Special Meeting
Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025 at 2:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:07:27
Synopsis: 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.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
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 AI-Generated 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).
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.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
Caring for each other. Note all councils are in attendance. Today's Special Meeting is to consider the Tourism Noosa funding agreement and performance deed and we have the Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings here for this report and CEO Larry Sengstock. May we have a summary of the report please, Mr CEO. Sir, do you need me to say anything? Yes, it's time to meet him. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 00:30.884
Thank you um I'll take the report as being read, it's been distributed so to all Councillors, I'm sure the people in the audience have also had chance to read it. I'll provide a quick summary so that we can then move on to the debate and decision. So this has come off the back of a two-year agreement which ends June 30th 2025. This report seeks to provide a recommendation from the officers on how to continue to deliver the brand management and promotion of Noosa and other related activities. Firstly, I just want to correct something in the report where we talk about the GDP and the percentage of overall GDP. We mentioned there the numbers are correct except for the percentage being 25%, the number is actually 11.4%, which is still significant in terms of the overall performance and outcomes provided by amateurism. I just also wanted to make the point that Tourism Noosa has been a body that's performed exceptionally well over many, years and has won a number of awards over that time in terms of the activities and the campaign. Thank you campaigns that it's put forward and the work that it's done for Noosa. In the current two-year agreement, it's essentially met all performance outcomes except for the DMP, which it relates to the DMP but something that was out of their hands in terms of that's a Noosa Council issue to provide the conclusion of the DMP, which then feeds into the performance and the KPIs. Other piece that potentially didn't meet was the alternate revenue from the visit information centres and membership and alternate revenue. It's recognised that it also that the management of events, the major events, could be more streamlined and that's we're providing or talking to in the report. So leading into this report there's been criticism and discussion as to the funding of TM, Tourism Noosa, and whether there is correct value and the need to continue marketing in Noosa in same way. This report recognises it is critical that Tourism Noosa remains contemporary and sustainable and fit for purpose. It needs to be responsive, flexible and strategic given the potential road ahead which we're all very unsure of. With this report is a new one-year funding deed or funding agreement. Currently the funding or the current existing agreement is 2.5 million dollars per annum. What we're looking to do is bring the events and management of those events back into Noosa Council over this 12 month period so we'll work towards that so it's not a not an exact science in terms of how that happens but we will look to bring that back in there's a number of duplications where Tourism Noosa and various other bodies are involved in the delivery of events and or management of those events so we believe there's some efficiencies to be gained by bringing that back in to Noosa Council that equates to approximately $270,000 of that $2.52 million of funding that would be brought back into Noosa Council. The second piece is that we reduce the actual dollar funding by a further $250,000 to come to a total of cash provision of $2 million to be provided at $1.2 million in the initial signing of the agreement or the new agreement for six months and then at end of six months if KPIs are met then there's a further $800,000 that may be made Noosa. Is from a funding perspective. We're proposing a process over this first six months to develop a Roadmap with Tourism Noosa along to understand future needs and ensure the body suits the purpose. The current structure has served well. In 2023 with this existing arrangement we set far more stringent KPIs which I've elaborated on and it's in the report in terms of meeting those KPIs. In 2025 we're looking to transition to a new understanding, a new body or a new agreement that meets Noosa the needs of Noosa and Council and the Noosa residents. I put this report to you for discussion and/or decision. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 05:16.051
Thank you Councillors it is a formal meeting so I'd like to start bearing in mind everyone can't ask a question at any time. I'd like to move the staff recommendation. May I have a seconder please? Thank you Councillor Stockwell. Today's discussion signals that after a quarter of a century as noosa's highly successful destination marketing organisation, Tourism Noosa is moving towards new form, focus and funding sources. This transformation was foreshadowed as a discussion point and featured as a key in theme the feedback gathered in the first phase of consultation for the Destination Management Plan. The DMP was done to map out how Noosa can retain its identity as a highly desirable and liveable community, while managing its success as a quality over quantity visitor destination. The communities feed feedback strongly suggested a transformation of the destination marketing body towards community values based messaging attracting visitors who respect and undertake experiences that enhance the community they are visiting. The next phase of the DMP is due to enter its second phase of public consultation shortly. This motion for a new funding agreement seeks the discipline of a 12 collaboratively work through these changes to the funding agreement with Council and key stakeholders. This agreement and time frame is intended to take on board any priorities identified in the DMP public consultation also. It allows time for alternative funding streams such as a bed tax or a new form of levy to be investigated or accommodated. It's also proposed that to remove duplication of bureaucratic oversight, management of events transferred from Tourism Noosa Council. This will involve a reduction in annual event-related funding of $250,000 for TM. There be a 10% efficiency reduction of $270,000, taking the 12-month allocation to $2 million. This reduction in Council funding a saving in the lead-up to the 2025 budget, which has enormous demands upon it and is involving cost efficiencies across all Council departments to minimise rate rises while accommodating large jumps in expenses. Tourism Noosa was formed in the early 2000s as a not-for-profit membership based organisation focused on promoting Noosa Shire as a diverse and sustainable tourism destination. After forming, Tourism Noosa quickly established itself as a highly respected local tourism office. State and Federal tourism awards for marketing and brand management. Tourism has always been on attracting interstate and international tourists. Travellers who typically spend 20 times the amount per day as visitors, tend not intend not to drive nor contribute to the traffic congestion. Successfully preserve noosa's natural assets and social fabric, TN have played a pivotal role in establishing the high regard many have for Noosa as a liveable community, offering a high quality lifestyle and visitor experience. We acknowledge there are mixed views within our community on council's funding of Tourism Noosa and importantly our community will get to have further input on noosa's tourism future and how best to manage the destination as part of the next phase of engagement for the DMP. In the meantime, I'd like to personally thank all community members who gave their feedback during the first phase of public consultation. It is extremely relevant and will be, it still remains reflected in the next also I would like to thank all members of our community for their patience and trust during this period of great change. Any other Councillors like to speak to the motion? Of staff? Questions Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 09:30.580
I want to start by saying that I fully support the tourism industry and thank all of our business owners, workers and volunteers for their contribution. I also thank tourism noosa's staff and board for their work and their patience in this I'm about to say is not personal or intended to be critical of individuals. Today we are debating whether Council should continue to fund Tourism Noosa and if so, by how much. We are or social value of the tourism industry in our community. Is a key contributor to our economy and creates thousands of jobs. That is fact. We are proud of the industry and noosa's brand. But let's not conflate the whole tourism industry with Noosa, one entity. Tourism Noosa is not the only entity to promote Noosa. Marketing of Noosa businesses would not stop if TM caused its annual marketing spend of roughly $1 million. Comments made around the impact of reducing that spend, in my mind, do a disservice to our tourism businesses and associations that also spend money on marketing and the resources they invest in the quality of their product offering. Tourists keep returning to Noosa because of the experience they have here, not just because of marketing. I can't support the staff recommendation today, not just due to the proposed amount but because I have too many concerns with the sub points A to F to manage through amendments today. Some are vague, contradictory and seem to work towards a predetermined position that hasn't been strategically set by councils. It's directing where TM should focus in improvements before the work is being done to set the future focus. I feel it's also overstepping into telling another entity in board how to operate its business rather than encourage outcomes. Albeit, I can see that these were included in the current funding deed, hence I'd rather start a new ring office wage. The point of constitution were already changed in 2021 in order for TM to be more streamlined and temporary and flexible, and achieving that continues to be the board's role. Council should not be funding this transition as late as 2026. While the decision today is around funding, it's a broader question of the role TM plays in supporting Council strategies and I don't think we can answer that today. Overall there's report that sets out what Council receives in exchange for two million dollars, so with no justification to the amount I can't reassess whether it's reasonable other than it's a bit less than before. Part B2 refers to a milestone payment of $800,000 in January 26 subject to meeting KPIs. For this to be a reasonable condition we would need to be clear on what those KPIs are. When they met, who decides if they're met and when that decision will be made. Otherwise I feel we'll just be back in this precarious position again with more observativity. I don't believe it's appropriate to introduce new KPIs without a strategic direction as they may become irrelevant or impossible to achieve. If there's to be any future funding agreement, it needs to include clear and measurable outcomes. Any KPI should be linked to those outcomes, not how TN funds other sources TN's board should determine the level of income it requires to meet its strategy and cost base. Part D refers to writing a Roadmap to Council, which is also stated as a KPI. I don't think that should be a KPI, of delivering it. Who decides whether the Roadmap should be adopted? Why would a payment be linked to completing a Roadmap if we don't know what that Roadmap will recommend? The report is setting out should consider, for example operational efficiencies, where these are roles of the board. It's not clear what six months of TN and Council working on a Roadmap together can achieve without any strategic direction. We won't have any new information in the next six months to bring us any closer to reaching a resolution and we've already delayed this decision so much already. If we're looking for streamlined processes I'd prefer Council to focus on delivering the Destination Management Plan. I'm not against some funding for TM at I think we should rethink what that looks like and go back to the drawing board on a new agreement based on services and outcomes. I can't support an arbitrary amount linked to inappropriate KPIs and I don't have sufficient information to suggest alternatives today with our ratio analysis. Amelia Lorentson 13:55.448
Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Lawrence. A question to staff. Who funds Tourism Noosa? Which rateable properties actually pay for the funding for Tourism Noosa? Kim Rawlings 14:13.027
The Chair, there is a differential rate applied to commercial properties. That was done in 2021, I think there was a change. And that funding, a portion of that funding that Council receives is then directed to fund tourism Amelia Lorentson 14:31.946
Noosa. So, for clarity, only the rateable properties in commercial, industrial, short-term accommodation, they're paying extra. That really used to be collected as part of the Tourism and Economic Levy. It's, they're still paying that amount, but it's collected not in a levy, through general rates. Is that correct? Frank Wilkie 14:58.685
Yes, Thank you. Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Amelia Lorentson 15:05.708
Councillor Lorentson. I have a few amendments that I'd like to play with. Sure. Amendment B1, that is part of the chorazin. 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 other local governments, 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 Frank Wilkie 15:51.550
And we have a seconder for that please, for the purpose of the debate. Councillor Stockwell and I can't second it because we have moved the original motion. I'm happy to second the debate, Mr Chair. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Amelia Lorentson 16:04.069
Councillor Lorentson. I don't believe the report has gone far enough, so I've just included some additional amendments that I think address a lot of the community concerns. This being one of them. Benchmarking is really important, and think it's important that Council benchmark Tourism Noosa against other Local Tourism Organisations here in Queensland and Regional Tourism Organisations properly assess whether tourism noosa's current structure, its staffing levels, and funding needs. Remain fit for future purpose. We can't evaluate performance in isolation. We need to understand how other tourism bodies operate, for example how many staff they are funded, what level of contribution their local governments make, and how their roles are defined. Without this comparative analysis, I think we're flying blind. The kind of benchmarking is standard practice in good governance. It helps us answer key questions such as, are Tourism Noosa staffing levels appropriate for $3 million organisation? Is the Tourism Noosa model efficient? And most importantly, are leveraging the best value for every dollar invested? It also ensures that any reform we pursue in terms of governing models is based on facts and not assumptions or political pressure. Frank Wilkie 17:41.760
You Councillor Lorentson wish to speak to the amendment I'm Brian Stockwell 17:45.148
Just going to ask the question, and it's probably to the Director. In terms of the outline of what to include in the Roadmap, is that the sort of deliberations you would have been having, or is there anything in there that you think would take staff in a different direction? And I suppose the last one is, was it the intent of the Roadmap to come up with one agreed option, or is it one that councils would present with two or more? Larry Sengstock 18:18.500
I'm happy to answer that. Pretty much covers what we're considering as being the type of work that we would do in terms of developing the Roadmap. The idea of providing two clear options is something that the Council has provided. Whether it's two, whether it's three, whether it's one, there would be an iterative process where we'd get to a point where we'd bring it back to Council for decision. Amelia Lorentson 18:40.047
Can I just further clarify the intent is again the motion I don't believe is clear enough. I think that at the end of the process we need to have two options. Community deserves that. Point of order. What's your She's spoken to the motioner, she's not answering your question therefore contrary to standard order. I'm Councillor Stockwell. No I'm answering the staff. I ask for the Chair to make a ruling please? Frank Wilkie 19:08.056
I would like to hear you complete what you were going to say. Amelia Lorentson 19:11.776
Thank you Chair. So. Especially around the number of other things. Options. I've actually just thrown in a couple of examples. I think the report is a little bit too vague, it speaks in general terms but doesn't offer actually any structural options for Council and community to evaluate. I think the future, this is just me, I've spent a lot of time on the Tourism Noosa board. Kim Rawlings 19:38.893
Okay, so examples is a bigger example of a place-based model where Tourism Noosa may become the brand manager of visitor education and destination messaging the decision may be that more funding is allocated. To infrastructure and visitor amenities. Amelia Lorentson 19:55.788
Getting lost, Council, which means. Lost, I'm going home. I appreciate the leaving the seat. Okay, thank you very much, appreciate the leadership. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 20:07.881
No, Phillips. Jessica Phillips 20:09.008
Right, thanks. I'll speak quickly to support this amendment because I see the intent. Thanks, Councillor Lorentson. And I do feel that up to today, I want clarity for the Tourism Noosa and for our community. We do need solid comparisons, and we need to see what other regional and Local Tourism Organisations are doing, how they're structured, funding, performing. And that data will give us options, not opinions, to work from. So two true governance models, this achieves, at the end of the Roadmap process will give Council a real choice based on the facts and not the sentiment. Frank Wilkie 20:50.443
Thank you, Councillor Phillips. Finzel. Yes, I just have a question. Karen Finzel 20:54.445
Through the Chair to the staff, I'd just like to seek some clarification on the definitions of the LTOs and the RTOs, given a question I raised that was not, you know, adequately answered given the Frank Wilkie 21:14.191
Structural change that's required. Karen Finzel 21:16.188
I have a definition, please, of the LTO and the RTO, what TN currently sits at and how that affects funding? Frank Wilkie 21:25.955
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Definition of an LTO as opposed to an RTO and how that affects funding? Kim Rawlings 21:31.915
Yes, sure. Through the Chair, I was going to refer to the page in the report but I don't. I haven't got numbers on the report actually provides clarity on what an RTO is and what an LTO is. It also outlines the hierarchy of tourism organisations in Australia. So there is a national tourism organisation, then there are state tourism organisations, Regional Tourism Organisations. Visit Sunshine Coast, for instance, is a regional tourism organisation that covers the region from Gympie to Sunshine Coast. Tourism Noosa is a local tourism organisation, which Local Tourism Organisations tend to cover one LGA. Regional Tourism Organisations work a at broader level to market and position their region from a tourism destination perspective. Their primary role is destination marketing, ensuring visitors travel to and experience their region. They tend to collaborate directly with state and national tourism bodies such as TEQ and Tourism Australia. They are also funded through state funding as well as local government funding, whereas Local Tourism Organisations operate within one LGA, build closer relationships with their local industry, and tend to have a higher proportion of funding coming directly from local governments. Tourism Noosa NUSAP. Is a local tourism organisation. Karen Finzel 23:05.633
Yes it is, thank you. Just to clarify, I was seeking more in terms of across then funding sector that's provided to an LTO. We were provided a table. I did ask staff if that could be addressed for the debate. I believe the staff was asked, seeking permission from the different areas if we could make that public knowledge. How has that proceeded? Kim Rawlings 23:30.341
So advised yesterday, which I provided you that information, you were provided data. Some of it is publicly available and the table that I provided you indicated which data in that you free to reference that data. Feel it also indicated that not publicly available because we have sought information from other local governments and colleagues for our own analysis. We have not yet been able to get permission from them as to whether or not we can make that public. But that information was provided to Councillors yesterday with clear indication of what can be made public and what cannot be at this point here. Frank Wilkie 24:16.562
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 24:19.462
Yeah, I'll talk to you in a minute. And Cathy, while I do my introduction, if you can get the file up, that says comparison. I'm just having some computer issues. Oh, well I'll just talk for longer. Yes, sorry. I have no problem with the first part of the amendment. I think it is logical Roadmap process. The question, the query in my mind is about at the end of the Roadmap process, we have two options. Ideally, is a collaborative effort that leads to consensus. I would think multiple options considered during the road mapping process, but a preferred option coming out of the end of it. However, at day, if that is the case, if we do reach consensus, we all think if there's one good way, the second option would be no change. Keep it as it is. So that, to me, I will support the amendment. You might need to get ICT. Oh, okay. I'll comparison between LTO and RTO at a later stage. Frank Wilkie 25:25.552
Okay. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. The other Councillors wish to speak to this particular amendment? Yes. Can we have the amendment up on the screen, please? We're going to have to turn everything over. Off, I think. I'm sorry about this. Okay. Just talk amongst yourselves. Nicola Wilson 26:05.540
I probably two parts to the amendment. The first bit, the benchmarking of other LTOs and RTOs. These always are useful to have more data than less obviously to make an informed decision. It doesn't mean that those LTOs or RTOs are operating under the right model. So there's always danger of trying to reflect what other people are doing. The same time, if you use solutions, you've got to have that as a comparison, but noting that other regions are different in their appetite for tourism, in what their community wants, what other industries they have in their areas. So I don't know how useful that would be, but it's certainly worth having. When it comes into staffing and those kind of things, again, I think that's really getting into the role of the board and the decide how many staff it wants, but then also how it should function. I think so I think it's just information to use in the decision-making process. Frank Wilkie 27:11.325
Thank you Councillor Wilson. Anyone else wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 27:18.025
Yeah I would just like to make a comment that I think yes benchmarking is you know appropriate to use in decision-making. I think right now where we're sitting in this interim of you know transitioning from where we are to where we're going I think every tool available us we should be calling on and given Frank Wilkie 27:40.074
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Lorentson you wish to close? Put the amendment to the vote, those in favour? That's Councillor Stockwell, Phillips, Wegener, Finzel, that's unanimous. Amelia Lorentson 27:55.880
Thank you. Councillor Lorentson. I'd like to move another amendment please. Yes. G, ensure that any future proposed funding decisions. For Tourism Noosa include consultation with industry stakeholders, ensuring transparency. And input into strategic investment in noosa's tourism future. Frank Wilkie 28:20.713
Thank you. May we have a seconder for that for the purpose of the debate? Able to second an amendment and it won't affect your ability to move an amendment. Second the amendment. Councillor Phillips. Thank you for the clarity. Amelia Lorentson 28:47.476
Councillor Lorentson. Thank you for seconding Councillor Phillips. Funding decisions regarding Tourism Noosa must be made in full consultation not only with residents but also with industry stakeholders. These are people whose businesses fund the tourism and economic development allocation through additional commercial and transitory rates. Contributions underpin this investment and their likelihoods are directly affected by how those funds are spent. Strategic decisions about the future of noosa's visitor economy should not be made behind closed doors. They must be informed by those on the ground, the operators, talliers, the ateliers, the event organisers, retailers. Those who understand the challenges and opportunities first hand. These stakeholders deserve transparency, accountability and genuine seat at the table. You Councillor Lorentson. Frank Wilkie 29:46.585
Do Councillors have any questions about this one? Do Councillors wish to speak to it? Brian Stockwell 29:55.785
I don't think I can support this amendment. I think one of the problems we're having in the current debate is a perception of them and us. Part of that is that they seem to be competing. Sides to the future, one being business and one being community. I think the only way to get to the sort of destination that we'd hope evolve to is by seeing it as an issue that addressed by all, while I have no doubt that. Stakeholders. Could make valuable input, so could the community, so this one to me just says we're going to. Consult just with those who may be the ratepayers in this particular case, not necessarily those who may benefit or disbenefit from it. So to me it's too focused on one side of the equation. I think we should, if we're going to consult, it should be more broadly. Amelia Lorentson 30:55.622
So a question Through the Chair. Would I be allowed to make a technical change to the amendment to include residents? That was part of what I understood I had included in the amendment. Frank Wilkie 31:10.990
Residents? And Is the Councillors happy for that technical change to be made? Thank you, I spoke to it in my arguments. Alright, so that change has been made. Do the Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Oh, well, I will support it with that change, but I'd just like for the record to say that no decisions are made behind closed doors in this Council. When a Council makes a decision on any matter, it must always be in a public meeting. I'll just state that for the record. And so we need to be very careful with our language. But I will support the amendment. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 31:57.038
Councillor Lorentson, you're just closed. I will close and just to clarify what you just mentioned, I think that I was more referencing ad hoc or reactive decisions that are made around this table. So there needs to be consideration to the people that the decision may impact. So thank you. For pointing me out on that. Tom Wegener 32:20.115
In order, ad hoc, is that maybe a different word other than ad hoc decisions made around the table? Amelia Lorentson 32:28.415
I accept that, Councillor Wegener, and I apologise. Frank Wilkie 32:31.131
Okay, so we'll put that, the amendment to the vote. Those in favour? That's Councillor Stockwell, Phillips, Finzel, Lorentson, Wilson, Wilkie against Councillor Wegener. Does anyone else have any more amendments? Amelia Lorentson 32:47.611
Councillor reintroduction of a tourism and economic development levy that clearly defines who pays, ensures transferences in contributions from the tourism industry and strictly regulate how the 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. Frank Wilkie 33:18.724
Right, may we have a seconder? For that one for the purpose of debate. I'll second again Thank you Councillor Phillips. Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 33:32.184
I've included this amendment because I believe what's currently happening is just a lot of confusion. Reintroduction of a Tourism and Economic Levy will be able to provide some clarity and prevent misinformation fuelling. Community. Right now many residents believe that they're paying to fund tourism use through their household rates. That's not the case. Tourism use is funded through contributions from the commercial, industrial and transitory accommodation sectors. Businesses that benefit directly from a well-managed visitor economy. The problem is that since the levy was removed and funding was absorbed into general revenue, we've lost transparency. The community can no longer see where the money comes from. Who's paying it and how it's been used. The lack of visibility, in my opinion, has created a bit of divide between residents, businesses and Council. Reintroducing the levy would restore transparency. It would create clearly defined ring-fenced funding stream for tourism and economic development. One that's visible, accountable and aligned with the goals Destination Management Plan. It would also help correct the making it clear that households are not footing the Bill, and that tourism-related funds are coming from the various sectors that rely on the visitation to survive. So, I'm hoping that we consider, and that's what the amendment does, just consider as part of the Roadmap the investigation into reintroducing a special levy. Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Wilson. Nicola Wilson 35:22.705
I'm going to speak in the extra motion. I don't think this is relevant to the decision we're making today, which is the potential payment to Tourism Noosa for the next financial year. We wouldn't be bringing the levy in for this financial year. While it's something that we could investigate in the future, I don't think it's relevant to the motion that should be part of the motion Frank Wilkie 35:42.514
You. Councillor Wilson. Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 35:48.614
I'm going to start with agreeing with the problem that Councillor Lorentson is trying to address by this amendment. The problem is that when we shifted off the levy, the transparency to the community of how it's funded got lost and created confusion. The reason why I'm not supporting it is we did it, and was the CEO Acting Director Corporate Services said that funding economic development and tourism, local organisation, has become core business is for local government. It doesn't meet the benchmarks or the criteria for having a special levy, and that's also important in this debate where we have a lot of people saying it's not the council's business, it is standard Council business to fund Local Tourism Organisations. I do however think the problem needs to be addressed and that may be something that we address in the DMP, having a really clear line of sight, some form of charge that is directly linked to visitation. The comment of, you know, this current government came, said it was willing to look at the options around bed taxes. Now bed taxes did become something we could enter into, it would be far more line of sight, far more direct link, then part of that could go towards the tourism organisation. So I can't agree to going back to a levy, while I understand the reason why the amendment was put. Councillor Finzel. Yes, Karen Finzel 37:25.319
Thank you. Look, I agree that before us is about the funding. When we talk about benchmarking, which I've just supported an amendment for benchmarking, the table that we were sent around that gives us some opportunity to look at benchmarking across the shires as to how the money is collected, whether it's general rates, through community levy, or general rates that we do have benchmarking against that. So I think that's quite sufficient to inform my decision today. I don't think we need to be looking at this. I think that we've supported benchmarking and we can, you know, pull out information when we need it. So I won't be supporting this. Frank Wilkie 38:11.420
Question of staff. Investigation of the reintroduction of the tourism levy will be rolled into investigations alternative revenue sources that will take place by the DMP, or in parallel does it have to be linked to this funding? Kim Rawlings 38:28.664
Yeah, I think it could. I think investigation into alternative revenue sources is fairly broad and could consider a range of, raft of options. Yes, I think that's feasible. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 38:42.424
Councillor Phillips. Just before you do. Clarifying question. I'm just thinking, Councillor Wilson's point is that this is not an amendment of the motion, it's new business and I, on that reflection, I think it might have to be ruled out of order. Frank Wilkie 38:59.728
My ruling is that I'm not going to rule it, out of order. We're going to consider it and vote for it. We'll dismiss it accordingly. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Phillips. Jessica Phillips 39:12.860
Thank you. I'll just speak very quickly on, I understand the intent of this and actually I quite agree that at some point perhaps it's something that this Council should have appetite for down the track, but I can't help but think back to conversations we had earlier as a Council is finishing what we started and I feel like this might come part. The finalisation of DMP and then it may come after that. So although I completely appreciate the intent behind it, I think today is the right time. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 39:49.209
Anne, I waive my right to speak. Councillor Lorentson, do you wish to close? Amelia Lorentson 39:54.489
I do. I just want to reference standing meeting procedures 25.1 in terms of whether an amendment is ultra-biotic. Binding. Virus. An amendment must modify, refine or add to a motion, not reverse or nullify its intent. I don't believe that this amendment reverses or nullifies its intent. It adds to the motion. In terms of the discussion around the table, I respect everyone's feedback. That it I will add. Was an investigation that was requesting and something that could have done as part of the Roadmap to again provide clarity to the community as to who pays and what that funding is directly for but I'm happy to whatever decision is on this Council and it's something that I'll probably revisit as part of the Destination Management Plan discussions. Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Frank Wilkie 40:53.082
Those in favour of the amendment? Councillor Lorentson. Against? Councillor Stockwell, Wegener, Phillips, Finzel, Wilson and Wilkie, amendment is lost. Anyone else have an amendment they'd like to test? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 41:08.894
I have a last amendment. I request that the CEO provide a report to a future Council meeting noting the executed funding and performance agreement with the additional KPIs, the agreed Roadmap once finalised, the event sponsorship costs included including operational and resource costs associated with the events. Frank Wilkie 41:32.414
And we have a seconder for the purpose of debate. Karen Finzel 41:37.434
Happy to second for purpose of debate Mr Chair. Frank Wilkie 41:41.214
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Amelia Lorentson 41:43.674
Thank you this is just a simple noting report and I've understood that this is what has historically happened comes back to Council that outlines the executed agreement with Tourism Noosa that includes any extra KPIs, the agreed Roadmap and a breakdown of the event sponsorship costs including what it takes to run the cost to run and support those events. This is not about making another decision or interfering with the CEO's delegated authority it's about transparency and just keeping the councils and the community in the loop. Frank Wilkie 42:25.456
Questions, Councillors? Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 42:27.780
I don't want to be a pedant but I think there needs to either be dot points or a slight wording change because the CEO provided a report, one although there's two different time frames. Funding and performance agreement with additional KPIs will be finished quite soon, the Roadmap later. The event sponsorship probably links to the I just think maybe it's a request to Council meetings and then colon and then dot point the execute funding performance agreement with additional KPIs, dot point event sponsorship, dot point. That's my suggestion. Frank Wilkie 43:12.598
So provide reports, not a report, to future Council meetings. Provide reports Brian Stockwell 43:24.218
That note. I want to put a colon after that note, and then the dot points after that. It. Yep. Next one, that's it. And then after. Yep. If the councils are happy, I think that's it. Frank Wilkie 43:56.480
Yep. Council's happy with those changes to be made, those technical further questions or comments? Jessica Phillips 44:09.640
I'll make a quick comment on that one to show support because we've heard it a few times. Transparency matters to this community. We do need a public report of what's been agreed to, the funding and performance agreement, KPIs, the Roadmap and the actual cost of sponsoring events, and I believe that it's our obligation to build, continue to build confidence with our community and this, I believe, will assist in that. Frank Wilkie 44:40.340
Castle wheat. Tom Wegener 44:41.580
I'll speak appears to me this is just your standard order of business. We're requesting the CEO for full reports. I think that is part of what our normal process is around the table as Councillors. If we're as these things come along and as they evolve especially the Destination Management Plan, where our fingers are going to be on the pulse. So this is putting it is micromanaging the CEO. Uncomfortable? Jessica Phillips 45:13.304
Question. Would we see the finalisation the Roadmap for endorsement or and all of these things individually or would some of it be under operational delegation? Larry Sengstock 45:30.571
My proposal would be that we would bring this back on a regular basis to Council because it is obviously it's a very very publicised public also I think bringing the Roadmap back as we work through it and then we get a finalisation of that. The sponsorship costs I think is something that would come probably sooner rather than later because we just need to work through that and understand what those costs are we just haven't had that opportunity but the Roadmap certainly that's the six month in the end of six months is where we look at the Roadmap the executed performance funding a performance agreement would be because we're looking for the end of June early July is that as the signing of that agreement so we'll get the agreement in place bring that back the council's no to more endorsement. Tom Wegener 46:13.863
Okay? Frank Wilkie 46:17.403
Do we have Councillors? Lawrence would you like to close? Amelia Lorentson 46:21.363
I included the amendment because the recommendation brings that the CEO is authorised to prepare and execute the performance agreement, approve the release of funds, the CEO to transition the sponsorship events, to prepare the funding performance agreement, to work with the team and to complete a comprehensive Roadmap note that the funding. Agreement is established prior to the completion. There is no mention in the report, but a report will be coming back to provide transparency and clarity to what's actually being agreed to. Again, as Councillor Phillips mentioned, we've made a commitment to transparency to our community and we have an obligation to ensure that happens. Frank Wilkie 47:10.623
Thank you. Those in favour of the amendment? No, it's too late. That's unanimous. Any more amendments, Councillors? Phillips. Jessica Phillips 47:22.506
Thank you. My first amendment. That Councillor. Recognise reinforce the importance of maintaining the Noosa brand and include in the new funding agreement a requirement for Noosa, for Tourism Noosa maintain focus, investment and marketing activity. Activities directed on the enhancement and maintenance of Noosa as an iconic destination through, one, ensuring that the marketing product remains strong and appealing by supporting sustainable tourism and community wellbeing, and two, working with Tourism Noosa identify key areas for investment that align with the future Destination Management Plan. Frank Wilkie 48:09.190
Now we have a seconder, please. Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Phillips. Jessica Phillips 48:15.930
I'll keep it brief again, my amendment to ensure, or sorry, to prevent any service gaps, any sudden staff losses or programs that could potentially come from the new agreement. I'm proposing this amendment to ensure that operational stability of Tourism Noosa during what will be a complex and important Roadmap process, regardless of where we land on the long term funding or governance, we cannot afford a gap in essential services from the visitor management to frontline business support. And this amendment gives us a steady hand while plan for the future. It's not about entrenching the current model. It's about ensuring that we don't lose control of tourism outcomes while we rethink the structure behind it. Amelia Lorentson 49:03.990
Councillor Phillips. Just a question to staff. Council has an endorsed strategy and we partner with Tourism Noosa. Is what we propose aligned with that strategy? Kim Rawlings 49:21.386
So Through the Chair, are you referring to tourism noosa's strategy? Yes. So Tourism Noosa has a four-year strategy which they developed which is a requirement of the current funding deed and Council have endorsed that strategy but it's tourism noosa's strategy. The funding also currently the funding agreement also requires Tourism Noosa maintain and be a leader in terms of the Noosa brand so there is alignment with the current agreement. I would think that should flow through to the future agreement and yes does align with their existing strategy. Amelia Lorentson 50:07.080
I'm happy to support the amendment. I think it just provides clarity. I believe this is already what Tourism Noosa is doing and I don't think it poses any onerous obligations Tourism Noosa and I appreciate that the amendment has given clarity that is the role of Tourism Noosa Frank Wilkie 50:38.560
Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 50:40.100
I support the amendment because it does reflect the intent of what we're doing I also think it's important that it's all talking about the importance of maintaining the Noosa brand there's a lot of commentary at the moment how noosa's got a strong brand and that is all we need whereas in talking to the substantive motion I'll talk about some of the research which suggests the brand as we perceive it is not what is the market and the need to continue to reinforce and evolve that brand such that new demographics aligned to our values are achieved so it's really important to understand that while people who live here have a really of what Noosa is and its brand and its image the people who we'd like to visit here don't necessarily have it and so that's one of the arguments of why we continue to need to promote and market Noosa. Frank Wilkie 51:51.080
Councillors which to speak to this amendment? Councillor Phillips you wish to close? I will not close them. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell, Wegener, Phillips, Wilkie against? Finzel and Wilson are against. It's carried. Any more amendments? Councillor Phillips I have another one, thank you. Jessica Phillips 52:29.512
My next amendment is to ensure that the development of the Tourism Roadmap and any future amendments to funding structures be explicitly aligned and informed by the final Destination Management Plan, ensuring consistency of purpose and long-term strategic alignment between Council and Tourism Noosa. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. Do we have a seconder, please? I'm happy to second the debate. Thank you, Mr Chair. I'm thank aiming to achieve broader broadest believe strategic direction from the DMP, preventing any short-term governance decisions. We need to prioritise and finalise the Destination Management Plan. And I understand I may have, you know, maybe taken a little bit longer to understand the full weight of the DMP, but today I confidently say that it's Council we have to lead here and say that we're going to deliver on something we said we would, which is management plan. And that's going to reflect our community's values: environmental, social and economic. So any road map or funding change needs to be aligned with that vision. This amendment simply locks that alignment in. We cannot afford to let any short-term governance adjustments undermine our long term strategy. This is about protecting the strategic investment that we've already made through the DMP process. Frank Wilkie 54:09.908
So any road map or Amelia Lorentson 54:11.328
A question to Kim. What happens if the DMP isn't finalised or if it's not endorsed by Council? Are we potentially building a road map around something that may not even be adopted? Brian Stockwell 54:32.768
I think she actually did. Kim Rawlings 54:39.150
I think report all already says that should the DMP be completed in this timeframe, frame that it should influence. It also suggests that there is a clause in any new agreement as per the existing agreement that when the DMP is finalised that any amendments to the agreement can occur at any time to align with the DMP so any new funding agreement would continue to have that. Cathy can I have those words back please? I do read this to say that any future amendments to governance or funding should be informed by the DMP so that's not saying now that's saying sometime in the future doesn't lock it to a time frame so I think it's okay think it a lot it's consistent with what we were intending to have in the agreement in terms of when the Destination Management Plan is complete that we ensure consistency you Councillor. Director Rawlings, Councillor Stockwell, Dr mota. Brian Stockwell 56:00.832
Ensure that the development of Tourism Roadmap is consistent with the final Destination Management Plan unfortunately can't be done. Yeah, future amendments could be, but one may have a shorter timeframe. I understand what Councillor Phillips is trying to do, but as we just outlined, it's what is proposed in terms of one informing the other. So just because that first bit of it does basically say you're not going to get a Roadmap until the DMP is finished, and we know from recent experience and historic experience, and this river plan was at a draft stage in 2016 when I got here, there may be holdups, so I can't support it just on that basis, but I understand and support what Bob was trying to achieve by the amendment. Frank Wilkie 56:52.736
I'm going to support the amendment because it is, it imposes a discipline on this Council to meet timeframes and it is perhaps to make a. Very, it is a very strategically sound amendment. I fully support it, thank you Councillor Phillips. Nicola Wilson 57:16.204
I'd maybe suggest a technical amendment to take out the Roadmap given that the Roadmap would probably come before there's a final destination monitoring plan, but I do appreciate the intent of this amendment to make sure that the DMP is a priority and a focus to get that done as quickly as possible. Frank Wilkie 57:35.072
What would be your suggested changes if this to. SPEAKER_06 57:39.368
Ensure the development of any future amendments. So just take out the Tourism Roadmap. That's going to happen in the next. Kim Rawlings 57:48.808
Ensure that any future amendments. Frank Wilkie 57:50.728
Ensure the development of any future amendments to governance and funding structures. You wouldn't need the development. Just ensure. That any future amendments. Am I taking that out? Yes. Is everyone happy? I'm Are you happy with that, Councillor Phillips? I'm happy, thank you. Are prepared to support that change? Karen Finzel 58:15.244
Yes, I really support Councillor Phillips in her intent here. We're all about transparency and good governance. I think anything moving towards that is well worth supporting. With the technical change, I'm happy to support it. Frank Wilkie 58:36.912
Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 58:39.352
I fully support the intent. What I'm concerned is that we're locking ourselves in a direction based on a plan that remains uncertain. I think final alignment should only be made once the DMP is fully endorsed by full Council. And for that reason only, I'm not going to support this. Thank you. Councillor Phillips, do you wish to close? Jessica Phillips 59:07.661
Oh, very quickly, my intent, and appreciate the decision from everyone here and all the points raised. Again, I'll reiterate after today, I want to walk out of here with absolute certainty and clarity and transparency. And so my amendments have all been directed at making sure that occurs. Thank you. Put the amendment those in favour. Frank Wilkie 59:29.488
Councillor Wegener, Phillips. Finzel, Wilson and Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Stockwell and Lawrence. And the amendment is carried. Jessica Phillips 59:39.580
I'll follow on from my next one because it may assist in some extra clarification in providing a 12-month agreement. Council wants to ensure operational continuity no so apologies, throughout Roadmap include a clause per the existing funding agreement, that when the DMP is adopted, any agreement and associated funding with Tourism Noosa may be varied in response. Frank Wilkie 01:00:12.668
Okay, please. Thank you. I ask a question, Councillor Wegener. Can I second for that, without compromising my ability? Yes, you can second this. Councillor Wegener, thank you for seconding. Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 01:00:30.520
Again, I'm looking to provide. Flexibility without locking Council and Tourism Noosa into structures that may no longer serve their purpose once the term, the long-term strategy for DMP is complete. So this is a safeguard to provide leadership and clarity to the industry, Tourism Noosa and Council and our community, any temporary arrangements or funding adjustments that we make during the road back process should be subject to review once that work is don't want to lock ourselves into a stop gate solution and this clause, sorry, this amendment ensures flexibility and gives Council the chance to revisit and refine its approach with the right data and consultation behind us. Frank Wilkie 01:01:30.040
Just a question. Brian Stockwell 01:01:33.040
The current agreement has terms to reflect any changes needed by the CMP. You couldn't have this condition that the agreement be varied, could you? Like, you're saying we're going to enter into a 12-month agreement, but we can vary that agreement. You'd have to have it worded so that it's really. Just. I have problems with the context. I know what's intended, but don't think it says what's intended. I think it has a bit of a circular loop in it, we're into an agreement, but then we're changing the agreement. We just need to say that the agreement varies what PN delivers in response to the NPO. Or perhaps we could have the existing clause to clarify what is in there at moment. I just have difficulties with the word. Kim Rawlings 01:02:35.452
Through the Chair, would you like me to refer to the existing clause? Yeah. Thank you. Chair? Frank Wilkie 01:02:43.532
Looking you're talking about, go ahead, please. Kim Rawlings 01:02:46.372
So, in the existing agreement, the relevant clause sits in schedule 1 under the priority of Destination Management Plan with three parts to it. The TN acknowledges that Council is presently developing a DMP, which will inform TN's strategy in relation to management of the visitor economy and tourism in Noosa. Part 2 is TN will implement aspects of the DMP with those aspects to be identified by Council from time to after collaborative consultation with Council and Tourism Noosa. The relevant clause is TN will, upon request from Council, agree to variation of this deed to incorporate agreed obligations arising in relation to the DMP. Frank Wilkie 01:03:38.236
My question is, I think it's a good the recommendation says, 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. Is this reinforcing what's there already? Yes. Okay, look, I'll speak to it. I appreciate what you're doing. I agree with but it's already in the original motion. So for that reason, to avoid duplication, I won't support this particular amendment. Any other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? No. Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 01:04:18.388
Yes, for duplication I won't be supporting it, but I want to commend Councillor Phillips as working really diligently to try and make sure that, you know, we've got our eyes all over this and that we're, you know, dotting the dots and crossing the t's, you know, to engender trust in our community that we are really taking a good look at this, so I commend you Councillor Phillips on working extra hard on this to try and ensure that we are providing good governance to our community. Frank Wilkie 01:04:46.652
You Councillor Finzel. Any other discussion, further Councillor Phillips, you wish to close. Jessica Phillips 01:04:55.352
Just quickly, thank you. All I am trying to do is, sometimes I think the language that we use in reports in Council are often very clear for the people that watch our meetings and so sometimes my intent is more around very clear communication with the mums and dads and just the people that may not know the intricacies of the language that is used but I appreciate everyone sitting here around the room. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:05:26.837
Thank you Councillor Phillips. Put the amendment those in favour? Councillor Phillips. Those against? Councillor Stockwell, Wegener, Wegener, Finzel. Lawrence and Wilson and Wilkie and congratulations on your first 6-1. Kim Rawlings 01:05:46.404
Any Frank Wilkie 01:05:51.791
Any other amendments to be tested Councillor? Yes. Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:05:56.311
Yes, thank you um, oh, do you want me to I'll just stand. This amendment, oh, we've lost the screen. Yeah. Just in support of good governance continuous improvement we know policy change earn trust of our community my amendment the purpose of this today is ensure again community we have eyes all over this and again we're being wanting to bring this decision before us today so my amendment is to request the CEO to provide monthly status reports on the progress of the Tourism Noosa funding and performance agreement with Noosa Council may we have a second if for that please? Councillor Wegener, Frank Wilkie 01:06:53.035
Thank you, Tom. Karen Finzel 01:06:57.796
I've brought this before us today. I did speak to the CEO with regards to this again to make sure that our good governance framework that is set and ratified in Council is adhered to and can ensure that our community can feel that we are providing transparency. And accountability. Through the Chair can I ask the CEO a question? You may. Certainly. So Mr CEO how do you see the benefit of the monthly reporting back to Councillor regards to progressing this? Larry Sengstock 01:07:33.252
Thank you Councillor Through the Chair. That's what I was talking about before. I'm more than comfortable to bring this back as an iterative process so that we do and I'm aware of the profile of this so it's important that we do have update. There may be not a lot to report on a monthly basis but where we can we will certainly and it just gives us a discipline that I'm keen to have and people can then see where we're travelling and how we're very important piece of work so I'm happy to do that Nicola Wilson 01:08:07.331
Just concerned about confidentiality and privacy and I'm not quite sure what exactly is what type of information I'm just this would be requesting and whether torres Noosa would want that shared in the project. Larry Sengstock 01:08:20.906
Again, through you, I think, Through the Chair, I think that a matter for us to work through. But there'll be parts we can bring to the table, there'll be other parts that are confidential in terms of finances or whatever it might be. But I think just to show that it is progressing and we are keeping on track I think is a very important piece because, you know, that's part of the criticism of some of the things that we've done in the past that, you know, things have lagged and they don't understand why they've lagged because there's other priorities. But if we can keep that monthly reporting then I think that's an important piece of governance that we should be adhering to for this particular project, so I'm comfortable with it. But, you know, I would be certainly very conscious of what's confidential, not, and what we can bring to the table. Amelia Lorentson 01:09:05.745
Councillor Lorentson. I'm happy to support the amendment in front of us. We're talking about significant amount of public money and I just think that the amendment ensures that there's transparency as to how it's used, so happy to support, Councillor Finzel. Jessica Phillips 01:09:27.297
Thank you. I'm also happy to support, given the recent discussion around that feeling of maybe not so transparency. I hope that this will achieve exactly that, some transparency with the community about the Tourism Noosa funding, so thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:09:44.424
Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:09:48.224
I don't think I can support it. I think monthly overkill. Is I think reporting based on key steps or achievement of the process. We had a previous amendment that talks about applying the agreement once it's finalised, the events once we know about it. I think that is a preferable approach. I think if the intent that's not clear is to report back on performance in terms of the performance agreement, then quarterly is probably the minimum you would need to have any real feeling of achievement of performance. I just think monthly is I'm pleased to understand you know we are trying to get as much efficiency as possible and I just think that this is an efficient way to do it. Larry Sengstock 01:10:33.385
I'm not necessarily talking about the performance of it, I'm progress of the Roadmap and how we get to the end point and how that's developed. Is what I'm proposing. Frank Wilkie 01:10:46.183
The other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment. Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:10:51.683
I wanted to ask another question. Yes, you may. That's not what I read from that. And if the first payment would be due in July, surely would we need to get to the point of having a funding agreement by then? So I'm not quite sure what process we would be updating the progress on. Kim Rawlings 01:11:13.114
I think the intention, and maybe Councillors want to consider a technical change to the wording, was around the progress of developing the road map and how that's advancing. Was my understanding. Councillor Finzel, you Karen Finzel 01:11:31.796
Yeah, I think what I was trying to achieve was, and I'm open to think if people need quarterly, I was also discussed should we bring it through the monthly financial reports. We thought that it was probably best brought through another channel. Really my intent was that we would have clear stage gates that track delivery, flag risks and ensure residents stay informed, giving community confidence that we're not just planning, we're taking action and we're mindful that we bring the community I think the we're going to find through this is that strong connection to bring everyone with us Frank Wilkie 01:12:12.165
Okay, I understand the intent but it was suggested that what you, the change was request CO provide monthly. Reports and the progress of the development of the Roadmap. Karen Finzel 01:12:25.879
Yes, we can do that. Not the Tourism Noosa funding and performance agreement. I'm happy to do that and I'm also happy change it to quarterly if the council's round the table for they would support it if it was quarterly. Frank Wilkie 01:12:42.475
Well, okay, let's leave it at that. My ruling is if people want to change it to quarterly, that's a significant change. So we'll let this one. Lapse continue for those of us that want monthly reporting on how this roadmap's going. We'll put it, we can put it to the vote. Okay, sure. Look, I want to speak to, I support monthly status reports on the development of the Roadmap. CEO says it's not going to be an onerous thing. It could be a one-pager. But it just imposes a discipline and a mindset in CEO and key staff that you've got to keep this thing moving along. So for those reasons alone, and also keep the community informed, I'm willing to support this amendment. You. Nicola Wilson 01:13:27.351
The report is actually saying that the Roadmap has to be completed by December, so if we had quarterly, that would mean only two updates, so I'll support. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:13:40.311
Any other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Finzel, do you wish to close? No, both gone wrong. Put the amendment. Those in favour? It's Councillor Wegener, Phillips, Finzel, Lorentson, Wilson and Wilkie. Against? Councillor Stockwell, Mr 6-1. Yeah, I have to continue my leadership from having the most 6-1s. Yeah, the record is intact. Okay, Councillors, do we have any more amendments you wish to test? Karen Finzel 01:14:05.418
Oh, yes, I do have one more, Mr Chair. Yes. This amendment is to request the CEO to engage an independent expert advisor to work in collaboration with Tourism Noosa and Council, addressing the matters outlined in this report and present back to Council. Can we have a seconder for that, please? Second? Thank you, Councillor Phillips. We're a world-class destination but we're also a community and right now that community is under pressure. I just feel like to engender trust with community and show good leadership. This to me is just another layer to ensure that the outcomes we're seeking remain transparent and action and we measure that. Frank Wilkie 01:15:06.125
Thank you. Questions or comments, discussion, Councillors? I have a question to the CEO. Brian Stockwell 01:15:15.585
Do you believe within the organisation there is any key gaps in knowledge, expertise and experience that are required to address the matters outlined in the report or do you think we have got that within the organisation? Larry Sengstock 01:15:35.513
We've got a lot of knowledge and experience in this organisation and I acknowledge that I think that we have but I think also having and it's a matter of how much this independent advice we utilise or need but I think just to make sure that we are contemporary and people are looking at it and saying we've considered as wide a range for cancer if we can look to do that I'm comfortable with this amendment. Mr. Woodson. Nicola Wilson 01:16:04.923
I'll I support this amendment, all need to work together to focus on the future but we do have resource and constraints in both organisations in terms of time and capability. I think it's also good to get an independent perspective there's a lot of history to this relationship different iterations of how the funding's worked in the past how it's been funded raised and delivered and probably lots of different options of what the future should look like so I think having an independent person comes in and has a broader look maybe has some different perspectives from other areas as well so rather than just trying to work with new version of what's been there before having a really fresh perspective. Thank you. Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:16:53.172
I really understand where Councillor Finzel was coming from but this exercise is getting more and expensive. Very and I'm very concerned about that. Thank you Councillor. Amelia Lorentson 01:17:04.910
Councillor Lorentson. Again I respect the intent of the amendment. I'm little bit confused. This is the first time I've seen all these amendments so I'm processing. Implications for financial impacts and whether we're duplicating. In the process at the moment with our Destination Management Plan. We have a Project Control Group. We've got an ERG group. It's go out to board public consultation. I think we're making this probably a little bit too big. Also, I am a strong. What's the word? I'm a strong. Advocate of utilising internal expertise. Really, really don't support external expertise unless there is a gap, a talent gap, and I believe between Noosa Council and Tourism Noosa and the PCG and the ERG and the community and the councils around the table that. It. You know, we can reach. We don't need an independent expert advisor. Again, given that this is the first time I've seen the amendment, I can't support something without really having some considered time. Jessica Phillips 01:18:27.211
Can I ask a question, please, Mr. CEO? Larry Sengstock 01:18:32.151
When the last meeting was with the Project Control Group for DMP? Can I take that on notice? Kim Rawlings 01:18:46.351
The last meeting with the Project Control Group collectively was probably early to mid last year, just prior to the DMP being placed on hold by Council, which I think was, I might be even losing the year, I think it was mid last year, to advance other projects like the Noosa Bill foreshore. So it was just before then. We have been keeping in contact, regular with the PCG and have recently had individual meetings with them to keep them up to speed. Thank you very much. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:19:26.200
I'm weighing up, part of the issue is the generality of the amendment, independent expert advisor and then matters outlined in this report. The could be as far as does marketing work versus what is the best governance structure for the future arrangement. Is it member based, is it something else? I have no problem with if we see a need to get independent input that we do that, but that can be done as normal operational business. I don't think a fallback position of just getting broad consultancy services in is one we want to set the precedent on. Agree with Councillor Lorentson and in this matter I believe we have a wealth of knowledge, expertise and experience both within Tourism Noosa and its board, members, our PCG and our staff and I don't think paying additional people to be involved in the process would get a lot of return on investment. Frank Wilkie 01:20:42.586
In response to that I'll just. Assuming Councillor Finzel, unless you can respond when you close. Will be able to do so fully then. Any other Councillors wish to. I got excited. Sorry about that. Ask any questions or speak to it? I'll Councillor really appreciate you bringing this. I understand the intent behind it, but I also have concerns about the scope, what's included in all that independent expert advising on. It could be quite vast. And also, I'm convinced we do have the expertise within Council and Tourism Noosa and any other body involved. To have an extra body brought in has the potential to slow down the process. This is something we have to keep moving along. Want the process slowed down any more than it needs to be for proper oversight. Having referred back and forth to an independent expert advisor I think would just be an unnecessary level of oversight. I'm reassured by the CEO will give us from the previous amendment that will keep us on track and give us the proper oversight. So for that reason alone, I appreciate the intent, but can't support this particular amendment. Councillor Finzel, would you wish to close now? Karen Finzel 01:22:11.074
Yes, Thank you. Councillors for your comments around the table. In terms of the scope broadness, that was done with intent. I felt that then that gave the CEO the opportunity to call in fresh eyes or extra expertise as matters arose. I did not want constrain that opportunity to limit it. I do support the expertise that we currently have access to and that is you know I commend the work they do around the table within this Council and externally and in community so that was not my intent and actually my intent was to progress and action the what's been outlined in this because it has dragged on for a long time and in I think what you have to say I respect from my viewpoint I raised this matter because I felt that what it is speedy ate it because if there was a bit of a speed bump and we wanted a fresh set of eyes with the new perspective something that's innovated and forward-thinking that we I just felt this was that provided that opportunity and the support the CEO in progressing this to reach really significant timelines because as we're well aware the community is at a crossroads. We have a community that is under pressure right now with the impacts of over tourism traffic congestion housing affordability crowded public spaces and environmental stress and they're not abstract they're felt every day by the people who live here locals are telling us it's too much and they're not being heard I just feel that like this engenders trust if we can pull on any mechanism we can to try and give action to this support the CEO and the Councillors I'm not dismissing that we do not have expertise but I think this was a well well-thought-out amendment in support of the issues that just raised but I respect everyone's opinion around the table Frank Wilkie 01:24:09.063
Thank you. Councillor Finzel. I'll put the amendment those in favour? Councillor Wilson, Wegener and Finzel. Those against? Councillor Stockwell, Phillips. Lorentson and Wilkie. The amendment is lost. We go back to the original motion now which contains all those amendments. Jessica Phillips 01:24:26.830
I did not ever want to do this but I'd like to do it. An amendment on the floor and I'll tell you why. Hearing that the PCG group hasn't met for some time, I would like an amendment that. Well, do I do my amendment first or speak? To why I'm telling you my amendment? Frank Wilkie 01:24:50.481
Can I ask, is it critical and pivotal to the development of this funding deed or the DMP? Which is a separate matter? It's separate. They're intertwined. We're talking today about. That they're going to be entwined. About the funding deed. Karen Finzel 01:25:07.780
Through the Chair, may I request to speak? You may. I feel for democratic process and giving one equal voice at the table. We're not here to debate whether we think Councillor Jess Phillips' amendment is where it needs to be. Think I we put that up and then we'll debate that around the table. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:25:29.920
My suggestion, Councillor Finzel, is leaving it for a discussion on the DMP, which is due to come before Council sometime soon. What's your. Jessica Phillips 01:25:42.679
Whilst I respect that, all I've heard is we're putting, and yes, we're here for tourism in Noosa, indeed, but we've put a lot of restrictions and obligations. What we want from them, and now I feel that it's only right. To say that we are going to have monthly meetings. With our PCG and ARG group to deliver DMP. I understand that Frank Wilkie 01:26:15.901
That's I'm going to rule that out of order because it's not germane to the development of the funding need, certainly DMP, and there are other avenues. And that we can discuss the frequency of data for the PCG and the ERG. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. The only Councillors who have spoken to the original motion are myself and Councillor Wilson. Motion, the substantive motion before us now is the original motion with all the amendments that have been passed. So, does anyone else wish to speak? Councillor Wegener. No, Councillor Wegener, you have the floor. Tom Wegener 01:27:00.171
You know, we've just been through financial numerous meetings during the budget and I do not believe that funding this agreement is financially responsible and we were all there today. We have painted ourselves into a budget corner. We should have raised rates two years last and now we are in a bad spot and I think that it is just terrible financial management to be paying two to million dollars to Tourism Noosa when we know it's going to come ahead of us with rates. Cannot support this you ask what would happen if you know if we didn't support Tourism Noosa. Well Tourism Noosa is a very strong organisation they have a great board substantial membership they get grants there they they're a fine organisation with an enormous history that we all respect and love on the board and we get letters of two support for tourism ryusei including RACV, Peppers, Noosa Springs, Niche Holidays, Glen Eden and others. Tourism ryusei is a strong organisation we are in a financial bind I do not believe it is prudent for us to do it. Pay the two million dollars to tourism ryusei this year it's absolute gonna come back and bite us and I just I can't I just can't support it thank you Councillors. Frank Wilkie 01:28:29.154
Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion. Brian Stockwell 01:28:32.874
I'm filled by a question the is we heard that it's currently funded by a rate of the dollar to business and accommodation, housing. If we were to not spend two million dollars, would the ethical thing then to be reduced the rates to business and housing? Frank Wilkie 01:28:59.833
I'm not going to allow the question because it's an unfair question to ask of staff. Thank you. But you can make that assertion in your own speech if you like to ask it. I thought it was a good question. Brian Stockwell 01:29:13.033
I am going to speak and I haven't done this for a while but I might need to ask for leniency in terms of time. Because I do think that the perceptions and advocacy in the community want three answered. One is, the question is: will continued funding of tourism in Noosa exacerbate or facilitate the continuation of over-tourism? The second question is: why is it important for funding for brand promotion and marketing? And the third one is: how much is a reasonable level of funding to our local tourism organisation? Perhaps right on that compared to other industry sectors. So Cathy, if I can have the one up regarding statistics, tourism We've heard that part of the issue driving our community concern is over tourism. No, you can leave that one to last. And the main one that's affecting people is congestion. Congested. We think about what local tourism organisation does. And where we market. The primary source of the congestion. Combined with people from within our region. So in 2023-24, 42% of our visitors were day-trippers and they only percent. Nothing that tourism does or is funded to do goes towards that. You can see the graph on the left. The orange is the day-trippers. The most significant portion. Marketing, we have to have other levers. Sorry, to address over tourism, Changing what we market or not defunding marketing or stopping marketing is going to do very little, in my opinion, towards alleviating day-trippers. Daytrippers. Slide, please. And why is that so? So here's some very recent data from November '22 to January '23, not that recent, I thought it was in the next year, about mobile phones, and here you see 75 to 83 at the peak time in Noosa, Hastings Street, precinct, are not the people that we target with marketing from Tourism Noosa. They come from Noosa, Gympie and South East Queensland. None of what we ask Tourism Noosa is to route the brand or market to that sector. So what will it affect? It will affect our bottom line between 16 and 25%. So if we're thinking about pure numbers. They're likely reduction coming from stopping all marketing as we've been, stopping public funding of marketing is likely to have a marginal effect. Not saying that those other areas won't benefit from some of the message being out, but I'm saying they're not target market. So the next one. Of the challenges for us is to try and maintain our economy while reducing the number of and that's exactly what's happening. Okay? So, 306,000 less visitors compared to 2019, but expenditure is increased. So, the bottom one shows that trend. So, the trend that we're achieving through the current collaboration and partnership with tourism is exactly what the community has been asking for. Can we do more? Of course. There's lots of other levers. But that's really important to understand is that the value is created by the overnight visitors. So, if we come to the next one, we can see that more clearly. The year ending 24th of June, the spend, while the number's fairly consistent from 2016, the spend is going up. Okay? And you can see once again, 47 day trippers. Last one. And why is it important? To continue to invest in this? And we think about, you know, that it's one of the top three sectors, a gross regional product. But where it makes the most difference is what you see on the right there. 47 of all visa cards spent across the whole Shire during the summer peak came from visitors. So that's the retail sector. All those small businesses that are direct to our visitors as well. So that's quite an astounding amount. 47 of the stuff being sold and bought in Noosa over that period is coming from visitors. So if we make significant changes to that, it obviously that potential to adverse economic impact, and we've heard in this report over 4,000 people employed. We know when we look at the global situation that the likelihood of the economic buoyancy going downhill rather than uphill at moment is high. So not continuing to try and attract that high value domestic overnight is quite high, so when we are asked to make a decision, we're not just those who are suffering from over tourism, we have to balance that about those who are struggling to get housing at a reasonable price, those who have got the cost of living price, because a lot of those are working in this industry, so we have to balance it. Now the DMP has been mentioned quite a few times and Councillor Wilkie mentioned it, if you go to that next set of slides. We've had a lot of feedback recently. We emails following some standard letters saying just cut black and white, them and us, we don't want it. It's not Council business. Most of those people, I know their names because I know most of them have supported me in the past. We've made a change today. We also had the reciprocal, which is we got a lot of letters industry saying we continue, we support, continue to do the Noosa. One of the problems of this seminar's black and white simple solutions to really complex sustainability problems like over tourism is that it vastly oversimplifies it. So one you use to address this is scenario planning and fortunately we've already started that process in the DMP. We created a range of scenarios and one of those scenarios was based on governance the key criteria in the governance this one and it said do nothing scenario, stop promoting Noosa Shire to all visitors and a whopping 6 of the respondents supported that. So Councillors we may be feeling the pressure of a range of letters and emails coming in to us, but when taken out of this hotbed of the current environment only 6 thought that and there are other criteria in there. Look at what was most supported is that transformative suffice scenario, market Noosa Shire by highlighting values that align with regenerative tourism, making things better, community. Kawi values which will encourage people to give back, respect people in place and travel responsible. Develop an innovative initiative to track the. And philanthropic contribution for environment and community development projects. If you add that up to the next aspirational one, which that over 50 of the people. Well, as part of their scenario, saw that a continued role in promoting the brand and marketing to people who are likely to share our values was heading towards a vision of the future of a Noosa, Noosa, which aligns with their vision. And that's really important. What we're talking about here is, the role of Tourism Noosa help this community get to a place where we want to be in the future. And fortunately, we've got an example of that. Frank Wilkie 01:37:55.860
When we think. Councillor Stockwell, your time has been questioned. Councillor Stockwell it has. On this matter, are you prepared to allow Councillor Stockwell to speak a bit longer? Amelia Lorentson 01:38:06.700
Councillor Stockwell I'm happy to allow his name to speak. Nicola Wilson 01:38:10.312
How's your Wilson? Brian Stockwell 01:38:17.512
Okay, I've got two more. Very quickly. We perceive it, I've talked this earlier, but four about months. Of research show that Noosa is currently perceived as offering less than average experiences. It was talked about, we thought we had great experience. And is not widely recognised for its efforts in environmental conservation. That's the real take home message. So this campaign was focused on it. Next slide. Talk after the campaign, 8 lift in the perception of Noosa having great experience, 7 lift in perception. And what was it all about? It was about getting people here and about who share our values, who want to do I haven't got time to go through it I've seen it to your end but basically even part of it was doing a climate calculator so it's a holiday activities such as hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, eco tours which attract a more diverse visitor base that is what the community said we wanted to do and that's what we did in the morning. Do more in the future I'll finish on the last one which is the first one and we this is the one that I tried to bring up before that we had a computer and that is we talked about benchmarking so the confidential data I've just extracted some statistics out of that and so the dark green is Noosa in the current year and it's comparing the investment by similar-sized councils in their local tourism organisation. The left-hand side compares us based on the amount of dollars that the Council put in compared to the gross value of the tourism industry. And on that, our investment is a little bit below the average, okay? So we put in more compared to average. However, if you compare the of investment from the Council and the LTO compared to the number of jobs in the industry, we're well above average. Just compared to those three. So that's what I want to leave you with. How much? I think the balance we've got in the recommendation by staff is somewhere around the average. Frank Wilkie 01:40:26.499
Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? So a million data for this, that's what it says. Nicola Wilson 01:40:41.480
Is there any evidence to suggest that if you were to increase or decrease the amount of marketing to focus on you were interstate or overseas visitors, it would affect, it would actually increase or decrease how we're overseeing that marketing. We'll say, oh, they've switched up internationally, so now we'll go around a the paper. Bit. Frank Wilkie 01:41:03.654
Do I have the right to that one? Well, I think that's all. In terms of is there any evidence, I think, Lynne, do you want to come to the table? Lynne Banford, economic thank you very much. You're welcome. Lynne Banford 01:41:20.281
We don't have any evidence as part of this report either way. We can take that on notice. But generally speaking, we have lots of case studies that have shown where government, local have taken money out of the RTO. And then taken many, years to get back to the position that they were in when they took that money away. So we have got evidence and case studies to show that, but not immediate Australian experience. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:41:54.960
And next, Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 01:42:03.140
Can I understand, maybe more in layman's terms, please, Director Rawlings, around the milestone payment of $1.2 million and how you get about that figure? Kim Rawlings 01:42:20.031
So the existing funding agreement of $2.52 million has two milestone this how we've always paid tourists in Noosa. Wales. First being at the 31st of July of each financial year, half of that payment being $1.2 million. The second being equivalent. Under the current agreement January of the same amount. So given that we intend intent of this report in some ways to allow operational the operations to continue, allow ongoing current commitments to be serviced and honoured. The recommendation that we provide the almost equivalent amount to what we provide now at the six-monthly mark which is 1.2 million dollars. So that figure was based on what pay to allow six months of continued service while the Roadmap was being developed and then that six-month mark to that for the second payment to be contingent on Roadmap and a couple of other things. Jessica Phillips 01:43:34.230
Hold up, Christian, because we have. Thank you, Councillor Wegener, for prompting me after our budget meeting this morning has there been consideration when we were coming to this new agreement we're asking Council to look at areas to find efficiencies. Has there been a conversation through this process with Tourism Noosa put an obligation back on them to find some efficiencies in there? Work, their body work. So then we can pass that on, because I'm hearing that definitely a consideration here, so. Kim Rawlings 01:44:11.397
Yeah, absolutely, that's what the report does. The report says there is a reduction of $520,000 proposed based from existing funding, a portion of that it relates to events, the remaining is essentially an efficiency dividend to within the organisation to the value of $270,000. Jessica Phillips 01:44:39.802
Question, do we say that our commitment is one point sure and they have to find the efficiencies or do they say this is what we need to deliver? Kim Rawlings 01:44:49.290
No, this is council's decision. This is an officer recommendation then for council's decision about what we're putting forward in terms of an amount for 12 months. Tom Wegener 01:45:07.400
Council waitman. Could you give me just a ballpark of the costs invested into the DMP and how much of that's looking forward through the rest of the year is being allocated to the DMP. Kim Rawlings 01:45:24.616
I think we have about a hundred thousand dollars allocated for the completion of the DMP but I would that. Around hundred thousand dollars. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:45:39.615
Councillors, myself, Wilson, Wegener, Stockwell have spoken to the motion. Any other Councillors wish to speak before I close? Karen Finzel 01:46:06.780
Okay, so firstly, we are at a crossroads. I believe we're at a transition, trying to give fair. I always like to go what has preceded me where I am and where I'm going so as part of my research into this went back to November 2021 when we had the then CEO put his report to Council. Interesting to note in there that Tourism Noosa jointly worked together to work on Tourism Noosa and the constitution which was based on a representation model. What's interesting I did a little bit further research and I'll be really brief and I can only take an excerpt but from a journal of sustainable tourism by 2011 from James cook uni from gianna moscato she provided a Discussion Paper and it revealed a dominant social representation of tourism planning in which destination residents play only a minor role and are typically excluded from tourism governance and external agents and their tourist needs are dominant. Many planning models were narrowly focused, had limited evaluation of all tourism benefits and costs, paid little attention to economic factors and did not integrate into wider development processes. The paper argues that social representation assumes the core objective of tourism planning is to enhance outcome for tourists and tourism businesses rather than for destination residents. And I think what we've got here today is know this is a model that was written there's deficiencies in the model or you could say there's celebrations and this is where we've ended up today. So I think we're in a transition trying to amend where we have been and are world-class destination but we're also a community and right now we know that this community is under pressure. The impacts of over tourism, traffic congestion, housing affordability, crowded public spaces and environmental stress. Aren't abstract. They're felt every day. I want to thank all the people that sent me emails there were so many in my inbox I do apologise I've been unable to answer every one of them but it's been across the whole of the sector not just one group it has been you know pretty much a good representation of entire community that's where good governance matters and I think the real change begins with community involvement we must bring residents back into the centre of tourism decisions not just as stakeholders but as co-creators to the solutions together build a future we can be proud of connection and kindness for each other is paramount during this time of insecurity we also know that tourism brings major benefits it's a pillar of noosa's economy supporting local jobs across hospitality medical and retail health and well-being transport and creative industries small businesses from our tourist operators and boutique stores rely on visitor spending to survive and thrive tourism when well managed brings vibrancy opportunity and income to the Shire also providing employment opportunities for our students which is really important all of us can say we started somewhere as a teenager learning how to get engaged in the workforce and put money in our own pockets but we can't ignore and we are not ignoring residents are carrying the weight of tourism's growth, from noise and traffic to infrastructure strain and rising living costs it's not sustainable and it's not fair the challenge is how do we maintain economic benefits while protecting our quality of life continuous improvement innovation and the use of balanced tools like visitor levies access fees and fair use charges we can ensure tourists contribute directly to the things that they impact this revenue can be reinvested in infrastructure upgrades environmental restoration community services local events that benefit both visitors and locals alike the policy change alone won't earn trust we need to track our services and ensure residents change will take time but with clear reporting community consultation and good governance we can shift the model in my belief and hope that better reflects and pays respect to our people place Future Noosa where tourism supports jobs and small business but not at the expense of local lifestyle and Noosa where residents sit at the core at the heart of who we are supported and proud of how we welcome each other and the world. I think you know this is what we all aspire to we're all here for the same reasons I think the challenge before us today is how we do not disadvantage one sector or many sectors as we transition forward it's a challenging decision before us but at the heart of this sits our love of our community and our connection to our community. Frank Wilkie 01:52:37.040
Thank you. Finzel. Lorentson. Councillor Lorentson? Amelia Lorentson 01:52:43.280
Yes it's been an interesting few months. The community has been asking the right questions and that we actually can't ignore. Tourism Noosa aligned with the values and expectations of our community? Is it efficient and are we leveraging the best value for every dollar invested? And most importantly, is the current model fit for or the future? Model may have served us well once, but it may no longer be delivering what this community expects. Every Council department is being asked to find efficiencies, every public dollar is under pressure, and every organisation the money comes from, must be held to the same standard of scrutiny and accountability. I want to make it known that I support Tourism Noosa, I support the work it does, and I have great respect for the team, some of the most capable professionals in the industry. But today it's not about individuals, performance, it's about structure, and it's about public trust. We're not here to protect status quo, we're here to manage funds with integrity to make hard decisions. Strike a what our businesses need and what our community demands. This report, which defaults to the current structure, while we wait for the Destination Management Plan, is was not what I was hoping for. In my opinion, it falls short a of the bold, decisive leadership that our community expects. But in the absence of fully developed and tested alternative, I acknowledge that for now, there is no formal think the report has gone far enough? No, I don't. Think it addresses some of the core concerns that the community continues to raise. We owe the people and community of Noosa are a review of tourism noosa's structure. Not to dismantle it, but to future-proof it. We need a model that's leaner, more transparent, efficient and firmly aligned with noosa's long-term vision. A model that delivers maximum value, draws on expert industry capability and eliminates unnecessary overhead. I'm going to take this opportunity to make a few things clear. Who pays? The 2.52 million that's allocated to tourism in Noosa is not funded by residential ratepayers. It comes from noosa's commercial, industrial and transitory accommodation sector. That distinction matters and it must be made clear respected. However, once those funds are, enter general revenue, they become public money. And public money, no matter its source, must meet the same standards of transparency, accountability and return on investment as every other dollar we spend. I need to also make clear that Noosa Council is the destination management. Teresa Noosa is not responsible for potholes, congestion or parking shortages. That's not tourism noosa's job. That's our job and that's on Council. But smart, strategic tourism management. And should alleviate those pressures by guiding visitation, shaping infrastructure planning and influencing the kind of behaviour we want to see from those who visit our home. Torres and Noosa deserve scrutiny just like every publicly funded organisation but we don't throw away two decades of strategic work because the structure may be outdated. The answer isn't to abandon it, the answer is to rebuild it. Stronger, smarter. And better. And we must do so with the residents and industry consultation. Any future funding decisions must not be made without consulting industry and the businesses that who fund Tourism Noosa through additional weights deserve the seat at the table. Their voices matters, their investment matters and their partnerships must be respected, as does the voices of our community. Tourism sustains one in seven jobs in Noosa. It fuels our hospitality, events, retail and surf culture and with the 2032 Olympics on the horizon, one thing is certain, the world is coming. Whether we're ready or not. I also want to take this opportunity to raise a couple of other things. First, in our conversations and discussions, we talk a lot about over tourism, traffic and congestion. I do want to highlight that we need to also factor in the extra number of people who now call Noosa home. Traffic congestion isn't just on Hastings Street during peak season, it's outside every school gate at drop off and pick up time. That's not visitor demand, that's population growth, that's planning and that's council's responsibility. In closing, I've just. Want to make one statement. Tourism Noosa is more than just a contract, it's a brand built over two decades. A brand that's positioned Noosa as a brilliant, sustainable destination. A place of natural beauty and strong community values. That kind of credibility takes years and 20 in fact, to build. And it takes seconds to lose. And it deserves our respect. I support the recommendation before us today with all the added amendments, but I do so with a clear and firm expectation that the real work begins now. No more delays, no more deferrals and it's time for us to leave. Frank Wilkie 01:59:27.916
Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Phillips used to speak. Jessica Phillips 01:59:33.216
Peaked Yes, thank you. I feel like there's tourism and then also. And there's tourism as well. The last few months that's how I feel like the noise has been around if you don't support Tourism Noosa then and I kept going over this in my mind around, you know, the fact that we actually part of that in the story is tourism. Like noosa's, it's in our, it's just in our story here that tourists come because they love the place. So today we're talking about tourism Noosa's D but then they're sort of entwined. I've lived here my whole life so I've watched it grow and change and I felt what many of the residents are feeling is the pressure and the congestion and that creeping fear that we might lose what makes Noosa. But what concerns me right now is something bigger than traffic it's actually the division that this has created this idea today that if we support Tourism Noosa that you're putting tourism above residents that's not how I feel I'm not certain today's proposal is the outcome out residents seek but I also believe there are people who would like to shut the gates they feel overrun by Noosa but I didn't I do know they love believe that passion can some might or has potential to be misguided if it turns into an entitlement because none of us and not even us who have lived here for decades have the right to keep this place entirely to ourselves my very first our very first job at Noosa sports tower would have peak have seasons where tourism would come and by there was more sand on the floor near the tolls but then in off-peak every resident came and replaced their runners and got their kids shoes and that was my first job out of school so it was hugely supported by tourism and it also had this when the tourists left there was this quite a sense of quiet in town and everyone sort of met their friend for a walk because they knew they could get a park and I think that's what's happened today and that's why there's so much division because we miss that Noosa and we feel a little bit overrun by tourism but that's not Tourism Noosa. We can't ignore the impacts the pressure on the waste system and the infrastructure but that is where in my opinion and you've just mentioned it thank you Council has its job to do in management of the product. Which is Noosa itself. We have to maintain it, protect prepare it for the locals and the visitors because let's real not having new toilets doesn't stop anyone from needing the loo. It just worsens the experience for everyone. So I'm not going to blindly support the status quo. I do believe we need a smarter, clearer relationship with Tourism Noosa. We owe that to Council staff, us here at the table and our community. To finalise and deliver the Destination Management Plan. I've made that really clear because. We just have to. We have to finish what we started. Today it's. We're talking about Tourism Noosa, we're not I don't want to see another comment that it means that I don't support. I want to share this place with everyone. I just want them to leave it remembering that when they're falling back that we have to do it. We live here, you know, and that's what I want to protect. So this one's tricky and I think everyone at the table is feeling it, the community but today it's leadership, old it's making sure that we even make the decision that could potentially harm relationships and I'll finish with I know that I've made the right decision and I sleep tonight. Frank Wilkie 02:04:07.880
In closing I don't want to go over all the excellent points the Councillors have made but I do have a confession to make and that is that I did come here as a visitor initially. I love the place so much that I wanted to live here and the philosophy that has guided the evolution of this place for many decades is that if it's made a great place for residents to live then by default it would also be fantastic place to visit. The whole reason we introduced the Destination Management Plan is because that liveability for residents and therefore the visitor experience is reaching a tipping point with traffic congestion in greater numbers. We are facing, we're in the middle of a growing region that also likes, people also like to come here. So that Destination Management Plan is very important and Tourism Noosa has a critical role to play for any destination in marketing organisation, as in where we go as a community and the point has been made about the things that bring us together and divide us. People are involved in the industry. The tourism industry are our residents. The people that are rezoning against the impacts of that are also guiding concerned about over tourism. They know the value of protecting residents' liveability because they live here as well. We're intertwined whereas you can't separate a resident from the tourism industry because we're all one on this. Have a lot more work to do. We heard the term bold leadership. The destination, this is a transition plan. Now, there's going to be people on all sides of the unhappy, so that could be a sign that we've got the balance right. But bold leadership will become part of the Destination Management Plan. That's when Councillors will be asked to step up and back the transformative changes. Community are asking us to make. Getting on with this is also, at the down of the Councillors, driving the process. So it's up to us to make sure that our words match our deeds. And I'm hoping that we can start on this work as soon as possible, tomorrow if I'd also like to thank community member from every side of the argument for their feedback on this funding deed issue and also in their input in the Destination Management Plan because it's important work. And I'm hoping that they'll see their views reflected in the next phase of consultation and that we can work together on this. It's important. Thank you for your patience today. I put this motion to the vote. Those in favour? Councillor Stockwell, Phillips, Finzel, Lawrence and Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Wegener and Councillor Wilson. The motion is carried. That concludes our business today. Thank you everyone for your attendance. Councillors, CEOs, staff. In the Related Noosa Council Meetings
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