SPECIAL MEETING - 6 November 2024
Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024 at 1:00PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:56:39
Synopsis: Final Consultation Endorsed for foreshore plan, Revisions retain Pirate Park, tennis, boat ramp and parking, Accessibility upgrades, Stormwater and revegetation for erosion resilience, Transparency, Community feedback.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Director Community Services Kerri Contini Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Motion carried 5–2 to endorse the draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan for final community consultation 15 Nov–15 Dec 2024 (Item 2.1) (29:48, 56:04). Frank Wilkie: Explained revisions driven by earlier feedback: retain Pirate Park and tennis (multi-use), maintain most on-street parking, retain boat ramp layout, widen shared path to 3.5 m, convert 10 car bays at ramp to 16 scooter bays, shorten eastern boardwalk to Howard St and flip parking Howard–William St (30:51–34:40) (Item 2.1). Shaun Walsh: Path width set at 3.5 m to meet engineering guidance and reduce cyclist–pedestrian conflicts; shaded alignment to draw pedestrians around the ramp and improve safety (25:15) (Item 2.1). Dean Arnold: Eight revision themes from consultation: pathways, playgrounds, tennis, boat ramp, parking, amenities/Changing Places, beach nourishment/revegetation, concrete/structures; plan reduces new paving and focuses on renewals (05:31–17:18) (Item 2.1). Dean Arnold: Pirate Park retained and upgraded for inclusive all-abilities play, with small supplementary play nodes; tennis court retained with spectator pavilion and multi-court function (08:17–10:39) (Item 2.1). Shaun Walsh: Boat ramp retained, future detailed design to improve pontoons/jetties turnover and widen shaded bypass path for pedestrians/cyclists (11:32–12:42) (Item 2.1). Dean Arnold: Car parking generally reinstated; approx. 10 spaces near the boat ramp repurposed to scooters to deliver the compliant shared path; PWD bays increased (13:42–14:59) (Item 2.1). Shaun Walsh: Additional toilet/Changing Places facility at Quota Park proceeding; architects engaged and grant pathways identified (15:36) (Item 2.1). Shaun Walsh: Stormwater upgrades and pollution devices embedded; revegetation and gentle grassed slopes to balance access, character, and erosion control (05:17, 16:48–17:57) (Item 2.1). Amelia Lorentson: Confirmed total plan preparation cost at $545,706, including $100k grant; costs capitalised to asset program (26:03–27:45) (Item 2.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Amelia Lorentson: Pressed for transparency on consultancy and engagement costs; CEO cited tendering, audits, and commercial-in-confidence limits, noting selected consultant was at the low end of bids (27:45–29:46). Nicola Wilson: Questioned rushing to meet year-end consultation, plan’s “master plan” completeness, and drawing clarity; urged community to interrogate gaps in the abstracted graphics (49:12–53:05). Jessica Phillips: Sought assurance on avoiding unnecessary parking loss and flagged fiduciary duty to ratepayers; called for detailed community feedback this round (22:07–24:09, 47:17–49:03). Brian Stockwell: Procedural interjection during questions underscored meeting formality (22:27). Frank Wilkie: Emphasised proposals are not fixed outcomes; final plan will reflect forthcoming feedback (30:34–30:51) (Item 2.1). Karen Finzel: Framed process as adaptive leadership responding to community calls for action, inviting further input (45:17–47:11). Legal / Risk Council (collective): Resolution lawfully authorises a final consultation under the Local Government Act 2009 before adoption; no confidential session items noted (Item 2.1; 3. Confidential Session: Nil). Shaun Walsh: Accessibility upgrades (3.5 m shared path, accessible shelters, amenities/Changing Places) align with DDA 1992 and applicable QLD/NCC accessibility standards in detailed design phases (05:31, 15:36, 17:57, 25:15). Shaun Walsh: No foreshore “filling”; inundation resilience designed to avoid off-site impacts; coastal/flood engineers (Alluvium et al.) modelled options indicating no increased risk to North Shore (37:20–38:07). Shaun Walsh: Boat ramp conflict risks mitigated via shaded pedestrian bypass and contemporary on-water facilities in future design, addressing public safety duties (11:32–12:42, 25:15). Larry Sengstock: Procurement via competitive tender with audit oversight; commercial confidentiality limits disclosure of line-item consultant costs (28:36–29:46). Environmental Concerns & River Health Dean Arnold: Existing stormwater outfalls lack pollution devices; master plan embeds treatment to protect river water quality (04:40–05:17). Shaun Walsh: Planting and nourishment to combat erosion while retaining natural character and sightlines; ramps to improve equitable beach access (16:48–17:57). Brian Stockwell: Framed climate and erosion pressures as a “riptide” requiring proactive adaptation to preserve amenity and biodiversity over 20 years (53:29–56:04). Frank Wilkie: Shortened eastern overwater boardwalk to Howard St to reduce amenity impacts on residents while maintaining safer access via wider path (32:55–34:40). Accessibility & Inclusion Dean Arnold: Many shelters currently non-compliant; revised plan prioritises accessible shelters, inclusive play, and evenly spaced amenities across 2 km (04:58–05:31, 14:59–15:36). Shaun Walsh: Wider path is for all users, not only wheelchairs; shaded design encourages safer desire lines away from ramp conflicts (25:15). Karen Finzel: Queried resilience of utilities under inundation; response committed to precinct-level designs improving resilience and amenity (35:40–36:12). Traffic, Parking & Mobility Frank Wilkie: Net vehicle capacity reframed by adding 16 scooter bays for 10 car spaces near boat ramp; aim to free car spaces elsewhere (31:57–33:06). Jessica Phillips: Probed potential hidden parking losses near O Boat/tennis and feasibility of retaining bays with tree inserts; staff to review specifics (22:07–23:37). Shaun Walsh: Community desire for parking retention balanced with safety and pathway continuity; extensive layout testing found ramp precinct the pinch point (13:42–14:59, 24:09–25:15). Shaun Walsh: Future connections planned to Noosa Heads and Tewantin, with legible hierarchy linking shopping, parking, and public transport (05:31–07:40).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Special Meeting Wednesday, 6 November 2024 1:00 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 6 NOVEMBER 2024 1. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Director Community Services Kerri Contini Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. 2. SPECIAL MEETING REPORTS 2.1. DRAFT NOOSAVILLE FORESHORE INFRASTRUCTURE MASTERPLAN - ENDORSEMENT FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Acting Director Infrastructure Services to the Special Meeting dated 6 November 2024 and A. Note the feedback received from previous community consultation on the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Masterplan has informed a significantly revised approach; and B. Endorse the draft Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan for a final round of community consultation for the period 15 November 2024 to 15 December 2024. For: Crs Wilkie, Lorentson, Finzel, Stockwell & Wegener Against: Crs Wilson & Phillips Carried. 3. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 4. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 1.57pm.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.700
Thank you. Well, good afternoon and welcome everybody to the special meeting. I declare it open. I would like to acknowledge that we're meeting on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi people. I pay my respects to the elders past, present and emerging and reiterate their invitation for us to join them as joint custodians, respecting and caring for this beautiful place we all love, respecting and caring place we all love, respecting and caring for each other. Today's special meeting is to consider one item which is the draft Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan, endorsement for further community engagement and we have Shaun Walsh and Dean Arnold here for this report. Dean and Shaun, would you care to join us at the table and give us a summary of the report please. Shaun Walsh 00:54.940
We've got a presentation that we'd like to start with, a very short one, to summarise the journey we've been on, and then welcome questions. Dean Arnold 01:03.420
Thank you, that'd be great. you for the opportunity. The Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and the waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their elders past, So what we'd like to talk about is the Draft Noosaville foreshore infrastructure master plan and the concept designs to resilience. This is the presentation of the special meeting today. The agenda for today is why a master plan? Listening to the community and key topics. Have your say in further opportunity. I'd like to play a video that we produced for the project. Captioning provided by Disability Access Services at Oregon State University. Karen Finzel 02:30.370
Protects and preserves what you love most about the Noosaville foreshore. We know this two kilometre long public space is cherished by locals and we are committed to keeping it that way. I just want to enhance what's there. So why do we need a master plan? Our beloved foreshore is facing challenges timber walls by the river are collapsing. We're looking at over 10 million dollars in the coming decades to maintain and repair playgrounds, upgrade paths, replace old storm Upgrade paths, replace old storm water pipes, and erosion and extreme weather events are also threatening the space. A master plan helps map out future work and gives us the ability to seek external funding to make this happen. Tom Wegener 03:13.444
It's a two kilometre long recreational area that's so loved by everyone. Frank Wilkie 03:18.864
But we really don't give it the love that it deserves, and the attention that it deserves, and proper planning. Karen Finzel 03:24.162
This master plan aims to create a vision for the next 20 plus years, while keeping the vibe and character for generations to come. Your input will help shape that vision, and we're excited to get your thoughts when the revised plan is released for comment in November. Dean Arnold 03:55.020
So in summation, why a master plan? These points highlight the need for the master plan, similar to what was expressed in the video production, you know, particularly around the 10 million in asset renewals and maintenance costs that we're going to face moving forward. And, you know, really to address you know really to address some of the barling infrastructure that's above the ground and below the ground that we currently have along the foreshore we also have we need to manage the threats of you know erosion and inundation that we're facing on the foreshore and we want to attract external funding and attract and retain local investment it's really important that we work with businesses along the foreshore and attract you know investment around that area so and finally we just want to enhance the livability and community well-being that everyone enjoys and if I could just reinforce some of those opportunities for improvements like very few of the shelters at the moment are disabled and a master plan you know reinforces that opportunity so that when we invest money we actually provide disabled compliant facilities most of our stormwater pipes down there don't have any pollution devices on them so they discharge untreated pollution devices on them, so they discharge untreated stormwater into the river. Shaun Walsh 05:17.942
The master plan embeds the opportunities to actually enhance stormwater treatment to actually help protect the river. So these are the sorts of things which are really important to claim for that area. Thank you. Dean Arnold 05:31.473
So listening to our community, we've got to summarise this within kind of eight key topics. This is in response to the draft master plan that we went out in June. So we've listened to the community and we've changed, and they were really around the pathway network, the playgrounds, the tennis court, boat ramp facility, car parking, public amenities and changing places, beach nourishment... changing places. Beach nourishment and revegetation, concrete and structures. So I'm going to run through those eight topics and then it's really the first is what the community said and then how we've updated this revised draft master plan. So the pathway network. Most of the respondents used the foreshore for walking. Most of the respondents pathway network. This was really, you know, vocalised through our kind of conversations with the community and through the have your say. So we're providing a continuous shaded shared pathway along most of the two kilometre foreshore length. We facilitate for future connections beyond. So we know we we plan for connections through to Noosa Heads and Tewantin. We establish a pathway hierarchy ensuring safe inclusive shared pathways of high legibility. We also forge safer convenient connections for shopping, parking, public transport and we utilise tree plantings to ensure a well shaded pathway. So here's a plan of the revised draft master plan. Again, around the pathways, it's all around a safe, connected, inclusive, accessible Noosa board. The next topic is playgrounds. Many of the respondents wanted additional and improved playgrounds. So Pirate Playground will be retained as the main playground node. This will be upgraded and expanded to more accessible inclusive elements as well as traditional play equipment. It provides for inclusive all abilities and a wide demographic range of recreational play experiences. It also introduces additional small recreational play nodes across the foreshore. So beyond this pirate playground, we'll also have these other smaller recreational playgrounds. Shaun Walsh 08:17.800
This is a view, and you know, we've been at length to actually express the master plan as sort of a simpler, more relaxed graphic treatment, which reflects the vibe of what we want to achieve. And if you think about the video and the way people are enjoying the spaces, these sketches try to exemplify that. This shows the pathway. Winding past the beach with accessible pathways down to the beach and in the backdrop you can see, you know, a revised pirate playground with improved shade structures. When you look at it in more detail, there's a replication of the traditional play or, you know, the conventional play equipment you see, but then supplemented with all abilities playground equipment, as well as nature play, which is a really significant trend. And you can see the before and after photo. It's meant to enhance the quality of what's already there. Dean Arnold 09:03.572
In the future when we do design, we will again work with the community, the mums and bubs, the families, you know, disability advocates and ensure that we achieve a result that we The tennis court. Many of the respondents expressed to retain the tennis. So we have retained the tennis court and we're looking to diversify the sports activities played on the facility, a multi-court function. Provide a spectator pavilion and sports lockers for equipment. We facilitate for improved accessibility, sustainability and community wellbeing. We celebrate the foreshore heritage and it's part of the cultural walk. We enhance the visual amenity and the foreshore landscape character around the tennis court as well. Shaun Walsh 09:59.180
This is a sketch which shows the, you know, the pathway experience between the O Boat Hire and the tennis courts and the idea of putting in a new spectator pavilion. And interestingly enough, in discussions with the tennis club, they indicated that's where the original pavilion was because it's on the centre line of the tennis court. It also allows us, by relocating their structure to this location, allows us to have a much wider path around the other side of the tennis court, so that people are really encouraged to continue walking right beside the river, rather than on the other side of the toilet blocks at the moment. So it really helps open that area up. Again, really focusing on the existing character, but with some enhancements which actually improve the amenity and appeal of the area. Dean Arnold 10:39.064
And through discussions with the Noosaville Tennis Club, they were very much in support of what was proposed and discussed. The boat ramp facility. Many of the respondents expressed both to retain and remove the boat ramp. As such, though, we have retained and enhanced both the land and proposed to enhance the land and water side boat ramp facilities. This includes permeable paving, tree plantings to create cooler spaces. We also want to enhance the shared pathway for pedestrian safety and wayfinding around the facility. We want to provide improved resilience and biodiversity to the river. We also want to enhance the visual amenity and foreshore landscape character again. Shaun Walsh 11:32.576
This essentially shows the area of the boat ramp which is essentially retained in a very similar configuration but the master plan acknowledges that we can actually work to actually improve the on-water facilities such as the pontoons and jetties because just because discussions both of Maritime Safety Queensland and various bodies acknowledge that if we had different structures more contemporary structures we get higher turnover rather than you know unduly causing delays at those boat ramps so and hopefully creating more capacity of the boat ramp so this sets us up for a of the boat ramp so this sets us up for a detailed design exercise to you know work with all the boating sector to actually improve the efficiency of that structure. The planning does show a very wide and extended path alongside the program. One of the key public safety issues that we're dealing with is people walking through the boating area and creating potential conflicts and by encouraging a wide shaded path through that area that makes it the primary source of movement. So people think well let's walk around the program through a really pleasant wide shaded experience which really accommodates pedestrians and cyclists so we Dean Arnold 12:42.780
Yeah, it should be noted that we did have many interactions with the Boating and Fishing Alliance representatives to try to enhance the facility in order to change and redirect but we ended up maintaining. The car parking. Most respondents had a strong desire to retain car parking across the foreshore. As such, we reinstate car parking along the foreshore with the revised route passed away. We provide additional PWD spaces for disability. We convert the only change to that is that we're proposing to convert approximately ten spaces on Gympie Terrace alongside the boat ramp, which we convert Shaun Walsh 13:42.521
Whilst we accept the community views about retaining car parking, we think the safety and amenity issues alongside the boat ramp really deserve a reconsideration of the community in this specific location to provide a comfortable... Wide path around the boat ramp. Because we also had a lot of responses in the community who talked about the need for wider paths and the concerns around vehicles around the boat ramp. And there was also something in the meeting on the boat ramp to do that. So we're trying to provide a design which actually marries or reconciles lots of hidden views of the benefits of safety. And in terms of emerging transport, we know Noosa people love their scooters and their motorbikes, and we think this proposal will be available by replacing a car park with scooter spaces actually provides a way for the future in This also facilitates for a consistent shared pathway for Liverpool shore, so from Chapman Park right through to the Eastern Exit. Public amenities and changing places. Respondents have a strong desire to see an additional toilet block facility proposed at Quota Dean Arnold 14:59.880
Park. As such, the proposed amenities and changing places and facilities is to be retained, and we cater and care for those vulnerable in our community. The design of the new amenities is currently underway for the community, with the master plan informing the design intent. This leaves us with equally spaced amenities along the two-kilometre foreshore length. Shaun Walsh 15:36.283
So we've engaged design architects who are starting to work on the designs. We know this is a very popular part of the proposal, and we also know that it's a program which is actually already forecast for grant funding under council's take-up and funding programs. Dean Arnold 16:00.560
Another key topic was beach nourishment and re-vegetation. The Respondent has told us that maintaining sidelines and access through the beach is important. Council currently carries out regular beach nourishment And and we work, and we acknowledge acknowledge that this should continue to protect the area and to retain its natural look. The reintroduction of grass slopes to high use areas along the foreshore in combination with local landing areas is proposed. So we are maintaining and enhancing key access and sidelines to and from the river. And we improve also the nature-based Shaun Walsh 16:48.040
This is a, you know, a sketch which shows a, you know, a grass area. And the proposal, you know, as you can see in the sketch, is there's still significant grass areas, but they're supplemented with rams, which might make it easier for people with less ability to actually access the foreshore. And then also the planting. Which we think, as well as improving erosion, actually also complement the naturalistic character that people are after. So they're there. Dean Arnold 17:18.940
Concrete and structures. So we heard that the respondents love the natural, relaxed vibe of the foreshore and high landscape character. So we intend to maintain the natural look and feel of the foreshore by significantly reducing new paved areas and focusing on upgrading existing areas as they reach their end of life. We want to celebrate their origin and character with the finished roofs, weatherboard, facades, picnic tables, open grass areas, well shaded pathways, an informal park nature and shady trees down the water, similar to what it is today. Shaun Walsh 17:57.846
I was just going to say from the plan, you know, you can see the wider part, you know, gracefully weaves through all the existing trees and all the activity areas such as the genies and boats. And then off those paths are, you know, new shelters which are frequently accessible by pass, which allow disabled access to those areas. But, you know, it's almost like taking the existing character for sure, but applying a new lens on it in terms of looking into the future to provide safer, higher amenity. But, you know, really intersecting the character with the existing layout of Parkway. This shows just sort of, you know, one of the areas we just wanted to point out is that we know people love celebrating this particular space. You know, with lawns dropping down to the middle of it. And we just wanted to point out that, you know, this is, the aim of this is to retain those sorts of character in those areas. Perhaps with, you know, perhaps in this case a wire path. And, you know, some, you know, shelters which capture the character of the existing ones, but obviously replacing them. Dean Arnold 19:08.320
In summary, extensive foreshore improvements of new and upgraded park features and elements have been undertaken for well over a century. Council has a hand in facilitating improvements and upgrades across the foreshore, which has helped to make it the beautiful place it is. Shaun Walsh 19:29.620
If I just want to note that, you know, part of the success of the business of the foreshore is, in particular, infrastructure access to the farm incident, which provided the pathway to the rural sheds and all the botanicals, and that's why we love it. That it's time to refresh that, because it's the age of infrastructure, and set a common direction for the community and council. Frank Wilkie 19:48.560
In that deep history, we want to embrace and introduce cultural walks, and really celebrate that heritage. So, your say, another opportunity. So, have your say goes live from the 15th of November to the 15th of December, just over four weeks. I'm going meetings with key stakeholders plans will continue. Video and fact sheets, community releases will also be out in public. We intend to undertake four short pop ups, walking tours, coffee chats with the community. We have project flyers and cool food pours to go down and help inform so the community really understands what we're proposing. We also have radio, newspaper and social media posts. Once the feedback is received from the Your Say, we will again revise and re-present for a further review and endorsement. Thank you, Ty. Thank you, Dan. Thank you, Shaun. Any questions, councillors, staff? Nicola. Nicola Wilson 21:01.480
The last draft that went out was the 80% complete draft. What percentage would you say this latest revised draft is? Shaun Walsh 21:10.292
Well, 80% complete draft is a technical term used in architectural landscape architecture in our world. So, it was probably inappropriate to use that reference. So, because it led to a lot of confusion. The next version will be as complete as it needs to be to satisfy council and community views. So, it's probably a fair question. In terms of the content, in terms of the volume of the master plan and the details behind it, it is technically 80% complete. Amelia Lorentson 22:05.457
Thank you. Jessica Phillips 22:07.657
I just have a couple of questions in the detail if that's right. Just with the car parks, when we spoke about car park being one of the spoke about car park being one of the topics of the community board in that last round, in this document, it looks like near O Boat, just near the tennis courts, that that... Brian Stockwell 22:27.273
This is a point where we're in a special meeting, so candidates should be standing in line. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 22:32.913
Yes, all right. Thanks for the line-up. Karen Finzel 22:39.460
Yes, in relation to the O Boat car park near the tennis courts, please. We spoke about 10 losses near the boat ramp, but in this image it looks like there could be some loss in the little... little inlet near the O Boat toilet block. Can you just explain that to me? Dean Arnold 23:00.719
Yeah, sure. Yeah, we'd have to look at that. I don't see that there is a loss there. What we wanted to do was provide for disability spots there next to the amenities, so that's kind of shown. And also for O Boat's, that kind of commercial operation to continue. But we can review if there's any additional spots there that seem to be lost. we Okay, thank you. Jessica Phillips 23:37.106
Another question about the car parking on, just to give me some more information around the ones off the boat ramp. My understanding is to create a wider path for wheelchair access and things like Is there opportunity, because of what the trees that I can see are being planted, is there any way that there isn't loss of car park on that stretch where we're proposing that there's Dean Arnold 24:09.668
We had an extensive look at the design of that particular area. We went through a whole regime of different layout changes. Frank Wilkie 24:20.896
And how we could really, to the point where if we could move the boat ramp further. But it was just impractical. And you only have a limited amount of space there. And currently we've got, when you look at the width, we've currently got about 45 metres of asphalt to asphalt to asphalt. When you consider the road, the pathway, and the boat ramp. So we did go through a range of scenarios to try to maintain those car parks, but if we want to respect our walking and cycling master plan and our primary footpath, you know, we needed to... So we did go through the boat ramp. something had to give. So it was the car parking, but we felt we found a good compromise with the scooter parks, because we know that providing those scooter parks, it means one less scooter taking up the car space as well, which is very efficient. Shaun Walsh 25:15.282
To add to that, Chair, the 3.5 m width is actually what's recommended by, you know, engineering stands, and we know we have significant problems with conflicts between, you know, passing cyclists and family groups and the like, so having that 3.5 m width is not just for wheelchairs, it's for every user to actually feel safe as they move around. And I think trees are a really important element to making it attractive for people to actually not walk through the program, you know, because that's creating delays in the program and also creating safety issues. So the more attractive we can make and save for that wide path, the more we think the conflict issues will be resolved. Amelia Lorentson 26:03.700
I have a couple of questions in relation to consultancy fees and perhaps questions to the CEO. I've got the report in front of me and I just wanted just wanted some clarity. So the cost of the first draft, released in June, was $336,305. Those costs were subsidised by a $100,000 grant. And then further down it says the re-drafting of the plan following Council's resolution in 18 July is budgeted for an additional $209,401. So can I ask the question, what is the total cost? For the chair that is actually the total cost, that includes Shaun Walsh 26:50.561
Yeah, it's both those sums added together, the $336,000 plus the $209,000 a second. So the thing I will note about that figure is that includes consultancy costs, but also staff costs, and also all the outgoing costs such as community engagement, which can be expensive. Because these type of costs are capitalised, which means that they're not operating across the organisation. They're actually attributed to the overall asset program, and then depreciated over time so they don't impact the part accounts that are really operating. Amelia Lorentson 27:24.415
So the total cost is $545,706. And that includes the $100,000 that was subsidised by grant funding. So it would be the two figures, the $300,000 plus Shaun Walsh 27:39.090
The $209,000. So if your calculations are correct, it's exactly what I've got. Amelia Lorentson 27:45.939
And just one further question to the CEO. How does council fulfil their obligation to ensure that consultation fees are transparent and deliver value for money? Is there clear reporting structures? How can community understand or see that the fees are justified and have been allocated for the right purposes? For instance we had a list before of all the engagement from pop-ups to media to fact sheets. Can community or even councillors access those costs? It's in the report, not the figures. Not the costs, I don't get it. Couldn't find costs. Two figures in the report. Larry Sengstock 28:36.135
You're referring to the child costs? So I need to defer to transparency, you know, throughout the process. So all our works in this nature go through a tender process. So those consultants are selected in its various criteria, including price, quality, reputation, and the like. Those subject to recommendations which come through to the CEA and subject to significant scrutiny. They're also subject to, you know, council's yearly auditing processes to ensure they've undertaken the appropriate procurement. It is difficult sometimes to share exact costs of consultants because, you know, we're dealing sometimes with commercial confidence and the like and not wanting to give, you compared it is an operation on the cost of the submitted, but I can assure council that the consultants selected was actually at the bottom range of costs that were submitted as part of the tender process. Shaun Walsh 29:46.953
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 29:48.373
Now, councillors, I'll move the recommendation, which is to the council note the report by the acting director of infrastructure services to the special meeting dated 6 November, and note the feedbacks received from previous community consultation on the Noosa Shire Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan has informed a significantly revised approach, and endorse the draft Noosa Shire Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan for a final round of community consultation. master plan for a final round of community consultation for the period 15th of November 2024 to 15th of December 2024. May I have a second please? Thank you Councillor Wegener. today through this motion we are acknowledging that community feedback has shaped a different draft master plan. SPEAKER_08 30:34.650
We're also seeking to release this new draft for further community input. It's It's worth worth noting noting that, that like the previous draft, it contains only proposed ideas, not fixed outcomes for further community consideration and feedback. Frank Wilkie 30:51.827
The community's views during this phase, proposed to run from November 15 to December 15, will also guide what a final plan will look like. All councillors and key staff remain committed to listening respects our community's connection with and love for the Noosaville foreshore, and it's earnestly hoped that our community will see their feedback reflected in this revised draft plan, and that they feel it was a worthwhile process. and finalising a plan Many of the ideas received seek to significantly improve on the first draft, such as the idea of leaving... such as the idea of leaving Pirate Park in its current location, and including not replacing it with a natural play area, like not replacing the tennis court, but increasing public use of it by upgrading it... time into a multi-use court. Possibly also for basketball and pickleball. These were community ideas. On-road car parks are proposed to remain virtually unchanged. Instead of improving... pedestrian safety through two separate footpaths running the length of Gympie Terrace, which would have involved removing on-road parking in the narrower strip of parkland east of the Thomas Street boat ramp, it's been proposed to achieve a...result by having one wider engineering-compliant shared footpath in the narrow sections. The boating and fishing community are very strong on wanting the layout of the boat ramp to remain untouched, and this has been proposed to stay as is. I must flag that, in order to fit a wider, safer and shady path around the boat ramp in this narrow section, it's proposed to convert ten car parks into sixteen motorcycle or motor scooter parks. As motorbikes and scooters can legally take up a car space it's hoped that locating more numerous, smaller motorbike parks here will free up more spaces for cars elsewhere. And if you see motorcycles as also motor vehicles, we have actually increased the number of parks for vehicles along the foreshore. motorbikes and scooters, sorry I've done that, this draft makes it clear that views to the river will not be blocked by any raised banks as field and that there will be gentle slopes planted with grass to the water's edge in well used areas and low plantings. And low plantings in other areas to beautify and help protect against erosion. The boardwalk proposed to be built over the rock wall at the eastern end of Gympie Terrace is now drafted to end at Howard Street and continue on through Howard Street instead of continuing along to William Street as originally drafted. This proposed shortening is in direct response to residents concerns about impacts on their amenity. A proposed wider footpath between Howard and William Street is intended to enable safer and more inclusive pedestrian access if approved. On street parking in this section is proposed to be flipped to the other side of the road to allow this to occur. Along with the community members who took the time to respond, I'd like to thank and all councillors and the Keefe staff who have not ceased working in good faith to listen to our community and help shape this draft master plan When finalised, it will enable Council to apply for the $10 million plus in external funding needed for the upkeep and improvements on this two kilometre long strip of park land over the next 20 years, so it can continue So it can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come, despite predicted increases in storm intensity and frequency, heavier public use, and increased wear and tear on the infrastructure. Our collective commitment listen and create an effective master plan that reflects the community's strong connection to the Noosaville foreshore will continue long beyond this next phase of community consultation. We encourage everyone to view the new revised draft. We encourage everyone. Please let us know what you think either via the Your Say portal, online survey, at community pop-ups, by email, phone call or contact your councillors And arrange to meet with us in person. We'll be happy to meet with you face to face. The Noosa community is rich in knowledge and good ideas and absolutely necessary to help us create a shared vision for the Noosaville foreshore we can all be proud of. Any further questions or would like to speak to the motion? Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 35:40.560
Thank you through the chair. I do thank you for the report today and the respect and courtesy at the table. I just have a gentleman of my apologies. I have a general question relating to infrastructure in terms of power, coaxed cables in the interest of businesses and residents who belong there with regarding inundation and flooding and things like that. Inundation and flooding, things like that. Can you give us an overview of how that will be managed in the future? Shaun Walsh 36:12.723
As we've always said in the master plan, this is the first stage, which is framework. Each of the precincts will be subject to detailed design. Sometimes we'll be in charge of that, sometimes we'll be developing applications for land across the street. That we'll need to consider Infrastructure resilience is going to be a critical issue, you know, with that inundation, and I'm also conscious that we have some really ugly power poles and other infrastructure along there, so we'd be really keen to explore with other detailed design what improvements can be made to both the resilience of the infrastructure, to the staying weather events, and also seeing the amenity, and we'll be happy to pursue... I have another question before we close on from that, please, around the inundation. Jessica Phillips 37:04.404
When the modelling for the foreshore has been done, can I have some information about the risk to the North Shore? Given if we make changes to the foreshore, please. Shaun Walsh 37:20.358
I probably can speak generally, but I can refer to Shaun. So, one of the ways we approach the use of the foreshore is not filling it, you know, because an easy way to make the foreshore more resilient is to actually fill it, you know, create floor levels above But this plan doesn't propose that. It proposes to actually keep the natural levels as is, which means that, you know, it's going to be subject to inundation. The benefits of that is it prevents Amelia Lorentson 37:47.350
It catchable does not make the problem worse than anywhere else. So it's sort of like an inherent design restraint by not filling it, that we're actually protecting the balances of this catchment from effects. I'm happy to defer to Shaun, who's got significant other sides of this inundation. Shaun Walsh 38:07.727
Yeah, I agree with Shaun's comments, I agree with that. But the solutions that were proposed and modelled by our consultants, alluvium in this space, and more coastal engineering and flood engineers, show that solutions that have been proposed in this master plan should not increase risks to other areas around the Noosa Rest Area. So that was considered as part of the multi-criteria assessment for options for resilience. Amelia Lorentson 38:43.371
A question, I'm not sure if it's possible to the CEO or maybe the Director, Kim Rawlings. A question that was posed to Question that was posed to me recently. Why did the foreshore management plan take priority over the destination management plan? And which one should it come first? And now that the foreshore management plan is in place, will...DEP need to be adjusted to align with its goals and priorities? Shaun Walsh 39:22.987
Thank you for that question. It was, as councils will know, a difficult decision around how we would juggle these couple of really important projects. The feedback through the last consultation period for the Noosa and Cooroy Master Plan was far more than probably anticipated. So we regrouped as an organisation and councils We bring root as an organisation and councillors are involved in these conversations to consider which projects need to proceed given that they all require consultation. We also have feedback from our community that they do not want multiple projects out there at the same time, complex projects or projects that are And given that there was a really high level of engagement in this and we were part way through, the collective decision was to proceed and finish this project, which meant a delay to the DMP. The DMP, in terms of alignment, the DMP will absolutely consider all of the contemporary feedback from the community around range of issues. You know, issues that the DMP are considering, whether it's traffic, movement, to important places or iconic places, are all issues that were considered or featured in the Noosaville Foreshore Master Plan. This is very contemporary information, very contemporary feedback from our community, which will be considered as part of the Absolutely. Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 41:23.807
Any other councillors wish to speak to the motion or more questions? There's just another question, just to take some clarification on the names that Councillor Wilson has spoken on. The proposed final round of... Proposed final round of council, is this going to be a final round? I thought we were going again. But this consultation from the 15th, and I remember 15th to the 15th of December, is that included in the funding that's already been allocated? Dean Arnold 41:51.876
Yes it is. And this will be the final round of community consultation. the final round of community consultation? Frank Wilkie 42:01.218
Gregor Council, would you speak to the motion? Wait. Amelia Lorentson 42:06.858
I'll speak to the motion. I'm genuinely pleased with the progress that we've made and I recognise that we're still not there yet. This final round of community consultation on the draft plan is a critical opportunity to ensure our community's input vision are accurately represented. So I encourage everyone to please let us know what matters most to you. Do you support the overwater structures? Would you like more information on what in fact are the boat ramp improvements? Do you agree with removing any car parking? Have we allocated enough for disability parking? Have we allocated enough parking. Should we clarify or give you more certainty around the slipway? And would you like forecast modelling on inundation levels or additional details on our climate change response made clearer? So I want to thank the residents and the business owners and the members of the Noosa Floating and Fishing Alliance who have already shared a lot of their feedback to us. Your input is invaluable so please keep coming. Consultation. Consultation, and this is just my opinion, should be more than just community buy-in or having your say. In my view, consultation is about a partnership, a partnership between council and the community. This process should be about respect, it should be about collaboration, and it should be about honouring This is our plan, this is our park, and it's our investment. So again, please continue to share your thoughts. Remember that this is a draft, and we are open draft, and we are open to your input, and ready to amend and refine the plan based on your feedback. Finally, I'm deeply grateful to our community, who throughout this term have guided us on best ways to engage, reminding us of the importance of meaningful engagement, the importance of public participation, the importance of local knowledge, heritage, and evidence-based decisions that truly reflect community values. Again, I encourage our community to stay engaged, hold us accountable, and help us understand how we can best listen to you. Finally, I want to extend my gratitude to our dedicated staff who have honestly worked so hard on this final draft. Their hard work has been essential in reaching this stage and I'd like to acknowledge and thank you for that. We are all in this together, staff, councillors and community. I believe we are on the right path with valuable lessons learned to guide us forward. Thank you. Karen Finzel 45:17.622
Yes, thank you. I'll be quick because I know there's a lot of things to do. Firstly, big gratitude to our community that engaged really proactively in the space. It's wonderful to see this collaboration between community, staff and councillors. You know, community has called for action. I think there has been a call to action. We've responded. I think what is good that we have proven leadership through ability. By our capability and capacity to be able to take on board the feedback from our community which was taken on board, taken seriously and considered carefully. So I think we've come here to table, around the table today to show that we are responding and adapting to future challenges that face our community. Moving forward to listen to what people have to say and adapt, take on board and together we are stronger. I think this is a really good indication of this term that collectively how we have taken on board what everyone together we've been able to work hard with everyone involved listen to your voices and present back to community a draft that we understand is not fully completely exactly that everyone has specifically asked for but we have attempted it to the best of our ability engaging everyone's voices. to come back to the table and together we can have another look at this. Let us know if you've missed something if there's something significant that you would like to further contribute to council is open for business we are outward facing and listening to our community and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has participated. Frank Wilkie 47:11.660
Any other councillors wish to speak to the motion? I'll wait. Councillor. Jessica Phillips 47:17.300
I'll be very brief. Firstly I also want to thank the committed staff who have listened to me and the other councillors with my many many questions in all the workshops so thank you you've shown patience and understanding and I do And I do hope the community sees that you've listened and revised the plan to reflect maybe more closely to what they have asked for. This new draft, it's certainly a big improvement on the first, I'll give it that. In fact, I tried to put a mindset when I looked at it if this was the first draft I was seeing rather than the... what we've dealt with through the year. So I did try to put that lens on and fundamentally I kept coming back to a point that I wanted to raise that it's our responsibility to spend ratepayers' money wisely. So I do hope now we go out for final consultation if we do, if this is endorsed and I hope that community have a say. So I do hope now... They've obviously voiced how this part of the Shire is near and dear to so many people. If this is the final round then I do hope they take the time to give us every bit of detail so we get it right. And I'm just going to end with something that I overheard when I was recently down river and it was someone that said, "Oh, Noosa, it's at least 10 years behind Melbourne." And in my mind I smirked and thought, "And I hope we always are." Frank Wilkie 49:03.142
Thank you, Councillor. Okay, I'm going to wave my... Did you wish to speak, Councillor? Yes. Yes. Go on, Councillor Wilson. SPEAKER_11 49:12.744
Thank you for your report and all your work on this plan. I'll start with the importance of community consultation. Sorry about my croaky voice. Both the process to date and the next round coming up. I was first aware of the plan about six weeks into my term on council, so it wasn't really across the process that had led to the draft that was published in May this year, other than the initial engagement. of this was published in May this year, other than the initial engagement in 2023 that said, "Don't change it. We love it the way it is. Fix the broken bits and add some more toilets." So personally, I wasn't surprised at the content and volume of the feedback that we received in June. Particularly around parking and our most accessible, safe, flat place to walk, gather and play. My interpretation of community sentiment based on that was, we're at point A, we need to make a few tweaks and get to point B. I think took us somewhere else, so let's call it point T. I think this latest draft now takes us back to point B or maybe C. And the main positives that the community has expressed so far are really the parts that But the draft released in parts that put us back to where we started with the parking the tennis court and Pirate Park. But the process we've taken in getting back there has been very thorough and I commend the staff and the consultants for their tireless work over these last few months to gather feedback, talk last few months to gather feedback, talk to stakeholders, rework the draft plan, brief counsellors and present options in multiple workshops, but I do believe that those workshops may be focused on those key themes that we saw in the report and possibly missed some of the feedback that was expressed as well. I did express my concerns along the way on the timing of this process and felt we were rushing towards a deadline so that this final round of engagement could happen before the end of the year. I also thought that the amount of feedback and depth of issues deserved a longer time to work through and make the changes really clear. However, with my finance hat on, we also had to balance the cost of undertaking further work, not just in the additional fees paid to consultants, as we've heard about, but the many, many workforce hours for council staff and executives, as well as councillors. and executives as well as councillors. It's my understanding this wasn't necessarily a priority plan at the start but it's taken priority this last few months to the detriment of other important work so we need to ensure we get value for money for all of that work in arriving at the next final draft. At this stage this document doesn't feel like a master plan to me but rather a stepped change of the last draft to this draft. A summary of the feedback, some clarification of of the feedback, some clarification of proposed changes, and that are not necessarily that clear in the drawings. If we move into this final round of consultation, I ask the community to please make sure... make sure you use it. Go to the pop-ups, go to the... have chats with councillors, ask questions. This latest draft is deliberately shorter and easier to digest. The drawings are abstract and there's much less detail. detail so if you wanted to compare the two drafts side-by-side you'd see there are gaps so if there's a specific item that you had strong feelings about it may not be clear whether it's still included in the latest draft plan so please ask. So if you wanted to compare... I still have concerns about the cost to go from A to B via T. I'm pleased that this latest draft reflects what the community has asked for on on some key issues but think there are some more issues So I do want to reiterate that this is still a draft. It's not perfect or finished. The community can continue to give feedback, suggest changes and ask questions over the next month. The master plan is a vision for the foreshore over 20 years and there will be plenty of opportunities. get involved in the detailed plans as each project is funded and designed over the years. Nothing will change immediately. Nicola Wilson 53:05.820
This process has been an important lesson in engaging community along the way and checking in before major decision points and major cost expenditure so that we go from point A to B without diversions. When we solve problems together we can find the best solution. solve problems together we can find the best solution. Frank Wilkie 53:23.348
Thank you Councillor Wilson. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 53:29.268
Perhaps the most important point in this revised plan is the vision. Because it's a 20 year vision. I think if I was to ask the community to think about one thing when they responded to this vision is don't think about yourself. Think about the families in 20 Think about the families in 20 years' time. And I'll use an analogy from a bit further east. A lot of people, when we had that first round, say, don't change anything, don't change anything. And I'll give you the analogy you the analogy of going out for surfing and get caught in a riptide. If you don't do anything, you're taken to a place where you don't want to be. And the riptide equivalent for the Noosaville foreshore are the challenges that are outlined in this plan. The challenges of foreshore erosion, of foreshore inundation, of the pedestrian experiences, of ageing stormwater infrastructure, of increased heat and the discomfort it will bring, of the loss of habitat and biodiversity. The challenges of foreshore... This is one of the most... the most loved recreational assets of this Shire that I've enjoyed every part of for 40 years or more. Every different thing from walking, running even, playing tennis, launching boats, teaching kids to fish. In the playground every stage of life is catered for along this foreshore and as we've heard it's a very narrow green strip between the river and a large area that is the I think this plan has addressed there are key things that will happen in 20 years so the first draft did actually have high amounts to give more resilience to rising sea level and we know in our chat we said what's going to happen in 40 years time in 2040 that's in the division this time and we know that's now considered to be a very conservative estimate so some of this ageing story conservative estimate. So some of this ageing stormwater in its life, if we don't do anything to address it, it might more often be used to take river water into the street than stormwater out of the street and into the river. These are the things that people have to think about. Think about the long term. Think about that family in 20 years time. Does it want to enjoy the experience that your family's had over the last 20 years and what we need to the last 20 years and what we need to do progressively to maintain that experience. Frank Wilkie 56:04.374
Thank you Councillor Stockwell. Can the councillors speak? I'll waive my right to speak as everyone's presented a great diversity of views around the table. Put it to the vote of those in favour. That's Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wegener, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Wilkie. Against? Releasing it to public consultation is Councillor, Councillor Wilson. That's carried. That is the final item. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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