General Committee - February 2024
Date: Monday, 12 February 2024 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:54:22
Synopsis: Approvals: Landfill reconfiguration with offsets and upgrades, Netanya setbacks and parking contribution, Tewantin subdivision with flood/bushfire controls, Governance: conditions published, Advocacy: member safety and wastewater recycling.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Joe Jurisevic Amelia Lorentson Clare Stewart Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Jurisevic Was Not Present At The Start Of The Meeting. Executive Officers
Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings (Via Microsoft Teams) Director Community Services Kerri Contini (Via Microsoft Teams) Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Approved subdivision RAL23/0015 at 11 Billabong Way, Tewantin, creating 2 lots with access easement; flood and bushfire notes and building envelopes imposed; fencing to be 1.2m and not impede flood conveyance (Item 5.1; 03:58–06:15). Frank Wilkie moved approval with amended conditions incl. fence specification and removal of redundant effluent reference; carried unanimously (Item 5.1; 03:58–05:38). Approved minor change package for Netanya, 71 Hastings St: setbacks on Park Rd to minimum 2m, lightweight light-coloured batten materials, and infrastructure agreement for 1 car space in lieu (Item 5.2; 08:52–14:45). Brian Stockwell secured added conditions to reduce bulk and ensure beachside character under Noosa Plan; encroaching fence already removed (Item 5.2; 08:52–10:36, 12:26). Approved “other change” expanding resource recovery area and relocating/upsizing HES basin at Noosa Landfill, Doonan; ecological offsets and stormwater upgrades conditioned (Item 6.1; 16:15–25:58). Included full conditions (1–45) in minutes for transparency; officers to explore koala awareness signage subject to State road constraints (Item 6.1; 38:31–40:30, 45:29–49:13). Financial Performance Jan 2024 noted: operating surplus $1.3m above budget YTD; cash $110m (rates cycle peak); capex 38% delivered excl. disaster works; key indicators added (Item 6.2; 50:30–55:35). Approved ALGA motions: psychosocial safety parity/training for elected members (Finzel) and national investment in wastewater recycling incl. PFAS treatment (Lorentson); CEO authorised to make minor edits; both to present if re-elected (Item 6.3; 01:06:21–01:28:33, 01:25:17–01:26:12). Operational Plan Q2 noted: 79% initiatives completed/on track; staffing gaps delaying some transport/community strategy items; environment roundtables to resume with new Council (Item 6.4; 01:29:02–01:36:02, 01:34:11–01:35:40). Planning KPI discussion: high application volumes with staffing shortages; managed via agreed extensions; noted deemed approval (code) and deemed refusal (impact) risks (Item 6.4; 01:36:14–01:37:23). Reallocation of grant to Ed Webb Park due to acquittal timing; Changing Places facility design continues within foreshore master plan and 10‑yr program (Item 6.4; 01:46:59–01:48:27). Contentious / Transparency Matters Amelia Lorentson queried potential conflict re: Joe Jurisevic and Griffith Ave; confirmed he does not live there; no COI (05:51–06:15; Item 5.1). Procedural concern on adding unseen landfill conditions; resolved by attaching full prior conditions to minutes for public visibility (40:20–41:13; Item 6.1). Karen Finzel pressed for proactive community comms on landfill vegetation clearing and safety upgrades; CEO committed to media release post‑decision (34:49–37:56; Item 6.1). Request for public consultant fee transparency; officers noted commercial‑in‑confidence and proposed function‑based disclosure (57:05–59:57; Item 6.2). Legal / Risk Approvals noted as provided under s63(5) Planning Act 2016 for RAL23/0015 and Netanya changes, ensuring lawful reasons documented (Items 5.1, 5.2). Landfill clearing: Council as proponent uses Schedule 5 infrastructure exemption for koala habitat; still must meet self‑assessable koala policy and separate SARA vegetation referral conditions; 6:1 offset (approx. 500 stems→3,000) onsite 1.8ha plus State offsets (26:01–29:16; 27:31–29:16; Item 6.1). Fauna management conditioned: suitably qualified ecologist/QPWS certified; pre‑clear scans and potential IR drone use to mitigate harm (29:28–31:45; Item 6.1). HES basin: current asset at limit in large events; upsizing reduces pollution risk and meets contemporary stormwater standards; safety separation for public operations addressed (31:45–34:03; Item 6.1). Statutory clock risks: code apps may be deemed approved; impact apps deemed refused; Council managing via extensions/info requests (01:36:14–01:37:23; Item 6.4). Netanya: setback and materials conditions enforce Noosa Plan character outcomes; infrastructure agreement lawfully substitutes one car space with contribution (Item 5.2; 08:52–12:26). Conflicts of Interest Amelia Lorentson raised a potential COI for Joe Jurisevic regarding Griffith Ave access; confirmed no proximity interest; matter proceeded unanimously (05:51–06:15; Item 5.1). Environmental Concerns Landfill expansion balances vegetation loss with onsite 1.8ha offsets and State‑required offsets; koala corridor width increased on southern boundary; signage awareness to be explored (43:50–46:03, 45:29–49:13; Item 6.1). Flood notes and building envelopes mandated on new Tewantin lots; fencing not to impede flood conveyance, acknowledging 1% AEP hazard lines (Item 5.1; 01:16–04:38). ALGA motion seeks national investment in wastewater recycling, tertiary/quaternary treatment (PFAS/microplastics), reducing ocean outfalls and building community trust (01:18:31–01:27:23; Item 6.3). Planning Scheme, Character & Hastings St Netanya conditions target reduced bulk, 2m setbacks, lightweight light‑coloured elements to align with Noosa Plan coastal character; existing bulky dark pillars criticised (08:52–10:36; Item 5.2). Encroachment resolved pre‑decision; demonstrates compliance with property boundaries and public realm protection (12:26; Item 5.2). Community Transparency & Governance Full landfill condition set to be published with minutes to avoid fragmented approvals and aid public scrutiny (38:31–41:13; Item 6.1). Psychosocial safety motion seeks consistent national approach so elected reps receive parity training/protection; WHS Act s29 duties for “other persons” noted as partial coverage (01:12:55–01:18:31; Item 6.3). Operational delivery pressures tied to staffing shortages; traffic/transport coordinator recruitment ongoing; interim internal reallocations made (01:31:37–01:34:11; Item 6.4). Finance & Economic Signals Revenues buoyed by interest and user charges (holiday parks, waste); DA/building/plumbing fees below budget amid market slowdown and resourcing; clarity sought on cash restricted to disaster/QRA (50:30–57:02; Item 6.2). Insurance costs trending higher; work underway on WorkCover optimization; addition of financial sustainability indicators improves oversight (01:03:08–01:03:35; Item 6.2). New Development Applications / Changes Tewantin 1→2 lot reconfig with flood/bushfire overlays and access easement formalisation; PO4 non‑compliance accepted to maintain estate character (01:16–03:58; Item 5.1). Netanya staged refurb change with car park IA and façade/landscaping refinements at key Park Rd/Hastings corner (Item 5.2; 08:52–10:36). Noosa Landfill operational reconfiguration to expand recovery area, relocate HES basin, raise pad to flood-tolerable level; no traffic intensification evidenced (16:15–25:58; Item 6.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 12 February 2024 12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair) Karen Finzel, Joe Jurisevic, Amelia Lorentson, Clare Stewart, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Karen Finzel Cr Joe Jurisevic Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Clare Stewart Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Councillor Jurisevic was not present at the start of the meeting. EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings (via Microsoft Teams) Director Community Services Kerri Contini (via Microsoft Teams) Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 15 January 2024 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. 3. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 4. DEPUTATIONS Nil. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024 5. ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES 5.1. RAL23/0015 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION TO RECONFIGURE A LOT (1 LOT INTO 2 LOTS & ACCESS EASEMENT) AT 11 BILLABONG WAY, TEWANTIN (REFERRED FROM PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 6 FEBRUARY 2024 - ITEM 5.1 - FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That Council note the report by the Development Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 February 2024 regarding Application No. RAL23/0015 for a Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot – 1 lot into 2 lots and Access Easement situated at 11 Billabong Way Tewantin and: A. Approve the application in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1 to the GC Minutes dated 12 February 2024 RAL23/0015 - Amended Conditions B. Include the following Property Notes on the approved lots: Lot 1 1. During inclement weather events up to and beyond the 1% AEP event, this lot experiences flooding along the eastern and southern property boundaries. 2. All structures are to be constructed within the building envelope shown on the approved plan. For more information refer to Council Approval RAL23/0015. 3. To ensure the safety of people and property on this property is maintained, all buildings and structures must be sited constructed in accordance with the bushfire management conditions of Council Approval RAL23/0015. Lot 2 4. During inclement weather events up to and beyond the 1% AEP event, this lot experiences flooding along the eastern property boundary. 5. All structures are to be constructed within the building envelope shown on the approved plan. For more information refer to Council Approval RAL23/0015. 6. To ensure the safety of people and property on this property is maintained, all buildings and structures must be sited constructed in accordance with the bushfire management conditions of Council Approval RAL23/0015. C. Include the following Reference Document: Plan No. Rev. Plan/Document Name Date - 1 Bushfire Evacuation Plan 13.11.2023 prepared by Equilibrium Ecology GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024 D. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried unanimously. 5.2. 51901.3614.03, 51901.3786.04, 51992.479.03, 51994.1048.03, 51994.1249.03, MCU13/0081.03 – MINOR CHANGE TO DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS FOR 47 MULTIPLE DWELLINGS, ENTERTAINMENT & DINING - TYPE 1 FOOD & BEVERAGE AND RETAIL BUSINESS - TYPE 1 LOCAL AND TYPE 2 SHOP & SALON AT ‘NETANYA’ - 71 HASTINGS STREET NOOSA HEADS DESCRIBED AS LOT 0 ON BUP101500 (REFERRED FROM PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 6 FEBRUARY 2024 ITEM 5.2 - DUE TO SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ISSUE.) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener Cr Jurisevic joined the meeting. That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 February 2024 regarding Application No.s 51901.3614.03 51901.3614, 51901.3786.04, 51992.479.03, 51994.1048.03, 51994.1249.03, MCU13/0081.03 to make a minor change to existing approvals for staging and minor changes to refurbishment works situated at Netanya 71 Hastings St Noosa Heads Qld 4567 and: A. Approve the change. B. Amend conditions as outlined in Attachment 2 to the GC Minutes Dated 12 February 2024 – MCU13/0081.03 – Amended Conditions. C. Agree to enter into an Infrastructure Agreement with the applicant that provides for contributions in lieu one on site car parking space. D. Include amended and additional conditions as outlined in Attachment 1 on 51901.3614.01, 51901.3786.02, 51992.479.01, 51994.1249.01, 51994.1048.01 and MCU13/0081.01. E. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried unanimously. 6. REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 6.1. 132005.638.03 - OTHER CHANGE TO AN EXISTING APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – EXPANSION OF SPECIAL PURPOSE (WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING FACILITY) & ONGOING CLEARING PURPOSES AT 561 EUMUNDI NOOSA ROAD, DOONAN Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Joe Jurisevic Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024 That Council note the report prepared by external consultant (JFP Urban Consultants) to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 February 2024 regarding Application No. 132005.638.03 for an Other change application to an existing approval for Material Change of Use – Waste Disposal & Recycling Facility and Ongoing Clearing Purposes, situated at Noosa Landfill at 561 Eumundi Noosa Rd Doonan Qld 4562 and: A. Approve the application in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1; and B. Note a full copy of the conditions is provided at Attachment 3 to the GC Minutes dated 12 February 2024 - 132005.638.03 - Full copy of conditions. Carried unanimously. 6.2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – JANUARY 2024 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Joe Jurisevic That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 February 2024 outlining January 2024 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. Carried unanimously. 6.3. COUNCILLOR MOTIONS FOR SUBMISSION TO ALGA NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2024 Motion Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 February 2024 regarding motions to the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly 2024 and: A. Approve the following motion, initiated by Cr Finzel, to be submitted to the Australian Local Government Association: "This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government in establishing pro-active steps to identify the core elements required to create a strategic, collaborative and consistent national approach and potentially policy changes in providing equal rights for Elective Representatives in relation to Psychosocial Safety Legislation and Workplace Health & Safety." B. Approve the following motion, initiated by Cr Lorentson, to be submitted to the Australian Local Government Association: "This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to strengthen environmental Initiatives and invest in wastewater recycling and adopt a collaborative approach for Trust and Sustainability." C. Approve (if elected at upcoming Local Government elections), Crs Finzel & Lorentson to present their motions at the National General Assembly. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024 Amendment Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That item D be added to read: D. Authorise the CEO to make minor amendments to the submissions prior to submitting to ALGA. Carried unanimously. Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 February 2024 regarding motions to the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly 2024 and: A. Approve the following motion, initiated by Cr Finzel, to be submitted to the Australian Local Government Association: "This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government in establishing pro-active steps to identify the core elements required to create a strategic, collaborative and consistent national approach and potentially policy changes in providing equal rights for Elective Representatives in relation to Psychosocial Safety Legislation and Workplace Health & Safety." B. Approve the following motion, initiated by Cr Lorentson, to be submitted to the Australian Local Government Association: "This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to strengthen environmental Initiatives and invest in wastewater recycling and adopt a collaborative approach for Trust and Sustainability." C. Approve (if elected at upcoming Local Government elections), Crs Finzel & Lorentson to present their motions at the National General Assembly. D. Authorise the CEO to make minor amendments to the submissions prior to submitting to ALGA. Carried unanimously. 6.4. OPERATIONAL PLAN 2023-24 Q2 QUARTERLY REPORT Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Clare Stewart That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 February 2024 regarding the 2023-24 Operational Plan and: A. Note the progress report for Q2 2023-24 Operational Plan to 31 December 2023 provided as Attachment 1; B. Note the comments on the progress of all initiatives provided as Attachment 2; and C. Note the status of Council's Key Performance Indicators provided as Attachment 3. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024 7. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 8. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2:32 PM
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:02.000
Okay, good morning and welcome everybody to the general committee meeting of the 12th of February. Welcome to our guests in the gallery. I declare the meeting open. We have all Councillors in attendance. Councillor Finzel is on her way. Joe Jurisevic is an apology. He will be also late due to attending a funeral. May we have, I'd also like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians on the land on which we're gathered here today. It's the Kabi or gubby people and pay respects to their that elders elder's past, present and emerging. May we have someone to confirm the Minutes of the last General Committee Meeting? That's Councillor Lorentson, superintendent Councillor Stockwell. All in favour? That's unanimous. We have no presentations. Deputations. And we have items referred from committees. The first is the development application to reconfigure a lot, one into two lots and access easement at 11 Billabong Way, Tewantin, which is referred from the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 6 February 2024. Further consideration we have our staff here who are going to tell us a bit about it. Georgina 01:16.725
Yes, good afternoon. So the application in front of us is a one into two lot subdivision and access easement. The application is located within the Noosa Heritage Park estate and is at the end of a cul-de-sac. The existing lot's over 7,000 square metres in size. It has two existing approved dwellings on the property, one being the main dwelling house and one being an approved caretaker's residence. The application seeks to create a one 5,000 square metre lot and one 2 The application is located within the flood bush fire and biodiversity overlays as discussed in the report. The application has been recommended for approval subject to conditions and notably the development does not comply with performance outcome PO4 of reconfiguring a lot lock code. And the outcome refers no additional lots to be created with access of Griffith Avenue. Following conversations with the strategic planning team, the intent behind this requirement is to protect the established character within the estate in considering the proposed lot sizes are well and truly above the minimum lot size of 600 square metres and we're looking at maintaining the existing access so we're formalizing it in a way and having an access easement over the existing driveway. The non-compliance with the PO is considered appropriate as it continues to uphold the established character and amenity of the estate. In regard to the flood and bushfire hazard present on the lot, the applicant has demonstrated and nominated building envelopes over the premises which achieved the required separation distances of the area where the future dwelling house will be to hazardous vegetation. The envelope shows that there's the ability to redevelop their site essentially should they wish to and all development will be clear of the flood hazard overlay. Flooding component within the flooding component on the existing allotment is very minor and is illustrated in one of the figures in the report as well following offline conversations and I suppose questions specific to this application there has been amended conditions recommended and provided which I suppose we can touch on later on as we conclude but I suppose there is an additional item to condition 7 that specifically refers to any future fencing is not to restrict the flow of order essentially Frank Wilkie 03:57.265
So so that was my question to Georgina the suggested change to the motion which is a fence of minimum or 1.2 metres high and that would be designed not to restrict flood conveyance is there any issue with that? Georgina 04:13.555
And the reduction in height no so the main intent behind condition seven is just to make sure that it's clear that where the property ends essentially as we do a joint Council reserve there and then I suppose as yeah that's exactly it and then it was raised in terms of what sort of impacts this fence could have on the flow of water at the time when in time if it was to be unfree fence Patrick Murphy 04:38.253
There is an existing fence on site and this condition reflects state of that existing fence yes it's like a pool fence it's a galvanized um steel pool fence of 1.2 metres in height so that gives them the capacity to retain the fence and noting that that fence won't impede flood flow yeah so um that was Councillor Jurisevic's changes and if all Councillors were in agreement with that the staff would have no problem with that correct there was another change to condition five yes to remove the reference to the effluent disposal areas because the site is silly so it was redundant okay all right any other questions Councillors that's Frank Wilkie 05:26.320
Well I'll move the motion with the changes as proposed by Councillor Jurisevic and seconded by Councillor Stewart I have a question Through the Chair that I've directed to Larry I'm not sure how to handle it oh you haven't no I'll waive my right to speak if you want to ask your do that ask your questions now um Amelia Lorentson 05:52.999
Thank you I'm you know there was mentioned that there was access to Griffith Avenue and I was just wondering does Councillor Jurisevic live on that street in Tewantin and is there a potential conflict? He doesn't live on Griffith Avenue. However. Griffith Avenue thank you that's the question I was asked. Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 06:14.365
Any other discussion? I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? That's unanimous. It's carried. Thank you, Georgina. Next item is change to development approvals for 47 multiple dwellings. Entertainment and dining type 1 food and beverage at retail business and retail business type 1 local and type 2 shop and salon at Netanya 71 Hastings Street Noosa Heads described as lot 0 on BUP 101 500 referred due to the significance of the issue. And that's your man Patrick. If you'd care to talk us Patrick Murphy 06:56.005
Through it please. So as you say this relates to the Netanya resort at 71 Hastings Street. In 2020 there was a previous change application to the six approvals that are related to the site. Those works have since occurred. This now seeks a further change to three tenancies that are in the southeast corner of the site and also some retrospective works also requiring approval. The previous application proposed number of new car parks. One of those car parks cannot be provided as there's actually an existing pole in the location of where it was shown that car park would be. Proposed that an infrastructure agreement be entered into to make contributions for that one car space. That has been accepted by us. Of a more substantive substantial extent, nature is the proposed setback to Park Road. There's some issues with the setback that's proposed and so I think it's 120 mils at its smallest point. The scheme seeks for landscaping to be provided in this location. It's a key corner and by having the Eaves overhang the setback area it's going to limit the opportunity for meaningful landscaping. We're seeking for that setback to be increased to two metres to that Park Road frontage and seeking to approve the application with the requirement that the plans be amended to reflect that increased setback. The from Planning & Environment Committee Meeting there were some matters raised around encroachment. I'd just like to advise that those matters have been resolved. There was a fence that had been constructed off the site and that we've had an inspection this morning to confirm that now fence has been removed. Questions, Councillors? Brian Stockwell 08:49.187
I don't know. Any questions? I will move a slightly different recommendation. As discussed at the environment that's just the staff recommendation with the amendment to read the new feature awnings are to be set back a minimum of two metres from the Park Road frontage, all timber Batten screens and support posts two metres from all street frontages. The bulk of the new feature awnings and associated pillars, Batten screens are to be reduced by, first off point, lessening the thickness warnings the feature and pillar Batten screens, including the use of lightweight building materials. And second, I point, the feature awnings and pillars Batten screens must be made of light-coloured materials that complement the beachside character. May we have a seconder for that, please? I'll second that. Councillor Wegener. Stockwell. So, overall, the only significant issue is in regard to that Park Road, Hastings Street corner. The look and feel of it. Part of that was the extent of that. And the other one that I think Councillor Wegener raised and what I also saw was there's a very sort of big dark brown bulky pillars that really in my view not keeping what the aspired look and feel of Hastings Street in the Noosa Plan is. Staff have helped me with providing that as a potential augmented condition to just enhance the opportunity to get a good quality design that is a little bit more subtropical beachside architectural in its rendering of the facade of the shops Frank Wilkie 10:36.602
Thank you Councillor Stockwell. Any other questions or Councillors care to comment? Tom Wegener 10:43.720
But I just have did to follow on from that a bit of time wandering around there over weekend and I actually noticed that there's the same sort of awning is actually in front of the restaurant there and it actually looks quite nice and I was from the drawings. Oh, I you see what thought oh my gosh this looks very bulky but then when you go down there and see how the awning in front of Providore is and it is actually it's light screening type of like would you say I don't know what you call it but it's not a big blocky it's batons yeah that's a baton and so as long as they stick with that which is it which I think Councillor stockwell's addition here just basically you know says yes do that which you're already doing it doesn't look like that in plant the plans but in on the drawings here it looks quite bulky and so going down they've been looking at actually how it fit how it's going to sit is it but quite nice yeah and I support Amelia Lorentson 11:46.385
Larson. My concern with the light coloured material is that the whole building is dark so my question to Richard is there any opportunity for us to run this past the applicant to just check that we're not interfering with the overall look of the building is it you know we're not architects here so so I would just love to just understand if he's okay with that because a light-coloured material you've got an entire building that's dark you know maybe a little bit at odds. Richard MacGillivray 12:26.784
Yeah if Councillors if you have a look at figure three the renderings I think it's quite useful a lot of the builds building proposed will be relatively white I know it's dark in terms of the what's sitting under there but below the awnings I guess is going to be quite light and white there so I think there is an opportunity wide and I guess when they make when revisions as shown to set it back two metres we will have a closer look at the treatment and materials as well and we'll obviously key focus is to maintain the scheme characteristics and make sure it is lightweight and doesn't have a um a big um impost and bearing in terms of urban design there so they are shown as you'll see is as battens there I know it's quite hard on some of the angles there to clearly see that there's quite a bit of light between them and it depends on the angle you're looking at it from we'll be making sure that is relatively light colour so it just it's in keeping I guess with the Noosa character so I think the change suggested this is going to be okay and won't stick out too much from what's proposed to be built. Clare Stewart 13:35.049
Thank you. Councillor Stewart achieve you that's going to cost your additional expenditure to the applicant and if they are actually, you know, shouldn't be going to the site when it's not necessary or have they sort of been open to this kind of change? Yes, Richard MacGillivray 13:58.284
Thank you Mayor We'll be having some discussion with them. Obviously required to make this amendment so when they are putting that forward we can go through with them the design details to achieve the requirements of the planning scheme. Really the key element of this proposal there particularly with the light coloured materials is not going to have a significant cost impost as it's just really a change of the materials and treatment. Tom Wegener 14:24.799
Councillor Wegener. If I remember, I'm driving by, standing in front of the door. Providore I think it was like what that they're using there it didn't it struck me as I could see the grain which means it's like not painted dark I'm quite sure that the case even though it doesn't look like that in these photos. Yes, yeah. Is a comment. Frank Wilkie 14:45.936
It sounds like a comment, okay. Welcome Councillor Joe. Well, my apologies to the media for my cadence, I've just come from a few hours. Yeah, our condolences. Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Stockwell, do put the motion to the vote. Those in favour? That's unanimous. It's carried. Thank you. Next item is. You're with still, Patrick, for the next one? Other change to an existing approval for Material Change of Use expansion of special purpose waste disposal and recycling facility and ongoing clearing purposes at 561 Eumundi Noosa Road, Doonan. Richard MacGillivray 15:28.020
If I might just, I'm able to introduce Councillors to Mr. Tim Balcombe from RPS. He's our external assessor for this application. As you're all aware, councils are opponents in this particular development application. And as a result to ensure we maintain impartial and create an arm's length separation from our role as the developer in this case of the landfill and the assessment manager, we've engaged an external consultant to undertake the assessment on our behalf. So Tim is going to provide you a quick summary of his assessment of this particular proposal and we've got will and Patrick here to assist with any particular other questions we might get along the way. Floor is yours Tim. Tim Balcombe 16:15.429
Thanks guys, Richard. So what we've got before us is an application to change an existing development approval which is the Doonan landfill facility. The change is another change so it's not a minor change therefore it's bringing new land into the existing approval. In this instance the proposed change fully relates just to the resource recovery area of the existing landfill. The proposal by Council is to expand As a result of expanding there is a consequence of the removal of some vegetation to facilitate the expansion and that is one hectare of existing remnant vegetation. Purpose for the expansion I suppose is more for the safety and the efficiency of the operation of the landfill particularly the resource recovery component which is becoming a more important aspect of the landfill itself because Council has got a major focus on removing recyclables from the landfill itself so therefore in doing so there's more reliance on the existing landfill the resource recovery area and what's happened over time is there's more demand for the resource recovery itself it's the with sort of losing I suppose it's the public's coming in there you've got heavy machinery you've got yeah a lot of things going on there and I suppose with the it's with the location of the existing High-Efficiency Sediment Basin (HES) that's existing is right in the centre of the resource recovery area and by relocating the basin itself allows for much greater area and more efficient use of that land it also provides really important protection and it doesn't involve so much monitoring of the public that will be entering the site with through signage and just operational matters itself so it's really important that those there that's primary purpose of the expansion but unfortunately as a result of that expansion it will result in the consequential removal of remnant vegetation on the site it's also known as an environmentally important area as well so the application was is required to be referred to the State for referral matters for vegetation clearing and also state controlled road matters it's also interesting to note that the area is koala habitat map koala habitat area um so what that means um normally that it would be subject to schedule seven of the planning regulation so because Council is the operator itself they have an exemption because of important infrastructure requirements so therefore Council is exempt from this the schedule 11 provisions it's also important to note that um we've got these clearances and for certain um infrastructure the State have also recommended Council go for a um it's a um a relevant purpose designation which allows is one means for the State to have confidence or they've reviewed proposal and they've delivered that relevant purpose designation as well. Notwithstanding that, the application is still required to be referred to the State for the review of the clearing of that remnant vegetation as it would normally be required. But typically, if Council was not the application and the local government undertaking, you know, important infrastructure. Requirements, there would be certain other hurdles that we'd have to go through. It's also important to note that under the planning regulations, there's no operational works component to any approvals associated with Council infrastructure projects. Suppose. So the assessment of the application involved few key matters, I suppose. Our primary interest was an intensification of the use. Was it going to involve more traffic all those types of matters that need to be considered. And look, the applicant really demonstrated quite well that, yeah, it was just more, it's not an expansion of the TIF. We're getting the same amount of material coming in and they've been able to demonstrate that over about 15 years of sort of volumes. That have entered the tip. But what they have is there's a way greater reliance on this resource recovery area, although the volume of the material is pretty much the same, steady over the time. So what that means is less going into the landfill and more waste is being recovered in this area, which is a great thing with LOOP. So in that sense, we were quite comfortable that there was no intensification, but it still allows for steady growth of the waste. Council's asset over time. And what all that also does is sort of takes our concerns off the traffic and parking issues because they were also demonstrated to be much the same and it is the steady growth as you would typically expect for a facility such as this. So the main concerns with the application really rely on just the removal of vegetation and also some stormwater matter but our primary focus was probably on the ecology. What was the impact of removing this vegetation. As a consequence of the removal of the vegetation the applicant had has proposed an environmental offset which is located to the south of the site it's located in the southeast corner it's 1.8 hectares and this is surplus land it's already been shaped for some for another wetland or a High-Efficiency Sediment Basin (HES) down at the other end of the site because it captures both catchments on either side of the landfill itself and so it's proposed that this recently reshaped surplus land which is the only surplus land on the site that's not designated as there's remnant vegetation as well is going to be the offset receiver in this instance we've had an external ecologist review the applicants application and through a rigorous assessment and asking the questions they ultimately found that the environmental offset through certain other sort of recommendations and conditions in order to protect the to the north and the existing footprint that yet that he was comfortable that the vegetation could be facilitated on the basis that the offsetting was to and for each tree that was to be occurred additional an six trees have to be planted as compensation for that in the designated offset area the error the proposal also has some stormwater impacts we've got an existing High-Efficiency Sediment Basin (HES) that's 20 years old that is now not up to best practice anymore so they want to design a new top-of-the-line sort of compliant and a basin that can basically complies with industry best practice at this point in time that will also assist with flooding water quality and all these types of things in terms of flooding it's not a designated flood area but there is localised flooding that needs to be considered so it's also been conditioned that the fill site itself be raised up to a flood tolerable level so the use can operate in flood-free circumstances yes so looking at the application as whole we found that based on the zoning that the use is basically is consistent with the intent of the zone and with the purpose of the management facility itself it also provides you know, that safety that we're after for the operation of the resource recovery area it also facilitates the expansion of the new High-Efficiency Sediment Basin (HES) and also it fulfil the environmental obligations through offsetting and also the State of reviewed the veg clearing and SARA has also recommended approval with conditions in relation to the proposed expansion therefore we've recommended approval for the expansion as proposed by the applicant. Frank Wilkie 25:58.382
Thank you Tim. Questions? Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 26:00.883
Yes, just a point of clarification, I think in your introduction. Mentioned RPS, except on our agenda we've got Jones, leeds and pike. Can you explain the relationship? JFP. Richard MacGillivray 26:14.033
JFP, apologies. Yes. It should be Jones. That's correct. Joe Jurisevic 26:29.784
South Yeah, the mention of six-to-one offset for trial planting. That offset being undertaken on the southern end, eastern does that still remain within koala corridor or koala-designated area? Yes, it certainly is a designated area. Prior to the clearing, it is mapped as koala habitat, which is the paperbark species. So, yeah, the offset area, and that was one of the questions asked by the ecologist was that we had to replace light for and that includes, yeah. So that requirement for a six to one offset is a requirement of the State? Correct. Is there any to provide, as that's closer to a busy road, than the original location? We're increasing the offset, the potential for koala habitation in busy roads, is there any need within state koala mapping for koala crossings or koala acknowledgement through busy road, particularly state road assets? Tim Balcombe 27:28.032
It's probably a better question for will, but I'm more than happy to assist. So in this instance the State are exempt from assessment of the koala habitat area because of the schedule five and where this sits as far as uh works Council by on a waste area so they've exempted themselves from that assessment. Council has however required them to undertake their self-assessable requirement under the koala habitat that's in both KPA. So there is a self-assessable criteria and as part of that criteria they have to offset each stem that's removed so 500 stems to be removed they have to provide 3,000 stems in its place. Joe Jurisevic 28:13.383
Are they required to approve the offset site? No, no, but because they are exempted, the Council is now the assessment manager for this portion of the assessment. One would think that the assessment by Council still has to be undertaken under state regulation and state requirements. Will 28:31.393
Yes but because it is part of schedule 5 it is exempt however there is a policy that captures infrastructure under schedule 5, so so there's a new policy which is a self-assessable criteria that regardless of whether you're exempt still have to comply with this self-assessable policy. There has been state referral for? Vegetation. So the State have got an interest in the vegetation that's to be removed and they've provided a separate offset for the vegetation communities on the site. So that's to the one that is provide proposed that's 0.21 of a hectare is that correct 1. Amelia Lorentson 29:29.055
8 Hectare the State offset correct two separate types of vegetation question to Richard in terms of condition under 30 specifically qualified person must be engaged to manage for and for no prime during clearing to ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with the vegetation removal or no management plan I was just wondering if you can expand on the definition of a qualified assiduously person and just give some assurance that there'll be measures in place to identify or spot any species Flora and fauna pre-trapping can you just sort of give me some background or assurance Richard MacGillivray 30:10.936
Absolutely so yeah there is a requirement we add what we call an advisory note to provide clarification on the definitions of a qualified persons for the purposes of a rehabilitation plan so qualified person is considered to be a landscape architect or ecologist with a minimum of three years experience in the field for fauna protection they're required to have certification and calculate compensatory habitat they must also have three years experience and they must have a current certification under the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service as well so we'll be requiring that as part of that those minimum requirements obviously we'll be working closely with the applicant to ensure that we achieve best practice with fauna management and that includes all the provisions for pre-trap clearing so that means doing a full scan well before any clearing occurs on site to make sure that we do the best possible job we can to ensure that all fauna are safely relocated. From the particular area of clearing. There's also opportunity to use new technology such as infrared drones which can actually detect lot of the fauna that can be hovered over the site prior to any clearing. It's been proven very successful in a lot of places. Where these have had to occur in the past and we'll be looking to work with the applicant to ensure those best practice technologies are applied in this particular case. Frank Wilkie 31:45.257
Any questions, Councillors? I have a question to start, what are the consequences in terms of state regulations if we do not do this work? Patrick Murphy 31:56.368
There is an issue on the side in terms of safety. I believe there has been communications from the State to our waste department around needing to comply with those safety requirements. Richard MacGillivray 32:09.139
There's also just in addition to patrick's comments, there's obviously some concerns regarding the size of the current High-Efficiency Sediment Basin (HES) that is on the site that in large events is at its limits and so there's risks over time. Particularly with climate change scenarios involved that there may be failure over time so we need to ensure that we are well positioned can manage those environmental impacts and that's where we need a larger HES base. GS in place. So it doesn't overflow in a big rain event for example and pollute the surrounding environment? Absolutely Councillor yeah so that's a big focus of these works is actually to assist with environmental protection whilst there's an immediate impact required for the clearing long term this is will position Council in our community a far better position to address those environmental issues moving forward. Thank you. Councillor Stewart. So this is a must yeah look absolutely we're in a situation where our waste team are well aware that there are limitations on the current operation. They are required to ensure that it does comply with standards the requirements. In terms of the sizing and that does require an enlargement of this High-Efficiency Sediment Basin (HES). The waste team have explored the entire site for the best location for these particular activities and this has proven and to be the best possible location for that to occur. As mentioned earlier there's also safety concerns around the clearances required for the public when they're entering these facilities so we need to ensure we've got adequate space for the public to access through the site moving forward. So we're essentially in a situation where Council needs to undertake these works to ensure that they've got a compliant operation moving forward. Frank Wilkie 34:09.350
Well, jo's moving forward. Moved it, you can still ask some questions. Karen Finzel 34:13.416
Thank you for the report it's comprehensive. Just in terms of our community is so focused on you know our environment, the ecology and you know all our surveys have shown that it's a number one. In a report I might have missed it but I didn't see anything about messaging back to community in terms of being proactive on the front foot and putting positive This is a must-have. It's been highlighted today Through the Chair to the CEO. How are we going to manage that messaging back to the community? Brian Stockwell 34:51.563
Of the applicant and that the current consideration a we're assessing in development, which we also happen to be in, but I don't think it's appropriate to actually talk about communication as the applicant when we're assessing development. Frank Wilkie 35:05.943
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. I think it's a key question about how going to communicate. Yeah, as an applicant. SPEAKER_01 35:15.898
Yes. I would argue we're wearing two hats in this case. Brian Stockwell 35:18.498
Take I think we have to be very careful not to wear two hats in the current. Our role is a statutory role in considering a development application. Yes. And I think the question taken quite that hat off and put our hat on as an applicant. And it's not what's on the agenda. Is the assessment of the development application. We have to be very careful not to mix the two. Frank Wilkie 35:42.873
I'm having a saying I'm seeing and I still see that as quite a relevant question about what sort of communications will there be about these works should they be approved today. Joe Jurisevic 36:02.740
So, unless there's going to be, Mr Chair, can I put it a different way? If this were a development application from developer on a different parcel of land would we be asking the same question of that developer as to how they're going to communicate their communication public with regard to their development Frank Wilkie 36:18.309
The difference is ratepayers monies are not get would not be involved in that situation so we're talking about a Council owned a publicly owned facility involving right powers past dollars of to do this work and there's a lot of community interest in this it's a community-owned facility I think it's a very pertinent question well I respect what the point you're making I'd like to allow the question if that's the chief, you're the chief. Mr Chair what sort of communications would be planned around this if it were approved today? Larry Sengstock 36:54.615
I think that we would be we're obliged to and with the hat of the Council once we approve it I think we're then obliged to go to provide the community with some information about why we're doing it how it's come about I think the report itself has been comprehensive enough to do that there was a report prior to this remember, I'm alluding alerting Council to and community to this particular application that was coming and why and the extent of this works in relation to the overall extent of the site over the years and the conservation overlay that's been placed on that I think that we would happily that's with once this is if and when this is approved or agreed then you know we would look to have an appropriate new year. Karen Finzel 37:51.778
Thank you. So Through the Chair I acknowledge what Councillor Stockwell has brought to the table. My apologies if that's been out of order. Just felt in terms of good governance, open and transparency back to our community, I would like to thank you for raising it. The question. Frank Wilkie 38:16.808
If it's, I've ruled that it's acceptable, but respect what the points that have been raised. I'm just making sure. No. Councillor Stockwell you wish to second this motion? Joe Jurisevic 38:27.279
Yes. I haven't raised the motion yet because I've added additional conditions. Frank Wilkie 38:31.346
Okay. Councillor Jurisevic. SPEAKER_01 38:34.606
Can we add on the additional conditions? Yes. Are. Karen Finzel 38:42.106
Is this adding to the end or where are you adding them? Joe Jurisevic 38:46.913
The conditional conditions are around 1 including conditions 1 to 13 as an attachment to this to these meeting minutes. Koala coral. Amelia Lorentson 39:27.628
So that's the first thing, to just have a full copy of the conditions as item B. Thank and then you wanted to also change the. I wanted to add a condition that. So you're adding a condition to these conditions? Yes. So 40-something at the end? Joe Jurisevic 39:57.060
46, I believe, is what it was. And I apologise, I haven't drafted it. As I said, I was at a function I. In fact, I'll leave that till Thursday night and I'll try and get those conditions right for review those conditions and have it appropriately worded so maybe I'll just add the first condition at this point. Okay, we have a seconder for that? Brian Stockwell 40:20.305
Yeah, I'm happy. Frank Wilkie 40:21.225
Councillor Stockwell, Jurisevic? Amelia Lorentson 40:23.240
Oh, sorry. Brian Stockwell 40:26.005
The conditions is 1 to 13, are they on the agenda? In any location? No, that's why he wants to add them. They're not on this agenda. I'll move a procedural motion then that may be deferred to Thursday because we can't vote on something we haven't seen. Joe Jurisevic 40:47.458
You have seen them. They are conditioned on the previous approval for this application. Brian Stockwell 40:54.758
Previous approval? The existing ah, the existing approval. This is another change. Okay, then that makes it okay. We're just adding on to that. Not adding conditions. Joe Jurisevic 41:04.919
All I'm doing is clarifying that all conditions are available in the meetings minute, a table meeting, sorry. Consolidated. Yeah, basically an element to consolidate all the conditions. Second that. Okay, Councillor Jurisevic. Yeah, look, I think it's been alluded around the table. This, and in the previous approval, this is necessary. I understand the need, there's a very great need for this to undertake take place. Public, to undertake safety, not only for the public, but for those people that are working at the landfill. This will help facilitate greater collection and better facilitation of resource recovery at the centre. And as a result of the loss of vegetation, it's going to take to cover the necessary offsets to facilitate six to one offsets for koala planting, which will be a benefit to the koala population as well. Frank Wilkie 42:04.829
Thank you, Councillor Jurisevic. Any other Councillors wish to speak? Councillor Stockwell and Councillor Finzel. Brian Stockwell 42:10.709
I might pre-empt a little bit what Councillor Jurisevic is going. It is mapped as coiler habitat, but melaleuca is not a really strong koala food species. It is one they will eat. This site was more a wetland lower level and I had a quick look while it was going and the wild net records show that there's no sightings of koalas within the landfill site. The sightings siding within about a kilometre or two kilometres around, they're all going to eucalypt on the native forest. So while it's mapped as because koalas can eat melaleuca, it's not what you'd classically say is good koala habitat. So to me, the key thing is re-establishing a similar ecosystem where a variety of species can be used as their habitat. Frank Wilkie 43:03.244
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Finzel. Karen Finzel 43:05.924
Thank you, Through the Chair. I'd just like to take the opportunity to say I support Councillor Jurisevic's condition on there. I think it is really important that we can use this as a condition to build trust within our community, support good governance and building excellence and being outward facing, so I really support this and see it a great to opportunity give as much information back to community as we can in a loyal, sustained manner, so Joe Jurisevic 43:35.905
Thank you. Councillor Finzel. I just wanted to ask a question. In the report, I'm sure I read that there are, following from what Councillor Stockwell asked, koala, soddies and koala movements in and around the landfill site includes in all directions. Do we actually have koala passage documentation with regards to which way they're travelling? No, it's just we're in the specialist reporting. SPEAKER_09 44:01.946
Yeah, I don't believe we had any indicative mapping to show existing sightings and the way they were traversing. I think as the site sits regionally you've got the large patch bush to the north and there is a connecting tissue of vegetation that runs along the southern boundary I guess there is connectivity through and around the site as it sits. Joe Jurisevic 44:26.678
So given that it's low level melaleuca that sometimes what we'll be facilitating will be of a higher order, a higher nature of koala. SPEAKER_09_b 44:34.511
Habitat trees within offset maybe? I think the offset definitely increases increased the width of the corridor along the southern boundary. I think that's a positive outcome we are comfortable for with that corridor. Mr Stockwell said that the they're not favoured food tree. They will eat them in if they're desperate but it isn't favoured food source for this. Joe Jurisevic 44:59.489
So is this, I'll allude to what my motion, my additional condition would regard to. Is there scope here to facilitate some koala crossings or at least indications that of koalas are in the area, in the conditions for the applicant to turn around and put in maybe some line marking and/or some solar powered signs similar to what Morton Council do with regard to where koala habitat is being increased. SPEAKER_09_b 45:29.041
Signage is a fantastic thing. I think being able to educate road users to the potential for koalas in the area to, you know, watch your speed and slow down. The opportunity to be able to provide that signage on a state road, I'm unfamiliar with but potentially there are other roads that surround the site that we could implement those signs. Joe Jurisevic 45:50.954
Is that something that could be investigated before thursday's meeting with regard to how the State would feel if we condition something along those lines for Council to undertake on a state road. Richard MacGillivray 46:03.426
If I can answer that one, Councillor, we can certainly make some inquiries regarding that. Obviously, being a state-controlled road, it would be difficult for us to give certainty around that unless we've gone through a full process, and I don't think in a few days, we'll probably get it. In writing a letter from the State saying that they will, you know, confirm to agree to allow us to install signage or install it themselves. But we'll make inquiries in that regard. I think there's a good opportunity across the region look at this more broadly, rather than a specific site. And as Councillor Stockwell mentioned earlier, possibly there's other more higher risk sites that have vegetation that is probably the primary food source for koalas that we might look at as a primary location rather than this specific site, knowing that the State controlled road is to the south and obviously we have our road on the eastern boundary, we could look at potentially signage some there on our own road. I think there would be difficulty getting signage agreed to be installed before the Ordinary Meeting on Thursday. Joe Jurisevic 47:13.428
That's my only concern but happy to the wording of the condition to be subject to at least to investigate or look at the opportunities and try to encourage the awareness of motorists in the area particularly if we're going to increase the level of koala habitat adjacent to. Richard MacGillivray 47:38.730
Busy incoming rogues into and look we have spoken briefly with our external ecologist who did the assessment and they did look at connectivity for koalas through there they were comfortable that given the scale of what was proposed to be undertaken the significant offset provided that reasonable that steps have been taken to address the area of clearing with the offset they commended the idea of potential crossings and always would encourage there to be more of it however in this particular case they didn't recommend that via condition due to they thought it was probably excessive requiring them to go above and beyond with putting more signage and potentially crossings there but think there's an opportunity to look at signage as a First Point of view because it's relatively low cost and can create greater awareness for all users and certainly could be of benefit so we're happy to explore that further in preparation for the Ordinary Meeting on Thursday. Joe Jurisevic 48:40.579
Thank you, I don't see some line marking for solar power signs being particularly leandro's undertaking, but I've said let's I'll. Look at the wording that we can do. Patrick Murphy 48:50.319
Yeah look the line marking I mean Richard MacGillivray 48:52.459
Yeah I mean if you're looking seriously at crossings potentially you look at something a bit more substantial either an underpass or an overpass. Joe Jurisevic 49:00.339
Well I'm more about driver awareness. Yes and that's with the signage. Along the lines of what we've been undertaking in Council now with VMS boards. I think we can do better than VMS boards and I think this is an the start the conversation. Yep, absolutely. Frank Wilkie 49:16.000
Alright, Councillor, anyone else wish to speak before Councillor Joe closes? Councillor Joe? No, I think that's it. Put it to the vote. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you, Tim. Thank you, will. Thanks. You. Stop next up. We move the motion to change motion as circulated by yourself. Mr Chair. Yes. Karen Finzel 49:52.692
End of the meeting, I just got can we just suspend the meeting? Standing Orders just to say a few words about Brian Lawson? Joe Jurisevic 50:03.060
We can just ask whether we can undertake we'll that to get something on Thursday night. Frank Wilkie 50:05.940
Oh, okay, Yeah. Thank you. Yeah, thank you. The next item is the Financial Performance Report for January written by financial services manager acting Pauline Coles and we have Trent Grauf as well. Welcome Pauline and Trent. Good afternoon. Could you give us an overview, please? Sure, I can. Pauline Coles 50:33.553
So firstly, I'd like to bring to your attention that the January 2024 year-to-date results now reflect the budget review two that was adopted by Council at the year-to-date January revenue operating continue to outperform our forecast and operating percentages are under forecast year-to-date to the end of January. Operating revenue is $420,000 above budget, which is driven by interest income of $325,000, sales of goods and services of $466,000, which is predominantly from holiday parks, waste, and some community facilities. And this is offset by lower than forecast revenue from Fees and Charges relating to development assessment, building and plumbing, and local laws. Operating expenditures: $861,000 underspent, with the majority of this relating to employee costs, about a million dollars, and this a result of some vacancies and recruitment timing as well. It is compounded at this time of year by the timing of leave being taken by staff and the accrual provisions, and that's equivalent to about $300,000. So it's sort of overstate, just because everyone takes a lot of leave around January, but we don't accrue it in the system that way. Materials and services are slightly overspent, about $122,000, and tourism and economic development expenditure is on track as forecast. Overall council's operating position at the end of January is $1.3 million above budget, obviously noting that some of this relates some timing issues. Year-to-date, excluding our disaster projects, Council has spent 38 of its full-year capital program, which equates to about $17.6 million, with a further $10 million in commitments. Of the disaster program, $15 million has been spent to date. Due to the timing, obviously, it's a little bit slower over the December /January quarter, but that should ramp up into the remainder of this year. Council's cash-holding at the end of January was $110 million, with $35 million of these funds invested in term deposits, with the second rate cycle January, June. Cash is again at its peak and it will decline over time as operational expenditure occurs and the capital program is delivered. Overall council's financial performance continues to be strong. Joe Jurisevic 52:51.416
I know it's a new term or is it just me? Sports facility change? Is that referring to our aquatic centre? Pauline Coles 52:58.316
Correct, so just to clarify, so previously we used to refer to it as community facilities but with the realignment flowing through the financial system now, the sports and active lifestyle area has obviously the NAC and the Leisure Centre, whereas previously it used to have also The J and there, but Joe Jurisevic 53:15.428
The J is now. So that's the only area, the sports and the NAC and the Leisure Centre are the only areas that relate to sports finished, correct. Councillor Stewart. Clare Stewart 53:27.645
Thank you, thank you Pauline, again a great report. I'm just going to come back to, it seems to be 11.7 months, page 85. I know I asked this question, but it seems to stay steady at that for now. And I note that all the comments are saying it will obviously decrease coming to June 30. Correct. Pauline Coles 53:56.125
So obviously it was up high generally because we'd had advance payment of all the career aid disaster funding, million we'd received. That's starting to occur, the expenditure on that. However, with the rates occurring in January, that's kind of pushed it up so it's held at quite a level. So as we go through to June, we'll spend those funds on operations and that will start to come down. And as the capital program disaster continues, it will also come down as well as a result of that. Joe Jurisevic 54:21.574
But having said that, we have more disaster funding to come in for the projects? Pauline Coles 54:25.873
So that may not decrease depending on how the spend and the income and the outgoing the preliminary one we had an advance payment and depending on the cash flow cycle we may ask for an advance payment again from QRA but if we don't then it'll be we spend and then we get reimbursed so it'll be a matter of timing so unless we get another advance payment which we might require. We finalise the delivery of those projects and the cash impact on Council it may have another spike but it may actually just be a timing month on off. Joe Jurisevic 54:57.882
So from here on in we won't be getting funding in advance we'll be actually getting payment on invoice? Correct so at the moment we're using those advance funds to deliver the program so we're submitting claims every month. That's why I'm just clarifying that we're not going to get lunch sums in to pay ahead of the thing we're going to be paying on invoice? At this stage no, but we are assessing at the moment the delivery schedule for those programs to make sure that there's no crunch when there's a big delivery at Black Mountain that we may need an advance payment. But at this stage we haven't requested that. Again, who does the invoice go to? Does it go to QRA or Council? It comes to us. So we need the money for QRA in advance so I'll have to pay for that. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 55:35.039
So do we have too much cash on hand is where I think all this is sort of heading to. Pauline Coles 55:41.878
No, so when I referred, I think in the last quarterly update I obviously showed breakdown of those things. We hold a minimum of three months cash cover to fund our operations should we not be able to collect rates or if something happens. We also hold quite a substantial amount of funding in there for some advanced waste levies, for our Environment Levy and some disaster provisions as well, so hold that fund in there as well. The calculation that you see here is on our total funding. It doesn't exclude those amounts that we're holding for restricted purposes, so it does show it slightly higher than what we would normally see, but that's essentially what's happening. Joe Jurisevic 56:17.932
Clarify that, is it possible in reporting from here on in, and possibly whether you can answer it today, how much of that cash is being held specifically for QRA projects or each of those elements to show what designated? We can show that, yes, and we did we just that in the call quarterly report of the cash dissection. We don't break it down to QRA specifically, but we could probably do that. My page takes just the QRA element out of it, so we can see how much is Council debt and disaster management Council other events they would catch. Sure. As in tooth-stunning, was it tooth-stunning that we've got coming in advance again this year? Yes. Pauline Coles 57:02.292
Yes, we can look at that for you. Amelia Lorentson 57:10.628
Terms Hi, Pauline. A question I think I've asked quite few times over this term in of consultancy, whether we can give some consideration. To set up a consultant fee register just so that it can be made public, just to provide transparency on expenditure towards consultants? Pauline Coles 57:30.460
Is that something we can do? I because I keep asking can we. So obviously I think I provided you a dissection and we did do it by type but we do obviously have commercial and confidence arrangements with consultancies and those sorts of things so we don't necessarily publish a list of those consultants. Obviously the larger ones if there's any large ones would be on the tender list that's published by the procurement team. I'm not sure I'd have to get some advice in terms of what we could publish and make public. Joe Jurisevic 57:58.770
I would think though that the. Like our list of preferred. Suppliers, there would be a and consultants that come through from LocalBuy? There would be, some of it's not necessarily published but it would be available through LocalBuy network. Whatever's publicly available we'd be able to publicly? Pauline Coles 58:21.433
Potentially Larry Sengstock 58:21.953
Yes. Through the Chair. Some consultancies, yes, you can have a list because they're regularly used but then there's often, you know, tasks that we need to undertake and give to these specific specialists and they're, you know, they're separate. Piece. We don't have a standard list that we can just go through. Joe Jurisevic 58:40.890
But then we still have to go through a process and be proven at a local level. Pauline Coles 58:44.190
Not necessarily depending on the amount because obviously if it's under the $15,000 threshold it's just a matter of quotes rather than, depending on how much you're spending. Amelia Lorentson 58:53.202
It's more for transparency and also understanding whether the services can or can't be done in house and why not and just some learnings that we can pull out of that. SPEAKER_09_b 59:06.982
Through the Chair, what more valuable from a transparency or analysis perspective is the function that consultant is providing rather than the number of consultants. So particularly we're reminded where different parts of the organisation may engage a larger firm, like for example some of our big four finance firms. Be a range of different types of services undertaken, so I think that the key takeaway would be around the function of the concerns. Joe Jurisevic 59:34.923
Would be one way of displaying what services which is we how reach out for that aren't available in-house, and without mentioning yeah, Amelia Lorentson 59:42.671
And the gap in expertise also. You know, when we're resourcing staff, should we be clear in what we're looking for and understanding where the gaps are will help. Frank Wilkie 59:57.499
I have a question. The development assessment, building and plumbing fees and community facilities revenues all below budget. Correct. Seemingly, for months on end are always over and above. Pauline Coles 01:00:13.424
Historically they were yes obviously and then obviously we ramped up with development assessments. Some of it may be timing, some of it's impacted by staffing and resourcing to do compliance, some work. I mean obviously with the DEA, they're kind of optimistic that there will be DA applications that will come in through to the end of the year that will lift them back up again and building and plumbing generally does quite well. Building has been down so it really is dependent on the market. That a factor? And obviously people aren't sort of buying property as much and doing renovations as much so potentially yes. And it's not just down because it's January? No, it's been down consistently for the last quite a Joe Jurisevic 01:00:55.940
Yeah. We've very good. Implemented some new it systems also new it software as well has that had any impact on any areas of Council? I wouldn't say that they would have in those particular areas. Through the Chair, the software upgrade had a timely impact in terms of delays for recognition through the financial statements for a month or two. Not in terms of absolutely. During that transition period. Yeah. We're back up? Pauline Coles 01:01:21.833
Yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:01:24.050
Okay. Okay, and expenditure community facilities is down? Sorry, revenue of community facilities? Pauline Coles 01:01:30.810
That relates predominantly to Noosa Seniors, so in terms of the charging to their participants, essentially, in services that they've been doing. So they had quite a optimistic budget this year, but they have had a changeover in managers as well, so that's compounded a little bit a of an increase in spending? The expenditure is also down as well, so it's not. So will you be adjusting the budget accordingly? We would be, in 2025, definitely adjusting the okay. Thank is it going to affect the bottom line? Noosa Seniors actually runs at a neutral position, so they spend the revenue that comes in and that goes out, Joe Jurisevic 01:02:10.466
So that's. Correct. Yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:02:12.986
But also the budget estimates for development assessment and building and plumbing, will they need to be adjusted? Pauline Coles 01:02:18.903
Entrusted? In conversations through. Budget review, they were optimistic that would be able to recover that funds between now and the end of the year, but we'll only see that over time as if they are able to achieve that, because DA fees are dependent on the development assessments that are coming through. So depending on what's there, they may recoup that between now and the end of the year. Okay. Yes, Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:02:40.175
Thank you for the report. As always, I'm interested in the top three percentages in the key materials and services. I notice insurance is up now 93%. I'm just wondering how we're tracking that. Outgoing expenditure and in what way is that related to, you know, the change around legislation with our psychosocial hazards in the workplace and the risk analysis around, you know, reducing workers' compensation claims and things like that. Pauline Coles 01:03:08.871
In terms- In of insurance, obviously is up generally. I think the 93 is probably not necessarily 93 per cent of the whole year, so it's not a double budget. There obviously has been an increase in costs and increase in claims which affects our premiums. I know there is work ongoing at the moment around work cover policy and looking at different options as to how we might reduce the premiums relating to that. But that's ongoing and we won't see that outcome until sort of into next year. Interesting. Karen Finzel 01:03:36.544
Okay, thanks a lot. Brian Stockwell 01:03:38.064
Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:03:39.884
I've noticed that antoinette's planning applications, you know, we get the digital spreadsheet, they've been very small, much than in the past. Is that an indication of a slowdown? Pauline Coles 01:03:52.560
Potentially, yes. That would indicate that there isn't volume that would normally be coming in. Obviously, it's all dependent on developers' appetite and demand for properties, so we have seen that flow but we don't know what will happen. If you try with CPI coming down, interest rates might fluctuate between now and the end of the year. It's not likely, maybe, to increase between now and June, but it's hard to say. Frank Wilkie 01:04:16.845
Do you want to move the I'll move the motion. Move Councillor Wegener seconded by Councillor Joe. Speak to I'd like to congratulate the team, Tom Wegener 01:04:28.589
Thank you, Pauline. Thank you, Trent. I love the clarity. It makes it easy to not ask a lot of questions because right there, so yeah, thank you for being here. Karen Finzel 01:04:40.813
Councilor Councillor Stewart. This is the last time I'm not there. Oh, I'm going to start Frank Wilkie 01:04:44.793
Crying. Please stop. So, thank you very much. You're always so comprehensive and great information. And think they're really easy to read. I was actually going to put something on these. Put it in layman's blaine's terms and simple terms. And I think if you don't have, you know, a background in accounting or finance, you know, I think the way it's structured is really simple and straightforward to read Karen Finzel 01:05:06.753
And very comprehensive. So I want to thank you publicly for all the hard work and all the team that you do. It has been an absolute pleasure working with and it's really appreciated all the information you've given us and the advice and support you've provided us. Thank you. Mayor Stewart. Frank Wilkie 01:05:26.391
I put the motion. All those in favour? Carried unanimously. Thank you Pauline. Thanks you Trent. The Councillors with your permission will have a five minute break. Amelia Lorentson 01:05:36.432
Great idea. Thank you. Thank you. We're on. Frank Wilkie 01:05:54.975
We're on. Okay. Welcome back everybody. We declare the meeting open again. We're now up to item 6.3, Councillor Motions for submission to ALGA National General Assembly. And we have a recommendation before us. Two motions, one from Councillor Finzel and Lorentson. Larry Sengstock 01:06:22.548
To give a quick introduction to it, Laurie Lawrence. Wrong score. I wish I had the same record as Laurie does. He's one of my champions actually. Is he really? Yeah. No way. Anyway. That's it. Digress. Heroes. This is just a quick introduction. The Australian Local Government Association, ALGA, has a National General Assembly every year in July. We presented it last year. We do it quite regularly. The reason we're bringing this to the table now is because we don't have meetings in March and the deadline is in March for motions to go through to the General Committee assembly in July, second to the fourth of July. Time. So, we've brought this to the table now. The process that it goes through is that we agree the motions here at the table, or the motions that are approved, then the ALGA to get approved to go to the General Committee assembly. So, there's no direct path. It still has to be approved by ALGA, and then it goes presented at the general assembly, and if it gets approved there or gets supported there, then it becomes something ALGA that the ALGA will push through. So, there's a whole process, so this is the first step in that process, is what I wanted to make the point of. This year at ALGA, MGI, the national assembly, is building community trust, so we have two motions that the Councillors Finzel and Lorentson are bringing to the table. I'm going to get them to summarise and provide a summary, but I'll just initially, in the report, there's a quick topics of those motions. Council Councillor of Finzel vigilance calls on the Australian government in establishing proactive steps to identify the core elements required create a strategic, collaborative consistent national approach and potentially policy changes in providing equal rights for elected representatives in relation to psychosocial safety legislation and workplace health and safety. And for Councillor Lorentson, it's calls on the Australian government to strengthen. Environmental initiatives and invest in waste water recycling and adopt a collaborative approach for trust and sustainability. So we've got recommendations to take those to, but before going to that point, I thought it best if, in the initial summary, is we get two Councillors to summarise their proposals, all of their motions, if that's okay with you. Frank Wilkie 01:09:11.265
Can I finish that? Yes, Karen Finzel 01:09:12.725
Thank you. Mr. CEO, Through the Chair, and thank you. So I think at the core, sitting at the heart of effective leadership sits trust as a fundamental building block of our nation's democracy at all levels of government. I thank LGAQ for reaching out to all Councillors and inviting all Councillors to put forward motions at the National General Assembly. Invitation resulted me doing some research to put this together to help bring a national conversation around the opportunity to create a consistent national approach to closing the gap and providing protection for elected representatives at local level. And other levels of government to match that of employed staff and looking at ways that we could have that protection to access fair work training, health and safety in an effort to ensure that we are able to be fully conversant in working in a respectful workplace. Timing is right for planning with a call to action for innovative approaches alongside contemporary and sustainable leadership, which through collaboration with our communities, co-create capabilities effective in achieving profitable social capital thereby creating a comprehensive measuring stick showcasing new storytelling resources and skills to support innovative change for our elected representatives staff and community together I believe social networks of trust have the capacity to grow our greatest return on investment so think at this point in time in 2023 to also have good fiscal management to stem the flow of people leaving government positions and also with the changes in the office of independent assessor that's being looked at that came through I think it was the end of last year to then look at ways of delivering training in the workplace for our elected representatives to help contribute a positive and meaningful contribution to a safe workplace the significance of the matter strategically sits alongside those recent changes and I think this affects all of Australia because there's local Council government across Australia intrinsically the motion is aimed at addressing the identified gap for elected representatives who under legislation are seen as the other in relation to psychosocial hazards legislation to support equity and protection for elected representatives being the same as those given to employees for example through the fair work system when entering a workplace environment to promote the continued the continuous improvement of the removal of identified barriers to ensure safety at all times in a supported working and decision-making environment where a wide range of views are encouraged and respectfully listened to without fear of and intimidation and support of mental health and well-being and reducing those costs back to all levels of government. Thank you for listening. Frank Wilkie 01:12:46.421
This protect Councillors when they are doing their work interacting out the community? Larry Sengstock 01:12:55.521
It depends on where this goes. I think this is the start. It's basically recognising that, from my understanding, it's recognising that psychosocial safety is a major workplace health and safety initiative across all organisations now. So it's got a higher profile with our staffing. So we are doing a lot of training last year, this coming in terms of our staff. What's been identified is that Councillors come under other so it's really saying well where does do you fit and if that gets changed then that training would be afforded and it should be afforded to all and then those same legislative protections would then be in place for all so that's really where it's going but it's still got to go through that path so all we're I think Council Finzel is saying is we've identified it let's address Frank Wilkie 01:13:55.305
It yeah I was just wondering about the scope of it Joe Jurisevic 01:13:57.198
Yeah I think the point was there and I think you've figured out that the councils are not viewed in the workplace health and safety legislation in the same way that Council staff are no that's right can I step in I'm sorry Councillor Karen Finzel 01:14:10.618
Yeah yeah thank you just Mr Chair just in respect to your question when I raise this motion previously at the LGAQ last year during that time I had some conversations with LGAQ staff and we did talk about mandatory training to Councillors safe with more and outward facing to community post disaster management for example I went to a lot of homes that were flooded in that recent flood bed and then looking at um Council as an elected representative be able to access the same type of training as so for example ses workers and other volunteers that go in and do cleanups or other working groups so yeah that is also part of the conversation so I think this is a really timely opportunity to just start those narratives and then just see where a really early working space as you know we got on a report back the other day from the lawyers in regard to the office of independent assessor and how we're looking at like the changes that are going to be coming through the pipeline over the next couple of years to look at how we could be effective and proactive in delivery of training as opposed to relying on office of independent assessor which is under resourced which led to the changes and then looking at ways to better you know I guess start at the beginning instead of trying to close the gate at the top. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:15:36.570
Councillor Lorentson. Totally support the motion. Thank you Karen. I do want to add that the workplace health and safety although we're not employees does capture other persons at a workplace under section 29. Is us Councillors and members of the gallery and so we are actually owed duty and that's imposed by section 29 that a person at a workplace whether or not the person has another duty under this part must be take reasonable care that his or her acts or omissions do not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons and the work act also further defines health as meaning physical and psychological health so there is some protections by virtue of section 29 of Thank you. Yes, turn to the Chair then. So I have a question back to Councillor Lorentson and thank you for the clarification. Is there anything in my notion that you would like to amend? No but I'd like to discuss maybe a little bit Karen to help you get it across the line but I love where you're going with this. We're not employees and it's more in terms of mandatory training and I think that is what needs to be really emphasised in the motion. Joe Jurisevic 01:17:02.385
The other element of that is that our work place isn't behind a desk, is out in so that ensures we have adequate cover for those sort of things and understanding what our obligations are when we're out and about. And I agree. Amelia Lorentson 01:17:23.746
Section 8 of the work health and safety act actually defines workplace in the right Chair. Chambers would fall under that. Definition, but outside possibly not. Tom Wegener 01:17:38.868
Yeah, I actually really support this. Brian Stockwell 01:17:42.188
I think that I look at, I just wonder who would want to be a Councillor knowing that we know, Joe Jurisevic 01:17:47.402
You seriously, I don't know, I just wouldn't, I can't imagine like saying to my best friend, "Oh, you know, you should go out." So, SPEAKER_00_b 01:17:58.142
And I think that the vaccination, really brought out a new wave of dangers to being a Councillor. And I think it's even less, you know, appealing to be this, you know, knowing what you're, going to into in this, new world of social media and kind of at a different place than we expected that we grew up. Our world we need that kind of behalf training to step into the next version of what a Councillor actually is as a job, as a contractor, I guess. Amelia Lorentson 01:18:30.932
Look, we're just, Councillor Lorentson, just to talk about your motion. Sure my motion and I'll read what it is. I'm calling for the National General Assembly to recognise the urgent challenges facing Australia in wastewater and recycling to tackle this issue it's imperative that the Australian government makes significant investments in wastewater recycling which is crucial for environmental sustainability the investments essential to progress overdue water sector reforms innovation and research to address forever chemicals like PFAS and other emerging contaminants of concern this holistic approach not only promotes sustainability but also fosters trust within communities the motion and summary key are in the report so I won't go over that I will note that I've brought forward this motion as part of my ongoing advocacy and dedication to our community and also to clean oceans I will continue to emphasise that our oceans should not serve as dumping grounds for treated wastewater and stormwater I've pursued this advocacy both at state and national levels over the last four years seeking these policies policy reforms investments and funding to address what I consider a critical issue I'd like to give everyone an update because my efforts have not gone unnoticed at the moment my OLGR motion from last year against ocean outfalls and for wastewater reuse. It's currently sitting and waiting for a response from minister Catherine king and I've also spoken to Josephine rappity from LGAQ who is in total support of this motion and she's also given me an update with lots of promises that again my efforts haven't fallen on deaf ears and there's going to be lots in terms of reform in this space. So again as long as I'm in Council we've got to do something more. We recycle 0.86% of treated wastewater. It's just simply not good enough and I understand the funding and complications and we need all tiers of government to come on board in europe. You know, in europe, and I won't rave, but in europe they have targets, the european standards, by 2027 that all wastewater treatment plants need to be upgraded to what's considered kernery treatments. That actually captures your PFAS and all those microplastics and all these emerging contaminants of concern. In New Zealand, only just a few weeks ago, they actually banned, the EPA actually banned PFAS from cosmetics. So there are countries. And councils across Australia and across the world and in europe that are taking a stance for best environmental practice and I think this is an opportunity for a Council like Noosa that's Different by Nature to start leading the way. You. Mr Murdoch? Karen Finzel 01:21:53.994
I'll second it. Frank Wilkie 01:21:55.854
Alright, Councillor Finzel, you have the floor. Karen Finzel 01:22:00.234
I really have not thought about it but I do think it's a really fantastic opportunity for Councillors or local government. Level to be able to advocate and raise the issues that Councillor Lorentson and myself have brought to the table. There's a lot more of course out there but I think it's really timely and as Councillor Tom the table, like given post-COVID, the disasters, I do believe our role as local Council elected representatives is in a transition. It's definitely changing. I think even when we talk about our work working being out of the everyone here, we all always see each other, how much time we spend on emails in the office, phoning people, you know, it's become a major, not a major, but also a really significant part of our position. So I think it's really timely that we bring these motions to the General Committee assembly, given its national significance and to support sustainable leadership and look after our environment and our people. Thank you. Joe Jurisevic 01:23:06.271
Joe, you had a question? Sorry, I for Councillor Lorentson. Sure. What you just said then, the motion refers to wastewater, and in your statement then, you added stormwater. And treated wastewater are two completely different. I did, and my focus on all my motions are wastewater. I threw in stormwater because that's specific. Why I'm being very careful with the language. Absolutely. That's specific to Noosa. Very different channel. I'm happy to talk with you. Yeah, go ahead. Admit I had concerns when I read Councillor Lorentson's motion, only in the language, in the last sentence, collaborative approach for trust and sustainability, but I didn't get it when I first read it until I read the major crunch and the reasoning behind it. I understand still, but whether that could be worded a bit differently or a bit better is about the only negative I've got in regards to it. I support both motions. Councillor Finzel showed me her motion. I had a reference back to her and said I'd I get it immediately. It was as clear and concise and clear cut as I've ever seen something that had meaning and substance. So I appreciate where that comes from and where your motion comes from. Also, Councillor Lorentson, she's been championing the know, trying to get state and Federal government to look at wastewater recycling and I know there is a lot of talk through Seqwater about re-channelling it's been a challenge for this state government to even consider that because there was a lot of backlash in that regard but we've got to be aware that provided it's been processed and correctly and the entanglements are ready eroded. For it that it is a resource not a waste product it should be opportunities to utilise looked at every opportunity it's a long way to pump at places if it can be used locally as well so the opportunities that it presents are far greater when we produce a product that the community can have trust in. So that's where the cross pack comes in. Amelia Lorentson 01:25:17.731
I'd like to move an amendment Through the Chair please. Councillor Lorentson um so d might you move an amendment D, authorise that the CEO make minor amendments to the submission prior to submitting to ALGA. ALGA. Into elgin. I've made some very minor adjustments to my key arguments and motion that I submitted the motion last week very very quickly so so I'd like to have just an opportunity just to clean it up a little bit thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:26:01.447
Any further discussion? If there's a motion or amendment that goes in favour that's unanimous part of the original motion. Any other Councillors wish to speak? Councillor Stewart. Clare Stewart 01:26:12.519
I'm sorry to add a comment. Well, this is a really good thing to attend, you know, 500 councils at the. National General Assembly, it's really worthwhile, it's an opportunity. To have Your Say, to advocate on national level, at a national stage, with all those hundreds and of councillors in attendance, and also government ministers, which is who you really need to get to. So I think it's great, think they're incredibly worthwhile motions, both of them, both extremely, you know, very different, but certainly incredibly worthwhile, and I think our Noosa Council should be really proud to have them, to have both the Councillors, and whoever else chooses to attend, at the general assembly speaking on Ms. Shine's part, congratulations and good luck. Amelia Lorentson 01:27:00.546
Question Through the Chair, so the motions are being ratified through Council, they still need to seek support and ratification through ALGA, so not necessarily, they don't necessarily have a ticket as yet, Clare? Yeah. Karen Finzel 01:27:15.443
Yes. Bye now. Look, yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:27:25.163
I'm more than happy to support this motion. Both those motions involve, if successful, means more training and education and safety and security for us as Councillors and also those who come after us. Councillors across Australia. And also better practices in regards to how we treat our wastewater. So better environmental outcomes. So they're both very, very good initiatives to support. Thank you. Anybody else wish to speak? Karen, do you wish to close? Karen Finzel 01:27:59.279
No, I think everything's been said. Thank you for the feedback. It feels good to be supported by the Councillors around the table and, you know, work together to achieve these outcomes that affect all levels of government. And hopefully these are effective for future people that are elected to positions across also help to we all work hard to get to these tables and these decision-making places to also help in some way stem the number of people that leave for all sorts of reasons once they get in. So, thank you everyone. Frank Wilkie 01:28:33.572
Put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you. Larry. The last item on the agenda today is the operational plan quarterly report. Deb, welcome. Hello, thank you. Can- Okay. You give us a bit of an overview please Deb, for the operational plan 2023/24 second quarterly report. Yes, Deb 01:29:03.380
Thank you Councillor. We've got a couple of questions from the audience. The report covers the progress of implementation of operational plan initiatives from the 1st of October to the 31st of December and although we're now in February, it is only until then consequently where we're at now will be reported in the next quarter. The reason I raise that is there have been some recent developments which actually have impacted on some of the initiatives to actually improve the progress of them but unfortunately they weren't captured in that by the 31st of December so I just wanted to bring that to so your attention the majority of initiatives are progressing well with 117 or 79 percent either completed or on track and 23 percent 23 or 15 percent are experiencing a minor disruption and nine a major disruption so we've seen an increase in completed tasks you've seen and a decrease of in initiatives that are on track with some of those moving to a major disruption but very minimal the attachment one to the report outlines the actual figures and provide some explanation as to why there have been these movements first part of the attachment looks overall progress where and then that goes into detail by each theme and as we have reported previously we've taken an exceptional approach where we've provided an overview to give Council a very easy sort of vision if you like of how we're progressing and there is further detail though against each initiative's progress attachment to and that's this document here so we thought it was important to provide that especially at Q2 because we're six months into the year and want to be reassured that progress projects are progressing because you wouldn't want to get to sort of Q4 and get any surprises so we have provided the level of detail there and if necessary Council directors can talk to the specific if you have any questions. So that looks at performance. The other attachment to this report is in relation to our key performance indicators and these are indicators that we've been reporting over few years and it shows movements in very things like average lost time injury development approval timeframes etc so happy to take any questions in relation to those or the attachments. Councillor- Clare Stewart 01:31:36.281
Thank you, David, again, it really means you've agreed. Is so well done because initially your eye goes to yes. The red, which is the main disruption. I know, maybe I should choose a different colour. Just a question on main disruption seems to be that there's, that we're, you know, the hold up the trend that we're waiting on. It's really staffing for a transport traffic coordinator and infrastructure planning designers and re-managers. So are we in the process of, you know, procurement for those two positions? Deb 01:32:09.684
Um, my, I was shown that was Shaun going to be available? Larry Sengstock 01:32:14.727
No, unfortunately Shaun had to take off for another appointment. I can answer some of that if it's okay. Yeah, coordinator position, we've struggled to attract the right skills that we think we need for this position. And traffic and transport is such a major piece of where we're at, and there's so many ideas and plans and thoughts and our whole strategy. So we're back in, or we will be back into the market shortly, but we've made some adjustments within our own staffing to try to redirect people's focus of existing staff. Area. So we're back on track to some degree in terms of some of the things that we've unfortunately had to sit on for a number of months. So we're back trying to-address some of that and certainly for the next cycle of Council we'll be very focused on those areas in particular. From a delivery and infrastructure point of view, we've had some we're um slight disruptions there, but we think we're back on track there as well in terms of making sure that we're delivering to the level that we need to deliver in the current circumstance or current market and you know you've seen the reports and different reports that we are tracking very very well in terms of delivering the massive capital works programs that we've got Deb 01:33:50.974
Through the Chair as well I'm just reading some notes you have to forgive me that Shaun actually prepared and the BRT process is also seen as clarify the availability of some additional funding to be able to move through those tasks associated with the Transport Strategy action plan and parking plan so that's good news Amelia Lorentson 01:34:08.876
I have a question the environment and sustainability roundtables I'm Kim Rawlings 01:34:38.060
Councillor Lorentson, we have over the years had a number of environment sustainable roundtables. It's not a ongoing formal group. What we do is we pull together a range of organisations, community based organisations around particular issues. So we have a series of environmental roundtables to input into the environment. We also had grants process. So the concepts worked really well in the past, so it's been included in our operational plan to reinvigorate the idea of the. Round tables on an issues basis. We haven't held one yet, but it is the intention to do so in the coming months when the new Council is in place. All Councillors will be able to attend those. Amelia Lorentson 01:35:29.910
Excellent, thank you. Joe Jurisevic 01:35:31.115
The same project will be initiated at the end of early 2024 and coincide with the beginning of the environmental strategy review and other new discussions on the green deal, please. Frank Wilkie 01:35:39.995
I question. I have a question. You might be able to answer it, Kim, on page 127, there's a graph. It's the number of planning applications decided within statutory timeframe. And it looks like we're struggling a bit there. What are the ramifications when applications are not decided within the statutory timeframe? I think it was Richard who used those. No, Kim had, oh, Richard, sorry. Kim, Richard is here. I didn't see him up the back, no worries. What graph are you looking at there? Page 127. Number of planning applications decided within the statutory timeframe. Richard MacGillivray 01:36:22.260
Is it? Here we go, yeah. Yeah, so this, all this graph highlights to you is I guess the numbers decided each month and obviously we've got a whole lot that are in basically currently being assessed that are within statutory so they're obviously not decided applications. They're still being processed. So I guess what this graph is just showing is of the green ones, how many that we have decided per month and how many we're actually holding. So it probably highlights quite clearly that we've got a large number of applications that we're actually currently processing. We're deciding a number of them and some of that has been due to some staffing issues we've had in the past where we haven't had we've had a 25% reduction in staff numbers in that team. We're recruiting at the moment to fill all those vacancies to help get a lot of those current and active applications decided so we can meet those statutory time frames. So that's been a bit of a problem for us. What happens if we don't meet the statutory time frame? Is that deemed approval? Correct, yeah. So for code assessable applications they can become deemed approval. We're very lucky we don't get many, if any, those at all because we work quite closely with the applicants to ensure that we keep time frames current. So often that is we will, they'll agree to an extension of time by agreement if we're still negotiating at particular of the proposal, they'll extend and we'll work through those issues. So quite often we'll get an agreement to extend time frames. Also when we issue information requests and for further information, the clock stops again to allow them to that up to three code-accessible, months. We're and work working quite closely with the consultants to ensure that we've got sufficient time to make sure we can decide those within time frames. But yes, you're correct that there is a risk of deemed approval with code-assessable-accessible applications, that's why we really need to be ultra-vigilant. For impact-assessable applications, if we don't decide within time frame, they can become a deemed refusal. So you don't often seeking those. That's not the outcome often they're seeking. No. Thank you. Karen Finzel 01:38:35.876
I just have a question, mainly my directed at Kim. On page 110, we've got as a major disruption community's to the community strategy is resourcing is not available to undertake the work as proposed will take place in the 24/25 budget. Kim, are you, Through the Chair, are you able to just give us a little overview of what sort of resourcing we're looking for in that space around the community strategy? Kim Rawlings 01:39:10.452
Is Kerry in the room? Kerry is online as well. Sorry Kerry it's probably you I guess. Kerry would you like to jump in here? Yeah I'm happy to but you might want to. Joe Jurisevic 01:39:23.440
I think she'd better go on. I'm not sure kerry's online. Karen Finzel 01:39:28.200
She'll just send me a message and say she's back online. But I don't think she's online but she wants us to Kim Rawlings 01:39:37.280
So I might start. You Yeah. To keep things moving. Councillor Finzel, Councillor Finzel, the community strategy wasn't. Isn't actually planned to be initiated until 24, 25 budget. That's correct. And we are doing some initial work though to prepare for the community so we are scoping up an audit of community facilities at the moment and that's been done through kerry's team. And we'll also be scoping up a process. It'll be a very highly engaged strategy, as you can imagine, it's the updating and replacing and more broad of the social strategy that currently exists, which is a number of years old, so there'll be a combination of resources that are required around dedicated staff to work on it, funding for a highly consultative process to inform strategy then some technical pieces around understanding infrastructure and needs and things like that. Kerry has just jumped online, if you wanted to add anything. I'm hearing a couple of things. About the resources required for the energy strategy. Apologies to that Council that has had some technical issues. But yes, the resourcing issues that we've got at the moment, particularly within our community given operational workloads, supporting community is not leaving the time required for the dedicated work that goes into research and preparation to undertake a strategy. Large um piece of large pieces of work like this need dedicated resources, and they're just not able to find the time because the day-to requirements naturally take priority. And as Kim mentioned, we will be scoping that up for next year's budget because it's going to be dedicated resources. Karen Finzel 01:41:43.852
Thank you. And Through the Chair, is part of that dedicated resource then the Community Connection Manager to be employed? Kerri Contini 01:41:52.290
No, they already use as a Community Connection Manager. The process process thank you one of the impacts on the ability to start these this is that and you might have seen in the other comments that we were not successful in being able to appoint a contractor plan and so that we've made that decision to largely do that piece of work in-house that taking priority because of the land use implications and using the same staff that would have been doing the work on the prep work for the community strategy that's Frank Wilkie 01:43:00.602
I have a question probably for Kim it's this finalised green economy industry development plan it looks like it's being done it sounds like there's some quite exciting material that could come from that when is that going to be presented and understood and forgive me if I've missed a report on that Kim Rawlings 01:43:28.690
No Councillor Wilkie you haven't missed a report on that has been finalised at the moment we're just doing some final tweaks to it and yes there is really really exciting information and actions proposed from that so once we finalise that and at this point new established we'll bring that forward to Council once we can get on to a Council agenda in the coming month. Okay, Councillor Stockwell. Joe Jurisevic 01:43:56.612
Likewise, complete Shire-wide employment land review. I assume that would incorporate the don's looking at uh Johns Landing, the industrial land at Cooroy and elements like that. I'll see a final report at the 10th of the 1st. I'm assuming that's by staff and a report if you have to come to Council. SPEAKER_11_b 01:44:15.233
Employment land review really looks at the future needs of. For poor employment, industrial and employment land of our Shire. There is some separate work being done. And if trent's in the room you might want to talk to it. Through our commercial property unit that's actually looking at. Council owned assets and how they're best utilised. Like you mentioned Councillor Jurisevic, Johns Landing and when that might be, you know, appropriate for. Activation, Carpenters Road, things like that. So they are two slightly separate pieces of work. Joe Jurisevic 01:44:52.470
Okay, so that's not the point. Employment land review cup is something slightly different? Brian Stockwell 01:44:58.625
That's correct. Stockwell. My query, and I think probably Debra is the correct person, in the KPI report you have a measure of staff turnover rate and the percentage of establishment level. The comments appear to say something different to what the graph says. So the comments talk about a 16.56% October to December. On the graph you've got 0.1%. Percent in December. Deb 01:45:27.661
My interpretation, I'm sorry, these figures come from the system, but my interpretation of that was the difference, the actual difference, which was the 10%, so percentage increase for the quarter. So the 10% is actually the increase, the amount of Brian Stockwell 01:45:46.743
Point one percent. Point, it says Can you, we just, because it is a statistic that is of considerable interest. If it's 16.56, we're not going well. If it's point one, we're going well. Yeah, Deb 01:46:00.545
Yeah, no, look, I'll take that back and clarify that. But the way that I interpreted that it was the 10% increase. So, yep, I'll double-check that and I'll come back to you Amelia Lorentson 01:46:10.205
For Thursday. Thank you. Amelia and Karen, you had questions? Yes, and this might just be wording, but on page. 110, 2.4.8, sorry, 2.5.8, Deb, deliver an accessible adult change facility under changing place program on the Noosaville foreshore, and the funding was diverted to Ed Webb Park. So I've got a couple of questions in that space. I'll ask you, I'll throw a question to you, Deb. Can you just provide some clarity? Are we still delivering an accessible adult change facility at the Noosaville Foreshore, and are we still diverting some funds to Ed Webb Park, and where are we with that? I would have to refer Director or to the development manager. So Trent might be able to answer it as well. And I think it just reads. It doesn't read well because I'm looking at it going, "We didn't put our hand up to, you know, cancel an accessible changing place facility to spend on a park." I think it's more just wording, playing with words. Trent Grauf 01:47:25.692
Through the Chair, through the budget this year, as you know, we get a lot of grant money coming through for various sources. Did receive a grant allocation for 790k, which we initially earmarked for a changing place facility. Given the timeline on that grant that we had to acquit the grant money by 30th of June, in just the expediency of where we're at with the projects, we redirected the grant allocation monies to Ed Webb Park because that was a project that was already underway and further down the track. In terms of the Changing Places facility itself, our understanding is they're continuing to progress the design work, and as we know, integrating that with the Noosaville foreshore master plan as well at the same time, so that works work's continuing and you'll see that come through. In the 10-year capital program fantastic. I believe you made a determination. Amelia Lorentson 01:48:19.558
Why was diverted. It just doesn't read. Great, fantastic, thank you very much for that. I appreciate it. Karen Finzel 01:48:27.392
Just a question for Trent. Just in relation to the industrial sites review, is that completed? Trent Grauf 01:48:40.520
The Chair, we're part partway way through the project. It's under theme five for excellence, is the strategic property review. We're progressing well with it. There's a few stages with that. Obviously, the first part of primary output part, which is about the review of the land stock that we currently have. And the second part of the exercise through our commercial property advisor is developing a policy or framework around our actions and decisions moving forward long term about acquisition, disposal, activation or long term holding of land passes. Parts. So that will also give us a framework to guide future decisions with land as well. So you'll see that come through towards the end of the financial year. Yes, that sounds great. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:49:24.933
Anyone care to move the report? Moved by Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor Stewart, Finzel. Finzel? Well, yeah, firstly, I'd like to Karen Finzel 01:49:31.693
Thank Deb. It's a really good report, easy to read, and thank all the staff that contributed all the data that has to go into it. Know it's a big job. It's been really easy to read. It's really succinct, which is great, and it helps us when we're going to make decisions to look up key indicators and data. It puts it really firmly at my fingertips, and it's easy to collate all that. Move forward. So thank you to very the much. Council and all the staff. Frank Wilkie 01:50:03.873
Cassie Stewart. Deb, Clare Stewart 01:50:05.433
Thank you. It's my last one. I know. Stop. I'm getting tissues, Clare. Thank you. Really again, easy to read. The traffic light and how that's done is great because you straight away focus on what needs to be achieved and then you can ask questions from there. So thank you, great report. It just shows how much. I think I did a radio interview this morning or something about got we've 73 capital works projects in the pipeline and other massive record in terms of expenditure and recovery and as well as everything here which is substantial. So thank you to the team and really well start Larry because this is a snapshot of so so much work. So Karen Finzel 01:50:50.341
Thank you yeah thank you all right thank you Amelia Lorentson 01:50:52.081
Um I'll just quickly Councillor Wilkie. It's really quite interesting. So, you know, whether we've got a capital works or whether it's our financial reports, all these reports that come to Council. When we look at risk and opportunity, it's always, risk is always human resources. And I think the operational plan actually translates that into, you know, what happens, delays. And yeah, just puts that in perspective. So, thank you again. And good. Work team. Thank you. Joe? Ciao. Joe Jurisevic 01:51:29.170
Yeah, yep, same, two, oops. One, sorry. Good. We're not exactly why ditto. We should just go. Sorry, I did very slow. No, the word goes in. I said if anybody wants to understand the Council, take a look numbers. At the number of initiatives here that are trying to be implemented under an operational plan. The day-to operations, activities is as usual. Plus all of these additional bits and pieces. Plus the capital works program. Guys, there's a lot of work that goes on in this place. Shows how much, and these are only overviews of the details and the detail of the Noosa and the amount into each of these initiatives that we're trying to do year on, out. So I just thank the staff for their time and effort, their dedication and devotion to what we, as Councillors, throw at you year in, out, to try and achieve and try to keep this Council and this community being served in the best way possible. Frank Wilkie 01:52:33.070
And just building on that, the sheer volume of work that is underway, projects that are underway. I want to commend the staff for successfully masking their grimaces when in meetings like this we pile more work words. On. Because all this work is set at the budget during the budget process. And throughout the course of the year, during meetings or amendments or whatever, we can add extra work, slip in extra work, and I appreciate patients and the forbearance of the staff when they take that on board on top of the heavy workload and I'm sure the CEO will pass that on to you. Deb 01:53:12.064
I might just also take the opportunity if I may, in addition to this work there's other work going up to date on going on about in relation to our business improvement. We've got business improvement running through our ICT area. We've got all managers now looking at their service profiles and reviewing their service levels and standards so when it comes time to discuss the budget we've got a really clear picture on those and that they're up to date so this is the additional things that managers are taking on at the same time as delivering their projects and business as usual and other reporting requirements so yeah so it's yeah a lot happening. Thank you, thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:53:57.682
I'll put the motion, those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you, Dave. Thank you, James. All right. You. That's the last item today and thank you Councillors General Committee Meeting of the term. I thank you all for your discipline, patience and your contributions. It's been very enjoyable. Is this where we start? Thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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