Declaration of Office 2024
Date: Wednesday, 3 April 2024 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:38:58
Synopsis: Council Constituted, Residents-first priorities: services and low rates, STA review and illegal camping enforcement, Transparency and unity through engagement, Housing collaboration, Environment/Destination, Infrastructure risks and budgeting.
AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Larry Sengstock: Declared council constituted following oaths; induction workshops to commence immediately to brief members on duties (00:00; Items 1, 2.1–2.7). Frank Wilkie: Set priorities: deliver core services, keep rates as low as possible, and place residents and environment first (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Frank Wilkie: Announced review of Short-Term Accommodation (STA) local law already underway; enforcement stepped up on illegal camping/parking at Noosa Spit, Rivermouth, and Noosa National Park (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Frank Wilkie: Committed to implementing Destination Management Plan actions this term (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Frank Wilkie: Signalled inter-council and intergovernmental collaboration on housing and waste management (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Karen Finzel: Emphasised authentic community engagement, trust-building, and collaborative leadership amid ongoing change (09:09–13:10; Item 2.2). Amelia Lorentson: Called for unity after a divisive election, stronger consultation, and fairness-focused decision-making (14:05–17:18; Item 2.3). Jessica Phillips: Prioritised transparent communication channels, measurable goals, and on-the-ground engagement with residents (20:20–22:55; Item 2.4). Brian Stockwell: Framed council as a single corporate body under s 11 Local Government Act 2009, advocating long-term resident-focused decisions (23:13–28:28; Item 2.5). Tom Wegener: Flagged concerns about infrastructure upkeep standards, citing Audit & Risk insights; urged policy consistency and follow-through (30:37–34:52; Item 2.6). Nicola Wilson: Pledged responsible budgeting, financial transparency, compliance-led STA controls, and housing solutions for lower-income workers (36:19–38:29; Item 2.7). All Councillors: Took statutory oaths to act per Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 (02:07–36:19; Items 2.1–2.7). Contentious / Transparency Matters Larry Sengstock: Noted the election was among the closest on record, underscoring community division and mandate sensitivity (00:00; Item 1). Amelia Lorentson: Explicitly referenced divisions and the need for increased engagement and equity to restore cohesion (14:05–17:18; Item 2.3). Jessica Phillips: Promised transparent, accountable channels and measurable progress tracking to rebuild trust (20:20–22:55; Item 2.4). Nicola Wilson: Argued voters “chose change” to end grudges/factions; committed to financial transparency and prudent use of rates (36:19–38:29; Item 2.7). Frank Wilkie: Residents-first stance and immediate STA review/enforcement respond to high-visibility pain points (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Emphasised robust debate within a unified corporate entity to enhance democratic transparency (23:13–28:28; Item 2.5). Legal / Risk Ceremonial Compliance: Oaths administered under Local Government Act 2009; rectified sequence errors promptly to maintain validity (17:18–18:50; Items 2.2–2.3). STA Review: Revising local law may attract submissions, compliance challenges, or potential appeals; must align with Local Government Act, Planning Act, and human rights compatibility (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Enforcement: Increased action on illegal camping/parking requires proportionate, consistent application of local laws and coordination with QPWS at Noosa National Park (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Infrastructure Risk: Identified maintenance shortfalls imply service-level and asset-depreciation risks; budget rebalancing may be required to avoid future liabilities (30:37–34:52; Item 2.6). Governance Horizon: Commitment to long-term (20-year) interest decision-making aligns with LGA principles and mitigates short-termism risk (28:28; Item 2.5). Short-Term Accommodation / Compliance Frank Wilkie: STA local law under review; enforcement uplift signals intent to address amenity and availability concerns (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Nicola Wilson: Prioritised STA compliance and resident-first outcomes to rebalance impacts (36:19–38:29; Item 2.7). Housing & Affordability Frank Wilkie: Will collaborate regionally on housing; alignment with DMP actions suggests demand-management approach (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Nicola Wilson: Focus on solutions for lower-income workers, indicating policy development beyond STA tweaks (36:19–38:29; Item 2.7). Environment, Tourism & Destination Management Frank Wilkie: Reaffirmed protection/restoration of natural assets and executing the Destination Management Plan (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Linked Noosa identity to environmental stewardship and scale-appropriate development, consistent with historic policy settings (24:02–28:28; Item 2.5). Enforcement Focus: Tackling illegal camping/parking at high-pressure visitor sites to reduce environmental and amenity impacts (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Rates, Budget & Infrastructure Frank Wilkie: Objective to keep rates low while maintaining quality services, implying efficiency drives and priority trade-offs (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Tom Wegener: Warned infrastructure may not meet desired upkeep standards; Audit & Risk insights point to potential backlog (30:37–34:52; Item 2.6). Nicola Wilson: Called for responsible budgeting and transparent expenditure to rebuild trust (36:19–38:29; Item 2.7). Governance Culture & Composition Frank Wilkie: Highlighted majority-female council and a balance of experience/new members to enhance governance capability (03:15–07:58; Item 2.1). Brian Stockwell: Advocated unified corporate decision-making with healthy debate; success measured by 20-year legacy, not election cycles (23:13–28:28; Item 2.5). Jessica Phillips: Committed to collaborative relationships with staff, stakeholders, and residents to strengthen execution (20:20–22:55; Item 2.4).
Official Meeting Minutes
AGENDA DELARATION OF OFFICE Wednesday, 3 April 2024 commencing at 10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Frank Wilkie (Mayor), Karen Finzel, Jess Phillips, Amelia Lorentson, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” DELARATION OF OFFICE 3 APRIL 2024 1. WELCOME BY ACTING CEO LARRY SENGSTOCK DECLARATIONS OF OFFICE BY MAYOR & COUNCILLORS AND SIGNING OF 2. DOCUMENTS 2.1. MAYOR FRANK WILKIE 2.2. COUNCILLOR KAREN FINZEL 2.3. COUNCILLOR AMELIA LORENTSON 2.4. COUNCILLOR JESS PHILLIPS 2.5. COUNCILLOR BRIAN STOCKWELL 2.6. COUNCILLOR TOM WEGENER 2.7. COUNCILLOR NICOLA WILSON 3. MEETING CLOSURE
Meeting Transcript
Larry Sengstock 00:00.000
My name is Larry Sengstock, for those who don't know, I'm the acting CEO here at Noosa, and it's my duty to MC today and to welcome everybody and to go through the proceedings. like to first start by acknowledging Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pay our respects to the elders past, present Well it feels like it's been a pretty long journey, I'm sure it's been a lot longer journey for all of you, but for us here in the office it's been a long journey as well as we've been waiting for the results to come so we can certainly get on with the work at hand because there's plenty to do as you will see and as we go through the induction ceremony or the induction over the next little while there little while, there is a lot to do, and I know that you've all got your own ideas on what you'd like to achieve as well, so we need to make sure we work together and get that happening. It's certainly going to be one of the closest contested election election campaigns on record that I'm aware of, but now we're at the point where we can celebrate the success of that. We can complete these formalities and we can look forward to the next four years. Local governments are a very complex business. And they mean a lot to a lot of different people. So it's going to be an exciting ride, I think, over the next four years. And we're all looking forward to that. So today we'll be recognising the councillors and taking the oath. And I'd like to start the proceedings when I call on the new Mayor of Noosa Shire Council, Mr Frank Wilkie, to take the oath. Frank, I'm going to read it out, and then you're going to have to sign this, because that is the process. So if you can repeat. So I, Frank Wilkie, having been been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council... Frank Wilkie 02:07.132
Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office... Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office... Declare In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. Terrific. Terrific. Larry Sengstock 02:50.174
It goes, that one as well. And that's yours. Thank you. That's mine, and if you'd like to make a... Could I get a knife? Oh, sorry. Quick photo. Quick photo. Lovely. There we go. Frank Wilkie 03:15.300
Welcome, everybody. Good to see you all. A new council brings new opportunities and hope. Opportunities to recommit to the principles that have kept Noosa different by by nature in the face of unrelenting challenges and constant change and hope that we can collectively make this council a place where councillors and staff love coming to work, love and respect work with and love the work we do in the community. Council's values of supportive, passionate, authentic, respectful and committed actions are central to creating a high-performing team and people of goodwill within this organisation collectively demonstrate them through their deeds every single day. And I'm confident this councillor team can play a lead role in this. That's because this is a well-balanced mix of experienced and new community councillors with solid financial communication and governance skills and I know they are all committed to making a positive difference. I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly congratulate our councillors Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jess Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener and Nicola Wilson. their election. Please join me. All will be made welcome and supported as we are brought up to speed with our responsibilities in a series of training workshops shortly after being sworn in today. Like the community, this is a council that wants the basics delivered. Quality services and facilities while keeping rates as low as possible. Another strong message we heard was the need to put residents and environment first. Staff are already amplifying efforts to rein in illegal camping and parking on Noosa Spit, Rivermouth and at Noosa National Park. A review of the short-term accommodation local rule is already underway. There is much work to do on protecting and restoring our natural assets and actions actions from the destination management plan will be shared and put in place this term. And we will be collaborating with neighbouring councils and other tiers of government professionally on issues of mutual benefit such as housing and waste management. When compared to other councils in South East Queensland, Queensland or Australia, it's clear Noosa is one of the smallest in the country. This makes it very easy to always take a whole of Shire approach and actively see the unity. unity in our community. I'm also especially honoured to be part of Noosa first majority female council. Again, as is standard in every Noosa ballot, the community has mix of female to male councillors that reflect the ratio of female to males that ran as candidates, which is a great incentive for anyone who wishes to nominate. Ultimately, the community's judgement on us will depend on the quality of our decisions, our capacity to work professionally, and the content And the content of our characters above all else. I again express my thanks to the community and campaign volunteers for such great support during the March 24 local government elections. I also offer my respect to all who have had the stand as a candidate in the arduous election process. I'm proud of and thankful for my campaign team who are committed to running a positive fact and issues based campaign. Although Noosa has its challenges, we have every reason to be optimistic about For her unwavering support and brutally honest but always loving advice along this journey. Along with my daughter Ziggy and mother Margaret they make up the holy trinity of my life and I'm deeply grateful. To each of you with deep regard to those who've gone before us and all in these chambers today I have considered it an honour to serve as a Noosa Councillor and today to be elected Mayor of Noosa with greater focus and everyone present as witnesses. I again commit myself to working in good faith with colleagues and in the best long-term interests of our beautiful Shire. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 07:58.860
Thank you Frank. Now can I call up Councillor Karen Finzel. I'm going to sign this first. Put that out of the way. It's yours. It's all in order. Amelia Lorentson 08:31.000
Could I just get a quick photo of you two looking out from Zion, pretending? Larry Sengstock 08:44.275
No, no, we'll take copies. That's your copy. Oh, hang on. Karen Finzel 08:58.980
Thank you. Larry Sengstock 09:04.380
Over to you. Karen Finzel 09:09.800
Well firstly, good morning and welcome to our esteemed colleagues. Thank you to the Mayor for his speech which welcomed us all warmly and congratulations to each one of the councillors that are being sworn in today. And secondly a big thank you to the people in the gallery and all those in our community who have supported us. I haven't prepared a big formal speech. I had a grandbaby born in our family on Monday in the early hours of the morning so I'm going to just I'm going to just speak from the heart about change. Quoting Bob Dylan, the times, they are a changing. Back on this occasion, the corresponding occasion to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously directed to the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the swearing in ceremony and the inaugural address was being delivered from this very place without guests in the gallery and with the constraints of mass, with the social uncertainty and separation and collective challenges and the uncertainties that we share regarding our future. Without a handbook, we handbook, we negotiated our way step-by-step together through the unknown and today this is where we find ourselves once again. Democracy gives us the right to have a framework that gives each of us a voice. That democratic process, that even in the midst of change, allows us to come together as a community with a collective voice and choose those that we wish to see as our leaders. It is with a great honour I accept that position today and look forward to serving this community with an open heart and open mind and with true engagement with a community that has supported me and my family for many years. Our family has a strong connection to this place with my grandchild being born this week that gives us generations that have been connected to the Noosa Shire. My husband's father went to school at Ringtail, my mother's cousin he was one of the first early officers at the Pomona Police Station which we now live in that area. it was this great connection to place and each other that I wish to bring everyone along on this journey over the next four years to serve this community faithfully, to listen carefully, to engage respectfully and to work with colleagues, to bring a collective leadership that our community can be proud of, to engender trust in our community in times of uncertainty and change. But I'm confident together with our skills, intelligence, experience, a great staff, CEO and community around us, together we will ways towards a sustainable future that of course in Noosa is different by nature. So here we are today I'd like to thank my family firstly that has stood behind behind me and beside me and worked closely with me throughout this campaign. Of course all my volunteers and everyone in the community that stood by me and supported me. I'd like to all my colleagues and everyone that ran the campaign. You gave it a good shot and certainly it was a it was a big race with our men in colours on the track. So we find ourselves here today celebrating our diversity and I'm excited about the next four years to work together. To build a council that our community can be proud of, with excellence, with respect around the table and with love in our hearts at the centre of where we sit, so that together we can strengthen our community. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 13:11.120
Thank you, Karen, for an unprepared speech. That was fantastic. Now, I'd like to call on Councillor Amelia Lorentson and welcome you to the room. Amelia Lorentson 14:05.800
Good morning. Firstly, I would like to acknowledge and extend my respect to the outgoing Mayor Clare Stewart for her dedication. and service to our community. Clare Stewart, your contributions have made a positive impact and we are truly grateful. To Councillor Jo Jerusevic, who has served for we also extend our deepest respect and gratitude for your service. To the incoming Mayor Frank Wilkie and councillors, old and new, a warm welcome A warm welcome and huge congratulations. I look forward to working alongside you for the over the next four years in unity and for the betterment of our community and Noosa. Four years ago I stood here and I made a promise to the community to be a truthful voice, to deliver outcomes that are in the best interest of our residents and to stand up fight for what is right and for community consultation. That commitment has not changed. It's only grown stronger over time. The recent election underscored the divisions within our community, highlighting the urgent need for increased engagement, active listening, and a commitment to balance, equity and equity and fairness. I take the position that's given to me today that has been entrusted to me by our community with the utmost seriousness and responsibility. We have one Noosa and it's our collective responsibility to keep it special. We need to join forces because the next years will bring challenges that we must face together. Unity is our strength and divided we risk falling short. We must stand firm in our commitment to To work as a cohesive council and community. Together I am confident that we can tackle any obstacles that come our way. To the councillors and to also our community, remember... actions towards each other matter greatly. Let's lead with respect and collaboration and finally I am deeply humbled and I'm deeply honoured by the overwhelming support that I received in the recent election. I am so grateful for the trust and belief this community has in me. Your vote of confidence inspires me greatly and drives me to continue striving for excellence and serving you, this community, with integrity and commitment. I am honoured to have earned your trust and I will not let you down. I look forward to working with you and for you over the next four years. Thank you once again for this privilege. Larry Sengstock 17:18.402
Now, sorry, we only do this every four years, so excuse me, but I forgot to do the oath. Okay, I, if you could repeat after me, I, Amelia Lorentson, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council. Amelia Lorentson 17:30.282
I, Amelia Lorentson, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council. Larry Sengstock 17:35.261
Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office. In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. Amelia Lorentson 17:51.721
In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. Thank Larry, thank you. Larry Sengstock 18:07.780
Councillor Finzel can I have you up here, sorry. I'm taking full responsibility for all this, I apologise. Karen, if you could repeat after me. I, Karen Finzel, having been elected as a Councillor of Noosa Council. Karen Finzel 18:20.260
I, Karen Finzel, having been elected as a Councillor of Noosa Council. Larry Sengstock 18:24.748
Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office. Karen Finzel 18:24.840
Declare that I will Council. Will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office. Larry Sengstock 18:32.848
In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. Karen Finzel 18:40.368
In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. Larry Sengstock 18:50.148
Thank you. Okay, now I'd like to call up the first of our newest. Councillors. Jessica Phillips. I, Jessica Phillips, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council. Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office. Jessica Phillips 19:29.840
Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office in accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability in accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability. Larry Sengstock 19:50.020
Fantastic. It's yours. I want you to say a few words. Could we just get a photo? Jessica Phillips 20:20.680
Good morning, thank you for having me. Congratulations Frank and the councillors. Ladies and gentlemen, colleagues and residents of Noosa, I stand before you today filled with gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility as your newly elected councillor. The journey to this moment has been one of immense dedication, tireless effort and an unwavering to the values that define our community. As I embark on this new chapter of service my foremost priority will be build strong relationships with the local staff here at Council, our constituents, our stakeholders and fellow councillors. I recognise the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges we may face and I'm committed to I'm committed to fostering an environment of an open dialogue and mutual respect. By establishing transparent communication channels, we can enhance accountability and ensure that the voices of all residents are heard and valued. I am deeply passionate about connecting with our community and being a visible presence in our neighbourhoods and I believe that accessibility and engagement are and engagement are essential qualities for any public servant and I am committed to being a front-runner in this regard. Whether it's through community meetings, community events or simply walking the streets again and listening to your concerns, I am eager to connect with each and every one of you. Setting achievable goals and diligently monitoring progress will be critical in effecting meaningful change during the next four years. And I believe in the power of setting ambitious yet realistic objectives and working tirelessly to see them through to completion. Serving as your councillor is both a privilege and a responsibility. A privilege presented to me by the trust and confidence in our community and a responsibility to represent and advocate for the interests of all residents. It requires dedication, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serve with diligence. Collaboration, empathy and innovation will be my guiding principles in my approach to governance. I'm excited. I'm also very humbled for the opportunity to serve you and I'm deeply grateful for the support. Thank you for entrusting me with this incredible responsibility. Let us work together to build a Noosa that we can all be proud of. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 22:55.857
Thank you Jess. Now I'd like to call on Councillor Brian Stockwell. After me please. I, Brian Stockwell, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council. Brian Stockwell 23:13.160
I, Brian Stockwell, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council. Larry Sengstock 23:16.720
Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office. In accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgment and ability. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 24:02.280
Thank you okay that's yours and over here for a few words thank you okay good morning everyone what do you know starting a bit different yesterday we received new shiny laptops and some practical guidance from our staff on how to access various council systems and applications including how to click on the artificial intelligence function so as a laugh I asked it to write an acceptance speech for a local government councillor it came up some wonderful words like prosperity and progress I then refined my requests and I asked it to write a three-minute speech for a recently elected Noosa Shire councillor including No, I wasn't serious. When have I ever stopped at three minutes? So what were some of the headlines in the AI generated speech? Completion of ongoing projects, preserving our unique identity, environmental stewardship. The exercise however did make me reflect on the time the last time I received a piece of technology use as a councillor in this same situation. It was 1988. Can anyone guess what the latest advancement in technology was that we received? Larry Sengstock 25:21.954
Anyone? Brian Stockwell 25:25.833
Not just a fax machine but a phone fax machine. So there's been massive changes in technology since I was first elected. Some of the main But however, some of the main issues grappled within the Noosa community and between Councillor and candidates haven't The desire to protect our environment has been a constant and the threat to village character and the lifestyles by the wrong type of development in the wrong place a frequent theme. Huge resort developments on the Noosa North Shore and the spread of six-story buildings in the Noosaville were the most contentious issues at that time. 1988 the election saw the election of six new councillors, but a team of 13. Today, just two new councillors and a team of seven. is it correct to refer to a group of elected councillors as a team? We're all elected as independents. We all put our own policies, our platforms, our qualities and our experience to the people and our community to make their While we have points of difference and points of similarity from each other, section 11 of the Local Government Act says a local government is a body corporate with perpetual succession and according to the Oxford Regents Dictionary body corporate is a corporation consisting of a body of persons legally authorised to act as one person, while being distinct from that person. So during the abolition campaign we act for ourselves, but from today...act as one. In the interest of a single entity, the Noosa Shire Council in fulfilling its obligations to its residents and to its ratepayers. This doesn't mean we have to agree on everything. In fact, arguing our points of difference is to effective local democracy. I've been doing this gig for a few years now and I thought I should try and offer New Council some sage advice about what's ahead of you. So I went looking for So I went looking for insightful quotes about local government. and Our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is on record as saying I'm a big believer in working closely with local government and councils to build a better future. To me the opportunity... and desire to build a better future is at the heart of what drives both good councils and good councillors. But it's a bit of a platitude. So, I found another quote, which probably pairs the two new councillors for reality and their journey. And one we can all reflect on. it was a quote about democracy. It said, "Democracy is a slow process of stumbling in the right direction." And it was a quote instead of going straight forward in the wrong one. So, in closing, I'll leave you with this. Not is Noosa just a place, it's a promise. A promise of community resilience and boundless potential. Let's build our achievements, learn from our challenges and forge ahead, hand in hand. Anyone suspicious? Larry Sengstock 28:28.897
That was the AI speech. So I will leave you with this. At the end of this term, I don't want to be judged on what I said, nor on what I did. But I want to be judged on what this council is working for and with the community. And perhaps more importantly, the legacy it's created. legacy it's created and preserved for the council and the community of 2044. If our major decisions are made in the interests of our residents in 20 years' time, rather than in the next election year's time, we are more likely to stumble in the right direction. And when people walk walk down that hallway, festooned with the historic photos of bygone councils in the future, they'll not only stop and look at the first Noosa council to have more women than men, not just to laugh at our hairstyle and our fashion, but also to reflect on the real difference we made. Thank you. Ayo, look out. Can I now call on Councillor Tom Wegener to take the oath. If you could repeat after me, I, Tom Wegener, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council, I, Tom Wegener, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council, declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office, declare Declare that that I I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office in accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability in accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability Tom Wegener 30:37.700
Larry, you've got a good signature. Isn't that spectacular? I guess you've signed a few things there. Yeah, they're over the years. Oh, sorry. Here we go. Thank you. Well, having the election just been declared two days ago, I am personally still coming to terms with this all. And I would like to thank everybody that was involved in the election process. There are so many volunteers. It was very vibrant. I'd like to especially I'd like to especially thank my wife, Margie, who wished she could be here today and come through because she was so very, very active, as well as myself and my rock the whole way through. I look at the new council and I'm filled with optimism, actually. I feel as though we've really come a long way. The three of the, well, let's see, last time there was time there were three new councillors and we're still here, three new councillors, and so we've learned a lot and we can add to and benefit the existing, Brian and Frank, but we can also really help out with Jess and Nicola. So there is a transition here, a very important part of any great body. organisation is succession and here we've been very successful I believe in this constant moving of succession. I'm optimistic because I believe that we're going to have a very very consistent shared big picture. picture view and I think that that's that's something that I know that staff has been wanting and if we can have a very clear compass heading across the board on the various issues that we're going through and know that and know that we're going to follow through that this is council policy this is what the consultation has shown us these are decisions that were made my gosh we're going to stand by them to to the bitter end and I think that that's something that that this council can really add from the mayor all the way down to that to the further staff because it is such a it's such a wide organisation and what what I think the community often see is lawns potholes potholes, things out there and that you know that's what we get a lot of that that that's that's very important to the people but probably equally important if not more important is having councillors that have been here long enough to really see the depth of what goes on when it comes to maintaining maintaining the balance sheets the constant upkeep of infrastructure. Infrastructure upkeep is really that what I came away from this from this election is actually infrastructure may not be being maintained up to the standard that we possibly could and that's what I've also learned by being a councillor audit and risk committee so that that's something that I think that I can bring to the table but I think that our vision here with the new Frank as the new mayor can be a very consistent vision for all council and I think that when it comes to community consultation and bringing the community along and listening to the community well it's a lot easier to communicate with with just with Jess, with all the different communities. We have a very solid stance to begin with to tell the story that can be defined or redefined or challenged or whatever by the community and come back again. And it's a much better flow if we have a very consistent vision. And the consistent vision, of course, comes from the community and then rolls around here through the strategies and plans back out to the community and back in again, but that flow is going to be very nice. It's a great yin and yang and I really feel optimistic for this council. Thank you, Tom. Larry Sengstock 34:52.760
Now I'd like to call on our second new councillor, Councillor Nicola Wilson. So, I, Nicola Wilson, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council, I, Nicola Wilson, having been elected as a councillor of Noosa Council, declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office, declare that Declare that I will faithfully and impartially fulfil the duties of the office in accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability in accordance with the Local Government Principles and Code of Conduct under the Local Government Act 2009 to the best of my judgement and ability fantastic thank you Could ask you to say a few words. Nicola Wilson 36:19.480
Hello everyone. First I just want to acknowledge the land on which we meet and the traditional owners of the land. Thank you to Noosa, to all who trusted me with your vote and congratulations to Frank as mayor and all of the other councillors here. Just a few months ago I saw a need in the community and stepped up but I didn't expect but I didn't expect to gather such support and traction in such a short amount of time. But the issues I talked about in my campaign resonated with voters and will continue to be my priorities. Responsible budgeting, financial transparency and using ratepayers money wisely. Solutions for housing, especially for lower income workers. Getting SCA issues under control with compliance. Working for residents and the environment. As I've said throughout the campaign, I'm here to represent the community and I'll use everything I've got to work with Frank as Mayor and the other councillors to get the best outcomes for everyone. I'm very proud and humbled to be standing here today at the start of a four-year term with this great team who will work well together. Noosa has voted for change to leave the division, the grudges and factions behind. Together can focus on the future. I look forward to working with this team and with Larry and all the staff at Council to work for our community. Thank you to all who have supported me to be here, especially Roy, my volunteers and all the support in Keyboard Warriors Online. Thank you very much. The work starts now. Larry Sengstock 38:29.540
Thank you, Nicola. And thank you, everybody. Thank you, all the councillors and you, Mayor, for allowing you on board. So that completes the official proceedings for today. So we now have our council fully declared and ready to work, as they've said. So we're now going to put them to work. Thank you very much, everybody, for coming. I invite you to stay and have some warm tea. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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