Services & Organisation Committee Agenda - 9 December 2025
Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 1:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:51:36
Synopsis: Holiday Parks Fees deferred; rises proposed; revenue secrecy disputed, RADF Grants approved; score fix; annual trial, Doonella Lake Land dedicated; minimal cost; buffer.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Nicola Wilson Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Karen Finzel : Meeting opened; attendance confirmed with Jessica Phillips online; no presentations or deputations; minutes of 11 Nov confirmed (00:00–01:36) (Item 4.1). Michael Brennan : RADF 2025/26 annual round recommended 4 grants from 6 eligible applications, totalling $37,000; 6 applications pre-assessed non-compliant (02:18–03:41) (Item 7.1). Karen Finzel : Noted spreadsheet error in Attachment 1; Jelly Productions’ score should be 13.3; attachment to be corrected before ordinary meeting (03:41–05:41) (Item 7.1). Council : Approved RADF Committee’s funding recommendations for 2025/26; carried unanimously (13:05) (Item 7.1). Karen Finzel : Sector feedback led to trial shift from twice-yearly to annual RADF round; review planned after next year’s round (05:50–06:23) (Item 7.1). Karen Finzel : Rapid Response grants to be reviewed due to dwindling uptake; potential refocus on exceptional opportunities (06:32–09:42) (Item 7.1). Robert Mercer : Proposed forward fees for Noosa Holiday Parks (Jan–Jul 2027), citing benchmarking, industry trends (softening demand), and rising costs; aim is competitive neutrality and sustainability while remaining below or consistent with comparable parks (13:21–15:13; 28:31–29:50) (Item 7.2). Jessica Phillips : Sought detail on occupancy declines and operational costs; asked about contractor revenues and guest origin data (16:02–22:28) (Item 7.2). Robert Mercer : Management fees are largely percentage-of-revenue with a small fixed portion, aligning incentives for efficiency; discretionary-spend constraints and post-COVID correction driving lower occupancy; postcode analysis will be provided in Feb report (18:41–22:28) (Item 7.2). Frank Wilkie : Queried price sensitivity and benchmarking breadth; officer confirmed Noosa prices currently sit below Sunshine Coast/Gold Coast/Fraser/Tweed comparators, proposing $5–$6 step to avoid undercutting (24:10–29:50) (Item 7.2). Jessica Phillips : Moved to refer Holiday Parks fees to General Committee for further information; carried unanimously (30:07–34:49) (Item 7.2). Council : Entered confidential session under s254D(3)(g) LGR 2012 regarding TMR freehold land dedication at Doonella Lake (35:32–36:43) (Item 9). Council : Supported dedicating Lots 5RP219193, 4RP219193, 412RP800226 as road reserve; authorised CEO to execute title documentation; carried unanimously (48:44–50:59) (Item 9.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Jessica Phillips : Pressed for contractor revenue transparency to assess fee rises; CEO said contract figures are commercial-in-confidence but councillors can access confidential information to satisfy themselves (20:09–32:09) (Item 7.2). Larry Sengstock : Confirmed commercial-in-confidence limits on disclosure; offered to brief councillors on terms (percentages) and relevant details confidentially (30:43–31:35) (Item 7.2). Committee : Chose referral to General Committee for “further information,” implicitly to address data gaps (contractor revenue, postcode origin analysis) before adopting fees (32:38–34:49) (Item 7.2). Governance : Spreadsheet “REF” error in RADF scoring acknowledged on record with a plan to fix before ordinary meeting, preserving decision integrity (03:41–05:41) (Item 7.1). Confidentiality : Meeting closed citing LGR 2012 s254D(3)(g) to discuss potential commercial negotiations with TMR; re-opened with a clear public recommendation (35:32–49:59) (Items 9, 9.1). Public interest balance : For holiday parks pricing, officer articulated competitive neutrality constraints and benchmarking inputs but contractor revenue quantum remained withheld publicly (20:09–32:09) (Item 7.2). Legal / Risk Statutory basis : Confidential session lawfully invoked under Local Government Regulation 2012, s254D(3)(g) for potential commercial negotiations on TMR land transfer (35:32–36:43) (Item 9). Competitive neutrality : Officer emphasised full cost pricing and competitive neutrality under local government framework to avoid undercutting private sector; noted Queensland Competition Authority scrutiny risk if Council sits materially below market (21:19–21:45; 27:52–29:50) (Item 7.2). Pricing risk posture : Benchmarking shows Noosa below peers; recommended incremental increases ($5–$6 vs usual $3–$4) to maintain compliance and financial sustainability while industry demand softens (28:31–29:50) (Item 7.2). Contractual confidentiality : CEO affirmed contractor revenue details are commercial-in-confidence; councillors may receive confidential briefings to inform decisions, mitigating procedural fairness concerns without public disclosure (30:43–32:09) (Item 7.2). Doonella Lake land : Title dedication from TMR at no cost reduces acquisition risks; minor maintenance costs expected; buffers waterway and aligns with adjacent Council landholding, reducing exposure (50:13–50:55) (Item 9.1). Grant integrity : RADF process recorded non-compliant applications and corrected scoring error pre-endorsement, supporting defensible grant-making (02:18–05:41; 13:05) (Item 7.1). Environmental Concerns Frank Wilkie : Land dedication at Doonella Lake will serve as a buffer to the waterway with minimal financial implications, suggesting ecosystem protection benefits alongside transport title regularisation (50:13–50:55) (Item 9.1). Holiday Parks Pricing, Demand & Community Access Robert Mercer : Industry-wide occupancy softening attributed to discretionary spend pressures and shorter booking windows; not primarily price-driven at Noosa parks (16:24–18:05; 24:22–26:39) (Item 7.2). Robert Mercer : Product-tiered pricing maintained across parks (e.g., Noosa River vs Boreen Point) to keep access for different demographics while sustaining quality standards (26:39–27:46) (Item 7.2). Nicola Wilson : Queried reconciliation between downturn and “good news” financials; officer cited cost controls and timely pricing adjustments achieving budget despite softer occupancy (22:44–24:10) (Item 7.2). Frank Wilkie : Sought assurance on social feedback; officer reported limited pushback, ongoing focus on value and cleanliness to uphold “low-cost quality” positioning (26:20–27:52) (Item 7.2). Jessica Phillips : Requested postcode-origin analysis to understand resident vs tourist usage; officer to include in February update (21:19–22:28) (Item 7.2). Council : Decision deferred to General Committee to incorporate further information before setting 2027 pricing (30:07–34:49) (Item 7.2). Arts Funding Model & Sector Support Karen Finzel : Sector consultation driving trial of annual RADF round for project certainty; potential recalibration from pure grants to residencies and targeted support given application patterns (05:50–10:30) (Item 7.1). Karen Finzel : Rapid Response grants under review; may be narrowed to exceptional opportunities with demonstrable career impact (06:32–09:42) (Item 7.1). Michael Brennan : Noted 12 applications with 6 non-compliant; committee recommended 4 grants; suggests need for guidance/eligibility clarity to lift compliance (02:18–03:41) (Item 7.1). Councillors : Emphasised making ad hoc creative spaces available and leveraging “The J” residency to meet strong demand (36 applications) and sector growth (09:42–10:22) (Item 7.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Tuesday, 9 December 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 9 DECEMBER 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 1.34pm. 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 EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 11 NOVEMBER 2025 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson The Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 11 November 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 7.1 REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND (RADF) ANNUAL ROUND GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS 2026 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Arts & Culture Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 9 December 2025 regarding the RADF 2025/26 Annual Funding Round assessment; and B. Approve the RADF Committee funding recommendations for the 2025/26 round, as outlined in Attachment 1 to the report. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 7.2 NOOSA HOLIDAY PARKS - FEES AND CHARGES Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Services & Organisation Committee Agenda Item 7.2 be referred to the General Committee for further consideration. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 8 REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254D(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing the potential commercial negotiations in relation to Item 9.1 - PROPOSED DEDICATION OF TMR FREEHOLD LAND AS ROAD - DOONELLA LAKE. Carried. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None REOPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 9.1 CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE – PROPOSED DEDICATION OF TMR FREEHOLD LAND AS ROAD - DOONELLA LAKE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Director, Infrastructure Services to the Services and Organisation Committee dated 9 December 2025 B. Support the Department of Transport and Main Roads proposal to dedicate Lots 5RP219193, 4RP219193, 412RP800226 as road reserve: and C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to execute any title transfer documentation if required on behalf of Council. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2.26pm
Meeting Transcript
Kerri Contini 00:00.000
Good afternoon and welcome to Noosa Shire Council Services and Organisation Committee agenda, 9th of December 2025 at 1:34pm. I'd like to declare the meeting open and notice that we have all councillors in attendance. We have Councillor Wilkie, Phillips, Nicola, that's all of us. And we've got Councillor Lorentson sitting in the gallery. Thank you and welcome. Frank Wilkie 00:30.660
Noting that Councillor is online. Karen Finzel 00:32.620
Yes. Are you there, Councillor? Can you hear us? Good afternoon. Good afternoon and welcome. How are you all? Thank you. Well, thank you. I'd like to do the acknowledgement of country. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects Australia's First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi people as the traditional owners of the lands and waters of the Noosa area. the Noosa area and offer gratitude for their careful custodianship of this unique environment over thousands of years. And also-- We pay our respect to the Kabi Kabi elders who have come before us and acknowledge and deeply respect their inherent wisdom. Thank you. So we have everyone in attendance, no apologies. Do we have someone to move confirmation of the minutes? Frank Wilkie 01:33.920
I confirm them Madam Chair. Karen Finzel 01:35.860
I second. Thank you. All in favour? Thank you. Councillor Jess. Yes. Thank you. That's unanimous. That brings us to item 4.1. There are no presentations, no deputations. Reports for consideration of the committee. We'll start with item 7.1, Regional Arts Development Fund, RADF. Annual round grant recommendations. We welcome gallery director, Michael Brennan, to the table. Thank you, and Kerri Contini. Thank you. Michael Brennan 02:18.400
Thank you. So I'm here to present a report on the Regional Arts Development Fund annual round grant recommendations for 2026 on behalf of the Arts and Cultural Manager, Paul Brinkman, who's not able to present it today. So the Regional Arts Development Fund The Regional Arts Development Fund, or RADF, supports cultural activity through the professional development and employment of arts and cultural workers in regional Queensland. The RADF initiative is a partnership between Queensland State Government through Arts Queensland and Noosa Council. The RADF committee is chaired by Councillor Karen Finzel and comprises external professional arts industry representatives with council officers in supporting roles. The 2025-26 RADF annual round saw 12 applications received. Six of these applications were pre-assessed as non-compliant, leaving six applications to be assessed by the RADF assessment committee. The RADF committee has recommended four applications for funding in 2026, totalling $37,500 and so the recommendation is that a council note the report by the arts and cultural manager to the services and organisations committee. The right of committee has services and organisations committee dated 9th of December 2025 regarding the RADF 25-26 annual funding round assessment and b approve the selection committee RADF funding recommendations for the 2025-26 round as outlined in 26 round as outlined in attachment 1 to the report. Kerri Contini 03:41.416
Thank you very much and councillors I did just want to note that there is a minor error in the attachment. The score for Jelly Productions is showing as a cell error there. It shows as REF. It hasn't picked up the score so the score is 13. Karen Finzel 04:04.180
And then how do we note the changes for that? Do we have to move anything for that change? Kerri Contini 04:12.800
We can amend the attachment. Karen Finzel 04:17.580
We can amend that attachment before the ordinary meeting with the correct score in there. Okay, thank you. Are you happy with that? Thank you. Alright, well that's exciting. It's good to see that the funds get distributed to our creative sector and used accordingly to bring all that benefit to our communities. So thank you for everyone involved in that, especially the committee and Paul, they did a great job noting I'm not in a decision-making role in that chair, so it's good to see that it goes through the due process. and the beneficiaries of the wonderful things that have been put forward, so that's fantastic. and then our community. As always, we know that the arts build strong and connected communities and reinforce our identity to each other and to our place. So, it certainly comes towards building that resilience and that connectivity, especially when we have all these weather events and, you know, hard times that people can pull together and it's the arts that often build that. It's the arts that often build that resilience and that tenacity and tell our stories. Excellent, thank you. Do we have any questions? When does the next round open? Michael Brennan 05:41.685
It's an annual... It's an annual fund, so it will be earlier in the new year, but I don't believe the date's been advised just yet. It was twice yearly? Kerri Contini 05:50.612
It was twice yearly, but we were based on feedback from the arts sector. they wanted us to trial moving to an annual grant round, so that they could have greater certainty further out from projects. So that's what we're trialling. We will do another annual round next year and then we'll do a review of it and see whether that's actually bearing out to be what the arts sector would like to see. that going from a twice yearly to an annual round has seen an increase in the number of applicants for the one round? No. No, I don't believe Frank Wilkie 06:34.148
So. No, in fact, you'll see- Have you found Kerri Contini 06:35.243
In fact, you'll see from this, six of the applications were deemed non-eligible, even for assessment. And we've had a discussion around, RADF has served us well for decades, but across the sector there's discussions around the funding model and the application process, and whether that's still the right way to go to support our artists. We can see there's not the number of applications that I would like to see. Not the number of applications that I would like to see, but for example, our residency program that is just kicking off at the J had something like 36 applications. So maybe the time has come to have a look at that RADF model as purely a grant model and maybe put it more into something like the residency program where you're providing an avenue and So we're going to be using an avenue and support around it to bring content to people, support development. Karen Finzel 07:49.633
While we're on that, can you also tell us a little bit about, I think we're going to also review the rapid response. Yes. Because I think the uptake hasn't been what we were expecting. No. Kerri Contini 08:00.836
So once again, the rapid response was based on feedback from the industry that they wanted something that they could, where they've got things that are coming up. That they could apply for and not have to wait for a round. We saw sort of a flurry of applications early on, but have seen that dwindle to just a handful of applications and not a lot of them actually meeting the criteria. So we'll be reviewing that as well to see whether that's warranted ongoing. There's definitely you know the two that have been funded were fantastic opportunities for those artists that they would not have been able to participate in without that funding. So it might just be that way with you know that we reduce the amount in the pool and just allow it for those exceptional circumstances where you're providing an and something could be truly exceptional. Karen Finzel 09:23.005
To grow with those opportunities. Kerri Contini 09:24.965
It's a fantastic initiative that the team worked on through Paul and at the J so and making use of a space that really wasn't being getting a huge value for money from so this is fantastic to be able to do this. We've received emails about artists wanting spaces to be made available by the council for exhibitions, rehearsals, practice. because you're here. Frank Wilkie 09:51.641
You're hearing the same thing? Kerri Contini 09:53.701
Yes and there are spaces you know obviously within our industrial areas you've got collectives of artists working there but it's the It's the ad hoc type of space that people are looking for, where they don't want to make a commitment for, you know, a year-long lease, etc. Would you say? Yeah, absolutely. I think it's absolutely something that the sector's crying out for. Yeah, short-term space, quality space. Frank Wilkie 10:22.527
So this review of how the RADF funds are spent is likely to take place next year, but you'll still have next year's round? Kerri Contini 10:30.787
Oh, definitely, yes. And a change may come in for '27, '28? We'll have a question, definitely. Important will be consultation with the sector. This is funding that's there to support them. The funding that hasn't been allocated to the grants programs goes back into the broader cultural program, and that's what's funding things like the residency, things like Locate, the directory. Now, there's another example. There's another example of something that's been very successful which has helped give visibility to our creative sector in a time when, you know, they're competing with a whole lot of international, you know, cheaper product that actually enables them to be visible to our local suppliers. cheap Karen Finzel 11:18.394
That's fantastic. That's a great opportunity for our artists to diversify our economic sector and support artists to actually be able to live and work here. You know, our creative sector. You know, our creative sector has been an integral part of this community since I was very young. So, you know, there's been a close connection between the arts community, the environment community and our small business. So, you know, I'm looking forward to supporting that going forward. Sounds great. I'm happy to read the motion. I'll second it. Thank you. Any further questions before we go to the comments? Or the vote, I don't know. Any further comments to be made? Thank you. Thanks, Jess. Was that a yes? Nicola Wilson 12:09.441
Oh, no question. Sorry, I thought you said voting. Oh, that's a yes. I will take it to the vote. She's always said yes. I've spoken enough. Thanks for voting. Karen Finzel 12:19.961
I think we've said enough. But yeah, as always, a thriving cultural and creative... A thriving cultural and creative sector certainly makes for a healthy and you know community that's feeling valued and their voices are heard and their stories and expression. Easily accessible so yeah I think it's great and thank you for the gallery. The upcoming exhibition is pretty exciting so I encourage everybody to get along there and everyone will be in for a treat. Can't wait. Yeah absolutely. Thank you. for the work you do and Kerri too for your team. They do a brilliant job. Thanks everyone. Thank you so all in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you. Thanks Jess. Thank you for your afternoon. Thank you. Now we move into item 7.2 Noosa Holiday Parks fees and charges and we welcome Robyn Mercer, Commercial Business Advisor to the table. Good afternoon Robin. Good afternoon. I'm here today to present a report seeking adoption of proposed fees and charges for the Noosa Holiday Park for the forward booking. period from January 2027 to July 2027. Council maintains an advance fees and charges schedule for forward bookings which is reviewed and updated twice yearly. In preparing these updates we undertake benchmarking against comparable camping and caravanning facilities, we analyse broader industry trends including occupancy and demand, and we consider the operational cost base within the Noosa Holiday Park program. Benchmarking shows that many comparable parks in our region and South East Queensland have increased their prices, sometimes Benchmarking shows that many comparable parks in our region and South East Queensland have increased their prices, sometimes significantly over the past year. increased their prices, sometimes significantly over the past year. widening the gap between Noosa and the broader market however even if with the proposed increases within the report we remain competitively priced still below or consistent with similar coastal parks and the structure of our The structure of our fees continues to provide strong value for money for residents and visitors at the same time we're seeing increasing operational costs and some softening in occupancy demand across the industry. history. So we've been mindful of maintaining accessibility and value for guests while ensuring the parks remain financially sustainable. Overall the proposed fees and charges strike a careful balance seeking to maintain competitive neutrality, support long-term financial and operational sustainability and keep the parks attractive and accessible within a changing market environment. Thank you. Just before we go into any conversation around this, Councillor I just have to ask are you wanting to ask some questions? Regarding whether you want to take this because of the significance of the matter to straight to general or how would you like to proceed. Nicola Wilson 15:36.838
I would like to ask questions first and then determine whether or not I'd like to request a go to general based on maybe just the questions or the answers I get. If we can start with that, then I'll make a position after that, please. Okay. Karen Finzel 15:55.948
So we'll open the floor to questions. Councillor, you have the floor. Nicola Wilson 16:02.128
Councillor: Yeah, thank you. I guess I just want to probably unpack a little bit about the downward trending. and maybe just understand a little bit more about what the impacts or do we know why the direction of the analysis is going on and why there's a downward trend in the next few years? Robyn Mercer 16:25.052
To the occupancy trends so that data is sourced from the Caravan Association of Australia they have a data team that collects information from booking systems that agree to provide their data. largely it's being put down to discretionary spend so we've had macro economic conditions in the last couple of years that I think all of us are very aware has been challenging for a lot of people and holidays are not essential spend so you see that start to drop away initially we saw that more as people weren't booking as People weren't booking as far in advance. They were sort of waiting to see, you know, maybe how their spend was going or their cash flow and then they're booking a little sooner to when they actually took a holiday. But we are seeing that trend year on year. Probably there's also a little where the post COVID period of 2020 to 2021 and 2022 we saw a big spike upwards. So you've got to remember that a year on year comparison just compares to the year before. So there's probably a small portion of it that is just a little post COVID correction maybe. Nicola Wilson 17:35.679
But I know from looking at the occupancy data through the Carlos for Noosa Noosa region for example that there are occupancy occupancy areas trending down there as well across our like build accommodation sector so I think it is just the nature of our macroeconomic conditions at the moment which don't seem to with stubborn inflation at the moment don't seem to be yeah okay thanks for that so with that in mind then just to unpack it a little bit more so you spoke about operational costs so is there ever opportunity or is it considered around out that the contractors that have our parts when when is it that maybe there should be efficiencies or something looked at from there so the business or will be creating any costs? Robyn Mercer 18:40.588
So the business model that we have is our management fees are pegged as a percentage of earned revenue so they rise and fall with our revenue so if occupancy drops the management fee drops if occupancy rises the management fee rises we do have a portion sorry once So the business... Step back so what that does is naturally drive efficiencies across both parties because we're both vulnerable to an increasing or decreasing revenue base and both parties council and the contractor have to figure out how to deliver the service within that so that naturally is a business model that drives efficiency we do have a Efficiency we do have a fixed portion of the management fee because there are some costs that have to be borne regardless of whether there's visitors there or not so we need to pressure clean surfaces we need to clean the amenities we need a reception staff member available and someone available So those things are covered with in having a portion that is fixed but yes so the business model has been set up to naturally drive efficiency because there's no fixed management fee. I would say that that is I'm happy to answer that I don't know if that's the forum around fees and charges whilst the approvals Whilst the approval for the management contracts do provide the percentage that we charge the actual figures for the last year or year to date I'd need to go and check but I also I just want to make sure that the I understand the questioning around what we pay out in and the operational cost base that we need to cover but it's It's one of the factors we see in our consideration for fees and charges. So the holiday parks are set up as commercial business units within the Local Government Act and we do have full cost pricing and competitive neutrality. So if we don't increase our prices I've put forward as a risk that we are sitting lower and we are then open to questions from Queensland Competition Authority about why we are as a government entity sitting lower than others. So, yeah, that's the consideration. Nicola Wilson 21:18.640
Yeah, I guess lastly, just for a minute, is just around data, and we spoke about it recently, just to maybe understand who's staying in our parks. Have we got any way of knowing a breakdown between residents and... and, I guess, tourism? Is there a way we can collect that data so I can have a bit more of an understanding? Robyn Mercer 21:45.383
Yeah, certainly. So, with our booking system, it's required that guests enter in an address, so we assume that's their point of origin or their residence. So, what I can do in the next update report that comes through, which will be in February, is provide some oversight into that, so we do basically a postcode analysis of which guests are coming that have a postcode within the South East Queensland or Noosa region, and then more broadly, so we can provide that insight to you within the report that will come forward. Nicola Wilson 22:27.860
Okay, I'll hold off on questions and just let other people have a minute to think of all that. Thank you. Okay, thank you. Karen Finzel 22:36.460
Yes, Councillor, sorry, Nicola Wilson. Nicola Wilson 22:42.660
With the industry analysis and trends and benchmarking, I a was little bit surprised because when we have our financial reports, our camp programs are normally the good news story in the financials. So I just wanted to see how that industry downturn actually correlates with our individual Robyn Mercer 23:06.343
Yeah you're probably seeing the good news story because of some of the work behind the scenes so whilst we have been increasing pricing six months lead to keep up we also we also for example with a water contract what is it we go to water go to market and get a more competitive price so there's lots of sort of business management going on behind the scenes that makes sure that we do deliver the budget Also, The budget revenue that is put forward and accepted. So you would be seeing a good news story I guess because we are meeting those targets. This is probably, this is looking forward so it's making sure that when we set our future... revenue drivers it's considerate of the macro conditions. So the two can be simultaneously correct. It's a good news story in that whilst we have seen our occupancy drop, we've been managing our costs and increasing our pricing enough to make sure that we keep a revenue stream coming. This is flagging that we are seeing a broader trend, so we do just need to consider that. Nicola Wilson 24:10.773
And where we are seeing a drop in occupancy, do we have any evidence of that? Karen Finzel 24:13.169
Do we have any evidence that that correlates in any way to pricing, so how price sensitive are our customers, or even anecdotal evidence? Yeah, so when I check in with our skate parks, our contractor, not, we do we do not anecdotally or verbally hear a lot about our pricing. We do know that others are priced more, and in some cases there has been media report. There has been media report of that, but it doesn't seem to be a price sensitive issue that has caused our night sold to drop a little. If we were dropping more than industry trends, then I for sure would be investigating that much more deeply to make sure, because that's my job, is to steer the ship. But we're not, and in some cases we're not having an occupancy drop as much as other areas. but when So I'm comfortable that we're not in tricky waters there. Nicola Wilson 25:14.004
And when you talked about people sort of delaying when they book, is that the case? So, which could be about the discretionary income, but it could also be about weather and stuff like that. Look, weather's really tricky, yeah, and I think certainly that's played a role in people awaiting, because we need to have a cancellation policy. We do have a cancellation policy that protects our revenue, but it's also cognisant that things happen and a trip gets delayed, so we've got a cancellation or credit policy that refunds if you cancel more than 28 days, but then if it's closer, you get a credit that sits on our books, so we're protecting our revenue. But for sure, weather has been a big... But for sure, the weather has been a big consideration. It always seems to rain on a Saturday. I don't know if anyone else has noticed that. The storms come through on the weekend. I think it does. Yeah, yeah. Karen Finzel 26:06.426
Thank you. Any further questions? Frank Wilkie 26:08.686
Yes. Yeah, thanks Robyn. The Noosa holiday parks have always been regarded as a great low cost quality holiday option. People want to experience Noosa. Is there anything that you're seeing that indicates that it's It indicates that it's moved beyond that and this price is getting a bit too pricey for something, you're getting pushback via emails or social media posts that Noosa holiday parks are becoming overpriced. Robyn Mercer 26:39.757
Generally no. I know you've covered that. Yeah look nothing's come through to me directly. We don't get a lot of touch points on social media so I haven't seen anything there. I think one thing I think one thing we really try to be cognizant of is the different tourism products that we have. So, you know, you go to Noosa River and there's some pretty expensive caravans there and the location close to Gympie Terrace is a different product. And a different price point to Boreen Point for example. So at Boreen Point we still try to make sure the amenities are crisp and clean and the tourism product is good but by nature it's a more of a camping setting so we targeted a little bit of a different demographic and I see that when I go there I'm seeing swag setups or family tents or the camper vans which is a different demographic and probably a different economic demographic to Noosa River for example and so we make sure that the price spread across the parks that we have. And across the parks that we have, caters for that demographic spread as Frank Wilkie 27:45.311
Well. Yes. And you're bound by competitive pricing neutrality, which means you can't, Council can't undercut commercial holiday parks. Robyn Mercer 27:52.831
Yeah, it basically puts a mandate on Council that... You know, with the advantage that we have of a big, broad, you know, cost base and ability to distribute overheads, for example, that we are matching and sitting with the private sector pricing and not taking advantage... Frank Wilkie 28:15.242
So when it comes to setting the prices, how far afield do you cast a net to gain comparisons with other holiday parks and where are you placing Noosa holiday parks in relation to pricing? Robyn Mercer 28:30.902
Sure, so I look all the way up to Fraser and then down through Gympie and then west I look through Gympie and then west to Lake Somerset, some of, for example, Barumba Deer Park in Cobbinco which sit just in the Gympie region. I look at Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and then some of the Tweed Parks. So quite a broad area and inland as well. So, for example, pricing for the March and April period next year, so a peak and an off-peak period in the off-peak In the off-peak period, in the off-peak for Noosa River, the price that we're sitting at is a range of $20 lower. We're at around $66 for off-peak. Prices across Gold Coast, Fraser and Sunshine Coast are $68 to $81. So we're sitting lower. So that's the trigger for me to say we need to bump up a little, especially considering their prices will probably bump up again. So we need to do a bit of a little catch up. So the prices that you're seeing, typically we would increase $3 or $4. These are $5 or $6. So we're not going drastically more than what we would typically do each six months. Frank Wilkie 29:41.316
So we're keeping, we're currently below Gold, Sunshine Coast, Fraser? Yeah, now there's different... Did you want to catch up a little bit? Robyn Mercer 29:50.623
Sure that we're not sitting below and I want to make sure that the organisation isn't open to a question in that space. Any further questions? Jessica Frank Wilkie 30:03.771
Scott. Karen Finzel 30:04.551
Councillor. Nicola Wilson 30:07.491
I do. Just by... I will request it to go to general and just wondering if by general I could just have a look at the I'd like to just have a look at the revenue that the contractors are taking. I believe it's paying contractors for all parts, I couldn't have it all, but I'll probably just want more information and hopefully more discussion on Monday at the general. Frank Wilkie 30:36.099
Questions for CEO? Yeah, I have a Karen Finzel 30:38.126
Is that public information? question as the Chair and CEO. No, I don't believe so. It's commercial confidence in terms of the contract that we have with our contractors, our service providers. Larry Sengstock 30:53.625
It's always commercial confidence, confidential, so that would be something we would have to work through with Council individually, but I don't think it's even then really accessible. Karen Finzel 31:08.285
So Jess, what would you like to do about that? Is there an opportunity for Councillor to speak with the C.E.A. for further information? We can provide some information, it's a matter of how much information is collected. There might be percentages, there might be some things in there that we can do as part of it. Frank Wilkie 31:25.741
My understanding is that a councillor can be entrusted with information? Karen Finzel 31:29.881
Yeah, it's just a matter of... To satisfy themselves? Yeah. Robyn Mercer 31:35.656
The contracts go through tender process and are approved by council for award including the terms and conditions which is the percentage of end revenue that those contracts have so we can provide that information and potentially more under that... um commercial and confident space the contracts are set though and our pricing still has to to move we still have to set forward pricing whilst contracts are in place especially Karen Finzel 32:09.708
So, Councillor, how would you like to proceed forward now that you've Nicola Wilson 32:17.420
I'm probably going to need time to have a first offline conversation then to clarify where I'm at. So to begin with, I would like to request that you go to my page, general meeting please. Frank Wilkie 32:31.320
I'll second that. Karen Finzel 32:32.640
Okay. Significance. It's up to you, Councillor. If you want it to be for further information, that's probably we go and we bring it in we bring it in to the general yep Just while we're waiting, I just think that the benchmarking of the report section on the report gives very clear understanding. of how benchmarking has been undertaken. I personally am satisfied with what you've written in the report there. Is there any further comment you'd like to make about benchmarking? Robyn Mercer 33:32.220
Oh look, I think I've touched on the risks and the purpose and the balancing act. That is the nature of pricing in a local government setting. I'm comfortable that I've addressed our addressed our full cost pricing and competitive neutrality requirements. Thank you. Karen Finzel 33:52.064
Any further comments or questions? Great reporting, thank you. Yes, thank you as always. Well won, very well won. And all the best thanks to you all at the site. All the best. Thank you, yes, thank you. We'll take it to the vote. Jess? Nicola Wilson 34:06.568
I just wanted to, no, I just wanted to be on it if that was okay, before we went to the other committee. Oh, sorry. Karen Finzel 34:15.828
Would you like to make a comment before we go to the vote, Councillor Phillips? Yes, I just wanted to make it, I didn't want to attack, did I? It's more just understanding for community work with increase. For me, I'd like to satisfy myself around the review and decide if it's all right or not. But yeah, absolutely, I'm happy to do this. Okay, thank you, Councillor. We'll take it to the vote. Councillor? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. very much. Thank you very much. Thank you. Moving forward to item number eight. We're moving into confidential session, item 9.1, not for public release, proposed dedication of TMR freehold land as road to Doonella Lake. We'll be inviting the Councillor. We need to go into confidential, so we need a motion to go into confidential. Kerri Contini 35:37.096
I'm happy to move we go into confidential session. Do we have to read out that thing there? Yes. Of course the display is not working. We'll go again. Karen Finzel 35:48.296
Sorry, that should have come up there for you. That's a shame. We request that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254D(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing the potential commercial negotiations in relation to item 9.1. Proposed dedication of TMR freehold land as Road Doonella Lake. Proposed at occasion... Thank you, thank you, thank you. Nicola Wilson 36:32.274
All in favour? Okay. Jess? Yeah, stop, thank you. Yes, that's enough. Karen Finzel 48:42.400
Okay, we are back on. Good afternoon and welcome back. We're meeting at a confidential session. 9.1, not for public release, proposed dedication of TMR freehold land as Road Doonella Lake. The recommendation is that Council A, note the report by the Director, Infrastructure Services and Services and Organisation Committee, dated 9th December 2025.25, being B, support the Department of Transport and Main Roads proposal to dedicate lots 5RP219193, 4RP219193, 412RP800226 as road reserve and C, authorise... suspended. Frank Wilkie 49:51.108
I'm happy to move that. Karen Finzel 49:52.608
I'm happy to... Frank Wilkie 49:55.128
What did you move that? Karen Finzel 49:56.868
I thought I moved it from the beginning. Frank Wilkie 49:58.908
I beg your pardon? No, you haven't. You haven't? They were moved out of confidentiality. Karen Finzel 50:04.188
Moved Moved by Councillor Wilkie. by Councillor Wilkie. Seconded by Councillor Wilson. We'll take it to the vote. I think it's important that we do consent to this title transfer of these three lots as road reserve at no cost. Noosa road reserve at no cost to council. There will be some minor maintenance costs. Council is the title holder of adjacent lands around there. It will serve as a buffer to the waterway and very little implication for council's finances and very little risk. So it makes sense to accept this title transfer from DTMR for this. Thank you, council. Do we have to take that? Well, unless anyone else would like to make a comment. Thank you. So we'll take it to the vote. Councillor Phillips. That's unanimous. Thank you, Nicky. And thank you, Shaun, for the report. Thank you, Shaun. It's 2:26 and I declare the meeting closed. Frank Wilkie 51:25.254
Thank you, Madam Chair. Karen Finzel 51:26.434
Thank you. to the staff. Thank you to the CEO. Thank you, Council thoughts. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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