Planning & Environment Committee Agenda - 10 June 2025
Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025 at 9:30AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:26:03
Synopsis: Gympie Terrace appeal defended, Costs to $100k+, Conditions contested: parking/waste/rooftop, Exemption certificates limited, No appeals, MID bypass, ZEN, Battery tariff risk, Delegations: 43.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Executive Officers
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 Brian Stockwell: Moved to defend Planning & Environment Court Appeal D44/2025 regarding 203–207 Gympie Terrace (food and drink outlet + 16-unit short-term accommodation); carried unanimously (Item 7.1) (05:15, 05:18). Patrick Murphy: Appeal is against conditions only (approx. 18–19), including rooftop bulk/structures, mechanical plant location, amenity, service hours, easements for waste, on-site waste collection, and car parking on Gympie Tce/Albert St (Item 7.1) (02:18–03:49). Amelia Lorentson: Sought clarity on P&E Court process, mediation, and cost exposure; officers confirmed mediation is expected and costs could range from tens of thousands to $100k+ if it proceeds to trial (Item 7.1) (03:49–05:15). Amelia Lorentson: Noted and moved to receive the April 2025 delegated planning decisions report; carried unanimously (Item 8.1) (10:34, Minutes 8.1). Patrick Murphy: Reported 43 delegated decisions in April across material change of use, building works, operational works, and change applications; volume steady and busy (Item 8.1) (06:07–06:42). Tom Wegener: Queried Sunshine Beach Esplanade works; officers confirmed new public shelters approved in Ed Webb Park, not private development (Item 8.1) (06:46–07:38). Richard MacGillivray: Noted no state-owned/public housing developments decided in April within council process (Item 8.1) (08:31–08:45). Patrick Murphy: Explained state may use Ministerial Infrastructure Designation or regulatory exemptions, meaning certain state projects bypass local scheme assessment (Item 8.1) (08:45–09:00). Amelia Lorentson: Sought clarification on exemption certificates for landslide/flood overlays; officer outlined narrow pathway for minor/inconsequential matters or scheme error, mirroring prior scheme intent (Item 8.1) (09:23–10:34). Brian Stockwell: Moved to note Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN Inc.) Annual Report and confirm funding agreement obligations met; carried unanimously (Item 8.2) (05:18, Minutes 8.2). Sion: Outlined 3-year partnership (Dec 2023–FY26), alignment with Council’s Climate Change Response Plan and Environment Strategy, and diversified funding model incl. sponsors for the EV/Electrify Everything Expo (Item 8.2) (11:25–14:11). Shania: Highlighted ZEN’s advocacy leading to Queensland’s first community-owned battery; strong volunteer expertise and stakeholder engagement (Item 8.2) (15:40–16:11). Amelia Lorentson: Queried Energy Queensland covering battery tariff for five years and post-5-year liability; officers to take on notice, initial view is minimal ongoing cost but to confirm (Item 8.2) (16:11–17:06). Tom Wegener: Noted ZEN’s reported 21.3:1 return on Council investment driven by volunteer hours and leveraged funding; officers concurred (Item 8.2) (22:08–23:14). Contentious / Transparency Matters Patrick Murphy: Conditions appeal scope includes rooftop bulk, amenity, servicing, parking, and waste easements—high public interest matters on Gympie Terrace; Council resolved to defend (Item 7.1) (02:18–03:49). Amelia Lorentson: Focused on cost transparency of mediation/trial; officers provided ballpark ranges up to $100k+, indicating prudent early mediation (Item 7.1) (03:49–05:15). Patrick Murphy: Exemption certificates have no appeal rights for applicants/third parties, raising visibility concerns on decisions in overlay areas despite being for minor/inconsequential matters (Item 8.1) (09:23–10:34). Patrick Murphy: State projects may proceed via MID or regulatory carve-outs outside local assessment, reducing Council/community visibility on certain public works (Item 8.1) (08:45–09:00). Amelia Lorentson: Community battery tariff risk flagged post 5-year Energy Queensland funding; officers to report back to ensure clarity on future community liability (Item 8.2) (16:11–17:06). Legal / Risk Patrick Murphy: P&E Court conditions appeal (Planning Act 2016) expected to go to expert-led mediation; unresolved issues may proceed to trial with expert evidence costs significant (Item 7.1) (04:11–05:15). Patrick Murphy: Contested conditions engage amenity and operational impacts (rooftop bulk, plant, servicing hours), traffic/parking supply, and waste logistics—key grounds often tested in P&E Court (Item 7.1) (02:18–03:49). Patrick Murphy: Waste collection on-site and easements contested; Council’s defensibility rests on demonstrated safety/amenity outcomes and scheme consistency for Noosaville river precinct (Item 7.1) (02:18–03:49). Patrick Murphy: Exemption certificates for overlays are discretionary, limited to minor/scheme-error cases, and non-appealable—necessitating rigorous internal documentation to mitigate perceived arbitrariness (Item 8.1) (09:23–10:34). Patrick Murphy: MID/regulatory exemptions for State works can sidestep local scheme; Council risk lies in coordinating infrastructure/amenity impacts without standard DA conditions (Item 8.1) (08:45–09:00). Amelia Lorentson: Potential post-5-year tariff exposure for community battery requires confirmation and contingency; minimal cost suggested but not verified (Item 8.2) (16:11–17:06). Short-Term Accommodation / Gympie Terrace Conditions Appeal Patrick Murphy: Approval (20 Mar) for food/drink and 16 STA units is not overturned; only conditions are appealed, including rooftop design bulk and plant location affecting visual/amenity outcomes (Item 7.1) (02:18–03:49). Patrick Murphy: Disputes include service vehicle hours, car parking numbers/allocation on Gympie Tce/Albert St, and on-site waste collection/easements—core to neighbourhood amenity and traffic (Item 7.1) (02:18–03:49). Brian Stockwell: Council endorsed active defence, positioning for mediated outcomes preserving key amenity safeguards while managing litigation spend (Item 7.1) (05:15–05:18). Planning Scheme / Assessment Practice Patrick Murphy: Exemption certificate pathway reinstates prior-scheme intent for landslide/flood overlays where supported by geotech/flood parameters and minor scope, addressing drafting omission (Item 8.1) (09:23–10:34). Richard MacGillivray: April saw 43 delegated approvals; increase in change applications reflects market cost pressures prompting design amendments (Item 8.1) (07:50–08:31). Environmental / Climate Initiatives (ZEN Inc.) Sion: ZEN aligns with Council emission targets, delivers community outreach (Rewiring Noosa), and runs major events with growing sponsor funding, reducing reliance on Council grants (Item 8.2) (11:25–14:11). Shania: Community battery achieved through advocacy to 54 stakeholders; first in Queensland owned by community, elevating Noosa’s national profile (Item 8.2) (15:40–16:11, 24:27). Tom Wegener: Cited 21.3:1 ROI via volunteers and leveraged grants; praised rigorous action plans and national uptake of ZEN’s battery and electrification reports (Item 8.2) (22:08–25:03). Brian Stockwell: Framed climate transition as top long-term community risk mitigation, urging engagement for economic and biodiversity resilience (Item 8.2) (19:20–20:14). Frank Wilkie: Emphasised economic co-benefits of electrification lowering operating costs and retaining spend locally (Item 8.2) (17:10–18:04). Sunshine Beach / Public Realm Works Tom Wegener: Sunshine Beach Esplanade item clarified as public shelters in Ed Webb Park, not private development—improving amenity without private intensification (Item 8.1) (06:46–07:38).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Tuesday, 10 June 2025 9:30 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Amelia Lorentson (Chair), Brian Stockwell, Frank Wilkie, Tom Wegener “Noosa Shire – different by nature” PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 JUNE 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 9.31am 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 Amelia Lorentson (Chair) Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Karen Finzel EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 6 MAY 2025 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell The Minutes of the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting held on 9 May 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried unanimously. 5 PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6 DEPUTATIONS Nil. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 JUNE 2025 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 7.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. D44 of 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET AND SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 203 - 207 GYMPIE TERRACE, NOOSAVILLE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 10 June 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D44 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. Carried unanimously. 8 REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE 8.1 PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – APRIL 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 10 June 2025 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for April 2025 as per Attachment 1 to the Report. Carried unanimously. 8.2 Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. (ZEN Inc.) Annual Report Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Sustainability and Climate Change Officer to the Planning & Environment Committee dated 10 June 2025 and note Zero Emissions Noosa Inc. Annual Report as provided in Attachment 1; B. Note that Zen Inc has fulfilled its requirements under the Funding Agreement, by providing a strategic plan and annual report including financial reporting and program updates. Carried unanimously. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 JUNE 2025 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 9.57am
Meeting Transcript
Amelia Lorentson 00:03.720
Good morning everyone and welcome to the Planning and Environment Committee agenda 10th of June 2025. Time is 9:35. I would like to declare the meeting now open. First I'd like to begin by welcoming everyone around the By welcoming everyone around the table, Mayor Wilkie, Councillor Stockwell, Tom Wegener and Councillor Finzel is online. I'll start with an acknowledgement to country. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects Australia's First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi people as the traditional owners of the lands and waters of the Noosa area. We pay respect to the Kabi Kabi elders who have come before us. And we also pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging and to their enduring commitment in pursuing a strong and healthy future for our First Nations people. Tendents and apologies. There are no apologies. I note everyone in attendance and again Councillor Finzel online. Can I please request before commencing the meeting that everyone have their phones on silent or turned off. I'll now move to item four, confirmation of minutes, planning environment committee dated 6th of May 2025. Can I have a move on it and a second please. Thank you Mayor Wilkie, thank you Councillor Stockwell. There are no presentations, deputations so So we'll go straight to item 7, reports for consideration of the committee. Item 7.1, planning and environment court appeal number D44 of 2025. Application for a material change of use for food and drink outlets and short-term accommodation at 203 to 207 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. Now, welcome to the table, Patrick. And Richard, hand it over to you if you can give us an overview of what's in front of us. Patrick Murphy 02:17.923
Thank you. As you may recall, on the 20th of March this year at the Ordinary Meeting, Council approved the development for food and drink outlets development for food and drink outlet and short-term accommodation 16 units at 203 and 207 to Gympie Terrace at that time there was a number of matters that were discussed at the meeting notably the manner in which waste was to be collected since that time of the approval we've now received an appeal representations were not made it is an appeal against conditions I think it's 18 or 19 of conditions of the approval have been appealed they're quite broad ranging some relating Relating to the requirement to amend plans associated with the rooftop terrace and the bulk associated with structures on the rooftop. Conditions regarding where mechanical equipment is to be located. Conditions around regarding amenity, the service, the times that service vehicles can access the site, easements particularly associated with the waste collection, car parking requirements in Gympie Terrace and Albert Street, and car parking numbers and also the requirement for waste to be collected on site. So these are So these, as I said, have been appealed. It's just a conditions appeal, and it's in order for Council to defend the appeal. This is the recommendation of the report. Amelia Lorentson 03:50.034
In terms of the appeal process, Patrick, Patrick, can you explain the process? And is there a mandatory mediation step before the appeal proceeds to court? And what are the anticipated costs of mediation and going to court? Patrick Murphy 04:11.012
Mediation is highly recommended. There will be a mediation, my understanding, proposed by the appellant in this instance. It would require the engagement of experts associated with the relevant conditions. So obviously there's a cost associated with that. The mediation will have parties from both sides, including the experts trying to resolve the matters where possible. If that's unable to be achieved, there might be some without prejudice discussions post the mediation, still seeking to resolve the matter, but it's It's possible that it could end in trial depending upon how this plays out will obviously depend on the will impact the cost so possibly ranging from tens of thousands of dollars up to something that could cost council in the order of $100,000 or more I think we'll just head to the trunk. Yeah. Brian Stockwell 05:14.760
Okay. I'm happy to move the recommendation. Amelia Lorentson 05:18.580
All in favour? That's supported unanimously. So we'll now move to the next Which is item 8.2, zero emissions for Noosa, their annual report. And Richard? Richard MacGillivray 05:49.120
We've got the delegated report. 8.1, Amelia Lorentson 05:52.860
I've jumped a little bit too far. Okay, so item 8.1, planning applications decided by delegated authority. Richard, if you could give us a summation of what's in front of us in the report. Again, Patrick? Patrick Murphy 06:07.541
Thank you. So the report details those applications that were decided by delegated authority for the month of April 2025. Quite a busy month, 43 applications that were decided. They were all approved across a range of application types, as you're aware, material change of use, development permits for building works, changes, operation works and other applications. One application was decided by council during the month but related to the delegated authority report 43 by delegation. Amelia Lorentson 06:42.155
Thank you. Any questions around the table? Tom Wegener 06:46.775
There's number two, the Esplanade Sunshine Beach. And there was a building works in recreation and open space zone design. I think it's that was the second page and it's the DBW 25. buy it. It's nice. So you know it's on the first page, two-thirds of the way down. Patrick Murphy 07:18.900
To the Esplanade, that would be the shelters that were approved in Ed Webb Park. Okay, so they're public shelters. Yeah, they're public shelters. There's some new shelters that have recently been approved. There's some works that are occurring there. Tom Wegener 07:38.952
Okay, I'm from a private property, so thank you. Frank Wilkie 07:45.212
Forty-three for the month, that's back to your normal volume? Richard MacGillivray 07:50.312
Yeah, that's up there, one of the busier that's um that's up there one of the busier months the team have had in April so yeah so the volume is is still steady yeah coming through so strong yeah so no real major shift a lot of them again are um you know moderate sized proposals I guess in terms of the you know number of changes and we're getting you quite a few changes coming through and that's a sign often with the market where people are looking to amend particular elements of their proposals some of that's due to cost pressures and to get different elements considered but yes a strong month in terms of decisions made. Frank Wilkie 08:30.788
Are there any state-owned developments? Any public housing works? Richard MacGillivray 08:40.158
Not in the period of Patrick Murphy 08:41.678
April that I'm aware of, no. State development may not come through planning. There are provisions within the planning regulations that allow for... Frank Wilkie 08:56.478
But we might not see them any social. That's correct, that's correct particularly they may help to go through a ministerial infrastructure designation process which the State has recently made provisions for and there's also provisions in the regs that don't allow planning schemes to make accessible development if it's for certain criteria. Patrick Murphy 09:17.503
That the State may undertake. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 09:23.643
And just a clarifying question what does it mean to be exempt from code assessment in both landslide overlay areas and flood overlay areas? So there is a capacity to apply for an exemption certificate and council here Patrick Murphy 09:39.063
Can consider that. There is no appeal rights to such an application and council would grant an approval if the assessment was so minor and inconsequential or if there is an error in the planning scheme. previous planning scheme had an allowance that if you were in a landslide area and the geotechnical report was provided and the works were undertaken in accordance with those report it took it out of being assessable development there was just a word that was removed from the planning scheme so we've allowed for that same interpretation through this scheme and similarly with the flood assessment. assessment, it's calling in, I think it's extensions or habitable buildings, whereas the previous scheme hadn't. So it's similar rules being applied and allowing that. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 10:34.914
Further questions around the table? I'm happy to move the delegated planning report. Can I have a second, please? Thank you, Tom Wegener. All in favour? And next, we'll move to item 8.2, report for noting by the committee, zero emissions Noosa Inc. annual report. And I welcome to the table Sion and Sion 11:14.340
Good morning, councillors. Hello. Amelia Lorentson 11:17.160
And I'll ask if you can just start with an overview of the report in front of us. Sion 11:23.640
The report from zero emissions Noosa outlines their there activities and achievements over the past year in accordance with a partnership agreement that Noosa Council has with Zero Emissions Noosa. The partnership agreement runs for three years established in December 2023 and ended next financial year in October. The report outlines what they've done against their strategic plans as well as against our strategic documents and targets that we've set around emissions reduction for the community, outlining the climate change response plan as well as the environment strategy. strategy. strategy. Noosa Council continues to work very collaboratively with Zero Emissions Noosa to ensure that there's a strong alignment between our strategic objectives and their actions in the community. They're a key player in our community to help drive down community emissions both in stationary emissions from buildings and business, for example, as well as from transport activities. activities. Subtitles every year ZEN Inc.. produces a detailed and comprehensive strategic plan and reports on that which is what we've received and then staff from our team sits with them and ensures that there's that strong alignment going forward. Their report describes projects that they've undertaken as well as financial reporting funding sources and revenue generated against operating and project costs. They continue to seek a diversified funding portfolio including grants from Noosa Council through our climate change response grants program as well as other sources like state and federal grant programs in addition to addition to running events like the EV and Electrify Everything Expo, which has become more self-sustaining over the years, and this year relying very little on Noosa Council grant contributions, mostly funding for that big event comes from corporate sponsors. ZEN Inc. continues to run their operations, mostly from a volunteer base, which is very commendable. They've put in a lot of hours to outreach to the community through programs like rewiring Noosa, which has gained national recognition through Rewiring Australia, and they've produced a fantastic report which transition outlines the for Noosa community towards zero emissions through electrification. They also continue to do a huge amount of advocacy work at the local and state and state level, in particular around community batteries and transition for our community to embrace the renewable energy future. They play a real They play a really critical role that is hard and challenging for us as staff from council which is that community outreach piece. We have a limited time and capacity to go out and talk to community and hold forums around how individuals and businesses can embrace and transition to renewable energy and electrification. that we see Zero Emissions Noosa continuing to play. and that's Kim Rawlings 15:02.124
Excellent summary. Thanks, John. Amelia Lorentson 15:05.504
Questions around the table, Well, there's so much to talk about because it's such an incredible organisation and so very, very much. And just your last comment, the community outreach piece, because that's where the community grew. Especially then can fulfil this gap, can fulfil this desperate need out there that where council is a bit nebulous on it, they come in and do this, you know, with a voluntary base for the most part. So I just want, yeah. Not really a question, just a comment. Anybody else? I haven't spoken yet. Kim Rawlings 15:40.383
Many councils around Australia aren't lucky enough to have a community group that's this dedicated with this many volunteers and volunteers with expertise. this field that are helping to drive the emissions reduction piece for community and have very strong connections with state and federal governments as well and advocating 54 separate stakeholders about community batteries is one of the reasons why we got the first community battery in Queensland and Noosa. So it's important as different by nature and maintaining our point of difference. friends. Amelia Lorentson 16:10.630
Subtitles I have a question in relation to the community battery. The report notes on page three that Energy Queensland have agreed to cover the tariffs for five years. My question is what happens after the five years with the responsibility for paying Kim Rawlings 16:41.085
I think we'll have to take that question on notice Amelia but from my initial understanding is that it would come back to us but we've done some modelling and calculations based on what Energy Queensland projects forward and it would be a minimal cost but let me come back to you on that if that's okay. Amelia Lorentson 17:06.260
Any questions? No, I need comments, thank you Chair. Frank Wilkie 17:10.480
It's a very comprehensive 80 page report and outlines their activities, mainly done by the volunteer base. They're highly professional, they have very skilled people doing this work, helping the community transition towards clean tech. The beneficiaries, not only just the environment, but also economically, the cost savings, it frees up a lot of capital in people who own businesses and on so many fronts, it's very important. Amelia Lorentson 18:00.740
It's big picture stuff and I'll probably just make just a quick note also because I think we've had a lot to do with Zero Emissions Noosa group so yeah I just would also like to acknowledge and thank the incredible hard work and dedication of this small committed group at Zero Emissions Noosa. I think we need to remember they're volunteers and they tirelessly serve our community without any compensation and as you said before Cheyenne, driven solely by their passion to creating a sustainable future. I think we need to remember that Mission Noosa. That's their motivation and their efforts are making a significant impact. They're getting notice and they're excellent ambassadors for Noosa. We have a mentor we We have a mentor, we're different by nature and we need to walk the talk and I think they are walking evidence of that. So thank you Zero Emissions Noosa for all the work that you do to help our community thrive. walk the talk. One sec, thank you. Brian Stockwell 19:10.870
Happy to move it. Amelia Lorentson 19:12.710
Happy to, I'll second. I'll second. Mayor Wilkie, seconder. I'll speak to it. Go ahead. Brian Stockwell 19:21.290
It would be unwise to allow this one just to go through to the keeper. Because what this group does is do the community outreach for the most significant issue for this council in the long term. They do it in a way that that puts it puts a a very very positive positive spin spin on the opportunity to convert to a lower carbon economy and for individuals and households to change their way of life to improve both their health and reduce their emissions but it's really really important important to understand how lack of action across community on this will, in the longer term, have the most significant impact on both our biodiversity, our lifestyle, our future. Now, when we look at the current situation, it's probably no surprise that the biggest current global risk is armed warfare. Second is extreme weather events. But if you look in the ten year period, the top three are extreme weather events, biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse, and critical change to that's what we have to concentrate on the community needs to well I encourage the community to get engaged with them to get engaged in that transition and to look at all those opportunities from trialling an electric bike that's where I ended up seven had one trial and went up a hill that I could generally struggle up and found it easy so simple things like that looking about how to turn your house and all your appliance all electric run off solar something I've done over the last year and now I'm reaping the economic benefits of going 100% electric of a range of things that we can do that makes life more enjoyable. eight years ago buying an electric Something that it's probably one of the few areas currently where Noosa is leading the field and showing a national example and so that's why I want to highlight this because if we just see ourselves as a environmental green type area we won't be leading anymore. Tom Wegener 22:08.860
Can I ask you a quick question about the ROI, the return on investment? Right on the very front page of the annual report it's 21.3 to 1 for investment in dollars and they explain how to do that in great detail you know through the report but just quickly could you remind me what that actually quickly, could you remind me what that actually means, the return on investment? Sion 22:32.997
It means that every dollar that we invest in Zero Emissions Noosa, the return on that investment is 21-fold. And I think that they calculate that through that through the great number of volunteer hours that they put in to drive programs and projects for our community to achieve zero emissions, as well as seeking funding and raising sponsorship dollars in other spaces. I think that's where that calculation comes from and what that means. It means that our investment into zero emissions Noosa has a very high rate of return in terms of output. Tom Wegener 23:14.574
I'll speak to it now. What Brian is the leadership, it says here in the report, Energy Queensland, the former Department of Energy and Climate, and various community energy groups energy groups across Australia have used this report to inform their work in the planning and funding applications for community batteries, so the report that Zero Emissions did has been used across Australia. Which is, which is, that's, I believe, you know, what we are in Noosa. We are, we identify as leaders, and here we have these leaders doing it, so I'm so happy that we're funding them to the point that we are, and the next thing is the plan, the working group action plan, again, is so well laid With what each person is going to do, what the volunteers are doing. It's so fantastically, surgically laid out. It's an impressive bit of work, their annual reports. I recommend anybody in a community group that wants to see an absolute A + annual report, check it out. Thank you, Councillor. Sion 24:27.258
I think those are really valuable points. The community battery project has been challenging in many regards, but it also puts us on the map. The first community battery in Queensland that's not owned by a bigger entity, it's owned by the community. That's And the report that you mentioned has also gone to a national scale to be used by others. And I also mentioned in my opening remarks about rewiring Noosa and the report that they produced there. That also puts Noosa in a bigger form and says we are considering and we are taking action in this space. Tom Wegener 25:03.163
It's been a great pleasure as a councillor to watch ZEN Inc.. ZEN Inc. grow and especially, you know, we're looking forward to next weekend. Sion 25:10.811
Two weeks from now. Two weeks from now, yeah. Amelia Lorentson 25:15.111
Excellent. I don't think I can improve upon what's already been said. I fully endorse this organisation and we're very lucky to have them. Thanks Frank. Thank you. I'll put that to the vote. All in favour please. Thank you. So that brings us, well, confidential sessions. I deny there is none and I declare the meeting closed at 10 o 'clock on this beautiful June day. Thank you everyone in attendance and those on my council. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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