Special Meeting

Key Decisions & Discussions
• Frank Wilkie: Opened a special meeting focused on disaster reconstruction funding and emergency works for Noosa’s road and infrastructure network (00:00) (Item 4.1).
• Julie Calvert: Confirmed significant damage to gravel and asphalt roads and some larger sites following post–Tropical Cyclone Alfred weather; activated Disaster Reconstruction Funding Arrangement with QRA for emergency repairs (00:54–02:53) (Item 4.1).
• Julie Calvert: Sought expedited approval to outsource works due to limited internal resources and to meet tight funding timelines (02:01–02:53) (Item 4.1).
• Julie Calvert: Explained DRFA emergency works eligibility within 90 days to make assets safe/trafficable; example: Middle Creek Road culvert scouring requiring immediate fix and later full repair submission (02:55–04:13) (Item 4.1).
• Brian Stockwell: Moved the motion, citing high community demand, significant event, workforce constraints, and contractor scarcity; supported CEO delegation to expedite contractor selection (04:28–05:09) (Item 4.1).
• Tom Wegener: Seconded the motion (04:13) (Item 4.1).
• Amelia Lorentson: Probed capacity/capability shortfalls regarding roads, stormwater, and waterway crossings (05:13–05:37) (Item 4.1).
• Shaun Walsh / Julie Calvert: Clarified deadline of 90 days from event (target 29 June) to retain DRFA eligibility; outsourcing to protect Council budget and keep internal crews on non-disaster tasks (05:37–06:00) (Item 4.1).
• Shaun Walsh / Julie Calvert: Some works require minor construction (concrete/drainage) beyond grading; aim to “fix right first time” under emergency works to avoid rework (06:00–07:15) (Item 4.1).
• Amelia Lorentson: Queried if 90 days is sufficient and contingencies for weather delays (07:15–07:29) (Item 4.1).
• Shaun Walsh: Acknowledged challenge; coordinating multiple contractors and available Council crews; in dialogue with QRA liaison; intend to meet deadline (07:29–08:42) (Item 4.1).
• Council: Resolved unanimously to delegate to the CEO power to negotiate/finalise/execute contracts for emergency and immediate reconstruction works and project/supervision resources; delegation not limited by general financial delegations (Item 4.1).
Contentious / Transparency Matters
• Council: Broad CEO delegation includes authority to bind Council above normal financial limits, increasing discretion in contractor selection (Item 4.1).
• Brian Stockwell: Noted high contractor demand; urgency may compress competition timeframes, raising probity perception risks despite necessity (04:28–05:09) (Item 4.1).
• Attendance: Remote participation by two councillors and a director via Teams was noted; quorum and voting proceeded without objection (00:00) (Minutes Attendance).
• Community Interface: Multiple resident maintenance requests referenced; prioritisation relies on DRFA eligibility and safety, which may create perceived inequities for non-event-affected roads (04:28–06:00) (Item 4.1).
Legal / Risk
• Statutory Basis: Delegation relies on Local Government Act 2009 s257(1); resolution expressly overrides CEO’s general financial delegation thresholds for this purpose (Item 4.1).
• Funding Eligibility Risk: Missing the 90‑day window (to ~29 June) would shift costs to Council budget and reduce DRFA recovery (05:37–06:00; 07:29–08:42) (Item 4.1).
• Operational Risk: Internal workforce shortages necessitate outsourcing; delivery risk managed via multiple contractors and sequencing with returning Council crews (02:01–02:53; 07:29–08:42) (Item 4.1).
• Scope Control: Emergency works limited to making assets safe/trafficable; larger permanent repairs require subsequent QRA submissions, avoiding scope creep under emergency heads (02:55–04:13) (Item 4.1).
• Financial Exposure: CEO may commit Council beyond usual limits; oversight will depend on internal controls/report-back given absence of a cap in the resolution (Item 4.1).
Emergency Road & Infrastructure Works: Scope and Delivery
• Works Packages: Asphalt/gravel road emergency works; immediate reconstruction including stormwater crossings; project/supervision resourcing to package/manage delivery (Item 4.1).
• Example Site: Middle Creek Road, Federal – culvert wash-over and asphalt scouring; immediate safety fix now, full culvert repair later via QRA submission (02:55–04:13) (Item 4.1).
• Method: Grading and pothole repairs where sufficient; minor concrete/drainage construction where required for durable safety outcomes (06:00–07:15) (Item 4.1).
• Scheduling: Targeting kilometres-per-day outputs on gravel networks; active liaison with QRA Regional Officer to maintain eligibility and justify approach (07:29–08:42) (Item 4.1).
• Governance: CEO Larry Sengstock empowered to negotiate and execute contracts; Infrastructure Director Shaun Walsh and Disaster Reconstruction Coordinator Julie Calvert provide technical oversight (00:00–00:54; 01:53) (Item 4.1).