SPECIAL MEETING 2024/2025 BUDGET ADOPTION
Date: Friday, 28 June 2024 at 9:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:04:12
Synopsis: Budget adopted with surplus, $45m capital and differential rates, Short-stay letting hikes and resourcing, Policies and Operational Plan approved, Waste upgrades, Parking trial, Community housing investment.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock Director Community Services, Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services, Trent Grauf Executive Officer, Internal Audit & Corporate Performance Debra Iezzi Director Strategy And Environment, Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Budget adopted for 2024/25 with statements, revenue policy, and $45m capital program; small operating surplus on $138.8m revenue/expenses (29:50; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolution 1). Differential general rates and 36 rating categories adopted, including specific STA and transitory categories (42:58–48:00; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolution 3). Levies and charges adopted: special charges (Hastings St, Noosa Junction, canals/locks), separate rates (Environment, Sustainable Transport, Heritage, Bushfire), utilities, six‑monthly billing (43:55–46:35; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolutions 4–8). Concessions & terms : pensioner/community concessions, 30‑day payment terms, interest on arrears with hardship concessions (47:10–49:20; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolutions 9–11). Delegation to CEO to identify differential rating categories (49:20–50:25; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolution 12). Budget speeches permitted by suspending standing orders, then resumed (12:10–13:40; Minutes 2.4 initial resolutions). Budget policies omnibus adopted incl. updated Procurement Policy (merging Tenderer Financial Capacity), new Rates Financial Hardship Policy, Asset Management, Debt, Investment etc. (00:00–09:40; Minutes 2.1). Estimated 2023/24 position noted; consistent with BR2 and showing surplus (10:06–10:31; Minutes 2.2). NCP reforms : continue Full Cost Pricing for Waste and Code of Competitive Conduct for Holiday Parks; no change for community facilities (11:03–12:10; Minutes 2.3). Operational Plan 2024/25 approved; quarterly reporting to Council; alignment to Corporate Plan (52:23–54:05; Minutes 2.5). Organisational structure adopted; net 6 FTE increase largely conversions; negligible rate impact; several roles funded via waste contract savings or grants (01:00:20–01:02:59; Minutes 2.6). Service level catalogues noted (50:48–51:45; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolution 14). Contentious / Transparency Matters Short‑stay letting (STA) : further rate increases for single‑dwelling STAs to reflect commercial use; licence fees set to avoid cross‑subsidy by general ratepayers (15:40–18:40; Minutes 2.4 Res.2–3). Visitor pays principle flagged to diversify revenue so residents don’t subsidise visitor services (20:21–23:40; Minutes 2.5 references to transport revenue initiatives). Encroachments policy implementation acknowledged as sensitive, resourcing staged (54:10–55:40; Minutes 2.5). Rates rise control : majority PPR increase ~5.5% (~$94/yr) while levies frozen except bushfire levy; justified by cost escalations beyond CPI (13:40–18:30; Minutes 2.4 Res.7 for levy list). Complex motions cross‑referenced via a consolidating resolution for clarity of what forms part of each adoption (50:40–51:35; Minutes 2.4, Council Resolution 13). Public articulation of trade‑offs (cut “pet projects,” finish existing works first) to maintain services within tight operating constraints (20:21–23:20; Minutes 2.5 focus areas). Legal / Risk Statutory compliance : adoptions expressly under LGA 2009 ss 94, 104, 257; LGR 2012 ss 80–122, 133; FES Act s114; mitigates procedural challenge risk (42:58–49:20; Minutes 2.1–2.4). Procurement Policy strengthened with internal controls; prior Tenderer Financial Capacity Assessment Policy rescinded and merged—aligns with QLD contracting principles, reducing probity risk (01:11–04:50; Minutes 2.1 I–J). Financial Hardship Policy enables interest concessions tied to payment arrangements up to two years; avoids unlawful rate remission outside Donations Policy, managing equity and precedent risk (08:29–09:10; Minutes 2.1 K). NCP application limited to Waste (Full Cost Pricing) and Holiday Parks (Code of Competitive Conduct); excluding partial cost‑recovery community facilities reduces over‑regulation risk while maintaining transparency (11:03–12:10; Minutes 2.3). Revenue defensibility : STA differential rating/fees framed to reflect commercial impact and admin costs, supporting Wednesbury‑reasonableness if reviewed (15:40–18:40; Minutes 2.4 Res.2–3, 7). Delegation to CEO on rating categories under LGA s257/LGR s81 ensures administrative certainty and timely categorisation; reduces dispute risk (49:20–50:25; Minutes 2.4 Res.12). Short‑Term Accommodation (STA) & Compliance Frank Wilkie : STA focus continues; higher general rates for single‑dwelling STAs (excl. strata/home‑hosted) and licence fees to cover regulation costs (15:40–18:40; Minutes 2.4 Res.2–3, 7). Nicola Wilson : STA single‑dwelling rates set at twice comparable PPR to reflect commerciality; home‑hosted fees unchanged (27:07–30:56; Minutes 2.4 Res.3, 7). Operational compliance resourcing increased to manage STA impacts on amenity (15:40–18:40; Minutes 2.5 initiatives). Waste Strategy, Environment & Resilience Borrowing $5m for waste works; expanded landfill cell and ERRC upgrades; State waste levy cost pressures passed to charges (01:11–03:30; 15:40–18:20; Minutes 2.1 Debt Policy; 2.4 Res.6). Brian Stockwell : embed ESG in Financial Sustainability Policy; assess full externalities for waste/emissions; pursue innovative reuse/recycling (05:27–07:49; Minutes 2.1 A). Amelia Lorentson : stormwater bioretention upgrade at Coyer St to cut N/P loads to Burgess Creek; coastal canal/waterway rehab (36:15–39:10; Minutes 2.5 water quality initiatives). Resilience : Bushfire levy maintained; disaster recovery capital >$100m ongoing; climate/disaster initiatives in Operational Plan (13:40–18:10; 55:50–01:00:00; Minutes 2.4 Res.7; 2.5). Transport, Parking & Revenue Diversification Parking Management Plan to inform a future paid parking trial; aim to shift visitor cost burden from rates (15:40–18:30; Minutes 2.5 transport initiatives). Visitor contribution tools under development for transport solutions (20:21–23:40; Minutes 2.5 items 2.73, 4.91 referenced in debate). Public jetty feasibility to expand river‑based public transport options (54:55–56:50; Minutes 2.5). Housing, Affordability & Community Services PPR relief : secondary dwelling/granny flat rating relief to encourage supply; hardship policy eases interest for genuine distress (15:40–18:40; 08:29–09:37; Minutes 2.1 K; 2.4 Res.2–3). Community housing : ~$3.3m to progress Lake Macdonald subdivision; intent to partner with housing cooperative and seek State/Fed grants (23:50–27:00; Minutes 2.5 housing actions). Service delivery focus maintained across libraries, leisure, The J, aquatic centres—within tight operating envelope (30:56–34:15; Minutes 2.5).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Special Meeting Friday, 28 June 2024 9:00 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” SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson 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 Corporate Services, Trent Grauf Executive Officer, Internal Audit & Corporate Performance Debra Iezzi Director Strategy and Environment, Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. 2. SPECIAL MEETING REPORTS 2.1. ADOPTION OF 2024-2025 BUDGET POLICIES Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Director Corporate Services to the Special Meeting dated 28 June 2024 and; A. Adopt the Financial Sustainability Policy, which is provided as Attachment 1 to the report. B. Pursuant to section 191 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, adopt for the 2024/25 financial year the Investment of Surplus Funds Policy, which is provided as Attachment 2 to the report. C. Pursuant to section 192 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, adopt for the 2024/25 financial year the Debt Policy, which is provided as Attachment 3 to the report. D. Adopt the Management of Restricted Cash Policy, which is provided as Attachment 4 to the report. E. Adopt the General Rate Donations Policy, which is provided as Attachment 5 to the report. F. Adopt the Entertainment and Hospitality Expenditure Policy, which is provided as Attachment 6 to the report. G. Adopt the Non-Current Asset Accounting Policy, which is provided as Attachment 7 to the report. H. Adopt the Asset Management Policy, which is provided as Attachment 8 to the report. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 I. Adopt the Procurement Policy, which is provided as Attachment 9 to this report. J. Rescind the Tenderer Financial Capacity Assessment Policy which has been incorporated into the new Procurement Policy K. Adopt the new Rates Financial Hardship Policy, which is provided as Attachment 10 to this report Carried unanimously. 2.2. STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE 2023-24 FINANCIAL YEAR Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Special Meeting dated 28 June 2024 and pursuant to section 205 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 note the Statement of Estimated Financial Position for the 2023/24 Financial Year, provided as Attachment 1 to the report. Carried unanimously. 2.3. APPLICATION OF NATIONAL COMPETITION POLICY REFORM Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the Special Meeting dated 28 June 2024 and: A. Continue to apply the Full Cost Pricing reform option to the Waste Management business activity for the 2024/25 financial year in accordance with section 44(1)(b) of the Local Government Act 2009; and B. Continue to apply the Code of Competitive Conduct to the Holiday Parks business activity for the 2024/25 financial year in accordance with section 47 of the Local Government Act 2009. Carried unanimously. 2.4. 2024-2025 BUDGET ADOPTION Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That the operation of the Standing Orders or any relevant provision thereof be suspended to allow Council to allow Budget Speeches from Mayor Frank Wilkie and Councillors. Carried unanimously. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Standing Orders be resumed. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 1 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That pursuant to section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 170 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the budget for the financial year ending 30 June 2025, incorporating statements of income and expenditure, financial position, cash flow, changes in equity, long-term financial forecast, revenue statement and revenue policy, and 2024/25 capital program as contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024), be adopted. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 2 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 80 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves to levy the differential general rates for the 2024/25 financial year as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024). Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 3 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to section 81 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves that the rating categories of rateable land in its local government area and a description of each of the rating categories for 2024/25, be as follows: Category Description Identification (Guidance only) 1. Rural & Land used, or intended to be used, for Land with the Agricultural. rural or agricultural or primary following land use production purposes. codes: 44, 60-61, 64-71, 73-89 and 93 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 2. Non-Residential. Land which is used, or intended to be Land with the used, for non-residential purposes following land use codes: 07-20, 22- SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 other than land included in categories 39, 41-50, 52 and 1, 3, 4 and 14 - 20. 91 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 3. Extractive Land used for the purpose of Land with land use Industries. extractive industry for more than code 40 or as 50,000 tonnes per annum of material otherwise from the earth. identified by the CEO. 4. Retirement Land used for the purposes of a Land with the Villages retirement village. following land used code 21 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 5. Residential (PPR) Land, with a rateable value of less Land with the and Other – RV than or equal to $800,000 which is- following land <=$800,000. 1. used as the owner’s principal used codes: 01, place of residence, other than 02, 04, 05 and 06 land in categories 10, 22, 23 or as otherwise and 25 to 36; or identified by the 2. not included in any other CEO. category. 6. Residential (PPR) Land, with a rateable value between Land with the and Other – RV $800,001 and $2,500,000 which is- following land $800,001 - 1. used for as the owner’s used codes: 01, $2,500,000. principal place of residence 02, 04, 05 and 06 other than land in categories 10, or as otherwise 22, 23 and 25 to 36; or identified by the 2. not included in any other CEO. category. 7. Residential (PPR) Land, with a rateable value between Land with the and Other – RV $2,500,001 and $5,000,000 which is- following land $2,500,001 - 1. used as the owner’s principal used codes: 01, $5,000,000. place of residence other than 02, 04, 05 and 06 land in categories 10, 22, 23 or as otherwise and 25 to 36; or identified by the 2. not included in any other CEO. category. 8. Residential (PPR) Land, with a rateable value greater Land with the and Other – RV > than $5,000,000 which is- following land $5,000,000. 1. used as the owner’s principal used codes: 01, place of residence other than 02, 04, 05 and 06 land in categories 10, 22, 23 or as otherwise and 25 to 36; or identified by the 2. not included in any other CEO. category. 9. Residential (Not Land used for residential purposes Land with the PPR) other than as the owner’s principal following land place of residence other than land in used codes: 02 category 11, 21, 24 and 25 to 36. and 05 or as otherwise SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 identified by the CEO. 10. Residential Land used as the owner’s principal Land with the Home Hosted place of residence plus as transitory following land Transitory accommodation - other than land in used codes: 02 Accommodation category 23 and 25 to 36. and 05 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 11. Transitory Land used as transitory Land with the Accommodation. accommodation, other than land in following land category 24 and 25 to 36. used codes: 02 and 05 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 12. Vacant Urban Vacant land with a rateable value Land with the Land – RV > greater than $1,500,000, with an area following land $1,500,000 and area of more than 1,500m2 in the locality of used codes: 01, more than 1,500 m2. Castaways Beach or Cooroy or 04 and 06 or as Marcus Beach or Noosa Heads or otherwise Noosaville or Peregian Beach or identified by the Sunrise Beach or Sunshine Beach or CEO. Tewantin, other than land included in category 13. 13. Subdivided land Vacant land to which Chapter 2, Part Land with the not yet developed 2, Division 5, Subdivision 3 of the Land following land Valuation Act 2010 applies. used code 72 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 14. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land between 1,000 and area between 1,000 and 2,500m2 used codes: 14, 2,500m2 15, 16 or 23 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 15. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land between 2,501 and area between 2,501 and 5,000m2. used codes: 14, 5,000m2 15, 16 or 23 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 16. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land between 5,001 and area between 5,001 and 10,000m . 2 used codes: 14, 10,000m2 15, 16 or 23 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 17. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land area between 10,001 and 20,000m2. used codes: 14, SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 between 10,001 and 15, 16 or 23 or as 20,000m2 otherwise identified by the CEO. 18. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land between 20,001 and area between 20,001 and 30,000 m2. used codes: 14, 30,000m2 15, 16 or 23 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 19. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land between 30,001 and area between 30,001 and 40,000 m2. used codes: 14, 40,000m2 15, 16 or 23 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 20. Shopping Centres Land used for the purposes of a Land with the – gross floor area shopping centre, with a gross floor following land greater than area greater than 40,000 m2. used codes: 14, 40,000m 2 15, 16 or 23 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 21. Strata Units Land which is a strata unit used for Land with the (Not PPR). residential accommodation purposes following land other than as the owner’s principal used codes: 08 or place of residence, other than land in 09 or as otherwise category 24. identified by the CEO. 22. Strata Units Land which is a strata unit used as the Land with the (PPR). owner’s principal place of residence following land other than land in category 23. used codes: 08 or 09 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 23. Strata Units Land which is a strata unit used as the Land with the Home Hosted owner’s principal place of residence following land Transitory and is defined as transitory used codes: 08 or Accommodation. accommodation. 09 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 24 Strata Units Land which is a strata unit used other Land with the Transitory than as the owner’s principal place of following land Accommodation. residence and is defined as transitory used codes: 08 or accommodation. 09 or as otherwise identified by the CEO. 25. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential - 2 to 4 which there are 2 to 4 self-contained following land residences flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, used code 03 or other than land in category 31. as otherwise identified by the CEO. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 26. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential - 5 to 9 which there are 5 to 9 self-contained following land residences flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, used code 03 or other than land in category 32 as otherwise identified by the CEO. 27. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential - 10 to 14 which there are 10 to 14 self-contained following land residences flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, used code 03 or other than land in category 33. as otherwise identified by the CEO. 28. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential - 15 to 19 which there are 15 to 19 self-contained following land residences flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, used code 03 or other than land in category 34. as otherwise identified by the CEO. 29. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential - 20 to 29 which there are 20 to 29 self-contained following land residences flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, used code 03 or other than land in category 35. as otherwise identified by the CEO. 30. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential - greater which there are 30 or more self- following land than 30 residences contained flats, studios, cabins or used code 03 or dwellings, other than land in category as otherwise 36. identified by the CEO. 31. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential Transitory which there are 2 to 4 self-contained following land Accommodation - 2 to flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, and used code 03 or 4 residences where at least one of the self- as otherwise contained flats, studios, cabins or identified by the dwellings is transitory accommodation. CEO. 32. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential Transitory which there are 5 to 9 self-contained following land Accommodation - 5 to flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, and used code 03 or 9 residences where at least one of the self- as otherwise contained flats, studios, cabins or identified by the dwellings is transitory accommodation. CEO. 33. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential Transitory which there are 10 to 14 self-contained following land Accommodation - 10 flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, and used code 03 or to 14 residences where at least one of the self- as otherwise contained flats, studios, cabins or identified by the dwellings is transitory accommodation. CEO. 34. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential Transitory which there are 15 to 19 self-contained following land Accommodation - 15 flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, and used code 03 or to 19 residences where at least one of the self- as otherwise contained flats, studios, cabins or identified by the dwellings is transitory accommodation. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 CEO. 35. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential Transitory which there are 20 to 29 self-contained following land Accommodation - 20 flats, studios, cabins or dwellings, and used code 03 or to 29 residences where at least one of the self- as otherwise contained flats, studios, cabins or identified by the dwellings is transitory accommodation. CEO. 36. Non-Strata Land, used for residential purposes, on Land with the Residential Transitory which there are 30 or more self- following land Accommodation - contained flats, studios, cabins or used code 03 or greater than 30 dwellings, and where at least one of as otherwise residences the self-contained flats, studios, cabins identified by the or dwellings is transitory CEO. accommodation. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 4 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves to levy the special charges for the 2024/25 financial year as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024). The special charges set out in the Revenue Statement are: Noosa Waters Lock and Weir Maintenance Levy Noosa Waters Canal Maintenance Levy Noosa Junction Levy Hastings Street Precinct Levy Noosa Main Beach Levy Hastings Street Community Safety Program Charge Noosa Junction Streetscape Levy For that purpose the rateable land to which the special charges apply and the overall plans for the services, facilities or activities to which the special charges apply be the rateable land and overall plans specified in the Revenue Statement. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 5 Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves to adopt the overall plans, annual implementation plans and benefitted area maps specified in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024) for the special charges it resolves to levy under resolution 4. Carried unanimously. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 Council Resolution 6 Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 99 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves to levy the utility charges for the 2024/25 financial year as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024). Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 7 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act 2009 and section 103 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves to levy the separate rates and charges for the 2024/25 financial year as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024). The separate rates and charges set out in the Revenue Statement are: Environment Levy Sustainable Transport Levy Heritage Levy Bushfire Resilience and Response Levy Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 8 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That pursuant to section 107 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and section 114 of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, Council resolves that rates and utility charges, and the Queensland Government’s Emergency Management Levy, for the year ending 30 June 2025 will be levied six monthly and as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024). Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 9 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That pursuant to section 122 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves to grant concessions to ratepayers as set out in the Revenue Statement SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 (contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document) and Council’s General Rate Donations Policy. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 10 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That pursuant to section 118 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves that all rates and charges must be paid within 30 days after the date of issue of the rates notice. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 11 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to section 133 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves that all overdue rates and charges bear interest as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024) and where applicable to grant concessions on interest to eligible ratepayers as set out in Council's Rates and Charges Financial Hardship Policy. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 12 Moved: Cr Tom Wegner Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That pursuant to section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009 Council delegates to the Chief Executive Officer its powers under section 81 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to identify the differential rating category into which each parcel of rateable land in the Council’s local government area is included by using relevant information from the Council’s land record and any other information which identifies the use of rateable land. Carried unanimously. Council Resolution 13 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That it be recorded that in each case where a preceding Motion refers to a matter set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 2024/25 Budget document (provided as Attachment 1 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024), that matter is incorporated by reference into, and forms part of the terms and content of the motion, and will be so incorporated and form part of the terms and content of Council’s resolution to adopt the motion. Carried unanimously. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 28 JUNE 2024 Council Resolution 14 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the revised 2024-2025 Service Level catalogues provided in Attachment 2 to the Special Meeting report dated 28 June 2024. Carried unanimously. 2.5. OPERATIONAL PLAN 2024-2025 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Executive Officer, Internal Audit and Corporate Performance to the Special Meeting dated 28 June 2024 and approve for the 2024-2025 financial year its Operational Plan 2024-2025, provided as a draft in Attachment 1 to the report. Carried unanimously. 2.6. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the People and Culture Manager to the Special Meeting dated 28 June 2024 and adopt the Noosa Council Organisational structure as set out in the Report. Carried unanimously. 3. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 4. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 10.04am.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
And welcome everybody to the special meeting to adopt the 2024-25 budget. I declare the meeting open at 9am. I'd like to acknowledge that we're meeting on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi people. Pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging. I note that everyone is in attendance. And as mentioned, today's special meeting is to consider Noosa Council's 2024-25 budget. The first first item on the agenda is adoption of the 2024-25 budget policies, including the Financial Sustainability Policy, Investment of Surplus Funds Policy, the Debt Policy, Restricted Cash Policy, General Rate Donations Policy, Entertainment and Hospitality Expenditure Policy, the Non-Current Asset Accounting Policy, the Asset management policy, the procurement policy to rescind the tender of financial capacity assessment policy and adopt the new rates financial hardship policy. It's an omnibus motion and here to give us an overview is our Director of Corporate Services Trent Grauf and Manager of Financial Services Pauline Coles. Go on councillors. Welcome. Trent Grauf 01:11.566
Under the Local Government Act and its supporting regulation we're required to prepare a number of policies to support the budget adoption. The two mandatory policies in the suite of policies in front of you for consideration are the investment and debt policy. In addition to those mandatory policies council also has a number of finance, procurement and asset management policies that should be reviewed that should be reviewed on a regular basis. So to ensure prudent financial governance, we also adopt a proactive approach and bring those forward as part of the budget process to review and adopt annually. There's ten policies in total for consideration. I'll just mention each one of them briefly. The first and foremost is the financial sustainability policy. It outlines the financial governance framework that council will work within to ensure that councillors finances remain sustainable in the long term. The only change to only change to this policy for the 24-25 year is to recognise the corporate plan objective and likely impending finance industry legislation on ESG reporting and our commitment to follow that process in the coming years. The second policy is our investment of surplus funds policy that policy remains current with only some more disclosure changes. Our debt policy includes an outline of our borrowing proposed for the coming financial year as well as an indicative program of nine-year borrowings. Council proposes to borrow $5 million in the 24-25 year to fund waste management works. With the management of restricted cash policy that outlines where we set aside and restrict cash for regulatory reasons, levies or key signature future projects to ensure there's sufficient working capital to meet our long-term liquidity. That policy and only minors disclosure changes. We have our general rate donations policy which outlines the eligibility criteria for community organisations to receive a donation that discounts their general rates. Again, that policy remains current with only minor disclosure changes. The entertainment and hospitality policy provides direction provides direction on how council officers and councillors spend entertainment and hospitality spend. That policy remains current with only minor disclosure changes. We have two policies on asset management. One is the non-current asset accounting policy which guides the financial disclosure of non-current assets. There's no change to that policy for this financial year. And our asset management policy which has been updated to reflect a recent internal audit review and increased disclosure on our framework for asset management. The procurement policy has been updated this financial year. It ensures the sound application of contracting principles for Council's procurement. The detailed review reflected both internal audit findings, incorporating more internal controls, well as ensuring efficient business process. And that also includes the merging of the financial capacity policy so that is why you have a rescinding of one of the policies in the agenda. And last but but not least is the financial hardship policy. This is a new policy councillors. Under the Local Government Act ratepayers are required to pay interest on overdue rates and payable charges. As we know council already has proactive measures in place to assist with payment arrangements. Where ratepayers are unable to pay by the due date of their rates. But council does recognise there are exceptional circumstances where people may not be able to pay during the due date. This policy provides council to provide concessions on that interest charge for those that do undertake payment arrangements and they meet the eligibility criteria for up to two years. Thank you, councillors. Councillor Brian Stockwell 05:08.275
Stockwell. I'm happy to move the recommendation. Frank Wilkie 05:10.295
Thank you. May I have a seconder, please? Councillor Finzel. Just beat you to the punch, Councillor. That's okay. You're sore foot, I think. I think I might be. Your foot was good, you would have got there. Okay right would anyone like to speak to the motion? Brian Stockwell 05:27.603
I think there was two important aspects of what was outlined by the director. The first one is the new policy on financial hardship and that's probably going to be a particularly valuable policy in the current financial environment for a number of families and in our community and households in our community. So it really sets out the grounds upon which staff can take in genuine cases of hardship and reduce the burden that will be accrued as a result of not being able to meet your rates your rates bill on time during the discount period. So it's a policy focused on the social wellbeing of our community. The other one was in the financial sustainability policy and we heard yesterday that that policy Noosa Council was the first to bring that in of any council in Queensland. And what we're proposing is to keep it at the front of the of the pack in that we acknowledge in our corporate pan that when you do financial management you should also consider about the full suite of economic costs and benefits that flow from it. And to do that you need to consider both the environmental externalities bringing in environmental, social and governance attributes into your financial decisions. And that will become more and more important to council for things like when we assess the costs and benefits of our waste management system. If we continue just to look at financial costs, it's unlikely that we'll come up with a feasible solution. doesn't include large rate gains, but if we can invest in the long term for the benefit of the environment, we're likely to come up with an innovative system that will not only be cost effective in terms of how we reuse and recycle but also reduces those emissions that are going into the atmosphere at the moment, which is causing all sorts of economic costs, including the climate-related disasters that our own child has been spending hundreds of millions of dollars on. I think those of the suite of policies we're adopting are important ones to highlight. Frank Wilkie 07:49.706
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Anyone else wish to speak? Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 07:53.106
Yes, thank you. I think the policies before us here today are a true reflection of the hard work of this council over And also the ability to show that we can be flexible and respond to the needs of the community at any given time. I think that the recognition to social understanding and resourcing to meet at the heart of this community given the current... current economic climate. So thank you everyone for your contribution to these policies that we use to inform our budget moving forward. Frank Wilkie 08:24.666
Would anybody wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 08:29.086
I actually just have some questions in terms of the new rates financial hardship policy. Are the payment plans the only options or are we intended to explore waivers and deferrals? Trent Grauf 08:46.285
Through the Chair. We obviously have a range of options available for payment but the key element is ensuring that we reach a point where our rate payers who are in a position of financial hardship can... progress an affordable mechanism to progress towards ultimately paying their rates and charges. If we were to ultimately be abating or discounting those rates or providing us a situation where they're not paying at all... That would fall under our rates donation policy and so that's why we have a separate policy that outlines those circumstances where a certain property or rate paid cohort is eligible to receive a discount or a donation on their rates. The intention of the The intention of the hardship policy is to enable a payment plan that doesn't penalise while we're working through a rate plan to pay that outstanding debt off. Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 09:37.935
Councillor Stockwell is to close and put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. And just for the benefit of those listening, we will be suspending standing orders later in the meeting to allow councillors to give their budget speeches. The next item on the agenda is statement of estimated financial position for the '23-'24 financial year. The next item on the Financial services manager Pauline Coles is here to give us a summary of this report. Thank you, Pauline. Pauline Coles 10:06.626
Of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council is required to present a statement of estimated financial position as part of its annual budget adoption process. The statement of estimated financial position provides an estimate of Council's position for the '23-'24 financial year. The position presented in the document is consistent with the financial position adopted at Budget Review 2 in January 2024 and shows the surplus position. Frank Wilkie 10:31.026
Questions for Pauline? We have a mover for the motion please. Moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Wilson. Also a bit slow on the feet due to an injury. Any discussion? Put the motion those in favour. That's carried unanimously. Next item on the agenda is the application of national competition policy reform. Pauline Coles, can you give us the summary of this report please? Pauline Coles 11:03.521
Reforms to its identified business activities. NCP or national competition policy provides a greater transparency over Council's businesses and assists with removing any anti-competitive conduct and ensures the best allocation of Council's limited resources. Council has adopted NCP reforms with respect to its waste management and holiday park business activities since the amalgamation in 2014. Council has undertaken a review of the nature of other services and activities it provides to the public including its community facilities including aquatic, leisure, advanced arts respite centres as well as cemeteries and the digital hub. While these operations generate fees and operate on partial user pay systems they do not have the necessary full cost recovery and profit making focus. As such council is not seeking to apply NCP principles to these specific businesses. Accordingly the recommendation is to continue to apply the full cost pricing reform to the operations of waste management and holiday parks for the 24/25 financial year. Frank Wilkie 12:10.000
Any questions for Pauline? We have a mover for the motion please. Moved by Councillor, seconded by Councillor Wegener. Anybody wish to speak to the motion? Put motion to the vote. All in favour? That's unanimous. Before we get to item 2.4 which is the adoption of the 24/25 budget, I'd like to move that the operation of the standing orders or any relevant provision thereof be suspended to allow Council be suspended. To allow council to receive budget speeches from councillors. Do I have a seconder please? Seconder, Councillor Stockwell. All in favour? carried. I'll go first if I may. This responsible and compassionate budget, the first for this new council, consolidates the Shire's sustainable financial foundation after record high cost increases in recent years and enables council to provide the services our community expect and need as committed to in the corporate plan while plan while acknowledging cost of living pressures many face. With many key transformational projects underway such as the destination management plan, place making program and waste strategy, this budget aims to finish the significant work already started. Council, like all businesses and households, is under pressure from rising costs to maintain the Shire's assets and run the facilities and services our community expects. cost of asphalt, concrete and other construction materials continue to rise at a rate beyond household CPI. In particular, I'll This budget has been set with the prime goal of accommodating these escalating cost pressures while maintaining levels of service for the community and being mindful of resident households' costs of living. of living. Financial sustainability lies at the heart of this budget and any council's capacity to deliver the services their communities need and expect. The sobering context is that Noosa will be only one of 20 councils out of 77 in Queensland that will returning a surplus. Despite the high cost increases, the rate rise overall for the majority of residential properties owner-occupied has been kept to the same as last year at 5.5%, which equates to an increase of $94 a year or $1 To help achieve that, councillors have placed a freeze on all levies except for the bushfire resilience and response levy, which is required to ensure critical investment in managing council reserves and fire trails ahead of the dry season. Waste charges have been increased to absorb the increasing state government-imposed waste managing our resource recovery facilities. living and to support the The $184 million budget incorporating operating expenditure of $139 million and a capital works program of $45 million achieve a small surplus to maintain the community's equity and stay in the black. In support of Noosa housing strategy and to help encourage smaller secondary dwellings that provide essential housing for dependents, family workers and financial or personal circumstances are not burdened with interest if they are unable to afford to pay their rates up front. Noosa Shire continues to be the only council regionally to provide a rates early payment discount which is set at 5%. rates rebates and discounts for pensioners and eligible community groups continue to apply. Through the introduction of short-term accommodation transitory rating categories and Queensland's first STA local law, Noosa Council led the way across the industry in taking measures to manage the impact of short stays on our community. Most recently we have seen many councils including Brisbane follow. 24/25 budget sees a continued focus and commitment to managing STA's impact on community and amenity. Excluding strata title and home hosted, general rates for single STA dwellings have increased further to reflect their commercial use. In addition, STA annual licence fees have been set to ensure the rest of the Shire's ratepayers are not subsidising the cost of administering the short stay local law. With the adoption of the With the adoption of the waste strategy, significant investment in an expanded landfill and further investment in the Eumundi Road Resource Recovery Centre upgrade works over the coming year will ensure we manage our waste in a safe and responsible manner. the State Government's introduction of a higher state waste levy imposed on domestic as well as commercial properties has seen increased costs passed on to bin collection charges and to waste facility customers. The operational plan outlines the significant number of initiatives underway. These include finalising the Dog Beach Works for the Noosa Spit shoreline erosion management plan and to protect the Noosa Spit, implement the encroachments policy and operational procedure, continue to implement and further review the short-stay letting local law to manage the impacts of short-term letting including increase resources towards compliance, continue to implement key actions of the Noosa housing strategy, continuation of the living well low-cost community exercise programs, finalising the Noosa Botanic Gardens master plan, developing the Noosa parking management plan which will inform a future paid parking trial, complete the regional art gallery feasibility project and there's investment and there's investment in technology to support greater efficiency of delivering services to the community on a daily basis as well as dealing with the ever-increasing cyber security threat. Council continues to demonstrate prudent fiscal management with the 24 financial sustainability indicators as set out by the State government. This year's $45 million capital works program includes $250,000 to improve local beach access points, $62,000 for beach shower renewals, $500,000 to upgrade to sports field lighting and sell Bonnell, Oval and Cooroy sports complex, $100 to renew Noosaville's Pirate Playground, $520,000 towards the ongoing renewal of the Shire's bus stops to improve accessibility, $1.53 million for the heavy road patching $100,000 plus to expand the Wallace Parks Precinct CCTV system, $820,000 for Wapunga Trail 4 and Woodland Trail 3 trail renewal, and $1.6 million for upgrading the Cooroy Gymnastics and Multi-Use Centre. In addition to this, there's over $100 million in disaster recovery capital works from the March 2022 weather event to be completed. Compiling this budget has been a collaborative and rigorous process in a compressed timeframe involving diligence, patience and discipline by councillor colleagues Councillor Stockwell, and Phillips, the executive directors and managers, plus long hours from highly skilled and financially astute staff, especially corporate services director Trent Grauf and financial services manager Pauline Coles. Each and every one Each and everyone here deserves thanks and credit for their input on this compassionate and responsible budget which has caring for the needs of our community at its heart and I commend it to you. Brian Stockwell 20:21.737
Which once again this year is at significantly higher levels than we saw as an average since Noosa Council was reformed. And there's the operating budget. And operating budget is where I think this year has been the most rigorous but also the most difficult process. So unlike other levels of government, we can't whip out the credit card to pay for how to operate our council. We can't use borrowed funds to run programs... to run programs that are ongoing which don't involve capital. So that means that we have had to be quite strict and rigorous in what gets approved. And while the Mayor mentioned about us all around this table, actually I think some of the hardest work was done very early by the staff who really looked very hard at what they actually needed. was quite a significant efficiency gain resulting from that first review by directors and managers about what they can cut out of their operating budget. So one of the big messages I think we need to put into the community's mind is that our rates bill will continue to go up unless we look at other sources of revenue. And we'll see later the operating plan that we're starting to do those investigations to work out how we spread the operation, the costs of providing things that just don't provide amenity and utility to our also to the visitors and so how we get every visitor contributing to the services they use whether they're staying here overnight or whether they're driving up for the day is one of the key budget challenges and the mayor mentioned you know labour and material costs over recent years have skyrocketed and that's put really significant pressure on the operating budget and you know what we have managed to do while many of us had to forego our pet projects this time around and we've managed to to keep that rise to less than a $2 coin each week. I thought I'd spend the rest of my time looking at it from where I live. Because I'm living in Cooroy, building in Boreen Point. And what is it for the hinterland And one of the things that you'll see in this budget is we've been very successful in attracting state and federal grants. And that is a good news story, but it also means we we have to draw on many of those cases, draw on our own funds to match them. So what is the hinterland benefiting from? So we've already heard there's over two million dollars spent, probably spent on the upgrade at the Cooroy Sports Complex. Both a new undercover multi-purpose facility that will be able to be used when it's raining for a number of clubs that are already at that facility. We're looking at an improvement... an upgrade of the gymnastics facility and new LED lighting around the somewhat aged and decrepit wooden posts are going to be replaced with new LED lighting around the old showground arena. The Mayor mentioned about the Biosphere Trail. Well, that's a $1.4 million grant over three years, totalling $2.8 million of upgrade, and in this year we're starting with $820,000 of that in the renewal of the Kin Kin, Wapunga and Wundum trails, and for the old people that's trails three and four. Now, that's a lot of money for a trail through the bush, but we know... We know from the benefits it gives us from the health, the enjoyment it gets from the locals, but also the fact that it's become more and more of an attraction for people who want to visit Noosa to get out into the hinterland. And we've seen a huge growth in the number of people participating in mountain biking and marathons and silly people who run excessive distances through those trails. Yes, you should smile, Mr Mayor. So what else have we The Cooroy Botanic Gardens. So it's growing. We're doing a master plan. It's getting better use and we've got a very vibrant volunteer sector. So as those grounds grow, so does the demand to store our plant and our equipment to maintain that luxury of garden. And so we've got $160,000 in there for a new shed for plant equipment. And I believe... I believe relocating that shed such that some of the better vistas from the top of the hill and around the oldest and biggest tree, the old hoop pine, will be incorporated more into the garden itself. I'm- Over recent years, the hinterland community has been very clear. When they completed the livability survey, when they gave us the feedback on the corporate plan, and more recently, when making suggestions for the Pomona placemaking plan consultation. And generally, most important thing they want to see improvement in is the pathways along our street networks in our hinterland towns and villages. So in this budget, we're starting to implement some of those priorities with $253,000 to connect up pathways leading the high school campus on Summit Road in Pomona and also together with improvements along Factory Street. Also another $80,000 in links to Kerry Street in Cooroy. Now in our housing strategy we made a commitment to do what we can to facilitate the building of more community housing affordable low-cost not just for people on the public housing register but also for people perhaps workers for council that are finding difficulty getting affordable accommodation and we one of the big steps we're making this year is we're proceeding with division on land at Lake Macdonald and there's actually three point three million dollars in for that development cost now we're very hopeful that we'll be getting state and /or federal funding but the important thing is we've already resolved to agree to enter in a contract to purchase with a housing cooperative who are very keen to proceed and are very hopeful that they'll be getting support from the State government building some of that housing in Cooroy. So we'll be offsetting some of that budget with sales of land and with grants but it is a really important commitment that we've put down in black and white in this budget that we intend to back our word in the housing strategy and when we get to the operational plan we'll show how we're trying to implement a range of strategies. So I commend the budget to all. you, Councillor Stockwell. Nicola Wilson 27:07.860
I commend the motion to adopt the budget as presented and I note that this budget was based on months of work by the finance and executive team during the caretaker and election period and rigorous debate with councillors since April. All involved have been mindful of the balance between the increasing costs imposed on council and the need to maintain our services with the least This budget addresses the concerns we've heard about in the various consultation processes and the recent election campaign. It's focused on basic services, a A commitment to finishing what we've started before taking on new initiatives, and a general acknowledgement of cost of living pressures. So looking first at the operational budget, with revenue of 138.8 million and expenses... million and expenses of 138.7 million, a small surplus. Council's main costs are salaries and wages of 52.5 million and materials and services of 61 million. Wages have increased by 6.2% in... grants will likely decline by about the same. So that's a gap of roughly six million. With deliberately low population growth in Noosa, there's no increase in revenue through increased volume of rate payers. Therefore, covering a price increase. So what does that mean for each household? Over half of Noosa Shire households are in the minimum rates threshold, which will increase from $1,727 per year to $1,000 $1,821 an increase of $94 per year or $1.81 per week. Some households will see a saving compared with last year. Rates on properties with secondary dwellings or granny flats have been reduced. these assist with much needed housing supply. We're also putting a hardship fund in place as you've heard to ease the burden of interest on late payments and concessions continue to be offered to eligible pensioners and community groups. To fund this we've increased rates on single dwelling STA properties. Rates on these properties will be twice that of a comparable house used as a principal place of residence. Short-stay letting annual renewal fees have also increased for detached houses, while fees for home-hosted short-stay units remain the same. Most other fees and permit costs have also remained the same. revenue changes are mostly due to an expected increase or decrease in activity in those areas rather than prices. The waste levy has increased to cover increased cost of disposal, long-term remediation at the landfill site, The capital budget focuses on completing the disaster recovery works, investment in roads and bridges, and increasing the life of our waste facility. We will continue to seek state and federal funding for additional projects, but being mindful of our internal capacity as a small council and finishing what we've started. There have been some tough decisions to balance the desire for improved services and new ideas with containment of costs. We will continue to monitor cost and performance to ensure focus on essentials and adapt to community feedback and needs. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 30:56.720
Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Anybody else care to deliver a budget speech? Okay, just a quick one. My gosh, the budget is is complex for all of us. Again, it's my fifth year here and I just cannot believe how much goes into it. It seems this year we've taken a very conservative approach, kind of bracing ourselves for the future and first finishing what we started because there's a lot of projects on the go through the disaster management area. But second, you know, thinking of what's happened in the past, just recently we've had a financial crisis 2008-2009, we've had fires 2019, we've had COVID, we've had floods. We've really, it's almost like this modern society, we just lurch from situation to situation. And I feel confident that this budget has been very lean and puts us in very good stead to face what's coming next. I think we have a very resilient budget and I really commend the staff, Trent, Pauline for you, Trent, Pauline, for bringing us through this, and all the directors, because we know that you've told us that they've started cutting and being very lean from the very bottom all the way up to the top. But when we look at the budget, there's a lot of ways to And I look at it from a very distant place where I think of the average age in Noosa is much higher than the Queensland average. And so when I think of that mere fact, I think of libraries... leisure centres, the J, the Aquatic Centre, parks and cemeteries, because they are funded by council. And if you're at an age where you have a lot of time on your hands, you're retired, well those are the things you really enjoy, so want to focus especially on Kerri Contini's team and say thank you Kerri for the services that you bring because they are substantial and they are real and they are the outward face of Noosa Council to so many of the people. Another thing that I look through the lens the budget through the lens of we have the most expensive accommodation and housing around but our average household income is lower so we have this really odd just disparaging thought or you know situation where it's older lower incomes and again I look at at the social services that we provide and and I'm just so impressed that we are actually able to carry on with such a small rate increase this this year because we have been below CPI for a long time but as as the mayor mentioned the the cost of the Lions part of the budget the Lions part of the budget is depreciation and roads and infrastructure like drainage and that's where your money goes and that's made out of concrete for the most part in an asphalt and that those when those prices go up my gosh that really puts it a dent into your budget and even considering all that we still have a very nominal very nominal rate rise and our services are still right there for the majority of our population. So thank you very much. Thank you Councillor Wegener. If the council wish to speak before we resume standing orders. Okay, thank you everyone. I now move that standing orders be resumed. Oh, sorry. Amelia Lorentson 34:15.603
I wanted to speak. Excuse me. Oh yeah, go. I'm a little bit slow on my feet. Thank you everyone for being here today, councillors and staff. As Tom and Councillor Wegener mentioned, this is also my fifth budget presentation and I reiterate Tom's thought, it never gets easier. This year's been particularly tough and challenging and we... and we collectively have worked hard to balance our community's immediate needs with long-term sustainability and we've also worked hard to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and effectively. We face numerous challenges both old and new challenges. Economic uncertainties, evolving public service demands and the need sustainable development all which have guided our approach to this year's 184 million dollar budget. Despite these challenges we're happy to deliver a budget that we believe serves the best interests of our community with specific benefits such as improved infrastructure, better services and a more sustainable future. This year's This year's guiding principles, and we've got a couple, finish what we've started and lay the foundation for the future. We focus on completing ongoing projects, addressing high strategic risk, advancing essential initiatives destination management plan, parking and housing, and importantly stabilising our workhorse to be ready for future challenges and opportunities. We recognise the significant pressures our community faces due to rising living costs. That's why we've worked hard to deliver a minimal rate increase while funding essential services... Frank Wilkie 36:15.435
Mr Acting CEO, do you wish to take that call? Do you know how they work? No, I don't. It's a timer. Sorry, Councillor Lorentson. That's alright, I'll have to start all over again. Back to zero. We recognise the significant pressures our community faces due to rising living costs and that's quite serious. That's why we've worked hard to deliver a minimal rate increase while funding essential services and infrastructure, supporting both our community and the environment. We've increased investment in the Shire-wide reseal and patching program, the Eumundi Road landfill cell expansion and capping, and the replacement of the Donella Bridge, inclusivity and connectivity. activity. also remain top priorities for this council with projects like pathway enhancements across the Shire and the design of a changing places facility along the Noosa River to support people with high support needs. From rehabilitating coastal canals and waterways to upgrading key council facilities, every investment we have made is aimed to improve the quality of life for all our residents and protect our environment. One project of personal importance to me is the upgrade of the bioretention basin on Coyer Street. The bi-reg assessment from 2022 highlighted that the current basin is undersized and not performing to standards. Upgrading this basin will significantly improve stormwater quality, entering the Burgess Creek catchment from Noosa Junction, addressing pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are critical in maintaining the ecology of downstream waters. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to thank our acting CEO, the branch managers, our directors, the men, and fellow councillors. In particular, I'd like to acknowledge thank our finance team, Pauline and Trent and team for your commitment to improving Noosa. Significant effort has gone into delivering this budget and although we take bit of credit, you guys have the engine room and have carried the bulk of or have done the budget. You've delivered a budget that ensures, most importantly, that Noosa Council is not in a deficit. Mayor mentioned of the 77 councils in Queensland, Noosa is one of only 20 LGAs that continues to deliver a surplus budget. This is a testament to our financial stability and more responsible management. Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to also thank our community for trusting us to lead us during these challenging times. It's your money and I hope we've got it right. Karen Finzel 39:28.862
I guess I better speak given it's my fifth budget and I won't take up much time because we have all covered the technical aspects of this budget. Firstly, I'd like to acknowledge the Kabi Kabi people and their inherent wisdom. wisdom and value to our community. And I'd like to thank the CEO, the staff, all the executive committee and everyone that's contributed to this and also to my fellow colleagues. fellow colleagues and the Mayor, I submit that this is not an aspirational bells and whistles budget that we would deliver in times of prosperity, but I say that rather it's a radical budget in so we have listened to our community and we have with heart and conviction looked at the challenges that are faced in these economic times. It's a conservative budget to deliver a to deliver day-to-day operations and continue what we've started, with a genuine focus on service delivery and goods and services to our community. I think this budget reflects a hope for a better better tomorrow with renewed dedication. We have sought a conservative budget with effective governance as our policies reflect, with sustainability in times of uncertainty. public opinion and we've come off the campaign and we certainly heard what everyone had to say as we were out on the hustings. This budget to me is in between the space of being contented and and concerned as we try to address the needs of our most vulnerable right through to those who are prospering and bringing a sensible centre and a balanced approach to our fiscal responsibility and our commitment to good governance. have looked with to deliver economic stabilisation in times of uncertainty the commonality of our familiarity and fragility within the experience of experiencing a sick child, a parent with memory loss, a friend that has experienced a death. We are people We are people living within our community and can identify with the struggles and I believe that we have reflected that in our budget before us today and especially reflected in the hardship policy where we have worked to the best of our ability to acknowledge the struggles that some people are experiencing. We've taken brave steps in pulling and cutting everything to the bone to deliver what we've started and give back to our community. I'd just like to finish with a quote because we have to have a quote at the table from Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We will all profit from a diverse, inclusive society. Understanding, accommodating, even celebrating our differences while pulling together for the common good and I think collectively that's what we've all worked hard deliver the common good to our community so thank you to everyone who's involved. Frank Wilkie 42:58.917
Well said Councillor Finzel, thank you. No other speeches, there being no other speeches I ask that the standing, I move that the standing orders be move that the standing orders be resumed. May I have a seconder please? Councillor Lorentson is quick with her mark. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. So we're now at item 2.4 of the budget agenda which is 24/25 budget adoption. So we have a range of motions and the first motion one is that pursuant to section 104 of the Local Government Act, section 170... Act, section 170 of the Local Government Regulation, the budget for the financial year ending 30 June 25, incorporating statements of income and expenditure, financial position, cash flow, changes in equity, long-term financial forecast, revenue statement and revenue policy and the... the 24-25 capital program is contained in the Noosa Council budget document provided as attachment 1 to the special meeting be adopted. May I have a mover for that please? Moved by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? All in favour? Carried unanimously. Motion 2 that pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act and section 80 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves to levy the different general rates for the 24/25 financial year. year is set out in the revenue statement contained in the budget documents provided as attachment 1. May we have a mover for that please? Moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Wilson. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Motion 3. Is that pursuant to section 81 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, Council resolves that the rating categories of rateable land in its local government area and a description of each of the rating categories for 24/25 be as follows. May we have a mover for that please? Moved by Councillor, seconded by Councillor Wegener. All in favour? Motion 4. Motion 4, pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act and section 94 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves to levy the special charges for the 24-25 financial year as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council Budget Documents as attachment 1. The special charges set out in the Revenue Statement pertain to the Waters Lock and Weir Maintenance Levy, the Noosa Waters Canal Maintenance Levy, Noosa Junction Levy, Hastings Street Precinct Levy, Noosa Main Beach Levy, the Hastings Street Community Safety Program charge and the Noosa Junction Streetscape Levy. May I have a mover for that please? Councillor Lorentson. Thank you Councillor. Seconded by Councillor Stockwell. Any discussion? All in favour? Carried unanimously. Motion 5 is that pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves to...the overall plans, annual implementation plans and benefited area maps specified in the Revenue Statement contained in the Budget Document and Provider's Attachment 1 for the special charges it resolves to levy under Resolution 4. We have a mover please, Councillor Finzel. Seconder, Councillor. Any discussion? All in favour? That's unanimous, thank you. Motion 6, pursuant Pursuant to section 94 of the Local Government Act and section 99 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves to levy the utility charges for the 24/25 financial year set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Noosa Council 24/25 Budget provided as attachment one to the special meeting report dated 28th of June 24. We have a mover, Councillor Wegener. Seconder, Councillor Lorentson. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Motion 7 is a pursuant 7 is a pursuant section 94 of the Local Government Act and section 103 of the Local Government Regulation. Council resolves to levy the separate rates and charges for the 24-25 financial year set out in the revenue statement contained in the budget document provided as attachment 1. The separate rates and charges set out in the revenue statement are the environment levy, sustainable transport levy, heritage levy Levy, Heritage Levy and the Bushfire Resilience and Response Levy. May we have a mover for that plea? Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? All in favour? It's carried unanimously. Motion 8. Pursuant to section 107 of the Local Government Regulations, section 114 of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990, Council resolves Council resolves that the Rates and Utility Charges and the Queensland Government's Emergency Management Levy for the year ending 30 June 25 will be levied six-monthly as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Budget Documents as Attachment In the Special Meeting Report dated 28 June 24. May we have a mover for that please? Move Councillor. Seconded? Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Motion 9 is that pursuant to Section 122 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves to grant concessions to ratepayers as set out in the Revenue Statement contained in the Budget Documents and Council's General Rate Donations Policy. Move it please? Councillor Wilson. Seconded? Councillor Wegener. Discussion? All in It's carried unanimously. Motion 10. Pursuant to Section 118 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves that all rates and charges must be paid within 30 days after the date of issue of the rates notice. I have a mover of that please? Councillor Lorentson. Seconded. Councillor Stockwell. Discussion? Carried. All in favour? Carried. Motion 11. That pursuant to section 133 of the Local Government Regulation, Council resolves that all overdue rates and charges bear interest as set out in the revenue statement contained in the Noosa Council 24/25 budget document provided attachment 1 to the special meeting report dated 24 and where applicable to grant concessions on interest to eligible ratepayers as set out in the Council's rates and charges financial hardship policy. Pursuant to 11. Financial hardship policy. We have a mover. That's Councillor Wilson. Seconded by Councillor Jessica Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Motion 12. Pursuant to section 257 of the Local Government Act, Council delegates to the Chief Executive Officer its powers under section 81 of the Local Government Regulation to identify the differential rating category into which each... parcel of rateable land in the council's local government area is included by using relevant information from the council's land record and any other information which identifies the use of rateable land. May I have a mover of that please? Councillor Wegener, do we have a seconder please? Councillor Jessica Phillips, any speeches? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Motion 13. That it be recorded that in each case where a preceding motion refers to a matter set out in a revenue statement contained in the Noosa Council 24/25 budget document provided as attachment 1 to the special meeting report dated 28th of June 24, that matter is incorporated by reference into and forms part of the terms and content of the motion and will be so incorporated and form part terms and content of Council's resolution to adopt the motion. Move Councillor Stockwell. I'm not moving it. You got a question? Brian Stockwell 50:40.995
Yeah. What does it mean? Trent Grauf 50:48.815
We're on the spot, Councillors. You have quite a few motions in front of you here. I think this is an effort for Mr. Mayor to take a breath. Given the complexity of the number of motions, each referring back to the revenue statement and the budget document contained within, this is a closing resolution to ensure that any subsequent resolutions where you have made an adoption, whether it's in regards to the timing of when you're issuing the levies or in regards to the application of interest, to ensure that that reference is back to the first motion in regards to The budget so that they're considered holistically and not individually. Thank you. I'll move it then. Councillor Stockwell, seconder please. Councillor, any further discussion? All in favour? Carried unanimously. Motion 14 that council note the revised 24/25 service level catalogues provided as an attachment to the special meeting report dated 28th of June 24. We have a mover. I have Nicola Wilson just quick off the feed, seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Anyone wish to speak to the motion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Now the next item on the agenda is the operational plan. Thank you Pauline and Trent. We're now asked that Executive Officer of Internal Audit and Corporate Performance, Debra Iezzi. Welcome Deb. Debra Iezzi 52:23.207
Can you give us a summary please? Yes councillors. So under the local government regulation, councils are required to adopt an operational plan each year consistent with its budget and to progress the implementation of the corporate plan. So the corporate plan has been in place now for over a year. So this is our second operational plan that relates to the corporate plan. presentation of the document of the operational plan which is the attachment to the report, you'll see that the initiatives that have been identified are aligned to each of the themes and objectives of the corporate plan. You'll also see that a number of them are continuations of initiatives that may have started last year and will now appear at mid-year stage two and there are a number of initiatives that were put on hold so to speak with the local government elections allowing the new to come on board and to actually influence the outcome of those initiatives. So there's a number of those as well. It is an ambitious operational plan but all the executive team and managers have input into it and we will progressively report progress against the operational plan on a quarterly basis to council as we have done in the past so that you can be reassured about the progress of The last report for this proceeding year of 23-24 will be presented to the August meeting and that will be a sum up of last year's progress and that's what we will expect going forward as well as we move through this current operational plan. Frank Wilkie 54:00.670
Questions for Deb? I'll move it. Thank you. Mr. Stockwell, we have a seconder. Councillor, any discussion? Brian Stockwell 54:10.740
Yeah, I will. In any budget process we tend to list the capital works as quite easy to see what we are investing in. In terms of the broader organisation, it's really summarised down into the operational plan. And from a plan and from a councillor's perspective perhaps the most important bit of information and where we should focus on is on the page that on the diagram is taught entitled performance measurement hierarchy because the operational plan is what we get get every quarter to assess how we're progressing, not just to this budget, but to the broader things we wish to achieve. So it's really good to see that performance hierarchy. It's an area of continuous improvement for this organisation. We just don't want to know that projects are on time and on budget. We want to know if the projects are on time, on project, and making the impact that we are doing them for. There's no sense having a performance indicator at a service level that's efficient. But if it's not effective, we can plant a thousand trees and meet that criteria but they die because we don't water them. We haven't been effective in doing it. So that's where we look at this operational plan and we look at those performance measures. But I thought what's most important is when you look at the operational plan you do get a flavour of just how broad the beast of local government is and I thought I'd pick up a few that we haven't talked about. So just to have a think about how how any other, you know, in the corporate world, if there'd be a similar type of organisation. So the first particular item in the operations plan is talking about water quality monitoring. And then 1.34 is talking about implementing our encroachment policy. Now that's an area of significant interest, particularly to our eastern beaches, bush care groups, etc. And that was one of the areas where we had to really struggle with how much we could invest. Do we go and do it whole hog and increase the rates more, or do we continue at the current level and build up gradually? We look at 1 look at 1.42. We're going to document the iconic story of surfing in Noosa. We look after heritage. It's not just the heritage in our buildings, it's the heritage that makes Noosa what it is. You know, the fact that we even let Californians in occasionally. We're looking at investing in doing a Noosa parking management strategy. Now that's probably one that's linked to last items, 4.91, which is about revenue diversification and 2.73, which is about new revenue to ensure visitors contribute to the transport solutions we're offering them. You know, if we're trying, if we're putting buses and doing systems to let people park and ride, we don't just want to capture some people through property rates. We want to capture people who are using those services and to ensure that residents aren't subsidising the visitors. We look at another part of the transport strategy being implemented is to continue to investigate the option of a public jetty in the woods and that's to allow us to get off the and start looking at other options for public transport on the river. We've got, you know, when we look at our 10 year capital works program we see the majority of it's for waste management and in the operational management and in the operational plan we'll start we start seeing some of those big picture projects that haven't even put into the 10 year capital works yet because we're still investigating it so we're doing on 3.73 the feasibility of things like putting solar on the landfill like doing large-scale composting to make better use and higher value out of our green waste to get into something that council is making biochar out of wooden surfboards and to look at to look at things like anaerobic digestion to turn waste into energy and to look at how we can productively use the methane gas and methane is I think something like hundred and eighty percent more potent than carbon dioxide as a climate gas. So we have that whole big thing around waste which is going to be an increasing part of our focus but we also have recently the fact that we know that Kabi Kabi have been acknowledged as the traditional owners of the country in which we stand and which we now share custodianship with and we've got operational we've got operational plans to continue to work with them to look at their cultural heritage, to look at how we preserve their indigenous values and to look at how that makes residents and visitors' life richer. And that leads into the next one, which is one of the big strategies and plans we'll do this term is we've committed to implementing and completing the destination management plan this year. and finally a more positive note, you'll see in section 4.8 quite a lot of those initiatives around implementing what we said we'll do for climate change at a regional regional level, at a coastal level, but also to invest in disaster management and building resilience because more and more recovering from disasters is not something that occurs occasionally, it's something that's ongoing and preparing our community our community to be less impacted both economically, personally, and from a safety perspective from what is happening in the world today and what will continue at an accelerated rate as a result of climate change. So, that's just a snapshot of of what's in the operational plan, but it gives you a flavour that the business of local government is quite a diverse one. Frank Wilkie 01:00:00.257
Do the councillors wish to speak to the motion? Thank you, Deb. Now for the final item on the agenda, which is the organisational structure. We have people and culture manager Jackie Campbell here today. Here she comes. Welcome, Jackie. Jackie Campbell 01:00:20.370
Thank you very much. Good morning. Could you give us a summary, please? The organisational structure that we have proposed to you this morning basically sets us up to meet the demands and needs of the community in terms of providing great service. Just something to point out which is in the paper that the 11 and.69 FTE, 6.8 of that are actual conversions which is a process that we do for staff that have been in temporary positions for more than 12 months and with regards to the new positions the majority of them are actually in waste with one being new on RCT. So just a question for those listening. Brian Stockwell 01:01:22.787
FTE can be proposed too. Jackie Campbell 01:01:26.547
Thank you Councillor Stockwell. So FTE stands for full-time equivalent and it's a standard measure of how you... how you count for staff. Frank Wilkie 01:01:41.280
Question for probably Trent. Trent, the impact on rates of the positions. I understand many are Trent Grauf 01:02:02.778
6 Additional FTE in the budget this year, majority of those were temporary positions that have been with us for anywhere between one and five or six years, so they've been converted to permanent. They were to be budgeted for through many previous budgets, so there's no financial impact for those There's a position in there that's grant funded, so there's no additional rate burden from that. In regards to the waste funds, those positions are funded through a change in our contract. On one of our key waste recovery sites, and we're using funds that we have saved from contract costs to invest that into putting our own workforce on the ground to manage that facility. So the impact on the general rate is negligible. Frank Wilkie 01:02:59.508
Discussion, put the motion as favour. That's carried unanimously. There are no confidential items or any other items on this agenda. I'd just specifically like to point out acting CEO. CEO, Larry Sengstock. Larry, this may be your last meeting with us in the capacity of acting CEO. I'd just like to acknowledge that over the last year and a half, you've carried out your duties. Admirably, you've done exactly what was asked, which was to stabilise the organisation and carry us forward while our new CEO is recruited. That process is underway, but I just want to take this time, this moment, to acknowledge you personally for everything you've done for the last year and a half you've conducted yourself admirably and there is deep respect for what you've done. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 01:03:55.303
It's been a privilege. It continues to be a privilege. Frank Wilkie 01:03:58.983
There are no confidential items or any other items on this agenda so I declare the meeting closed at 10:04. Related Noosa Council Meetings
← Browse all Noosa Shire Council meeting transcripts
