Services & Organisation Committee - 12 August 2025
Date: Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at 1:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:55:25
Synopsis: Go Noosa escalated; transport fixes, APCS travel approved; report, COMSEQ ROI published, Capital works on-track; reporting improved, Holiday Parks resilient; greywater enforced, Remuneration rises.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Nicola Wilson Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Amelia Lorentson Tom Wegener Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Karen Finzel: Go Noosa report elevated to General Committee given significance; unanimous referral (Item 7.1) (07:54). Larry Sengstock: Sought and obtained approval for Mayor’s Council of Mayors (SEQ)–funded international travel to 2025 APCS in Dubai; minor incidental costs possible (Item 7.2) (08:45–10:20). Frank Wilkie: Framed APCS benefits: regional collaboration pre-2032 Olympics; climate resilience, renewables, waste, affordable housing insights; committed to report back (12:00–14:04) (Item 7.2). Jessica Phillips: Requested public-facing cost–benefit of COMSEQ membership; CEO cited recent $400k city deal public art funding and broader returns (14:21–15:44) (Item 7.2). Capital Works: 2024/25 program spend $28.8m (62.5%) of $46m budget; 140 projects; grants $11.7m with $8.4m Council contribution; recruitment improving delivery (Item 8.1) (16:26–20:23, 23:31). Officers: TMR collaboration progressing (e.g., Beckmans Rd options); Councillor briefing requested; clearer multi-year project reporting foreshadowed (20:17–21:12, 21:15–23:31) (Item 8.1). Noosa Holiday Parks: FY24/25 revenue $4.62m; surplus $1.14m; ~60,000 guests; forward bookings >$3m six weeks into FY25/26; resilience despite softening occupancy (Item 8.2) (28:08–30:48). Robyn Mercer: Strategic plan commencing: regenerative tourism, financial sustainability, reinvestment, environmental innovation; pricing to balance affordability and competitive neutrality (33:38–35:15) (Item 8.2). Greywater management: Rules reinforced (EPA basis); signage and booking notices added; central dump points in place; spot checks planned with Environmental Health (42:38–46:33) (Item 8.2). Remuneration: From 1 Jul 2025, increases set by QLD Remuneration Commission for Category B3: Mayor +$3,935; Deputy +$2,291; Councillors +$1,947; 2.5% indicated; s250 LGR expenses policy applies (Item 8.3) (49:08–52:11, 52:24–53:40). Margaret Gatt: Corrected record: B3 categorisation occurred in 2023; methodology complex and considers CPI among other factors (51:18–52:59) (Item 8.3). Contentious / Transparency Matters Karen Finzel: Escalation of Go Noosa reflects whole-of-council significance; defers probing to ensure full debate (01:32–07:54) (Item 7.1). Jessica Phillips: Transparency ask: publish COMSEQ ROI to justify ~$48k fee; aligns with community expectations (10:20–11:47, 14:21–15:21) (Item 7.2). Holiday Parks Comms: Marketing outsourced by business unit; limited in-house comms; Chair queried alignment with Council channels and DMP (39:26–41:32) (Item 8.2). Carryovers framing: Shift to explain multi-year alignment and savings to avoid “blowout” perceptions; improves public understanding (21:15–23:31) (Item 8.1). Greywater complaints: Community concern acknowledged; enforcement practicality limits deposits approach; increased education and monitoring flagged (42:38–46:33) (Item 8.2). Legal / Risk Larry Sengstock: Brought overseas mayoral travel for resolution given elected member travel; mitigates probity risk via council decision and third-party funding (08:45–10:20) (Item 7.2). Go Noosa: Past overspend vs transport levy revenue corrected by scaling back initiatives (ending free weekend buses post QLD 50c fares), renegotiating Lions Park with formal TMP, and new KPIs (01:49–06:53) (Item 7.1). Traffic/Safety: Lions Park overflow parking produced congestion at Noosa Parade roundabout; drop-off zone reinstatement proposed with design improvements, wayfinding, and emergency access benefits (01:49–06:53) (Item 7.1). Environmental Compliance: Greywater disposal grounded in Environmental Protection Act; introduced clearer conditions and signage to reduce non-compliance risk (43:09–46:33) (Item 8.2). Remuneration: Determinations by independent Commission; expenses under s250 Local Government Regulation; error correction on category timing recorded on the record (49:08–53:40) (Item 8.3). Procurement/Contracts: Holiday Park management contracts 5+2 with option periods pre-approved; tenders under probity; mitigates challenge risk (47:06–48:06) (Item 8.2). Transport and Congestion Management (Go Noosa) Staff (Dr Villon referenced): Successful 065 shuttle; discontinued free weekend buses after state 50c fares; park-and-ride underused; comms to improve (01:49–06:53) (Item 7.1). Frank Wilkie: Queried 9.2% weekend patronage jump; clarified this was statewide, not Noosa-specific (07:10–07:25) (Item 7.1). Plan Ahead: Explore shuttle extensions, bus priority, passive safety, smart traffic tools, deployable parklets; Christmas-only Lions Park overflow pending DMP (01:49–06:53) (Item 7.1). Tourism and Holiday Parks Robyn Mercer: Occupancy softened (cost-of-living, March–April weather) but portfolio resilient; pricing tiers from ~$45–50 (Boreen unpowered) to $68–75+ (Noosa River) maintain accessibility (31:25–35:15) (Item 8.2). Cost Drivers: Utilities and wastewater ~$.75m of ~$3.2m OPEX; weather drives road base costs; strategic investments to lower whole-of-life costs (35:15–36:12) (Item 8.2). Feedback: Reviews consistently >4 stars; focus on nature-based experience over built attractions; continuous improvement via operator feedback loops (37:38–39:26) (Item 8.2). Capital Works Delivery Officers/Councillors: Highlighted completed/ongoing works: Sunrise Beach David Low Way retaining wall, Gympie Tce pathways, Goodchap St stormwater, Kin Kin shelters, visitor centre toilets (24:39–25:28) (Item 8.1). Governance: Capital Works Executive oversight praised; delegation to CEO for emergencies noted as enabling responsive delivery (26:02–27:00) (Item 8.1). Environmental Concerns Go Noosa: Trials improved pedestrian safety on Hastings/Noosa Drives; emergency vehicle access benefits from Main Beach drop-off design (01:49–06:53) (Item 7.1). Holiday Parks: Regenerative tourism and circular materials in renewals; guest tree-planting concept under consideration in strategy (41:14–42:32) (Item 8.2). Community Transparency and Engagement Jessica Phillips: Public ROI on COMSEQ; strengthens legitimacy of membership and travel approvals (14:21–15:21) (Item 7.2). Reporting: Commitment to clearer multi-year capital reporting and social promotion of completed works to inform residents (21:15–24:45) (Item 8.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Tuesday, 12 August 2025 1:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Karen Finzel (Chair), Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 AUGUST 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 1.30pm. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Karen Finzel (Chair) Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Nicola Wilson Cr Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Tom Wegener (via Microsoft Teams) EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 CONFIRMATION OF SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MINUTES DATED 8 JULY 2025 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson The Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 8 July 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 AUGUST 2025 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 7.1 GO NOOSA REPORT Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Services & Organisation Committee Agenda Item 7.1 be referred to the General Committee due to the significance of the issue. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 7.2 MAYOR'S ATTENDANCE - 2025 ASIA PACIFIC CITIES SUMMIT AND MAYORS’ FORUM VIA COUNCIL OF MAYORS SEQ (INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 12 August 2025 regarding the Mayor’s attendance and representation at 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (2025APCS) and Mayors’ Forum, Expo City Dubai) and site visits organised by the Council of Mayors; B. Approve the Mayor’s international travel for this trip (23 to 31 October 2025); and C. Note that the costs for the trip will be generally covered by Council of Mayors (SEQ). Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 8 REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE 8.1 CAPITAL PROGRAM 2024/2025 DELIVERY STATUS Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 providing an update on the delivery of the 2024/25 Capital Works Program as at 30 June 2025. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 12 AUGUST 2025 8.2 NOOSA HOLIDAY PARKS UPDATE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Commercial Business Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 providing an update on operations of the Noosa Holiday Park Business Activity to 30 June 2025. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 8.3 COUNCILLOR REMUNERATION UPDATE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the People and Culture Manager to the Services and Organisation Committee dated 12 August 2025 informing Council of the determinations of the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission, as detailed in the Local Government Remuneration Commission Annual Report 2024. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2.25pm.
Meeting Transcript
Karen Finzel 00:00.000
I would like to note that all councillors are in the room, present and accounted for, and I do believe we will have Councillor Wegener coming online, maybe he's not there yet. Welcome to the CEO and all the staff. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects the Australian First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to the country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi People the lands and the waters of Noosa area and offer our gratitude for their careful custodianship of this unique environment there are no attendances and apologies do we have a confirmation of the minutes? Happy to move and second by Councillor Wilson. All in favour? Yes. Thank you, that's unanimous. There are no presentations, no deputations. We're heading into agenda item reports for consideration. 7, of the committee, and we will start with the Go Noosa report, so we'll welcome staff to the table. Our Sustainable Transport Coordinator, Dr vallone some of the report. Thank you. I will note that this has been requested due to the significance of the matter to be moved to our General Committee. So hear your report and your overview. Stephanie Vallone 01:49.117
No problem, thank you very much. So in 2024 and 2025, the Go Noosa project has continued to deliver a package of different initiatives to help us manage traffic flow. Improve safety and encourage more sustainable travel. Key actions included the school behaviour change programs, community transport services, free holiday and weekend buses, the Main Beach drop-off zone, target traffic control, cape streetscape changes in Hastings and Noosa Drive. Has met the operational objectives which was improved traffic flow at Hastings Street roundabout and hasting pedestrian accessibility and movement and providing better access for emergency vehicles. We have seen a strong results the 065 shuttle bus, the Go Noosa bus loop, which had patronage and satisfaction from residents. A notable pedestrian safety improvement from the Hastings Street and Noosa it is also important to note that the free weekend bus services are no longer operating. This change came after the Queensland introduced the 50 cents public transport fares, making it travel affordable, and there is no need for us to continue subsidising this specific public transport. The cancellation was also part of an effort to bring the Go Noosa program to the within the within the sustainable transport budget, transport levy budget. In recent years the cost of delivering the program exceeded the levy revenue. So for this program of the 2025-2026 we have withdrawn some of those initiatives and we have revisited to the visit whole Go Noosa project, including the free weekend buses so that the initiatives that are currently funded by the levy are within and are matching the revenue that we get from the transport levy. Challenges still remain with this Go Noosa project. Park and ride were highly underused although we tried to promote as much as possible. Temporary paid parking at the Lions Park has brought revenue but has added some congestion especially at the roundabout next to it, the Noosa Parade roundabout. We also have realised that we need to improve our communication plans to residents and visitors so they can clearly understand the changes and the modifications we are planning throughout these periods. During Noosa and Easter so they can make better informed travel decisions. What we are proposing, looking ahead, is to continue the program within the Sustainable Transport Levy, maintain and improve the route for the 065 shuttle bus and investigate new shuttle services and priority bus lanes. We are going to review and refresh the school program. We are planning on delivering an active transport access improvement for five schools and to create a traffic and parking education hub. We want to continue community transport services with a focus on more flexible cost-effective delivery. We are going to reinstate, we are proposing to reinstate the Main Beach drop-off zone with some design improvements from the lessons we learned from the previous year with a stronger way finding and visitor information focus. We want to target traffic control to hide impacted areas using more passive safety infrastructure and start exploring some smart traffic management control tools. We also want to improve awareness and safety incentives for the park and ride because we haven't seen an increase in the use of also want to identify new sites in Peregian Tewantin and Noosaville where we can identify locations where we can do the park and ride so we can, to some extent, manage to have all these trippers that come into Noosa a little bit away from the key areas. We are going to investigate the design of deployable parklets to enhance pedestrian experience during the peak hours and the peak periods. We are proposing to continue with the Lions Park overflow parking for Christmas only and the further Easter decision until the Destination Management Plan has finalised consultation. We also propose to renegotiate the Lions Club agreement and require a formal traffic management plan. We are also looking at introducing new KPIs to measure modal shift, congestion safety and community satisfaction access and cost effectiveness of the Go Noosa Program. These key considerations are to be endorsed as a continuation of this program in inclusion of the approved and reinstated the Main Beach drop-off zone, confirmed Christmas only. Confirmed the use of the Lions Park only for Christmas, and proposed the review of the park and ride in the strategy and the KPI framework. Thank you. Karen Finzel 06:42.672
There's a lot in that, isn't there? It's a quite extensive program. It's very extensive, and thank you for the time put into the report. A lot of detail and a lot of reading, so thank you. Look, as the Chair, and given the significance of the matter, and I feel that it's going to be going on to the next meeting for all councillors to have a say, do we want to ask any burning question today or collectively where happy to just move that forward and deal with that at the next meeting? Frank Wilkie 07:11.022
Just a clarifying question. Did I read correctly that after the free weekend bus service was discontinued because 50 cent fares were coming in, that there was a 9.2% jump in the use of the weekend service? Stephanie Vallone 07:25.622
That's across Queensland. There was an increase across Queensland, correct. Not just Noosa. Jessica Phillips 07:31.002
So you're suggesting move it right and ask questions up. Karen Finzel 07:38.542
Well, I just do love given it's been put forward to move it, like, we'll just re-prosecute. But if anyone has a burning question, more than happy for you to bring it to the table. It's more efficient just to have all the questions on the it was moved by Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Phillips we'll take it to the vote all in favour show of hands thank you that's unanimous thank you Catherine thank you to staff. Thank you Dr Stephanie. Moving on to agenda writer seven number two the mayor's attendance to the 2025 asia pacific city summit and Mayors’ Forum via Council of Mayors (SEQ) international travel. Larry Sengstock 08:43.042
Mr CEO, thank you. Yes, so this is my report so I'm bringing this because as we know we're, we are a member of the Council of Mayors, COMSEQ, as it's colloquially known. The council of a member of each of the, each member council, the mayors, to travel to dubai for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and mayors forum along with site visits organised by the Council of Mayors. The dates proposed are the 23rd to the 31st of October in 2025 and this report seeks approval because we are having one of our elected members and the Mayor travel overseas, so I'm bringing it to council for resolution or for approval as opposed to just noting. I would also make the point that the trip is covered by the Council of Mayors in terms of finances. There may be some small costs that the council or the mayors or the council has to do and it is in dubai for the asia-Pacific cities summit which is heavily supported by the Brisbane city it's one that the COMSEQ attends with the mayors and I think it's a really good opportunity for us to continue our association with COMSEQ and to be part of that whole mix. So I put it to the to group and to the committee forum for endorsement. For this report. Karen Finzel 10:20.854
Thank you Mr. CEO. Any questions? Jessica Phillips 10:23.554
I have one question. Do we, does the council pay to be part of the Council of Mayors? Yes we do. Am I, is that a public figure? I don't know. Larry Sengstock 10:35.537
It's a bit more than that, yeah, it's in 48,000. Jessica Phillips 10:41.837
And that gives us, like we get the presentation from the CEO don't we, and there's a lot of. Larry Sengstock 10:49.080
Yeah. But we've already benefited. Enormously from it through various grants and opportunities and being part of the whole mix. So yeah, so it's. City deals. So city deals. That's right. Providing millions of dollars back to us. And there's only one out of the 77 LGAs, is that right, that isn't part of? No, it's only for the South East Queensland. So there's only 11 councils and Gold Coast is not part of that. Yeah. So they've opted to sit out, they were, and they now sit out of concept. And Gympie? Is an associate member Gympie of all sorts. It's a, it's a very loose arrangement, I believe. I don't know for sure, but we were, we were the last ones in as well. So, and now, Gympie have looked to join because there's similar opportunities, particularly within the, within the waste. Management side of things that would be very useful for Gympie to be part of. So that's why they're looking to be part of this. Karen Finzel 11:47.966
Thank you. Given we've got the Mayor at the table, is there anything you'd like to add? Like, what are you hoping to bring back from the trip, given you've got the privilege to head over Frank Wilkie 12:00.501
From strengthening the relationships with the other South East Queensland councils and understanding their challenges and how we can work collaboratively rather than competitively in terms of tenders for the waste project. Projects, how we position ourselves ahead of the 2032 Olympics. That understanding is critical to working collaboratively as a region and making sure it's. Best it can be. Also, the. You've got cities from all around the world and the best leaders talking about topics of interest for. That all of us, such as. Climate. Building and resilience in the face of increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, how they're. How other cities are handling that, transition. Away from coal-fired powers to renewable energies, development of sustainable tourism. Green infrastructure and biodiversity, building. Green infrastructure and biodiversity into urban planning, how we manage our waste sustainably, how cities around the world are handling affordable housing in innovative ways. And the list goes on. Thing that I have learned through counselling mayors is that we do have many challenges in point and that some cities and communities are doing things really well and a lot are still struggling. And even those that are still doing it well, like handling traffic. Congestion and transport, it's constant work and the work's really done. And it's good to have access to this knowledge base and opportunity to learn and strengthen relationships with other communities around the world. But also specifically South East Queensland communities and how we can support each other with our challenges facing South East Queensland and strengthen those working relationships Karen Finzel 14:03.829
Thank you that's it sounds like a great opportunity and can we also look forward to you giving us a report back council fantastic thank you and I'd like to acknowledge Councillor Lorentson is in the gallery thank you for joining us today any further questions Jessica Phillips 14:20.956
I am happy for this to be taken on notice but what I'd love to see at some stage is because I've sat in I understand benefits to us so that wasn't my question but maybe for the public to see a cost benefit that we see for those city deals is there any way that we could maybe see that at some stage through as a consolidated report yeah because it does come through in various in various parts I can bring it together I think it'd be good for the community to see that a small amount if it's 40,000 gives us this that's okay, so I'm happy I'd love to see what it gives us in return because they're not privy to the great meat. Meetings that we sit in that we see what's happening but maybe the general public would just love to see this is what it costs us and this is what we've been given and you wouldn't be eligible for it if we weren't Larry Sengstock 15:16.990
In the Council of Mayors yeah that's right so one of them just I'm happy to do that I think that's just for the sake of people watching whatever it is we've done we just received four hundred thousand dollars for public art as part of this as part of the city it's a city deal, so I mean, for the, of return on investment were there any conditions attached to what we spent the four million that we received deals? There was but we've been able to meet all of those as Karen Finzel 15:49.879
Well yeah that's great well I'm happy to move the motion second thank you that's moved by Councillor Finzel second by Councillor Wilson we'll take it to the vote that's unanimous all in favour Thank you. Mr. CEO now we're up to agenda item 8 reports for noting by the committee 8.1 the capital program 2425 delivery status thank you and we'll welcome the staff to the table Shaun Walsh 16:26.270
Through the Chair, I just wanted introduce katharine because katharine actually is the author of this report. Previously it used to be Mel Sheppard, so we think we always like to get the opposite of who's prepared thank you, Karen Finzel 16:42.150
Good afternoon Katharine 16:43.150
So if you'd like to introduce a brief overview sure, Nicola Wilson 16:46.808
Thank you. This report provides the status update of the capital works program as at the 30th of June 2025 SPEAKER_03 16:53.228
And excludes disaster recovery projects. The approved capital budget provision for the 24/25 financial following Budget Review 2 was $46 million, inclusive carry forwards of $22.4 million. Actual expenditure achieved year was $28.8 million, which is 62.5% of budget, with an expected carry over to address the multi-year projects and commitments. Nicola Wilson 17:23.451
The 24/25 financial year actual spend reflects solid project delivery the challenges despite including resourcing. And adverse weather and is consistent with previous years. In the capital works program consisted of 140 projects at various stages planning, design and delivery. The grant funding revenue for the 24/25 financial year was $11.7 million with council's contribution to these projects being $8.4 million. The planning and managed design teams 25 capital projects and provided planning and design services to over 60 projects during quarter four of the 24/25 financial year. Recruitment is underway to fill key positions in the delivery and design teams. With new initiatives for additional resourcing approved through the 25/26 budget approval process. The planning design and delivery teams are working closely to build on the project management framework and processes and capital works planning for the 25-26 financial year is complete with programming now commenced. So the recommendation is that council note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting today, 12 August 2025, providing an update of the 24/25 capital works program as of 30 June 2025. Karen Finzel 18:50.638
Thank you. For that. And thank you for the report. It was some good reading. I like to see it was sort of evenly spread across the show where we're trying to work and I can see everyone's working really hard for that equity and trying to stick to budgets and deliver and meet the expectations of our community. So thank you. Do we have any questions from the councillors at the table or online? Frank Wilkie 19:16.801
You mentioned some of the challenges with resourcing, how are we going in terms of addressing the resourcing issues? Chris 19:25.500
Very well actually. We've seen some good recruitment. Some of our locations, we've got some really good experienced persons coming on board, some new project managers, project officers. Here is a testimony to that as well. So we're really excited about the future of infrastructure planning, design and delivery as a whole. As you've seen from the transport and traffic team, the planning team, design team and our delivery team as well. We've got some really, really good people on board and we're really excited about pushing our capital delivery forwards in all aspects. So, yeah, really looking forward to the projects that are coming up, working with TMR and other stakeholders externally as well to firm up ideas like Beckmans Road, active ActiveStrip those kind of innovative different ways of looking at transport and things as well so. Frank Wilkie 20:17.661
Just a minute, can you tell us about the progress of Beckmans Road? Chris 20:21.141
Beckmans Road? Yes. So currently it's quite early stages at the moment, we've got some three concept designs if you like TMR are putting forward so the team's working closely on those at the moment to work out what best suits council's future with our active transport. And looking at the area itself etc what suits best for us so it's early days at the moment but it's quite exciting to see this quite large piece of infrastructure in the forefront. Shaun Walsh 20:54.864
Chris, are you watching this? I just want to pass it down. I just want to advise that the council officers have made a request for a Councillor briefing about the status of the bedrooms, including the three options and ideally a joint presentation with officers from TMR and talking about the next steps. Karen Finzel 21:12.279
Fantastic, looking forward to that then. Frank Wilkie 21:18.546
I'm one of the councillors along with Councillor Wilson and Councillor Lorentson who sit on the Capital Works Executive and the reporting is getting more and more detailed and extensive. I understand you're looking at further. Improving the reporting by making it clear which projects are intended to be multi-year projects and not necessarily starting on July 1 and finishing on June 30 to help improve understanding of timeframes about that a little bit more please? Yes I or have like a. Think you pretty much covered it for me I think I answered the question but it's Chris 21:57.040
It's definitely part of it is looking at that multi-year projects like you say I'll error the revised estimates for the course of the project so if it's over two three years we're looking at I'll spend over those over there's a greater understanding of exactly what you're approving when we look at each of our financial use for example you look at 12 months but then this project will go on from design to delivery and it's understanding that so help better support us to resource for that as well and then with the carryover side of things that's quite a bit of a subject so really pulling out that data to understand what it's not actually really a carryover necessarily we're just we're better aligning the funds for that particular project and we might see some savings along the way and things like this so trying to make it more of a positive news story as much as possible. Frank Wilkie 22:46.114
So for example if there's a three-year project normally we report on 12 months. So if you spend a third of the funds dedicated to that by the end of the first year it looks like it's only 33% complete. Yes. Whereas under the new reporting it would actually be 100% on track. Chris 23:10.241
100% On track as far as that financial year is concerned. And I think we've had a conversation around our renewal side of things with capital as well and just putting that data out so we can see we're achieving the goals along the way. Really help us understand where we're at and how we can move forwards. Karen Finzel 23:31.375
I think it's good it gives us all confidence moving forward that as we do you know adhere to continuous improvement and always looking at better ways to give clearer communication reporting I think it engenders trust between all stakeholders so yeah thank you for that and you're welcome thank you for the work so do we have any further questions with regards to the report I think it's pretty straightforward it was comprehensive we had a meeting yesterday that was that from the budgeting BR1 that's right thank you that was really comprehensive as well so I think you know everyone coming together and having these transparent open conversations around how we're moving forward and being reflected in is it's satisfying for everyone so thank you. I'm happy to move the motion happy to second by Councillor Phillips moved by Councillor Finzel we'll take it to the vote oh yes of course yes you can speak to Nicola Wilson 24:36.956
The motion um just want to thank you for the report um I would like to look at the photos of the Facebook and celebrate some um some good news so we've got some great pictures here and as Councillor Finzel said it's all around the Shire so good to see things happening everywhere but we've got some good success stories here with the Sunrise Beach David Low Way retaining wall constructs Noosa-billed, sea-billed. Noosaville seaville park pathways, the Shire-wide pathway renewal part of that is at Gympie Terrace we've got a great result in Goodchap Street, Tewantin with the stormwater works there that's been planned for long-standing issue. Um king Kin Kin shelters, Ed Webb Park which is looking amazing now and spectacularly the toilets at Noosa Heads father visitor centre so some great work there to support to celebrate it. Thank you for all we understand challenges with a lot of the weather and everything else that impacts delivery but good to see some work to get finished. Chris 25:41.798
I'd just like to say about our support teams as well because we can't we operate with procurement for example and building the facilities and civil operations and there's a lot of stakeholders within council to get involved with our delivery of aspects so yeah it's good so it's good to say they'll apply players in the finance yeah everyone plays a significant role across the organisation Karen Finzel 26:05.805
Thank you oh yes Councillor Lorentson from the gallery Amelia Lorentson 26:12.165
I just like to take the opportunity Councillor Wilson council myself and the Mayor we sit on the Capital Works Executive and it's been really insightful um and great knowing that um you know possibly the most important role in council um is being managed by seriously capable and good people and I really would love to acknowledge you at this live meeting um it's given me an insight on how you deal with blowouts um how you know this happens and the importance of having delegations of power which is where the CEO has the power to immediately prove and authorise in a committee setting um to make sure that you know that if there is an emergency or an emergency that we can address it without having to go through bureaucratic um obstacles Karen Finzel 27:14.076
Thank you Councillor Lorentson Amelia Lorentson 27:16.216
So thank you and with our list of the reporting I also want to really note um again I encourage all the councillors to get involved thank you yeah Karen Finzel 27:28.616
Thank you. We'll take that to the vote that's unanimous Thank you. Now we move to agenda 8.2 Noosa Holiday Parks update that's.2 good night. And we welcome Robyn Mercer to the table Thank you Robyn as always a very comprehensive and detailed report if you'd like to give us an overview. It would be most appreciated thank you very Robyn Mercer 28:08.625
Much and excuse me if I cough I've got the cold that's going around there's a lot going on yeah it is um good afternoon all uh I'm pleased to report that the Noosa Holiday Parks Business Activity has performed strongly over financial year 24 and operationally in total the program generated 4.62 million in revenue with an operational surplus of 1.14 million and we welcomed almost 60 000 guests through the portfolio forward bookings for the coming year so for the current financial year sorry already exceed three million dollars and we're only at six weeks into the year which is a great show of the ongoing demand and market confidence while camping and caravanning as a whole saw some softening in occupancy during the last financial year which we put down to economic conditions and some tricky weather in March and April of this year the portfolio remains remained delivering a reliable resilient delivering a reliable revenue to council supporting local economic activity and providing affordable nature-based holiday experiences for visitors and for our this year's report. This year's report also notes the commencement of a long-term strategic plan for the program. Thank you, that's very kind. The strategic plan will guide future management, renewal, growth and investment. Roadmap for the future the plan will also embed regenerative tourism principles in line with councils emerging Destination Management Plan and focus on financial sustainability reinvestment environmental innovation and enhanced visitor experiences importantly these council-owned assets exist really predominantly to give both our community and visitors the opportunity to connect with and enjoy our natural amenity across the three parks visitors rate their experience higher than four stars consistent across platforms such as Google reviews and TripAdvisor with many visitors highlighting the quality of the facilities and the beauty of the natural settings thank you Karen Finzel 30:47.490
Thank you it's a good news story is it I just love the report with our parks and I think everyone better from those experiences visitors and residents alike so I think it's strong reporting in the financials and keep up the good work that's going on there and I know that's a whole team so very much yeah like to express my thanks to the team and those out of the parks that are actually you know on the ground providing the maintenance and all the services correct so yeah a big thank you to them yeah do we have any questions from the yes Councillor Phillips Jessica Phillips 31:24.918
So there's a slight reduction where they're related when you benchmark was that just a shy thing that we know is weather or did the rest of the industry yeah see that Robyn Mercer 31:38.293
What so we saw so we get access to data through membership with the Queensland caravan association industry group and through that we get access to the Australian industry association so the data that we get is Queensland broken down into regions like Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast, Bundaberg, Capricorn, Far North Queensland and we get the occupancy per month so over two years of data for the financial year that we just had and the one previously saw that there was a drop across all the regions as a whole year average in March it went right down and April 2 was a little tricky in some regions as well so the night sold saw in the report which is what we used to measure our occupancy was down as a whole year which was seen across the industry and that's put down to economic conditions people tightening their purse strings waiting to see what the RBA does. And the like and it was compounded a little by March and April Jessica Phillips 32:44.920
Yeah so given that I would think like this is more cost effective holidaymakers, long term for council to ensure that costs always I guess remain that when we talk about regenerative tourism and DMP I want to know that how this industry which has always given people an opportunity to ability to come away with their families on affordable holiday that those prices won't increase year by year more than that makes it unachievable for families to get away if they've got a caravan or fuel prices I imagine that all that I'm not a camper but I assume that is taken into consideration how do we as council ensure that in five years it's almost not possible for a family to come away because of costs. Robyn Mercer 33:38.775
Yeah so what I'd like to scoop into that how we do our pricing. So pricing is a really quite a tricky thing to master. When we look at our pricing increases which happen every six months for 12 months in advance we look at our cost of doing business or cost of you know our operational cost base and what increases we're experiencing there. We benchmark against a range of other parks up and down the Coast and we also as a council have to consider our competitive neutrality as well. We need to be pricing fairly in contrast to private operators so that we're not you know leveraging the benefits of having a big organisation behind us. So that's pricing I guess in an academic way. Pricing to meet the market, what we try and do is make sure that there is a spread of pricing. So for example at Boreen Point you can access a powered or unpowered site they're in the range of 45 to 50 dollars which is at the lower end. Noosa River you're looking at 68, 70, 75 upwards. So that's I guess kind of what we try and do is distribute the in pricing across the region. I'm very keen to make sure that we protect that that's yeah that there's no I guess we've always tried to honour that those sites were designated camping and caravan recreation need allow for that to be accessible yeah so the pricing part of the strategic plan would recognise that we need to do that. Jessica Phillips 35:15.265
What's the biggest contributor to operational costs? Robyn Mercer 35:21.445
So across what's the to the cost base which is about 3.2 million. For example electricity, waste water management, water and gas contributes about three quarters of a million dollars. We road maintenance so in a tricky wet weather year we might move in twenty to twenty five thousand dollars worth of road-based material to keep the grounds and the roads operational. What I'd like the strategic plan to do is identify areas where we can do some of those things better and that's the looking at that investment piece where can we invest into the business in a way that will benefit the cost base and benefit how we price, because it's all linked, it's an ecosystem. Yeah. Karen Finzel 36:08.960
Thank thanks. You. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 36:12.644
Anything further no I think I had my questions by listening it was along lines of jess's question about percentage of the 7. Percent drop in visitation could be attributed to like trot the Cyclone Alfred and the depression that followed that as opposed to cost of living pressures is there any way of Robyn Mercer 36:36.393
Ascertaining the impact? Think yeah because we can put that down to the months largely so we can look at our year-on-year difference in March and April I need to jump back into the figures and I can report back to you afterwards on that yeah um but numbers are picking up so from my perspective of being involved as a program for five years now I don't expect that trend to continue and ultimately it's about delivering the bottom line as well run as a business unit so every week I'm looking at the figures going okay let's pull back on that expense for now and let's just hold off and so yes whilst the revenue dip might a little from night sold we can use our pricing increases which have been set in line with inflation to offset some of that and then we can also be smart with how we spend as Frank Wilkie 37:37.212
Well yeah and it's been several years since I've received a letter of concern about anything to do with the holiday we just have to assume resume. That everyone's very happy with the level of service there what sort of what's what sort of avenues are there for people to leave reviews and what sort of feedback are you getting Robyn Mercer 37:56.813
So I guess like any hotel or other accommodation provider um Google reviews is where most people will drop in a review um a little bit to trip advisor um you know the most recent one there was from may I think this year so even though you can't book through trip advisor people still use that to communicate to others um so yeah that's the main way anecdotally information is passed on and that's always collected by our management operators across the ground and if we start to see a pattern then we raise it in one of our regular catch-ups because we try and operate under continuous improvement any um trends of um areas where we need to improve um not that I've one of things yeah not that I've seen you know you look at the um portfolio that's available to people that want a camp or caravan and you've got everything from your big four which has got a jumping pillow and a playground and a pool um through to Boreen Point which you drive in there and I always immediately feel the solitude of being in a place like um most of the comments we get are that people enjoy that so it hasn't prompted us to think about what more we can add in built infrastructure um it's more around keeping the kayaks all operational and the SUPs operational and the fire pits there so that people can have that type of experience last Jessica Phillips 39:27.111
Question just around our comms with our holiday parks do you just tell me like operationally how does how do you liaise with our comms team to make sure that there's consistent comms coming out of councils socials and things like that around the parks and continuous I guess advertising and you know the good news stories Robyn Mercer 39:51.889
And yeah so part of so the Facebook Instagram and social media side of it is outsourced as part of a revenue generation scope of work in our management contractors so they have specialised people that are running Facebook campaigns and algorithms and things in the background that we're not aware of so that's the marketing side of it I guess usually around this time of year when a report comes up to council I liaise with the comms team and we might put something out I think six months ago something went out on LinkedIn you know as a post media a media release, I guess. Of how the holiday parks performing and some of the numbers yeah is that what you Jessica Phillips 40:35.603
Yeah meaning it was yeah I thought so we are you have a budget this for it's outside of our comms team and we have outsourced comms when SPEAKER_02_b 40:48.745
You say come say you're referring to marketing yeah yes so the marketing is run through the like a business unit okay yeah and the budget alright, yes that answers so we don't do a lot in house from our comms team around the marketing side of no just because it's quite a specialised space Karen Finzel 41:13.107
Yeah I think maybe like that would come through your strategic plan and like how we market that is that correct and I noticed that council is waiting for the destination management planning to inform the strategic plan forward Robyn Mercer 41:32.260
I think it what we've not necessarily one dependent on the other just that we've seen so the way that we've looked at the holiday parks over the past couple of years is where can we incorporate circularity when we do asset renewals we look at that a better whole-of-life cost or have come from a recycled material so that kind of ethos we've already been incorporating in tree planting is we're looking at we've got data now of five years of what tree species are working what's not working so a regenerative example is people can come and stay and plant a tree and it's funded within like the business model in a way so what the strategic plan wants to do is just scoop up some of that and we saw the opportunity to that there is alignment with destination management planning and destination management planning for that portfolio that we have yeah that's great yes Karen Finzel 42:35.933
Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 42:38.133
Hi Robin, a question and you probably know what I'm going to ask. Probably the only issue that I get about being past a disposal of rainwater. And I first want to acknowledge and thank you for all the work you're doing in this space. Referencing Cooroy, I know there's now a rainwater park rule that's been bolded. In the booking confirmation, distributed to the guests, signed, installed, so you've done. My question is how do we enforce that actually gets done and can council, does council have any power to request at a minimum that guests put a deposit at the booking that's refundable once their greywater is disposed at the proper dump point? SPEAKER_02_b 43:33.382
Yeah, so in terms of just going one step back and looking at how we approach greywater at Boreen Point and North Shore, so there is a central dump point where people are meant to dispose. Of their greywater into that particular facility and then we dispose of that through our contract with sutton's over time. The Boreen Point example, I think there has been some feedback about concerns that the greywater is being disposed onto the ground. So, a couple of things have we seen on the ground and what are our observations. So the data that we've collected over time has not shown a lot of observations of that happening. So twice a day the operations require a park we have grounds and maintenance staff through their management contractor that are on the ground. So we do see quite limited instances of that occurring. That's not to say that it's not, but it hasn't been something that's come up to a had heightened concerns about it. In response to the community, what we have done is we've, there's always been a rule because it comes out of the EPA, the Environmental Protection Act, about disposal of grey water. That you can't dispose of it on the ground, it's illegal and this is a requirement of guests that they need to use the disposal point. So that rule has always been there. What we've done is put when, sorry, uh, sorry, it's cold. Is cold, what we've done when people book is when they receive their booking confirmation email, it's right there bold at the top, what the expectation is of their decision making when they need to do something with their greywater. We've also put more signage up within the campground. In terms of monitoring what everyone does, it's a tricky one because you know at a peak period of 72 guests in house, monitoring all of them that are going to be distributing or managing great their greywater at different times of day is tricky. For that reason probably a deposit doesn't work. There's no way unless you're standing watching each and every campsite to validate whether they're doing the right thing. So what I'm comfortable with is that we're not seeing a lot of instances of people doing the wrong thing. If we did we would be addressing it in a much more stringent way. What I have done is reach out and talk with our environmental health team. We'll probably do a few spot checks. But at moment I think we're in a good steady state there. Karen Finzel 46:33.459
Thank you very much. Thank you. And just on that, noting that we've got integral escape parts. They play that integral role in delivering high quality guest experience. Experiences and you've listed there they manage booking and guest maintenance, cleaning and hygiene, property services and integrated facility maintenance, so I'm pretty confident, you know, that they'll have their eyes over this and be working. Robyn Mercer 47:00.580
Yeah, they're on, they're on thought present at all times. Thank you. SPEAKER_02_b 47:06.840
Last question. How often does the management contract come around for renewal? Sure, so they're in different cycles, so there's three separate contracts. Typically five years plus a two-year option. So the Noosa River contract was awarded in 2022. The Boreen Point contract was awarded early last year and the Noosa North Shore contract was awarded 2000 it was 2021 so the we're coming up to the option period next year. For them to opt for another two years or for us? I think it's a mutual yeah. Not the options because the options are approved as part of the contract award but the tender process yes follows the strict tendering process that we go through and then comes to council for recommendation of award. Following evaluation and underproperty. Karen Finzel 48:06.188
Thank you. That's very comprehensive. Any further questions? Is that a no? Was that a yes or a no? Thank you. Oh, right. Okay. Save her voice. That's alright. Thank you. You've done I have kids so it's like it's a requirement. It will pick up and it will continue so it's fine. Well done. We appreciate your commitment and dedication today. Thank you. So I'm happy to move it. Thank you. Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor Phillips. Would anyone like to have their say before we go to the vote? That's unanimous. Thank you. We are now moving to item 8.3, council remuneration update. Welcome to the table, Margaret. Margaret Gatt 49:08.907
Thank you. Good afternoon, councillors. In December last year, the local government remuneration commission, an independent entity established under the Local Government Act, concluded its review of council remuneration categories of Queensland councils. This review included consultation with Queensland councils and other stakeholders and considered the size, geographical and environmental terrain local government areas, population of the local government area, including the area's demographics, the spread of population serviced by the local government, and the extent of the services the local government provides, and any other matter relevant to the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of local government. As a result, the commission has determined a new set of council remuneration categories and new maximum remuneration levels for mayors, deputy mayors and councillors, effective 1 July 2025. As a category B3 council, the remuneration to be paid to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors will increase from 1 July 2025 as follows: the Mayor, an increase of 3,935 per annum. The Deputy Mayor, an increase of 2,291 per annum. And councillors, an increase of 1,947 per annum. Addition to the remuneration determined by the commission, councillors will also receive payment for any reasonable expenses incurred in discharging their official duties and responsibilities in accordance with our council councillor's expenses reimbursement and provisions of policy. Facilities established under section 250 of the Local Government Regulation. Just draw your attention to councillors within the executive summary of the report. There is a statement that's factually incorrect. It's not within the recommendation just to give you some confidence that it's okay. I referred to the fact that we've only just newly been categorised as a category B3 council. Was incorrect. That happened in 2023. Nicola Wilson 51:16.118
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 51:26.258
I recommend, just to clarify, these reviews happen once every four-year term? Yes. And did I read somewhere that the proposed increase for Noosa councillors is 2.5%? Margaret Gatt 51:33.708
I haven't got the percent in front of me. It probably is contained within the attached report. I've just got the per annum and the increase. I'm sorry, I should have, that's important, yes. Nicola Wilson 51:50.958
Sorry, just to follow up on that question, I think the four-year review is the remuneration category, but the remuneration level is yearly. That's right. Margaret Gatt 51:59.198
Yes, sorry, that is correct. You're correct. That is correct. Larry Sengstock 52:02.938
It is 2.5.2.5, thank you. Karen Finzel 52:11.240
Oh, would you like to continue or have you finished? No, the report is finished. Sorry, apologies. Thank you very much. Sorry, I thought there was a question in between. Welcome. Yes. Thank you. For the report. Is there any further questions regarding the report? Frank Wilkie 52:24.680
So next year it could be is the 2.5% base have any relation to CPI? Margaret Gatt 52:30.424
Yes, they do consider that, but it's similar to our Federal assistance grant where it's very complex methodology, which is why I read that out in the report where they consider a whole lot of factors along with CPI. And then they would have a smoothing effect or a moderation effect. If you ask me today, right here, Mayor Wilkie, for me to be able to explain that methodology to you, I wouldn't be able to do that. I'd have to take that on notice and come back to you with the details. Detail of that. Karen Finzel 53:00.157
There are a lot of things. I noticed, what I found interesting was also the commission gives opportunity for the, through the LGAQ, for other councillors to put in, you know, submissions around what they think. You know, is valued or important information. And that does get considered by the commission. All local governments were provided opportunity to engage with the commission at the annual LGAQ in Brisbane. So you know, that's really important. All councillors across the board have that opportunity to raise anything. That's correct, isn't it? Yes, correct. Yeah, and that's what's contained within the attachment. The local government remuneration commission annual report 2024. So, yes, even councils can have their say in the matter. So, there's democracy at work, which is good. Would anyone else like to add anything to the conversation, or. I'm happy to move, Madam Chair. Happy to second. Would you like to make a comment? Frank Wilkie 54:08.810
Look, thank you for the it's always very difficult and awkward for councillors matters on matters like this, it's often said that it's a thankless job. It's a hard job. It's 24/7. And from what I see, the councillors deserve to be able to keep pace with the cost of living, and they're worth every cent of this increase. Karen Finzel 54:38.171
Thank you. Well, on that note. Someone can disagree with me. I could say more. Each and every one of them is incredibly dedicated and again I say they truly deserve it all. We deserve a little of this increase of 2.5%. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you for your report. We'll take it to the vote. That's unanimous. All in favour? Thank you. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you. There is no confidential session. And I note that the meeting closed at 2.25pm. Thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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