Ordinary Meeting - 17 October 2024
Date: Thursday, 17 October 2024 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 03:06:01
Synopsis: Hastings St CCTV upgrade and safety review approved, E-bike/e-scooter law reform advocacy, Standing Orders broadened participation, Noosa Junction amenity-nightlife framework scoped, Boating access report, funding pursued.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson
Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray (Via Microsoft Teams)
AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Jessica Phillips : Council will advocate to Qld Government/Opposition for a comprehensive review of police powers and legislation for e-bikes/e-scooters; rider education to be considered under Go Noosa and referred to budget (5.1) (02:59–06:40; 10:44–14:16) [Item 5.1]. Jessica Phillips : Urgent report approved on replacing/supplementing ageing CCTV in Hastings Street with CPTED review, lighting/signage, timelines and budget; carried unanimously after rejecting delay and levy-funding amendments (15:57–23:25; 41:26–47:00; 56:26–01:03:19) [Item 5.2]. Amelia Lorentson : CEO to report options for precinct management frameworks to balance live music/hospitality and residential amenity in Noosa Junction; exploratory desktop scope confirmed (01:09:59–01:18:00) [Item 5.3]. Amelia Lorentson : CEO to report on progress and next steps from the 2022 Recreational Boating Facilities Study, including Thomas St, Lake St, Hilton Esplanade and Noosa Woods; include trailer parking approaches and funding (01:49:19–01:56:44) [Item 5.4]. Karen Finzel : Council commits to sustained advocacy for increased State funding for crisis accommodation, perpetrator programs, and supported transition pathways addressing FDV (01:57:36–02:07:40) [Item 5.5]. Council : Extension (6 years) and “Other Change” approved for resort complex at 3 & 7 Serenity Close, changing approved use to Resort complex and Shop (08:3; 5.1) [General Committee 5.1]. Council : Draft Pomona Place Plan endorsed for final consultation with strengthened riparian rehabilitation actions/roles (6.2) (02:25:20–02:26:29) [General Committee 6.2]. Council : Shire-wide financial performance for Sep 2024 noted, including key sustainability indicators (6.1) [General Committee 6.1]. Council : Appeal D130/2023 (39–41 Picture Point) to be settled per proposed conditions (7.1) [General Committee 7.1]. Council : Revised Standing Orders, Deputations, Petitions, Public Question Time, and Councillor Investigation Policy adopted with key pro-participation amendments; deletion of Standing Orders 18.8 (guidance for Notices of Motion) (02:27:47–02:57:02) [Items 9.1–9.2]. Council : Petition (23 signatories) for traffic calming in Allambi Terrace received and referred to CEO (00:59–02:22) [Item 4]. Services & Organisation : Change of next meeting to Peregian Beach Community House, 5pm 21 Nov 2024; livestream to be provided (5.1) [S&O 5.1]. Services & Organisation : Sole/Specialised Supplier lists adopted; EOI to design/construct composting facility at Eumundi–Noosa Rd landfill approved with shortlist then tender (7.1) [S&O 5.2; 7.1]. Contentious / Transparency Matters Hastings St CCTV : Council knowingly diverts limited staff/budget capacity from a budgeted Shire-wide CCTV strategy to address urgent precinct safety; delay amendment lost (23:28–35:48; 47:00–49:03) [Item 5.2]. Brian Stockwell : Proposed to delay Hastings St work until after Shire-wide strategy results; lost (35:48–49:03) [Item 5.2 Amendment No.1]. Brian Stockwell : Proposed funding the review from the Hastings St Community Safety Charge; lost unanimously amid levy-purpose ambiguity (49:03–55:11) [Item 5.2 Amendment No.2]. Standing Orders : Community concern over perceived curtailment of participation saw deletion of 18.8 and expanded deputation/public Q&A access; multiple amendments debated and previous motion withdrawn with meeting consent (02:29:32–02:57:02) [Item 9.2]. Noosaville Foreshore Plan : Public question time highlighted dissatisfaction with the June draft; cost disclosed ($336k initial; $209k redraft) and rationale for using same consultant (03:00:53–03:05:40) [Public Q&A 11.1–11.2]. Noosa Junction : Tension between business viability/live music and residential amenity; officers note existing scheme amendments and OLGR engagement already underway (01:20:04–01:23:51) [Item 5.3]. Legal / Risk CCTV governance : Officers flagged gaps around ownership, access, data handling, and funding models; Shire-wide strategy intended to address privacy and secure data pathways (23:59–26:12; 57:52–01:00:18) [Item 5.2]. Local Government Act/Regulation : Remote attendance for Cr Phillips approved under s254K LGR; Standing Orders revisions conducted within council’s meeting procedure powers; delegation under s257 LGA for EOI/tender processes (Attendance; S&O 7.1; S&O 7.1 Composting). Planning Act 2016 : Resort approval changes/extension expressly noted per s63(5) reporting (General Committee 5.1). Levies : Corporate Services advised levy wording does not clearly cover CCTV, creating risk using Hastings St Community Safety Charge for infrastructure review without definition updates (52:19–55:11) [Item 5.2]. Standing Orders scope : Debate over removing 18.8 centered on ensuring councillors’ motions not unduly confined beyond council’s jurisdiction under the LGA; chair retains control to refuse irrelevant deputations (02:34:15–02:46:23; 02:49:22–02:50:15) [Item 9.2]. Public Safety and Night-time Economy (Hastings St, Safe Night Precinct, Police) Jessica Phillips : Cited 160 police occurrences in 6 months at Hastings St, incl. assaults and shop thefts, underpinning CCTV urgency (17:43–23:21) [Item 5.2]. Larry Sengstock : No current Safe Night Precinct; inquiries made but State in caretaker mode; SNP would offer QPS more powers (26:12–27:18) [Item 5.2]. Trent Grauf : Condition assessment of CCTV likely $10–20k; lack of dedicated ICT security officer necessitates outsourcing (30:50–32:09) [Item 5.2]. Council : Lighting upgrades at Noosa Woods being advanced within budget to improve safety (29:11–29:52) [Item 5.2]. Jessica Phillips : E-bikes/e-scooters advocacy linked to enforceability gaps; alignment with QPS education suggested (12:48–13:58) [Item 5.1]. Noosa Junction: Hospitality vs. Residential Amenity Kim Rawlings : Planning scheme amendments consulted propose equitable operating hours; acoustic limits for outdoor music remain; OLGR engagement active (01:20:04–01:23:51) [Item 5.3]. Council : Desktop options paper to scan models (e.g., Nambour), pros/cons, and budget/resource implications before any precinct-wide engagement (01:16:49–01:19:12) [Item 5.3]. Discussion : Consideration of “eyes wide open” buyer awareness reforms (NSW) and acoustic requirements for residential in centres (01:24:47–01:30:12) [Item 5.3]. Brian Stockwell : Warned against “urgent over strategic” pattern impacting other priorities (e.g., Pomona heritage, River Plan, DMP) (01:32:33–01:36:41) [Item 5.3]. Planning & Development Council : Serenity Close Resort extension/change approved with conditions; currency extended to 17 Oct 2030; reporting per Planning Act (General Committee 5.1). Education : Good Shepherd Lutheran College performing arts extension and master plan preliminary approval granted with conditions (P&E 5.2). Court : Picture Point reconfiguration appeal to be settled on proposed conditions, reducing litigation risk/cost (General Committee 7.1). Boating Facilities and River Access Shaun Walsh : Noosa Woods jetty works underway; Thomas St folded into foreshore master planning; foreshore planning for Tewantin/Lake St proposed in 25–26 (01:53:39–01:54:33) [Item 5.4]. Discussion : Officer clarified no Council-set priority between Donella St vs Hilton Esplanade; previous report did not prescribe priorities (01:54:11–01:54:46) [Item 5.4]. Amelia Lorentson : Highlighted mismatch between 5,146 vessels (95% trailable) and limited lanes/parking; called for funding pursuit (01:49:24–01:52:58) [Item 5.4]. Environmental & Waste Initiatives Council : EOI approved for composting facility at Eumundi–Noosa Rd landfill; EOI process justified to gauge market capacity, reduce tender costs, and optimise solution selection (S&O 7.1). Pomona Place Plan : Strengthened riparian rehabilitation actions along Cooroora Creek/Tuchekoi NP linkage; Council role “Deliver and Facilitate” (General Committee 6.2). Community Engagement & Governance Council : Revised Deputations allow up to three per meeting with up to 15 minutes each; recorded and uploaded with applicant off-camera; four per year per applicant retained (02:33:08–02:42:50) [Item 9.2]. Debate : Efficiency concerns raised about deputation time vs cost; Chair retains discretion to refuse irrelevant or inappropriate topics (02:46:30–02:50:15) [Item 9.2]. Public Q&A : Applicant or proxy must attend and follow Chair; Petition Procedure adopted; Councillor Investigation Policy updated (02:33:08–02:42:50) [Item 9.2]. Meeting Access : Next Ordinary Meeting moved to Peregian Beach with livestream; petition on Allambi Terrace calming referred to CEO (S&O 5.1; Item 4).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 17 October 2024 10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray (via Microsoft Teams) APOLOGIES Nil. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That in accordance with Section 254K of the Local Government Regulation, Cr Phillips is approved to attend the Meeting dated 16/10/2024 via Microsoft Teams. Carried unanimously. 2. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 19 September 2024 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. 3. MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. 4. PETITIONS 1 PETITION: Application to install street calming devices in Allambi Terrace between Toulambi Street & Winbirra Way, Noosa Heads. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 Refer to Attachment 1 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That the petition with 23 signatories submitted by Trevor Sumner, requesting that Council install street calming devices in Allambi Terrace between Toulambi Street and Winbirra Way, Noosa Heads, be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. Carried unanimously. 5. NOTIFIED MOTIONS 5.1. FORMALISING ADVOCACY TO STATE FOR A REVIEW OF QUEENSLAND POLICE POWERS AND LEGISLATION CONCERNING E-BIKES AND E- SCOOTERS Motion Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council: A. Formally support advocating to the Queensland State Government and Opposition for a comprehensive review of police powers and other relevant legislation concerning the use of e-bikes and e-scooters; B. Acknowledge the increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters within the shire and the growing concerns from residents regarding the safety risks these devices pose on our roads, especially when used irresponsibly; and C. Recognise that while Council actively encourages active transport and alternative modes of transportation to promote sustainability and reduce traffic congestion, ensuring the safety of all road users remains a top priority. Amendment Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel Add Item D to read: D. Request the CEO consider including E-Bike rider education as part of the Go Noosa Program and refer any funding requirements to budget deliberations. For: Crs Stockwell, Finzel, Wegener, Wilson, Wilkie and Phillips Against: Crs Lorentson Carried. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council: A. Formally support advocating to the Queensland State Government and Opposition for a comprehensive review of police powers and other relevant legislation concerning the use of e-bikes and e-scooters; B. Acknowledge the increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters within the shire and the growing concerns from residents regarding the safety risks these devices pose on our roads, especially when used irresponsibly; and C. Recognise that while Council actively encourages active transport and alternative modes of transportation to promote sustainability and reduce traffic congestion, ensuring the safety of all road users remains a top priority. D. Request the CEO consider including E-Bike rider education as part of the Go Noosa Program and refer any funding requirements to budget deliberations. Carried unanimously. 5.2. ADDRESSING AGING INFRASTRUCTURE IN HASTINGS STEET PRECINCT FOR ENHANCED SAFETY Motion Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council: A. Request the CEO provide a report to a future Council Meeting regarding the replacement or supplementation of aging CCTV camera infrastructure in the Hastings Street precinct including: 1. A review of the condition of existing infrastructure including identifying areas requiring upgrades or repairs to meet modern safety and operational standards. This review should also include a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) report to ensure that planning and design of the upgrades incorporate best-practice safety measures, such as improved lighting, signage, and public amenities that directly affect security. 2. A timeline and estimated budget for the identified works. B. Acknowledge the concerns raised by the community about public safety and security in Hastings Street precinct, particularly regarding aging infrastructure and limited visibility during peak periods; and C. Recognise that while this initiative aligns with the overall shire strategy, it specifically focuses on the immediate needs of the Hastings Street precinct and what can be done to support these concerns without delay. Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 The Motion be amended to read: Request the CEO provide a report to a future Council Meeting, subsequent to the result of a budgeted strategic review being available regarding the replacement or supplementation of aging CCTV camera infrastructure in the Hastings Street precinct. For: Crs Stockwell Against: Crs Lorentson, Phillips, Wegener, Wilkie, Wilson and Finzel. Lost. Amendment No.2 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Item D be added to read: D. The CEO be requested to seek agreement of the Hastings St Association for the review proposed in Item 1A to be funded from the Hastings Street Community Safety Program Charge. Lost unanimously. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council: A. Request the CEO provide a report to a future Council Meeting regarding the replacement or supplementation of aging CCTV camera infrastructure in the Hastings Street precinct including: 1. A review of the condition of existing infrastructure including identifying areas requiring upgrades or repairs to meet modern safety and operational standards. This review should also include a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) report to ensure that planning and design of the upgrades incorporate best-practice safety measures, such as improved lighting, signage, and public amenities that directly affect security. 2. A timeline and estimated budget for the identified works. B. Acknowledge the concerns raised by the community about public safety and security in Hastings Street precinct, particularly regarding aging infrastructure and limited visibility during peak periods; and C. Recognise that while this initiative aligns with the overall shire strategy, it specifically focuses on the immediate needs of the Hastings Street precinct and what can be done to support these concerns without delay. Carried unanimously. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 5.3. INVESTIGATION OF PRECINCT MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS FOR NOOSA JUNCTION Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council request the CEO to prepare a report to a future Council Meeting, outlining options for managing land use conflicts between entertainment venues and residents. This exploratory report should investigate best practices in precinct management to assess their relevance and suitability for Noosa Junction. For: Crs Wilkie, Lorentson, Phillips, Finzel and Wilson. Against: Crs Wegener and Stockwell Carried. 5.4. REQUEST FOR A STATUS REPORT ON THE 2022 NOOSA SHIRE RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES DEMAND FORECASTING STUDY AND RECOMMENDATIONS Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Request the CEO to prepare a report to a future Council meeting addressing the following: 1. An update on the progress of the 2022 Noosa Shire Recreational Boating Facilities Demand Forecasting Study, specifically focusing on high-priority recommendations made by the State Government, including a potential works program for: a. Thomas Street, Noosaville: Parking improvements and walkway repositioning; b. Tewantin, Lake Street: Parking enhancements and installation of a new floating walkway; c. Hilton Esplanade, Tewantin: Construction of a new two-lane facility; d. Noosa Woods: Replacement of the jetty with a pontoon. 2. An analysis of how other councils have addressed shortfalls in trailer parking; B. Explore opportunities for state and federal funding for prioritised projects. For: Crs Lorentson, Wilkie, Wilson, Phillips and Finzel Against: Crs Stockwell and Wegener Carried. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 5.5. CRISIS ACCOMMODATION Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council commit to ongoing advocacy to the State government to increase funding for: A. Crisis accommodation facilities; B. The delivery of structured programs that support learning and understanding around domestic violence behaviours; and C. A referral process to onsite supported transition accommodation specifically designed to address Family Domestic Violence and Abuse (FDVA). Carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 12.10 pm. The meeting resumed at 12.20 pm. 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 8. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS 8.1. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT - 8 OCTOBER 2024 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Amelia Lorentson (Chair) Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Karen Finzel (via Microsoft Teams_ EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy & Environment, Kim Rawlings (via Microsoft Teams) Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 5.1. 132008.176.04 - APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION TO CURRENCY PERIOD AND 132008.176.05 - APPLICATION FOR OTHER CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE OF PREMISES - RESORT DEVELOPMENT COMPRISING A MULTIPLE DWELLING (109 DWELLING UNITS) AND ACCOMMODATION BUILDING (90 ACCOMMODATION UNITS) AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES TO A RESORT COMPLEX AND SHOP AT 3 AND 7 SERENITY CLOSE, NOOSA HEADS That Planning & Environment Committee Agenda Item 5.1 be referred to the General Committee due to the significance of the issue. 5.2. MCU23/0096 APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT (EXTENSION TO EXISTING - PERFORMING ARTS BUILDING) AND PRELIMINARY APPROVAL FOR A MASTER PLAN AT 115 EUMUNDI NOOSA RD, NOOSAVILLE That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 8 October 2024 regarding Application No. MCU23/0096 for a Development Permit for a Material Change of Use -Educational establishment (extension to existing – Performance Arts Centre) and Preliminary Approval for an Educational Establishment in accordance with a Master Plan situated at 115 Eumundi Noosa Rd Noosaville Qld 4566: A. Approve the application in accordance with the proposed conditions in Attachment 1. B. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. 6.1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – AUGUST 2024 That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting 8 October 2024 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority during the month of August as per Attachment 1. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That the report of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting dated 8 October 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted. Carried unanimously. 8.2. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE REPORT - 8 OCTOBER 2024 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Karen Finzel (Chair) Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Nicola Wilson NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1. CHANGE OF VENUE & TIME FOR 21 NOVEMBER 2024 ORDINARY MEETING That Council A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 8 October 2024 regarding the Ordinary Meeting dated 21 November 2024; and B. Pursuant to Section 257(3)(b) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, resolve to 1. change the commencement time of the Ordinary Meeting on 21 November 2024 (from 10am) to 5pm; and 2. change the venue for the meeting to Peregian Beach Community House; C. Request the Chief Executive Officer to ensure that suitable advertising is undertaken to promote this community based Council Meeting; and D. Note that Council plan to livestream the meeting and place a copy of the recording on Council's website. 5.2. NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL SOLE AND SPECIALISED LISTS That Council A. Note the report by the Procurement & Contracts Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 8 October 2024; and B. Adopt the amended Sole Supplier list provided at Attachment 1 of the report for the next twelve (12) months; and C. Adopt the amended Specialised Supplier list provided at Attachment 2 of the report for the next twelve (12) months. 7.1. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - COMPOSTING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 That Council note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 8 October 2024 and A. Invite expressions of interest (EOI) for the design and construction of a composting facility at the Eumundi-Noosa Road landfill site pursuant to Section 228(3) of the Local Government Regulation 2012; B. Note that it is in the public interest to invite expressions of interest before inviting written tenders for the following reasons: 1. it allows Council to canvass the interest and capacity of suppliers in the market to deliver composting related services; 2. it reduces the time and expense associated with preparing a full tender response for suppliers as only those short listed will be invited to do so; 3. it ensures that Council is able to consider the most suitable composting solutions without having to specify a required solution in a rapidly changing technical market; and 4. it maximises Council’s resources in the tender process by reducing the number of tenders needing evaluation; C. Request the CEO prepare a short list from those providers that respond to the EOI and invite written tenders; D. Delegate authority under Section 257 of the Local Government Act 2009 to the Chief Executive Officer to determine and finalise any and all matters associated with the EOI and the tender process described in this report; and E. Request a report to a future Council Meeting detailing the evaluation outcomes of the tender process for Council’s further consideration. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the report of the Services & Organisation Committee meeting dated 8 October 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted. Carried unanimously. 8.3. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT - 14 OCTOBER 2024 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 Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Trent Grauf Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 APOLOGIES Nil. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL 5.1. 132008.176.04 - APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION TO CURRENCY PERIOD AND 132008.176.05 - APPLICATION FOR OTHER CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE OF PREMISES - RESORT DEVELOPMENT COMPRISING A MULTIPLE DWELLING (109 DWELLING UNITS) AND ACCOMMODATION BUILDING (90 ACCOMMODATION UNITS) AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES TO A RESORT COMPLEX AND SHOP AT 3 AND 7 SERENITY CLOSE, NOOSA HEADS (REFERRED FROM PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE DATED 8 OCTOBER 2024 - ITEM 5.1) That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 8 October 2024 regarding Application Nos. 132008.176.04 for an extension to the currency period and 132008.176.05 for an Other Change to a Development Permit for Material Change of Use Multiple Dwelling (109 Dwelling Units) and Accommodation Building (90 Accommodation Units) and Ancillary Facilities to change the approved use to a Resort complex and Shop situated at 3 and 7 Serenity Close Noosa Heads described as Lot 10 on SP195871 and 11 on SP335472 and: A. Approve the extension to currency period for a further 6 years expiring on 17 October 2030; B. Approve the Other Change application in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1; C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. 6.1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – SEP 2024 That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 14th October 2024 outlining September 2024 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. 6.2. POMONA PLACE PLAN - DRAFT PLAN FOR COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the General Committee meeting dated 14 October 2024 regarding Draft Pomona Place Plan; and A. Endorse the Draft Pomona Place Plan in Attachment 1 for its third and final round of community consultation with following amendments to the Draft Pomona Place Plan under Item 3 Environment conservation and sustainable living theme (page 28): 1. Under Action 3.1 "Waterway protection" amend to read: "Develop a program of volunteer events to support waterway health and restoration. This can include ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 extending rehabilitation planting along the Cooroora Creek riparian area along Rifle Street to improve the area and to enhance the linkage through to the Tuchekoi National Park"; and 2. Under Action 3.1 "Who is involved" amend Council's role to: "Deliver and Facilitate" B. Commence community consultation from the 18 October until the 17 November 2024. Carried unanimously. 6.3. UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON COUNCIL OF MAYORS WORKING GROUPS That Council A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 14 October 2024; and B. Make the following Councillor appointments (noting that these supersede any prior appointments): 1. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor, to the CoM Waste Working Group with Cr Lorentson as Proxy; 2. Appoint Cr Wilkie - Mayor, to the CoM Leveraging 2032 Legacy Working Group with Cr Stockwell as Proxy. 7.1 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - RAL22/0021 - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO D130 OF 2023 - APPLICATION TO RECONFIGURE A LOT (1 INTO 2 LOTS) AT 39-41 PICTURE POINT NOOSA HEADS That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 14 October 2024 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D130 of 2023 and agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the report of the General Committee meeting dated 14 October 2024 be received and the recommendations therein be adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried unanimously. 9. ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 9.1. FURTHER REPORT - INFORMATION FOR NOTING - REVISED STANDING ORDERS & OTHER RELATED POLICIES & PROCEDURES Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the Report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 16 September 2024 and this Further Report to the Ordinary Meeting dated 17 October 2024, noting the additional information ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 supplied regarding Council’s Revised Standing Orders & Other Related Polices & Procedures. Carried unanimously. 9.2. REVISED STANDING ORDERS & OTHER RELATED POLICIES & PROCEDURES - DEFERRED FROM THE ORDINARY MEETING DATED 19 SEPTEMBER 2024 Motion Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 16 September 2024 regarding the amendment of Noosa Council's Standing Orders and other relevant policies and procedures and A. Adopt the updated Standing Orders for Council Meetings Policy (provided at Attachment 1) and repeal current Standing Orders Policy (adopted 19 November 2020) with the following amendments to the updated Standing Orders, Section 18 –– Notified Motions amended to read: Section 15 – Deputations Reject proposed amendments and replace with original wording as follows: 17.1 A deputation wishing to attend and address an Ordinary meeting of Council shall apply in writing to the CEO not less than seven (7) business days before the meeting. 17.2 The CEO, on receiving an application for a deputation shall notify the Chairperson who shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the deputation of the determination in writing. Where it has been determined the deputation will be heard, a convenient time shall be arranged for that purpose, and an appropriate time period allowed. 17.3 Where it has been determined that a deputation be heard, the deputation and topic of the presentation must be included in the public agenda for the meeting. 17.4 For deputations comprising three or more persons, only three persons shall be at liberty to address Council unless the Councillors at the meeting determine otherwise by resolution. A deputation shall be given adequate opportunity to explain the purpose of the deputation, generally no longer than 15 minutes unless decided otherwise by the meeting. 17.5 The Chairperson may terminate an address by a person in a deputation at any time where: a) the Chairperson is satisfied that the purpose of the deputation has been sufficiently explained to the Councillors at the meeting; b) the time period allowed for a deputation has expired; c) the person uses insulting or offensive language or is derogatory towards Councillors or staff members; d) a member of the deputation other than the appointed speakers interjects or attempts to address the Council; ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 e) the person uses words or actions that discriminate or vilify based on a person’s race, religion, sexuality or gender identity. Section 18 – Notified Motions Reject proposed amendments and replace with original wording as follows: 18.1 A Councillor may bring forward to a meeting a motion on any matter within the jurisdiction or official cognisance of the Council by giving notice in writing, in the approved form, to the Chief Executive Officer at least seven days before the meeting. 18.2 The Chairperson shall rule out of order a motion which does not comply with section 18.1 of these Standing Orders. 18.3 Notified motions shall be dated and recorded by the Chief Executive Officer as received. 18.4 Where a Councillor who has given notice of a motion is absent or declines to move the motion, the motion may be – a) moved by another Councillor; or b) deferred to the next meeting. 18.5 Where the notified motion is not moved or deferred, it shall not again be reintroduced without a subsequent notice of motion duly given as provided in section 18.1. 18.6 At the meeting, a notified motion requires a seconder in order that it be dealt with. Section 41 – Deputations (Procedure for Standing Committee Meetings) Reject proposed amendments and replace with original wording as follows: 41.1 A deputation wishing to attend and address a Committee meeting shall apply in writing to the CEO not less than seven (7) business days before the meeting. 41.2 The CEO, on receiving an application for a deputation shall notify the Chairperson who shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the deputation of the determination in writing. Where it has been determined the deputation will be heard, a convenient time shall be arranged for that purpose, and an appropriate time period allowed. 41.3 Where it has been determined that a deputation be heard, the deputation and topic of the presentation must be included in the public agenda for the meeting. 41.4 For deputations comprising three or more persons, only three persons shall be at liberty to address the Committee unless the Councillors at the meeting determine otherwise by resolution. A deputation shall be given adequate opportunity to explain the purpose of the deputation, generally no longer than 15 minutes unless decided otherwise by the meeting. 41.5 The Chairperson may terminate an address by a person in a deputation at any time where: a) the Chairperson is satisfied that the purpose of the deputation has been sufficiently explained to the Councillors at the meeting b) the time period allowed for a deputation has expired, or c) the person uses insulting or offensive language or is derogatory towards Councillors or staff members. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 d) a member of the deputation other than the appointed speakers interjects or attempts to address the Council. e) the person uses words or actions that discriminate or vilify based on a person’s race, religion, sexuality or gender identity. "18.8 Councillors are encouraged to lodge Notices of Motion which: a) relate to the objectives, roles and function of Council as outlined in the annual Operational and Corporate Plan; b) are clear in intention; c) are not identical or substantially similar to a Notified Motion that has been considered by the Council and lost in the preceding six months; d) are not outside the powers of Council; e) do not relate to an operational service request or a matter that can be handled under delegation; f) are not matters subject to a Council decision-making process which has commenced but is not yet complete."; B. Adopt the new Petition Procedure (provided at Attachment 2); C. Adopt Reject the new Deputation Procedure (provided at Attachment 3) and retain the deputation procedures in the Standing Orders for Council Meetings Policy, as provided for in item A. subject to the amendment of items 1, 3, and 6, and the deletion of item 5 as follows: 1. 15 minutes in total will be allocated at each Meeting for members of the community to present deputations. A maximum of 5 minutes will be allocated per deputation with an extension of time allowed upon request to the meeting chair and by consent of the councillors with a maximum of 3 deputations per meeting allowed. 3. The applicant must provide Council with the deputation topic and sufficient background material, whereby the CEO, on receiving an application for the deputation, shall notify the Chairperson who, in conjunction with the CEO, shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the applicant of the determination in writing. 5. Four deputations per calendar year by the same applicant /group will be allowed. 5 6. Deputations on specific development applications or other statutory applications before Council are not permitted. D. Reject the new Public Question Time Procedure (provided at Attachment 4) and retain current Public Question Time Guideline (adopted on 17 October 2019); and E. Adopt the Councillor Investigation Policy (Attachment 7) and repeal current Councillor Investigation Policy (adopted on 19 November 2020). Amendment No. 1 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Item 17.2 and Item 41.2 be amended to read: 17.2 The CEO, on receiving an application for a deputation shall notify the Chairperson who shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the deputation of the determination in writing. Where it has been ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 determined the deputation will be heard, a convenient time shall be arranged for that purpose, and an appropriate time period allowed (up to 15 minutes). 41.2 The CEO, on receiving an application for a deputation shall notify the Chairperson who shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the deputation of the determination in writing. Where it has been determined the deputation will be heard, a convenient time shall be arranged for that purpose, and an appropriate time period allowed (up to 15 minutes). Carried unanimously. Amendment No 2 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Item 17.3 be amended to read: 17.3 Where it has been determined that a deputation be heard, a draft script must be provided and the deputation and topic of the presentation must be included in the public agenda for the meeting. Lost unanimously. Amendment No 3 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Item 17.3 be amended to read: 17.3 Where it has been determined that a deputation be heard, an outline of the issue and background material be provided and the deputation and topic of the presentation must be included in the public agenda for the meeting. Lost. Pursuant to Section 30.4 of Council's Standing Orders, Cr Lorentson withdrew the above Motion with the support of Cr Phillips as the Seconder and Council. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 16 September 2024 regarding the amendment of Noosa Council's Standing Orders and other relevant policies and procedures and A. Adopt the updated Standing Orders for Council Meetings Policy (Attachment 1) and repeal current Standing Orders Policy (adopted 19 November 2020) with the deletion of Section "18.8”. B. Adopt the revised Petition Procedure (Attachment 2); C. Adopt the revised Deputation Procedure (Attachment 3) subject to the amendment of items 1, 3, 6 and 10, and the deletion of item 5 as follows: ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 1. Up to 15 minutes will be allocated per deputation at each Meeting for members of the community to present deputations. A maximum of 3 deputations per meeting are allowed. 3. The applicant must provide Council with the deputation topic and background material, whereby the CEO, on receiving an application for the deputation, shall notify the Chairperson who, in conjunction with the CEO, shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the applicant of the determination in writing. 5. Four deputations per calendar year by the same applicant/group will be allowed. 6. Deputations should primarily, but not exclusively, pertain to matters relevant to local government or the community. 10. Deputations will be recorded and form part of the recording that is uploaded and available to the Community on Council’s website however noting that the applicant presenting will remain off camera. D. Repeal current Public Question Time Guideline (adopted on 17 October 2019) and adopt the revised Public Question Time Procedure, provided at Attachment 4, subject to the wording in item 9 to be amended to read: “The applicant (or their proxy) must be present at the meeting for their question to be heard and shall follow the direction of the Chairperson;” E. Adopt the revised Councillor Investigation Policy (Attachment 5) and repeal current Councillor Investigation Policy (adopted on 19 November 2020) The following are the final attachments endorsed by this resolution: 2024-10-17 Attachment 2 to the OM Minutes Draft Standing Orders for Council Meetings Policy_Tracked changes (2) FINAL 2024-10-17 Attachment 3 to OM the Minutes Draft Council Procedure Petitions FINAL 2024-10-17 Attachment 4 to the OM Minutes Draft Council Procedure Deputations_Tracked changes FINAL 2024-10-17 Attachment 5 to the OM Minutes Draft Council Procedure Public Question Time FINAL 2024-10-17 Attachment 6 to the OM Minutes Draft Councillor Investigation Policy (1) (1) FINAL Carried unanimously. 10. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 11. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 11.1. CRAIG VELLA QUESTION 1. Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan (NFIMP) Project news Phase 1 March 2024 stated that 70% of 542 community favoured 'preserving or enhancing the relaxed atmosphere and amenity' of the Noosaville foreshore. The draft shared vision stated, “Our vision is for the Noosaville Foreshore to be retained as a peaceful, relaxed, and naturally beautiful public space that is easily accessible for all” & "while keeping built form structures to a minimum". Has the Noosa Council worked out how the NFIMP 80% Draft Plan ended up so far off course given all this information gathered from the community in phase 1? Response provided by Acting Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Thank you for the question and interest in the Noosaville Foreshore. The community had differing reactions to the draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan. Most certainly did not appreciate the loss of carparking, overly modern design approach, concerns for the erosion management techniques as well as concerns for proposed changes to the tennis court and other spaces. Others in the community appreciated the widening of footpaths to make them safer, the new proposed toilet block, refreshed playground equipment and the natural approach to Chaplin Park. It is noted that whilst the design approach of the draft was modern, it did embrace a significant increase in open space through repurposing of carparks, improved accessibility with improved cycling and walking paths, and any new structures were limited to parks shelters and playground. Ultimately it is noted the proposal to increase open space through repurposing of carparks has not met community satisfaction and this in being addressed in the revised Master Plan. Master Planning can be a difficult process to ensure appreciation of the issues and community consensus on the design direction moving forward. Council deeply respects the strong community sentiments surrounding the proposed draft Master Plan. Council have listened and acknowledge that an updated draft is needed that responds to community views, and are using the feedback to draft a revised Master Plan, in particular a strong desire to maintain the relaxed Noosaville vibe we all know and love. QUESTION 2. Did the Noosa Council use the same consultants to produce the redrafted Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan, and did the consultants, provide a discount, given the original had to be redrafted? Response provided by Acting Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Noosa Council used the same consultants, Tract Consultants, to continue the ongoing work. Tract Consultants were originally selected for the project following a competitive pricing process. Their price for the ongoing work was determined following a period of commercial negotiation, and is considered to be a competitive market price. 11.2. ANDREW MCCARTHY QUESTION 1. How much did the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan and Concept ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 Designs for Resilience 80% Draft Plan released in June 2024 cost to produce? Response provided by Acting Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Thank you for the question and interest in the Noosaville Foreshore. The cost of the first draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan, as released in June 2024 was $336,305 total budget. These costs include all consultants costs, staff costs and all on costs such as community engagement associated with the project. As this is an infrastructure project for future assets. It is important to note that the project was also subsidised by a $100,000 grant provided by Queensland Government QCoast2100 grant to provide coastal resilience concepts integrated into the foreshore masterplan. In consideration of these costs, it is important to note that the Noosaville Foreshore covers over 2 kilometres, is the largest and most popular coastal urban park in Noosa, and has many users and complexities associated with a design process. The infrastructure master plan, as well as providing community certainty, also provides a platform for future investment through grants and other income sources. Council has projected $10millions of dollars in necessary asset renewal costs on the Noosaville Foreshore including revetments walls, pathways, stormwater pipers, carparks, playgrounds, river pontoons and jetties and park furniture. Rather than rely on rates revenue from residents it can seek grants to subsidy and supplement necessary infrastructure costs. Funding partners are seek clarity articulated through an endorsed framework or master plan to ensure astute investment. Recent examples of Council Master Plans providing an astute investment platform include: Noosa Biosphere Trails Implementation Plan - $30k has resulted in $3.2 million grant funding which 108 times the original investment. Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy - $250k has resulted in $11.3 million grant funding which 45 times the original investment. Cooroy Sporting Complex Master Plan - $50k has resulted in $6.3 million grant funding which 126 times the original investment. Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan - $50k has resulted in $4 million which 80 times the original investment. These grant funding examples provide compelling examples of the value of Master Plan in the maintenance and improvement of valued community assets through grant funding, rather than relying solely on residents rates and why it is very important for Council to continue to prepare master plans for critical assets. (Examples more fully described below but won't be part of the response) Master Plan Cost to Grants funds obtained Return on Project Council to Investment prepare from Grant Plan Revenue Noosa $30k $1.61 million Local $30k has Biosphere Economic Recovery resulted in Trails Program Queensland $3.2 million Implementation Reconstruction Agency, which 108 Plan Queensland Government times the original investment. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 $1.64 million Growing Regions Program, Australian Government Noosa Cycling $250k $9.3m Noosa Parade (stg $250k has and Walking 1) Construction resulted in Strategy $100k High Priority $11.3 million Corridor Route Study which 45 times the $152k Noosa Drive original Design investment. $150k Noosa Parade Stage 2 Design $693k SEQCSP $880k SEQ Liveability Fund $30k Walking network plans - Noosaville & Cooroy Cooroy $50k High $2.7m Gymnastics $50k has Sporting level Upgrade & Multi-purpose resulted in Complex masterplan area $6.3 million Master Plan $600k SEQCSP Lighting which 126 Upgrades times the $3m+ Funding received by original the sporting complex from investment. external providers Noosa District $50k High $1m Facility upgrade, pickle $50k has Sports Complex level ball courts, amenities resulted in $4 Master Plan masterplan $3m+ Funding received by million which the sporting complex from 80 times the external providers original investment. QUESTION 2. The community rejected the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan released in June 2024, and it had to be redrafted. How much will the redraft of the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan cost? Response provided by Acting Director Infrastructure Services, Shaun Walsh Firstly, the community had differing reactions to the draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan. Many certainly did not appreciate the loss of carparking, overly modern design approach, concerns for the erosion management techniques as well as concerns for proposed changes to the tennis court and other spaces. Others in the community appreciated the widening of footpaths to make them safer, the new proposed toilet block, refreshed playground equipment and natural approach to Chaplin Park. The redrafting of the Master Plan is budgeted for an additional $209,401 including consultants, staff time and on costs. As noted above the Noosaville Foreshore is a large complex space, and the infrastructure master plan provides a valuable platform for grant infrastructure. Master Planning can be a difficult process to ensure appreciation of the issues and community consensus on the design direction moving forward. Council deeply ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 17 OCTOBER 2024 respects the strong community sentiments surrounding the proposed draft Master Plan. Council have listened and acknowledge that an updated draft is needed and are using feedback to draft a revised Master Plan, in particular a strong desire to maintain the relaxed Noosaville vibe we all know and love. The Master Plan therefore intends to ensure that this highly loved community asset remains a vibrant and sustainable community hub and parkland for generations to come. 12. NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Peregian Beach Community House located at 5-7 Rufous Street Peregian Beach on Thursday 21 November at 5.00pm. 13. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 1:07 PM
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
Everybody to the ordinary meeting of Thursday the 17th of October 2024. I'd like to begin by acknowledging that we're the traditional custodians of the land in which we're meeting, which is the Kabi Kabi people, pay respects to elders past, present and emerging, and also repeat their invitation to join them as joint custodians, respecting and caring for this beautiful place we all love, and respecting and caring for I note that all councillors are in attendance in person, except for Councillor, who is online, she's not well, but has insisted on still attending, and has attending and has requested to attend via Microsoft Teams. So would someone like to move that Councillor Phillips attend via Microsoft Teams? Thank you Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Just testing the technology Jess, can you hear us?
Jessica Phillips 00:59.846
I can, thank Good morning.
Frank Wilkie 01:01.769
Thank you everybody. Thank you Councillor Phillips.
Brian Stockwell 01:04.449
Just before we do, do we need to get the display on the screens?
Frank Wilkie 01:10.309
On what screen? The motions. This is just the... Okay, next is... Can I have a mover and a seconder for the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on the 19th? That's again, that's Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. There are no Mayoral minutes. Next are petitions. petitions. I have one petition from Trevor Southerner regarding traffic calming at Allambi Terrace. I have one petition from Trevor... We, the undersigned, hereby make application for street calming devices, speed bumps in Allambi Terrace between Toulambi Street and Winbirra Way in Noosa Heads. Heads. To support this application... To support this application we submit the following: details about increased flow of traffic and speed and observations about rat running and the view that Allambi Terrace is used by a school bus route and bus stop and the increase in small children and families living in the area. I ask that this petition be received by the CEO for appropriate handling by the organisation. I have a second for that. Thank you Councillor Stockwell. All in favour? That's carried. Jess? Yes. Unanimously? Yes. There are five notified motions today. The first one formalising advocacy to the State for a review of Queensland police powers and legislation concerning e-bikes and e-scooters. This is from Councillor. Would you like to move your motion? Yes, thank you. Good morning. I'll second that, Councillor.
Jessica Phillips 02:59.611
Thank you Mr Mayor, just reading the recommendation for formalising advocacy to state for a review of the Queensland Police powers and legislation concerning e-bikes and e-scooters that that Council Council for a a formally formally supported... support advocating to the State government and opposition for a comprehensive review of police powers and other relevant legislation concerning the Concerning the use of e-bikes and e-scooters. Acknowledge the increased use of e-bikes and e-scooters within the Shire and the growing concerns from residents regarding the safety risks these devices pose on... safety risks these devices pose on our roads, especially when used irresponsibly. And C, recognise that while Council actively encourages active transport and alternative modes of transportation to promote sustainability and reduce traffic congestion, ensuring the safety of all road users remains a top priority. I'm going to speak quite briefly on this because I think if you were to jump on any Facebook site or community notice board or anything weekly, we're seeing communities saying they're seeing these e-suites and e-bikes misused. And to me, in my experience, it's only a matter of time before we see it. So I'm bringing this motion forward to address the growing usage of e-bikes and e-scooters in our Shire. They are becoming increasingly popular, offering great alternatives to cars for short journeys. And as a council, we've been actively promoting active and sustainable transport options, and we should be really proud of that. But however, this increase in usage has also brought a significant... safety concern to the forefront of our residents. We're seeing dangerous behaviour on our roads, reckless riding, lack of helmets, and frequent near misses with pedestrians and vehicles. Residents are increasingly reporting these dangers and it's clear that the current situation is putting both riders and the broader community at risk. It's only a matter of time before we witness a fatality on our roads. the legislation and I've spent some speaking with our local police around the legislation that they currently have and the e-bike and e-scooter legislation was written as a reactive measure in response to the rapid rise in the popularity but it isn't sufficient to popularity but it isn't sufficient to address the real dangers that we're seeing every day the laws in place are not adequate to give police the powers required to enforce meaningful consequences for dangerous usage and this is not about minor incidents we're talking about potentially life-threatening situations and this is why I'm asking you to Council to formalize formally advocate to the Formalize, formally advocate to the State government for a comprehensive review of this legislation because we need laws that are fit for purpose, providing the clarity and authority that police need to enforce rules that will protect everyone, riders, pedestrians and motorists. This review should address the key issues like speed limits, helmet use, safe riding practices for all age groups, but most importantly we age groups, but most importantly, we need legislation that's straightforward and easy for police to enforce, ensuring that dangerous behaviour we're witnessing on our roads is met with appropriate action. I'm just going to urge all my fellow councillors today to support this motion because we must make our roads safer for everyone while continuing to promote active and sustainable transport options. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you. Councillor.
Frank Wilkie 06:40.751
Any other councillors wish to speak to the motion?
Amelia Lorentson 06:45.051
I'd like to speak to it. Happy to support the motion. It's an excellent motion, Councillor. It's just a shame we're off to LGAQ next week and the probably, in my five years, the most effective way to advocate your state for real action. is to use LGAQ as your vehicle. You've got 77 councils that vote for motions exactly like this, Councillor, and to have that advocacy for, you know, for one voice representing 77 councils, it just allows motion. it just allows motions like this to become policy for LGAQ and it just ends up being just the most effective platform. So yeah, it's just a shame this isn't going, coming with us at the LGAQ conference next week, but totally. supportive and really respect what's in front of us today. Thank you. Councillor Stockwell.
Brian Stockwell 07:48.924
I'm going to try an amendment and that's to add a tick and that's it. Is that being talked about? Consider including e-bike rider information. As part of the Go Noosa program. Funding requirements:
Frank Wilkie 09:14.540
We have a seconder for that please.
Karen Finzel 09:17.520
Happy to second the debate.
Frank Wilkie 09:19.560
Thank You Councillor Finzel.
Brian Stockwell 09:21.840
There's two sides of every coin one is to ensure you have effective compliance of road rules the other is to ensure that the road users are aware of those those rules and to understand And to understand how to get to point A to B safely obviously teenage years are ones where risk-taking is part of the formula however if we can do this with this as an add-on to our school-based program or as a separate thing? And if the young people see advantage in it, for example, could we provide subsidised rider education that is a precursor to getting your motorbike licence? So we already have private providers who do. We already have private providers who do rider education initially around the Geroene complex, which is popular with e-bike riders. We've got off-road facilities. Can we get them so they know how to do these things in terms of on-road safety, but also how to use their bikes and how to manage them? I know when I started riding a 100cc Yamaha, I went to a course that spent six weeks going went to a course that spent six weeks going underneath a shopping complex, riding over wheels and up ramps and down ramps, getting the balance right before going out on the road and into the bush. So it could be something that we could do that actually kids want to do, that it is something that they enjoy doing and at the same time giving the necessary skills and awareness of how to ride safely.
Frank Wilkie 10:44.768
Thank you Councillor Stockwell. Any other people wish to speak to the amendment?
Karen Finzel 10:49.748
Just quickly I thank Councillor for bringing this amendment. The motion before us today I think safety is a priority and I think it goes hand in hand with education to make sure that we're doing the best we can to support health and well-being in our community. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 11:07.907
Any other councillors wish to speak to the amendment?
Tom Wegener 11:09.466
Is there a question, is, we have the amendment. We have the amendment by Councillor and then we have this by Brian Stockwell but the two, one is asking the State to do something and then this is tacking on another responsibility onto our Go Noosa. just see a disparity between the two. It doesn't, this should be in a completely different application. It's just too different, it's too wide of a gap between the two. two, I don't see, this is a great idea, but shouldn't it become, it shouldn't be included in this amendment, application. I don't see, this is a great idea.
Frank Wilkie 11:51.344
Yeah, I'll just, if I can just clarify where we are, the motion. The motion was, the motion was moved by Councillor and the amendment was moved by Councillor Stockwell as an add-on, as you correctly say.
Brian Stockwell 12:05.815
I think what Councillor, I think what Councillor Wegener was asking. Councillor Wegener was asking or inferring was that he didn't see this as an amendment to the motion, but I don't think it's a direct contradiction, it's just an additional matter that could be considered to achieve the same outcome as the original motion. asking
Frank Wilkie 12:22.046
That's, that's, that's quite correct. correct, Councillor Wegener. It's not a negation of the original motion. It's ancillary to, complementary to, so that's why it's been allowed.
Tom Wegener 12:36.174
I'll speak to the motion. It's quite ancillary. All right.
Frank Wilkie 12:43.641
Any other people wish to speak to the amendment?
Jessica Phillips 12:48.161
Can I just speak to the amendment, please, Mr. Mayor? Very supportive of education. Thank you, Mrs. Stockwell, for bringing that. Just a note that QPS do an education program, and can I just suggest, I don't know whether it needs to maybe be in this amendment. don't know whether it needs to maybe be in this amendment, but that our Go Noosa program aligns with the education that is being provided by the District Crime Prevention Unit in the QPS, because I do know they're in schools providing this, so I just don't want to see us putting Council under a budget where we may already have that as an external...
Frank Wilkie 13:27.392
Good. Good point Councillor, we've got Acting Director of Infrastructure Shaun Walsh here to comment.
Shaun Walsh 13:33.458
Yes, through the Chair, thank you Councillor Phillips. We are participating in a joint education program with Queensland Police on the Go Noosa program and Save Noosa Scooter. We are managing to manage that through our existing, you know, budget provisions and staffing resources. As Councillor are aware, the Go Noosa program is in deficit, so any further, you know, expectations upon some simple education programs would have a budgeting cost. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 13:58.949
Councillor Stockwell, do you wish to close?
Brian Stockwell 14:01.429
Oh, it's good information in regard to existing programs. As I said, my thinking is perhaps how do we augment that, and it is likely to have budget implications. So it wouldn't be something that would start until we saw it within the whole scope of new initiatives in the next year's budget.
Frank Wilkie 14:16.584
Okay. Put the amendment. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell, Wegener, Phillips. Phillips, Wilson, Finzel, Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Lorentson is against. That's the amendment carried. Go back to the original motion to which... which only Councillor, Lorentson and Lorentson have spoken. Yeah. Any other people wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Wilson?
Karen Finzel 14:50.782
Yep. Just want to commend Councillor as well on this motion. I think it's very well thought through. And also just for the record, I just wanted to check for the LGAQ conference next week that Sunshine Coast Regional Council has put an item on the agenda this matter. So I look forward to reporting back after that next week.
Frank Wilkie 15:09.021
Yes, yes. Okay. Councillor, do you wish to close?
Jessica Phillips 15:16.821
No, just a very briefly. Thank you for the support and I have seen what is seen with LGAQ and I'm looking forward to seeing what is done in that space and really grateful that the council are going to stand behind and also advocate for our safer roads in this. So thank you.
Frank Wilkie 15:35.441
Thank you. I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. We now move to item 5.2, which is another notified motion from Councillor addressing ageing infrastructure in Hastings Street Precinct for enhanced safety. Councillor, would you like to move? like to move your motion please? You may perhaps read it out.
Jessica Phillips 15:57.831
Yes thank you. So 5.2 addressing ageing infrastructure in Hastings Street Precinct to bring hand safety. All the screens just gone. Vicki would you There we go, thank you. That Council A request the CEO provide a report to a future Council meeting regarding the replacement or supplementation of ageing CCTV camera infrastructure in the Hastings Street precinct including, one, a review of the condition of existing infrastructure including identifying areas requiring upgrades or repairs to meet modern safety and operational standards. This review should also include a crime prevention Environmental design, CPTED report to ensure that planning and design of the upgrades incorporate best practice safety measures such as improved lighting, signage and public amenities that directly affect security to a timeline. ntal design, CPTED report to ensure that planning and design of the upgrades incorporate best practice safety measures such as improved lighting, signage and public amenities that directly affect security to a timeline. recognise and see, recognise that while this initiative aligns with the overall Shire strategy, it specifically focuses on the immediate needs of the Hastings Street precinct and what can be done to support these concerns without delay.
Frank Wilkie 17:38.593
I'll second it. Councillor, you have the floor.
Jessica Phillips 17:43.773
Thank you very much. First of all I want to start with the police statistics to back up the reason why I've brought this motion to council today and I may go today, and I may go over my five minutes, but I'll try my best. Between the 2nd of April 2024 and the 2nd of October 2024, we've had 160 police occurrences for Hastings Street. This does include street checks where police have stopped and spoken to people. However, it includes 13 stealing offences from shops, 9 assault occasioning bodily harm, which is an assault above a common assault, 1 serious assault, 1 common assault, 6 willful damage, 3 enter with intents, 1 unlawful use of vehicle, 4 drug possession, 3 public nuisance offences, 2 dangerous operation of a motor vehicle offences, 2 drunk driving, 11 traffic complaints, 4 police obstruct, and 20 non-reportable cut-cat offences, which is an offence that's been reported, say, from a hotel around, um, behaviour, inappropriate behaviour, so it's sort of blankets in that. 2 public urination Now, when I'm speaking on this motion, it's incredibly... when I'm speaking on this motion, it's incredibly important to our Shire residents, and obviously I'm extremely passionate, given my experience in policing, prior to being honoured to be here with you. I'd like to speak on the... the urgent need to address this ageing infrastructure in Hastings Street precinct. It's been an issue that's been... has been a growing concern for our community, and we cannot afford to delay action any longer. The motion that I have... is a report for the status of the CCTV network in Hastings Street precinct, and possibly explore the temporary solutions to address the gaps and coverage with a long-term upgrade... Hastings Street Precinct is one of the hearts of our Noosa Shire, one of the most visited and vibrant precincts, but along with its popularity, we've also seen trouble rising in serious assaults, including a horrific fatality fatal assault that shook our community. Residents and tourists continue to report ongoing antisocial behaviour, and the situation is deteriorating. We've had a significant number of complaints from both residents and visitors and feedback, which I have many, many emails sent through from locals, residents, hospitality workers, retail workers that feel unsafe in that precinct. While Noosa has a significant budget dedicated to tourism we cannot overlook that the critical importance of community safety and ageing infrastructure and malfunction of CCTV cameras is hindering police ability to investigate and solve crimes but also it is failing to deter antisocial behaviour in the first place. This is not just about the potential reputational damage to Noosa as a tourist destination, but it's a serious concern about the safety and well-being of our community. Given the popularity and location of Hastings Street Precinct, it is essential is essential that we prioritise the upgrade of the CCTV in this precinct, and while I acknowledge we have an overall strategy, I have several letters from business owners, staff, local ratepayers asking for a safer workplace. from Ben and Jerry's that has been sent to me. I just want to read one example. We recently had a call from our staff on Wednesday, September 25, because they were concerned for their safety and could not exit the shop to perform cleaning duties for our customer area. We asked them to call police, and while they were on their way, help regain a safe work environment. regain a safe work environment. Unfortunately, due to police resources being stretched to limit, there was no answer and no response. We arrived to a chaotic scene of an account of intoxicated teenagers, cans, bottles being thrown... and for the next two hours took on the role of security and cleaner to keep our immediate area clear of violence and rubbish, also ensuring the safety of our staff. So my motion asks council to prioritise the review and upgrade of our CCTV network, ensuring that these areas are being currently monitored under high traffic vulnerable zones, where we know that there's areas where it's not being covered. Enhancing our CCTV... Enhancing our CCTV coverage will not only improve police investigations, but it is proven to deter antisocial behaviour. I'd like to see a review of the Hastings Street ageing infrastructure, lighting, signage and amenities all to play this critical, play a part in this critical maintaining safety in this environment. Let's be clear, it's not just about the cameras, it's about people's safety. And by approving this motion, we're going to send a strong, strong message that Hastings Street Precinct will remain a safe, accessible and thriving for everyone that is considering going there. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 23:21.452
Right on five minutes, Councillor. Congratulations.
Jessica Phillips 23:25.032
I summarised that last paragraph. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 23:28.572
Yeah, I have a question for Director Trent Grauf, please. Corporate Services Director Trent, welcome.
Brian Stockwell 23:38.347
In the budget deliberations, we considered the merits of proceeding with Hastings Street versus doing a whole Shire-wide CCTV strategy first. Can you give me the logic of only budgeting the Shire-wide strategy? Where's that at? And what would be the potential resource implications if this motion was approved?
Trent Grauf 23:59.761
It's through the Chair. As you're aware, and as mentioned, we have an initiative in the budget to do a Shire-wide CCTV strategy. Part of that, part of that piece of work was obviously considering those areas that already have CCTV in place as part of the Shire-wide, which is both Hastings and one of the Inverland townships. Now in terms of the review here, the extent of detail outlined in this motion is in far more detail than what we had envisioned for the Shire-wide strategy. That was about ownership, maintenance, access, funding model and giving, and requirements to give us a baseline to Baseline to look at how we can look at funding mechanisms like state government or federal government grants, to look at entire precinct replacement of ageing infrastructure, particularly tech like CCTV where it has quite a limited lifespan. Compared to say a building or a bridge. So in order for us to progress this without dedicated security officer, we don't have a dedicated tech security officer in ICT, we would need to utilise or redirect the style-wide strategy funding to this project to get the review done and then fast track that scoping exercise. fast-track that scoping exercise for the other councillors.
Karen Finzel 25:24.657
Thank you, Mr Chair, through the Chair, perhaps to the CEO. When we look at like a safe night precinct, my question is, do we have safe night precincts within the Shire? Because I note that they do have frameworks by which funding can be called upon. Frameworks by which funding can be called upon every three years to determine whether the safe night precincts achieve their purpose of creating safer nighttime environment in the Queensland entertainment areas. I know today we're looking at, like, a focus on the budget, but I'm interested in a wider framework of where Noosa Shire Council sits in that. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 26:05.675
So the question is, is there a safe night precinct in the Shire? In Hastings.
Larry Sengstock 26:12.390
Thank you. Through the Chair, thank you for the question. No, we don't have a safe night precinct. We didn't believe that it was a number of years ago when safe night precincts were being rolled out. We didn't partake in that, but we have inquired and we have taken some steps to look at the possibility of creating a safe night possibility of creating a safe night precinct for Hastings Street, but that's sitting in with the government at the moment, state government, and they're in caretakers, so there's a range of things, but we are inquiring, we are looking at that, and the advantages and disadvantages, because it's not all advantages, there are some things, but it does give the QPS to police more powers under a safe night, so we are... are looking at that as part of this as well, so this report is, or the motion is really sort of talking about CCTV cameras at the moment in Hastings Street, but as Councillor Phillips said, it's not just that as well, it's broader than that, and so we are looking at that, so CCTV cameras are not the only...
Tom Wegener 27:18.580
Council weeks got a lot of letters from Hastings Street businesses and the Hastings Street Association is that supporting this I believe is there funding partnerships available with the Hastings Street Association and the businesses?
Larry Sengstock 27:39.618
So, thank you, Councillor, and through the Chair, there is funding There is funding at various times available, so what this is doing, we have CCTV cameras down there, but as Councillor said, they're ageing, and they're not necessarily as good as we would like them to be. So this is all looking at what we can go forward, so what we're asking, or what I guess this motion is asking us to do a review of where we're at, what we possibly should And then that gives us the ability to then go and chase funding. Because it's not a cheap exercise by any stretch. It's not something that we have sitting in our budgets able to be utilised. So it's something that we just need to understand where we're at, prioritise it and go forward.
Brian Stockwell 28:23.600
Considering the response from the director that we'd have to sacrifice an existing budgeted project if this was to proceed, is there scope within the existing Hastings Street levy to request the businesses use use that agreed to that levy being used to outsource this review? That's something we'd have to take on notice I think as a question back to them because it's not it's not something as simple as saying yes we can direct it because we have to have those use
Amelia Lorentson 28:56.800
In terms of lighting down at Noosa Woods, this is a matter that we've been discussing for quite some time. Can you give me an update where we're up to with lighting and just making bits? the area down these woods safer?
Larry Sengstock 29:11.203
Yes, certainly. So that's another piece of the puzzle. So again, it's not just CCTV cameras, it's lighting, it's surveillance, it's more access to police resourcing, but definitely down in the... the immediate part of the woods. The woods is a very large area and it's a very heavily loaded area, so it's not something simple again, but we certainly are looking at the lighting that's currently there and upgrading that upgrading that lighting to provide in the immediate term as much better lighting as we possibly can within the budgets that we've got available to us as well, but it's certainly a priority for us going forward as part of this overall.
Amelia Lorentson 29:52.230
In terms of Safe Night Precincts, so we've had some commitments from the candidates, our state candidates, that they will pursue Safe Night Precincts, particularly in Hastings Streets. My understanding is Mayor Wilkie, you have written in fact to the Minister and have started the process for Safe Night Precincts, is that correct?
Frank Wilkie 30:15.217
I have to take that on note, I don't believe so. We did it prior to this. That was the last term? Yes. Okay, thank you. Question again, Trent, just Just clarifying, this motion requests a report about what would be involved in addressing the ageing infrastructure, and that would involve budget implications as well. committing to a report, so we have a full understanding of the budget implications and what's involved in upgrading the ageing infrastructure down Noosa Street. It's not committing to spending that money, it's just... Correct?
Trent Grauf 30:50.951
Same thing about the budget councillors. The first part there, that item 1A, the review is probably the... whilst it may not be a significant cost, as I mentioned, we don't have a dedicated technology security officer in Gallatin. to the operations office. So I was security to We don't have a technology person dedicated for this person, so we would need to outsource someone. We would get our technology providers to do a condition assessment across all the units, line of sight assessment, quality of vision assessment, so that we could come back with an informed position on the condition. Both in terms of data capture and ageing and connectivity of each one of those units, CCTV units all the way down the length of Hastings Street. It's that piece of work that we would need to see funding for. In seed funding the cost could be, it's hard to say how much it is, I dare say it's probably going to cost us between 10 and 20 grand to get that piece of work done across the infrastructure. In terms of the investment and beyond that, that's where Councillor is clearly noted in the motion that we will then come back to you and then give you that cost to assess for a future budget discussion. So it's just that initial review piece of work that we don't have the expertise to
Frank Wilkie 32:09.572
Okay. Councillor Finzel.
Karen Finzel 32:10.932
Thank you. Through the Chair, possibly to Trent, can you just give us a quick overview? I know we did talk about this, just to refresh my memory. my memory. The original funding... The original funding to set up the lighting of the CCTV down there, how did that come about?
Trent Grauf 32:25.024
I have to take that on notice. I do believe it was grant funding initially. Yes. And that is one of the key, I guess, challenges for us working through with the Shire-wide strategy, was what is the appropriate funding model? We don't have, not just within Noosa Council, but even at a state level, how different... at a state level how different local authorities working with QPS and in the business areas how they fund this infrastructure differs across councils and differs across different states so we wanted to make sure we had a model that was fundable that we could access fund but also was equitable between obviously the business areas QPS and the general rate to make sure we had it right long term because it's not a one-off just to install it's the constant replacement and that's what's that's what's reached the point now of the infrastructure being ageing is that if you don't continue to invest in in the replacement of technology as it ages it reaches a point of failure risk.
Frank Wilkie 33:24.318
So just trying to progress this would it a way forward be part a to be forward be part a to be amended to read investigate funding opportunities to enable the CEO to provide a report to a future council meeting.
Trent Grauf 33:39.833
And to cancel it, I think it would be a case of... my suggestion for consideration would be that 1a would refer the impact of that investigation through to the next budget review. because until I engage our CCTV tech providers to understand the cost of that piece of work, I'm not sure what the impact to the budget will be at this point in time. So, that's something that the cost of location can give you further PR if you want. Councillor
Brian Stockwell 34:16.252
Stockwell? Yeah, just to clarify, however, if the motion still includes... clarify, however, if the motion still includes the requirement to review the condition of existing infrastructure, identifying areas requiring upgrades, it's likely the budget implication of that would, if we weren't going to go further into deficit, would require the cessation of the... cessation of the strategic project because you're saying it might be $20,000 or at least a delay of it.
Trent Grauf 34:37.254
Through the Chair, potentially a timing between financial years or a delay or a size and scope discussion in terms of, because we haven't also gone to... market to understand the cost of a Shire-wide strategy. We've put an estimate in through the budget. I don't know whether that cost will be more or less at this point in time. So that deliberation could come back to you...
Amelia Lorentson 35:00.733
This is Laura. So we have as a council committed to Shire-wide CCTV study. Does that Shire-wide study encapsulate what's captured or what's before us?
Trent Grauf 35:18.345
Partially. Not to the extent and the level of detail. But yes, part of that study was obviously evaluating what would be needed for future replacement and optimising an optimal future infrastructure provision of the of the CCTV at Hastings Street. Not that interim measure to ensure that the existing infrastructure meets standards and to invest in that. So it would part cover the piece of work required.
Brian Stockwell 35:48.632
Councillor Stockwell? I'm going to move an amendment. And it's A, request the CEO... If you just take out A, I'm adding a few words to it. Yeah, just take A down to standards. Budgeted strategic review, no sorry after that's provided to a future council meeting comma and that what I just said comes straight after that. So request the CEO to provide a report to a future council meeting, subsequent to the results of the budgeted strategic. Request the CEO to provide a report to a future council meeting, subsequent to the results of the budgeted.
Yoncey Wolfe 37:37.340
Being available.
Brian Stockwell 37:38.680
Yep.
Yoncey Wolfe 37:44.660
And get rid of the rest. No review comes after the strategic review. Yeah. After the strategic review. That's it. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 38:15.340
So just to clarify, I wouldn't be amended to read. It would just be the motion being amended to read. Okay. Yes. Yeah.
Amelia Lorentson 38:35.600
To do that. Yep. That's it. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 38:52.240
I can't second it because I've already seconded the original motion.
Tom Wegener 38:55.800
I'll second it.
Frank Wilkie 38:57.120
Seconded by Councillor Wegener. Councillor Stockwell. So councillors, I'm drawing your attention to probably hours of discussion. of discussion on this item in the budget deliberations. And it became clear if we proceeded with one without knowing, hey, what council's ongoing role about CCT during the whole Shire was, we're likely to come up with the wrong solution. If we don't know who If we don't know who owns the data or we don't know what the legal requirements are in sharing that data with others like QPS, if we haven't got a funding model that is something that is sustainable because we know that was only replaced a few years ago, this CCTV system. They're not long term assets, they're high turnover, high cost. If we proceed without understanding how to most effectively and efficiently get CCTV that does increase safety, the chances of getting it right are significantly diminished. We all acknowledge that there is a real and present problem. Cameras will be one part of the solution. But do we know whether we're actually using technology that is embedded into lights and that there may be some public partnership available to reduce the costs? We don't, until we've done that strategic work. While everyone understands that we want to try and make the place a safer place, we don't want to be investing in systems in the absence of a more comprehensive understanding of how to solve the You may recall that one of the suggestions coming from staff on the Standing Orders is that motions shouldn't commit to things that will cost more than $10,000 and it's likely that this, 000. And it's likely that this motion will. It's also likely that take-off, even in preparing the brief, take-off key staff, the staff that would have been doing work for the strategic review and I believe also have a responsibility around cyber security, which is a significant issue for our own organisation. So this is the... the issue that we have when we... we try and respond quickly in the absence of strategy and to me, this is the sensible way ahead. Can I just stop for a while? Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? The amendment, I should say. Councillor Lorentson.
Amelia Lorentson 41:26.992
The motion in front of us calls for a review and an estimated timeline and budget for ageing... outdated and non-operational CCTV cameras. I went to a Hastings Street Association meeting as the Mayor and Councillor just recently and this was raised again as a high priority. My concern with the amendment in front of us is that it just... keep pushing the matter down the track and I'm going to read something that was sent to me just recently just to highlight that you know time is of the essence. we just This is a matter that... matter that needs to be addressed now, not next week, not next year, not in six months time and I'm going to just read bits and pieces. Hi Amelia, I wanted to have a chat to you because... have a chat to you because my son and a couple of his mates were attacked on Hastings Street on Saturday. I got this message about a week ago. The kids were 14 years of age and one was very badly bashed. He had a broken orbital socket and a broken nose. His parents were with him all the time. Visiting Noosa for the first time and I thought I would send you a text from his mum. They returned to Victoria on Sunday and their son has undergone surgery. I won't read the rest but to me I'm not prepared. me, I'm not prepared to wait for another attack. We know this is an urgent matter, we spoke in depth about this during our budget deliberations. We've got an opportunity to at least... at least, at a minimum, give our community, our kids, who frequent Hastings Street, and give the business owners and the workers... owners and the workers, you know, the workers, our kids, give them the commitment that we as a council, A, acknowledge there is an issue, B, we are committed to making it a safe and secure precinct and I think the best way to do that supporting the motion that's in front of us, which again, any budget deliberations will come back to council for consideration. This is simply a review. So I'm not happy to support the amended motion in front of us.
Frank Wilkie 44:08.722
Okay, councillors wish to speak to the
Tom Wegener 44:16.800
Motion. No, I'll wait for the second for the motion.
Jessica Phillips 44:21.640
I'll just speak very quickly if that's okay. Thank you. I can't support the amendment by Councillor Stockwell either, given that I just can't put a timeframe on what is a current burning issue in our community. feel like what I've asked for in the motion is quite reasonable, it hasn't committed to boling out the budget, which I fully appreciate from the workshops that I've been... I've been privy to see all month is that we show our community that we installed and were part of implementing CCTV cameras years ago that are now failing and that is infrastructure We have an obligation to see where it's at and to see what we can do to provide an additional resource, yes, lighting, all of those things, absolutely, they play a part, but as a first responder for many years, I've relied, the story that Councillor Lorentson just spoke of, I've attended incidents like that. I've attended incidents like that in Hastings Street and have relied on CCTV cameras to assist in the identification of an offender and have an actual, someone held accountable. I do not want to sit around and wait for another homicide in Hastings Street and say we had this sit at Council and we decided that we couldn't even make a decision on asking for a report to see where we're on asking for a report to see where we're at. So no, I can't, I can't keep pushing this further. Our weaning community are asking for something to be done today.
Tom Wegener 46:01.548
Councillor Wegener. Yeah, I'm going to, I'm going to widen the scope. the scope, ageing infrastructure. We know that it's there. We know that this is a big problem. When the budget comes around, we pat each other on the back saying, my gosh, we've, we've, we've kept our budget low, but that comes at. budget low, but that comes at a cost of ageing in this infrastructure, and I'm of the opinion that when we stick to what our rates are going to be, we're going to stick with that. at you're offsetting it with ageing infrastructure, not doing what we actually are supposed to do, not keeping up with our business as usual, and I consider this business as usual. All of us have as usual. All of us have known. I've had a good friend get bashed up on Hastings Street as well. I'm so fortunate that my daughter spent a season down there late at night and she didn't. But I completely agree with Jess. I support the motion. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 47:00.508
You don't support I don't support the amendment councillors wish to speak to the amendment because I'm going to speak against the amendment we have had very good advice about the budget implications eyes wide open knowing that in voting against this amendment we are going to be diverting resources which had already been committed through It's quite a legitimate thing in the case of an urgent matter after entreaties from members of our community, business and residential community to change direction when we need to, pivot when we need to. I think this is one of the situations. So I do appreciate the advice. from the Corporate Services Director about the budget implications, but I will be supporting the original motion about the urgency of action on the ageing infrastructure down on Hastings Street. Be that, and we have to accept that it would be to the detriment of that Shire-wide review, but that's a political decision I'm prepared to take. Any other councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Stockwell, you wish to close? No, okay. I'll put the amendment to the vote. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell. Those against? Councillor Lorentson, Wegener. Against. Phillips, Wilson. Finzel and Wilkie. The amendment is lost. We go back to the original motion. Councillor Stockwell.
Brian Stockwell 49:03.590
We'll try another amendment. Be requested to seek agreement. To be funded from the Hastings Street Precinct levy, is that the correct term?
Larry Sengstock 50:10.760
Hastings Street Association. Community Safety Charge. Oh, levy, sorry.
Frank Wilkie 50:16.840
Community Safety Charge.
Brian Stockwell 50:20.600
It is part of the levy. Two levies. Community Safety Charge. Is it the Hastings Street Community Safety Levy, or is it just Community Safety Charge?
Larry Sengstock 50:32.510
Hastings Street Community Safety Charge.
Frank Wilkie 50:34.050
The Director of Corporate Services is getting the correct term.
Yoncey Wolfe 51:27.420
We're good? Okay. Sorry, I missed it.
Brian Stockwell 51:36.160
Okay. I've moved it. We've done it. Can we have a seconder for this one?
Tom Wegener 51:41.164
I can't second it yet. I second the last one.
Frank Wilkie 51:44.924
You can second as many amendments as you like. I can't second this. Wait a minute, Councillor Wegener, Councillor Stockwell. So this amendment So this amendment just allows us to maintain, if they do agree, maintain the existing budget for the Shire wide and it is the appropriate source of funding, I believe, for such an activity. just allows... us to maintain, if they do agree, maintain the existing budget for the Shire wide and it is the appropriate source of funding, I believe, for such an activity. Councillor Finzel, question.
Karen Finzel 52:06.448
Just for clarification, is that Hastings Street Community Safety Program charge, is that part of
Trent Grauf 52:19.100
Through the chair and our revenue statement, we have two separate levies, or actually three in the precinct. We have the main beach levy, which businesses in the precinct area pay, as well as the Hastings Street precinct levy, which is about events and levels of Events and levels of service to maintain the quality of Hastings Street Precinct and we have a third levy which is community safety charge which which is primary purpose about is about security services and security presence in the Shire. One of the reasons in the Shire wide precinct levy the Precinct levy, the Shire-wide CCTV study, we talked about funding this because that responsibility for this cost and the cost of CCTV isn't clear in terms of responsibilities between Council, the business areas and the levy. And CCTV isn't clearly articulated in the levy, versus other authorities.
Jessica Phillips 53:26.480
Speak very quickly. Mr Mayor, just against the amendment by Councillor Stockwell, the infrastructure that I'm asking for in the motion is council infrastructure. At this point I'm not asking for anything more than to see the report, to see where we're at, and it's just going into too much detail around the next steps, which will all be outlined in the original report that I'm asking for. I don't believe Hastings Street Association should be the only ones responsible for our infrastructure maintenance and upgrading, so I can't support the motion, the amendment, sorry.
Frank Wilkie 54:06.832
Question for Councillor Stockwell. Are you seeing if a contribution towards the review is possible?
Brian Stockwell 54:12.672
I just think that the review in item 1A is specifically related to Hastings Street CCTV. It makes, while visitors and members of the public who visit Hastings Street will benefit from it, I believe that rather general rate payer and having an impact on the budgeted project, that we should be looking at a levy and a source of income that is specifically related to the outcomes being sought, so it just means that the budget is not unduly affected, providing there's a balance sufficient in that levy for the review to be outsourced and done within the... to be outsourced and done within the existing balance.
Frank Wilkie 54:56.528
Question for the Director of Corporate Services. The wording around how levies can be used is quite specific, would this fall within the scope of this particular levy?
Trent Grauf 55:11.142
Through the Chair, that is one of the challenges with the current wording, the levy note is not clear that CCTV and any infrastructure around it or the condition, strategic maintenance of it falls within Part of the work, part of this year's budget deliberations for next year's was a commitment for us to work through all the levies to ensure that we had the definition rightful responsibility of expenditure across all those precincts, so at this point I
Brian Stockwell 55:47.060
Just to keep things moving along, I really appreciate where Councillor Stockwell is coming from, seeking contributions from the most affected part of the community towards this work is commendable and protecting the rate payer from any impulse and budget blowouts as a result. The Councillor makes a good point. This is council infrastructure that we're talking about, so council responsibility. So I won't be able to support the amendment, although I do appreciate its intent.
Frank Wilkie 56:23.252
Any other councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Finzel.
Karen Finzel 56:26.184
Yeah, just coming back to my original point around, you know, a framework and, you know, where the framework is that could possibly support or give us the answers that we need. With the future council meeting, with the future council meeting request under item A of 5.2 of this motion, through the CEO, for the future council meeting regarding this replacement, are you able to include in that meeting some discussion around the broader framework across the Shire or will that be specifically regarding just the replacement? specifically regarding just the replacement of the CCTV because I feel like it's like the chicken or the egg I understand you know a call for action which I'm all for I'm all for safety for our community and visitors to the Shire alike. but I'm also mindful of good governance so I'm just wondering how you view the report that will be coming to us in well we don't know when it hasn't been explained would that be November is that next year will it be solely focused on the replacement see see TV camera infrastructure or will it broaden out to looking at frameworks that I think we don't have what policies to talk to about how we move forward this with equity for everyone.
Larry Sengstock 57:52.705
I think there was a few questions. I'm happy to answer that, though. I think I can... There's two parts to it. What this is asking for is for us to review the existing cameras and look at what's there now and what needs to be upgraded or how can it be upgraded and what the cost of that potentially would be and where we then would get the we'd get the funding, whether it's our funding or future funding or whether we go after grants or whatever else, what's available. So that's the first piece. If we... We also have the money budgeted to do the Shire Wide and the Shire Wide is really to look at it, so where do we need them? also how do we utilise, how do we capture and how do we protect that information and data? Where are... we're Because at the moment that's still a grey area and it's not just us, every council in Australia is debating and struggling with that because it's public facing information and cameras so we need to make sure that that's part of that protection process. that's part of that protection process. In some states it goes directly back to the police station, in other places it goes to another secure site. We need to work that through. So that's part of the strategy that we're looking to do. And then where does it need to be? Where's the pieces? This is ultimately a multi-million dollar exercise when you start talking about cameras across a whole Shire. So the idea is to have a strategy which we can continue with. So it's not something that's simple. We're not saying we're not doing that. All we're saying is this one, it may cost, and we don't know how much it may cost, and that may be something we just have to bring back as an initial. What does it cost to even do cost to even do the review? And then we debate that, or then we accept that, and that can come back to BR2, our business review, our budget review, and we can decide whether we do. So the two pieces are the initial understanding. what we've got at Hastings Street, because it is failing, there's no question, it's old, and it's something, it's a piece of the safety puzzle that we need to look at, and then there's the Shire White. So I'm not saying we don't do the Shire White one while And then it's a matter of timing of how we bring that back to the table and how we're resourcing and get that happening. But yeah, everything takes time. This is what I think what Councillor is saying. This is an immediate piece that we really just want to. Want to get a handle on, understand what it is, where we're at, because the questions are continuing to be asked. So we need to just understand what that is. And I'm, and I'm comfortable with that.
Frank Wilkie 01:00:18.886
Councillor Wilson and then Councillor Wilson. I saw you moving sideways.
Karen Finzel 01:00:25.806
I want to speak against the amendment. I think what Councillor is asking us to do is for Council to take action. And I think a condition that requires a third party to commit to something without their consent is not appropriate. And therefore we need to be able to move along.
Amelia Lorentson 01:00:46.958
Voting against the amendment simply because the motion as written actually stipulates that can explore funding opportunities and timelines after the review. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 01:01:03.706
Any other councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Councillor Stockwell, you're just closed.
Brian Stockwell 01:01:11.298
Only to respond to Councillor Wilson, there's nothing in there that says, yes, we're proposing to do something basically without consent. The amendment is purely about seeking consent. However, I, having heard the grey area... heard the grey area from the suggested source, I understand that it may not be as black and white as I saw it.
Frank Wilkie 01:01:34.270
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. I'll put the amendment those in favour.
Larry Sengstock 01:01:40.570
All those against.
Frank Wilkie 01:01:43.270
That's lost unanimously. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. We're back to the original motion. to the original motion to which only Councillor has spoken.
Karen Finzel 01:01:55.023
I just have a question on that. Through the chair to the CEO, when we're looking at the broader framework, around these matters that we've spoken today, which are definitely priorities when we talk about equity, a call to action, safety for our community and visitors alike, will we need a strategy? is it what what will this fall under or what policy do we currently have in place that supports this moving forward, is it something we have to look at developing, is that a social strategy, what framework are we looking are we looking at to be able to support the standard of seeking some further information around what that looks like?
Larry Sengstock 01:02:41.383
Look, we have a number of policies and strategies that are in place, and I agree that the social strategy needs to encourage this, we have safety strategies, CCTV cameras, so we need to bring all that together and that's part of the overall study is to say where does it fit, how do we, how do we, and you know these are all emerging things. Thanks. So we just, you know, we don't have something that's in the drawer we can just pull out and say this is what we had, this is something we do have to probably modify and create as we go forward, but it's what we try to do here and I think what Councillor is trying to do is bring it to a focus and priority. So that's that will be something we work through and bring back through council.
Frank Wilkie 01:03:19.235
Thank you. Just to move this along, I'm going to support the motion as it is. This is an example of what notified motions are useful for when there is an emerging issue that requires immediate action. We've all received the emails from the Hastings Street businesses about what they're witnessing down there. We have had a delegation from them. We do. This enables us to respond. We're hearing what they're saying and we are diverting resources towards this more emergent action as long as we understand correctly that we are diverting resources. It's not done lightly and I thank the not done lightly, and I thank the councillors for their consideration of the financial implications before supporting this motion. But I'll be supporting it. Any other councillors which would speak to the I'm going to follow on from where you're at.
Brian Stockwell 01:04:15.696
Our amendments were really specifically to get us to understand what we're doing. And we're doing it in a way that is in folk, and we've heard from the CEO he'll try and find a way that we don't unduly influence the strategic action. We're not a big organisation, so the person who's going to organise 1A is the same person who's going to... who's going to organise the strategic review and I believe also handle our cyber security issues. So one of those is going to have to give to do this. So as long as when we're voting, we're voting with that in mind. That it does reprioritise decisions we make and we can make any necessary adjustments at BRT. That this is of urgency. So with that on the table, I do agree that it is an issue that needs addressing. we'll be supporting the motion.
Amelia Lorentson 01:05:17.416
This is the first time our family have had such a difficult and painful event in Australia for this child. It's been very traumatic. This 14-year-old still doesn't want to recall the painful... the painful experience of that day. In the premise of taking care of his body and mental, we first soothe his pain. I think that night police has done the record and took pictures. As a mum, I don't want my son to have anything more to, I don't want my son to have to do anything more to relive the painful experience of that night. I thank Councillor Wilson. for bringing this motion and I am very supportive. Oh excuse me Councillor, excuse me Councillor, thank you for bringing this report. We have my backing. Thank you. Councillor Wilson.
Karen Finzel 01:06:12.904
I'd like to speak quickly to this one too. I do believe that we need Australia a strategy to work towards but it's clear we had those discussions about the budget between April and June. We adopted a budget for this. We're now in October and we're still talking about what that review and strategy even means and in the meantime we're having these events happening in Hastings Street. Councillor has asked us to take emergent action on this and I support her in that. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 01:06:38.325
Anybody else wants to speak? Councillor Finzel.
Karen Finzel 01:06:41.745
Yes thank you Mr Chair. Given the urgency of the situation it seems critical we've got infrastructure failing. If it wasn't that it wasn't that urgent call to action I do think you know we do need probably a look at the strategy over overarching strategy to address these issues moving forward but given the urgency of what is before us today and I thank Councillor for raising this and bringing it to a focal As per like the CEO is in support of this and he's going to find ways to manage this. We rightly all understand the impacts it's like if we take this away we add that and as always that push-pull in local government as we're all aware so as we give to one thing we know you know that means something else. thing we know you know that means that something else is going to have to you know be addressed through another manner so I will support the motion today I'm really seeking the support moving forward though of funding for our social and community strategy because I feel that we do need to place first and illuminate the needs of people within our share and we need that overarching strategy to support that moving forward and give direction to the staff and inform our budget as to what that pathway is what's the framework and I believe that is good governance and that if we want we want excellence in our council and we want to promote excellence and outward facing governance that our community trusts us and where we're going, then I think that it's really important that our strategic documents inform our decisions. Moving forward, taking in mind that there are opportunities when urgent matters come before us that we can adjust and pivot and move as as stated by the mayor. So let's hope this is the first step forward in In trying to address the social issues within our community and keeping people safe is a human right that we are all protected from violence.
Frank Wilkie 01:08:44.850
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Phillips, do you wish to close? Councillor?
Jessica Phillips 01:08:56.518
I'm just going to close very quickly. Thank you all for the discussion around the table and understanding that I'm fully supportive of overall strategy and that I really see this immediate need of doing something. And so when we hear sometimes in the Councillor, do you wish to close? Community council aren't doing anything, we're behind the scenes, we are doing so much, but this is actually a real commitment to say, no, we've heard you, we're doing something, it's an action, and I'm really proud to be part of this conversation. In the event of any emergencies now, such as a natural disaster or any public safety threat, having effective CC... safety threats. Having effective CCTV enables a quicker response and better coordination between police, emergency services and the council. So this is about council's responsibility in investing in our infrastructure. and Noosa reputation. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 01:09:50.354
Thank you. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Next one is investigation of precinct management frameworks for Noosa Junction.
Amelia Lorentson 01:09:59.418
Again, a notice of motion that's addressing an emerging and immediate issue and need in matter in our community.
Frank Wilkie 01:09:59.574
Councillor Lorentson.
Amelia Lorentson 01:10:10.838
My recommendation investigation of precinct management... frameworks for Noosa Junction that council request the CEO to prepare a report to a future council meeting outlining options for managing land use conflicts between entertainment venues and residents. should investigate best practices in precinct management to assess their relevance and suitability suitability for Noosa Junction. This exploratory report...
Frank Wilkie 01:10:37.658
Can we have a seconder for that please? I'll second it.
Amelia Lorentson 01:10:43.438
Okay the motion in front of us aims to explore potential frameworks for managing Noosa Junction as a entertainment precinct. As a entertainment precinct while addressing conflicts between live music venues and nearby residential areas. The report will provide insights into available frameworks, assess their advantages and drawbacks and evaluate their applicability to Noosa. This is an exploratory process and the motion recognises that any cost and resource implications will need to be considered in future budget deliberations. And I've just outlined areas of focus for the report. One, a review of best practices. So the report will identify and evaluate successful precinct management models, particularly special entertainment precincts like NAPL, which regulate amplified music and manage operations in areas where entertainment venues and residents coexist. exist. The review of best practices will also explore how these frameworks exist. Could be adapted to meet the unique needs of Noosa Junction, balancing business growth with residential amenity. Precinct management goals. Number two: develop, one of the areas of focus is to develop a framework that prioritises prioritises noise control, safety and security, creating a family-friendly environment in Noosa Junction. The precinct management goals aim to establish clear guidelines that allow venues to thrive while mitigating noise and other disturbances in nearby residential areas. The report will also seek to list and engage list and engage with industry experts from the music and entertainment sector. It would include but not limited to consultants, local stakeholders to ensure the most effective strategies are considered. It's also envisaged that there will be some type of round table, stakeholder and community engagement. Consideration of a stakeholder round table with key figures from local businesses, the music industry and experts like the Granite Belt Noosa Council, Cue Music and representatives from Nambles Special Entertainment Precinct It's also envisaged that there'd be broader community engagement to gather feedback from residents, those that live adjoining Noosa Junction, to ensure that their concerns are integrated into the planning process. goal, again, is to create a vibrant and well-managed precinct. Again, simply, the motion seeks to investigate precinct management frameworks that prioritise noise control, safety and security, supporting local businesses and the live music sector, while addressing land use conflicts with residents. The goal was to best practices and engage with industry experts and community stakeholders to ensure that the framework benefits all parties. The ultimate aim is to establish... establish a safe, family-friendly entertainment precinct in Noosa Junction where residents, families and youth can enjoy vibrant nightlife while ensuring that impacts like Noosa are properly managed. a brief back... I'll just give you... some background. Noosa Junction is identified as a key entertainment hub in Noosa Town Plan 2020. This brings both opportunities and challenges. balancing nightlife with residential areas. Challenges. Learning from successful examples like Nambour's Special Entertainment Precinct, Noosa can begin a community-led conversation about the best ways to... support the live music industry, while maintaining the quality of life for residents. By developing clear operational guidelines, including noise mitigation measures and responsible venue management, Council can ensure that Noosa Junction thrives as a dynamic and secure and safe environment for businesses, families and visitors. I've mentioned Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct as a relevant precinct for this exploratory report. The Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct offers a strong precedent for managing live music and entertainment in a way that protects residents from excessive noise while giving venues operational security. This family-friendly approach can provide valuable lessons for creating a similar precinct in Noosa Junction. The motion in front of us represents, in my opinion, the first step in assessing whether existing frameworks like Nambour Special Entertainment Precinct can in fact be applied to Noosa, or if a tailored solution is needed. Doing nothing risks stifling local businesses and limiting entertainment options for youth and our families. By investigating best practices in Precinct management, Council can develop a balanced approach that supports live music and entertainment, while ensuring that noise and safety regulations are upheld, again creating a vibrant and harmonious environment for all. Councillor Lorentson.
Brian Stockwell 01:16:21.161
Councillor Stockwell, I've got a question that's probably to Director Kim. And maybe the CEO in regard to, I presume this exploratory report would be something that the strategy environment team would be able to address. Have you had a think would be the staff and resource implications, lengths of time, and what other projects may suffer as a result of proceeding?
Larry Sengstock 01:16:49.413
I'll take that first, if you like, Councillor. So my understanding of this the detail that Councillor Lorentson is asking for with roundtables and engagement is a future piece, because that is a major exercise in my mind, in terms of resource and cost and tension, and we've got enough on our plate right now. But what I am looking at and understanding it to be is to... is to be that initial exploratory, really, to look at Nambour and say, "Does that work? " Look at a safe entertainment precinct. What are the pros and cons of that? So we can bring that back to the table, understand what the sum of the models might be. And then an exercise in where we might want to take this going forward. So we'll bring it back to the table, understand that. And then, obviously, it's going to have budget implications, resource implications. So I'm not committing to that yet. I'm committing to just doing a research on what are shires and other cities and towns like ours are doing and whether there's... and really just the pros and cons so we can say, "How do we move this forward? " That's my understanding of where we're going at this point in time.
Amelia Lorentson 01:18:00.738
I'll add to that, absolutely, and the recommendation... Point avoided.
Brian Stockwell 01:18:04.718
I didn't ask the councillor.
Frank Wilkie 01:18:07.446
Is there anything you'd like to add to that?
Kim Rawlings 01:18:11.346
Yeah, just to confirm what Larry said there, the detail underneath this Notice of Motion has a lot of expectations. That would take significant research. significant resources to deliver at this point and would have an impact. Again, we've got one person in this space so there will be a swapping out of the projects. But in terms of a research report and a report back on what it might look like, that can be done. We haven't discussed timing.
Brian Stockwell 01:18:41.550
Further questions though? We have to imply what you said is in the motion. I can't see it there. The suggestion that there'd be a round table would then come into our community consultation schedule. We've pushed back several major projects and I think we're booked out for projects, and I think we're booked out for up to about June. Would this proposal not affect that if it was just a desktop review by someone? Is that what we're hearing?
Larry Sengstock 01:19:12.362
That's my proposal back. That's the way I understand it, is we would do that. It's really just to, I think, initially to inform us of what are the options. We've got an issue. We're not all experts in this space. Let's have a look at the options, what's working, what's not, get some pros and cons, and then we can decide. And if it is a much bigger piece and it's going to have an impact on everything else that we're doing. that we're doing, that needs to be considered as a group and understand where it fits in our overall plan of delivery for all the things that we currently do as a council. So really it's just to, I think, just to inform us, give us a better sense of, you know, because some of these things sound good, but unless you know that some of the, you know, what the pros and cons, whether they work or not, don't work, we don't know to, to even inform ourselves. So that's, that's where I'm, I'm positioning this. Yes, do you want to go on?
Kim Rawlings 01:20:04.735
Um, the, the other thing I would add to that is that we are not, not doing anything. We are doing quite a bit in this space at the moment. Um, Council will know that we are getting briefings and updates from the Office of Looker and Gaming about the issues that are going on out there at the moment. We've got the planning scheme amendments got the planning scheme amendments going on at the moment. We've got the planning scheme amendments go out. We've got community feedback on this and have engaged with community feedback. We've recently met with the new night time economy commissioner. That's been appointed. So there's a lot already happening in this space. So yeah, with all respect to Councillor Lorentson, I'm going to say that we may not think not to do anything is not correct. We are doing quite a bit already in this Thank you, Mr Chair.
Karen Finzel 01:20:55.695
Yes, it's a really good start conversation. This is something that is a national issue as well. I know the Guardian reported that that this vibrancy precinct is well underway and there's opportunity for funding. So we're at the same point again, is it the chicken or the egg? We're trying to get prepared. I have a question. Kim can probably answer it. Currently... Noosa Council is engaging with the Shire's creative people for feedback regarding the 2025-2030 cultural plan. Do you see this as an opportunity when we talk about engagement and bringing
Kim Rawlings 01:21:38.999
There is engagement happening at the moment and I believe there might have been, Kerry's not around, there might have been an engagement session at the junction on Tuesday. So absolutely our planning scheme talks about the junction being an entertainment precinct. It also talks about it being a creative, an important creative dynamic vibe. So yes, Councillor Finzel, I think there is absolutely opportunity and alignment there.
Brian Stockwell 01:22:06.091
Point of clarification, I think the Acting Director may use a common term that is incorrect. There is no entertainment precinct. Hospitality precinct.
Kim Rawlings 01:22:18.431
And point of clarification, not an Acting Director, a Director. I think it's an acting director.
Frank Wilkie 01:22:27.671
And point of clarification also, you mentioned there's planning scheme amendments underway. Can you clarify the relationship or otherwise? Or not, between the proposed hours of operation and the hours of operation for music in outdoor spaces? The length between them or the lack of a length?
Kim Rawlings 01:22:49.396
We have planning scheme amendments that have been out for consultation. The planning scheme amendments proposed to extend the hours of operation to align with both existing venues that existing venues that have that those hours of operation so it's really an equity proposal and also with other areas in the Shire including Hastings Street and we got substantial feedback about that because of the issues and we've had recent deputations from residents so that that's all being considered at the moment and work through with council about how the best way how we balance that going forward noting that there is a strategic intent for Noosa intent for Noosa Junction to be an area of hospitality. There's a number of food and drink and bars that exist there that have development approvals and existing approvals. So there is a victor balance in the space.
Frank Wilkie 01:23:51.912
Just to clarify, the advice we've received is The advice we've received is that there are many venues down there that already have a licence to operate until 12 midnight, seven days a week. The amendments seek to rectify that inequity. The other businesses would like the same powers of operation. But it's not to say that music and live entertainment in outdoor spaces will also continue until 12 midnight, That's not. That's correct. That is, that's not happening. That's correct. And if I understand correctly, it's only live acoustic, sorry, acoustic music in outdoor spaces until 12 midnight, Friday, Saturday. Yep. 10 p 10pm. or 9pm. the rest of the week. And amplified music under 10pm. in outdoor spaces on Friday, Saturday, 9pm. the rest of the week. No proposed, no changes to be made. Councillor Finzel.
Karen Finzel 01:24:47.693
Yes, just furthering on from your comments around strategic planning and amendments to the planning scheme, in New South Wales where these vibrancy reforms are underway, they've looked at an eyes wide open clause. cause under these reforms in relation to planning certificates. Is this something Noosa Council is looking at as part of these reforms in our planning scheme and addressing the issues moving forward? a nutshell it sort of seems like, I'm not a specialist, it seems like the buyers moving in sign a clause, an agreement to say that they're entering into that, what is it, into that space where they're going to live and they sign that agreement I guess at point of I don't know. So that then that, moving down the track, they have agreed that they understand they're moving into a precinct where noise and entertainment will be part of the thing. Is this something we're looking at?
Kim Rawlings 01:25:47.989
Those provisions have only been announced this week in New South Wales so we've only just started to look at those. In terms of understanding when you move into a centre, Noosa Junction is a centre, it's one of our two major centres and we have a very clear strategic strategic vision and objectives that are articulated and have been for some time for Noosa Junction. So you would hope that people moving into there would understand what they're moving into in terms of the centre and the vibrancy. you know, deliveries, music, all of those things. Some of the issues that we are facing are residents that live outside of the centre and have been there some time and the centre's evolving. So there is, there is, you know, some changing nature of our centre that we, you know, through both the Office of Liquor and Gaming because they are the regulator around this. And we, you know, We're working with them through our own planning provisions to try and balance those things.
Frank Wilkie 01:26:53.614
For the purpose of moving this along, I'm going to speak in favour of the notice of motion. It's very succinct and it's It's only to prepare a report, outline the options for managing the land use conflicts between entertainment and the residents right to amenity. That lies at the heart of what the Noosa Planning Centre needs to achieve, which is the balance between Noosa Junction as a hospitality precinct where live music plays a very important role, and the right for residents living in nearby premises for decades, right to some peace in their homes at a reasonable a reasonable hour, and that's written into the planning scheme currently. It doesn't commit us to anything beyond that, beyond a report into the best practices for managing those land use conflicts such as this. The junction is unique in that... junction is unique in that sense that you do have residents living hard up against a precinct where these sort of uses happen. I don't know if that's the case in Nambour, certainly not... There's one other entertainment precinct in Queensland but we want something that's tailored to fit Noosa Junction and we don't know what that is at the moment beyond what's I don't, we don't know what that is at the moment beyond what's already in the planning scheme, but I think it's a very succinctly worded notice of motion and I'll be supporting it. Councillor Finzel.
Karen Finzel 01:28:13.778
Just a question. I hear what you're saying around supporting our planning scheme and we do know facilitated developments attempting to reach over our planning scheme. Are you able, and you may not be able to tell us, how this will be managed or is state, how are they managing this when they come across with the SFDs around this? with the SFDs around this, they are very local issues that we're trying to address through our planning scheme and other mechanisms. Where does the SFD fit in with this? I look at this?
Kim Rawlings 01:28:48.058
Look that's a really good question but you know it's it's difficult to be clear about how the extent of the SFD considerations. operations. It hasn't been, we've had challenges with the process, we're not sure exactly what are the issues that they weigh up and consider. The next part of the process does allow for community engagement, 20 days community engagement, so I would suggest that many of these issues would come out through that process also, and, you know, either through the community or through Council's concerns about that process. That's probably all I can say. Could I suggest a question? Perhaps if residential development was to be approved in the junction by this process, they condition of double glazing because I know that there's going to be live music. Double glazing for the residential properties in the new development within Noosa Junction because I know there's going to be music there. We've got acoustic measures requirements for residential development in our centres, in the junction, already in our planning scheme, so we would absolutely be saying that any development... saying that any development should comply with our planning scheme requirements in terms of acoustic measures.
Frank Wilkie 01:30:12.387
Does that help answer your question, Councillor Finzel?
Karen Finzel 01:30:15.047
Yes, it does, but pride and glazing, I reckon like... this is what either one of them calls like. I just think, yeah, glazing's great, but yeah, a range of acoustic measures
Frank Wilkie 01:30:26.427
Yeah yeah. Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Chair? Councillor.
Jessica Phillips 01:30:32.007
Thank you. Passion of mine. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson, for your notified motion, because I just want to speak in support of it. And like you, I've been out with many of you. I've spoken to so many of the... the junction hospitality, retail and the residents around this. But from as far back as I can remember, and I've grown up here, Noosa Junction has been a hub of vibrant nightlife. In fact, I can quite recall some I can quite recall some of the nights I've had out there but for many of them I have offering a place where people can come together and enjoy live music, entertainment and certainly a sense of community. That's what makes the Junction special, right? So it's all these local cultures. And the music that makes it thrive. But also as a former police officer and shift worker, I can appreciate a peaceful night's sleep like everyone else. And so we've heard around the table striking a balance. But I want to put a lens on it at the moment and speak from endorsed council economic development strategy. It's clear that live music is part, sorry, it's clear that live music that live music and nightlife isn't just a luxury, this is actually essential to our local economy. Our local venues provides jobs, they attract visitors and they offer space for people to enjoy a night out. In this current cost of living crisis, supporting these businesses has never been more important. In this current cost of living a night out. I really like the motion that Councillor Lorentson has put here today. Again, it shows that we're actually trying to action some items and it's not about supporting live music and disregarding residents' rights, it's about having a look at a model that works for us and... I'm excited to see and be part of this, that we actually do find a solution that benefits everyone. So thank you.
Frank Wilkie 01:32:26.597
Thank you Councillor. Councillor Stockwell.
Brian Stockwell 01:32:33.317
I'm going to once again reiterate the concern that as a council we tend to be putting the urgent as a priority over the fatigue. I'll refer to you that we had another community in 2019, huge petition, great concern about the loss of character and heritage in Pomona. They're still waiting for their planning scheme reviews because we keep on going elsewhere. I'll refer you to the 2017 motion to review the Noosa River Plan which was delayed. several months by notice of motion about doing something in Burgess Creek and we still haven't got the Noosa River Plan. I refer to the priority we placed on the overarching strategy on in regard to the Destination Management Plan which is to try and get the whole community to make these sort of deliberative decisions to guide us in a strategic direction that we've put back by And while it's currently topical this issue by no way is new. I was a cook, barman and bouncer at the first legal nightclub in Noosa on Lanyana Way in Noosa Junction in the 80s. It didn't have noise complaints inside the building because it was all sound protected but they parked in the protected. But they parked in the Noosa Fish car park and if we went to 5 o 'clock in the morning, or 3 o 'clock in the morning, which we did regularly, we'd get complaints. I'll refer you to the existing Noosa Junction placemaking strategy plan that was done by the Sunshine Coast Council. And then as the president of the Noosa residents and ratepayers, we probably had the biggest meeting that organisations ever had, which was about this issue. was about the concern that that organisation was put around the social media that we were anti-music in the junction, where in fact, so we got all the young people and all the nomad people and all the oldies who live around and it was identified back and that would have been what, eight, nine years ago. This is not a new issue. new issue. While we're very sensitive that it's currently a political issue 'cause it's front of mind because we have people breaching their licence. That's caused a new lot of residents to be increasingly disrupted in their life. But we have to think as councillors, when we signed up this job to be the strategic guiding to this organisation, are we continually going to flip-flop to everything that as soon as it gets a bit of media traction that we then divert staff off? All those things we thought were a priority beforehand. And it is an issue. It needs to be addressed. We have addressed it. We have got a current scope within the planning scheme amendments that we can deliberate on and do it. is to go and do some of the things that Councillor Lorentson would like to say, and they're all quite sensible suggestions, I'm not arguing against them, then shouldn't they be assessed against the other priorities we've currently got and come up with an informed decision rather than doing it round the table in one debate?
Frank Wilkie 01:35:56.740
Just a question to CO, do you read this report as committing us to anything other than a report of our options?
Larry Sengstock 01:36:05.520
Thank you. Mr Mayor, no, that's the way I read it. Yes, it's going to take a bit of time and a bit of resource, but I think that we, again, what I'm seeing this is, is just informing us so we know what other people are doing. What other options are. So we've got some more knowledge and then we can make a, or at least be informed in our discussions going forward whether we want to bring this ahead of other strategies and other things that we've got going. That's where I see this at the moment. It's really just to say what else is out there. What else is out there?
Frank Wilkie 01:36:41.044
And would you see options flowing from this report that require further resourcing to be referred to the budget process? Absolutely. And that's the way the report would be written. We would not commit anything until we brought it back to the table and say this is where it fits into the overall scheme of what we've got. Because again, I agree with councillors. We've got a number of things that we're trying to get finished. But more things keep coming in. So we've got to, we've got to, that's what I think this is about is to say, well, how big is this? What is it? What are the people doing? I mean, what are some of the... are some of the fixes that might be out there? And then we can, then we can at least be informed to address it and put it in its right place. Thank you. Councillor Wegener and Councillor Finzel I think this is fundamentally micromanaging. The council jumping into a place where it's already completely involved in any way. It's on the boil at the junction. But it, but also I see it as a, as a fundamentally that the associations bring together the exact information that's being asked there and presented to the councillors that are interested in this and the councillors bring it to this. I think this is, is just a step. It's just a step too far where this is already well-known. It's common knowledge. Whether we need a full report on this, I think it's just micromanagement, so I won't be supporting it. Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Finzel.
Karen Finzel 01:38:18.667
Yes, I do. Thank you very much. Good contribution from everyone around the table. I've got the corporate plan in front of me here. We need to be supporting strategies and plans that are the overarching strategies that guide this council. I fully support that we have a call to action and that we be flexible and respond as urgent matters arise. I will support the motion today because this seems to be the flow where we're going it looks like there's the CEO can manage where we're heading and it doesn't seem like there's a great in cost in terms of our economic impact and it looks like it's to support some budget reviews for future budget applications. But in terms of good governance, you know, I feel that we need to really invest in our strategies. We've invested a lot of time and energy and meaningful community engagements. Now, on page 47 of our corporate plan, which we invested so much time, money and energy to inform not only the council and the councillors and our broader community our future direction, because we listened to the community who wanted a call to action. F Under the supporting strategies and plans, we have the Noosa Social Strategy and Social Justice Charter, a new community strategy. Now, that sits over the top of a lot of these social issues, in my opinion, that we talk about today. Now, that sits over the... We also look at the Noosa Cultural Plan that's being looked at. We're currently going out for the 2025-2030. Now, we have supported... We have supported evidence and report from Council that these strategies are working. We had feedback that I think it was 92% or items in the previous Cultural Plan, 2019-2023, sorry. we have invested a lot of time and money and energy including our community are vital. So I will support the motion but moving forward I would like to see in terms of good governance, excellent and engendering trust in our community that as we go along journey together, we listen to our community, we respond and we are agile in urgent matters and we are mindful of good governance through economic drivers and spending money wisely. Moving forward I would like to see that the vision of this council really supports the activation of these strategies and plans to really inform us along the way. So that's my say for today but I really think, you know, I'm passionate about good governance, I'm always calling on about good governance, being outward facing to our community, bringing in everyone on the journey. voice matters and I feel that like I also concur with Councillor Tom, we don't want to get down to the minutiae where we feel like we're micromanaging. It is our role as councillors to vision forward, to cast the vision. For our community, for future generations to enjoy what we have today and that's been achieved because previous councils have cast the vision, have you know moved forward with their community. This is a highly engaged community. I've lived here since the 80s. We are always moving on and we're bringing our community with us. We're hearing the voices and we're trying to do the best that we can and I just think moving forward. I'd like to implore my fellow councillors around the table to please get the visioning, get the steps in place so that we can reach the objectives of this community through our our implementation and action plans that has been decided in agreement around this table and with our community.
Frank Wilkie 01:42:15.917
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Lorentson and yours to close.
Amelia Lorentson 01:42:22.682
I will and I'll start by saying that I think I've walked up and down that street met with all the joint most to be joining residents of Noosa Junction. I've spoken to kids that bus can make a living out of playing instruments. I've met young families, people that frequent Noosa Junction. I've spoken to University Lenny, Lenny, Dr Lenny Davis I think is his surname. I've spoken to the Noosa Junction Association and I think what they're all saying is that They need certainty whether certainty they can get a good night's sleep and certainty that they can operate their business and they're not going to go bust when I met some with some of the business owners they were saying to me they cannot they cannot operate under the current circumstances where you've got liquor and gaming at eight o 'clock at night and nine o 'clock at night with a decibel reader sure sometimes they push the envelope they do breach but their issue is that it's a disincentive for them to go there employing a young kid trying to make a living out of performing he's you know one of the guys said I'll just leave my stereo on you know it's not worth me risking losing my life worth me risking losing my licence because someone's going to come in and complain and the stress of having liquor and licensing come through your premises is creating huge emotional, mental toll on these business owners. They are really thinking of packing up. Walk up and down Noosa Junction and Sunshine Beach Road. The businesses are going bust. We should be supporting, we have signed a small business friendly charter. To me this is a commitment that we are living up to our obligation under that small business friendly charter. We also dual rights. Mayor Wilkie correctly says our obligation is also to ensure that our residents, their rights of quiet enjoyment are protected. So this exploratory report looks at what's out there. Councillor Finzel referenced New South Wales. New South Wales, Annandale, they have a good neighbourhood policy. All these precincts, that's part of the report. What is out there? We don't need to reinvent the wheel, but we might have we might have to tailor it for Noosa. This is what leadership is about. I want to respond also in terms of good governance. I think we need to be reminded that our powers... think we need to be reminded that our powers and our responsibilities are actually outlined under the Local Government Act, specifically chapter two, part one. Chapter two, part one outlines the broad powers and responsibility of local government councillors. So it talks about local governments... Local government has the power to do anything necessary for the good rule and governance of its area. Section 12 emphasises that a councillor's duty is to represent both the current and future interests of residents. That extends well beyond just the corporate and operational plans. Operational plans: so today what's in front of us is our duty to represent both the current and future interests of residents if it's in attended a rally over the weekend which was fantastic we've listened to deputations here from residents and I think the underlying theme is collaboration balance So, today, what's in front And let's get let's get around the table and talk and the other big huge theme is leadership and this is an opportunity for us to say again we listen we're listening and what you say matters so I'm getting in terms of resourcing and budget implications been doing this job now for five years and I so respect the incredible work that our staff do in this space and we're often sometimes not often sometimes tough and forget to celebrate how great our staff are so the wording in the report is very very clear this is an very clear. This is an exploratory process only, recognising that any cost and resource implications will need to be considered in future budget deliberations. It's a first step. And thank you for, again, great I think there will be a lot of people in this community happy that we are taking this first step. Okay, I'll put it to the vote. Wilson? Councillor Finzel? Councillor Wilkie? Against? Councillor Stockwell? Councillor Wegener? Motion is carried. Now come to item 5.4, another notified motion, which is a request for a status report on the 2022 Noosa Shire recreational boating facilities demand forecasting study and recommendations. Forecasting study and recommendations. Councillor Lorentson, would you like to read that out? Request for a status report on the 2022 Noosa Shire recreational boating facilities demand forecasting study and recommendations that Council request the CEO to prepare a report to a future Council meeting addressing the following: 1 an update on the progress of the 2022 Noosa Shire recreational boating facilities demand forecasting study specifically focusing on high priority recommendations made by the State government including a potential works program for a Thomas Street Noosaville parking improvements and walkway repositioning b Tewantin Lake Street parking enhancements and installation of a new floating walkway c Hilton Esplanade Tewantin construction of a new two-lane facility d Noosa Woods a replacement of a jetty with a pontoon two an analysis of how other councils have addressed shortfalls in trailer parking and b explore opportunities for state and federal funding for prioritised projects
Frank Wilkie 01:49:17.020
That?
Amelia Lorentson 01:49:19.540
Councillor Wilson?
Frank Wilkie 01:49:21.460
Councillor Lorentson?
Amelia Lorentson 01:49:24.960
So Noosa Shire Council faces a critical shortage of car trailing, trailer parking. We have only 36 spaces available and we have 4,900 registered trailer boats. In contrast, neighbouring councils like Sunshine Coast and even down south at the Gold Coast, they've expanded their boating facilities to meet increasing demand. Residents are arguing that they want their rates and they want their registration fees to be reinvested in essential boating infrastructure. Parking in residential streets is not a sustainable solution. We have an excellent opportunity at the moment to formalise and even upgrade the Donella Street boat ramp, which could accommodate trailers which could accommodate 28 trailer parks, a rigging wash down bay and a philadene station. Additionally, there is also opportunity or space near the bridge for maybe a fishing platform, a picnic area and potentially a boardwalk extending towards Hilton Esplanade. What this motion is seeking to do is to reaffirm Noosa commitment to actively pursue commitment to actively pursuing state and federal resources to meet the growing needs of the boating community. It also seeks support from council to prioritise Hilton Esplanade, Tewantin as the community's communities preferred location for a boat ramp redevelopment. I'll just put I've put in my report just some key findings from the 2022 study and I'll just quickly list those. Firstly Noosa population is projected to grow from 56,308 people in 2021 to 64,999 by 2041. As of July 2022, Noosa had 5,146 registered vessels, 95% of which are trailable. The current boat The current boat launching capacity is only 5.8 effective lanes, which is currently below the 9.8 lanes required to meet current demand. That's projected to be 11.3 the need by 2041. Existing boat ramps are under significant pressure, necessitating urgent upgrades. rights, simply the growing demand for car trailer parking spaces for recreational boating in southeast Queensland highlights the need for action. Noosa community has consistently identified Hilton Esplanade, Tewantin as a priority location for boat ramp redevelopment. Council has previously committed to engaging with Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to secure increased and main roads to secure increased funding for the onshore components of these facilities. Again, the motion in front of us seeks to reaffirm Council's commitment to advancing the high priority recommendations made by the State government in 2022. And to ensure that state and federal resources are actively pursued to address the boating community's needs. It's also a call for the prioritisation of Hilton Esplanade Tewantin as the preferred site for boat ramp redevelopment.
Brian Stockwell 01:52:58.920
So many questions. Let's start with the biggest one. Majority of that that this motion requests was actually within a report that responded to the State government status report 2022 Noosa Shire Recreation Has the budget or any other council decision been made that would change the position of staff in regard to the report that was presented to council and the recommendations made therein since that time?
Shaun Walsh 01:53:39.415
Chair, the only budget provisions that have made in the council forward program at the moment is for Noosa Woods, so there's some work underway in terms of the jetty. Obviously Thomas Street Noosaville is incorporated into the Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan. There is also a proposal that council will consider in the 25-26 financial year to start a foreshore master planning exercise. to start a foreshore master planning exercise for Tewantin, Cooroy and Lake Street. So that's the only advancement we've had with any of the other places.
Brian Stockwell 01:54:11.501
There were statements made about the degree that the Donella Street was a priority for boat ramp. Is that a council position? Because I seem to recall that there was one suggested by a particular... organisation, it has been looked at, but there was a number of letters of concern by Hilton Esplanade residents about that concept.
Shaun Walsh 01:54:33.104
Through the Chair, the report that went to council about the maritime... did not indicate a priority to any of the sites. So, and the resolution of council did not prescribe any priority to any of the sites.
Frank Wilkie 01:54:46.889
So, question, would you consider an update report on the... consider an updated report on the progress of this an onerous task?
Shaun Walsh 01:54:53.655
No, I've probably just done it most of you already, so... That was my question. I think it is just that.
Frank Wilkie 01:55:04.874
Right, are the councillors supposed to speak to the motion? Councillor Lorentson, you're supposed to close.
Amelia Lorentson 01:55:12.135
I will, and I hope and I hope everyone supports this. It's mainly for the new councillors to really get up to date. I know that, as Councillor Stockwell correctly said, update on the progress 2022 report, there was a technical... was a technical review. It would be great for the new councillors to get their head around that, so I'm hoping that the update report will give them the information they need. I think the voting community would also like to understand how much or how little progress we've done in this space and whether there are opportunities. Again, I reference our state candidates have made commitments. commitments to funding and I think that this report is timely so we will have an idea who our state MP and again it's about pursuing what's out there and also understanding and highlighting that this is a critical urgent need we we have a serious shortfall of car trailer parking so again getting all the new councils on board with this With this significant issue in the boating community. But I just think, you know, the report will let us know how much or how little. know how much or how little we are doing in this space. Thank you, thank you. Put the motion those in favour.
Frank Wilkie 01:56:44.517
Councillor Lorentson. Yes. Finzel, Wilkie and Phillips against. Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wegener. The motion is carried. Now on to item 5.5, another notified motion, crisis accommodation. Councillor Finzel, would you like to read out your motion please, 5.5. We'll just get that up on the screen for you. Councillor Finzel, would you care to read out your motion please.
Karen Finzel 01:57:36.020
Of course, thank you Mr Chair. The recommendation 5.5, crisis accommodation. That council commit to ongoing advocacy to the State Government to increase funding for A, crisis accommodation facilities, B, the delivery of B, the delivery of structured programs that support learning and understanding around domestic violence behaviours and C, a referral process to onsite supported transition accommodation. Specifically designed to address family, domestic violence and abuse.
Frank Wilkie 01:58:11.524
Sorry, Councillor Stockwell is seconded. Councillor Finzel, you have the floor.
Karen Finzel 01:58:16.364
Thank you. We've had a lot of conversation around the table today. I don't think we have to go too far into this, I think given the significance of social issues that we've brought to the table today and also the importance of strategies and advocacy as the role of local council. To continue this advocacy this is really important conversation around keeping our community safe. Again I just like to draw back again to the importance of strategy. So the Noosa social strategy and the social justice charter and the new community strategy will help inform our direction on this so back when the Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese in Albanese in May 2024 announced a national cabinet meeting due to urgency to discuss in the national crisis of gender-based violence given the number of women murdered in support of our rights to live free of violence. At that time I to engage the process afforded to me as a councillor through the correct process to bring this to a CDF, which is a meeting that we have opportunity to bring to the table, important issues that we feel need urgent and immediate action. Unfortunately, the social charter policy was 2017. It was indicated that an overall overarching strategic strategy of the social, I've just got to get the wording right so that I'm getting that right, so that the new community strategy needs to inform the social charter that has needs review because it's been since 2017. So at the core of where I stand today and my focus on this is because when we look at future visioning and the importance of importance of strategies and looking after our community and keeping them safe. This is a global matter. It's also been raised by the Prime Minister at a national level as a crisis in this nation. My personal belief is that the lowest people on the ground, as a local government council, we've heard all the social issues around the table today and where we place our value of people's safety, working in alignment with all agencies, our first responders, our frontline workers that have people, you know, coming to their organisations for support. They're struggling. We know what is happening in our communities. communities. All I'm seeking is support at all levels of government to advocate in support of access to services, accommodation, programs that will help educate and hopefully, moving forward, minimise the scourge of violence and the crisis in this nation. All I'm seeking is... Given the conversations around economic impacts, I have tried to keep this notice of motion to the point where it's not an impost economically and financially. the council, all I've asked and seeking is that we continue to advocate, that we represent our people closest to the ground and use our voices, which really matter, to advocate to the State government so we all align together in support of united nations and our human rights to live free from violence. Thank you.
Brian Stockwell 02:02:23.103
The biggest social issue for the country, the last we heard statistics about police on the Sunshine Coast, it is by far the most time consuming aspect of policing. It is something that is very gender based and the majority of the perpetrators of the perpetrators are male and yet when we look at crisis accommodation it generally requires the mum and the children to be moved out of the family home and the perpetrator stay there. So one of the aspects I'd like to see the advocacy on is to look at the perpetrator crisis accommodation because... the perpetrator crisis accommodation because it's one of the things we don't have in our Shire or I believe on the Sunshine Coast. It's about actually addressing the problem at its core in terms of providing a Shire that is safe for everyone. And I therefore support the point and I understand that underlying... Councillor Finzel's motion is that desire that we do turn our focus to the well overdue community plan review of the social charter to really refocus this council's efforts on the range of social issues both positive and negative that we need to address.
Frank Wilkie 02:03:41.840
Councilwoman, Director Rawlings, would you be able to give us an update on council's work in this space?
Kim Rawlings 02:03:56.523
In terms of crisis accommodation? But we are we are doing a lot of work in the housing space. Including advocacy around crisis accommodation. There is actually a new funding program, a hundred million dollar funding program that's been announced announced for crisis accommodation. councillors recall this is one of our key advocacy pieces in the recent state advocacy document that we put forward. So we have reached out to partners and stakeholders in this space to advise them of the funding. And we'll be following up, I was just actioning it this morning, following up about whether there are opportunities in our Shire to seek further funding and grant funding to either support agencies to provide crisis accommodation facilities, for instance, as its capital funding program, and what role council can play in terms of partnering, letters of support. Assisting with grant applications, all those sorts of things. So, we're doing as much as what we can in terms of advocating in this space.
Frank Wilkie 02:05:09.560
The other councillors wish to speak to the motion.
Kim Rawlings 02:05:12.640
Can I please speak?
Jessica Phillips 02:05:14.120
Yes, Jess. On a topic, thank you, that I'm very familiar with, and probably just on the back of Councillor Stockwell's suggestion. And I just want to give some real grassroots information about how that looks on the ground for police and our community if police respond to a domestic violence incident, which the last time I checked the stats is approximately 70% of calls for service is DV-related incidents. incidents when they take action. When they take action and the perpetrator is required to leave the house or there is actually no crisis accommodation for the perpetrator, when you're looking at that and there's probably different feet you know probably different opinions around the fact that they're the perpetrator and you know what what we should be doing for them but there's so much evidence that supports providing them extra providing them the same amount of support when it comes to housing otherwise the closest accommodation for crisis accommodation for the perpetrator is Maryborough and what we find is is they are more likely to breach their temporary or domestic violence order because there is nowhere for them to be. And it goes back to a human element that I want to speak on. Everyone has the right, in my opinion, to roof over their head, regardless of what they've done in their life. This is a national issue and something that I'm really glad Councillor Finzel has brought to the table today. So I support the motion and just wanted to add that bit. Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 02:07:06.636
Thank you, Councillor. Any other councillors wish to speak to Councillor Finzel's motion? Yeah, I'd too like to thank Councillor Finzel for bringing this reminder about it is a national crisis and it's always helpful for us to be reminded of it and we certainly can advocate. And partner and even deliver where necessary in this space. So thank you for bringing this motion. I'll certainly be supporting it. Thank you. Did you wish to close?
Karen Finzel 02:07:40.982
I'd just like to thank everyone's support on this motion around the reminder. The national plan that was put out to support this goes across four domains: So prevention: working to change the underlying social drivers of violence by addressing the attitudes and systems that drive violence against women and children to stop it before it starts. Bye-bye. to early intervention: identifying and supporting individuals who are at high risk. at high risk and support of experiencing or perpetrating violence and prevent it from reoccurring response, providing services and supports to address existing violence and support victims. Survivors experiencing violence such as crisis support and police intervention and a trauma-informed justice system that will hold people who use violence to account for recovery and healing, helping to reduce the risk of re-traumatisation and supporting victim survivors to be safe and healthy, to be able to recover from trauma and the physical, mental, emotional and economic impact. reading on that national strategy that will take this nation through till 2032 with the framework to inform funding and decision making in regards to this mail.
Frank Wilkie 02:09:21.286
Thank you Councillor Finzel. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? Yes. Thank you. That's unanimous. Thank you. Councillors we've been going two and a quarter hours. I'd like to suggest we adjourn for a comfort break and give the gallery the same opportunity.
Karen Finzel 02:09:39.713
Thank you Mr Chair. We'll be back at 12.10, we'll be back at 12.20.
Frank Wilkie 02:23:01.143
Okay, welcome back everybody. We're up to the next item which is presentations and deputations of which there are none and brings us to consideration of committee reports. We're up to the next item. Planning and Environment Committee report 8th of October 2024.5.1 was referred to the General Committee. 5.2 is the establishment of material change of use for educational establishment. existing performing arts building and preliminary approval for a master plan at 115 Eumundi Noosa Rd Noosaville which is the Good Shepherd Lutheran College. 6.1 planning applications decided by delegated authority. Can I have a move from Senator for the Planning and Environment Committee recommendations to be adopted please? Moved by Councillor Wegener, seconded by Councillor Stockwell.
Jessica Phillips 02:23:54.200
Yes, sorry, Thank you, that's unanimous.
Frank Wilkie 02:23:56.420
Now 8.2, Services and Organisation Committee report. 5.1, change of venue and time for 21st November 2024 ordinary meeting. 5.2, Noosa Shire Council solely specialised supplier lists. 7.1, confidential not for public release, composting expression of interest. Now I have a mover and a seconder for the service... Moved by Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor. All in favour? Yes. That's carried unanimously. Next, 8.3, general committee report. Application for extension to currency period and application for... currency period and application for other change to a development approval for material change of use. Apprentices, resort dwelling comprising of a multiple dwelling, 109 dwelling units, accommodation building, 90 accommodation units, and ancillary facilities to a resort complex and shop at 3 and 7 Serenity Close Noosa Heads. Noosa Heads. 6.1 is the financial performance... 6.1 is the financial performance report for the month of September. 6.2, promote a place plan, draft plan for community consultation. Someone's...Councillor Lorentson?
Amelia Lorentson 02:25:03.318
Um, can I just pull that out and just make... Yes, you'd
Frank Wilkie 02:25:06.360
Um, yes I'd like to move it, thank you. like to move it? Move Councillor Lorentson, have a seconder please. Councillor...you both pointed to each other. I'll call it, Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Lorentson.
Amelia Lorentson 02:25:20.182
Um, I just want to acknowledge an email that I received earlier this morning by the Save the Noosa Hinterland Group, and they just expressed that they would like acknowledged in, I think it's section 6 under advocacy in the Pomona Plan, in terms of the advocacy regarding... terms of the advocacy regarding truck movements through the town, to have included truck movements in town including Kin Kin quarry trucks. I wanted to acknowledge this because it is a significant issue to many of our Hinterland residents and I think the way forward is and I will be encouraging them to make a submission to the draft that's out, will be out in community. Once this is ratified today, and I also want to acknowledge that it is remiss to exclude such an important submission and I appreciate them reaching out and the opportunity will be in the draft submission. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson.
Frank Wilkie 02:26:29.694
Anyone else wish to speak to the motion before us? We'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? Okay the next item 6.3 is the update to council representation on council of mayors working groups and then there was the confidential not for public release planning and environment court appeal application to reconfigure a lot one into two lots of 39 to 41 Picture Point Crescent Noosa Heads. Noosa Heads. Can I have a mover and second? Can I have a mover and a seconder for the General Committee recommendations to be adopted? Can I have a move, Councillor Lorentson? Councillor Wilson?
Yoncey Wolfe 02:27:22.112
Carried? Yes.
Frank Wilkie 02:27:23.812
Thank you, Jess. We're now at item nine, which is the Ordinary Meeting Reports. We have two Ordinary Meeting Reports, the first being the Further Report, Informations. Noting Revised Standing Orders and Other Related Policies and Procedures. We have our CEO, Larry Sengstock, and Executive Officer, Yoncey Wolfe here, who could give us a summary of this report, please. Yoncey's going to give this.
Yoncey Wolfe 02:27:47.477
Yeah. Dear Councillors, to summarise, a report on the revised standing orders was presented...the General Committee meeting on 16 September '24. A recommendation was made by the Committee and carried forward to the ordinary meeting on the 19th of September. At the ordinary meeting, an alternative motion was moved and... and after discussion of that motion, Council moved a procedural motion deferring the matter to the ordinary meeting today to allow for further discussion prior to making the decision on the final standing order. The purpose of this further report is to provide further information for councillors to consider when deciding on the final standing orders and this further report provides details or details of possible changes as discussed by councillors at the ordinary meeting on the 19th of September and at the... The purpose of this further... And at the councillor workshop on 26th September 24th. This report is for noting only and the decision on standing orders remains with the original report at the ordinary meeting on 19th September.
Frank Wilkie 02:28:57.891
So your recommendation is just a report for noting only. Once we've ratified that there is another item coming afterwards which takes us back to where we were at the last ordinary meeting. Any questions for Yancey? Someone happy to move that recommendation? Councillor Stockwell? Have a seconder? Councillor Finzel? Any discussion? No. Put it to the vote, those in favour? Yes? Yes?
Jessica Phillips 02:29:31.343
Yes.
Frank Wilkie 02:29:32.383
That's unanimous which takes us, thank you Yancey, which takes us now to item 9 point, should be 9.2 on the agenda. Revised standing orders and other related policies and procedures deferred from the ordinary meeting dated 19th of September 2024 and it takes us back to the point where the meeting was deferred, the procedural motion moved to defer to this point. Now we're in the middle of an amendment which had been moved by myself and seconded by Councillor and if I remember rightly that that amendment was heading for defeat so unless there's any further debate on that particular amendment I'll put it to the vote. I'll be voting against my own amendment.
Tom Wegener 02:30:35.940
Against?
Frank Wilkie 02:30:37.780
Unanimous. The amendment is lost. That takes us back to the original motion moved by Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Lorentson.
Amelia Lorentson 02:30:45.380
I'd like to withdraw my motion and move the alternate motion that was provided in the further report with the following amendments. So I adopt the updated standing orders for council meetings policy attachment 1 and repeal current standing orders policy with the deletion of section 18.8. B adopt the revised petition procedure attachment 2. C adopt the revised C adopt the revised deputation procedure attachment 3 subject to the amendments of items 1, 3, 6 and 10 and the deletion of item 5 as follows. 15 minutes will be allocated per deputation at each meeting for members of the community to present deputations. A maximum of three deputations per meeting are allowed. 3 the applicant must provide Council with the deputation topic and background material, whereby the CEO on receiving an application for the deputation shall notify the chairperson who in conjunction with the CEO shall determine whether the deputation may be heard. The CEO shall inform the applicant of the determination in writing. Delete number five. Six, deputations should primarily but not exclusively pertain to matters relevant to local government or the community. Ten, deputations will be recorded and form part of the recording that is uploaded and available to the community on Council's website. However, noting that the applicant presenting will remain off camera. camera. D. Reveal current public question time guideline adopted on 17th of October 2019 and adopt the revised public question time procedure provided at attachment for subject to the wording in item 9 to be amended to read the applicant or their proxy must be present at the meeting for their question to be heard and shall follow the direction of the chairperson. E. Adopt the revised council investigation policy attachment 5 and repeal current council investigation policy adopted on 19th of November 2020.
Frank Wilkie 02:33:08.680
Can I have a seconder to that? Point of order question. No, point of order.
Brian Stockwell 02:33:14.890
The existing standing orders doesn't allow for Councillor Lorentson to simply withdraw her motion. Section 28 when a motion has been moved and seconded it shall become subject to the control of council and shall not be withdrawn.
Frank Wilkie 02:33:49.864
Lorentson to withdraw her motion moved at the last ordinary meeting. Yes. I'm happy. Thank you. Councillor Stockwell. Thank you.
Karen Finzel 02:34:01.544
Can we have a seconder for this motion please? I'll second it.
Frank Wilkie 02:34:07.406
Thank You Councillor Wilson. Councillor Lorentson.
Amelia Lorentson 02:34:15.446
I'll start by addressing the changes that I made to the alternate motion that was outlined. And agreed in most part in the further report. First change is in reference to deletion of section 18.8. I removed it and it's I removed it because I might just quickly just read it. 18.8 said that councillors encouraged to lodge notices of motions which relate to the objectives, roles and function of council as outlined in the annual operational and corporate plan. B, are clear in intention. C, are not identical or substantially similar to a notified motion that has been considered by the council in Boston the preceding months. D, are not outside the powers of council. E, do not relate to an operational service request or a matter that can be handled under delegation. F, are not matters subject to I've deleted it because it, in my opinion, limits or at least dilutes the powers that are granted to councils under the Local Government Act and I spoke about this previously in the Notified Motion. I think there's a misunderstanding of what, in fact, our role is and fact our role is and our responsibilities are. Section 18.1 of the Standing Orders clearly states that councillors can bring forward motions on any matter within the jurisdiction of council. Importantly, and again what I raised just before, importantly council's jurisdiction extends well beyond the corporate and operational plans. The Local Government Act Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Part 1. outlines the broad powers and responsibilities of local governments its councillors and its employees. It specifically states that local government has the power to do anything necessary Necessary for the goodwill and governance of its area. Additionally, section 12 emphasises that a councillor's duty is to represent both the current and future interests of residents by limiting or necessary. Diluting notified motions to only those that align with the corporate or operational plans or excluding those that could be handled under delegation. We are, in my opinion, undermining the authority that we were elected to uphold. Our role is to bring forward matters that serve the best interests of the community. For example, today we've heard we've just had five notified motions addressing urgent community issues. While the corporate plan is vital its objectives are confined to what's already been improved so it makes it difficult for us to raise forward-thinking motions that address emerging needs. The changes that I've made return to the original wording of our standing orders that ensures that That ensures that councillors can fully represent the community's interests and tackle both current and future concerns without unnecessary restrictions. Again, as I repeatedly raised in the September round of meetings, we must ask ourselves when we're sitting and reading the standing orders, what problem are we trying to solve? And as I responded in September, the notified motions have been working effectively and there seem to have been no issue. seems we're trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Second change I've made is in terms of the amendment to the wording for public question time. Again the change is to amend the wording in the revised public question time procedure to revert back to the original wording which is that the applicant or their proxy must be present at the meeting for their question to be heard and shall follow the direction of the chairperson. I remove the reference to non-stop because it's confusing and also unnecessary. The original wording already allows for a proxy which could include non-staff, the CEO, councillors or others. By removing non-staff we provide flexibility. Another change is that I've removed to number C three I've deleted the word sufficient background material so to read just background background material It came to my attention that the inclusion of the word sufficient can be seen as subjective and potentially onerous as it raises the questions of who in fact determines what is sufficient. So could lead to inconsistent or excessive demands for information and again creating unnecessary barriers for the councils or community members when submitting motions. By removing the word sufficient the requirement becomes more reasonable and flexible and it It doesn't, it doesn't impose. It doesn't impose an unclear or potentially burdensome standard. The other change I've made is six deputations to should primarily but not exclusively pertain to matters relevant to local government or the community. Again this was an issue that was brought to me by a community member and I've changed it. I've changed it to again allow a bit more broader wording for similar reasons why I deleted 18.8. I think that while the focus remains on local government matters The change in wording now allows flexibility to address issues that may impact the community or intersect with broader state or national concerns. Again, this just allows... just allows our residents to bring forward deputations that are responsive to the needs and interests in our community without restricting it to a narrow criteria. So there are all the changes. the changes. And just in closing, I believe that the motion in front of us is the right path forward and I respect and thank Johnsey, our staff member who helped put together the further report, which I believe reflected in most parts our collected And. After four years, we are obligated to review the standing orders. And part of that review is cleaning them up, making administrative changes and streamlining processes that make it easier for the community to understand. We've also got a duty to implement statutory or mandatory changes that are imposed by state. And we can make changes to the standing orders as needed, but only when necessary. Again, if the standing orders are working effectively, there is no problem. The question is, why change them? And that's the question that the community has been asking for the last month. Again, I believe the motion in front reflects that sentiment. I think we need to reflect and remember why these changes have made such a stir or caused such a stir in this community. They've created such a stir because they're really important. Standing orders provide both the councillors and the community. They give us a voice. They that the issues are raised that issues are raised and concerns are addressed. Limiting people's ability whether intentional or not to participate in public life is an erosion of democratic rights. It's neither in the public interest nor consistent with the democratic and transparent principles of governance that we were elected to protect under the local government. elected to protect under the Local Government Act. The alternate motion before us upholds the values that we were elected to protect and I hope everyone is in support of it.
Frank Wilkie 02:42:50.272
In support of the motion. I think we've spent enough time on this. What we've read before us here is in no way in conflict with the intention of the other motion and points that we've already agreed on. I have to point out that the section 18 which was deleted which were guidelines for councillors were non-mandatory. They did not seek in any way to impede a councillor's right. They did seek to signal to the the issues that the councillors are likely to raise issues on and also give the community some assurance that they wouldn't be wasting ratepayers money on vanity projects. I think this what we've got before us here allows question time and allows good participation and I think I'd just like to comment some of the rhetoric that we've have heard around this ought to be put in proportion considering that there are people in prison around the world who who are dared to dared to stand up for democratic rights. The sort of rhetoric we did hear about what we're seeking to do by clarifying and revising the standing orders was a little bit over the top. I think the reason why these standing orders have been revised principally is to clarify for the community and for the councillors their purpose. And make it clear, clear up any uncertainties around it. But we're hoping that in deputations and question time that people will be there in person and taking out non staff member doesn't change the doesn't change the situation that a non staff member will be asked to present as a proxy, meaning a Councillor or a friend of the people. putting a question before the Councillor. It was intended to protect staff members from having to be drawn into asking a highly politicised question but I think we've we've workshopped this enough and I'm happy to workshopped this enough, and I'm happy to support it, and so we can move on.
Brian Stockwell 02:45:16.268
A question for the CEO. Have we had the opportunity, in terms of the suggested change to item six, to be run by our in-house legal? The way I read it, there is scope that it could be interpreted as a deputation should be primarily about matters relevant a community. It could be, the way I read it, it could be completely irrelevant to local government, which would be a significant change to what was being changed. So the substantive question is, have our lawyers looked after it, looked over this and suggested what the intent is, i.e. that it is still primarily about local government matters, or is it broadening it to it to an extensive degree.
Larry Sengstock 02:46:01.536
I don't believe, I think because we thought it was fairly straightforward, I don't believe we would put it past our lawyers. However, there is, if you remember in the Standing Orders, there's always been the ability for the Chair to have some control over the content of any deputations.
Frank Wilkie 02:46:23.700
Any other people wish to speak? Otherwise, Councillor Lorentson, you wish to close? Councillor Stockwell?
Brian Stockwell 02:46:30.720
I still believe that the provision for Three by 15 minute deputations does really lead to potential for these meetings to become less efficient and effective. We have considerable costs in running meetings. I think with that... change to six, we could be spending 45 minutes on matters that may be of general interest to the community and not relevant to why we're sitting here. The meeting content should be about about making decisions. I still, while I agree, I know I'm in the minority, I believe 45 minutes of deputations at every one of these meetings is potential to waste ratepayers' money.
Tom Wegener 02:47:16.484
Councillor Wegener: Yeah, I agree with that, Councillor Stockwell. You, it's very hard to take back something that you give, and giving 45 minutes per meeting, per dep, for deputations is huge. It's, and I think, so I think that's something that, taking it back will be very difficult if it is abused, or if it becomes too onerous, because that's, it's very expensive to run these meetings. We have all the heads of departments here, all of us here, every Every minute is worth money, every 15 minutes is worth a lot of money. But more importantly, I think this deteriorates the role of the councillor within the community. I think when you have deputation, there's no back and forward discussion. I think it's just too easy for somebody to come in and say, "Well, I did my deputation, I gave my case." It is far more prudent, far more productive for that person with the deputation to meet with one councillor, discuss it, and get the councillor on board. Then the councillor brings it to one of our councillor meetings. it to one of our councillor meetings where we talk things out regularly and bring it through that way where it becomes a dialectic process, a discussion process. I think that this opens the door to people thinking that they're actually having meaningful discussions with council through the deputation process, which is not nearly as effective as a meeting, a coffee effective as a meeting, a coffee chat. We already do the coffee chats. We are out there with the people. I spent, we all spent 11 bloody days during the last election trying, you know, talking to people. Not very many people came to me at that point to talk about issues. I think... I think we're out there. I don't, I think it's a less efficient way to actually have people make changes and get involved in the government, the local government process. So it's very hard to swallow that and I think it's too much to give because... much to give, because if it's abused, we'll have to take it away, and that'll be very painful.
Frank Wilkie 02:49:22.376
I have a question for the CEO. There was a valid question asked primarily about part six, where it says the deputation deputation should primarily, but not exclusively, pertain to matters relevant to the local government or the community. As the Standing Orders stand, if a deputation comes forward which is on matters... is of matters totally irrelevant or inappropriate to be brought, the chairperson has the person, has the power or the authority as they do, or discretion as they do now, to refuse their deputation.
Larry Sengstock 02:49:59.164
Is that correct? That's absolutely Yes, it's still within the standing orders that that's the power of the chair of each of the meetings, because it's not just the ordinary meeting that they can be brought to.
Frank Wilkie 02:50:15.204
Any other councillors to speak? Councillor.
Jessica Phillips 02:50:19.724
Thank you yeah I'd like to speak on this probably in the first six months of being in council the standing orders have probably been first time I've seen one of the times it's caused our community to be maybe unnerved and when I've been writing notes throughout our meetings and things like keep circling back to this word trust and trust and rapport within our community and I think that what we're really talking about is building trust and relationships and rapport with our community and any time we attempt to take anything away whether it's perceived or whether it's legitimately taking something away I think we have to be really careful I think we have to be really careful that that would continue to build distrust with our community and council even if that's not the intention and so just the other night I wanted to tell you about sitting with my husband and I was reading through the Noosa Plan 2020 because we've been talking about planning scheme and I turned to him and I said do you know what we were doing when this came out to consultation and we were trying to scratch scratching our head we laughed because it hit us I had a I had a newborn baby and a two-year-old and he was working FIFO and I thought no wonder we had no idea about the Noosa Plan 2020 and so what I want to speak on is when we sit around this table and yes we're making really important decisions councillors when we're not actually that important we're just making really important decisions but based on this relationship that we're building within council with with the staff and with our community we have a responsibility to those who voices aren't always heard to the silent community that may be at home with a baby and a toddler and unaware of maybe some of the decisions we're being we're making and standing orders to me and democracy is around not taking anyone's rights away from them to be able to come in and access and talk to council through these measures so I want to support the motion that Councillor Lorentson has put up but I also wanted to because the last time to, because the last time we spoke on this at the last ordinary meeting there was a lot of angst in the community, I just really want to make a statement about some comments that I saw around our CEO Larry attempting to take democracy away and while I'm still learning the finer details of local government I'm not new to understanding people and I just want to say I just want to say, so it's on the record, that I believe that any suggestion that the community's rights were trying to be diminished was probably an unintended consequence to efforts maybe to streamline... streamline operations within Council. I fully respect Larry and the role that he has been doing and the staff do, but it goes back to the final point of just let's not fix... let's not try and fix something that I haven't seen broken in the first place, Councillor Lorentson's words and yeah, so I support the standing orders that we're seeing before us. Let's not try let's not fix... Thank you.
Frank Wilkie 02:53:45.180
Thank you, Councillor. Thank you, Jess. Councillor Lorentson, you wish to close?
Amelia Lorentson 02:53:50.680
I will mainly in response to Councillor Wegener, his concerns about, and Councillor Stockwell, their concerns about possibly having 45, three deputations per meeting, taking up valuable meeting time. Firstly, when our communities stand up and speak and use the platform for public participation, that is never time wasted. Also data, data speaks really loud. There have only been 17 deputations over the past 12 months so I'm unsure where the concern that we may have three deputations taking up lots of valuable times. I think it's just an excellent opportunity for us to listen to what matters to our community. It's never a waste of time. I wasn't going to finish with this quote, but I am, and only because it is a little bit rhetoric, and it is a little bit extreme, but it... I'm going to read it and tell you why I'm going to read it, and it's not about council, it's just about democracy. When we don't pay close attention to the decisions made by our leaders, when we fail to educate ourselves by our leaders. When we fail to educate ourselves about major issues of the day, when we choose not to make our voices and opinions heard, that's when democracy breaks down. That's when power is abused. And that's that's when the most extreme voices in our society fill the void that we leave. That's when powerful interests and their lobbyists are most able to buy access and influence in the corridors of power. Because none of us are there Because none of us are there to speak up and stop them and again it's an extreme but it does quite does speak directly to the heart of this debate. We were elected to make sure that our community's voices heard, to bring their concerns, their issues to this table and to make decisions that reflect their best interest. If we silence or limit their opportunities to have their voices heard, then we have miserably failed in our duty. If we silence all best interest. Again, talking about trust and integrity in council. Which I spoke quite a bit about in the September round of meeting. The motion in front of us and the standing orders. That's how we maintain trust and integrity in council by allowing every opportunity. public participation to our community and to us as councillors. I'm happy with the standing orders and I so respect our CEO and can concur with the comments made by Councillor that this was a streamlining exercise. Mistakes were made, we all take ownership but we always correct and this refined motion is a reflection of our commitment to our community that we do listen.
Frank Wilkie 02:57:02.689
Wilson, Finzel, Wilkie against? Councillor Stockwell, the motion's carried. We now have two submissions to public question time. The first is with two questions is from Craig Vela. Mr. Vela is again not in attendance. So our CEO will read the questions which will be answered by Shaun Walsh, the Acting Director
Larry Sengstock 02:57:28.100
Okay, yes, Mr. Vela is not in attendance and in his submission has asked that I be the proxy for his question. Question one is Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan project news phase one, March 2024, stated that 70% of 542 communities... favoured preserving or enhancing the relaxed atmosphere and amenity of the Noosa foreshore, Noosaville foreshore. The draft shared vision stated our vision is for the Noosaville foreshore to be retained as a peaceful, relaxed and naturally beautiful public space that is easily accessible for all and while keeping built form structures to a minimum, to a minimum. Has the Noosa Council worked out how the foreshore management plan... how the foreshore management plan, 80% draft plan, ended up so far off course, given all this information gathered from the community in phase one. Thank you, Shaun. Thank you.
Shaun Walsh 02:58:19.116
The answer to Craig. Thank you for your question and the interest in the Noosaville... interest in the Noosaville foreshore. The community had differing reactions to the draft Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan. Most certainly did not appreciate the loss of car parking, overly modern design approach, concerns for erosion management techniques, as well as concerns raised... techniques, as well as concerns raised for changes to the tennis court and other spaces. Others in the community appreciated the widening of footpaths to make them safer, the proposed new toilet block, refreshed playground equipment and the natural approach. It is noted that whilst the design approach of the draft master plan was modern, it did embrace a significant increase in open space through repurposing of car parks. Improved accessibility Planning Council have listened and acknowledged that an updated draft is needed that responds better to community views and are using the feedback to draft a revised master plan, in particular with a strong desire to maintain the relaxed Nooseville vibe that Okay,
Larry Sengstock 02:59:55.860
The second question from Mr Vela, again as his proxy, as he's not in attendance. Did the Noosa Council use the same consultants to produce the redrafted Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan? And did the consultants provide a discount given the original had to be redrafted?
Shaun Walsh 03:00:14.979
Thank you again for the question. Noosa Council used the same consultants, TRAC consultants, to continue the ongoing work. TRAC consultants were originally... selected for the project following a competitive pricing process. Their price for the ongoing work... was determined following a period of commercial negotiation and is... considered to be a competitive market price.
Frank Wilkie 03:00:37.199
Thank you. The second application of two... questions is from Andrew McCarthy. Mr. McCarthy is also not in attendance again, so our CEO... Mr. McCarthy is also not... will read the questions which will be answered by... Shaun Walsh, Acting Director of Infrastructure.
Larry Sengstock 03:00:53.701
Again, Mr. McCarthy is not in attendance... and asked me to be the proxy to ask the questions. How much did the Noosaville foreshore... infrastructure master plan concept design for the resilience... Resilience, 80% draft plan released in June '24 cost to produce. 80% draft...
Shaun Walsh 03:01:11.184
Thank you Andrew for the question and your interest in the Noosaville foreshore. The cost of the first draft of the Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan as released in June 2024 was $336,305 total budget. These costs include all consultant costs staff costs and all on costs such as community engagement associated with the project. It is important to note that the project was subsidised by a $100,000 grant provided by the Queensland Government QCoast2100 grant to provide coastal resilience concepts integrated into the master plan. In consideration of these costs it is important to note that the Noosaville foreshore covers over two kilometres and is the largest and most urban park in Noosa and has many uses and complexities associated with the design process. The infrastructure master plan as well as providing community certainty also provides a platform for future investment through grants. other income sources. Council has projected tens of millions of dollars in necessary asset renewal costs on the Noosaville foreshore including revetment walls, pathways, stormwater pipes, car parks, playgrounds, river pontoons and jetties and park furniture. Rather than rely Platform include: The Noosa Biosphere Trials Implementation Plan. Council's investment of $30,000 has resulted in $3.2 million of grant funding, which is 108 times the original investment. The Noosa Cycling and Walking Strategy. Council's initial investment of $250,000 has resulted in $11.3 million of grant funding, which is 45 times the original investment. complex master plan, a $50,000 investment from council has resulted in $6.3 million grant funding, which is 126 times the original investment. And the Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan, $50,000 worth of investment from council and the master plan has resulted in $6.3 million grant funding, which is 126 times the original investment. And the Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan, $50,000 worth of investment from council and the master plan has resulted in $6.3 million grant funding, which is 126 times the original investment. And the Noosa District Sports Complex Master Plan, $50,000 worth of investment from council and the master plan has resulted Plan has resulted in $4 million worth of grant funding which is 80 times the original investment. These grant funding examples provide compelling examples of the value of Master Plans and the maintenance and improvement of valuable community assets rather than relying solely on residents' rates and is why it is very important for Council to continue to prepare Master Plans
Larry Sengstock 03:03:57.880
Okay, the second question again, I've been asked to be the proxy for this question. The community rejected the Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan released in June 2024 and it had to be redrafted. How much will the redraft of the Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan cost?
Shaun Walsh 03:04:15.312
Thank you again, Andrew, for the question. Firstly, the community has different reactions to the draft Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan. Many certainly did not appreciate the loss of car parking, overly modern design approach, concerns for the erosion management techniques, as well as concerns for changes to the proposed tennis court and other spaces. But others in the community appreciated the widening of the footpaths to make them safer, the proposed new toilet block, refreshed playground equipment and the natural approach to Chaplain Park. The redrafting of the master plan is budgeted for an additional $209,401 including consultants, staff time and on costs. The redrafting of the master to Chaplain Park. As noted above the Noosaville foreshore is a large complex space and the infrastructure master plan provides a valuable platform for green infrastructure. Master planning can be a difficult process to ensure appreciation of the issues and community consensus on the design direction moving forward. Council deeply respects direction moving forward. Council deeply respects the strong community sentiments surrounding the proposed draft master plan. Council have listened and acknowledged that an updated draft is needed and are using feedback to revise the master plan. Within particular strong desire to maintain the relaxed Noosa environment that we all know and love. The master plan therefore intends to ensure that this highly loved community asset remains a vibrant and sustainable community space and parkland for generations to come.
Frank Wilkie 03:05:40.060
Thank you, Shaun. Thank you everyone. That brings us to the end of today's agenda. Thank you for your attendance. The next ordinary meeting will be at Peregian Beach Community House on Thursday 21st of November at 5pm. There will be a community engagement prior to this meeting from 2pm. We hope to see you all there. We declare the meeting closed at 1.
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