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 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
Karen Finzel 00:00.341
Good afternoon and Welcome to Noosa Shire Council Services & 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, Phillips, nikola, Nicola, that's all of us, and we've got Councillor Lorentson sitting in the gallery. Thank you and welcome. Frank Wilkie 00:30.979
Noting that Councillor Phillips is online. Yes, are you there Councillor Phillips? Karen Finzel 00:36.066
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 australians. Australia's First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area and offer gratitude for their careful custodianship of this unique environment over thousands of years. We pay our respect to the Kabi Kabi Elders who have come before us and acknowledge and deeply. Respect inheritance. Their inherent wisdom. Thank you. So we have everyone in attendance. No apologies. Do we have someone to move confirmation of the Minutes? I'll confirm them, Madam Chair. I'll second. Thank you. All in favour? Thank you. Councillor Jess? Yes. Thank you. That's unanimous. That brings us to item 4.1. Oh no, we've done that. 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. Michael Brennan 02:18.876
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 of the Arts & Culture Manager Paul brinkman who's not able to present it today. So 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 Noosa Council. 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 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 a Council note the report by the Arts & Culture Manager to the Services & Organisation 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 attachment 1 to the report. Kerri Contini 03:40.508
Thank you very much and Councillors I did just want to note that there is a minor error in the attachment there 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 thirteen point three and then how do we know note changes for that? Karen Finzel 04:07.531
Do we have to move anything for that change, that correction? Kerri Contini 04:18.052
It's just we can't attach it it's just like if there's any error we can amend that attachment before the Ordinary Meeting with the correct score in there. Karen Finzel 04:34.787
All right 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. Community 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 then our community are the beneficiaries of the wonderful things that have been put forward so that's fantastic 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 resilience and that tenacity and tell our stories. Do we have any when does the next round open? Michael Brennan 05:42.194
It's an annual fund so it will be earlier in the next new year but I don't believe the date's been advised just yet. Kerri Contini 05:49.264
It was twice yearly? It was twice yearly we were based on feedback from the arts sector. They wanted us to trial move into 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 bearing to out to be what the sector would like to see. Frank Wilkie 06:23.594
Have you found 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 so. Kerri Contini 06:34.246
No, in fact you'll see from this know 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 you know 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 you know there's not 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 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 support around it to bring content to people or support development of the product. Karen Finzel 07:50.229
While more we're on that can you also tell us a little bit about, I think we're going to also review the rapid response because I think the uptake hasn't been what we were expecting. Kerri Contini 08:00.450
No so once again this 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 around. 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 criteria so we'll be reviewing that as well to see whether that 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 for those exceptional circumstances where you're providing an artist in both of those circumstances with an opportunity that will be the difference between a moderate career and something that could be truly exceptional. Karen Finzel 09:16.071
Thank you, sounds good. Artists in residency sounds like that's the trajectory we're heading on, so we're really seeing the sector grow with those opportunities. Kerri Contini 09:25.430
It's a fantastic initiative that the team have worked on. Through Paul and at The J, and making use of a space that really wasn't getting a huge value for money from, so this is fantastic to be able to do this. Frank Wilkie 09:42.685
We've received emails about artists wanting spaces to be made available the by Council for exhibitions, rehearsals, practice. Kerri Contini 09:52.355
You're hearing the same thing? Yes, yeah. Variety. And there are spaces, you know, obviously within our industrial areas, we've got collectives of artists working there, but 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. Frank Wilkie 10:19.912
Yeah, short-term space, quality space. 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. Oh, definitely. Yes. And then a change might come in for year seven, 20-odd. We'll have a question, definitely. Kerri Contini 10:36.128
And 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 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, cheap, product that actually enables them to be visible to our local supply. Supplies. So, yeah. Karen Finzel 11:18.639
That's it's fantastic. It's a great opportunity for our artisan to diversify our economic sector and support those artists to actually be able to live and work here. The long spaces or, you Kerri Contini 11:32.236
Know, our creative sector has been an integral part of this community since, you know, I was very young. So, you know, there's been a close connection between the arts community, the environment community, and our small businesses. Karen Finzel 11:49.699
Looking forward to supporting that going forward. Sounds great. I'm happy to read the motion. Frank Wilkie 11:55.688
I'll second it. Karen Finzel 11:56.720
Thank you. Any further questions before we go to the comments? Or the vote, I don't know. Any further comments to be made? Yeah, thank you. Oh, thanks, Jess. Was that a 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, really. I've spoken enough, so, yeah. I think we've said enough, but, yeah, as always, 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, Michael, 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. Great, thank you. So 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. Thanks, Michael. Cheers. 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. Welcome. Robyn Mercer 13:30.782
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 advanced 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 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 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. 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. Keep the parks attractive and accessible within a changing market environment. Thank you. Karen Finzel 15:16.145
Just before we go into any conversation around this, Councillor Phillips, 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, straight to general, or how would you like to proceed? Jessica Phillips 15:37.529
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 agencies, the answers, I guess. Uh but yeah if we can start with that then I'll make a decision after that, please. Karen Finzel 15:55.324
Okay. Well, so we'll open the floor to questions. Councillor Phillips, you have the floor. Jessica Phillips 16:02.684
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 the impacts, or do we know why the Robyn Mercer 16:26.277
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 macroeconomic 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 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 probably there's also a little where the post COVID period of 2021 and 2022 we saw a big spike upwards so you've got to remember that a year-on 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 but I know from looking at the occupancy data through the Carlos for Noosa region for example that there are 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 improving at all Jessica Phillips 18:04.186
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 the contract the contractors that have our parts when is it that maybe there should be efficiencies or something looked at from there in the browser that we just put it back on so that the customer will be afraid or that it will cost them? Robyn Mercer 18:40.885
Something looked at from there so the business model that we have is our management fees pegged are as a percentage of earnings earned revenue and fall with our revenue so if occupancy of earned revenue so they rise drops the management fee drops if occupancy rises the management fee rises we do have a portion sorry one step back so what that does is naturally drive efficiency 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 of fixed portion there management fee because there are some costs that have to be borne there or not so we need to pressure clean surfaces we need to clean the amenities surfaces clean the amenities we need a reception staff member reception staff member available and answer someone those the phone. Things covered with in having a portion that is answer the phone so those is fixed but yes so the business model has been set up to naturally drive efficiency because there's no total fixed management fee Jessica Phillips 19:54.325
Just the revenue that the contract is just get from the different parts Robyn Mercer 20:07.697
I would say that is I'm happy to I would say answer that I don't know if that's the forum around Fees and Charges whilst the approval for the management to provide the percentage that we actual figures for the last year or to date I'd need to go and check but I also I just want to make sure that the understand the questioning around what we pay out in and the operational cost base that we need to but it's cover one of the factors within 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 if we don't increase our prices are 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. Jessica Phillips 21:16.660
Yeah um I guess lastly, just for a minute, is just around data and we spoke about it recently. Maybe I have to name any foods staying in our house have we got any way of knowing and, I guess tourism um is there a way you can collect that data so I can have a bit of a bit more of an understanding Robyn Mercer 21:45.840
Yeah certainly so um with our booking system um it's required that guests enter in an address so we assume that's their point of origin or their residence um so 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 like 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 in February Jessica Phillips 22:28.373
Okay I'll hold off on questions and just let other people like have a minute to think a whole lot. Thank you. Karen Finzel 22:34.612
Okay, thank you. Yes, Councillor Phillips. Sorry, Nicola? Nicola Wilson 22:44.774
With the industry analysis and trends and benchmarking, I was a little bit surprised because when we have our financial reports, our campgrounds are normally the good news story foundation. In the financials. So I just wanted to see how that industry downturn actually correlates with our individual bookings. Robyn Mercer 23:06.966
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 lead to keep up, we also, for example, with a water contract, we go to water, go to market a 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 revenue. 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 simultaneous. It's 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 24:10.342
And where we are seeing a drop in occupancy, have any evidence that correlates in any way to pricing? Karen Finzel 24:16.304
So how price sensitive are our customers? Or even anecdotal evidence? Robyn Mercer 24:22.325
Yeah, so when I check in with our skate parks, our contractor, we don't, anecdotally verbally hear a lot about our pricing. We do know that others are priced more and in some cases there, you know, 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 that's, my job is to steer the ship um but we're not and in some cases, we're not having an occupancy drop as much as other areas. So I'm comfortable that you were not in tricky waters there. Nicola Wilson 25:14.559
And when you talked about people that sort of delaying when so which could be about their discretionary income, but it could also be about weather. Robyn Mercer 25:22.735
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 that protects our revenue, but it's also cognisant that, you know, things happen and a trip gets delayed. So we've got a cancellation or credit policy that refunds if you cancel some more than 28 days, but then if it's closer, you a refund, a credit, sorry, that sits on our books. So we're protecting our revenue. 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. Yeah, yeah. Thanks, Robin. Frank Wilkie 26:11.078
The Noosa Holiday Parks have always been regarded as a great, low-cost, quality holiday option for people who want to experience Noosa. Is there anything you're seeing that indicates that it's moved beyond that and this price is getting a bit too pricey for some? Are you getting pushback via emails or social media posts that Noosa Holiday Parks are becoming overpriced? Robyn Mercer 26:40.299
Generally no. Yeah look nothing's come through to me directly. We don't get a lot of touch points on social media so and so I haven't seen anything there. I think one thing we really try to be cognisant of is the 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 target it a little bit of a different demographic and I see that when I go there I'm seeing swag setups 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. Caters to that demographic spread as well. Frank Wilkie 27:45.700
Yes, and you're bound by competitive neutrality which means you can't, Council can't undercut commercial holiday parks. Robyn Mercer 27:52.999
Yeah, it basically puts a mandate on Council that, you know, with the advantage that we have of a big broad cost base, and ability to distribute overheads for example, that we are matching and sitting with the private sector pricing and not taking advantage of the government setting that we so it is important. Frank Wilkie 28:17.000
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 the Noosa Holiday Parks? In relation to pricing? Robyn Mercer 28:31.521
Sure. So I look all the way up to Fraser and then down through Gympie and then west to Lake Somerset. Some of, for example, Borumba Deer Park in cobbinco. 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 and April period next year, so a peak and an 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. Is 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 29:41.877
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 29:50.787
Yeah, I want to make sure we're that not sitting below and I want to make sure that the organisation isn't open to a question in that space. Karen Finzel 30:02.124
Thank you, any further questions? Jessica Phillips 30:08.178
Thank you just very much. By, I will request it to go to general and just wondering if by general I could just have a look at the revenue that the contractors are taking. I believe it's paying contractors for all parts. I couldn't get that wrong. Want more information and hopefully more discussion on Monday at the general. Karen Finzel 30:39.194
As the Chair and CEO. Is that public information? Larry Sengstock 30:43.528
No. No, I don't believe so. It's commercial confidence in terms of the contract that we have with our contractors, our service providers. Commercial confidence. 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 31:09.048
Jess, what would you like to do about that? Is there an opportunity for Councillor Phillips to speak with the CEO Larry Sengstock 31:15.534
We can provide some information, it's a matter of how much information is confidential or not. There might be percentages, there might be some things in there that we can do as part of their. Frank Wilkie 31:26.126
My understanding is a Councillor can be entrusted with. Larry Sengstock 31:28.602
Yeah, it's just a matter of. Frank Wilkie 31:31.348
To satisfy themselves. Robyn Mercer 31:32.691
Yeah, yeah, yeah. If you look, we can. 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 commercial and confidence space. The contracts are set, though, and our pricing still has to move. We still have to set forward pricing whilst contracts are in place so. Larry Sengstock 32:07.053
Yeah, I understand that. Karen Finzel 32:08.173
Yeah. So, Councillor Phillips, how would you like to proceed forward now that you've been given the information? Jessica Phillips 32:17.807
I'm probably going to need time to have a bit of offline conversation then to clarify where I'm at, so. Yeah, if you'd like to go to my page, General Committee please. Frank Wilkie 32:31.912
I'll second that. Unidentified Speaker 32:32.985
Okay. For significance. Further report. Larry Sengstock 32:39.241
Okay. It's up to you Councillor, if you want it to of you for information, that's probably better, and we bring it, you. And we bring it to the general, yep. Karen Finzel 32:52.080
Okay, so that was a motion. I'll second it. Moved by Councillor Phillips and seconded by Mayor Wilkie. Just while we're waiting, I just think that the benchmarking of the report, that section on four in the report, gives very clear understanding of how had a base track benchmarking has been undertaken. I personally am satisfied with what you've written in the report there. Is any further comment you'd like to make about benchmarking? Robyn Mercer 33:32.944
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 full cost pricing and competitive neutrality. Karen Finzel 33:52.773
Any further comments or questions? Frank Wilkie 33:54.392
Great reporting. Yes, thank you so much. Very well done. Thanks to you all. Thank you. Karen Finzel 34:02.976
We'll take it to vote. Cheers. Jessica Phillips 34:06.845
No, thank I just wanted to. Be on it, if that's OK, before we went to the other committee. Karen Finzel 34:13.984
Oh, sorry. Would you like to make a comment before we go to the vote? Jessica Phillips 34:21.405
I just wanted to make it so that it was a tough day for a lot of people. It goes into the reporting and the process and everything, it's more just understanding for the community, what we've been through. For me, I like to satisfy myself around the review and things that I need to know more and right now. But absolutely, that was true. It was thank important for me too. Thank you, Sir. Okay, Karen Finzel 34:50.130
Thank you, Councillor Phillips. We'll take it to the vote. Councillor Phillips? Yes. That is unanimous. Thank you. Very much. See you on Monday. Moving forward to item number eight, where we have to report to the committee. Oh, we've done that one. 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. We need to go into confidential, so we need the motions to go into confidential. I'm happy to move we go into confidential session. Unidentified Speaker 35:48.476
Okay, sorry, I just this should have come up there for you. Karen Finzel 35:52.171
We request that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 245d 3g of the 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. We'll take it to the vote, I'll sign it, Unidentified Speaker 36:28.563
Thank you. Thank you. Karen Finzel 36:33.350
All in favour? Okay. Jess? She said yes, she said no. Thank you, yes, that's enough. Alright, we'll now proceed to the final session. Karen Finzel 48:42.801
Okay, we are back on. Good afternoon and welcome back. We're meeting at a confidential session on item 9.1. Not for public proposed allocation of TMR freehold land as road Doonella Lake. The recommendation is that Council A, note the report by the Director, Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee, dated 9th December 2025. B, support the department of transport and. Main Roads proposal to dedicate lots 5 RP2 191 93, 4 RP219 193,412 RP2 RP800226 as road reserve. And C, authorise the Chief Executive Officer to execute any title transfer documentation required, if on and a half Council. Frank Wilkie 49:51.619
I'm happy to move that. Karen Finzel 49:53.201
I'm happy to. What did you move that? I thought I moved it from the beginning. I beg your pardon? No, you haven't moved it. Larry Sengstock 50:01.771
We moved it out of confidentiality. Karen Finzel 50:04.895
By moved Councillor Wilkie. Seconded by Councillor Wilson. We'll take it to the vote. Frank Wilkie 50:12.770
What would you like to write? I think it's important that we do consent to this title transfer. Of these three lots as 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 does, 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 TMR for these three lots. Karen Finzel 50:55.883
Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. We'll take it. Do we have to take that to the vote? Frank Wilkie 50:59.762
Well, unless anyone else would like to make a comment. Karen Finzel 51:04.686
No. So we'll take it to the vote. Councillor Phillips. Cancel that's unanimous. Thank you, Nicky. And thank you, Shaun, for the report. Thank you. Shaun. Thank you. It's 2:26 and I declare the meeting closed. Thank Ma'am. You, Ma'am. Thank you to the CEO. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. Good afternoon. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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