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Special Meeting

Thursday, 8 May 2025 @ 2:30PM - #882
Meeting Duration: 2 hours and 7 minutes

This Noosa Council meeting contains very poor audio quality.
This may have affected the transcription below and is beyond our control.

Funding: 12‑month .0M deed; milestones/Roadmap/KPIs; Events to Council, Amendments: benchmarking, DMP alignment, Vote 5–2, Opposition vague KPIs, fiscal risk, Levy rejected, DMP targets overnighters.

Agenda, decisions & supporting documents

Inside this meeting

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0:000:210:421:031:241:462:07 Brian StockwellBrian StockwellFrank WilkieFrank WilkieAmelia LorentsonAmelia LorentsonKaren FinzelKaren FinzelJessica PhillipsJessica PhillipsKim RawlingsKim RawlingsNicola WilsonNicola WilsonLarry SengstockLarry SengstockTom WegenerTom WegenerLynne BanfordLynne BanfordKerri ContiniKerri Contini

NoosaWatch Meeting Insight

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Full Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions
• Council approved a 12‑month Funding & Performance Agreement with Tourism Noosa (TN) to 30 June 2026, total $2.0M excl. GST, replacing the prior $2.52M p.a. (Item 4.1; 00:35–05:16).
• Payments: $1.2M by 31 July 2025; $800k at 6 months, conditional on completion of a co-created Roadmap and KPI achievements (Item 4.1; 01:42:20–01:43:34).
• Event sponsorships and associated funding to transition from TN to Council during FY25/26 to reduce duplication and gain efficiencies (Item 4.1; 00:35–05:16).
• CEO to add new KPIs in the agreement and report back on the executed deed, Roadmap, event sponsorship costs (operational and resource), via future Council meetings (Item H carried; 41:08–47:15).
• Benchmarking amendment carried: obtain comparative data on LTOs/RTOs (funding structures, LG investment levels, staffing, tourism economic value) and present two clear governance options at Roadmap conclusion (Amend. No.1; 15:05–27:57).
• Alignment amendment carried: any future governance or funding structure amendments must be explicitly informed by the final DMP (Amend. No.6; 52:30–59:26).
• Monthly public status reports on Roadmap development required (Amend. No.8; 01:05:56–01:13:56).
• “Maintain the Noosa Brand” amendment carried: TN to sustain focus/investment/marketing that supports sustainable tourism and community well‑being and identify investment areas aligned to the future DMP (Amend. No.5; 47:22–51:56).
• Stakeholder engagement amendment carried: any future funding proposals for TN must include consultation with industry stakeholders and residents (Amend. No.2; 28:48–30:56).
• Final resolution carried 5–2: For Wilkie, Stockwell, Phillips, Finzel, Lorentson; Against Wegener, Wilson (Council Resolution; 02:05:27–end).
• Officer correction on record: tourism share of regional GRP is 11.4%, not 25% (00:35–05:16).
• Minutes note later correction to an attachment graph provided by **Brian Stockwell**; updated at 15 May Ordinary Meeting (Item 4.1 note).
Contentious / Transparency Matters
• Nicola Wilson opposed the package as vague/contradictory, lacking clear outcomes and KPI definitions tied to measurable deliverables; sought service-based funding (09:30–13:55; vote Against final motion).
• Tom Wegener opposed on fiscal grounds amid budget pressures, calling $2M imprudent despite TN’s strength and alternative revenues (01:27:00–01:28:30).
• Amendment to reintroduce a Tourism & Economic Development Levy lost 1–6 after debate on transparency versus feasibility and duplication with core LG business (Amend. No.3; 33:40–40:51).
• Independent expert advisor amendment lost 3–4 over scope, cost, and risk of delay; CEO said internal capability is strong though external input could be considered if needed (Amend. No.9; 01:14:05–01:24:09).
• Public assurance: decisions are made in public meetings; language caution on “behind closed doors” noted (30:56–31:40).
• Confidential benchmarking data: some inter-council data cannot be published without consent; councillors may reference public portions (23:05–24:16).
Legal / Risk
• Conditional second payment creates performance risk if Roadmap/KPIs are delayed; monthly Roadmap reporting aims to mitigate schedule slippage (Item B2; 41:08–47:15; 01:05:56–01:13:56).
• Standing Orders cited by **Amelia Lorentson** to keep amendments within scope (Standing Meeting Procedures 25.1) during levy debate (39:54–40:20).
• Data integrity risk acknowledged: correction to GRP percentage by CEO and later graph error note on Cr Stockwell’s attachment (00:35–05:16; Item 4.1 note).
• Confidentiality caveat on monthly updates; CEO to balance transparency with privacy/financial confidentiality (01:08:05–01:09:06).
• Dependency risk: DMP timing uncertain; amendment tailored so future changes align with DMP once final, avoiding freezing the Roadmap pending DMP (54:09–58:15; Amend. No.6).
Destination Management Plan, Brand and Over‑Tourism
• Frank Wilkie framed the 12‑month deed as a disciplined transition to integrate emerging DMP priorities and investigate alternative funding (05:16–08:21).
• Brian Stockwell presented data: day‑trippers drive congestion yet are not TN’s marketing target; strategy focuses on higher‑value overnighters, with spend up despite fewer visitors (01:29:10–01:40:40).
• DMP consultation signal: only ~6% supported “stop promoting Noosa”; majority backed values‑led, regenerative marketing aligned with Kabi Kabi and community values (01:36:33–01:39:13).
• Brand maintenance mandated in agreement to counter market perception gaps and sustain value‑aligned visitation (Amend. No.5; 49:21–51:56).
• Roadmap to address service levels, efficiencies, revenue diversification, and event sponsorship transition, co‑created by Council and TN (Item E; 00:35–05:16; Resolution E1–E2).
Funding Sources, Rates, and Levy/STA Context
• Kim Rawlings clarified TN funding is sourced via differential rates on commercial/industrial/short‑term accommodation categories, collected through general rates since 2021 (14:12–14:58).
• Levy reintroduction debate: proponents sought ring‑fencing and visibility; opponents argued tourism funding is core LG business, failing special‑levy criteria; alternative “bed tax” flagged as clearer line‑of‑sight if enabled (35:45–38:43).
• Efficiency dividend: $270k reduction plus ~$250k events transfer underpin the $2.0M figure; officers expect TN to find internal efficiencies (00:35–05:16; 01:44:10–01:44:40).
• Milestone structure mirrors historic practice to maintain operational continuity while reform proceeds (01:42:20–01:43:34).
Community Engagement and Reporting
• Future TN funding proposals must include consultation with industry stakeholders and residents to ensure transparency (Amend. No.2; 28:48–30:56).
• CEO to table: executed deed with KPIs; final Roadmap; event sponsorship and resource costs; plus monthly Roadmap status reports (Items H, J carried; 41:08–47:15; 01:05:56–01:13:56).
• Councillors emphasized rebuilding trust by visible delivery, clear KPIs, and staged reporting to avoid “ad hoc” perceptions (44:09–47:11; 01:11:28–01:13:40).
Full Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES

Special Meeting

Thursday, 8 May 2025

2:30 PM
Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin

Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson

“Noosa Shire – different by nature”
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 8 MAY 2025

1. DECLARATION OF OPENING

The meeting was declared open at 2.30pm.

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

COUNCILLORS
Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair)
Cr Karen Finzel
Cr Jessica Phillips
Cr Amelia Lorentson
Cr Brian Stockwell
Cr Tom Wegener
Cr Nicola Wilson

EXECUTIVE
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock
Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings
Director Community Services Kerri Contini
Director Development and Regulation Richard MacGillivray
Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt

APOLOGIES
Nil.

4. SPECIAL MEETING REPORTS

4.1. TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AGREEMENT AND PERFORMANCE DEED

The following material was presented to the meeting in relation to this item:
 Attachment 1 - 2025-05-08 Attachment 1 to Special Meeting - Tourism Noosa Stats - provided by Cr Stockwell  Attachment 2 - 2025-05-08 Attachment 2 to Special Meeting - DMP Where we roam - provided by Cr Stockwell (refer note below)  Attachment 3 - 2025-05-08 Attachment 3 to Special Meeting - Comparison of Council Investment in LTO - provided by Cr Stockwell
***NOTE FROM 15 MAY 2025 ORDINARY MEETING***
That it be acknowledged that there was an error in the graph presented in “202505-08 Attachment 2 to Special Meeting - DMP Where We Roam - provided by Cr Stockwell” - (first page only of the attachment). The correct information as presented at the Ordinary Meeting dated 15 May can be found at Attachment 1 to the Ordinary Meeting dated 15 May 2025 - Updated Page 1 of Attachment 2 to Special Meeting 8 May 2025 DMP Where we Roam - provided by Cr Stockwell.

Motion
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 8 MAY 2025

Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell
That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Special Meeting dated 8 May 2025, and A. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and execute a 12 month Funding and Performance Agreement with Tourism Noosa until 30 June 2026; B. Approve the release of funds to the amount of $2.0M (exclusive of GST) to Tourism Noosa, for the duration of this agreement (to 30 June 2026), conditional on:
1. A Milestone Payment One of the agreement in the amount of $1.2M (exclusive of GST), to paid on or before 31 July 2025;
2. A second graduated payment of $800,000 (exclusive of GST) to be made at 6 months, subject to completion of the Roadmap and KPI achievements;
3. Noosa Council co-creating a comprehensive Roadmap with Tourism Noosa detailing Council’s future expectations of Tourism Noosa’s role, structure, future focus and actions, and any further funding arrangements.
C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to transition the sponsorship of tourism events and associated funding (previously facilitated by Tourism Noosa) to Noosa Council during FY25/26.
D. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to prepare the Funding and Performance Agreement to reflect the requirements outlined in this report, including the addition of KPIs.
E. Work with Tourism Noosa to complete a comprehensive Roadmap considering agreed service levels, organisational efficiencies, revenue diversification plans and the transitioning of sponsorship of tourism events to Noosa Council.
F. Note the new Funding Agreement (FY25/26) will be established prior to the completion and adoption of the Destination Management Plan (DMP), it is therefore not contingent upon the DMP. However, should the DMP be adopted during the term of the Agreement, provisions will be in place to allow for variations to the Agreement to ensure Tourism Noosa’s activities align with the DMP’s principles, outcomes, and relevant actions.

Amendment No. 1
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel
That Item E, 1 be added to read:
1. That as part of the development of the Tourism Roadmap and considerations of future governance models, Council obtains benchmarking data against other Local Tourism Organisations and Regional Tourism Organisations. This information is to consider various funding structures, the level and proportion of investment by local government, staffing levels and the overall economic value of tourism. At the conclusion of the roadmap process, two clear options are to be presented to Council for consideration.

Carried unanimously.

Amendment No. 2
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Item G be added to read:
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 8 MAY 2025

G. Ensure any future proposed funding decisions for Tourism Noosa include consultation with industry stakeholders and residents, ensuring transparency and input into strategic investment in Noosa’s tourism future.
For: Cr Lorentson, Wilkie, Stockwell, Wilson, Phillips and Finzel Against: Cr Wegener Carried.

Amendment No. 3
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Item H be added to read:
H. Investigate the re-introduction of a Tourism and Economic Development Levy that clearly defines who pays, ensures transparency in contributions from the tourism industry and strictly regulates how funds are spent. The levy investigation should align with the goals of the Destination Management Plan, guaranteeing that revenue is used effectively for sustainable tourism development.
For: Cr Lorentson
Against: Cr Stockwell, Finzel, Wilkie, Wilson, Wegener and Phillips Lost.

Amendment No. 4
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel
That Item H be added to read:
H. Request the CEO provide reports to future Council meetings that note:
1. The executed Funding and Performance Agreement with the additional KPIs;
2. The agreed Roadmap (once finalised);
3. The event sponsorship costs including operational; and
4. Resource costs associated with events.
Carried unanimously.

Amendment No. 5
Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips
Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson
That Item I be added to read:
I. That Council recognise and reinforce the importance of maintaining the Noosa Brand and include in the new funding agreement a requirement for Tourism Noosa to maintain focus, investment and marketing activities directed on the enhancement and maintenance of Noosa as an iconic destination through:
a. Ensuring that the marketing product remains strong and appealing by supporting sustainable tourism and community well-being; and b. Working with Tourism Noosa to identify key areas for investment that align with the future Destination Management Plan.
For: Crs Stockwell, Wegener, Phillips, Wilkie and Lorentson Against: Crs Finzel and Wilson Carried.

Amendment No. 6
Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips
Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel
That Item E, 2 be added to read:
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 8 MAY 2025

2. Ensure that any future amendments to governance or funding structures be explicitly aligned with and informed by the final Destination Management Plan (DMP), ensuring consistency of purpose and long-term strategic alignment between Council and Tourism Noosa; For: Crs Phillips, Wilkie, Wegener, Finzel and Wilson Against: Crs Stockwell, Lorentson, Carried.

Amendment No. 7
Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips
Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener
That Item E, 3 be added to read:
3. In providing a 12-month agreement, ensure operational continuity of Tourism Noosa throughout the Roadmap. Include a clause as per the existing funding agreement, that when the DMP is adopted any agreement and associated funding with Tourism Noosa may be varied in response.
For: Cr Phillips
Against: Crs Wilkie, Finzel, Stockwell, Wegener, Lorentson and Wilson Lost.

Amendment No. 8
Moved: Cr Karen Finzel
Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener
That Item J be added to read:
J. Request the CEO provide monthly status reports on the progress of development of the Roadmap with Noosa Council; For: Crs Finzel, Lorentson, Phillips, Wilson, Wilkie and Wegener Against: Cr Stockwell Carried.

Amendment No. 9
Moved: Cr Karen Finzel
Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Item K be added to read:
K. Request the Chief Executive Officer engage an independent expert advisor to work in collaboration with Tourism Noosa and Noosa Council addressing the matters outlined in this report and present back to Council.
For: Crs Finzel, Wilson and Wegener
Against: Crs Wilkie, Stockwell, Phillips, and Lorentson
Lost.

Council Resolution
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell

That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Special Meeting dated 8 May 2025, and

A. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to prepare and execute a 12 month Funding and Performance Agreement with Tourism Noosa until 30 June 2026;
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 8 MAY 2025

B. Approve the release of funds to the amount of $2.0M (exclusive of GST) to Tourism Noosa, for the duration of this agreement (to 30 June 2026), conditional on:
1. A Milestone Payment One of the agreement in the amount of $1.2M (exclusive of GST), to paid on or before 31 July 2025;
2. A second graduated payment of $800,000 (exclusive of GST) to be made at 6 months, subject to completion of the Roadmap and KPI achievements;
3. Noosa Council co-creating a comprehensive Roadmap with Tourism Noosa detailing Council’s future expectations of Tourism Noosa’s role, structure, future focus and actions, and any further funding arrangements.

C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to transition the sponsorship of tourism events and associated funding (previously facilitated by Tourism Noosa) to Noosa Council during FY25/26.

D. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to prepare the Funding and Performance Agreement to reflect the requirements outlined in this report, including the addition of KPIs.

E. Work with Tourism Noosa to complete a comprehensive Roadmap considering agreed service levels, organisational efficiencies, revenue diversification plans and the transitioning of sponsorship of tourism events to Noosa Council.
1. That as part of the development of the Tourism Roadmap and considerations of future governance models, Council obtains benchmarking data against other Local Tourism Organisations and Regional Tourism Organisations. This information is to consider various funding structures, the level and proportion of investment by local government, staffing levels and the overall economic value of tourism. At the conclusion of the roadmap process, two clear options are to be presented to Council for consideration.
2. Ensure that any future amendments to governance or funding structures be explicitly aligned with and informed by the final Destination Management Plan (DMP), ensuring consistency of purpose and long-term strategic alignment between Council and Tourism Noosa; F. Note the new Funding Agreement (FY25/26) will be established prior to the completion and adoption of the Destination Management Plan (DMP), it is therefore not contingent upon the DMP. However, should the DMP be adopted during the term of the Agreement, provisions will be in place to allow for variations to the Agreement to ensure Tourism Noosa’s activities align with the DMP’s principles, outcomes, and relevant actions.

G. Ensure any future proposed funding decisions for Tourism Noosa include consultation with industry stakeholders and residents, ensuring transparency and input into strategic investment in Noosa’s tourism future.

H. Request the CEO provide reports to future Council meetings that note:
1. The executed Funding and Performance Agreement with the additional KPIs;
2. The agreed Roadmap (once finalised);
3. The event sponsorship costs including operational; and
4. Resource costs associated with events.

I. That Council recognise and reinforce the importance of maintaining the Noosa
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 8 MAY 2025

Brand and include in the new funding agreement a requirement for Tourism Noosa to maintain focus, investment and marketing activities directed on the enhancement and maintenance of Noosa as an iconic destination through:

a. Ensuring that the marketing product remains strong and appealing by supporting sustainable tourism and community well-being; and b. Working with Tourism Noosa to identify key areas for investment that align with the future Destination Management Plan.
J. Request the CEO provide monthly status reports on the progress of development of the Roadmap with Noosa Council.

For: Crs Wilkie, Stockwell, Phillips, Finzel and Lorentson Against: Crs Wegener and Wilson Carried.

5. MEETING CLOSURE

The meeting closed at 4.38pm.

Full Meeting Transcript Meeting Transcript Below - Select To Listen / Share / Download [[ meetingData.is_audio_only ? 'Audio' : 'Video' ]] Clips

Disclaimer: The transcript below is produced by our own transcription systems and will contain errors and omissions, including incorrect speaker attribution. It is provided for informational purposes only and may be inaccurate or incomplete — do not rely on this content; for definitive statements, speakers, decisions and context, always refer to official council sources. We accept no responsibility or liability for any reliance on it.

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