Planning & Environment Committee Agenda, 9 December 2025
Date: Tuesday, 9 December 2025 at 9:30AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:46:35
Synopsis: Emissions: miss 2026, no offsets, focus cuts, Roadmap April 2026, Waste facility upgrade, Koala offsets, Reusable cups funding, Defend Sunshine Beach duplex refusal.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Council backed a Single-Use Coffee Cups transition program, providing 2–3 hrs/week in-kind staff support, seeking $5,600 from Tourism Noosa (fallback to Sustainability Ops budget) to kickstart an industry-led reuse cohort (Item 7.1; 00:00–08:48, 10:47–20:10). Council noted organisational emissions progress; confirmed it will not meet net zero by 2026; rejected purchasing third‑party offsets; directed work toward direct reductions and local carbon removal, and requested a Climate Positive Investment Roadmap report by April 2026 (Item 7.2; 27:45–58:57). Appeal D114/2025: Council agreed to defend refusal of a “minor change” to a duplex at 1/27 Duke St, Sunshine Beach, where proposed plot ratio would reach ~0.54:1 vs current 0.4:1 (exceeds both historic and current scheme) (Item 7.3; 59:54–1:04:03). Approved “other change” to existing approval for expansion/modernisation of the waste disposal & recycling facility at 561 Eumundi Noosa Rd, Doonan, subject to conditions and Planning Act s63(5) noting (Item 7.4; 1:04:49–1:20:54). Waste facility upgrade includes: two separate weighbridges (public/commercial), new transfer station, relocated Reviva shop, improved traffic segregation, safety upgrades, and staged delivery to remain operational (Item 7.4; 1:04:49–1:10:41). Delegated decisions for Oct 2025 were noted; all approved; one environmental covenant removal was for legacy bushfire buffer reasons, not loss of environmental values (Item 8.1; 1:21:27–1:22:44). Environment Levy land purchase: meeting was lawfully closed to the public under LG Reg 2012 s254J(3)(g); matter referred to General Committee for further consideration (Item 9.1; 1:23:36, 1:45:42–1:45:59). Public health/safety for reusable cup schemes addressed: compliance with Australian food safety standards; licensed cafes must maintain hygienic dishwashing/temperature standards equivalent to dine‑in crockery (7.1; 11:48–15:37). Funding/resourcing history for emissions work discussed: past underspends and competing priorities; lessons to scale effort with updated baselines and cross‑council integration (7.2; 35:43–40:39). Electricity decarbonisation: plan to use LGCs and explore PPAs; solar/battery at Resource Recovery Centre flagged to offset facility use (7.2; 53:13–53:40). Offsets for waste site clearing: 240 non‑juvenile koala habitat trees to be cleared; officers cited a 6:1 offset and planting of 500 NJKHT at 304 Lake Flat Rd, Catharaba (Item 7.4; 1:13:39–1:17:56). State assessment context: clearing largely Category X; assessment devolved to Council; assessed against State Code 25 performance outcomes (avoid, minimise, mitigate via offsets) (Item 7.4; 1:14:45–1:16:45, 1:18:11–1:19:05). Contentious / Transparency Matters Climate Positive Investment Roadmap will not undergo external community consultation during its development; it will draw on prior surveys/strategies and be presented to Council for decisions (7.2; 50:05–50:40). Point of order upheld to separate Council’s role as assessment manager from applicant in considering the waste facility DA, preventing discussion drifting into project delivery (Item 7.4; 1:11:29–1:12:43). Reusable cups program funds are modest; reliance on Tourism Noosa’s budget may delay scale; fallback to small Council funds acknowledged (Item 7.1; 06:11–07:29). Emissions budget underspends and delayed projects acknowledged publicly; causal factors included asset constraints, staffing, and shifting priorities (7.2; 35:43–39:56). Offsets quantum ambiguity: officers referenced a 6:1 ratio and 500 trees, which is arithmetically inconsistent with 240 trees cleared; clarity needed at final conditions stage (Item 7.4; 1:13:39–1:16:14). Chair reinforced adherence to the planning scheme to avoid “death by a thousand cuts” in cumulative non‑compliances (Item 7.3; 1:02:19–1:03:22). Legal / Risk Confidential land purchase discussion closed under LG Regulation 2012 s254J(3)(g) (negotiations relating to land), with reopen and referral resolutions recorded (Item 9.1; 1:23:36, 1:45:42–1:45:59). Waste facility approval expressly noted as provided in accordance with Planning Act 2016 s63(5), supporting procedural compliance for code assessment and reasons (Item 7.4). Sunshine Beach appeal risk: clear exceedance of plot ratio (requested ≥0.54:1 vs 0.4:1 current) supports Council’s defend posture; reduces precedent risk of cumulative scheme erosion (Item 7.3; 59:54–1:02:19). Offsets compliance: clearing in a koala priority area assessed under State Code 25 with avoid/minimise/mitigate framework; as Category X, assessment devolved to Council—heightened need for robust conditions and monitoring (Item 7.4; 1:14:45–1:19:05). Climate target non‑achievement: Council chose not to use potentially low‑integrity offsets; risk mitigated by directing funds to direct abatement and validated local removals; fiduciary prudence noted (Item 7.2; 27:45–32:56, 56:24–58:57). Food safety for reusable cup systems: reliance on existing Food Act licensing and standards; risk mitigated via standard dishwashing temps/practices and operator responsibility (Item 7.1; 11:48–15:37). Environmental Concerns Reusable cup initiative aims to reduce ~1.5B annual disposable cups nationally; local pilots (e.g., NAC cafe) show successful shift from deposits to full single‑use‑free operations (Item 7.1; 01:46–08:08, 05:13–06:11). Waste facility redesign increases diversion capacity, improves safety, and reduces queuing; anticipated net positive environmental outcome through better resource recovery (Item 7.4; 1:04:49–1:10:41). Koala habitat: clearing of ~240 NJKHT in a koala priority area balanced by offsets at 304 Lake Flat Rd; retention of a significant Eucalyptus racemosa (scribbly gum) within carpark (Item 7.4; 1:13:39–1:17:56). Organisational emissions: 19% reduction since 2016 via solar, batteries at critical sites, LED upgrades, green waste diversion, and increased landfill gas flaring; landfill methane remains the dominant challenge (Item 7.2; 27:45–33:01). Future roadmap to prioritise landfill emissions cuts, fleet electrification, clean energy procurement, supply‑chain decarbonisation, and local biodiversity restoration co‑benefits (Item 7.2; 27:45–32:56). Sunshine Beach – Duplex Appeal (1/27 Duke St) Original approval under 1990 scheme at max 0.45:1 plot ratio; current scheme permits 0.4:1; proposal seeks ≥0.54:1 via “minor change,” materially intensifying bulk/scale (Item 7.3; 59:54–1:00:55). Brian Stockwell underscored trend of individual dwellings seeking over‑scaled outcomes contrary to long‑standing character controls; Council to defend to avoid precedent (Item 7.3; 1:01:07–1:04:03). Planning Scheme Discipline and Character Amelia Lorentson warned against “death by a thousand cuts,” affirming strict adherence to the Noosa Plan to preserve character (Item 7.3; 1:02:19–1:03:22). Frank Wilkie noted ~96% of DAs are approved when aligned with the scheme; clear oversizing necessitates defence (Item 7.3; 1:02:44–1:03:15). Program Delivery, Funding & Governance Insights Kim Rawlings detailed emissions program underspends due to asset constraints (roofs/switchboards), carry‑forwards, and staffing; competing budget priorities noted (7.2; 36:11–39:56). Amelia Lorentson highlighted leadership continuity and the Local Government Act’s “perpetual succession” effect of past decisions, stressing top‑down drive on climate action (7.2; 51:15–52:46). Brian Stockwell contrasted offset‑based neutrality claims elsewhere with Noosa’s integrity stance; advocated local offsets that deliver tangible co‑benefits (7.2; 56:24–58:57). Roadmap development will rely on prior community input channels (liveability, corporate planning, destination management) yet decisions remain operational/budgetary (7.2; 50:22–50:40). Tourism, Community & Health Context for Reuse Amelia Lorentson cited statewide media traction and LGAQ motion advocacy to accelerate national plastics action; proposed symbolic integration at citizenship ceremonies (7.1; 16:53–20:10). Health queries addressed: reuse programs equate to standard crockery; licensed premises must meet food safety standards, including dishwashing temperature controls (7.1; 11:48–15:37).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Tuesday, 9 December 2025 9:30 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Amelia Lorentson (Chair), Brian Stockwell, Frank Wilkie, Tom Wegener “Noosa Shire – different by nature” PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 9.31am. 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 Amelia Lorentson Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie NON-COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Karen Finzel EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 11 NOVEMBER 2025 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener The Minutes of the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting held on 11 November 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 7.1 SINGLE USE COFFEE CUPS PROGRAM Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council A. Note the report by the Sustainability and Climate Change Officer to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 December 2025; B. Support the Single Use Coffee Cups program with in-kind contribution from existing Council staff resources (2-3hrs per week) to support Plastic Free Noosa to engage industry stakeholders and co-develop a program for the first cohort of businesses to transition to a reuse system; C. Work closely with Tourism Noosa to prioritise the $5600.00 required to kickstart the program through their FY25-26 budget; and D. Subject to C, should budget not be available, provide in kind support and a small allocation of funding to support the initiation and engagement phases of the program through Council’s Sustainability Operational budget as it aligns with the endorsed Climate Change Response Plan, Environment Strategy, and From Waste to Resource Plan. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 7.2 ORGANISATIONAL EMISSIONS REDUCTION PROGRESS REPORT Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Sustainability and Climate Change Coordinator and the Carbon Reduction officer to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 December 2025; B. Note the progress on reducing emissions to date and the positive impact of setting the last target; C. Note that Council will not achieve its net zero target by 2026 for its organisational emissions; D. Confirm that no third-party offsets will be purchased to help achieve the net zero target or to claim carbon neutrality, and instead agree to prioritise ongoing investment in direct emissions reduction activities and local carbon removal projects to achieve true net zero and to deliver long-term cost savings and important community and biodiversity conservation co-benefits; E. Note the progress on developing a new Climate Positive Investment Roadmap; and F. Request the CEO prepare a report to a Council Meeting by April 2026 or before, on the new Climate Positive Investment Roadmap including an ambitious, science-based target and achievable plan to reduce emissions. Carried. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 7.3 132004.4552.01 - PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL D114 OF 2025 FOR MINOR CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DUPLEX DWELLING AT 1/27 DUKE STREET, SUNSHINE BEACH Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 December 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D114 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 7.4 132005.638.04 - OTHER CHANGE TO AN EXISTING APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - EXPANSION OF SPECIAL PURPOSE (WASTE DISPOSAL AND RECYCLING FACILITY) & ONGOING CLEARING PURPOSES AT 561 EUMUNDI NOOSA ROAD DOONAN Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Planning Officer to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 9 December 2025 regarding Application No. 132005.638.04 for an Other Change to an existing approval for Material Change of Use – Special Purpose (Waste Disposal & Recycling Facility) & Ongoing Clearing Purposes situated at 561 Eumundi Noosa Road, Doonan; and A. Approve the application in accordance with the conditions outlined in Attachment 1. B. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 8 REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE 8.1 PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – OCTOBER 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting on 9 December 2025 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for October 2025 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Report. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION 9.1 CONFIDENTIAL: NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE – ENVIRONMENT LEVY PROPOSED LAND PURCHASE CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing Item 9.1 ENVIRONMENT LEVY PROPOSED LAND PURCHASE. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None REOPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 9 DECEMBER 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Planning & Environment Committee Agenda Item 9.1 be referred to the General Committee for further consideration Carried. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 11.19am.
Meeting Transcript
Amelia Lorentson 00:00.280
Today, the 9th of December 2020, our last committee meeting of the year. I declare the meeting open at 9:31am. I would like to start with an Acknowledgement to Country. Noosa Council to country. We can manage this in a new sense way. Is proud of its nation's people and respects its ladies and its nation's people and we recognise the nation's people as the recognisers of the lands and waters of the Noosa area. We pay respect to and to the enduring commitment in particular. Your commitment to strong intentions of isolation. Tangents are be welcome Council, you. And also, online councils, welcome, there are no apologies, welcome. Before we begin, can I please request that everyone have their phones, side or do you want to have comments on side or do you want to, um, you know, Councillor Wegener thank you. Presentations and deputations, presentations and deputations, reports for consideration of 7.1, single-use coffee cup 7.1, single-use coffee cup 7.1, and I welcome you to your new shiny desk. Unidentified Speaker 01:47.764
This report was triggered by a motion this report was triggered it has by a notified motion that passed through Council in June of this year. The motion called for Council to work with and support tourism noosa's Plastic Free Noosa program to develop a scalable action plan and show leadership by shifting away from single-use coffee cups in some may say that single-use coffee cups are not the most important issue some may say that single-use coffee cups are not the most important issue for us to tackle as an organisation or as a community. However, it is hard not to notice how prevalent they are in the lives of many businesses and many customers here in Noosa and around the country. The takeaway cup has become we accept as normal. Some people even prefer the takeaway cup as something that we accept as normal. People even prefer their mugs to customers. It's become part of our culture, a that no longer offer ceremony for mugs to customers. It's become part of our culture, a that accepts and encourages. While the industry has done well to move away from petroleum-based. While the industry has done well to move away from petroleum-based plastic linings in coffee cups, and we've encouraged that shift, the compostable cup still ends up in landfills and generates emissions. It's estimated that australians throw away 1.5 billion. So today we present a report that furthers our to work. So today we've we present a report that furthers our commitment to work on supporting the industry and community to take action on reducing the number of single community cuts. Plastic Free Noosa, with the support of Noosa Council staff, have already engaged several local businesses and service providers that offer scalable solutions to address the single community cuts. It's clear that some people this report outlines a strategy to support an industry-led approaches. This report outlines a strategy to support an industry-led approach to phasing out single coffee costs. We will work with industry partners that are ready to go on this journey and encourage them to take a slow and calculated approach that achieves zero waste goals and ways to supports their Council customers. We will support Council facilities and Council led events to investigate alternatives to single-use cups. While we're not in a position to mandate behaviour change, we will continue to educate, advocate and inspire progress the next stage of action is simple, which is outlined in the report, which is to call a roundtable of businesses that want to explore a single-use cup phase-out, to have industry-leading solution providers share their solutions and learnings, and support a cohort of people who are ready to take the lead in this space. We will continue to support we will continue to support the leadership of plastic-free mission programs with staff time, and if Tourism Noosa is unable to provide a small budget to further the program, sustainability operational budget from Council will possibly contribute to program costs, and those are outlined in the report. Amelia Lorentson 04:45.859
Questions around the table? Unidentified Speaker 04:48.883
Questions. Thank you for the report, Sion. Thank you for the report that Council leads the way. It is important that Council leads the way, and you have mentioned. It's Frank Wilkie 05:01.987
Very. There's some. Our experience is infancy. There's some investigation going on. Can you tell us what has happened in NAC? Unidentified Speaker 05:10.080
Can you tell us. Cafe at the NAC voluntarily. Decided to pursue a reusable cup scheme. Amelia Lorentson 05:22.989
They offered a side-by option. Unidentified Speaker 05:27.613
Where customers could continue to take a single-use cup or they could choose to pay a $3 deposit. They've been so successful that the owner there has decided to go completely single-use free and they phased out. There has decided to go completely single-use-free and they phased out single-use cups completely based on their own experience as well as customer feedback. We haven't engaged with the Leisure Centre cafe yet, but that's high on the list of priorities for plastic-free yourself. Amelia Lorentson 05:56.396
Collecting plastic figures. We think the underdater is the same. Think the underdater is the same. So, he was a little bit concerned in the early stages. Awkward. He he's was concerned with the in options early stages. Of his arm and his arms were just such a slight down system. And his neck was. The neck, the uses have actually just commended him. The uses have actually taken to just jump on board. And he's reached out to him and gone out there. Great. And he's reached out to him and gone out there. It's actually good for business. That's right. Yeah. In terms of costs, cost, so there's an allocation of $5,600. You mentioned that $600. Can you elaborate? And my real question is, it my real question? Unidentified Speaker 06:55.138
The in-kind contribution will be of staff time. $5,600 team leaders those first steps. Tom Wegener 07:05.329
To take Unidentified Speaker 07:08.356
I believe it is enough. It is not enough to tackle the whole issue. But I think that given that this is such an issue. But I think that given that this is such an out coffee cups, if we phase out coffee cups, we can see success in this program. These things. Success and we can build on budget allocation from there. Can see success in this program and we can build on budget allocation from there. Amelia Lorentson 07:29.942
That's my perspective. In terms of the data, and I know Jim, in terms of the data, I know Jim, discussions will have a nice timing of steps. Discussions will show how many have already jumped on board and how many have jumped on board since the diagnosis of motion because these people have jumped on board since that time. There's been enough to squeeze that stuff and just rest with plastic. Unidentified Speaker 07:52.340
Yeah, I would have to check. One of the first steps in this program, organisation is to do a scan and collect more data, so hopefully those that do types of things will be gathered as well. I think calling the roundtable and seeing who's willing to step up. I think calling the roundtable and seeing who's willing to step up and engage with this challenge gives us a good understanding of this and gives us an opportunity to do a broader scale. Tom. Tom Wegener 08:27.641
More of historical a question where has this Noosa really reached out and worked with industry people and industry leaders in a similar fashion as we're doing with the plastic free program? Maybe that's to Kim? Amelia Lorentson 08:48.043
More maybe repeat the question, yeah, Kim, historically Tom Wegener 08:58.948
Historically, has Council reached out to industry leaders? Like it is with plastic free? How has Council reached out to industry leaders like Noosa and Council, and through the notified motion, to really help change industry, the way industry works, or industry response, in this sort of way? Response in this sort of way? Unidentified Speaker 09:21.779
There's base of initial reaching out to the industry, and we've also been approached businesses, yes, of course, potentially it was really a proposed approach, but potentially it was really that we could invest more in this and that would be really helpful in the next, Tom Wegener 09:47.762
And that would be really helpful in doing this with our Council organics. You know, when we put in the webinar, we did kind of do a we would be then reaching out to industry leaders, in a more kind of proactive way, to get them to get in line with us. Is this in any way analogous to the digital hub, say, where the Council sees a. Issue, an opportunity, and then supports going down a track towards, in this case, the digital hub, connecting with the digital world, in this case, getting rid of coffee cups. But it's Council interaction. Unidentified Speaker 10:27.710
When we say a problem, and how we engage the industry to help us solve that problem, and how we engage the industry to help us solve that problem, and what happens. Reality with this one is the solutions are there to solve this problem. It's about taking up the support and facilitating our businesses about taking up the support and facilitating our businesses to take solutions. Amelia Lorentson 10:52.016
Karen, Councillor Finzel, you're online. Karen Finzel 10:57.894
Hi, good morning. Thank you Madam Chair. This is a great initiative. My questions today are about questions regulation process and regulation for maintaining that our community's public health. Is optimum. I just have a question about how we. I just have a question about how we held how we that. The we help iran community. Disease and how we have ensured that. Unidentified Speaker 11:35.594
To make sure in regard to every disease in our country, in regard to disease this is a. Get out of here. In our community. Thanks, Gail: Beth 11:49.347
Councillor Finzel. The alternative options that we would be working with Plastic Free Noosa to offer to businesses, there are already solutions available in the industry today as they are already solutions available in the industry today and they have to comply to with all Australian regulations around food safety standards so we wouldn't be looking to compromise in any way shape or form in the environmental health and community health that along with an alternative option, that comes along with comes along with an alternative option moving away from single-use coffee cups. In fact, the reduction of a single-use item that can often end up as litter in our waterways may actually improve environmental health and community health so we think we need to stay steadfast to that and that will be a key criterion in our selection of recommended criteria in service providers. Of an industry round table is really to get those service the idea of the industry round table is really to get those service providers in front of business owners and business owners can ask exactly these kinds of questions which are really important because ultimately the business owner runs a cafe is responsible for health and safety. Business owner runs a cafe is responsible for health and safety and they would want to know how in their workplace and they would want to know how they Amelia Lorentson 13:06.918
Can support a healthy workplace and ensure places in the industry. Coffee, Noosa. Roastery, coffee, Noosa. Aerosol KeepCups. Marketing opportunity. Commercial, marketing opportunity. You have any further pinson? Questions, Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 13:35.228
Yes, so following on from that, can you just please explain the process that you mentioned that has to be followed, given we've also been, you know, to be followed, you know, progress we've also been doing, you know, progress through nursing, just give us a quick overview of the processes. Amelia Lorentson 13:53.248
Can you just give us a quick overview of the processes? Follow, please. To ensure community health, please. Unidentified Speaker 13:59.734
Place we don't administer or implement this program. That's, you know, it's run by the cafes themselves. So a reuse program accepts a cup back and runs the cup on the way that they would any other utensils or dishware that they offer to their customers. There's no distinction between a reusable coffee cup and a mug that someone sits down to drink their coffee out of or a they're drinking. You. Karen Finzel 14:32.981
And how is that regulated? What's the process for that? Amelia Lorentson 14:41.733
I ask, we've got Director MacGillivray, can I ask, we've got Director MacGillivray, the question asked was how is community is these regulated, community Patrick Murphy 14:54.560
Health regulated in terms of the use of the internet? Richard MacGillivray 14:57.999
Yes, so thank you, Councillor. So, yes, all cafes have thank you, Councillor. So, all cafes, obviously, have a good life. Food license, so that's obviously regulated under the food start-up powers. So each year promises start-up show would then do a preparation of those of food. Preparation that's right, it's the mix of food. Requirements. So they're an actual preparation of food health requirements. So obviously that's the steps to go over to a system of businesses to make sure that their steps abide into a system of businesses to make sure that it's hygienic and safe for the consumer. And drink that's hygienic and safe for the consumer. Karen Finzel 15:37.837
Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 15:44.349
Oh, excuse me, Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 15:52.303
I'll just talk to it. It's a good, you know, I think you mentioned we had started this a while back and the motion brought focus to it. The issue around reuse cups. The issue around reuse cups going through the. Of a cafe system of a cafe is obviously something, as you say, the one that I think a number of cafes in the early days had doubts about is accepting people rocking up with their key caps who might have not washed it really well and kept it in the door of their car. I don't know, maybe something like that. But, yeah, and maybe something that we want to just get some clarification on when we do reach out to businesses, whether that's something where they should. I believe, for example. Dishwashing, the standard is a certain degree of temperature. It might be something in the education what you do when someone brings it. What you a heat cup to make sure your responsibilities are met. Amelia Lorentson 16:53.930
I don't know whether this needs to be in an interview. I don't know whether this needs to interview. Maybe it's just an idea that I'm not sure about. A real champion of the space. We've been clubbed by Sunshine Social just less than a week ago with the president of the chamber, Ralph Rogers, and he was talking about his goal to see one day airports and one day airports and vessels. The airports ambassadors for Noosa. And now he talks to people that are visiting Noosa as a sort of symbol of what we stand for and what we represent. Maybe we start thinking opportunity in terms of presenting people to our new citizens. So four times a year we welcome so many incredible people in our community and most actually have been in our community for some time. And we present points, proceed to. Them with a beautiful symbol which is our representative of who we are. It is that we care for our environment. But a KeepCup with Noosa logo is another way to really push that message that this is what we value. This is who we are in our environment. Next, and nice. And it's not just in place, it's behaviours. So I might take that offline if it needs to be the meaning of speech with Noosa again, but I would really love consideration as part of our citizenship. But anyone want to speak I'm going to start another question, Frank Wilkie 18:58.884
Is one of the actions from a waste source and it's also and there's also education and co-exploitation on the range of strategies and faster packaging practices. Unidentified Speaker 19:17.337
How are we going to generalise the other practices and actions? Beth 19:24.983
That's something we'd probably defer to Kyrone and the waste team to respond to, however, we understand that they're working incredibly hard on that, and we recently concluded a great week raising awareness about waste, including textile waste, which we get two times every week at our landfill. So I think they're going well in terms of how they're going holistically across the plan, and progress report act of the country. Amelia Lorentson 20:12.885
Thank you. Thanks. One last question, so the LGAQ motion that I've put forward, which was supported unanimously by Council, and almost had unanimous support across 77 councils, in terms of accelerating the national plastic plan and the national pestiging road. I know we were up to- I- put it hold. On- I do not know at this time, but we can take that on notice. I do not know at this time, but we can take that on notice. I'm sorry. We'll take that on notice though and we'll send an email. That's all right. We'll take that on notice though and we'll send an email. Any, I'll speak to it. I'm happy to move, can I have a second? Thank you, Tom. And I'll just say that I'm happy to speak to it. To say that I'm happy about this report is an understatement. I think the $5,600 that has been asked to support this is, in my view, the most effective and impactful marketing investment this Council can make. When I move the notified emotion moved the notified motion in June 2025, it made front page news across the State. Noosa Council, Plastic Free Noosa, Ben Clark from Sunshine Social were on the 6 o'clock ears in the courier mail, Sunshine Coast daily and in local cafe papers across Queensland. Why? Because it was good news. Because it matters. And because it opens a conversation. And because everyone can do it. And because we can't actually do it alone. We need courage, to start conversation, to challenge the norm, and to say that it's not acceptable to buy coffee, drink it, and three minutes later throw the cup into a landfill. There was a ripple effect from that. I want to note there was a ripple effect from that. After the media coverage, professor Ian Lowe from the biosphere contacted me and said that the Brisbane cafes had seen a huge uptake in businesses committing reusable. The biosphere board itself soon afterwards voted to support the initiative reinforcing that this is not just a local project, it's part of a broader movement. And I want to take this moment to acknowledge the Plastic Free Noosa program, led with vision and determination by no better person than Jen Sharpe. She is a seriously we are an incredible driver of this program. The has already shifted community behaviours. It's already reduced waste and it's already good, strong partnerships between our Council, businesses and residents. Thank you very much. Again, by backing this program, we're not just funding an environmental initiative, we're investing in cultural change. Like to bake in plastic cream for so long. And I also want to note that this Plastic Free Noosa program was recently recognised for winning the prestigious SpiceSphere thriving nature award last month. I want to thank the industry leaders and businesses and I also want to do a shout out to the Kin Kin Market for being the first market that recently put their hand up to transition away from single-use coffee cups and we're working at the moment with Kin Kin to make it the first village structure to jump on board. Said that, when I spoke to the guys down at Kin Kin Market, they wanted to take on the challenge and become the first village. So again, the conversation, it has ripple effects. I we're about to embark on I think our goal and we're about to embark on the Destination Management Plan is that we've got to dream big, we've got to think big, and our goal should be that every cafe in your Lisa, I will cheer for you. To voluntarily, and I stress voluntarily, throw out some of those coffee cups. And this is how I think we should be marketing Noosa. Not with glossy summer campaigns, but with a campaign that tells the world this is who we are, this is what we value, and this is what we expect from our visitors. So, again, Noosa has always been Different by Nature. Been Different by Nature, this that I came to Ireland, I know you guys appreciate it, so thank you shireen, I know on this for years. Just love, you know, and love those are really your energy and you guys are really good. She talks about the driving pressure that comes from, you know, those high corridors downstairs in our environment department. So, thank you because these of are initiatives instrumented by someone. Are to be driven by someone. So, I think we have the right people here in Council and the right people in our community and of course we've got our amazing Jennifer from Plastic Free Noosa. So, super excited. Thank you. I'll just give you a second. Frank Wilkie 25:53.700
I think it's important to note the important work that was recently signed into the 2023 tracer resource plan. 2023, 2028, there's about 30 actions in there. This action about the great work going on in other quarters of the Council. There's a lot of great work going on in other quarters of the Council. There's upgrades to another motion coming to Council about upgrades to our waste disposal recovery centre, a great impact on reducing the waste to the landfill as well, a great impact on reducing the waste to the landfill as well. And I just would like to acknowledge that there is good work going on in other parts of the Council as well that will also have a great impact on reducing the waste to the landfill. Just another community consultation to note, one key actions of the community consultation as well as one of the key actions was about the cut cuts as well as a whole bunch of other great ideas which we are working on as well. I think the scope. Unidentified Speaker 26:51.273
Good. No, no, I just think it's fantastic. It's all worked out really well. Amelia Lorentson 27:00.700
You very much. You very thanks. You. Very much. Thank you. So we're now up to item 7.2 organisational emissions- Organisational reduction emission progress report Beth 27:35.420
My name is Beth tewishland, and my name is Beth tewishland. Thank you so much yes apologise for the length of time yeah it's okay Chair um Chair Councillors I'll begin with the words of Chief Justice Allsop of the Federal Court of Australia in the Minister for the Environment v Sharma case. The threat of climate change and global warming was and is not in dispute. The seriousness of the threat is demonstrated by the attention given to it by many countries around the world. The attempts made by them to reach agreement and to cooperate to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in order to reduce the rate of increase of earth's surface temperature. There are challenges to some of the primary judge's findings, but by and large, the nature of the risks and the danger from global warming, including the possible catastrophe. That may engulf the world and humanity is not indisputable. Dispute. That may engulf the world and humanity is not indisputable. This sobering clarity frames the progress report before you today. Sobering clarity frames the progress report before you risk we face from longer, more intense, and more frequent floods, bushfires, heat, extreme heat, cyclones, and intensifying storms are now well documented and increasingly witnessed in our community. Report before you today is an act of transparency. And honesty. The report before you today transparency and honesty. It confirms that Council will not meet its original net zero by 2026 target for our organisational missions. One of the biggest challenges Council faces is in landfill emissions. Even with gas flaring and diversion programs, waste decomposition continues to generate methane, a greenhouse gas that is far more potent than carbon dioxide. This is why landfill is often the hardest sector to tackle, and why, to the best of our knowledge or staff, no other Council in Australia has achieved net zero when they have had landfills. However, despite not meeting our target, this report also confirms that a mistake is not this mission. We have been on this journey for over 20 years as a recognised leader both in Queensland and nationally. Since 2016, we have achieved a genuine 19% reduction in operational emissions in practical and impactful projects such as large-scale solar installation. Battery storage at critical sites like evacuation centres, LED lighting upgrades, green waste diversion and increased gas storage at the landfill. These actions will deliver not only emissions reductions but cost also electricity savings. For both Council and community. By the metrics of the widely accepted social cost of carbon, these actions have also already avoided millions of dollars in damage to all of society. The recommendation before you today, the recommendation is also one of integrity. At the source. Before relying on offsets. That is why we recommend prioritising direct investment here in Noosa, tackling waste resource challenges, restoring local ecosystems, cleaning global air pollution, a and supporting the community with the circular air notably, this report only addresses council's organisational emissions, whilst we still have the net zero target for community emissions, also by 2026. In partnership with Zero Emissions Noosa Incorporated and community organisations, we will aim to work closely together to bring clarity to the emissions reduction effort for community, including an updated calculation of its emissions profile and potentially new resilience funding opportunities next financial year. We are currently developing a potentially new resilience fund new-based client climate-positive investment road map to return to you early in the new year. This will be a long-term plan with ambitious, yet achievable targets, and where net zero will only be one step in the turn. The plan will aim to accelerate direct emissions reduction, particularly at the landfill, and in keeping with our enforced waste-to-resource plan. It will fast particularly at the landfill, and-track clean energy. And fleet electrification. It will fast-track clean energy and fleet electrification and invest in local carbon removal projects that restore biodiversity and deliver co-benefits for our community. Importantly, it will be paired with a clear investment strategy that prioritises actions based on cost effectiveness and cost benefit. It outlines the resources required to deliver it and identifies innovative and alternative finance opportunities to responsibly scale the investment required. Councillors, this is the moment to reaffirm our direction. Climate action is moment no longer just an environmental responsibility, it is a governance responsibility, a financial responsibility, a disaster risk responsibility, and an intergenerational responsibility. We have a moral imperative to the most vulnerable in Noosa. The youth of the Shire to move forward with the strength of our Resolve, knowing that the cost of inaction is a price we cannot afford to pay, and knowing that leadership from local governments like ours is essential for the collective effort knowing that leadership from local governments like ours is essential for the collective effort required to address this the scale of the challenge we face. Amelia Lorentson 32:56.771
Questions around the tidal place? I like it. Absolutely. Tom Wegener 33:03.724
Good it's a good question. I might speak to just because it's a good question. I might speak to it, just because. Question is too long. At the Tourism Noosa AGM, about tourism and threats to tourism, and one of the threats came up as insurance. We've had the insurance. Yeah, we've had the insurance agencies and heads of insurance agencies and they say that climate change is very real and to them, the climate change is very real. And to them, the climate change is very real where they make the decisions about what your premium should be around Australia and around Noosa. And they say that they take climate risk into account. Amelia Lorentson 33:48.774
I'm a champ. Tom Wegener 33:49.295
So you may deny climate change, but it's very hard to deny that rates are going up in response to climate change. Amelia Lorentson 33:49.894
Do it. Tom Wegener 33:56.834
The key thing is I bring this up because we take climate change very seriously. Shire, where we take climate change, climate risks very seriously, and we're adapting them. I said, "Yes, you will have a lesser insurance premium here because you are already on top of what we're worried about." And so for me, what we're worried about was these undeniably. And so for me, coming from them, was these undeniably. Evidence that we are on the absolute right track. And by saving a couple of dollars of everybody's insurance policy. And by saving a couple of dollars of everybody's insurance policy. This whole program had to be for ourselves. I'm so happy that this, but I don't think people really realise that their daily out-of-pocket expenses and insurance are tied to our climate change response program here in Noosa Council. Amelia Lorentson 34:48.105
I'm going to invite you. It would be great to initialise Tom larkin. Would be great to initialise Tom can we initialise him? Beth 35:04.330
We certainly can with adaptation and resilience initiatives. Mitigation would be harder to do, but it's something we can take on the lesson scale. To do. Because every ton of greenhouse gases that we emit has an impact on society, but it's a global impact. And so trying to scale that understand to the new scale to understand how that has affected can it affect be effective its premiums? To it would be understand. Challenging. Tom Wegener 35:36.086
But also is the, you know, just the awareness of the change. Also, you know, just the awareness of the climate Amelia Lorentson 35:43.488
I'm going to start with why only half of the money is allocated? That has been allocated for the missions has been left the last 10 years. I think the report notes that half of the. Why given that it is. Kim Rawlings 36:11.658
There's a combination. Of factors. So there's been an annual budget allocated for emissions reduction for a number of years, essentially since we've had the strategy in place. And a combination of issues in terms of why some of the budgets haven't been spent in each full year, including needing to do asset assessments where we've gone to put solar on roof and then during the investigations realised that roofs need replacing or power boards and switchboards need replacing. So it's created, you know, other projects that need to be done before solar projects are going to be done which has delayed programs and pushed programs across multiple years. As part of our budget, normal budget considerations, unspent funds and. Part of our budget, normal budget funds and carried forward funds are considered at each budget year on merits and decisions whether or not they're rolled forward or carried forward or not are made on an annual basis and we've had through a number of years where unspent funds in these. The zero emissions budget hasn't been carried forward because of priorities or issues that are considered as part of that budget each year and that varied depending on what the priorities of that particular budget on that was so that's been some considerations of it. We've also had some staffing and resourcing changes in the program over the years. So, you know, a combination of issues and not true lack and not true lack of best efforts and prioritisation. Of this program. Beth 37:52.264
And I might just add to that this, the issue of emissions is systemic. The issue of emissions is systemic. Unidentified Speaker 38:01.317
Everything has an impact. And has an associated impact. Beth 38:09.487
It requires more than just one branch or one person trying to drive this into one organisation. It requires a whole of organisational response. And we believe that we have learned from the challenges and successes in the past 10 years the challenges and successes of lendricks, there is an amazing understanding and level of awareness within Council staff now at Noosa Council on how to reduce emissions and we think we can leverage that in our major push to reduce emissions. Would Amelia Lorentson 38:47.591
So mentioned. Thank you. So mentioned. Resourcing. Again, I think that was stated. A game is on us, I felt that it was it's taking is stop. There's one staff that was said to be against something of such high importance. Why are we against it? Why are we already giving the, again, the high. Kim Rawlings 39:13.094
Over the years we've put forward for additional staff and resources. To try and boost but, you know, like all programs in a, you know, relatively medium to small sized Council, it's been about competing priorities at each budget. So yes, this has been an important program. There are a number of important programs in the Council, so it's just, it's been. Are a number of important programs in the Council. Managing different priorities through budgets, but it's not through. Managing not having requested additional resources. But it's not through not having requested additional resources. Amelia Lorentson 40:00.332
And the baseline. The increased. By a fault. Should we have updated the 2026. And made the zero target? And maybe my question is. When do you anticipate an increase in the impact? Beth 40:27.460
So it increased five-fold since when we set our net zero strategy in 2016 and first did a baseline carbon footprint. We knew that it would increase within six 6 to 12 twelve years. Months. Within six to 12 months, but there was decisions made at the time, which I'm not privy to, that we'd stick to the 2026 target. And to try and scale our effort in responding to it, I believe, whether assured or not we should have or shouldn't have. It's definitely a lesson learned that reflected we've on reflected on in the report that should we understand that our baseline emissions increases due to new accounting methodologies or better data collection, then we will do our best to scale our effort and reflect a target that is. Do our best to scale our effort and reflect a target that is still achievable. Brian Stockwell 41:30.003
I'm happy to move, Sir. Is a report that not- firstly, this about not meeting the target. No. And does that surprise you? It's COVID. To accelerate. It was based on a need to accelerate, not on council's focus on this issue, not on the level of analysis we now put into it. So, I'm surprised that the stretch target didn't meet. Am I happy with what we have done? Yes, I think we are. Taking good steps. Do I think we've done as much as we should have? Do I think we've done as much as we should have? Definitely not. There has been a massive vacuum of leadership, both at the political level and executive level. The executive as the Director says, we've made decisions about urgent over the strategic costs of not taking action. And in the report in the finance section you see that our current emissions are valued at costing the global community 17 points.8 million a year. That's even a conservative estimate. And why hasn't it happened? It's a typical spiral. We had a thing called the 2019-20 bushfire season. Climate-induced catastrophes on our doorstep where we had to evacuate most of Tewantin and then we 2020 we had the 2022 floods. Had to recover from that. And then we had the 2022 floods where I had 1,500 millimetres of rain on my roof in three days. Another climate-induced emergency. And across the globe, it is a pattern. And as organisations such as ours try and struggle to adapt and become more resilient to those, it is difficult to keep on saying what we all know, which is the cheapest time to take action is now. The cost of the impacts by waiting for longer far outweigh the benefits. And that's something that I hope this can help this Council makes a really solid commitment early next year when we look at the plan going forward. Because other councils have, you know, when we did this in 2016 we a leader when we declared a climate emergency it wasn't just a press release it was an understanding that this is an emergency in 2019 and since then a lot of councils have taken more action. For example newcastle, they did what we hope hoped to do or proposed to investigate we're currently investigating our landfill. They built a five megawatts solar farm on a landfill gas and wind turbine to create a renewable hub on an old coal landfill. It delivered 420 revenue in the first six months and during and exported energy during the 2020 bushfires strengthening grid resilience and it supports a growing EV network of 34 charging ports powered by renewables. A really A good of all the things we're currently looking at that we should yeah I would have to see steps in that direction in our next budget. If you look at power purchasing agreements and we've had multiple opportunities to make the decision of buying green power but since we started looking at that almost all victorian councils have adopted renewable power purchasing agreements and 75% of New South Wales councils. Cairns in north Queensland had a policy of 100% renewable and they've got a long-term power purchasing agreement. It was the most cost-effective path for them. So we have got opportunities to accelerate and what it's really important to understand, I that the Queensland government today is considering whether to drop their own target. We're not dropping a target, we're saying we're are not meeting it. We are saying that perhaps, we were too ambitious in 2016, but there is still an urgent need to take action. Early next year I am confident we won't be using modelling from the consultants of the coal industry to try and make the absurd claim that coal is a cheap point of energy. We will be looking at how we accelerate our local action in a way that is economically rational when considering the long-term on this community. So I support the staff's report. I thank them for being really open and honest about what we have done and what we haven't done and what the issues are and I look forward to us once again in setting a direction that will once again put Noosa towards the head of the pack. Frank Wilkie 46:49.434
I'd like to thank the staff for the report it's very comprehensive very detailed. Back in 2016 we set a target which we knew was ambitious at the time and setting the target setting a direction is the easiest part of the effort. Then the work begins. It was an ambitious target but we have benefited from learning a lot about emissions and our and council's operations as a result of that aspiration. We would else learned anywhere near as much had the goal been far less ambitious just because the discovery of our emissions went jump from about 10,000 tonnes a year through better knowledge to about 50,000 tonnes a what we learned about the contribution that the landfill makes. About half of our emissions comes from the landfill. We're faced with an even greater challenge but we're still facing that challenge and we're still determined to push on. We are playing our part in the global shift towards non polluting technologies and our ratepayers are reaping the benefit to cost saving efficiencies and the benefits that come through that yes can big city councils like newcastle and Cairns have already put in place programs that we are aspiring to and that is still in the planning phase for Noosa Council. We are looking at solar, we're looking at composting, biochar, other diversion programs at our landfill facility. That will help us reduce we were one of the first councils, we were the first Council in Queensland to introduce green organics kerbside collection, which also dropped our emissions from the landfill. The methane producing material is no longer going into the landfill. So we have been leading the way. There is more work to do. Going to meet the 2026 target but I think it was the right thing to do to set that ambitious target and work towards it, even though we knew there was a five fold increase in emissions that we were aiming at. So thank you very much for all the work you've done in this field. Is very complicated. The detail in this report, I will probably need a it. A few more days to fully understand the calculations, but I appreciate that it is there as a record for anyone who is interested in this ambitious journey to delve into. I'm really looking forward to seeing what the, you're coming back with as to how we can address is that what it's called? Beth 49:50.402
Positive investment. Frank Wilkie 49:52.724
And I'm sure that it will involve a lot of projects out of our waste and resource recovery centre and investing in that is something all Councillors have said they would support and there are great benefits to come from that so thank you very much. Amelia Lorentson 50:06.871
In terms of the climate investment Roadmap, Cheyenne, will it be developed with external consultation? Can you explain what that process is going to look like? Kim Rawlings 50:23.280
We're not proposing to put that investment Roadmap in its development out to the community, it's about investment and budget decisions. Investment of operations, so it's development no, however it's being informed by feedback we've received through a raft of strategy development on these issues as we use that information to inform all of the development of plans and strategies so we draw on that information whether it's liveability survey, Corporate Plan, destination management, all those forms of consultation. Those conversations about plan and how it's then endorsed, adopted or considered will need to occur with Council. Thank you very much. Amelia Lorentson 51:18.561
In terms of a little bit of history, I actually asked an ex-Councillor as a councillor about, you know, about who pushed this organisational emissions and brought us into this really important space with climate change. And credit where credit's due, and it was the previous Mayor of Noosa Shire Council, Councillor Tony Wellington. And I think what I think I spoke just before in terms of reusable single-use coffee cups, you need drivers and those drivers should start at the top. In so in 2016 we had. Tony Wellington driving everything in the space of climate change and I've got a list of just a whole bunch of things that he did. Again, credit where credit's due. And also part of my little investigation is I also understand under our Local Government Act that the understanding of what's considered perpetual succession that once Council makes a decision it stands in perpetuity. I love that so we need to absolutely step up. This is critical and it's got to be driven from the top. Beth 52:46.653
As Council staff we are incredibly grateful for the previous Council for setting such an ambitious target. We believe that you can shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land amongst the stars and that's what's happened here. So, you know, as chief justice Allsop made abundantly clear in his decision, the threat is not in dispute, therefore our Resolve to continue this mission should not be in dispute. Frank Wilkie 53:13.462
Question. You mentioned in the report that council's on track to meet its target for all Council facilities to be 100% renewable by 2026, which is a far less ambitious target. We'll. But have we set out to be able to achieve that? But what has to be done before we, there's a little bit left to go before that's achieved. What's left to be done in that space? Unidentified Speaker 53:41.099
It's just working through the final stages of it. With procurement and finance to set the budget aside for that so purchasing LGCs essentially and so rather than going through retailer there's options to buy LGCs from the market which could be more cost effective for Council. Achieve the same result of being net zero for our electricity usage Beth 54:04.552
As well as investigating and putting plans in place for a PPA for a more long term and then the solar and batteries at the resource recovery centre to be able our electricity that's what I would just like to say emissions as well. Amelia Lorentson 54:20.119
That's right. I'll speak just very quickly on the report. Calls the last decade a positive journey, but I think the reality, as we've just discussed, is a little bit more complicated. Half the emissions budget wasn't spent. The baseline target turned later tuned out to be five times higher. And the resourcing behind the program enough for the scale of the task. But I'm going to repeat the incredible quote that Cheyenne just said. That's not. Failure is not when you set yourself an ambitious target and aim for the moon and land on the stars, that's still one step forward. And we're opening the conversation. We're learning from the past. And I think that the opportunity. Again, I'll just reiterate, we need strong leadership. Because even good plans struggle to get done. And there's someone driving the programs. And again, it starts at the top. In terms of the new climate positive investment Roadmap, I'm really excited about that and an absolute positive step in the right direction. Provided we learn from the past and um, again, this is, you know, the report's not about blame, it's just about total transparency and openness with the community. And again, opportunity, we've got the expertise canada. Expertise here in Council. Again, we just need to enable you to do your job. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 56:13.566
And it's worth noting that when we set the target in 2016, it wasn't a unanimous Council was a decision. Amelia Lorentson 56:22.549
Any further discussion? Brian Stockwell 56:24.272
I will close. Yeah, I think there's some really good points. And while I was, and always will, be frustrated that how society is so slow to react as a general. Um, I do acknowledge that there is a unanimous commitment amongst councils and executive staff to do as good as we can. It is a difficult exercise to balance competing urgent needs with those that are, you know, the bird in the hand versus the two in the bush sort of thing. One part that we have benefited from is by leading, you know, as Councillor Wilkie, a lot of the councils have gone down this path quicker than us, have got much larger budgets, the bigger ones, and a number of those have previously claimed carbon neutrality or zero emissions, as a result of buying offsets, and have walked away from that. So one of the benefits of being more thoughtful is that we haven't gone down to the road where it's cost our ratepayers a whole lot of money for offsets, which are now coming into question as to their veracity. And in the report we talk about the staff that made that decision that they won't be recommending that sort of offset buying just to get to that 2026 target and I think it's really important that we say yes we agree with that approach. I'd love to see a scheme that was both counselled in but also grants and incentives, I'd love to see all of the landslip prone really steep land in our hinterland with trees all over them funded as carbon offsets. It would be a wonderful outcome and probably the cheapest outcome in terms of having meaningful local offsets. While I won't protect anything I said, I do think from our level we could have driven harder. I do think it has been constrained by the fact that we're trying to address future emergencies in the middle of repeated emergencies. And I do think that the process we've led for the adoption of the new target, the new form of action has been excellent, you know, with the level of advice we've received in a series of speakers who are at the top of their field in the world. IPCC members, deloitte's, we have a really advanced level of understanding now of both the urgency and what is required and why it makes sense to take that action Amelia Lorentson 59:00.068
Discussion? All in favour? thank you so much. Thank- Aye. You. Good job. So now we want to item report, sorry, 7.3, for consideration of the committee, Walton Patrick to the desk, and I'll ask if you can give us a summary of the item. Which is the Planning & Environment Court appeal D114 of 2025 for minor change to the development permit for Material Change of Use for a duplex dwelling at 1/27 Duke Street, st. Patrick Murphy 59:54.989
Thank you. So this report recommends that Council defend a recently lodged appeal against the refusal under delegation of the additions to an existing duplex development at 1/27 Duke Street, one of the units number one of 27 Duke Street is seeking further additions. When the original development was approved it was under the 1990 planning scheme which permitted a plot ratio of 0.45 to 1. One and was approved at the maximum plot ratio since that time the scheme has changed to 0.4 this proposal is seeking that the plot ratio would be at least 0.54 to 1 so significantly over what was originally approved significantly over the current allowance. Of the Noosa Plan accordingly it was refused and as I said the report recommends that Council defend the appeal. Amelia Lorentson 01:00:55.976
Questions around the table? Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 01:00:59.826
Just clarifying we can't really talk about the substance of this particular case? That's correct. So I'll put it that way. I'll move to direct staff recommendation. Seconded by Councillor Wegener. I will talk in general terms. We've had a series of appeals which relate to individual dwellings or units seeking. To push the Noosa Plan well beyond its accepted limits. It is very disappointing that we are now in an era not of fighting appeals on large developments that are thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:54.784
Any further discussion before we put this to a Council meeting? Unidentified Speaker 01:02:00.441
What is this, you know, Tom Wegener 01:02:02.345
Sticking to the code, and I love Captain Barbossa, you know, stick to the code from the Pirates of the Caribbean. So so you know please, you know, please carry on with upholding our planning scheme. Amelia Lorentson 01:02:20.020
Can I add maybe a more, a quote from when I first came to Council? It was one of our great managers downstairs and he had this big poster "Death by a thousand cuts" and that's really stuck with me throughout my whole term and the more time I spent in Council, the more that I really understand what that means Frank Wilkie 01:02:44.224
And look, it's said been said many times that about 96% an average of 96% of all development applications that come to Council are approved because they understand the Noosa planning scheme. Applicants that work with campaign staff and Councillors get the approvals they need. This one is oversize. It's very clearly oversize. It can't be supported. Of course we can defend the appeal. Brian Stockwell 01:03:15.864
I will close, because I love the despise housing quote to and the other way of saying I think it Unidentified Speaker 01:03:22.896
Was just by a thousand death cuts not death by a thousand quotes. Amelia Lorentson 01:03:26.787
That's what I see. Brian Stockwell 01:03:34.648
Is of many small decisions and we've seen coastal town after coastal town who wouldn't defend their scheme as much as we did being the result of tyranny of many small decisions that resulted in the loss of their character that's does defend each why Noosa Council decision where we think the applicant has gone beyond what is acceptable Amelia Lorentson 01:04:00.468
Thank you great discussion great commentary around the table all in favour? You I you were saying Patrick I think you're still here so we're now up to item 7.4 point four by the change of two points. And insisting approval of all material charge of use. Expansion of special purpose waste disposal and recycling facility and ongoing clearing purposes 561. Matt 01:04:46.091
We've got Matt here, our assessment planner is going to run us through. Thank you everyone. Yes, so this application for another change to the existing approval for Material Change of Use. Special purpose for waste disposal and recycling facility. It followed a code assessment process and had the same rigour of assessment as any other application that Council would have before them. The application seeks to streamline and modernise the existing facility through the stage demolition, relocation and construction of existing facilities, including two weighbridges, one for public use and one for commercial operators. The redevelopment of the waste Transfer Station and relocation of the Reviva shop with outdoor display and storage area, and an enhanced configuration and minor expansion of the existing Cleanaway depot. Plans of the development have plans been prepared by an architect of the development have been prepared by an architectural and urban design firm, and the minor expansion of the Cleanaway depot includes the clearing of category X vegetation immediately to the east and west of the depot, and the proposal plan showed that a high-value tree is being retained in the Cleanaway depot car parking area the proposed clearing triggers state planning policy and environmental offset requirements and the proposed clearing retains a substantial buffer like a vegetation buffer along Eumundi Noosa Road. The design includes a number of safety improvements that address workplace health and safety matters associated with the operation. Facility and that includes the waste Transfer Station, Reviva shop and Cleanaway depot having been designed and sited to improve traffic flow and safety to increase capacity within the site. The lead-in will reduce queuing near the existing Eumundi-Noosa Road access with provision made for the two separate weighbridges, one for the general public use and public use and the second for the commercial use to separate heavy vehicles from the public vehicles within the site. The relocation of the Reviva shop towards the north. It provides a space for the new waste Transfer Station which will provide increased waste bins for disposal of different waste streams in a managed environment improving traffic flow and safety and increasing the amount of recycling. That can occur in the facility. There will be separation from the patrons attending the Reviva shop and patrons attending the new waste Transfer Station have they have a designated separate parking area. The new design of the waste Transfer Station limits the amount of pedestrian connectivity for patrons within the site and segregates customers using the facility from endangered. Endangers such as forklifts and trucks servicing the facility. There's enhanced safety within the expanded Cleanaway depot that includes internal configuration improvements with some more on-site manoeuvreing provided and a designated and separated truck. Parking area for the cleaning for the Cleanaway trucks on the eastern side of the drainage line with a dedicated pedestrian walkway provided beside the existing road crossing there was a question during the briefing about the staging of the works so I'll just talk to that there is staging proposed for the construction of the development to minimise the disruption on the site which is to remain operational during works in accordance with the construction management plan goes generally as follows: stage one will involve the construction of the new roads and weighbridge paths with the relocated weighbridges for the separated commercial and general public use. Being provided. The existing weighbridge is to remain in place to allow the continued operation of the facility in the interim. Stage two is the expansion of the Cleanaway relocation of the contractor office, wash bay and other facilities to allow Cleanaway to function as required with dedicated truck parking within the resource recovery area to the east. Stage three is the construction for the construction of the new Reviva shop and outdoor sales yard towards the north and finally stage four is the relocation of the existing weigh bridge, removal of the existing Reviva shop and.revival shop construction of the new waste Transfer Station. Transfer Station to the north of the existing waste transfer area. So the compliance and assessment of the application, it generally complies with all the applicable statutory instruments and the key matters of the assessment included the proposed gross floor area of individual buildings, the proposed length of the building walls and the provision of car parking. So that generally sums up the proposal and we recommend it for approval. Amelia Lorentson 01:10:41.167
Thank you, Matthew. Given council's counsel's by-- both the applicant and assessor, can you just sort of explain to us how we've ensured that the assessment in front of us is objective? Matt 01:10:54.436
Yeah, so we have a third party consultant acting on council's behalf. There's a separation between the two parts of Patrick Murphy 01:11:02.813
Council-- yeah, so the planning consultant is representing our waste team, so all communication has been through the planning consultant who's launched the application on behalf of Council and coordinated the documentation. Officers have undertaken an independent assessment consistent with how any other application would be without being assessed. Amelia Lorentson 01:11:25.792
Questions which means you run around the table? Tom. Unidentified Speaker 01:11:30.458
The timeframe's up. Tom Wegener 01:11:31.527
Yeah. Soon can we get this really going? And the reason, of course, is. Brian Stockwell 01:11:37.064
On the border. Okay. The council's talking as the applicant, not as the assessor. Sorry, I need a little bit of clarity. Oh, sorry, he's asking about a project that the applicant were here as the assessor. I think it confuses a the matter if we start talking around this table when we're assessing a development application about our role as the applicant. Unidentified Speaker 01:11:59.954
You're talking about us as the construction man. As opposed to assessing the construction. Richard MacGillivray 01:12:08.559
I can ask the Director you have that. Yes yeah Through the Chair yeah so our role in particular in regards to this application regards we're the assessment authority so our role is with this hat on today is the assessing authority so we're here to make the assessment decision. We have other hats as well that we wear but in terms of the decision we're making today our role is the assessment authority and therefore I guess the focus of the discussion today should be on the role as the assessment manager as opposed to the project delivery team. Amelia Lorentson 01:12:43.509
So maybe I can help you rephrase the question Councillor Wegener. If the development application is ratified. Our Ordinary Meeting in terms of currency period for the development application, how long is that and when can we expect. How does long is the currency period? Have you got that? Patrick Murphy 01:13:09.556
Well it's because the use is established, there's no. you can't lapse that approval. I note the comments that have been made. It might be asked that these are to questions that could the relevant Director at a future point in time. A briefing provided to Council around the timeframe of the works. Amelia Lorentson 01:13:33.543
We might just pause that and just any further questions around the table. Frank Wilkie 01:13:40.030
You mentioned 500 non-juvenile koala habitat trees. Be planted in the offset at a ratio of six to one. Where will the offset take place occur? Matt 01:13:52.434
So native foresters is working for the applicant regarding the ecological works in collaboration with Noosa Council's offset delivery teams identified as suitable offsets. Site within the Noosa Council area at a particular location, 304 Lake Flat Road, Cootharaba. Amelia Lorentson 01:14:12.397
Thank you. I'll be going. Of course. Okay. Funded? I think that's probably not for the assessment team to provide that information. We've got a different hat on. Okay. In terms of the koala habitat trees, there are 240 being cleared. How does clearing in a koala priority area meet state performance outcomes? Matt 01:14:47.105
So, for impacts on regulated vegetation, I'm ready to go out to vegetation. Majority of the vegetation that's been cleared is category X. So, for threatened species and koala habitat, this stage of the project will Resolve in the loss of about 240 non-juvenile koala habitat trees in a proprietary. Priority large, you know, priority koala area. So, clearing of non-juvenile habitat trees is considered a significant residual impact to a matter of the State environmental significance, as the site is identified as koala priority, but not core. It's triggered for assessment against the State code 25. As part of the application, Council officers have assessed against those triggers as for code 25, and in summary, the code sort of talks about three areas to be considered, so being has the clearing been reasonably avoided or can it be avoided? Has the clearing been reasonably minimised where it cannot be reasonably avoided? And has the clearing been. Being mitigated through offsets? Amelia Lorentson 01:15:57.789
Thank you. And that assessment's been done through state and they've given it all clear? Matt 01:16:04.964
The State, because it's category X, the State has no assessment of that. That's devolved to Council and undertaken that assessment Brian Stockwell 01:16:14.718
Might be worthwhile. Category X is at what level? Like we have endangered of concern and then? Category X is Matt 01:16:28.646
The definition catered against vegetation primarily under the Queensland vegetation management act refers to areas where clearing is generally considered exempt or accepted development. So for the purposes of mapping it would come up as white, it wouldn't be identified as vegetation. Brian Stockwell 01:16:48.097
I think you do talk about the inukwala, I'm sure you talk about it in your report. The majority of the koala habitat trees are because Melaleuca quinquenervia is listed as a koala habitat feed tree, it's one that is really when they're very, very hungry. Is my understanding. I think the first time that was ever recorded was back after the clearing, the initial clearing for Noosa Springs when we found it, I think it was first noticed in Noosa of anywhere. The higher quality trees in that regional ecosystem and what would have been there prior to it being clear felled in the 40s or 50s, whenever it was, is the Eucalyptus racemosa, the scribbly gum. I know you mentioned that one of those significant ones has been retained. How many of those actually high quality trees are we losing? Have we got a number on that? Matt 01:17:40.748
Might need um, we might need to come back to that. I believe it's, I think it's, I believe it's about six of those major trees with that one being kept within the, uh, within the car park and having a, protection zone around its, root zone there. Amelia Lorentson 01:17:56.978
So, you spoke about, um, one of the criteria was, um, it can't be avoided. Um, what other alternatives were considered as part of the assessment? Matt 01:18:09.755
Um, so essentially the, State code 25 has a range of, um, performance outcomes that need. Um, so essentially the, State code 25 has to be, looked at and addressed. Um, I guess given the, site and the constraints of the site, it's very difficult to avoid any vegetation clearing with an expansion like this, so. Looking at the next two steps, which would be to be reasonably minimise the effects of clearing, and I think this, the reporting sort of looks at how the extent of clearing has been reduced to increase that 30 metre buffer in that north-south direction, which is, has ticked that box for minimising clearing it's on the site, and then further to that, mitigating the impact by providing those offsets. Patrick Murphy 01:19:05.885
To add, I mean, the development is primarily using the existing footprint. Disturbed area, so some minor expansion with the vegetation in close proximity to those existing areas has resulted in some residual clearing. Amelia Lorentson 01:19:21.140
Any further questions around the table, Mr. Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 01:19:23.785
Um, in no, I'm what? I might move it, so I'll just talk to it. Just a second, thank you. We're dealing with an application here that's for a purpose that is consistent with the zoning. There is a small area around the northwest of the site that will have some additional clearing, and that is not in the endangered remnant. We know counselled. That the applicant is also Council and we would, if we weren't, the applicant take into consideration that this applicant has declared a whole lot of this particular lot to nature refuge to ensure nature conservation outcomes and the commitment to further offset that loss I think is a good outcome because the need to bring our waste recovery facilities up to standard which this is part of a much broader precinct plan the environmental benefits of achieving that outcome probably far outweigh the loss the temporary loss of the vegetation along the edge of this area which probably if we built to the edge of the car park we would do as exempt for fire purposes anyway. Amelia Lorentson 01:20:53.091
Okay, any further discussion around the table? No? Okay. So we'll put that to a vote. All in favour? Thank you. That's unanimous. Thank you very much. Appreciate it. And we now need record. Reports for noting by the committee and item 8.1 planning applications decided by delegated authority. And I'll hand it over to Patrick. Thank you. Patrick Murphy 01:21:27.747
Yeah, so this is the decisions that were made by delegated authority for the month of October in 2025. For me before the good spread of applications, another consistent month for the from team. With all the decisions under delegation being approved this month for October. Unidentified Speaker 01:21:57.499
No short-term accommodations in there. No? No. I'm trying to get questions. Amelia Lorentson 01:22:06.660
Any further questions around the table? Yes, Thank you. Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 01:22:14.072
Thank you. There was just an interesting one there about removal of an environmental covenant which got my radar going and on questioning I found out that it was a perverse use of an environmental to achieve a bushfire protection area buffer which we wouldn't do these days so it's not about losing environmental values by that action so I support the decision by staff. Amelia Lorentson 01:22:44.394
No further discussion. Can I have a mover and a seconder please. Thank you Councillor Wegener and a seconder. You want to do it? I'm happy to second. No further discussion. All in favour? Thank you. So we're now moving to the last matter which is confidential session item 9.1 not for public release Environment Levy proposed being proposed land for purchase so going at point. To move that this item is referred to confidential session and we might close the meeting for the confidential century levy. Can I have a seconder please? Thank you. Councillor Wegener. All in favour please? Amelia Lorentson 01:45:41.882
Okay. Thank you. We're now looking at item 9.1, confidential, not for public release, Environment Levy, proposed land purchase. Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 01:45:55.802
I that move that matter the be referred to the General Committee for further consideration. Amelia Lorentson 01:45:59.041
May I please have a seconder, Councillor Wegener? All in favour? That's unanimous. And that brings us to the so that's all right, just having some technical. Issues. Thank you very much. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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