Due to council's efforts to hide their meetings from the public, the video for the meeting was not made available. We have instead provided the audio of the meeting and the full transcript below.
Key Decisions & Discussions • Frank Wilkie: Council approved remote attendance for Amelia Lorentson under s254K Local Government Regulation 2012 (Qld), carried unanimously (00:43; Minutes Attendance/Resolution Item 1). • Council: Adopted Audit & Risk Committee recommendations incl. QAO 2024 External Audit Plan, internal audit updates, risk/BCP update, EOFY timetable (02:10–02:49; Item 8.1). • Pauline Coles: YTD Mar operating revenue is $1.8m above budget; operating expenditure $1.5m under; operating position $3.3m above budget; cash holdings $139m (with $30m in high-yield TDs), noting rates cycle and $17.6m QRA advance (03:08–05:32; Item 9.1). • Pauline Coles: Clarified difference: “unconstrained” relates to operating surplus components; “unrestricted” refers to available cash (~$4m) for emergent or co-funded capital works beyond planned programs (06:00–07:14; Item 9.1). • Pauline Coles: Asset Sustainability Ratio behind target due to renewal timing and carryovers; ratio excludes QRA projects; program prioritises renewals to meet the 90% depreciation benchmark over the cycle (08:59–09:59; Item 9.1). • Richard MacGillivray: Dev
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Key Decisions & Discussions • Frank Wilkie: Council approved remote attendance for Amelia Lorentson under s254K Local Government Regulation 2012 (Qld), carried unanimously (00:43; Minutes Attendance/Resolution Item 1). • Council: Adopted Audit & Risk Committee recommendations incl. QAO 2024 External Audit Plan, internal audit updates, risk/BCP update, EOFY timetable (02:10–02:49; Item 8.1). • Pauline Coles: YTD Mar operating revenue is $1.8m above budget; operating expenditure $1.5m under; operating position $3.3m above budget; cash holdings $139m (with $30m in high-yield TDs), noting rates cycle and $17.6m QRA advance (03:08–05:32; Item 9.1). • Pauline Coles: Clarified difference: “unconstrained” relates to operating surplus components; “unrestricted” refers to available cash (~$4m) for emergent or co-funded capital works beyond planned programs (06:00–07:14; Item 9.1). • Pauline Coles: Asset Sustainability Ratio behind target due to renewal timing and carryovers; ratio excludes QRA projects; program prioritises renewals to meet the 90% depreciation benchmark over the cycle (08:59–09:59; Item 9.1). • Richard MacGillivray: Development assessment revenue lagging due to market softening and recognition timing; local laws revenue impacted by a system upgrade affecting infringement processing; remediation underway (16:35–17:20; Item 9.1). • Brian Stockwell: Noted steep growth since 2020 across operating revenue, capital revenue/expenditure, planning/building income, caravan parks, and waste; flagged imminent policy choice: rates increases vs. new revenue vs. service reductions (19:20–21:25; Item 9.1). • Council: Established Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan Stakeholder Reference Group; appointed Jessica Phillips (Chair), Amelia Lorentson , Karen Finzel (21:51–24:18; Item 9.2). • Shaun Walsh: Confirmed staged engagement via Stakeholder Reference Group then broader community consultation; highlighted Seqwater easement and need for collaborative approvals; exploring traineeships/volunteers to supplement resourcing (21:51–30:11; Item 9.2). • Council: Confirmed extensive councillor appointments to internal/external groups, including disaster, climate, housing, tourism, biosphere, and regional bodies; two-year review norm with flexibility to vary earlier (31:58–39:20; Item 9.3). • Council: Adopted updated Councillors’ Expenses Reimbursement and Provision of Facilities Policy; introduced council-owned laptops; allowances unchanged (phones $2,880 p.a.; vehicle $5,000) (39:52–43:19; Item 9.4). Contentious / Transparency Matters • Amelia Lorentson: Probed ROI of the new in-house legal counsel; Pauline Coles reported no major cost reduction yet due to scope limits (DA matters still external) and ongoing specialist outsourcing; noted internal risk mitigation and ~50 hours logged (12:58–14:02; Item 9.1). • Amelia Lorentson: Questioned potential over-reliance on external consultants; officers noted diversity/specialisation and vacancy backfilling; no prior deep-dive report to Council identified (14:02–16:08; Item 9.1). • Public Q (Andrew McCarthy): Called for full NRCMP consultation by July; Council said new term induction underway and next steps to be considered in coming weeks; all appropriate methods, incl. potential forum, to be considered (43:49–45:14; Item 11.1). • Process note: Mayor explained this first-term Ordinary Meeting bypassed usual committee cycle, which typically surfaces contention before formal decisions (45:14–end; Closing remarks). Legal / Risk • Frank Wilkie: Remote attendance approval explicitly grounded in s254K LGR 2012; unanimous compliance recorded (00:43; Item 1). • Council: Endorsed QAO 2024 External Audit Plan and risk/BCP updates, reinforcing financial reporting integrity and continuity planning (02:10–02:49; Item 8.1). • Pauline Coles: New inclusion of financial sustainability indicators in monthly reporting elevates statutory-focus performance monitoring (03:08–03:20; Item 9.1). • Shaun Walsh: Seqwater easement over Botanic Gardens requires Seqwater endorsement of site works; water quality protection for Lake Macdonald is a determinative constraint (28:59–30:11; Item 9.2). • Revenue risk: DA/local laws revenue softness from market conditions and system transition underlines forecasting and enforcement risk exposure (16:35–17:20; Item 9.1). • Policy risk balance: Expenses Policy holds allowances flat while adding council-owned laptops; retains property/IT security controls by keeping devices as Council property (39:52–43:19; Item 9.4). Environmental Concerns (Noosa River & Botanic Gardens) • Public Q (Andrew McCarthy): Pressed for full, costed NRCMP by July 2024 referencing an Oct 2023 procedural motion; officers committed to consider next steps and inclusive engagement methods shortly (43:49–45:14; Item 11.1). • Shaun Walsh: Botanic Gardens master plan to integrate funding strategies, operational resourcing implications, and explore traineeships/volunteers to sustain standards (24:53–26:32; Item 9.2). • Karen Finzel: Sought clarity on Seqwater’s role; officers confirmed easement oversight, water-quality priorities, and potential co-funding history (28:37–30:11; Item 9.2). • Brian Stockwell: Emphasised opportunities for conservation outcomes (e.g., macadamia recovery plan species) and visitor dispersal benefits from an enhanced Gardens (30:14–31:30; Item 9.2). Governance & Appointments • Larry Sengstock: Detailed councillor appointments across internal/external groups; noted routine two-year review with capacity to vary earlier if needed (31:58–39:20; Item 9.3). • Council: Assignments include disaster management, climate response (Steering and Community Reference Groups), Housing Stakeholder Group, Destination Management PCG, Tourism Noosa (observer), and regional bodies (35:00–37:27; Item 9.3). • Jessica Phillips: Appointed Chair for both Noosa Botanic Gardens Stakeholder Group and Noosa Drive Pathway Project Reference Group, strengthening project oversight (23:14–23:38; 35:00–36:41; Items 9.2, 9.3). Financial Performance Highlights • Pauline Coles: Capital program: 48% of four-year program spent YTD excluding disaster works ($22m of $45.9m; additional $10m committed); QRA disaster spend $22m (03:08–05:32; Item 9.1). • Pauline Coles: Interest revenue and sales of goods/services each up ~$1.2m; other revenue +$0.4m; DA fees and some charges lower than expected (03:08–04:20; Item 9.1). • Operations: Underspend driven by vacancies (employee costs) and slight materials/services underspend; surplus cash above 3-month operating buffer (03:08–05:32; Item 9.1). • Waste revenue: Gate fees and recyclables included in sales; Chair confirmed scope (17:20–18:45; Item 9.1).
Official Meeting MinutesRead minutes ↗
MINUTES
Ordinary Meeting
Thursday, 18 April 2024
10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson
“Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson
EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That in accordance with Section 254K of the Local Government Regulation, Cr Lorentson is approved to attend the Meeting dated 18 April 202 via Microsoft Teams. Carried unanimously.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2.1. ORDINARY MEETING 15 FEBRUARY 2024
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 15 February 2024 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously.
2.2. POST ELECTION MEETING 8 APRIL 2024
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener The Minutes of the Post Election Meeting held on 8 April 2024 be received and confirmed Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
3. MAYORAL MINUTES
Nil.
4. PETITIONS
Nil.
5. NOTIFIED MOTIONS
Nil.
6. PRESENTATIONS
Nil.
7. DEPUTATIONS
Nil.
8. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
8.1. AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE REPORT - 23 FEBRUARY 2024
ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS (External) Tim Cronin, Chair (External) Ian Rushworth Cr Clare Stewart Cr Tom Wegener NON-COMMITTEE MEMBERS/OFFICERS Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services, Trent Grauf Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Executive Officer, Internal Audit & Corporate Performance, Debra Iezzi Governance Manager, Diana Stewart Financial Services Manager (Acting), Pauline Coles ICT Manager, Ryan Smith ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
1. QAO 2024 EXTERNAL AUDIT PLAN That Council note the 2024 External Audit Plan provided by the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) and KPMG to the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 23 February 2024.
2. QAO UPDATE That Council note the Briefing Paper provided by the Queensland Audit Office (QAO) and KPMG to the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 23 February 2024.
3. INTERNAL AUDIT ACTIONS UPDATE & INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN That Council note the report by the Executive Officer Internal Audit and Organisational Performance to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 23 February 2024 regarding an update of Internal Audit Matters.
4. RISK MANAGEMENT & BCP UPDATE That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 23 February 2024 providing an update on risk management related matters.
5. END OF FINANCIAL YEAR TIMETABLE That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 23 February 2024 regarding Council’s preparation for the 2023/24 End of Financial Year process and Annual Financial Statements.
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the report of the Audit & Risk Committee dated 23 February 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted. Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
9. ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS
9.1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – MARCH 2024
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the Ordinary Meeting dated 18 April 2024 outlining March 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.
9.2. NOOSA BOTANIC GARDENS MASTER PLAN STAKEHOLDER REFERENCE GROUP
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the Ordinary Meeting dated 18 April 2024 regarding the establishment of the Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan Stakeholder Reference Group and A. Note the Terms of Reference provided at Attachment 1; and B. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, and Crs Lorentson and Finzel to the Noosa Botanic Gardens Master Plan Stakeholder Reference Group.
Carried unanimously.
9.3. COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS COMMITTEES, WORKING GROUPS, BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2024
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) to the Ordinary Meeting dated 18 April 2024 and make the following Councillor appointments (noting that these supersede any prior appointments):
GROUPS/COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED BY COUNCIL A. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Deputy Chair to the Local Disaster Recovery Committee, (and note that all Councillors are invited to attend as observers to the LDMG and LDRG); B. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor, Cr Phillips and Cr Wegener to the Case Management Working Group; C. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Regional Arts Development Fund Committee (RADF); D. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Noosa Heritage Reference Group; ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
E. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Chair, Cr Wilson and Cr Wilkie - Mayor, to the Capital Works Executive; F. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor as Chair, and Cr Stockwell to the CEO Performance Review Committee; G. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor and Cr Lorentson to the Teewah Cooloola Working Group; H. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Chair, Cr Finzel and Cr Wegener to the Noosa Biosphere Trails Reference Group; I. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor as the Chair of the Business Round Table; J. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor as Chair, and Cr Wegener and Cr Wilson to the Climate Change Response Plan Steering Group; K. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, and Cr Wilson to the Climate Change Response Plan Community Reference Group; L. Appoint the Cr Wilson to the Management Committee for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Sunshine Coast University (SCU); M. Appoint Cr Wegener and Cr Wilson to the Audit and Risk Committee; N. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair and Cr Stockwell to the Noosa Drive Pathway Project Reference Group; O. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor, Cr Finzel and Cr Wilson to the Housing Stakeholder Reference Group; P. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor as Chair and Cr Stockwell and Cr Lorentson to the Destination Management Project Control Group (PCG); Q. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor to the Regional Resource Recovery Steering Group (as part of the MOU with Gympie Council); R. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, Cr Lorentson and Cr Finzel to the Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stakeholders Reference Group;
EXTERNAL GROUPS (not established by Council) S. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Council’s Observer on the Tourism Noosa Board; T. Appoint Cr Wegener as Council's Representative on the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Board; U. Appoint Cr Finzel to the Northern SEQ Regional Roads and Transport Group; V. Appoint Cr Stockwell to the Climate Emergency Australia National Executive Committee; W. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell - Deputy Mayor as Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) ; X. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Council’s Representative, and Cr Wegener as Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Working Group; Y. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) SEQ 2032 Legacy Working Group; Z. Appoint Cr Phillips on the Noosa World Surfing Reserve Committee.
Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
9.4. COUNCILLORS’ EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENT AND PROVISION OF FACILITIES POLICY
Council Resolution Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) to the Ordinary Meeting dated 18 April 2024 and adopt the updated Councillors’ Expenses Reimbursement and Provision of Facilities Policy provided at Attachment 1. Carried unanimously.
10. CLOSED SESSION
Nil.
11. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
11.1. ANDREW MCCARTHY
Question 1. Given Council election are now over, Mr Sengstock what actions have been undertaken, and/or what plans have the Council put in place to conduct a full community and stakeholder consultation on the Draft Noosa River Catchment Management Plan (NRCMP) so that Council can report back in July 2024 with a final and fully costed NRCMP in line with October 2023 procedural motion below?
Answer provided by Director of Strategy and Environment The new Council has only recently been sworn in, officers are working through a very comprehensive induction program with the Councillors across a wide range of issues and projects. The Noosa River Catchment Plan being one of those, the new Council is yet to consider the next steps for the NRCMP and will do this in the coming weeks.
Question 2. Is or would the Council consider a public forum as a part of the full Community Consultation process for the NRCMP?
Answer provided by Director of Strategy and Environment Council will consider all appropriate methods for consultation with all stakeholders as part of any further engagement on the NRCMP. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 18 APRIL 2024
12. NEXT MEETING
The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on Thursday 16 May 2024 at 5.00pm.
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