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.
Meeting status has changed. You can keep reading, or
when you are ready.
This meeting is currently being re-processed and will be updated shortly. The details below remain available in the meantime.
General Committee
Monday, 13 May 2024 @ 12:30PM - #686
Meeting Duration: 1 hour and 23 minutes
This Noosa Council meeting contains very poor audio quality. This may have affected the transcription below and is beyond our control.
Financial performance ahead of budget and Q3 plan on track, Noosa Plan amendments progressing, Housing land disposal approved, Staffing and cybersecurity scrutinised, Capital delayed by weather.
Key Decisions & Discussions • Larry Sengstock: Council appointed Brian Stockwell as Chair of the General Committee under s267(2) Local Government Regulation 2012; unanimous (01:02; Item 1.1). • Deborah Olieke: Q3 Operational Plan: 149 initiatives – 11 complete, 107 on track, 21 minor and 10 major disruptions; reporting by exception per statutory quarterly requirement (03:39; Item 6.1). • Amelia Lorentson: Probed staffing shortages, outsourcing and data security; CEO differentiated consultants vs contract staff and outlined contract management and cybersecurity controls (06:27–12:49; Item 6.1). • Richard MacGillivray: Explained statutory timeframes: concurrence agency (10 days) and minor change (20 days) decisions lag due to complexity; internal process review underway (22:33–24:54; Item 6.1). • Deborah Olieke: Added four new KPIs for development/plumbing statutory timeliness; broader performance framework and corporate reporting system in development (17:31; Item 6.1). • Frank Wilkie: Q3 passed unanimously after debate on over-commitment; members urged budget restraint and capability planning (25:56–37:04; Item 6.1). •
Read full insight ↗
Key Decisions & Discussions • Larry Sengstock: Council appointed Brian Stockwell as Chair of the General Committee under s267(2) Local Government Regulation 2012; unanimous (01:02; Item 1.1). • Deborah Olieke: Q3 Operational Plan: 149 initiatives – 11 complete, 107 on track, 21 minor and 10 major disruptions; reporting by exception per statutory quarterly requirement (03:39; Item 6.1). • Amelia Lorentson: Probed staffing shortages, outsourcing and data security; CEO differentiated consultants vs contract staff and outlined contract management and cybersecurity controls (06:27–12:49; Item 6.1). • Richard MacGillivray: Explained statutory timeframes: concurrence agency (10 days) and minor change (20 days) decisions lag due to complexity; internal process review underway (22:33–24:54; Item 6.1). • Deborah Olieke: Added four new KPIs for development/plumbing statutory timeliness; broader performance framework and corporate reporting system in development (17:31; Item 6.1). • Frank Wilkie: Q3 passed unanimously after debate on over-commitment; members urged budget restraint and capability planning (25:56–37:04; Item 6.1). • Financial Services (Acting): April YTD operating revenue +$2.1m (interest +$1.5m; goods/services +$1.4m); operating expenditure −$1.6m (employee −$1.5m); overall +$3.7m vs budget (38:27–40:59; Item 6.2). • Trent Grauf: Noted NCP application to Waste and Holiday Parks; explained competition policy thresholds and annual budget adoption process (43:34; Item 6.2). • Officers: Capital program 53% delivered excl. disaster works; weather delays; cash $123.7m incl. term deposits; sensitivity to FA Grant prepayment timing (52:33; Item 6.2). • Councillors: Agreed need for revenue diversification to reduce rate burden; holiday parks performance improving via occupancy and cost control; $600k gross ≈ 1% rates but note commissions/costs (58:46–01:03:02; Item 6.2). • Patrick Murphy: Tabled four months of planning decisions by delegation (caretaker catch-up); context on minor code variations and internal negotiations (01:11:08–01:16:30; Item 6.3). • Council: Endorsed Noosa Plan 2020 amendments for public notification (31 business days) per Minister’s conditional approval; CEO authorised to make further changes; documents public from 31 May 2024 (Item 7.1). • Council: Awarded CN00619 Street Sweeping to Specialised Pavement Services Pty Ltd (2-year term from 1 Jul 2024, 3x12‑month options); CEO to finalise contract (Item 7.3). • Council: Approved disposal of proposed Lot 1, 62 Lake Macdonald Dr to Coast2Bay Housing Group under s236(1)(b) LGR (exemption), per Heads of Agreement (4 Apr 2024); CEO delegated to undertake subdivision, remediation tenders and execute contracts; sale at market value (Item 7.2). Contentious / Transparency Matters • Frank Wilkie: Justified closing meeting under s254J(3)(g) LGR to avoid preemptive land speculation on potential rezonings; outcomes to be on public record post-decision (01:19:23; Items 7.1–7.3). • Amelia Lorentson: Challenged necessity for leaving room on noting item; Chair clarified noting is not a procedural motion – conflict processes still apply (01:07:11–01:10:28; Item 6.3). • Councillors: Sought clearer spend distribution (infrastructure vs services vs admin) to align with corporate plan and risk priorities; officers to consider quarterly view (55:50–57:29; Item 6.2). • Officers: Admitted “camera car” parking revenue assumptions contributed to Local Laws revenue shortfall due to rollout delay (51:26; Item 6.2). • Chair: Noted staffing attraction hampered by local housing costs; linked to confidential community housing agenda as systemic response (35:02–36:21; Items 7.2). Legal / Risk • Chair/Officers: Quarterly operational reporting is a statutory duty (Local Government Regulation 2012); KPIs and performance framework under review to ensure alignment (03:39; Item 6.1). • Council: Noosa Plan amendment process aligned to Minister’s conditional approval and “certain advice”; 31 business days consultation; reduces exposure to invalidity challenges (Item 7.1). • Council: Land disposal relied on s236(1)(b) LGR exemption (community housing) and delegations under LGA ss257, 262; market value and protective conditions to mitigate undervalue risk (Item 7.2). • CEO: Outsourcing/consultancy managed via contract oversight, confidentiality and cybersecurity protocols; recognised project management market constraints (08:57–12:49; Item 6.1). • Officers: Asset management flagged as strategic risk; internal audit recommendations being implemented; Strategic Asset Management Plan in train; Audit & Risk Committee oversight (32:12–33:20; Item 6.1). • Finance: FA Grant prepayment timing materially affects period recognition under accounting standards; vigilant long‑term sustainability posture with “sound/neutral” S&P-style rating context (52:33–47:49; Item 6.2). Conflicts of Interest • Brian Stockwell: Announced he will cease prior Altum/Leigh McCready conflict declaration as events pre‑relevant term and McCready no longer associated (01:04:39; Item 6.3). • Karen Finzel: Declared declarable COI for Altum applications MCU21/0228.01 & OPW21/0364.014; left room during consideration (01:06:08–01:07:38; Item 6.3). • Amelia Lorentson: Declared declarable COI for OPW21/0353.02 (MC Bain) due to personal relationship; left room (01:08:11–01:09:32; Item 6.3). Planning Scheme Amendments & Zoning • Frank Wilkie: Emphasised confidentiality pre‑consultation to prevent land speculation on rezonings; public notification to commence 31 May (01:19:23; Item 7.1). • Council: CEO authorised to make additional changes required by Minister’s approval and advice; consultation period set at 31 business days with approved engagement plan (Item 7.1). Environmental & Infrastructure Concerns • Officers: Shoreline Erosion Management Plan listed “major disruption” due to earlier contractor false start; new contractor engaged and work underway (15:20; Item 6.1). • Officers: Weather over first quarter of 2024 delayed capital delivery; disaster recovery works (~$28.5m YTD) largely outsourced and contract‑managed (11:59; 40:59; Item 6.2). • Council: Street sweeping contract CN00619 awarded to improve service continuity; staged options provide flexibility and performance leverage (Item 7.3). Community Housing • Council: Approved direct disposal of Lot 1 to Coast2Bay for community housing with CEO delegated to deliver subdivision/remediation; unanimous after noting a councillor’s absence in confidential (Item 7.2; 01:22:09). • Brian Stockwell: Linked worker housing shortage to broader organisational delivery risks; decision framed as systemic response (35:02–36:21; Item 7.2). Development Activity & Delegations • Patrick Murphy: Reported four months of delegated approvals (Jan–Apr) due to caretaker pause; reaffirmed transparency rationale for publishing delegated decisions (01:11:08–01:17:48; Item 6.3). • Officers: Development market softening in scale (not volume) reducing fee yield; year‑end reconciliation of unearned revenue to narrow gap (50:06–51:19; Item 6.2).
Official Meeting MinutesRead minutes ↗
MINUTES
General Committee Meeting
Monday, 13 May 2024
12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Committee: Crs Frank Wilkie, Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson
“Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 MAY 2024
1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Brian Stockwell (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Nicola Wilson
EXECUTIVE Acting Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray
APOLOGIES Nil.
1.1. APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR OF GENERAL COMMITTEE
Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council appoint Cr Brian Stockwell as Chairperson of the General Committee Meetings in accordance with section 267(2) of the Local Government Regulation 2012. Carried unanimously.
2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
2.1. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 FEBRUARY 2024
Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 12 February 2024 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 MAY 2024
3. PRESENTATIONS
Nil.
4. DEPUTATIONS
Nil.
5. ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES
Nil.
6. REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE
6.1. OPERATIONAL PLAN 2023-24 Q3 QUARTERLY REPORTING
Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer (Acting) to the General Committee dated 13 May 2024 regarding the 2023-24 Operational Plan and: A. Note the progress report for Q3 2023-24 Operational Plan to 31 March 2024 provided as Attachment 1; B. Note the comments on the progress of all initiatives identified provided as Attachment 2; and C. Note the status of Council's Key Performance Indicators as provided as Attachment 3.
Carried unanimously.
6.2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – APRIL 2024
Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Manager Financial Services (Acting) to the General Committee Meeting dated 13 May 2024 outlining April 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. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 MAY 2024
6.3. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY - JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH & APRIL 2024
Cr Stockwell informed the meeting that he had previously declared conflicts of interest in relation to applications made by Altum Property Group in the Planning Applications by Delegated Authority Reports. Cr Stockwell advised: “During the last term I, Cr Stockwell, declared a conflict relating to Leigh McCready and the Altum property group relating to events in the lead up to the 2020 election. As this issue was prior to the relevant term, and as I am advised Leigh McCready no longer has an interest in the company it is not my intent to continue to make this declaration.”
In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Finzel provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Finzel, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter in relation to applications MCU21/0228.01 & OPW21/0364.014 (Combined with MCU21/0228.01) by Altum Property Group which are Items 7 & 22 in the Delegated Authority report. Leigh McCready who is associated with the applicant to the best of my knowledge, was involved in a volunteer capacity for my 2020 election campaign with Future Noosa, which is no longer an entity. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Cr Finzel left the meeting.
In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Lorentson provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Lorentson, inform the meeting that I have a declared conflict of interest in relation to the application OPW21/0353.02 by MC Bain which is Item 13 in the Delegated Authority report, due to my personal relationship with the applicant Mark Bain and the Bain Family who are family friends. We have attended social events together, and our children have attended school together. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Cr Lorentson left the meeting.
Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the General Committee Meeting 13 May 2024 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority as per Attachment 1. Carried unanimously.
Cr Finzel and Cr Lorentson returned to the meeting.
7. CLOSED SESSION GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 MAY 2024
CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing: Item 7.1 - ENDORSEMENT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO NOOSA PLAN 2020 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATION; Item 7.2 - DISPOSAL OF LAND FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING; and Item 7.3 - CN00619 – PROVISION OF STREET SWEEPING SERVICES.
Carried unanimously.
RE-OPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried unanimously.
7.1. ENDORSEMENT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO NOOSA PLAN 2020 FOR THE PURPOSE OF PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Strategy and Sustainability Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 13 May 2024 regarding proposed amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 and: A. Endorse the proposed amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 provided as tracked changes in Attachment 3 for the purpose of public notification and community consultation; B. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make additional changes to the proposed amendments to Noosa Plan 2020 contained in Attachment 3 as required by the Minister's conditional approval and Minister's certain advice recommendations outlined in this report; C. Authorise public notification and community consultation for a period of 31 business days and in accordance with the Community Engagement Plan as amended by the Minister's conditional approval; D. Following public notification bring forward a community consultation report for Council consideration; E. Make the proposed amendments publicly available on Council's website as of 31 May 2024, being the first day of public notification.
Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 MAY 2024
7.3. CN00619 – PROVISION OF STREET SWEEPING SERVICES
Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Maintenance Planning Coordinator regarding the provision of Street Sweeping Services to the General Committee dated 13 May 2024; B. Award both separable portions of Contract No. CN00619 Provision of Street Sweeping Services to Specialised Pavement Services Pty Ltd, for an initial term of up to two (2) years, commencing 1 July 2024 and expiring 30 June 2026, with an option to extend for three (3) further periods of up to twelve (12) months each. The option to extend will be at Council’s own discretion and subject to the Contractor’s ability to meet the requirements under the Contract; and C. Authorise the CEO to negotiate the final contract with Specialised Pavement Services Pty Ltd.
Carried unanimously.
CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing: Item 7.2 - DISPOSAL OF LAND FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING.
Carried unanimously.
Cr Wilkie left the meeting.
RE-OPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 MAY 2024
7.2. DISPOSAL OF LAND FOR COMMUNITY HOUSING
Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council A. Note the report by the Senior Strategic Planner to the General Committee dated 13 May 2024 regarding the disposal of proposed Lot 1, 62 Lake Macdonald Drive to Coast2Bay Housing Group; B. Delegate to the CEO the power to perform the actions required to undertake the subdivision of the base parcel including: 1. tender for the remediation works; 2. negotiate, finalise and execute a contract for the remediation works for the sum generally outlined in the Report: 3. finalise the scope for subdivision works; 4. tender for the subdivision works; 5. enter to negotiate, finalise and execute a contract for the subdivision works for the sum generally outlined in the Report; and 6. finalise the subdivision works. C. Resolve that the exemption to dispose of a non-current asset other than by tender or auction contained in section 236(1)(b) of the Local Government Regulation applies to the disposal of proposed Lot 1. D. Approve to dispose of proposed Lot 1 of land under section 236 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to Coast2Bay Housing Group subject to: 1. provisions outlined in the Heads of Agreement dated 4 April 2024; 2. purchase price being the market value outlined in the Report; and 3. other conditions which the CEO considers appropriate for the protection of Council's interests; E. Pursuant to section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, approve and pursuant to section 262 of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), enter into a contract on behalf of Noosa Shire Council for the disposal of proposed Lot 1 to Coast2Bay Housing Group on the conditions outlined above for the purpose of delivering the community housing outcomes.
Full Meeting TranscriptMeeting Transcript Below - Select To Listen / Share / Download Video Clips
Disclaimer: The transcript below is produced by our own transcription systems and will contain errors and omissions, including incorrect speaker attribution. It is provided for informational purposes only and may be inaccurate or incomplete. Do not rely on this content; for definitive statements, speakers, decisions and context, always refer to official council sources. We accept no responsibility or liability for any reliance on it.
