments and our capital is earning more. The downside is that's pushing the downward pressure on the building industry and the development industry. So we've actually seen, you know, a quarter of a million dollars less than what's expected in development applications and 57k less than building and plumbing. And if you look at the applications coming through, you can still see that's going down. So, you know, over the, probably maybe not the next one, but the one after you, if that continues, we're going to We're going to be back into a fairly tight budgeting environment, whereby we're going to have to look at the resources we've got and how we do it. The interesting thing is the juxtaposition of holiday park revenue going up, the cost price, but that may be just people choosing for a slightly more affordable holiday rather than a more expensive one. more people choosing to go camping rather than staying in a unit or whatever. So it will be interesting to see how that holiday park revenue goes over the next year or so because it will give us an indication of how the local economy is going to be faring over this inflationary period. Amelia Lorentson 01:23:42.902
A quick question, Pauline, through the chair. Excuse me. On page 79 under materials and services, I've just got a big question mark. I haven't seen this before. Administration, supplies and consumables. Can you explain what it's meant by? Pauline Coles 01:24:01.659
It can include a whole range of things. I did have it up here but I've closed it, sorry. But I can certainly take it on notice and come back to you if you'd like. Larry Sengstock 01:24:13.055
Consumables is not necessarily food? No, it's not. It's basically, it can be materials, it can be travel, it can be entertainment, it could be consultancy, it could be a number of different things. Amelia Lorentson 01:24:25.155
But I can certainly come back to you. Pauline Coles 01:24:27.932
You very much. Joe Jurisevic 01:24:42.729
Go through the challenges of having sufficient staff to fill, trying to fill those voids and vacancies, as all businesses do. As has been pointed out around the table, we also want to go to the pressures of increasing costs and expenses. With everything we do, and all businesses and all governments currently go through this, so the financial pressures and the financial management, fiscal management going forward, as we have done for the last 10 years, continues to be a critical element of the learning and counselling schemes. the graphs at the end, the operating surplus ratio, the cash expense covers, the assets, sustainability ratio, the net finances, liability ratios, all those ratios are indicators that the State Government expect us to hold within targets and it's important to see that Council have been in those, well above those ranges for quite some time. time, we need to keep our eye on those and ensure that we continue to maintain those. We're getting good returns on investment at the moment, we've got a bit of spare cash for investment as well which is helping so that will run out so all those challenges going forward will be ones for our new council to try and uphold and upkeep. It's very easy to be critical from the outside, when you're on the inside you understand the work that goes in here and you see these results it's very pleasing to see the financial position of council. Frank Wilkie 01:26:16.822
Thank you Councillor Jurisevic. All in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you Pauline. Next item is the Audit and Risk Committee membership Mr CEO are you presenting this report? Yes, unfortunately Larry Sengstock 01:26:33.591
Deb Yeti is not able to be with us today so I'll present this. So the first one is the Audit and Risk Committee membership, item 6.7. In accordance with our Local Government Act we need to have an Audit and Risk Committee. Committee. Ours comprises of two councillors, appointed councillors and two external members. One of the external members, our current chair, his tenure finishes the 11th of March this year and so we need to make a decision on either renewing that or going for a new chair. The recommendation here is that we renew and continue Tim Cronin's chairmanship of the Audit and Risk Committee. We've just done a review and you've been privy to that as councillors that the Audit and Risk Committee is doing its job and doing it well and so the recommendation is for Tim or Mr Cronin to his term to be extended to the 10th of October 2025. The maximum he can do is six years currently in our regulations. regulations he was a member of the committee first and then he was chair for three years so that's why it's not another three-year term it's actually about two years that takes him up to the six-year mark so we're recommending that it goes to 10th of October 2025. We've spoken to Mr Cronin, he's comfortable with taking that on as well and so we're putting I'll move the staff recommendation. Frank Wilkie 01:28:09.104
Moved by Councillor Wegener, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Councillor Wegener. Shaun Walsh 01:28:13.604
First, I invite other councillors to come to this meeting. Because you get to actually, you know, not only do you get the pleasure of watching staff squirm, as you all know. They get asked the hard questions, but also you get to ask the hard questions. You know, we all are speaking. are speaking to individuals that do this with councils all across Queensland, and bigger councils and smaller councils, and you can ask, you know, really honest questions, how are we faring compared to these others, you know, and like Waste, for example, and NIT. They can say, well, this is what they're enormously helpful. I'd like to back Tim Cronin. He's absolutely fantastic, and really, you were there before me. He said you were very excited when he came on board. Yeah, he's enormously... Enormously well qualified to give us really great advice. He's very clear and he's patient. I've tested that. He's very patient. That's okay. So have I, Tom. Yeah, I think I support your recommendation. He's fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 01:29:21.203
I'd like to speak. So I also have had the opportunity to sit on the Audit and Risk Committee. And like Tom, it is... I encourage everyone to put their hand up. I just want to just add to Tim. So I looked at the report, looked at his expertise. expertise and his financial management and risk experience. What's been left out is his local government experience. So I want to just highlight that Tim's had over 30 years an insurance and risk advisor, but he's also been the CEO, I think, of the Cook Shire Council. And he sits not only on Noosa Shire Council audit and risk committee, but also on on three other local governments in Queensland. So I totally support the extension and a really big supporter of Tim. He adds a lot of value and certainty. assurance, which I think, you know, in this financial and environmental political arena that we're all all in. It's really much needed. Thank you. Councillor Joe. Joe Jurisevic 01:30:42.612
Happy to support the appointment of Tim. As the Chairperson for another three years, I think it's good to have the external oversight... the external oversight that we do have with our Ordinaries Committee with people like Tim and Ed. Independent members that give us their outside experience and outside oversight from an independent perspective to help guide GIPs on track and even review the processes that are within and ensure that we're meeting our obligations. Going forward, I too have spent my time on the Auditor's Committee and recommend that all councillors should spend some time on it because you get an insight into the workings of not only council but also an external oversight that makes you look at things from a different I was very fortunate to have Scott Williams as Chair for a large part of the time I was there and I learned a heck of a lot from watching and listening to Scott. So I'm happy to support the staff recommendation. Frank Wilkie 01:31:47.031
Mayor Stewart. Clare Stewart 01:31:48.951
Thanks Councillor Wilkie. I'm very happy to support Tim's appointment. I sit with Tim on the audit risk along with Councillor Wegener and he's an outstanding leader and it's great. got a fountain of information and experience as Councillor Lorentson has said so this is a great appointment and I think we should be really grateful because I mean he comes up from Brisbane you know it's it's no small feat coming up and back in a day with traffic. traffic, he gives up his time and I think he does a wonderful job and a real service to Noosa Council and Noosa Shire. He gives up his time. Frank Wilkie 01:32:19.989
Thank you Councillor Stewart. Councillor Wegener, do you wish to close? No. That's all all that's been said. Thank you. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. The next item is the Councillor remuneration update. Mr CEO. Larry Sengstock 01:32:37.129
Yes again this report was put forward by Debra Yetzi but she's not here today so I'll carry it through. This one is interesting in the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission is required to complete a review every cycle. During 2023 they've done that review and have determined a new set of council remuneration categories. grease. So that grease restructured it. They have a new maximum remuneration levels be implemented on the 1st of July 2024. So this doesn't affect this council, it affects the new cycle of council. What's happened is that Noosa was previously a category three council and is now under the new structure being categorised as a B3 along with Isaac Regional along with Isaac Regional Council, Whitsunday Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council. So we're now at B3. With that B3 comes a change in the remuneration. It's a slight increase. This commission also takes into account CPI and a whole range of things in its normal. review, but this is a restructure as well as a review. So it's come through. So from July 1, 2024, we will be categorised as a B3 Council with the maximum remuneration rates being applied rates being applied to mayor and councillors through and so the recommendation is that this and this I say this comes from the commission or this is called the local government please a local government remuneration commission and it's a state government directive if you like so essentially it's been this is this is where we fit now in the in the full scheme of local government Queensland. Frank Wilkie 01:34:23.684
So we're up there now with Isaac Regional Council, Whitsunday Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council. They all seem to be larger in geographical area. Larry Sengstock 01:34:31.904
Yes yes I don't know how it's again it's a to go through then analyse the operational and the budget. Yes. That's right yeah so it takes in a whole range of things. Yeah that's right so it takes in a whole range of those things and it's obviously. Joe Jurisevic 01:34:55.581
My understanding is the council of former mayor of Noosa and Sunshine Coast Council Bob Abbott will be the chair of that committee. Frank Wilkie 01:35:05.810
Any questions? Councillor Jurisevic. I know we've only talked about council remuneration here and it doesn't seem like a large change to the way that that's been calculated over the years. Yeah, that's pretty much it. Increases. But as far as workload or anything else, does this impact in any other way, shape or form on council? Is the change of reporting from staff in any way, shape or form? Because I know there was some talk about this taking us to a different realm with regard to when this was first proposed. Is there any other changes that would impact on council? Larry Sengstock 01:35:40.758
My understanding is no. a change to the category which reflects what we do, our budgets, the services we provide. Frank Wilkie 01:35:55.612
Someone can move move Councillor Stockwell Councillor second Jurisevic used to speak to it Brian Stockwell 01:36:02.180
I think so yeah there has been a good review of council remuneration and while we're now banded a little bit differently previously for example we're on the same band as Gympie Regional which means are now B2 that everyone gets a massive $200 more of a year than Gympie Regional colleagues and if you look the next step up to Central Highlands Regional Council and Western Down Regional Council they are much more substantive shires that have large road networks large impact of mining etc so it's probably probably to to me me looks looks like a logical breakup and it's still that the remuneration for a councillor is still something that's probably not enough to attract people if they were looking for a job and so it is going to once again this mean that most of the candidates won't be younger which is always a downside of this is that it does tend to sort local candidates government based on their ability to afford a remuneration which is just above median wage at this stage. Frank Wilkie 01:37:18.700
Does anyone else wish to speak to the motion? We wish to thank all of Abbott, Kerr and Hayden there. Did he donate any time to this stuff? Yeah, I don't know if it's a voluntary one. Well I'll put the motion in those in favour. It's carried unanimously. Thank you Mr CEO. We now have three confidential items. And so we need to close the meeting. So Councillor Stockwell move, Councillor Lorentson second. The meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 2 254 negotiations relating to a commercial matter involving the local government for which public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government of the Local Government Regulation 2012. For the purpose of discussing a tender award for a bridge, Noosa Spit Nourishment and the register of pre-qualified suppliers for construction of pipelines for channel drain and pitch associated works, I put the motion to those in favour. Brian Stockwell 01:38:28.432
No, just before we do, it's just that a parenthesis that hasn't been opened is closed. So, and as you read it, it didn't quite make sense. See how you've got a parenthesis after global government? It's not clear where that starts. Clare Stewart 01:38:44.340
That starts before G. Oh, I see. Yeah, so we're all good. Okay. Frank Wilkie 01:38:50.690
We are in parenthesis. Yeah, we are. Amelia Lorentson 01:38:53.630
Okay. Okay, one moment. We'll put that to the vote. All in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you, Councillor Stewart. All in favour? Just a little bit. Joe Jurisevic 01:39:08.645
A little bit. Can we have a little break? Yes. Frank Wilkie 01:39:19.620
Okay. Okay. Welcome back, everybody. Back in open session. We have a We have a few recommendations. Joe Jurisevic 01:39:30.432
I'm happy to move 7.1, the Cowscrow Bridge upgrade. Frank Wilkie 01:39:33.453
Okay. Move Councillor Jurisevic. Second. Seconded Councillor Lorentson. Who's to speak to the motion? Joe Jurisevic 01:39:39.212
The board makes it necessary and good to see them progressing. Frank Wilkie 01:39:42.493
Thank you. Anybody else? All in favour? It's carried unanimously. And this is that council note the report by the project manager of the general committee meeting to award contract for the spit nourishment to haul contracting for a schedule of rates contract for the construction. Contract value is provided in the conforming tender documentation with works being completed on or before 30th September 2024. And delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and administer the contract on behalf of the Council. Move Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Stockwell. Any discussion? Joe Jurisevic 01:40:23.249
I'll reiterate what I said the first time. It's a code 2 works and hopefully this will facilitate the ongoing collection of old bridge. Frank Wilkie 01:40:33.489
All in favour? carried unanimously. Last item. This is about the awarding of the contract for a register of pre-qualified suppliers for construction of pathways, kerb, channel and drainage pits and associated works for a period of two years commencing on the 1st of February 2024. The following suppliers: Exceed Concrete Construction Pty Ltd, Pentacon Ltd, Pentecon Pty Ltd, Sunshine Civil Solutions, the Trustees for Integral Concreting Services Family Trust as Assured Concreting Services, Wilson Concreting Construction and Yeti Services Pty Ltd to delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of the Power to Negotiate, Finalise, Execute and Administer the Contract on behalf of Council. That's it in its substance. Moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? Joe Jurisevic 01:41:27.868
We perceive so many local Sunshine Coast based businesses available to provide these services to Council. Frank Wilkie 01:41:33.954
All in favour? That's unanimous. That's the last item on today's agenda. Thank you everybody for your attendance, comments and patience. Thank you Mr CEO, Shaun and Kathleen Related Noosa Council Meetings
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