General Committee - 14 April 2025
Date: Monday, 14 April 2025 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:07:03
Synopsis: Tourism Noosa funding delay, Brand risk cited, Rowing Club relocation approved with strict conditions, Financials strong, legal/consultancy overspend, Cyber Risk noted, Industrial Action unaffected.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Brian Stockwell Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Corporate Services Scott Ison Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Kyrone Dodd Deputations
Alan Golley Kathleen Swalling Sharon Raguse AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Brian Stockwell : Chaired General Committee; noted remote attendance of Cr Finzel (00:00; Minutes 3). Alan Golley : Led deputation seeking Council to honor the further term of Tourism Noosa’s existing Funding & Performance Deed until the Destination Management Plan (DMP) is finalised, citing CPI freeze and brand risk (01:51–12:31; Minutes 6.1). Council : Approved MCU24/0151 for temporary relocation of Lake Macdonald Rowing Club to Seqwater land at end of Hoy Rd; small scale, temporary, above flood line, no vegetation removal; two submissions addressed via conditions (17:09–20:28; Minutes 7.1). Amelia Lorentson : Moved amendment to Condition 20 to create a hard cessation date of 17 Apr 2032 or within 60 days of dam project completion, whichever is earlier; carried unanimously (22:12–34:50; Minutes 7.1). Richard MacGillivray : Justified 7-year window as construction plus contingency; low risk of forced move given Seqwater is applicant and partner (28:27–29:36; Minutes 7.1). Frank Wilkie : Recorded mitigation conditions—muted tones on containers, restricted hours, no regattas—balancing amenity and continuity for a 9-member club (36:32–37:48; Minutes 7.1). Council : Noted March 2025 Financial Performance; operating revenue +$2.2m above budget, expenditure $0.2m under; added key financial sustainability indicators to report (38:55–40:49; Minutes 8.1). Pauline (Financial Services): Interest revenue +$1.7m; legal costs $90k over YTD (development appeals); consultancy $330k over YTD (timing/classification) (40:49–42:23; Minutes 8.1). Pauline : Cash holdings $120.9m; restricted $46.4m; ~$6.9m unrestricted; capital revenue +$9.9m (DRA/SEQ PSP); capex behind budget largely due to disaster works timing (42:15–42:23; Minutes 8.1). Larry Sengstock : Tourism Noosa negotiations ongoing; report expected in coming month; industrial action not affecting service delivery to March (51:25–51:36; 50:24–50:31; Minutes 8.1). Council : Adopted Finance Report unanimously (01:06:31–01:06:52; Minutes 8.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Alan Golley : Asserted Council’s delay in Deed negotiations breached the Deed’s intent to conclude by 31 Dec 2024, hampering TN’s winter campaign planning (08:40–09:28; Minutes 6.1). Alan Golley : Highlighted shift of former tourism levy into general rates with assurance quantum would remain for visitor economy, yet no CPI increase to TN core funding for 10 years (04:53–06:59; Minutes 6.1). Amelia Lorentson : Pressed on $2.1m annual consultancy spend and sustainability; sought linkage to staff training to reduce dependency (43:22–45:38; Minutes 8.1). Amelia Lorentson : Floated using cash reserves to reduce rates; cautioned by CEO and Deputy Mayor as poor practice for ongoing ops (58:59–01:00:15; Minutes 8.1). Karen Finzel : Queried alignment of training investments with EBA classifications; officers clarified CA dictates role levels, training is broader capability (01:02:21–01:04:23; Minutes 8.1). Jessica Phillips : Sought SPER recoveries transparency on referred debts (49:21–50:02; Minutes 8.1). Legal / Risk Brian Stockwell : Declared declarable conflict; Council, under s150ES Local Government Act 2009, resolved he may participate and vote; he did not vote per minutes record (12:31–16:58; Minutes 7.1). Nadine Corden : Approval conditioned with sunset and rehabilitation obligations, including weed removal under Biosecurity Act 2014 and Noosa Pest Management Plan 2015–2019 (17:39–20:28; Minutes 7.1). Council : Noted report provided per s63(5) Planning Act 2016, affirming statutory decision-making basis (22:12–22:26; Minutes 7.1). Pauline : Legal costs $90k over YTD due mainly to development appeals; signals active litigation portfolio and budget pressure (40:49–41:10; Minutes 8.1). Amelia Lorentson / Pauline : Cyber theft confirmed as a Council risk; report omissions noted; incidents would be reported to insurers, councillors, auditors, and potentially Ombudsman (01:01:18–01:02:17; Minutes 8.1). Larry Sengstock : Confirmed paid industrial relations legal advice notwithstanding membership services; transparency on cost line (55:38–56:19; Minutes 8.1). Conflicts of Interest Brian Stockwell : Prior Seqwater consultancy on Lake Macdonald assets (2019–2020) disclosed; Council resolved no reasonable perception of bias; permitted to participate; minutes note ineligibility to vote on resolution (12:31–16:58; Minutes 7.1). Tourism Noosa Funding & Community Impacts Alan Golley : Warned devaluing Noosa’s premium, values-aligned brand risks attracting low-value, high-volume visitation, harming amenity and spend (06:59–09:28; Minutes 6.1). Alan Golley : Cited data—visitation down ~300k day-trippers since 2015 while value grew; 75% of businesses rely on tourism directly/partly; urged continuity of funding pending DMP (08:40–09:28; Minutes 6.1). Larry Sengstock : Signalled a funding report/position likely within a month; maintains active negotiations (51:25–51:36; Minutes 8.1). Environmental Concerns (Dam Upgrade & Temporary Use) Nadine Corden : Environmental Management & Conservation zone inconsistency outweighed by temporary nature, no vegetation removal, and catchment protections via conditions (17:39–20:28; Minutes 7.1). Council : Conditions cap hours, numbers, events; require muted finishes; rehabilitate site at end of use, aligning with catchment and biosafety obligations (17:39–20:28; 36:32–37:48; Minutes 7.1). Short Stay Letting / STA Context Alan Golley : Stated TN does not push to convert residential properties to STA; focus is on high-value, values-aligned visitors and educating for low-impact behavior (09:39–12:31; Minutes 6.1). Litigation, Appeals & Financial Pressures Pauline : Development appeals driving legal overspend; consultancy overspend tied to housing at Cooroy, Lake Macdonald works, ICT migrations, and parking plan (40:49–45:38; Minutes 8.1). Council : Interest income remains elevated pending anticipated RBA cuts; capex behind due to disaster projects, but Chair expects strong year-end delivery versus historical benchmarks (53:49–54:14; 01:04:26–01:06:31; Minutes 8.1). Service Delivery, Disaster & Cyber Pauline / Larry Sengstock : Cyclone Alfred temporarily closed a holiday park and incurred emergent costs; waste tonnage likely up; industrial action not impacting March services (50:24–01:06:31; Minutes 8.1). Pauline : Camera car revenue below forecast due to operational issues; SPER debt recovery process clarified (48:02–49:52; Minutes 8.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 14 April 2025 12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Brian Stockwell (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 14 APRIL 2025 1. DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 12.30pm. 2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3. ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Brian Stockwell (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Acting Director Corporate Services Scott Ison Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Kyrone Dodd APOLOGIES Nil. 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 17 March 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 14 APRIL 2025 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6. DEPUTATIONS 6.1. DEPUTATION - TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AGREEMENT APPLICANT: ALAN GOLLEY, TOURISM NOOSA SPEAKERS: ALAN GOLLEY (CHAIR TOURISM NOOSA), KATHLEEN SWALLING (DIRECTOR TOURISM NOOSA), SHARON RAGUSE (CEO TOURISM NOOSA) 7. ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES 7.1. MCU24/0151 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR OUTDOOR SPORT & RECREATION (ROWING CLUB) AT LAKE MACDONALD DRIVE, LAKE MACDONALD (REFERRED FROM PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE DATED 8 APRIL 2025- ITEM 7.1) In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Stockwell provided the following declaration to the meeting of a declarable conflict of interest in this matter: I, Cr Stockwell, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter due to my previous work in Lake Macdonald for Seqwater. In 2019 as part of a broader consultancy project that I completed as a sole trader I undertook Land Asset Classification of the land owned by Seqwater around the Lake Macdonald Dam. This work was at a strategic level and assessed the parcel in question as part of the broader evaluation. The project produced land capability and suitability assessments for various land uses, including for recreational pursuits such as that proposed in the application. In 2020 as part of a broader consultancy project I also undertook a further assessment evaluating the suitability of the land around Lake Macdonald for a solar farm. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because I have had no dealings with Seqwater in a private consultant capacity since that time. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Stockwell and determine that in accordance with s150ES of the Local Government Act 2009, and having considered the Councillor's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Cr Stockwell may participate and vote on this matter relating to MCU24/0151 Development Application Lot 1 RP 167252 Lake Macdonald Dr, Lake GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 14 APRIL 2025 Macdonald as a reasonable person would not have a perception of bias as there is no personal gain or loss involved. For: Crs Finzel, Lorentson, Phillips, Wegener, Wilkie & Wilson Against: Nil. Carried. Cr Stockwell having declared a conflict of interest was not eligible to vote. Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the General Committee Meeting dated 14 April 2025 regarding development application MCU24/0151 for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use – Outdoor sport and recreation (Rowing Club) situated at Lake Macdonald Dr Lake Macdonald described as Lot 1 RP 167252 and A. Approve the application in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1 with the following amendment to condition 20: 20. This development approval lapses on 17 April 2032, or within 60 days following the completion of the Seqwater Lake MacDonald Dam Improvement Project, whichever occurs earlier. The approved use must cease operating by this date and all structures, hardstand areas, fencing removed within 60 days of the cessation of operations, with the site rehabilitated by: a. Removing all weed species, including declared plants under the Biosecurity Act 2014 and sub-ordinate Regulation 2003 and the Noosa Local Government Area Pest Management Plan 2015-2019. b. Planting the disturbed areas with a species mix and density reflective of the local variation of the Regional Ecosystem and site-specific conditions. These works must be undertaken by a qualified person* and be to the reasonable satisfaction of the Manager Development Assessment. B. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the application: 1. The proposal will enable an existing rowing club to continue to operate while necessary improvements are made to Lake Macdonald dam, an important water supply for south-east Queensland. 2. The proposed use is small scale, requires direct access to the lake, is temporary in nature and potential impacts on the area’s ecological and water catchment values have been minimised. C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried unanimously. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 14 APRIL 2025 8. REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 8.1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – MAR 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council note the report by the Financial Services Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 14 April 2025 outlining the March 2025 year to date financial performance against budget, including changes to the financial performance report with the inclusion of key financial sustainability indicators. Carried unanimously. 9. CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 10. MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 1.37pm.
Meeting Transcript
Brian Stockwell 00:00.000
So welcome to the General Committee for April 2025. We acknowledge that the Kabi Kabi peoples are the traditional Custodians whose land and waters we now all share. We recognise that Noosa Shire has always been a place of cultural, spiritual, social and economic significance. The traditional Custodians' unique values, ancient and enduring cultures, deepened and enriched the life of our community. We wish to pay respect to their elders, past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the important role First Nations people continue to play within the Noosa community. community. I'd like to also acknowledge that we have a full complement of councillors, with Councillor Finzel attending remotely. Our next item of business is therefore confirmation of... Can I have a mover? I'll move it, Mr Chair. Happens to second. Which minutes are you moving? Frank Wilkie 00:55.468
We are in the general committee. You asked me that question, I wouldn't have... Just give me a bang. Yeah, good on you. Good to see you on the land, Kevin. Brian Stockwell 01:07.574
So we are moving the minutes on to the last general committee meeting. No need for discussion. And Councillor Finzel, you're on mute? Yes. Our next item therefore is an item referred, oh, is the deputations. And so that's a deputation from Tourism Noosa in regard to their funding agreement. If Alan Golley, the Chair of the Tourism Noosa Board, if you'd like to stand where you're apparently standing and you have up to 15 minutes. standing and you've had up to 15 minutes to make your identification. Alan Golley 01:51.253
Welcome Alan. Thank you Councillor. I'd like to mirror the sentiment of the Chair today and acknowledge the traditional custodians of land that we're meeting upon today, the Kabi Kabi people, and pay my respects to their elders past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to country, land, water and culture and we honour their role. as the first stewards of this beautiful place we're privileged to call home. Mayor, councillors, CEO, council staff and members of the community here and online. My name is Alan Golley and I am a Noosa resident and ratepayer. I'm general manager of Sea Haven Noosa Resort on Hastings Street and I love the Noosa community. I dedicate a significant amount of time, my own time and energy, in supporting community. organizations. I'm the secretary of the Hastings Street Association, I'm president of my PNC Association at Cooroy State School and I'm here today in the capacity as chair of Tourism Noosa. I'm here representing the 450 businesses and community groups that make up our membership. Those that pay rates contributing to Council's operating revenue and those businesses that understand the critical role Tourism Noosa plays in shaping the economy and the Noosa brand, both for visitors and Tourism Noosa was established as a not-for-profit destination marketing organisation, not a private company, not a for-profit marketing firm, and certainly not a political body or lobbying group. It was created for the business community to promote the region and to promote the brand. brands. For over two decades we have worked collaboratively with Council, not against it, in the best interests of Noosa. There is no personal benefit to the Board of Volunteers. Its actions are scrutinised by Council and by local tourism and non-tourism businesses that make Businesses that make up its membership. Tourism Noosa is here asking the Council to accept the further term of our current funding and performance deed, honouring their commitment to the business community until the destination management plan is ready and we can renegotiate the terms of the deed. The funding and performance deed heavily emphasised that TN's strategic direction would be guided by the destination management plan and that Tourism Noosa would implement relevant aspects of it. the DMP delayed, TN needs to continue the work of the Council-endorsed four-year destination strategy that we presented two years ago. Originally, Tourism Noosa was funded by a specific tourism and economic levy. This made the link between visitor economy support and business contributions completely transparent. When Council chose to move that levy into general rates, it noted that tourism and economic development activities should be funded by general rates, but applied only to businesses that are currently paying the levy. As such, the amount of revenue collected and subsequently spent on delivering these services to support the tourism and visitor economy will remain unchanged. Clearly understood by the business community, that the quantum they contributed and therefore that was spent on brand management, would not change. Businesses continue to pay these contributions, year on year, and they have increased. There has been no CPI increase to Tourism Noosa core funding for 10 years. Had CPI been introduced back at the start, over the 10 year period, Tourism Noosa operating revenue today from Council would be $3.2 million. Over 10 years, that's $3 million in efficiencies that our organisation has had to find. Over the last few years, as businesses' general rates have increased by CPI, those funds have been diverted into economic development activities and helping Council to weather their own inflationary pressures to the budget. And we know that tourism is And we know that tourism is not the only industry in town. It is, however, a significant industry, arguably the largest. And tourism businesses support many other local businesses within our Shire, engaging their goods and services. This is apparent through an independent study study that found 45% of businesses rely on tourism for most of their operating income and another 30% of businesses rely on it for some of their operating income. That's 75% of businesses that directly feel the benefits of the visitor economy. These businesses are owned and operated by locals, by ratepayers and they employ many locals to keep their businesses running but we also need to look at the broader economic climate. I'm sure our residents are already starting to feel the effects of a volatile market. The world is entering a period of financial uncertainty. Indicators of a global recession are appearing and whether it's consumer sentiment, discretionary spending or international travel patterns we are going to feel it. Now is not a time to devalue one of the organisations that has the expertise and agility and credibility to respond when the economic conditions tighten. The current deed explicitly noted that negotiations for the further term should have been completed by the 31st of December 2024. Council has delayed this process Council has delayed this process through reasons we understand but it's already having real impacts with Tourism Noosa not able to fully commit to our winter campaign which we operate every year supporting tourism through the quiet winter months. We know that tourism activity in Noosa is not all attributed to what we do at Tourism Noosa. If we didn't exist, people would still come. But the most dangerous thing we can do right now is to devalue the Noosa grant a premium nature-based value premium, nature-based, values-driven brand that took decades to build. Other destinations are actively seeking the same markets that we are. And by failing to invest in that brand, our share of those of those markets diminishes. We get lower demand from those brands, which means we'll need to bring down accommodation rates to get people through the doors. This will attract more people from those lower value, higher volume markets. They stay less, they spend less, and there'll be increased, obviously, effect to residential amenity with more of those low value people and obviously less economic stimulation from the visitor economy. This will also impact business investment into the Shire. This is not hype. Tourism is a competitive market and we must remain on the front of it. Now we know that Noosa appeal is built not only in what we offer to visitors but in what we protect for residents. Tourism Noosa does not aim to increase the volume for volume's sake or to push overflow into the hinterland or actively seek out residential properties to convert into STAs. Quite the opposite. Its strategy focuses on high value, values aligned visitation. Visitors who stay longer, spend more and respect the place. We promote tourists staying in Noosa to visit the hinterland so that they can spread the economic value through the Shire. Our strategy clearly works. Visitation numbers have dropped clearly works. Visitation numbers have dropped since the height of 2.5 million people per year in 2015 to our recent stats showing just below 2 million annual visitors, a drop of 300,000 day-trippers per year when the population of South East Queensland has actually grown from 3.4 million to 4 Visitation decreasing by 22% yet the value of the visitor economy has continued to grow. Creating division in the community and spreading misinformation about our strategy is not in the best interest of the community. Collaboration is key to embracing regenerative tourism, bringing community, environment, culture and tourism together towards true stewardship of our destination. Collaboration is interest of the community. We actively bring together stakeholders from across the Shire through regular roundtable meetings with environmental groups, business associations, council staff and other interest groups. have. This collaboration ensures that tourism strategies align with shared values and that actions are informed, transparent and responsible. Tourism Noosa doesn't view itself as separate from the community. It is an integral part of the community, made up of locals, businesses, parents Volunteers, employees and advocates. These people all share a deep care for this place and a genuine commitment to getting the balance right. Now Noosa doesn't need the same level of destination marketing it did 10 or 20 years ago. We acknowledge that. That's exactly why our approach has changed. Today destination marketing isn't about billboards and mass exposure. It's about targeted engagement. It's about reputation management. It's about value alignment and it's about education. We're constantly analysing trends, visitor sentiment and community values to ensure that the Noosa brand remains competitive, relevant and reflective. Tourism Noosa strategic plan places the natural environment as a core value. This isn't lip service, it's a measurable, resourced and long-term commitment. We deliver education to visitors on how to travel responsibly, we promote low-impact experiences, we have developed campaigns around nature, wildlife protection, sustainable travel behaviours and we've partnered with and run We've partnered with and run entire campaigns promoting the UNESCO Noosa Biosphere Reserve and are a partner in Noosa Landcare through our Trees for Tourism program which has helped to regenerate koala corridors and manage erosion in erosion in our hinterland through tourism giving back to the environment we recognise as a broader business community that the natural environment is our economy protecting it isn't just good PR it's essential and tourism Noosa has leading that conversation in a way that aligns with both councils values and the wider aspirations of the community and there is much more work to be done in this space tourism Noosa has evolved to meet the moment it's tightened its budget its budget, it has shifted its strategy, it has collaborated more than ever before, and it has done so whilst being held to increasingly high standards, one that it consistently meets. We are not here asking for more, we are simply asking that the original agreement be honoured, that the funding continue to a level that reflects the value of the business community it represents until we can renegotiate terms based on the destination management plan. This is not about marketing, it's about brand management, it's about our reputation as a Shire. It's about jobs, families, the future of Noosa as a place to live work and visit. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 12:31.208
Okay, so we move on to section 7 and there's been one item referred from the Planning and Environmental Committee, that's MCU 24-0151, develop an application for material change. so we move on to use for outdoor sport and recreation rowing club at Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald and I need to declare a conflict of interest. The President: I'll just wait for Subtitles There we go. I wish to inform the meeting I have a terrible conflict of interest in this matter due to my previous work in Lake Macdonald for Seqwater. In 2019, as part of a broader consultancy project that I completed as a sole trader, I undertook land asset classification of the land owned by Seqwater around the Lake Macdonald Dam. This work was at a strategic level and assessed the parcel in question as part of the broader evaluation. The project produced land capability and suitability assessments for various land uses, including for recreational pursuits, such as that proposed. In 2020, as part of the broader consultancy project, I also undertook a further assessment evaluating suitability of the land around Lake Macdonald for a solar farm. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because I've had no dealings with Seqwater in a private consultancy capacity since that time. Therefore, I would choose to Therefore, I would choose to remain in the meeting room now that I respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Karen Finzel 14:36.789
Coming up. For an informal catch up. Frank Wilkie 14:39.029
I'd like to. Jessica Phillips 14:42.289
Excuse me. Frank Wilkie 14:46.109
I'd like to move that Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Stockwell. Section 150 ES of the Local Government Act 2009, and having considered the Councillor's conflict of interest as described, decided that Councillor Stockwell may participate in voting on this matter, related to MCU240151, Development Application Lot 1, RP167252, Lake Macdonald Drive. Lake Macdonald is a reasonable Lake Macdonald Drive. Lake Macdonald, as a reasonable person, will not have a perception of bias as there is no personal gain or loss involved. May we have a seconder for that please? I'll second. Seconder, Councillor Wilson. Any discussion on? Just trying to really let it sink Tom Wegener 15:34.778
In. I didn't see this in the end. So you... I mean, you're not mentioning the club. You have no analysis for the rowing club at any time in the past? No, nothing site specific like this. That parcel they've got the application over was part of the analysis I did around Lake Macdonald as I did for every other lake dam impoundment. It's only because part of that assessment did have a look at the recreational suitability that there was a potential perception that there may, it's just being transparent for the purpose of saying that yes I have done work as a private individual on this site but I have no longer any private interest. Amelia Lorentson 16:28.960
Can I ask a question in terms of the 2019 consultancy work that you engaged in, who were you working for, was it Seqwater or Noosa Council? Seqwater. Frank Wilkie 16:48.520
I put the motion that is in favour. That's unanimous noting that Councillor Stockwell did not vote. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 16:58.240
So we've been joined by the Director, the Manager and the Reporting Officer Nadine Corden. Nadine are you going to give us an executive summary of this application please? Nadine Corden 17:09.260
I certainly am, afternoon Councillors. This application is for a development application to temporarily relocate the Lake Macdonald rowing club from its current position along Colwood Road to a new location along at the end of Hoy Road. which is on the western side of Lake Macdonald. The move is required due to the proposed dam upgrade and spillway works proposed by Seqwater and this application has the site's been the applicant is road. The applicant is actually Seqwater. They're undertaking the application. Seqwater has liaised with council offices and the rowing club to find an alternative location from the current site. They had a number of requirements, including access to the lake, but specifically access to the lake when the dam levels had been lowered, and as a result, in consultation with council, they have identified this site, which is also owned by Seqwater. The proposed facility is similar to what's currently located at Colwood Road, it has two containers, a fence compound, a toilet, a car parking area, as well as a gravel to the lake. The use, unfortunately, is not consistent with the current environmental management and conservation zone. However, after our consideration and review, we believe it is an acceptable proposal based on it being a temporary use. The relocation is necessary because of the dam upgrade. It is above the flood line, no vegetation is to be removed, there is car parking on site and, of course, it has access to the lake. Two submissions were received in response to advertising of the proposal. Most of them related to visual impacts, noise and a little bit of traffic and some antisocial behaviour. Conditions have been imposed to address some of these issues, including colours of materials on site, limitations on the hours of operation, limitations on the number of people, as well as the time limit. Noting that this is only for nine people, so it is a very small club. To reflect the temporary nature the use, a seven year sunset clause has been included with the proposal and this was requested by the applicant based on the construction works and also giving some contingency in case the works aren't completed in time. I do note there is also an administrative error which was discussed previously for whatever for some reason our computer system doesn't give the site a actual street number so in the recommendation we should include at the end of it the recommendation says note the report by the coordinator of planning etc we should include the lot in RP so it should be situated at Lake Macdonald Drive Lake Macdonald and described as lot 1 on RP 167252 and that's reflected up in Amelia Lorentson 20:28.480
That was already moved I thought. No, in terms of where it's sitting in the recommendation. Were you saying it should go to the end? Nadine Corden 20:35.860
I had it at the end. At the end of Lake Macdonald and described as... Just in front of the end. SPEAKER_02 21:04.720
Thank you. Brian Stockwell 21:06.340
Described as between Macdonald... Nadine Corden 21:11.960
Go back in front of lot one. Described as... Described as... Larry Sengstock 21:20.020
Described as... Nadine Corden 21:22.080
Described as... Brian Stockwell 21:36.480
Okay, that's a modified recommendation. Do we have any questions or stuff? No? Do we have anyone who's... wishing to move the motion? Amelia Lorentson 21:46.100
I have an amendment that I'd like to move. Brian Stockwell 21:49.340
Would you like to move it as the original motion? Amelia Lorentson 21:52.260
I'm happy to do so, yeah. Jessica Phillips 21:56.660
So move it as an alternate motion? Amelia Lorentson 21:59.680
I'll move it as an alternate motion. It's only a minor change. Brian Stockwell 22:08.220
Are you happy to include the change that was recommended above it? Amelia Lorentson 22:12.440
Yes, the technical changes, absolutely. I'm happy to move that council note the report by the coordinator planning to the planning and environment meeting dated 8th of April 2025 regarding development application MCU 240151. For a development permit for material change of use outdoor sport and recreation rowing clubs situated at Lake Macdonald Drive, Lake Macdonald as described as lot 1 RP 167252 and a approve the application in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in attachment 1 with the following amendment. to condition 2020 development approval lapses on 17th of April 2032 or within 12 months following the completion of the Seqwater Lake Macdonald dam improvement project whichever occurs earlier the approved use must see operating by this date and all structures hard stand areas fencing removed within 60 days of the cessation of operations with the site rehabilitated by a removing all weed species including declared plants under the biosecurity act 2014 and subordinate regulation 2014 and subordinate regulation 2003 the Noosa local government area pest management plan 2015-29 planning and environment committee meeting report 8th of April 2025 be planting the disturbed areas with a species species mix and density reflective of the local variation of the regional ecosystem and site specific conditions these works must be undertaken by a qualified person and be to the reasonable satisfaction of the manager development assessment. find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the application one the proposal will enable an existing rowing club to continue to operate while necessary following improvements are major Lake Macdonald dam and important water supply for southeast Queensland to the proposed use is small in scale requires direct access to the lake is temporary nature and potential impacts on the area's ecological and water catchment values have been minimised and see note the report is provided in accordance with section 63 5 of the Planning Act 2016 I'm happy to second but I believe the "as" after Lake Macdonald should be after "described". Okay the reason that I've just made a minor amendment to the condition is to basically reflect that if the Lake Macdonald dam improvement project is completed before the 17th of April 2032 2032 then then the the use use which is the rowing club ceases and the reasons are that it just provides the adjoining residents with greater certainty regarding the timeline and addresses some of the concerns at the time at the time frame frame might otherwise seem too long and met with the with Nadine and Patrick on this one and they considered that a reasonable amendment I just want to ask a question whether there might be unintended consequences the whichever occurs earlier because if the works weren't completed by 2032 which hopefully is not really likely then would they have to move because that's the early date. So would we be better for it? SPEAKER_02 26:53.620
So, councillor, so essentially they've got seven years but if the works are completed sooner Yeah, but this wording says it lapses on the 20 In 2032, that could be the earlier date meaning that the works are not completed by that point and the rowing club isn't actually in control of when that happens and so could that mean that we hit that 2032 and the works haven't finished we've and said that they have to move? They could apply to period I guess if we're at that stage. Question to Nadine, they have entered into a five I-year think a five-year lease arrangement for the rowing club. So after the five years, my guess is they need to come to council to have that renewed. Is that correct? Nadine Corden 27:46.922
No. I'm not sure. The leasing won't have anything to do with our land use. So we're dealing with it. We're setting the date, 17th of April, 2022. I understand what you're saying too, that have we given them eight years rather than seven years? Jessica Phillips 28:05.622
No. No. I'm saying if the work isn't completed by 5:32, they have to move anyway. Yes. Oh, that's right. Nadine Corden 28:11.799
Then they'll have to come back to us to extend it. But if the work's not completed, they can't, right? That's right. So if they're not completed, they can come to come to us and seek an amendment to that condition, we could extend it. Is it necessary to have those? Whichever occurs earlier, I think. Richard MacGillivray 28:27.164
The reason behind that is that they're anticipating a project which will take between four and five years. So Dave, Sid can give So, they've said can give us seven years, give us a couple of years of contingency. We think that's quite generous, an extra two years, but nonetheless, if they stick to their construction timeframe of four to five years, it should be completed well within that timeframe. If they do take up to the full seven years and it's not completed, we would be working closely with Seqwater if we need to amend their condition there to address any urgent issues due to extended construction timeframe. We consider there being limited risk though that they're being forced to move without it given it's Seqwater and we'll be working closely with them throughout the entire construction project. Brian Stockwell 29:20.887
Can I just clarify, Seqwater is the applicant, have they nominated the seven years? Yes. So the application has made requests to 2032, so at the moment we're just saying they can head up to that point but it's finished early. Frank Wilkie 29:36.707
I have a question with this amendment, sorry with this motion. If the use finishes, if they finished the work on 17th April 2032 or whenever, do they have to have everything removed within 12 Because there's a 12 month period given and then there's a 60 day period given. 60 days was the original and right now we've put a different time frame into it. SPEAKER_02 30:16.860
So the 12 month date is the trigger of when the process is to relocate. the process to relocate should commence. I guess the 60 days is basically the time frame for them to undertake the works to relocate the equipment. Richard MacGillivray 30:31.748
So I guess the 12 months is the commencement of they must now move and then they've got 60 days to actually remove and rehabilitate the site from once that decision point is made. So either at 17th of April 2032 or 12 months, within 12 months from the date of the works being completed on the Lake Macdonald dam upgrade project. So either at 17th of April... Brian Stockwell 31:00.904
So the first date is the cessation of the use. Yes. The second day is the remediation of the site. So basically, the use finishes that first day, and then there's 60 days. And condition... Which date it is. Amelia Lorentson 31:21.780
Condition 20 states the approval must cease operating by the date, and all structures, hard stand areas, fencing removed within 60 days of cessation of operations, with the site rehabilitated by... Brian Stockwell 31:44.940
City. Are you clear there, councillors? Frank Wilkie 31:47.280
Oh, look, I just... just take on board Councillor Wilson's comments as well. I think it complicates something that was quite clear. But if... if councillors are comfortable with it... Amelia Lorentson 32:01.740
Can I... can Can I throw back to Medine, so my original wording, so question, question, can we use my wording, this is the wording that was provided to me, my wording was this development approval lapses on 17th of April 2032 or earlier if the works are completed ahead of schedule. SPEAKER_02 32:26.724
It's not definitive, there needs to be some certainty with the conditions. I think whichever occurs earlier, I mean, it's okay because the 17th of April 2032 will always be your end date. Frank Wilkie 32:46.835
Question to Councillor Lorentson, are you happy for it to be amended to say this development approval lapses on 17th of April 2032 or any date that occurs sooner? Is that your intention? Amelia Lorentson 33:01.766
That's correct. But my wording wasn't definitive. wasn't definitive enough that we needed to specify a date. Jessica Phillips 33:12.893
Just a follow up question on that. Why would we give them 12 months for an earlier date if they're not getting 12 months from? Richard MacGillivray 33:26.880
So it just gives them time, if the project does finish on the anticipated timeline, it gives them time to then make arrangements to relocate back to their other So it gives them still some contingency, but a smaller amount of contingency than what they're originally planning, which is currently about two years. This is just reducing that contingency to about a 12 month period, from what they originally requested. Larry Sengstock 33:52.815
Maybe I suggest, maybe it should be within 60 days, because we're giving them 60 days from the 17th of April 2032, so we just apply a similar timeframe from an earlier date. Amelia Lorentson 34:07.575
I'm happy to make the change here. Within Frank Wilkie 34:10.895
60 Days. Brian Stockwell 34:18.561
So, we need the agreement of all councillors, and that would be for the line to read: This development approval lapses on the 17th of April 2032, or within 60 days following the completion of the Seqwater Lake Macdonald Dam Improvement Project whichever occurs. Amelia Lorentson 34:42.480
Nadeen, are you happy with the changes? Fantastic, thank you. I agree to that, thank you. Brian Stockwell 34:50.760
Councillor Finzel, would you be happy with that change? Karen Finzel 34:56.020
Look, I'll support it. I do question is it necessary, but I'm happy to support. Brian Stockwell 35:04.791
Councillor Wegener, I think I've seen other people nodding. Yeah, no, I'm cool with it. Tom Wegener 35:11.271
My question is, I guess there always is a hard day when well and truly done investment, all the growth you've done, So that's not really an inconvenience for 60 days after everything is truly done and invested because there's no shortage of planning. everything is done. So that's not-- But, you know, it's not really Russia. have plenty more of them, you know. That's right. Brian Stockwell 35:46.442
So I believe now that everyone's agreed to that change without an alternative motion. So does anyone else wish to So does anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 35:58.582
I would like to really thank staff for taking the time for these nine people, nine Chaffin rowers. Although they're not many, they make up for the passion for sure. And so thank you for really coming to the party, helping them out with this, which is quite a bit of work. And I'm really happy to see it happen. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank happy to see you have it. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 36:23.802
I'm just looking at the... Oh, you're just really working it? Okay, don't look at the screen. Frank Wilkie 36:32.242
Thanks, Chair. I think the key points about this item is that Seqwater has requested... the club to move. They've told them they can't stay in the current location because of the dam improvement works. So it's a move that's being required by Seqwater. They've made good efforts to find an alternative location for their club. There's nine members. The two submissions that came from this proposal, they raised issues... proposal they raise issues of visual amenity and traffic and noise and the conditions that have been imposed address that by requiring the two containers to be painted in muted tones, non-reflective surfaces, restricting events to before 9am. No and no regattas or major events on site. So I think it's a good, a very fair and good response by Seqwater working with their club. They would like to continue their activity despite the disruption of a major dam Brian Stockwell 37:48.300
Any else wish to speak? No? Councillor Lorentson, would you like to close? Amelia Lorentson 37:55.260
No, I think we said everything and spoke quite in length about the Seqwater Planning and Environment Committee meeting. Brian Stockwell 38:01.920
Okay, I'll put the vote. Those in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. planners. And now we'll move on to the monthly finance report. sorry there's no talking from the gallery yeah sorry there is no Okay, welcome Mr Acting Director, Pauline. Pauline, would you like to give us an overview or are you giving the Acting Director the chance or the opportunity? Pauline 38:55.289
Afternoon Councillors. So financial performance for the month of March continues to be positive with operating revenues out of the forecast and operating expenditures under budget at this stage of the year. Operating revenue is $2.2 million above budget which is being driven by $1.7 million in interest revenue, $400,000 from sales of goods and services, $380,000 from other revenue sources and $194,000 from grant programs. This has been offset by a lower than forecast rates revenue of $125,000 and fees and charges of $379,000. Operating expenditure Operating expenditure is $202,000 under budget, with employee costs $540,000 under budget, and this is due to staff vacancies, some savings from some work cover premiums, and the forecast salary increases that were to commence in March, which have not yet taken effect due to the ongoing negotiation of Council's certified agreement. Once that's finalised and the back pay is approved, those savings will be used to fund those payments. Assures and services is $585,000 over budget. Civil operations is currently $855,000 over budget. Hollow pipes $137,000, street lighting $136,000, and disaster management $103,000, with at least $30,000 of that relating to our tropical cyclone stand up. Materials and services are underspent with waste $130,000 under. Traffic and transport $86,000 and development assessment $111,000 underspent. The quarterly legal cost summary has also been included this month which shows legal and associated costs $90,000 over year-to-date budget with the majority of this overspend relating to development appeals. Also included is the quarterly consultancy expenditure summary which If we'll leave because I'm expenditure summary, which shows consultancy $330,000 over the year-to-date budget. Some of this overspend is due to the timing of budget, as well as where the project budget was loaded when it was originally adopted. For instance, some may have been loaded against contract services rather than consultancy, but the spend result It should be noted that these summaries only include operational consultancy costs. They do not include any consultancy costs that relate to our capital project program. I'd like to remind you that general consultancy costs relate to a lot of specialised services, and the crime is dependent on the nature and size of the projects that are being undertaken by Council at any point in time. Finance costs are $203,000 under budget, and this is due to the deferral of borrowings that we had flagged for Waste Capital Works. Overall Council's year-to-date operating position at March is $2.4 million above budget, and this will be utilised to fund any emergency expenditure through to June 2025. Capital Revenue is $9.9 million above budget, and that's due to the timing of receipts from DRA disaster funding and SEQ PSP funding. Capital Expenditure is behind budget, $48.6 million year-to-date, $35 million relating to disaster projects, and $13 million relating to Council's capital, Council's base capital program. I'd like to bring Council's attention to a typo on page 31. I'd like to bring Council's attention Capital Revenue is $9.9 It should read $120.9 million in cash, not $12.09 million in cash. The Council is currently holding $120.9 million in cash, with the second biannual rates run occurring in January. We are therefore coming off the second cash peak of the year and this will diminish through to 30 June as business as usual occurs and the capital program is delivered. This month's report also includes the coordinated dissection of cash holdings, which shows $46.4 million in restricted funds, $15.3 million relating to capital projects which are yet to be delivered, $29 million equivalent.9 million equivalent to three months cash cover to ensure Council can meet its financial sustainability requirements. And $6.9 million in unrestricted cash, which is the cash that's available to fund emergent or new capital works and allows Council to leverage its grant funding opportunities by funding any co-contributions. Overall Council's financial performance remains on track, subject to any emergent issues that may arise between now and the end of financial year. Thank you. Questions. Amelia Lorentson 43:22.520
In terms of consultancy spending, costs are $330,100 over budget and we've budgeted $2.1 million annual budget for consultancy costs How are we using, to me that's a lot of money for consultants, and I'm wondering how are we using this information in order to guide training and professional development initiatives. I note that we are on budget with our training and development. Does the, do we do a deep Do we do a deep dive with our consultancy and identify talent gaps? What expertise is missing? What talent are we needing in council? Because I just can't see this being sustainable. We cannot be spending $2.1 million per annum on consultancy fees. Pauline 44:27.855
So in terms of consultancy, we use a lot of different consultancies. It's not just one consultant. There can be up to 100 different consultancies that comprise that number. A lot of this year relates to the housing at Cooroy, that project that's happening at Lake Macdonald, as well As well as the investment in ICT, so there's the migration from SharePoint, there's a few other different projects that are occurring in this financial year that relate to that consultancy. There's also the car parking management plan which is investing in consultancy. They're probably, year to date, the bigger, bigger spends that we've had. terms of your question around do we do a comparison to identify training gaps, that's not something formally that we would do but obviously we're aware in terms of what consultants we're engaging. It's not always, I suppose, financially beneficial for Council to necessarily have a specific staff member who's only doing a certain type of work. That's why we would use a consultant. That's why we would use a consultant to complement a project that we might be delivering. It's not something we may need ongoing. It may be just a piece of work that needs to be completed. But certainly there might be instances where it might flag that there is a training gap or a skills gap. Brian Stockwell 45:38.230
In the summary of our business activity, it's a holiday park, a variance of 100,000, but when you get down to the detail table, it talks of about 48,000. Is that a rounding or is that a typo if you look at that? If you look at sales figures. Sales of goods and services. Do we have a table? Brian Stockwell 46:16.000
And then sales of goods and services we don't get in the three of 16. You talk about 44.8 above budget. Pauline 46:25.180
I would say it's probably tight then. Let me just go to my notes. So are you referring to pay? Just so I'm clear. Brian Stockwell 46:45.100
So at the top you've got a table that just compares waste and holiday parks? That's right. So in terms of the business unit activity at the top, it's just rounding. Tom Wegener 47:07.460
Question about the development assessment bullet. That seems to be a pretty substantial draw. And of course I was wondering if the team leads are, is that where we're going with the lower development assessments? Pauline 47:21.020
I think as we've discussed at council before, it's dependent on the time. I mean what applications are coming in at any point in time. We do have some bigger applications that are currently being, that we've received funding last year for that we haven't unwound because the progress of those projects have not been completed. But yes, I think I think, as I think Richard may have mentioned last time, they have seen a reduction, but that doesn't mean to say that there may not be some coming through into the future. Tom Wegener 47:45.943
That's a great question. With the local laws, the low budget, I find that interesting. With the new camera, the license plate camera, it seems that there's a lot of improvements coming in, but it still could affect the low budget. Is there something else happening? Pauline 48:02.553
It could be. could be related. I know that there's some underspend under budget revenue in registrations and more registrations, so that would be feeding into the local laws. I'm also aware that obviously we would forecast what rem we expected through the camera car, so maybe it was a slightly higher... through the camera car, so maybe it was a slightly higher forecast than we actually anticipated. I know we've had some issues with the car, so it hasn't been on the road as much as we may have liked it to be. Tom Wegener 48:23.766
The last question is that financial assistance grant of $7.1 million, and you mentioned that it might be pushed out six months in the budget, meaning that we get it usually pre-budget and then we get it. That's quite a big shift that you've had. I love that you've swallowed for a half a year. Correct. Pauline 48:41.378
So it's simply a timing, usually a matter of days, which is a little bit annoying, I suppose. We should have received it before 30 June. We received it in early received it in early July. So in terms of operational for council, it's really a few days in terms of cash flow. I suppose the more important point in some of that commentary is that our amount that we've been allocated has been reduced. So I think it was about... Jessica Phillips 49:21.165
When an instrument gets referred to SPUR, can you clarify whether or not we see the funds and the SPUR followed up or we wait to SPUR? Pauline 49:35.059
Sure. So, they will be followed up by council. So, we've been printed with the issue, the revenue would be recognised, they will follow up with reminders and after a period of time it then gets referred to SPUR. SPUR would then collect those funds and pays that money back and we pay off the debt that's owed to us as council. Jessica Phillips 49:52.639
So how can you tell me or my people? Can you tell me or it might be off for another time, just how much is from SPUR that we're waiting for? Pauline 50:02.936
Can I come back to you? I'll take it on notice and I'll come back to you. Amelia Lorentson 50:05.816
In terms of local laws and just one just wondering, does the current industrial activity, has that impacted on delivery of services? This report's up to March. Up to March, so that's outside. Larry Sengstock 50:24.706
It hasn't been affected. There has, I just would like to note, there has been a check from Tropical Cyclone Albert with the closure of the holiday park, so there's been some closure from that specific thing in this report, but not necessarily... Not from the industrial action, okay. Thank you. Where are we currently with the Tourism Noosa funding agreement, and when should we expect to see a report presented to Council? Questions? Is that relevant to a monthly report? I would say it's not a relevant question. We have a Amelia Lorentson 51:01.489
Tourism Noosa and Economic Development Investment Summary reported in our report. I think it's relevant. Pauline 51:10.129
All I can comment in that regard is that I am aware that the agreement finishes in June and that we pay both installments for this financial year. I haven't been... Thank you very much. Larry Sengstock 51:25.086
Yes. Obviously, we're still in negotiation with Tourism Noosa. We have the dedication today, so there's still more to come. That will come to a picture maybe in the next month or so. Frank Wilkie 51:36.386
I have a question, Mr Chair. There's a term there... I need a refreshing one. Plant Recharge Revenue. What is that? Pauline 51:46.198
So we have our fleet of cars, trucks, the other plant, and we calculate the cost of utilisation of that plant and we charge internal charges Frank Wilkie 52:23.537
Can you talk a bit about the sort of training staff are undertaking? Larry Sengstock 52:27.977
It's a very broad scope. There's obligatory training, there's regimental training that we need to do. There's also training that we offer to staff for their own... self-development and /or development in line with our needs as an organisation, so it's a very broad... We've probably been a little bit... Whilst we've been doing the obligatory training and all of that, some of the other training needs of the organisation have probably been a little bit haphazard, so we've been very conscious of trying to make sure that we up that ante over the last 12... upped that, Andy, over the last 12 to 18 months, and that's reflected in our budgets now that we're actually spending far more of our budget in training because that's a key piece that we believe, again, in terms of... all the issues, all the things that we've got driving our workforce, I think training is a big piece of that, so we've made a conscious effort to increase our ability and our amount of training that we provide for our staff. Frank Wilkie 53:32.768
Well, the other question I had was 4.9 million in interest and 1.2 more than budgeted. How How much longer with interest, much longer interest rates? are interest rates predicted to stay at the same level? Has there been any forecasting done? Pauline 53:49.155
So the moment, well the expectation is there will be rate cuts coming through May and June, which will see the interest rate fall off. So obviously whatever we hold in the cash, that will come down. We had forecast our interest rates when we developed the budget at much lower, at 3-4%, so we're still receiving interest above that at this term of time, particularly when we've got investments in term deposits that we've locked in closer to 5% at this stage. Larry Sengstock 54:14.981
And where our heads are, that is, right? I'd also say that Corley has been doing a fantastic job of moving that money around and making sure that we do get the best... Maximise those terms? Absolutely. Very, very great job. Frank Wilkie 54:26.050
Yes. That's it for the time being. Jessica Phillips 54:28.810
A question maybe to the CEO, Ari, around fleet management. Can I see a breakdown in mechanical costs of our fleet? And maybe, and the reason I'm asking... Larry Sengstock 54:47.866
I believe we used to have that, but that's sort of, most councils have moved away from that. We don't have a huge amount of fleet either, so to have that specific skill within our organisation, it's best to outsource those things, but I can provide a workshop or a briefing. I'd be really interested, because I know that there was a time when we had it brought back to outsourcing, but it would be timely to recheck that that's still, I feel, the most efficient... We do some in general, but not all, just with the bigger gear. Pauline 55:29.803
Can I just comment, there's also a matter of warranties, so we need to be making sure that we maintain our warranties at all times. Brian Stockwell 55:38.783
Would someone like to move? No. In terms of legal costs, industrial relations advice, year to date, $9,285. I understand, and correct me, Council is a member with... PEEC's legal and workforce team. Is the advice provided by PEEC services, is that free? And if so, industrial relations advice at $9,285. or we pay for the services? We pay for the services, so that's what that is. That's what that is, yeah. Amelia Lorentson 56:19.270
OK, thank you very much. And in our in-house lawyers not here, maybe a question I can take offline, but what are her main challenges or what's keeping her up at night? Larry Sengstock 56:34.812
Yeah, we can put it on there too. That would be excellent, thank you. Amelia Lorentson 56:39.159
Thank you. Larry Sengstock 56:41.099
OK, is that all the questions we have? Amelia Lorentson 56:44.219
No, I have a few more, thank you. OK. Employee costs. We're budgeted at $53.1 million and I think I've asked for this a few times. We're budgeted... How does that number compare to employee costs over the last, say, four or five years? Pauline, and can we also have maybe a breakdown of indoor versus outdoor staff? I just would love to know is this exponentially higher than, you know, this time last year or the year before and what factors are contributing? these high costs? And what percentage does this represent in terms of overall operating costs? And are we working to, you know, benchmarks, other local government benchmarks in terms of employee costs? Pauline 57:36.620
So just to refer you to the profit and loss, I have this month actually included the actual year to date for you. Thank you, I did request it, thank you, I've just got the report. In terms of the percentage of overall costs, for the current budget, employee costs comprise 37% of our total expenditure budget. I don't have year on year comparison so I can't give you that today. Amelia Lorentson 58:02.114
That's alright, and 37% I think think in one of our reports 37% is slightly higher than other local government thresholds. Pauline 58:12.072
It depends on the size of the council. There are smaller council. It's hard to see. Some councils are sitting at 40%. Amelia Lorentson 58:19.311
It would be great to have that information also. At 40%, okay. Thank you. Offline, I can send you an email. You can work with us through the budget workshop if you like. Budget workshop, excellent. Great place. Thank you. Cash reserves. Thank you for the breakdown and great explanation. Always an excellent report and anyone that's watching online, the reports... online. The report's really simple and graphically easy to follow. The 120.9, and this is a question that gets asked a lot by residents, given that Council has low debt levels and and strong cash holdings, and I understand that, you know, there's restricted, unrestricted funds, etc. Again, it's in the report. Can we use our reserves to reduce rates for residents, and is that something... residents and is that something we can discuss as part of our budget deliberations? Larry Sengstock 59:19.388
That's something we can discuss as budget deliberations but again as a as a sustainable organisation we need to make sure we've got money for the unknowns so that's that's essentially what that money's there it's not a huge amount of money that's available to us there's 121 million there but that's again they're all that's all committed to keep us um you know to meet to meet our obligations to meet our um our or our legislative obligations as well so there's a small amount there but as soon as you start and start, and we have over the years, we've used that money for various cost overruns in some of the projects or whatever it may be that we're undertaking, and that's a decision that council makes, but I would be very careful that we don't, you know, cut ourselves too fine in terms of what money we've got available for the rainy day or the things that we don't know that are ahead of us. Frank Wilkie 01:00:15.767
Practice not to use. Mr Mayor, are you going to read the motion so you can talk to us? I'll move the motion. So moved, Councillor Wilkie. I'll second it. Thank you. I was just going to say it's considered proven financial practice not to considered proven financial practice not to use surplus or cash reserves for ongoing operational expenses because they need to be funded every year. They're really great for one-off projects, capital projects and so on and so forth. I'd just like to echo the the other councillors about the detail provided in these financial reports. The graphics are excellent. They're broken down, very simple to understand. They're always willing to answer any questions. for your work, both of you. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:05.758
Just one last question. Brian Stockwell 01:01:13.418
I'll let you have your last one and then we'll go to you next. Sorry, councillor Finzel. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:18.538
Under risk and opportunity. Thank you, Mr you, Mr Karen Finzel 01:01:20.607
Chair. Chair. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:21.487
Under risk and opportunities, I note that cyber theft is not mentioned. Under risk Is it considered a risk for council? Pauline 01:01:33.167
It isn't, it's been dropped off this report. It was on the original, previous report. So yes, it is a risk for council, as it is for any other council in terms of cyber activity that occurs around, the increasing cyber activity that occurs. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:49.601
And does council have And does council have a duty to report any cyber theft? And if so, where is that reported? Pauline 01:01:57.515
So it would be reported to our insurers, it would be reported to our councillors, it would be reported to our auditors if that was to occur. It would, depending on the type of fraud or breach that it was, would be reported to the Ombudsman for information. MS EASTMAN: Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:02:17.598
That's all. Thank you very much. Karen Finzel 01:02:21.678
Thank you. Just a question through the Chair and the CEO. Given funds are expended for staff training, can you explain how that is then negotiated through the MBAs for those pay classifications to then reflect that Larry Sengstock 01:02:45.960
I don't think it actually doesn't necessarily fit into the CA or EBA, but because training is offered to all levels of staff for either their obligatory and designated training if they're required to do their jobs, but also for further training. annual, um, um, assessment those, uh, with the staff, um, so that we can provide the, the necessary training and or, um, additional training that, um, that may be required. Karen Finzel 01:03:32.210
Alright, thank you. So, following on from that, how then are the specific classi-, classification and pay rates argued, Chairman, through your EBR? If it's not through the staff training. Larry Sengstock 01:03:45.033
So, I'm not too sure I understand that question, councillor. Karen Finzel 01:03:49.273
Well, if the pay classifications are not, um, determined by staff training to align with pay classi-, Pauline 01:04:02.586
So within the Certified Agreement there is actually a stipulation of the different levels and types of work that those roles perform and that dictates what level that role is. That has been benchmarked using MRSA to determine a level and make analysis of that Karen Finzel 01:04:23.500
You for the clarification. Brian Stockwell 01:04:26.360
Okay. Thanks for the informative report. The biggest variation which no one has mentioned so far is obviously capital expenditure and I thought well 44% sounds a lot so I went back and I looked and we didn't have a March report last year because there was a pesky thing called an election but in April the figures post April was 51 million that led to the record of 71 million and the year before it was only 79 million which was a record at the time again and it makes you think about 2016 2020 we saw the sustainable capital works budget was between 25 and 30 you know if you had the cost price index that's probably 35 to 40 now but there is a huge body of work to be done and it's the level of weather disruption we've had this year even though there's a large variance it's a perfectly understandable variance and it's likely that we still end the financial year once again breaking a record for the amount of on ground work done by council. So it is interesting to think longitudinally where we've got to and hopefully we don't have any more disaster funding to expend after this current lot have been finished and finalised because it would mean that we have a bit of smooth sailing. Frank Wilkie 01:05:53.280
I have one more question. You did mention that the impact of the cyclone had an impact on the holiday parks in terms of the revenue generally. Were there, and forgive me if it's in there, were there any other impacts on revenue as a result of cyclone Alfred? Pauline 01:06:10.360
Not specifically. The holiday park was closed last year 7. There would have been some very very revenue impact but there was also What is that? Not to a substantial extent, but there were cost implications as well from the work that we undertook in terms of sandbagging and those sorts of things that we may or may not recover from QRA. Brian Stockwell 01:06:31.455
Then there may be some increase in revenue from waste disposal. Yeah. Which would make it all very busy. Does anyone else wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Wilkie, do you wish to close? No, thank you Mr Chair. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? Karen Finzel 01:06:51.697
Yes. Brian Stockwell 01:06:52.477
That's unanimous. Thank you councillors. I'll call the meeting to a close at 1:37pm. Thank you all. Thank you Mr Chair. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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