General Committee Meeting, 15 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 73m 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 Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.040
Begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we're gathered, which is the Kabi Kabi people. Pay 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 254 K of Local Government Regulation, Councillor Clare Stewart is approved to attend the meeting dated 15th of January 2024 via Microsoft Teams. Do we have a seconder for that please? Seconded by Lorentson. All in favour? That's carried. Welcome Clare. Thank you Councillor Wilkie. Thank you. We'll have someone to confirm the Minutes. Of the meeting for December please. Moved by Councillor Jurisevic. Seconded by 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, which is- Sorry, Mr 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 1801.1801-102. You're quite correct, you're quite correct, Councillor. Application for another change to include a food and drink outlet to a development approval visitor accommodation type for 4 conventional for Bounce Hostel at 14-16 Mary Street, Noosaville, and we have our staff here, Nadine, Patrick and Richard. Nadine, would you like to give us an overview, please? Nadine Gordon 01:37.172
Yes, good afternoon, Councillors. This report provides an assessment of an application for an other change to the existing approval for Bounce Hostel at Mary Street. There are only two matters that the applicant is asking to be modified. The first one is he's requesting deletion of condition 5, 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 use 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. The café. There's an existing café 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 café. So at this stage, the planning report, we don't believe that there's any real reason to delete condition five as the approval is for a hostel, the Planning Scheme supports a hostel, so 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 envisaged for this area under the existing precinct, due to the site being 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 for 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 months the applicant can apply and you know, so there's a, sorry, there's a 12 month trial period 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 03:58.630
Questions Councillors? Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 04:02.475
Just a question in terms of the reasons they provided for deleting condition 5? They that were just saying it's superfluous. So it had nothing to do during COVID and the housing crisis afterwards they offered service to hospitality workers to actually live there? Nadine Gordon 04:23.693
No, there was nothing in 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. Joe Jurisevic 04:39.708
But that wasn't mentioned. But given there are three banks to it, or three pavilions. Within the complex. Perhaps one or another could be considered for a longer term hostel type of accommodation. Nadine Gordon 04:55.978
They haven't requested that as part of this submission so we haven't investigated that side of things. Joe Jurisevic 05:01.284
Fair enough. That's if it's not put forward by the applicant, not expecting that to be the case. Frank Wilkie 05:08.242
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 been complaints or not. Nadine Gordon 05:30.325
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. Food and drink outlet? The food and drink, so it did have an operational period during COVID. Yeah. It hasn't operated since July. Unidentified Speaker 05:47.230
Since July, which year? This Okay. This year, so, oh sorry, last year, 2020. Nadine Gordon 05:52.779
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 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 submission to us 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. Amelia Lorentson 06:41.941
With an amendment to condition 62 to read a new condition 62 to read as follows: the food and drink outlet approval lapses on 31st of July 2024.25. No, 24. Okay. 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. Frank Wilkie 07:27.769
We have a seconder for that for please for the purpose of debate. You. Stewart. Council Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 07:37.438
We've received a request from the applicant and I believe all the Councillors have received the request. 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. They've requested a six-month period basically to give the operators some sort of certainty and clarity. They have proven track record of responsible operation and they're requesting that we help support the business by allowing some certainty. I'd like to note through COVID and also the period six months after the COVID period, we actually have already allowed an extension is what my understanding. So there was already a temporary variation allowed. 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 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 holiday. 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 on the 7th of July, so I've allowed two, three 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 businesses and in particular responsible operating local businesses. So, yeah, leave that to all the councils to make a decision. Frank Wilkie 10:07.953
Thank you. Councillor Lorentson. Councillor, any questions? Councillor Wegener. Wigland? Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 10:14.698
Yeah. My concern is that it's the parking that the staff's mostly interested in, you know, and would six months be enough time to really give it a go for parking 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. Shaun Walsh 10:37.282
Question for staff? That's the question. Is it long enough? Nadine Gordon 10:43.182
I tend to agree. It would be nice to have that full length to 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. Patrick Murphy 10:56.988
I think it's important to reiterate that the 18 month trial period, you know, which went well, was at a time when 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 right now. 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 importantly, to pick up Christmas period as well and through the warmer months where it might be busier as well. Karen Finzel 11:36.659
Thank you through the Chair. Has there been any complaints through the current Christmas period around parking in the space? Patrick Murphy 11:44.492
They're not currently operating as the café. Oh you want to wait. So the café ceased in July last year and seeking now to recommence. Joe Jurisevic 12:01.025
Look I'll speak to it. I the merits in what Councillor Lorentson is suggesting but I think given a full 12-month period would be prudent. I 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 12:35.582
Other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Tom? Tom Wegener 12:40.251
Yeah we take our parking pretty seriously don't we and so this is a this is a situation where we're don't looking at the parking so yeah. Know if this is really going to work. Karen Finzel 12:51.203
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 12:52.843
Very Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 12:55.109
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 to inform this decision moving forward. Have we got data around the bus usage, the free bus usage in this Christmas period to help us with this decision? Mr. Schoenberg? Frank Wilkie 13:22.026
Councillor, Mr Shaun. Shaun Walsh 13:23.935
With the permission of the Chair, the data comes at the earliest following January the 25th, and usually it's two or three weeks after that we get the bus use data. We certainly would have the bus use data in the previous years, but not for this year. Frank Wilkie 13:39.079
Councillor Stewart, you have your hand up and wait impatiently. Clare Stewart 13:43.525
Thanks, Councillor Wilkie. 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 copy of the report on me, nor have I got it up, I've just got the recommendation up here, it was very, I mean it was basically not being used at all, was it? Nadine Gordon 14:07.392
That's correct. I 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 originally in put the application, the information over that period showed that it was full on two Saturdays. So again, there is that difference of data, but yeah, definitely September still showed parking was available on site in the basement. Was café working there? No, the café was not. The café was only being used for internal guests. Again, there was no external guests coming. Amelia Lorentson 14:44.642
My understanding also, Nadine, is that the occupancy rate at that time was 80%. Yes. Can I ask Patrick? And myself, how do you have insight? You've mentioned you've done some site visitation. Yes. And can I ask during what period? Nadine Gordon 15:05.582
I went, it was in an afternoon. I did an inspection on the site. And 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 giving us 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. So, that was what they were telling me, but it wasn't busy when I went, no. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 15:43.813
I'll speak to the motion. Look, I appreciate what Councillor Lorentson's trying to do. I have no objection to a shortened trial period if it gives the data that we're after, but if the six-month period fell at a time when the café. Had been operating, providing for both staff, visitors and people from outside the premise. Through the September holidays and the school holidays, so you could capture that data, I would have been satisfied. The six month period. But given that the café is not operating currently, it hasn't operated through this Christmas period, it'll probably be a while before it gets up 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 café is operating through a Christmas period. 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 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 will have missed the Christmas data. Can I ask? So for that reason I won't, I can't. The Councillor, Lawrence and then Councillor Joe. Amelia Lorentson 17:29.207
So the approval lapses on the 18th of January, sorry, but we have some data collated over this Christmas period, is that correct. Frank Wilkie 17:40.081
Nadine? Nadine Gordon 17:41.522
From the applicant? I haven't received that, but again remembering that the café 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 because he's not using the use. Just a note on this too, so this isn't, this is just restricting him that 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 affecting that so those existing operations there's no limitation on that this is just to allow external guests to come and the idea is that 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 they're a way to go. Councillor Joe. Joe Jurisevic 18:32.002
Chatham, and Councillor Cahill. Karen. Based on what's been said around the time, I'd like some clarification. Food and drink outlet has been operational. Previously during COVID. So when did it cease operating? July last year. All external but still a internal, that's correct. So it hasn't ceased functioning, it's been operational, but just not external. Nadine Gordon 18:55.149
That's correct, yes. I thought I was going to clarify. Joe Jurisevic 18:58.152
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. Nadine Gordon 19:10.246
Or patrons. Joe Jurisevic 19:12.049
In a similar way that was allowed during the October period when perhaps it wasn't operating its full capacity into internal residents. Yes that's correct. You for the clarification. Councillor Finzel. Thank you. Karen Finzel 19:25.958
What is the usual process for the planning when people make an application? Do we, is this the normal process that we do collect data over the period before we approve, give approval? Nadine Gordon 19:36.170
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 review that and often we would send that out to a consultant so in this instance they relied own data so we've had just had raw data provided to us by the planner and that and that's what we've been making our assessment on so in this. Karen Finzel 20:09.546
Instance they relied on their own data so we've had and so for example there is complaints that can be done for reasons you know issue and increasing intensification of traffic to the area what's the process thing. Nadine Gordon 20:26.945
That have to be so again they would come so again they would come to us at that period at the end of the period and they'd have to 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 really couldn't just be a fixation no no no that's right and we know that's a busy area, so so you know one complaint about you know might not be enough or not one complaint could be if there's a massive party there or something like that or there's massive problems with car parking. Patrick Murphy 21:12.932
This situation is one way infrastructure exists on site the café is there it's being used by guests of the hotel and it and if there was a problem and we couldn't extend the public going to the as a food and drink outlet they would be able to continue using that infrastructure for their guests going forwards 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 as currently they are. Richard MacGillivray 21:52.764
And I think it's some 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 so and even the 12-month period or the six-month 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 period we really want to make sure that yeah we've got this decision right and being able to evaluate the impacts any 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 and make sure we've got the decision right for perpetuity. Frank Wilkie 22:42.090
Councillor Lorentson has the right to close. Sorry, Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 22:45.451
I'm moving the amendment. Yes. And that just amends the 31st of July back to the staff recommendation of 18th of January 2025 just to save time. Frank Wilkie 23:02.041
I have a question to the Chair. Is that a direct negation of. Joe Jurisevic 23:06.831
The original motion with the change of date from the commencement? I'm probably just lacking in to be with her that day. Frank Wilkie 23:14.629
Yeah. So it's not changing that substance of the whole motion it's just the change to a detail? Karen Finzel 23:21.205
Yes Councillor. With regards to the Standing Orders through to the CEO, from my understanding that the motion is not orders changing the substance of the motion. Through to the CEO from my understanding is that I thought we had to vote on that before we were raising on that amendment. Frank Wilkie 23:33.379
No, Councillor Lorentson has moved a motion because it was the first motion moved. It was a motion with a change so it's a motion not an amendment. So Councillor Stockwell is quite within his rights to move this amendment. Do we have a seconder for the amendment? It's Councillor Jurisevic. Councillor Stockwell you have the floor. Brian Stockwell 23:56.677
Oh yeah, 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 July, September, Christmas, 12 months appears to be a reasonable situation. Yes. Frank Wilkie 24:37.963
Any other Councillors who would speak to the amendment? Councillor Jurisevic. Joe Jurisevic 24:43.400
Appreciate what was there. What we had before us is something that hasn't operated fully in the proposed format. Since the operation commenced due to COVID, and due to the conditions that were imposed upon the establishment when it was first established, that was to be for internal guests only. So this would be an opportunity to see a full 12-month operation. In the, under the conditions of which it intends to operate, how do you call it? Frank Wilkie 25:20.328
Okay. I'll speak a to it also. Amelia Lorentson 25:24.215
I'm actually happy to support the amendment. I think, when a business approaches us and makes a request to reduce that lapse period, I think it's our duty to try to work with them. However, I know the operator, don't know him, but I know the business and I know that he's a responsible operator and I'm I know that there aren't to date after an 18-month period any noise complaints so I can't see that happening in six months, during an extended six-month period. So I'm happy, it's a do /die recommendation. I think he has no issues. Unfortunately, you know, we can't give him the clarity that he wants. After a six-month period, a 12-month period, I think he's fine. So I'm happy to support the amendment. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Morrison. Karen Finzel 26:25.204
I'm happy to speak to the motion. Well, I agree. I think it's prudent to get the data that we need. We know that congestion and traffic is a huge impact on our Shire at the moment. I called the owner this morning before the meeting just to have a conversation with him. He is a good operator. He's worked really closely with Council staff to deal with the outcomes, especially through COVID and personally, you know, 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 also feeds into, you know, our destination management. We're working towards finding that balance between how we all work together to find equity for, all. 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 amendment. Moving forward, I think it will be delivered with a good outcome. Frank Wilkie 27:49.882
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. 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 28:17.543
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. And, you know, we have, during COVID, gone and taken the extra mile to make sure that, as a start-up business that was opening during COVID, that it did survive. And that's a big benefit. 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 backpacker. Backing place they ever stayed at was bounce hostel and Mary Street. You know, 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. And it is a fairly significant reduction in car parking over the stipulated that there's, it is, you know, four additional spaces was my reading of, so it's probably worthwhile being sure that we're not going to create any more drama. On the street with a 12-month period. Frank Wilkie 29:37.728
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 has been said. Thank you. Put the motion those in favour? That's carried unanimously. Thank you. We now go to item 6.2. Thank you Nadine, which is Planning & Environment Court appeal number 3156 of 2023, application for a Material Change of Use for Health Care Service and hospital at 47 Goodchap Street, Noosaville. Mr Murphy. If you could give us an overview please. Patrick Murphy 30:15.377
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 Health Care Service and hospital at 47 Goodchap Street in Noosaville, councilors Councillors may recall the application was seeking the development of residential zone land and that was going to comprise two separate buildings, one being a single storey infusion centre located at the front of the site and also a two storey day surgery located site and over storey 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. 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 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 not been demonstrated that car parking would be provided to meet the likely parking demand. Accordingly, the matter is in order for Council to defend at the appeal. Frank Wilkie 31:38.923
Councillor, we have a motion whether to defend the appeal or not. Brian Stockwell 31:42.119
There's this recommendation is as opposed. Frank Wilkie 31:43.579
Well. Moved by Councillor Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Jurisevic. Specific. I wish to speak to the motion. I'm going to speak. Any Councillors wish to speak? If the motion goes in favour? That's carried unanimously. Thank you. We now have item 6.3, Planning & 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. 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 and 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 32:49.421
Okay as Councillor Wilkie is the Chair we need to appoint a new Chair. I'll move Councillor Wegener, he's sitting in the right spot. I'll go in first. Councillor Wegener? All in favour? Move who's seconded to that, sorry? Second by Karen sorry. Councillor Wegener you're in charge. Tom Wegener 33:12.434
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 like to talk through this? We recently, this came before us recently but. Patrick Murphy 33:32.924
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 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 and the development was going to result in the removal of a minimum of 71 potentially 82 native trees with a minimum of 27 um co-op being koala food trees and potentially up to 33 koala food trees being removed. And it was refused due to the unacceptable loss of vegetation, the proposed development being an overdevelopment of the land at the expense of the site's natural values, non-compliance with the Noosa Plan requirements for the development within the environment. 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 34:55.352
That it was well discussed and debated when it came to full Council. It so you might defend the appeal. Any further questions? Councillor there's some Finzel, things I Councillor Lorentson. Tom Wegener 35:08.535
Okay, we'll get you to put it to a vote. Chair, Councillor. In favour? Seeing none of us. Joe Jurisevic 35:20.254
Motion carried. We can bring in. Larry Sengstock 35:30.142
Yes, here we go. Frank Wilkie 35:34.792
Thank you. Back to planning applications decided by delegated authority. We have no declarations to be made. Move Councillor Jurisevic, seconded Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? Yeah. Thank you. I'll put the motion those in favour. That's unanimous. Thank you. Now to budget review two for the 2023-24 final. Thank you Patrick. Thank you. Richard. And welcome Pauline. Shaun Walsh 36:12.153
The way, Larry. Unknown 36:15.953
Just trying to figure out if you're not going to go to the theatre. Frank Wilkie 36:26.281
Welcome, Pauline. For those watching, Pauline is the acting financial services manager. Pauline Coles is her full name. Unless you want to confide her middle name. She's going places. Could you give us an overview please Pauline? Pauline Coles 36:46.984
Sure. Afternoon Councillors. In accordance with the Local Government Act, Council is required to undertake regular reviews of its adopted 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 Council's operating position with the current operating deficit of $761,000, improving to a $304,000 surplus. This result includes a range of emergent 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 million and that's due to the updated delivery schedule for several multi-year 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. Projects relate to the February 22 flood and are all 100% fully funded by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority. This brings the total proposed capital works program to $173 million a result of that, we've also recognised a corresponding increase in our capital grant revenue of 123 million dollars relating to these 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 review of 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 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 twenty four percent across various areas. This movement in costs is factored into consideration when we set the pricing so that we ensure that we maintain our operating margins and also ensure compliance with national competition policy principles. 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 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. Frank Wilkie 39:42.027
Thank you. A couple of Councillors may have some questions which we weren't able to attend the workshop. Joe, do you have questions? Joe Jurisevic 39:49.898
At the workshop. 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 121 off the top of my head, but bear with me. I think. Yeah. Yes. Sorry. So it was. 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. What was your question? Frank Wilkie 40:32.264
Was your question again, please, Joe? Joe Jurisevic 40:34.086
What was the situation with the surplus and deficit as of the original budget, as of BR1 and now BR2? Frank Wilkie 40:40.455
It was a deficit of 760. Joe Jurisevic 40:41.657
Yes. No, that wasn't just BR1. It was in the report. Pauline Coles 40:44.181
Adopted original budget so so the adopted original budget was $121,000 surplus and then it was budget review one, it was 761 deficit and now it's a $304,000 surplus. Joe Jurisevic 40:55.940
Thank you for the hard work. Creates that turnaround in the employment position and brings us back to the surface for the rest of the year. Frank Wilkie 41:07.487
Questions, Councillor? Thank Councillor Stewart, you have some questions? Clare Stewart 41:09.542
You, Councillor Wilkie. Thank you, Pauline. Just going through, I've just got a couple of questions, and it's just to do with each attachment, so I'll go through attachment by 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 a carryover, or we're just holding off? Pauline Coles 41:52.003
I can comment if you want no that's fine so, in terms of the decrease to the initial program, there was about $8.6 million of reprogramming of multi 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 picking we're taking that up. There's some emergent works and variations that we've taken up to 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 42:34.776
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, is that correct? Pauline Coles 42:51.289
Correct, so in terms of offsetting some the submissions that have come through, we've taken up the year-to-date upside in interest revenue, which is about $2.1 million, and that's due to the higher yielding term deposits from the surplus funds that we're currently carrying. That obviously may not continue and probably won't continue future years as we consume that project money for the QRA projects. Clare Stewart 43:11.600
Okay, thank you. In regard to attachment to, in regard to the bridges and revetment wall, can you just talk me the through, there were, I went through and they were where I noticed the larger discrepancies were, just the differences. Okay, so there were, 250,000 and 400,000 I think. Pauline Coles 43:35.607
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 also a and then there's also a reprogramming of the Doonella Bridge renewal as well which is about 400,000 that's pushing out. Okay. Thanks for worrying. That's okay. Clare Stewart 43:52.442
Attachment 3 revised state, sorry didn't, I wasn't, I was away when you no, that's okay. You've got the floor. Thanks, Councillor Wilkie. Attachment 3 revised statement of income and expenditure. Interest received for change is considerable as in grants and donations. There a $13.4 million change in or additional grant funding or is that just, again, due with, to do with timelines and money coming in and. Pauline Coles 44:20.184
Sorry, could you just repeat which line you were looking at? 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. Sorry, the $1,300. We've made it with the high coffee, and 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 QCoS flood resilience management program, and the other one was part of a QRA resilience program. It was an operational component of those programs. Okay, so we have had that. So that's additional grant that we're forecasting. That obviously also has a corresponding expenditure line item because they offset each other. Clare Stewart 45:14.928
Okay, perfect. Thank you and can you tell me what capital works constructed assets specifically means? Referring to? Whereabouts exactly are you looking? Capital expenditure. There's a big difference. BR1 was 40. Pauline Coles 45:35.945
And to the hundred and sixty-five million? Yeah. So that's us recognising the QRA program. Clare Stewart 45:41.759
Okay, okay, the. And that's all to do with accounting processes? Pauline Coles 45:47.289
Yeah, so that's just the capital component of in and out as well. So the top section is operating the. Below section capital. Karen Finzel 45:55.121
Okay, and in attachment for Pauline, contract assets under liabilities. I know it hasn't featured before but it is in these set of documents. Can you talk me through that? Pauline Coles 46:07.019
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. Now in terms of the 24 million that's recognised there, that is pretty predominantly QRA. So we had advance 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, Pauline. And last question. Clare Stewart 46:50.227
And last question. I apologise. Non-current liabilities on page three, provisions, the term provisions. Pauline Coles 46:58.978
Yes. Is that the increase you're referring to? Yes. So as part of, again, the finalisation of the 2023 financial statements, we recognise an additional $8 million of rehabilitation costs for the landfill site. So that's pushed up that provision amount. Clare Stewart 47:15.815
Okay. Thank you. Thanks appreciate all of that. Frank Wilkie 47:17.891
Thanks, Councillor. Lawrence. Thanks. Amelia Lorentson 47:20.935
I've got a couple of questions also, Pauline. In terms of Webb Park upgrade, I note that been pushed out. But I also note in the report that Belmore Terrace pathway renewal has been included as part of BR2. Correct. Can you just clarify what's happening? I was going to say, did. Pauline Coles 47:43.881
John want to talk to that? Because he's probably better placed to do that as the infrastructure Director. Thank you. Yeah. Shaun Walsh 47:50.466
Chief. So what we've done is we've commenced 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 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. So it's sort of like it's two stages. The early works which is Belmore Terrace pathway works and then the balance of the landscape works actually within the park. Amelia Lorentson 48:31.733
Terrific, thank you. Okay, in terms of stormwater drainage, current budget 4.485, proposed budget review 1. Proposed budget review 1.052. So on page 41, so stormwater infrastructure it's a significant part of our infrastructure services. 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 time I think it was 2%. And my calculations, unless it's wrong, we're at about 7.78% of total budget. Joe Jurisevic 49:39.635
Can you just point you out what line you're referring to? Out can't what be you're on referring 41, to? 41's holiday plans. Amelia Lorentson 49:49.077
I'm on page 41. Of 145 of the report. She's not like. I'm on the General Committee. Report. Frank Wilkie 49:59.393
She's in the full agenda, JC. I'm on the full agenda in front of me. Page 41 refers to. Amelia Lorentson 50:04.677
Capital works. It's just a summary. Sorry, did I. Yeah, it's just a summary. Frank Wilkie 50:09.063
Yeah. Amelia Lorentson 50:10.065
So my question is, given how critical. You know, our infrastructure. Managing our assets are to financial sustainability, is this a good percentage of total capital works program to. Sustain, you know, future risk? Shaun, would you like to take a permanent seat here? That's OK. I was going to say that the reason I pushed out was to do with Ross present, which is a grant funding program. That's just the timing of grant funding, but. And my question also 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's financial. Sustainability. So that's really been my focus, just are we spending enough. Shaun Walsh 51:08.741
Through the Chair, so as you recollect the 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 asset our management system and the renewals budget 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 in our asset management system. 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 for 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. In some of the work that I'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, determine whether they're collapsed, to give us confidence in the stormwater management system. 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 an extraordinary event like river flooding that's a different scenario whatsoever where you're looking at protection of our critical assets. Frank Wilkie 52:38.059
Thank you very much. Would you like to say anything? Shaun Walsh 52:40.619
I'd certainly have to stay there. Thank you, Sean. Do you want to read the structure? To say. Frank Wilkie 52:43.541
Yeah yeah. All right. Amelia Lorentson 52:44.475
Thanks. Items. 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 Low Way. Where exactly is that? Shaun Walsh 53:00.134
So that's the one that's below. The old caravan park, is one of the better words. Above the old caravan park in sunrise. Amelia Lorentson 53:08.571
So has that got anything to do, is that the one closest to the Burgess Creek? No. It's quite separate. We're near we're the so so go on straight. Larry Sengstock 53:21.759
Bridge, very near the bridge, not far past the bridge, south of the bridge, I know exactly where it is. It's just an area that we identified last year. The money that's in the budget now is to do the review, to do the planning and the design, and then future budget will be to actually repair it. Fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 53:41.433
Thank you, that's all. Frank Wilkie 53:42.517
Thank you very much. I'll wait here until. Karen Finzel 53:44.611
Oh yes, any other questions 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 prior originalisation 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 upgrades? So, for example, with the bio-retention basins, rehabilitation programs and things like. Larry Sengstock 54:17.698
That. Sure. So, yeah, you notice there is an allocation of money in there for the bio-retention basins, and there is an ongoing program. We've got 42 bio-retention basins across the Shire. I've done a little bit of research on this, as you can hear. So, yeah, you. But in terms of prioritisation, there was a report done in 2022 that itemised all those bio-retention basins and audited them, essentially, and put them in a, you know, good, bad or indifferent. Order in terms of what they're 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 55:05.967
Maintenance, amenity. Larry Sengstock 55:07.089
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. But 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 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 the, particularly the retention basins, we're working through those in terms of some of them have been, got out of hand a little bit years in and we are working through our best 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. Karen Finzel 56:09.312
Where can we access that program? Larry Sengstock 56:15.112
No, that's in their internal operational documents here. Shaun Walsh 56:18.991
If I can add to that, it's just of interest that a lot of these bio-retention basins are actually in environmental reserves. So, you know, the spaces are being maintained for both their stormwater qualities, as well as their environmental properties. And as you can appreciate, a highly known, you 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 you know, pay a lot of money for their land, and they have different expectations of those spaces. So, I think part of it, as Larry said, is education. 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 bio-retention basins are actually doing what they said they would do, which is, you know, detain and treat stormwater, and not contribute to health hazards as it's well. Probably, 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. Joe Jurisevic 57:26.820
But it's also an understanding on Council's part that there is a maintenance element bio-retention basins that probably weren't quite maintaining. Shaun Walsh 57:37.056
In the last 12 months, the bio-retention basins asset portfolio has 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 applied to ensure that it meets 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 retention or maintenance of the stormwater assets. And that's been an agreed process between infrastructure services and environment services. Amelia Lorentson 58:11.742
Have any more questions? Just one more. Page 46 of the report, Pauline. Local laws. Page this 47 of is operating submissions made, I'm assuming, by the local laws officers. A submission of $42,000 for an increased legal cost for prosecution of offenders. Correct. Do they also make a submission for just increased. Local law officers? I've been, not inundated, but I've been receiving quite a few emails about dogs on beaches. And have they made a submission? A in terms of no, resourcing? 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 59:05.106
Thank you very much. Just to clarify, this extra unasked is due to enforcement action? Correct, this has to do with enforcement of infringement. Councillor stoppard? I know, I was just pointing out we were discussing a budget review. Yes, exactly. We're going down a bit further. Joe Jurisevic 59:21.053
We're going, I know that's right. No question. Frank Wilkie 59:24.396
Move, Councillor Jurisevic. Second. Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Jurisevic. Joe Jurisevic 59:33.839
I think that's already been said. Good to see a okay. Do some shopping chains in the end of the financial year with at programs going forward where we're predicting a surplus for the end of the financial year. This it shows sound financial management terms are being gained upon by our financial team. We understand the very last, very 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. Frank Wilkie 01:00:11.928
Thank you, John. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:00:16.335
Oh yeah, there's an interesting comparison to be made on this budget. And I reflect back to last term where there was a great deal of. Well, a certain amount of community concern that we weren't getting our capital works done. So the capital works budget now for this year is about three times, just for the stuff that the ratepayers are funding, three times that which was average during the Sunshine Coast Council era. But if we add in the amount of capital work with disaster, it's over ten times as much capital works than what Sunshine Coast Council is putting into the Noosa Shire area during the amalgamator 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 123 million of. Is it? Of grant. 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 think about and our other budgets in terms of our climate action budget. It's clear that the 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. Is as long as the State government continues to fund it, it's not going to be a do or die thing, 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 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 ten years and realise that recovery from disaster is going to be an imposter rate on the ratepayers of this community for at least another decade. It's probably a lot longer. Frank Wilkie 01:03:00.052
Thank can you, counsel Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Wegener? Tom Wegener 01:03:04.465
Waters I'd like to thank Councillor Stockwell for your cheerio. There *laughter * push baby, day push baby the team. Thank you. I'm hoping that with the as we do go forward, there's been such a fantastic succession from our first Michael moutrench to yourself. You've maintained this transition of great, talented, thoughtful, generous and qualified people in your space. Amelia Lorentson 01:03:59.840
With that funding. So I know 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 big things happening in this Council. Thank you. Clare Stewart 01:04:23.490
Thank you. Councillor Stewart. 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. That is 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, for our rate payer because we are receiving funding from the QRA and we're receiving grant funding from the feds and the State. But also, you know, it's a lot of hard work and investment by our Council staff too. So thank, please pass on our thanks to them because that is just a remarkable level of work that's been achieved. Frank Wilkie 01:05:17.248
Thank you, Councillor Stewart. You, anybody wish to speak before Councillor Jurisevic closes? I'll close. Joe Jurisevic 01:05:29.485
Thank you. Yes, some good points raised there. Thank you, Brian. Yes, the level of capital works. Goes down to exactly what Shaun was talking about. Our understanding of our 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 in the future, you know, what the future brings. So we're getting ahead of it. It's taken a bit of time. We're playing 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 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, the crucial nature of those, and to continue to drive the renewal of assets, particularly with the ageing assets that we've got. In community and facilities and the like. We'll continue to challenge our budgets for years to come. Frank Wilkie 01:07:15.015
Thank you. I'll put the motion to those in favour. It's carried unanimously. Thank you both very, very much. Larry. Larry Sengstock 01:07:21.274
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, it's a massive spreadsheet in front of you with a whole lot of staff, there's 500-odd staff out there working, delivering services, all meeting their budgets and all meeting the delivery. That levels that they need to it so would be remiss of me if we didn't say that it's a whole Council effort here and we need to thank them also from my perspective. Please 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. Frank Wilkie 01:08:07.345
You Shaun. Now next item is the Financial Performance Report. Don't go too far though Shaun. Financial Performance Report for December. Pauline Coles you have the floor again. Pauline Coles 01:08:23.256
So operating revenues continue to outperform forecast and operating expenditures are under forecast year to date to the end of December. Operating revenue is $3.2 million above budget which has been driven by $2 million of interest and $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 is $1.2 million underspent with the majority of this underspend relating to employee costs resulting from vacancies and recruitment timing. Materials and services expenditures marginally under budget at this point in the year. Many of these 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 economic development expenditures shows that this program is on track year-to-date. Also included is the quarterly summary of legal expenditure, which shows $1.2 million spent of the four-year budget, or $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 advanced funding from QRA and year to date. Excluding disaster projects, Council has expended 33% of the four-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. Council householdings at the end of March was $106 million, with $30 million invested in term deposits. Quarterly update on the breakdown of cash 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, which is why that's come down, once we issue rates in January. /Feb that'll kick up against 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 01:11:06.156
Questions? Amelia Lorentson 01:11:09.560
In terms of the legal costs, can you explain, so general legal advice, so we've got an in-house legal counsel, she or he started in December, two, 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- Yeah. Allocated budget. Yep. And industrial relations advice. Yes. Is that unusual? Or should questions to CEO? Pauline Coles 01:11:49.809
Do you want me to answer? Do you want me to? Larry Sengstock 01:11:52.829
I can answer. Well, it's 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 anytime that we ask for external advice, then it. Does come at a cost. At so there's been quite a bit of that in recent times. So for a whole range of purposes. So that's been reflected there in that budget. Pauline Coles 01:12:25.897
It's all dependent on really what types of work and what's happening at the time. Impacts on that budget. In some years it's quite low and other years it can be quite high. Frank Wilkie 01:12:37.799
Amelia, have. Amelia Lorentson 01:12:39.021
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 01:12:55.208
Thank you. Just coming off the back of that with the expenditure through the gas relations. The CEO, would that have anything to do with the change in legislation around the reduction of working hard towards trying to minimise some of our social hazards in the workplace? Larry Sengstock 01:13:10.375
Question. To some degree there is some advice that we've been seeking for that, but there's also. Of the training and education for our staff in general, that's been accommodated in our budgets through the people and culture. Joe Jurisevic 01:13:25.643
I don't know if it's time or anything. Frank Wilkie 01:13:27.842
Move to start. Councillor Jurisevic. Do we have a seconder? Council have Councillor Lorentson. Joe, you have the floor. Joe Jurisevic 01:13:36.047
Yes, Mr Chair. I know you and me are too. We tend to focus on the capital, but here we've got a lot more information about the operating budget. But we do sometimes tend to forget that we are operating in $100 the realms of hundred million dollars of operation and expenditure, of revenue and expenditure with regards to year in, out. 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 this. And you can see 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 year on So it's a very comprehensive report on 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 try to address those 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 and the one that I like to bring up with the CEO is staff training. I think it's important that we have that approach and we do meet that. It's often difficult when we don't have a full column of staff to facilitate all of the training. So how are we going with staff training? So how annoyed is the CEO with staff training for a while? Larry Sengstock 01:15:24.565
I think we're actually behind budget at the moment. We are behind budget to some degree but we've also got a number of things in train in terms of what we're going to be using that budget for. And one of those is psychosocial but also it's, you know, there are things in play. It was a nice little lead you did there, thank you. Absolutely. 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 some, you know, in the, from a, there's the, regulatory 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, you know, from our, be it our coordinators, supervisors coordinators, way the up through to the CEO. It's, you know, everybody needs to be given, afforded that ability to improve their personal development 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 we're going to implement those. Amelia Lorentson 01:16:37.720
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 to Councillors absolutely. Larry Sengstock 01:17:01.126
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 program that we'll be looking to implement. Frank Wilkie 01:17:17.615
Thank you. Question, Pauline, the holiday this, park revenue. To date, is $660,000 thousand above budget. That's an extraordinary result. What is it due to? It can't just be efficiencies. Pauline Coles 01:17:38.201
Of it's with 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 our occupancy and on the sites. Joe Jurisevic 01:17:55.139
203 Increasing the expenditure. Frank Wilkie 01:17:57.420
Yeah, yeah. And even though it was included in the BR2, there is a downturn in rates revenue because of revaluations. Pauline Coles 01:18:07.170
Yeah, so there's of revaluations? 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, so it might be where, 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 movement in terms of valuations and category movements. Frank Wilkie 01:18:35.068
Are we noticing many property owners shifting their properties from transitory back to. Pauline Coles 01:18:41.394
I couldn't tell you numbers, but been there has some movement, but I wouldn't have the content of that, unless Richard does. Frank Wilkie 01:18:47.391
Do you any indication of trends? Through the Chair. Richard MacGillivray 01:18:54.687
We're finding, we've been following up in relation to the short stays just recently, particularly where transitory rating categories are 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, 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 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 our way through that as we ground truth and undertake those detailed investigations, and which means in a good sense that potentially overall less STAs 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 to narrow that down to get that total number more accurate. There will always be a bit of fluidity there in terms of people going into STAs and coming out on some of those 460s and things like that. And we'll just have to continuously keep our eye on that. But the good news is potentially that number is not quite as high as we first envisaged. Still more work to be done. And while you're and here, Richard. Frank Wilkie 01:20:25.693
And while you're you here, Richard, you've um. Done the $101,000 above expenditure, above budget expenditure for development assessment, is that a combination of a high workload and needing to outsource the work, or why is it. Richard MacGillivray 01:20:40.981
Yeah, yes, so we're um, actually, 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 why 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 number should come back down. Shortly now we've got a full establishment or working our way towards a full establishment thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:21:18.791
Thank you and in terms of STA will you be able to provide us with some data and how many applications were approved during this term of Council just be great to understand what the real number is. Richard MacGillivray 01:21:33.474
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 around overall numbers of STAs 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 on that we'll hopefully have something for Councillors shortly and the general public. Joe Jurisevic 01:21:58.294
Yeah potentially a number of. Richard MacGillivray 01:22:08.074
That's yeah potentially right and it is it an assumption number on the total numbers it'll be always hard to. Frank Wilkie 01:22:13.256
Probably. Richard MacGillivray 01:22:15.198
Yeah we're slowly making good inroads through that number of properties on there thank you thanks you. Frank Wilkie 01:22:21.987
Uh Joe what's your thought? Brian Stockwell 01:22:25.942
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's earning more the downside is that's pushing the downward pressure on the building so we've actually seen of a million dollars less than expected in development expected to develop in applications and 57k less than building and plumbing in and 57k less than building and plumbing in and if you look at the applications coming if you look at the applications through coming you through can you still see that's going down so so know yeah over the probably maybe not next one but the one after you if that continues 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 um 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 that you know that more people choosing to go camping rather than staying in a unit or whatever so it'd be interesting to see how that park revenue goes over the next year or so because it'll give us an indication of how the local economy is going to be faring over this inflationary period. Amelia Lorentson 01:23:43.953
A quick question, Pauline, through the Chair. 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's meant by that consumable? Pauline Coles 01:24:02.866
Include a whole range of things. I did have it up here but I've closed it, sorry. Oh I'm so sorry. That's okay. But I can certainly take it on notice and come back to you if you'd like. Larry Sengstock 01:24:12.023
But consumables is not necessarily food? No, it's not. 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 01:24:25.369
But I can certainly I can back to you. Thank you very much. Joe Jurisevic 01:24:47.021
To fill those voids and vacancies, as all businesses do, is. Being pointed out around the table. We also want to get at the pressures of increasing costs. And expenses with everything we do. And all businesses and all governments currently go through this. 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. One the we. 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. It's important to see that Council have been in those. Well above those ranges for quite some time. We need to keep our eye on those and ensure that we continue to maintain. Those. We're getting good returns on the 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 on 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 on a year-to basis. Frank Wilkie 01:26:18.271
You. Thank you, Councillor in favour? That's unanimous. Next item is the Audit and Risk Committee membership. Mr. Mayor, are you presenting this report? Larry Sengstock 01:26:32.600
Yes. Unfortunately, the yetis are not able to be with us today, first I'll so present this. One is so 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. Ours comprises of two Councillors, appointed 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. 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 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 it to you for a recommendation. Tom Wegener 01:28:07.383
I'll move the staff recommendation. Frank Wilkie 01:28:09.445
Moved by Councillor Wegener, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:28:14.225
First, I invite other Councillors to come to the. Auditor's duty meetings, 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 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 IT, they can say, well, this is what they're 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 well-qualified. To give us really great advice. So he's very clear and he's patient. I've tested that. He's very patient. Amelia Lorentson 01:29:12.236
That's okay. So have I, Tom. Shaun Walsh 01:29:15.038
Yeah, I think I support the recommendation. He's fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 01:29:21.604
I'd like to speak. So I also have had have the privilege and opportunity to sit on the Audit and Risk Committee and like Tom it is I encourage everyone to put their hand up I just wanted to just add to Tim so I looked at the report looked at his 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 as an insurance and risk advisor but he's also been a CEO I think from the of the Cook Shire Council sits not only on um Noosa Shire Council Audit and Risk Committee but also on other on three other local governments in Queensland um so I totally support the extension and um a really big supporter of Tim adds a lot of value um and certainty and um assurance um which I think you know in this financial and environmental political um arena that we we're all in, it's um it's really much needed thank you castle Joe. Joe Jurisevic 01:30:42.801
That was very good yeah happy to support the uh appointment of Tim uh as the Chairperson for another uh three years uh I think it's good to have uh the external oversight that we do our have with orders committee with people like him and um independent members that give us their outside experience and outside oversight from an independent perspective to help guide trips even on with the track and even review one of the processes that are within and ensure that we're meeting our obligations. Going forward I too have spent my time on the orders 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 perspective. I was very fortunate to have Scott Williams as my Chair for a large part of the time I was there and I learnt a heck of a lot from watching and listening to you, but just stop. So, I'm happy to support the staff recommendation. Clare Stewart 01:31:47.659
Mayor Stewart. Thanks Councillor Wilkie, I'm very happy to support Tim's appointment. I sit with Tim on audit risk along with Councillor Wegener and he's an outstanding leader. And it's great, you know, he's got a fountain of information, experience, as Councillor Lorentson has said. So, I think 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 no small feat coming up and back in a day with traffic. He gives up his time and I think he does a wonderful job and a real service to Noosa Council and Noosa Shire. Frank Wilkie 01:32:20.330
Thank you, Councillor Stewart. Councillor Wegener, Wegener, do you wish to close? No, thank you. That's all being said. Thank you. All in favour? It's carried unanimously. The next item is the Councillor remuneration update. Mr CEO. Larry Sengstock 01:32:37.332
Yes, again, this report was put forward by Debra yetsey, but she's not here today, so I'll carry it through. This one is. Interesting. 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, so they've. 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 3 Council and is now under the new structure being categorised as a B3 along with Isaac Regional Council, Whitsunday Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council. So we're now a B3. With that B3 comes. 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 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 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 remuneration commission, and it's a state government directive, if you like. So essentially, it's been this is where we fit now in the full scheme. Frank Wilkie 01:34:22.196
Of local government across Queensland. 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 01:34:32.047
Yes, I don't know how this is it again it's a to go through and them analyse the a. Joe Jurisevic 01:34:38.326
Lot of work to and budget. Larry Sengstock 01:34:47.566
That's right, so it takes in a whole range of those things and it's obviously my understanding. Joe Jurisevic 01:34:56.536
Is the Council of former Mayor of Noosa and Sunshine Coast Council, Bob Abbott, is. Larry Sengstock 01:35:02.597
The Chair of that committee. Joe Jurisevic 01:35:04.847
Yes. Any questions for Councillor Joe? I know we've only talked about Council remuneration here and it doesn't seem to make a large change to the way that's been calculated over the years. We've had a few increases, but as far as workload or anything else, does this impact in any other way, shape or form on Council? Do we, 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 we've made on Council? My understanding is no. It's just a change to the category which comes with this. Larry Sengstock 01:35:48.133
And reflects what we do, our budgets, the services we provide. And. So it doesn't make you wonder why, but anyway. Joe Jurisevic 01:35:54.286
Mm-hmm. Frank Wilkie 01:35:54.586
Yeah. Someone can move? Councillor Stockwell? Seconded? Councillor Jurisevic? Who should speak to it? Brian Stockwell 01:36:02.648
I think so, yeah, there has been a fairly good had a good review of Council remuneration and while we're now banded a little bit differently, previously for example we were on the same band as Gympie regional which are now B2, it means that everyone gets a massive $200 more a year than Gympie your 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 to me looks like a logical. Up 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 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 candidates for local government based on their ability to afford a remuneration which is just above median medium I think, way to this day. Frank Wilkie 01:37:18.958
Else does wish to speak to the motion? Tom Wegener 01:37:22.620
We wish to thank Bob Abbott for being there and donating his time to this stuff. Frank Wilkie 01:37:29.921
Yeah, I don't know if it's a voluntary one. 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. Mayor. We now have three confidential items. And so, we need to close the meeting. So, Councillor Stockwell, move. Councillor Lorentson, the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254 negotiations a commercial matter for J3 negotiations relating to a commercial matter involving the local government for which public discussion will be likely to prejudice the interests of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing a tender award for abridge, Noosa, spit, nourishment. The Register of Prequalified Suppliers for construction of pathways for channel drain and pitch associated works with the motion those in favour no just before we do sorry. Brian Stockwell 01:38:32.681
Just a parenthesis that hasn't been opened is closed so and as you read it didn't quite make sense see how you've got a parenthesis after Local Government it's not clear where that starts before g oh I see yeah so we're all. Frank Wilkie 01:38:48.347
Good okay we are in parentheses yeah we are. Amelia Lorentson 01:38:53.620
Okay okay one moment. Joe Jurisevic 01:38:55.932
Just as you're reading it put that to the vote all in favour that's unanimous. Frank Wilkie 01:39:02.919
Thank you Councillor Stewart but we have a little break. Thank you very much. Okay okay welcome back everybody back in open session they have a few recommendations okay move Councillor Jurisevic second Councillor Lorentson respect speak to the motion. Joe Jurisevic 01:39:38.892
Thank and good to see them progressing. Frank Wilkie 01:39:42.288
You, anybody else? All in favour it's carried unanimously next item 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 Hall Contracting for a schedule of rates contract for the construction contract value is conforming tender documentation with works being completed on or before 30 September 2024 and delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and administer the contract on behalf of the Council. Moved by Councillor Jurisevic, seconded by Councillor Stockwell. Any discussion? Joe Jurisevic 01:40:22.990
What I said the first time, it's how to do works, and hopefully this will be bring the. Facilitate the. For the long-term reflection of all of us. Frank Wilkie 01:40:34.046
All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Last item. This is about the awarding of the contract for a Register of Prequalified Suppliers for construction of pathways, kerb, channel, 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 Pty Ltd, Sunshine civil solutions, the trustees for Integral Concreting Services family trust as Assured Concreting Services, Wilson Concreting Constructions and Yeti Services Pty Ltd to delegate to the Chief Executive Officer 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 01:41:28.049
We perceive so many local Sunshine Coast based businesses available to provide these services. Frank Wilkie 01:41:34.670
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 and Vicky. I declare the meeting closed. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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