Ordinary Meeting, 16 October 2025
Date: Thursday, 16 October 2025 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:55:01
Synopsis: Peregian Active Street petition sent to CEO, Fraud transparency committed and controls tightened, Planning: hospital approved and short-term accommodation refused, Infrastructure and flood recovery contracts progressed.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Deputations
Barb Allen Neville Hazlett Public Question Time
Pat Spicer Rhea Den Braasem AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Council: Received a 144-signatory petition seeking pause/review and more consultation on the Peregian Active Street Project; referred to CEO for action (Item 5) (01:06–02:10). Audit & Risk: Adopted minor amendments to Public Interest Disclosure Procedures/Program; noted updates on risk, BCP, ICT cyber risk, internal audit, draft financials, and QAO/KPMG interim report (Items 11.1.1–11.1.6, 11.1.7). Planning: Approved “other change” at 36–40 Hofmann Dr, Noosaville reclassifying uses to Health Care Service and Hospital (incl. Infusion Centre), with amended conditions and car parking rationale aligned to hospital use (Item 11.2.2). Planning: Refused MCU25/0006 for Short-term Accommodation (backpackers) at 17 Russell St, Noosaville for overdevelopment, bulk/scale, sub-tropical design non-compliance, excessive plot/site cover, privacy/overlooking, inadequate parking/servicing/landscaping, and waste servicing failures (Item 11.2.3). Infrastructure: Awarded Sunshine Creek Slope Stability contract to FSG Geotechnics & Foundations under LGR s235(b); CEO delegated administration and up to 11% variation (Item 11.4.4). Disaster Recovery: Approved $1.33m increase to contract 2122Q125 for 2022 flood program management; CEO delegated up to 11.5% variations and date extension to 31 Mar 2026 (Item 11.4.5). Procurement: Adopted Sole and Specialised Supplier Lists for 12 months; noted one supplier to be removed as no longer trading; adopted minor legislative-reference amendments to commercial fees; refreshed Tree Management Services ROPS and delegations (Items 11.3.1–11.3.3, 11.3.7) (43:16–43:39). Community: Approved out-of-round three-year Community Alliance Agreement: Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society ($6,727.18) (Item 11.3.4). Meetings: Adopted 2026 meeting schedule; resolved to hold 20 Nov 2025 Ordinary Meeting 5pm at Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club with livestream (Items 11.3.5–11.3.6). Tourism: Noted status update on Tourism Noosa Road Map; project on track with external benchmarking and a part-time project lead appointed (Item 12.2) (01:06:29–01:09:02). Planning: Approved change at 5 Opal St, Cooroy Bowls Club to Outdoor Sport & Recreation, Food & Drink Outlet, and Distillery (Medium Impact Industry) with amended conditions: earlier 7am start, nighttime limits (9pm Sun–Thu, 11pm Fri–Sat), playground to 9pm, post-commencement acoustic certification, and an easement along Diamond Lane to support future connectivity and avoid costly resumption (Items 11.4.3 deferred; 12.1) (47:22–01:05:44). QAO Interim Audit / Fraud: Noted report on Dec 2024 fraud incident and committed to release a publicly accessible follow-up report by Dec meetings, subject to legal/privacy constraints (Item 12.3) (01:10:04–02:50:44). Contentious / Transparency Matters Peregian Active Streets: Petitioners seek pause/review and deeper consultation on Shearwater/Piper/Plover Streets; Council referred to CEO (Item 5) (01:06–02:10). Bridge Club Deputation: Sought policy flex on tree management due to solar shading, path safety works (handrail/new path), and a 3m vegetation buffer around Council-owned building to mitigate fire/root damage; argued current policy impedes zero emissions aspirations (Item 7.1) (02:42–16:58). Cooroy Housing (RAAF): Community raised concern that trunk infrastructure for 62/64 Lake Macdonald Dr precedes consultation on Lots 2–3; Council affirmed consultation in 2026 after subdivision works, noting RAAF funds infrastructure not dwellings (Item 8.1–8.2) (17:15–25:30). Fraud Reporting: Debate on scope/timing of transparency: a motion for regular councillor updates on QAO recommendations lost (For: Wilkie, Stockwell, Wegener) while a commitment to a public follow-up report by Dec passed (For: Finzel, Phillips, Lorentson, Wegener, Wilson) (Item 12.3) (01:29:20–01:41:32; 01:41:47–01:49:25). Fraud Briefings Attendance: Proposal requesting councillors attend Audit & Risk Committee and related briefings about the fraud was defeated as unnecessary/redundant given existing access (Item 12.3) (02:18:30–02:31:41). Legal / Risk Planning Act 2016 s63(5): Both Hofmann Dr hospital reclassification and Cooroy Bowls Club change reported under s63(5), ensuring lawful transparency of reasons (Items 11.2.2, 12.1). Local Government Regulation 2012: Meeting relocation/time change resolved per s257(3)(b) (Item 11.3.6); Sunshine Creek contract awarded under s235(b) limited supplier exception (Item 11.4.4). Procurement probity: Sole/Specialised Supplier Lists adopted; CEO confirmed one entity no longer trading would be removed; list membership and conflicts handled under Ch 5B LGA 2009 (Item 11.3.2) (43:16–43:39). Fraud controls: QAO/KPMG interim audit noted; Council implemented additional internal controls and is deploying EFTSure; police agencies (AFP/Interpol/QPS) engaged; public disclosures constrained by legal/privacy obligations to avoid copycat risk and protect staff (Item 11.1.6; 12.3) (01:10:04–01:12:51; 01:47:30–01:48:04). Laneway Easements (Cooroy): Conditioned 2m easement along Diamond Lane to enable future connectivity/services and avoid compulsory acquisition costs; no immediate works authorised (Item 12.1) (58:48–01:01:43). Backpackers refusal risk posture: Comprehensive refusal grounds across High Density Residential Zone Code, Driveways/Parking Code, Waste Management Code, Visitor Accommodation Code support defensibility on appeal (Item 11.2.3). Conflicts of Interest Jessica Phillips: Prescribed COI due to Hastings St Association committee connection via sister-in-law; left room for Item 11.3.2 (41:13–41:38). Amelia Lorentson: Declarable COI re prior employment of spouse at Page Furnishers; Council (s150ES LGA) permitted participation and vote; not eligible to vote on that determination (Item 11.3.2) (41:41–43:58). Short-Term Accommodation / Visitor Economy / Planning Scheme STA Refusal (Noosaville): Over-intensity vs Noosa Plan 2020, shortfalls in parking/servicing/landscaping and privacy impacts; Council found no sufficient planning grounds to vary scheme intensity (Item 11.2.3). Hospital Use Alignment: Hofmann Dr approval recognised specialist cancer treatment/inpatient accommodation better fits “Hospital,” with peer-reviewed parking supply (Item 11.2.2). Cooroy Bowls Club: Conditions ensure food/drink and distillery remain ancillary to primary recreation use; hours/noise conditions aligned with codes and acoustic advice (Item 12.1) (47:22–50:04; 50:04–54:25). Diamond Lane Strategy: Easement supports Cooroy local plan intent for laneway connectivity and intensified residential interfaces; staged through development rather than later resumption (Item 12.1) (58:48–01:01:43). Tourism Road Map: Joint work with Tourism Noosa; independent benchmarking and tight delivery timeframes acknowledged (Item 12.2) (01:06:29–01:09:02). Cyber / Fraud Governance Margaret Gatt: Confirmed Dec 2024 fraud (~$2.3m; net ~$1.9m) via sophisticated social engineering; no systems breach or personal data loss; incident reported to all required authorities within statutory timeframes (01:10:04–01:12:51). Larry Sengstock: Stated processes (not core systems) were exploited; controls tightened per QAO advice; public detail constrained to avoid revealing tactics and jeopardising investigations (01:16:24–01:18:03; 01:22:08–01:23:26). Frank Wilkie: Sought regular councillor updates on QAO recommendation implementation and efficacy; amendment lost (For: Wilkie, Stockwell, Wegener; Against: Finzel, Phillips, Lorentson, Wilson) (01:29:20–01:41:32). Amelia Lorentson: Secured commitment to a publicly accessible follow-up report by Dec meetings, addressing key community questions subject to legal/privacy; carried (For: Finzel, Phillips, Lorentson, Wegener, Wilson; Against: Wilkie, Stockwell) (01:41:47–01:49:25). Nicola Wilson: As Audit & Risk Committee member, flagged pursuit of a deep dive via committee; emphasised confidentiality limits for public disclosure (01:54:59–01:56:53). Brian Stockwell: Cautioned that over-disclosure elevates sector risk; relied on QAO and Audit & Risk oversight to validate control changes (01:33:19–01:35:01; 02:46:26–02:49:44). Community Housing / Residential Activation Fund (RAAF) Kim Rawlings: Clarified RAAF funds trunk infrastructure only; Lot 1 to be sold to Coast2Bay for 25 community housing units post-subdivision; Lots 2–3 to be investigated (with consultation) for various uses, including housing (Item 8.1 Q1) (17:15–18:58). Larry Sengstock: Read responses noting potential loan facility and pursuit of further grants to meet infrastructure cost gap (~$6m vs $4.1m RAAF) (Item 8.1 Q2) (20:45). Kim Rawlings: Stated community consultation for Lots 2–3 will likely occur in 2026 after subdivision/servicing, consistent with earlier resolution; RAAF timelines (3 years) will be met (Items 8.2 Q1–Q2) (22:53–25:02). Speaker Attributions (select highlights) Barb Allen: Profiled Noosa Bridge Club growth to 370 members, social/cognitive benefits, low fees, and heavy volunteer base; sought Council support (02:42–08:05). Neville Hazlett: Requested vegetation pruning/dispensation to optimise solar (equating to 550 trees/year CO2 benefit), path safety works, and a 3m vegetation buffer to reduce fire/root risks (08:07–16:58). Patrick Murphy: Outlined Cooroy Bowls Club conditions (hours/noise/playground, post-commencement acoustic certification, Diamond Lane easement) and representations process availability (47:22–55:21). Jessica Phillips: Declared prescribed COI on Sole Supplier item and left room; advocated publicly accessible fraud follow-up to build trust (41:13–41:38; 01:52:06–01:54:59). Nicola Wilson: Emphasised audit scrutiny and commitment to probe forensic/crisis process via committee; supported transparency within legal bounds (01:54:59–01:56:53; 02:41:52–02:43:55). Frank Wilkie: Chaired proceedings; pressed for councillor oversight on fraud controls’ implementation; cautioned against over-promising on public disclosures given legal/privacy limits (00:00; 01:29:20–01:41:32; 01:46:54–02:00:52).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 16 October 2025 10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 10.01am. 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 COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 (Deferred from P&E Meeting dated 7 October 2025) Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips The Minutes of the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting held on 9 SEPTEMBER 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 4.2 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES DATED 18 SEPTEMBER 2025 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 18 SEPTEMBER 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 5 PETITIONS 1 PETITION: PEREGIAN ACTIVE STREET PROGRAM Refer to Attachment 1 to the Ordinary Meeting 2025-10-16 - PETITION - Active Streets Proposal for Peregian Beach - David Phipps REDACTED. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That the petition with 144 signatories submitted by David Phipps, requesting that Council pause, review and make further consultation on the Active Street Project at Peregian Beach be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS 7.1 APPLICANT: NEVILLE HAZLETT, NOOSA BRIDGE CLUB TOPIC: NOOSA BRIDGE CLUB SPEAKERS: BARB ALLEN, NEVILLE HAZLETT ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 8.1. PAT SPICER QUESTION 1 What implications/impact does receiving a grant through the Residential Activation Fund for infrastructure work at 62/64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy have for future use of Lots 2 and 3 of the subdivision? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment The Residential Activation Fund is for infrastructure to support housing not for the construction of housing itself. Proposed Lot 1 will provide housing, as the lot will be sold to Coast2bay Housing Group for the construction of 25 much needed community housing units, once the subdivision is finished. Proposed Lots 2 and 3 will be investigated for a range of land uses including housing, in accordance with the Council resolution dated 23 January 2025 (including community consultation). QUESTION 2 As Council has a grant of $4.1million for trunk infrastructure for 62/64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy from the Residential Activation Fund and the cost of the contract which will result in this infrastructure being provided on 64 Lake Macdonald Drive is approximately $6 million, will Council be activating the loan facility or using Council reserves to cover the balance of the cost? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment Council continues to explore opportunities as outlined in Item D of Council resolution dated 23 January 2025. A loan facility is being investigated along with pursuing further grant funding opportunities. 8.2. RHEA DEN BRAASEM QUESTION 1 What implications/impact does receiving a grant through the Residential Activation Fund for infrastructure work at 62/64 Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy have in relation to community consultation on future use of Lot 2 and 3? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment Council is committed to community consultation to help shape future land uses on proposed Lots 2 and 3 and Council's success in the Residential Activation Fund does not impact on that commitment. The Residential Activation Fund is for trunk infrastructure not for the housing itself. The infrastructure works will be completed by around March 2026, meeting the three year time frame requirement of the Residential Activation Fund comfortably. Community consultation on future uses for Lot 2 and 3 will likely occur in 2026. QUESTION 2 Will community consultation regarding the future uses of Lots 2 and 3, 64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy be held before the subdivision works which will provide the trunk infrastructure part of the development? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment No. Community consultation will not take place prior to the subdivision works being ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 completed. As previously advised community consultation on future uses for Lot 2 and 3 will likely occur in 2026. Most land uses including those identified to be investigated for Lots 2 and 3 by Council resolution dated 23 January 2025, require some level of servicing and infrastructure to operate. The meeting adjourned at 10.27am The meeting resumed at 10.40am. 9 MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. 10 NOTIFIED MOTIONS Nil. 11. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 11.1 AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 29 AUGUST 2025 11.1.1. GOVERNANCE & POLICY UPDATE That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 29 August 2025 regarding governance and compliance matters and: A. Approve and adopt minor amendments to the Public Interest Disclosure Procedures as per Attachment 3. B. Approve and adopt minor amendments to the Public Interest Disclosure Management Program as per Attachment 4. 11.1.2. RISK MANAGEMENT & BCP UPDATE That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 29 August 2025 providing an update on risk management related matters. 11.1.3. ICT CYBER RISK REPORT That Council note the report by the Acting ICT Manager to the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting dated 30 September 2025 regarding ICT Cyber Risk Report. 11.1.4. INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE That Council note the report by the Executive Officer to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting 29 August 2025 regarding the Internal Audit Update. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 11.1.5. 2024-25 DRAFT FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND END OF FINANCIAL YEAR UPDATE That Council note the report from the Acting Financial Services Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 29 August 2025 regarding the 2025 end of year update and draft financial statements. 11.1.6. CONFIDENTIAL - QAO/KPMG COMBINED INTERIM REPORT The Council note the QAO/KPMG combined NSC Briefing Paper & NSC Interim Report August 2025 to the Audit & Risk Committee Meeting dated 29 August 2025. 11.1.7. AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS EN BLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the Recommendations of the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 29 August 2025 be received and adopted. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 11.2 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 7 OCTOBER 2025 11.2.1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – AUGUST 2025 That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting on 7 October 2025 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for August 2025 as per Attachment 1 to the Report. 11.2.2. MCU19/0017.07 - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR OTHER CHANGE TO DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR COMMERCIAL BUSINESS TYPE 1 OFFICE, COMMERCIAL BUSINESS TYPE 2 MEDICAL TO HEALTH CARE SERVICE, HOSPITAL AND HOSPITAL (INFUSION CENTRE) AND RAL 19/0004.07 RECONFIGURING LOT AT 36-40 HOFMANN DRIVE, NOOSAVILLE That Council note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 7 October 2025 regarding Other Change to Application MCU19/0017.07 Development Permit for Material Change of Use - Commercial Business – Type 1 Office, Commercial Business Type 2 Medical and Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot to a Material Change of Use - Health ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 Care Service, Hospital and Hospital (Infusion Centre) and Development Permit for Reconfiguring a Lot, situated at 36-40 Hofmann Drive Noosaville and: A. Approve the change to the approved uses so that the approved uses are now Health Care Service, Hospital and Hospital (Infusion Centre) B. Amend Conditions 2, 3, 17, 25 C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. D. Find the following matters relevant to the assessment and sufficient reason to approve the application: I. The proposed extension is located internal to the building and will not impact on the existing streetscape. II. The proposed hospital use more accurately reflects the nature of services provided on-site, which include specialised cancer treatment, dedicated treatment areas, and inpatient accommodation. These functions are more consistent with a hospital use than a general medical centre. III. The proposed carparking provision and information has been peer reviewed. The peer review supports the recommendation the carparking provisions based on the predominant use of the site being for hospital purposes as described by the applicant. 11.2.3. MCU25/0006 - DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION (BACKPACKERS ACCOMMODATION) AT 17 RUSSELL ST, NOOSAVILLE That Council note the report by the Senior Development Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 7 October 2025 regarding Application MCU25/0006 for a Development Permit for Material Change of Use - Short-term accommodation (backpackers accommodation), situated at and 1-3/17 Russell Street Noosaville and: A. Refuse the application for the following reasons: 1. The proposed development is an overdevelopment of the site and is not consistent with Overall Outcomes 6.3.3.2 (2) (a) (c) (d) (e) (f) (h) (j) (n) and (p) and performance outcomes and acceptable outcomes PO6, PO7, PO8, PO9, PO15, AO9.1(c) and AO15.2 and AO15.3 of the High Density Residential Zone Code as; a. The scale of the development is not consistent with structures on adjoining or nearby land and is likely to dominate and adversely impact the surrounding residential amenity. b. The proposed development will result in a site cover which significantly exceeds the site cover requirements of the planning scheme providing a building that is not consistent with the street and surrounding area. c. The proposed development does not satisfactorily incorporate design elements and materials reflective of the local streetscape character of the area, with the building not designed in the Noosa sub-tropical style. d. The proposal will result in a plot ratio which significantly exceeds the plot ratio requirements of the planning scheme and is of a size that is not compatible with surrounding development. e. The proposal rear setback of the third floor and rooftop terrace significantly encroaches into the rear setback as required by the ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 planning scheme and contributes to building bulk and provides opportunities for overlooking to adjacent properties. f. The proposed roof top terrace creates opportunities for potential privacy impacts on neighbouring properties due to overlooking. 2. The proposal does not comply with Overall Outcomes 9.4.1.2 (2) (a) (b) (c) and Performance Outcome 6 and Acceptable Outcomes 6.1and 6.2 of the Driveways and Parking Code as: a. Sufficient carparking is not available on site to accommodate the likely demand for carparking on site and the site is located where on street parking is insufficient and undesirable. b. The proposed car stacker is not suitable for parking as it lacks sufficient clearance for operation and is impractical for use by guests and staff unfamiliar with such systems. c. The development does not provide the required number of functional car spaces including service vehicles as the proposed bus park is not sized to accommodate a small rigid vehicle. d. No provision has been made for motorcycles and bicycles. 3. The proposed does not comply with Performance Outcome 7 and Acceptable Outcome AO7.1 of the Driveways and Parking Code as: a. The development fails to provide adequate loading and manoeuvring areas on site to accommodate the anticipated service vehicles. 4. The proposal is not consistent with Overall Outcome 9.4.10.2 (2) (d) and Performance and Acceptable Outcomes PO3, AO3.2(b), AO3.2(d), AO3.2(e) and AO3.2(f) of the Waste Management Code as: a. The development has not adequately demonstrated that waste can be serviced on site. b. The proposed waste storage area has not been designed to allow for unobstructed access for collection by service vehicles (i.e., on-site servicing). c. Kerbside servicing is unable to occur while remaining clear from all existing on-street carparks, pedestrian footpaths and without impeding traffic flow on Russell Street. 5. The proposal is not consistent with Performance Outcome PO9 and the corresponding Acceptable outcomes AO9.1 & AO9.2 of the Visitor accommodation Code as: a. The proposed area of landscaping is significantly less than the area required by the planning scheme; b. The proposed landscaping widths to side and rear boundaries are significantly less than that required by the planning scheme; c. The undersupply of onsite landscaping area and widths to boundaries results in a development which restricts the ability to incorporate landscaping between the site and neighbouring premises / buildings and to assist with softening the built form. There are no relevant reasons to approve the proposed development to vary from development intensity specified by the Noosa Plan 2020 for this area. B. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. C. Note the report incorrectly identifies the required number of bicycle spaces and motorcycle spaces which should each be identified as 7. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 11.2.4. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS EN BLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the Recommendations of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting dated 7 October 2025 be received and adopted. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 11.3 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 7 OCTOBER 2025 11.3.1. MINOR AMENDMENTS TO FEES AND CHARGES REGISTER FOR COMMERCIAL FEES That Council A. Note the report by the Property Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 October 2025 regarding minor amendments to Council's Fees and Charges Register; B. Adopt the legislative reference changes to Council's Fees and Charges Register for the commercial fees, as detailed in the report; and C. Authorise the CEO to amend Council's 2025/26 Fees and Charges Register accordingly. 11.3.2. NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL SOLE AND SPECIALISED SUPPLIER LISTS Cr Jessica Phillips "I Cr Phillips inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to Item 11.3.2 - Noosa Shire Council Sole and Specialised Supplier Lists on this agenda in relation to the Hastings St Association being on the Sole Supplier List as my sister-in-law Joanne Phillips is on the committee of the Hastings St Association. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on." Cr Phillips left the meeting. Cr Amelia Lorentson "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 I inform the meeting that I, Cr Lorentson, have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter Item 11.3.2 - NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL SOLE AND SPECIALISED SUPPLIER LISTS on this agenda because my husband, Chris Lorentson, was previously employed as General Manager at Page Furnishers Pty Ltd, a role he held for 32 years. However, the company is no longer trading, and he is no longer employed there. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 reasonable person would have a perception of bias or personal gain in this matter. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision." Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Lorentson and determine that in accordance with s150ES of the Local Government Act 2009 and having considered the Councillor's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Cr Lorentson may participate and vote on this matter relating to the Item 11.3.2. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Lorentson having declared a conflict of interest was not eligible to vote. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council A. Note the report by the Procurement & Contracts Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 October 2025 regarding the Sole and Specialised Lists; B. Adopt the Sole Supplier List provided at Attachment 1 of the report for the next twelve (12) months; and C. Adopt the Specialised Supplier List provided at Attachment 2 of the report for the next twelve (12) months. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Phillips returned to the meeting. 11.3.3. REGISTER OF PRE-QUALIFIED SUPPLIERS FOR PROVISION OF TREE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES - RP25083 That Council note the report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 7 October 2025 and A. Approve the award of Contract No. RP25083 for the Register of Pre-qualified Suppliers (ROPS) for the Provision of Tree Management and Maintenance Services for a period of two (2) years commencing 1 November 2025 to the suppliers listed in Attachment 1 of the report. B. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer the Contract on behalf of Council. C. Subject to satisfactory performance of the suppliers, authorise the CEO to approve the option to extend the contract, at the expiry of initial term, for a ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 further two (2) terms of up to twenty-four (24) months each ending on 31 October 2031. D. Authorise the CEO to approve the addition of new suppliers to Contract No. RP25083 – ROPS for Provision of Tree Management and Maintenance Services as a result of an advertised refresh at the discretion of Council. 11.3.4. 2025-2026 OUT OF ROUND COMMUNITY GRANT APPLICATION FOR A THREE-YEAR COMMUNITY ALLIANCE AGREEMENT That Council A. Note the report by the Community Development Coordinator to the General Committee Meeting dated 7 October 2025; and B. Approve the out-of-round Community Grant application from the Tewantin Heritage and Historical Society for a Three-Year Community Alliance Agreement to the value of $6,727.18, commencing 2025-26. 11.3.5. COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE – 2026 That Council A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 7 October 2025; B. Approve the Council Meeting schedule for January-December 2026 as set out in Attachment 1 to the Report; and C. Note Council's commitment to community engagement, in particular holding Ordinary Meetings in the community, and therefore times and venue of Ordinary Meetings adopted in Attachment 1 may be changed by via Council Resolution in order to facilitate this. 11.3.6. CHANGE OF TIME & VENUE FOR ORDINARY MEETING DATED 20 NOVEMBER 2025 That Council A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 7 October 2025 regarding the Ordinary Meeting dated 20 November 2025; and B. Pursuant to Section 257(3)(b) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, resolve to: 1. Change the commencement time of the Ordinary Meeting dated 20 November 2025 to 5pm; 2. Change the venue for the meeting to Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club, 24 Boreen Parade, Boreen Point; C. Request that the Chief Executive Officer ensure suitable advertising is undertaken to promote this community based Council Meeting; and D. Note that Council plan to livestream the meeting and place a copy of the recording on Council's website. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 11.3.7. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the Recommendations of the Services & Organisation Committee meeting dated 7 October 2025 be received and adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 11.4 GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 13 OCTOBER 2025 11.4.1. CEO'S YEAR IN REVIEW That Council: A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 13 October 2025 regarding the Year in Review; and B. Celebrate the dedication and hard work of all staff in delivering high service levels for our community. 11.4.2. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2025 That Council note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the General Committee dated 13 October 2025 on Council's financial performance for the period ending 30 September 2025. 11.4.3. 51995.1611.04 APPLICATION FOR OTHER CHANGE TO AN EXISTING APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT (CLUBHOUSE) AND SPORT AND RECREATION (BOWLING GREENS) TO MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION, FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET, AND MEDIUM IMPACT INDUSTRY (DISTILERY) AT 5 OPAL STREET, COOROY That General Committee Item 8.3 be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16 October 2025 for further consideration. 11.4.4. SUNSHINE CREEK SLOPE STABILITY CONTRACT AWARD That Council A. Note the report by the Disaster Reconstruction Coordinator to the General Committee dated 13 October 2025; B. Award the contract to Foundation Specialists Pty Limited t/as FSG Geotechnics & Foundations valued at $41,510.00 (excl. GST), pursuant to section 235 (b) of the Local Government Regulation 2012; ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer the Contract of behalf of Council; and D. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to amend the contract up to 11% of the total contract value. 11.4.5. CONFIDENTIAL - 2122Q125 - CONTRACT VARIATION FOR PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES - 2022 FLOOD RECOVERY AND RECONSTRUCTION That Council A. Note the report by the Disaster Reconstruction Coordinator to the General Committee Meeting dated 13 October 2025; B. Approve increasing the value of contract 2122Q125 by $1,330,467.42, (GST exc.) from $5,100,000 (GST exc.) to $6430,467.42 (GST exc.), with program administration completion expected by 31 March 2026; C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and administer the contract on behalf of Council; D. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to amend the contract up to 11.5% of the total contract value; and E. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to amend the contract finish date to no later than 31 March 2026. 11.4.6. GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the Recommendations of the General Committee meeting dated 13 October 2025 be received and adopted. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 12 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 12.1. 51995.1611.04 APPLICATION FOR OTHER CHANGE TO AN EXISTING APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – INDOOR ENTERTAINMENT (CLUBHOUSE) AND SPORT AND RECREATION (BOWLING GREENS) TO MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION, FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET, AND MEDIUM IMPACT INDUSTRY (DISTILERY) AT 5 OPAL STREET, COOROY (DEFERRED FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 13 OCTOBER 2025). ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council A. Note the report by the Development Planner to the General Committee Meeting dated 13 October 2025 regarding Application 51995.1611.04 for an Other Change to an existing approval for Material Change of Use – Indoor Entertainment (Clubhouse) and Sport and Recreation (Bowling greens) to Material Change of Use - Outdoor Sport and Recreation, Food and Drink Outlet, and Medium Impact Industry (Distillery) situated at 5 Opal Street, Cooroy. B. Approve the application in accordance with the proposed additional conditions outlined in Attachment 1 Attachment 2 to the Ordinary Meeting Minutes dated 2025-10-16 - Amended Conditions; and C. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 63(5) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 12.2 TOURISM NOOSA ROAD MAP DEVELOPMENT STATUS REPORT Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the CEO to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16 October 2025 providing a status update to the preparation of the Roadmap for Tourism Noosa. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 12.3 SUMMARY REPORT - QUEENSLAND AUDIT OFFICE (QAO) INTERIM AUDIT REPORT Motion Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council Note the report by the Director Corporate Services (Acting) to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16 October 2025 regarding the December 2024 fraud incident. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That B be added to read: B. Request the CEO to provide regular updates to councillors on the implementation of the Queensland Audit Office recommendations, including the progress and efficacy of the additional internal controls and third-party software system. Lost. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener Against: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Nicola Wilson Amendment No. 2 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That B be added to read: B. Commits to releasing a publicly accessible follow-up report by the December round of meetings, addressing key questions raised by the community and outlining key findings, actions taken and lessons learned subject to legal and privacy obligations. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Brian Stockwell Amendment No. 3 Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That C be added to read: C. That Councillors are requested to attend future Audit & Risk Committee meetings and related briefings about this fraud to remain informed on the progress of this matter. Lost. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Tom Wegener Against: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Nicola Wilson Amendment No. 4 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That C be added to read: C. Acknowledges the need to address issues that may have contributed to the December 2024 fraud incident and commits to undertaking a review of internal processes, workforce capabilities, and resourcing as part of Council's response. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 The amendment was withdrawn. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. That Council Note the report by the Director Corporate Services (Acting) to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16 October 2025 regarding the December 2024 fraud incident; and B. Commits to releasing a publicly accessible follow-up report by the December round of meetings, addressing key questions raised by the community and outlining key findings, actions taken and lessons learned subject to legal and privacy obligations. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 13 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 14 NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club, 24 Boreen Parade, Boreen Point at 5.00pm on 20 November 2025. 15 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 12:56pm.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.020
We're going to get the meeting open at 10:01am. I acknowledge that we're meeting on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi People, pay respects to elders past, present and emerging, and also like to acknowledge their recognition that we share the roles of joint custodians in respecting and caring for this beautiful place that we all love, and respecting and caring for each other. Now that all councils are in attendance, we come to confirmation of the Minutes. Can I have a move and a seconder for the Minutes of the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting held on 9th September 2025, which was deferred from the P&E meeting. I'm happy to meet. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Can I have a second, please? I'm happy to second. Councillor Phillips, thank you, all in favour? That's carried unanimously. I have a move and a seconder for the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on the 18th of September. 2025 lose. Thank you Councillor Finzel, Councillor Wilson, all in favour? That's carried unanimously. I believe we have one petition, Councillor Lorentson. I have a petition. Amelia Lorentson 01:06.612
Can I have the wording I particular have a petition in front of me that contains 126 signatures with respect to concerns that a significant number of residents have in regards to the active street proposal for Lorikeet Drive and subsequently for shearwater, Piper and Plover streets. The petition with 144 signatures has been submitted by David Phipps and I request that Council pause, review and make further consultation on the active street project at Peregian beach and I request it be received. And referred to the CEO to determine appropriate action. Frank Wilkie 02:08.314
All in favour? Carried unanimously. There are no presentations. We have one deputation and 15 minutes allocated for the deputation. The speakers are this speaker's nasal, sorry, Neville haslett. Hazlett and barb all eyes are on Neville, but haislett Bob Allen from the Noosa Bridge Club, and the top is the Noosa Bridge Club, which would like to come to the lectern and present your deputation. We've got 15 minutes for you. Barb Allen 02:47.348
Good morning, everybody, and thank you for our attendance today. Nasal and I, and I'm not nasal, represent the bridge club, and I'm the president of the current committee of 11. I'll leaving. Be and Neville is a management push-along do-it-man. He's great. Me if I can just give you a little bit of the history of the club, which I've only been a member of for three years, so some of this was news to me as well. But anyway, I will share that with you. So in 1977, the inaugural meeting of nine members formed the Noosa Bridge Club, happening in Hastings Street with Luke tershwell, who's now in his nearly 90th year, opening valmardo's. Doors to like-minded- bridge players. From there, games were played in private homes, pine tree resort motel, Noosa bowls club, and later at the Sunshine Beach Surf Club. In 1986, the club had the foresight to purchase a 29-year-old church hall in James Street. As pressure mounted for development in that area, some eight years after owning the building, the club was offered Council land at Wallace Park to relocate and we happily reside there today. Anticipating a surge in membership, a large extension was added to the former church hall, carried out mainly by members. Today we enjoy the considerable effort of our former founders and our club has blossomed to 370 members with a cap of 400, the capacity of our building. We are in fact one of the very few bridge clubs nationwide with a growing membership which we love. Playing happens five days a week, five days per week. Christmas days and sundays the only days that we remain closed and sessions are four to and a half hours in duration. Our demographic is creeping upwards, 68 being the average age of our member. We have five members over 90, excuse me, and because they have recently been offered free play as a 90 year old, there are 20 others aspiring inspiration. To get to that magical figure. Inspirational. On the day of no play, that's a Tuesday, club opens for beginners lessons, supervised play and various other teacher groups along with our management I mean the same goes for the committee meeting held once a month. Members. Have bonded over one very large extended, to a very large extended family unit, a culture that we currently actively create. For many, coming to bridge four or five times a week has become their lifeblood and only form of socialisation outside of their homes. Before play, as many as 30 members arrive three quarters of an hour before play to wet their social appetites. I might say I'm one of them. We're tragics. Following play, it's often hard to move the members on because of the same reason. So we have a wonderful problem. As an activity, we can clearly claim that we mitigate against cognitive decline in a massive way. Which is great for the individual, their families, and the community at large. Life's tough challenges for many of our members simply disappears because of the mental challenges and they get by playing bridge and making the connections within the club, keeping isolation and depression at bay. Many of our members draw from some sort of pension and often state how fabulous it is that we keep our fees to a hundred dollars a year as a joining fee and seven dollars per game fee. Most affordable rates indeed. The club is run by 68 volunteers. Eleven of whom form the management committee. Many sub-committees exist to consider IT, strategic planning, rules and ethics, social events, housekeeping, maintenance. Publicity, teaching, we go on. And also we run an app that is an organiser for our. As partnership arrangement. All in we run a pretty seamless organisation. We employ and admin. An officer for ten hours a week to keep the place trouble free. We pride ourselves in listening to our members, being change agents if required, assisting with four local charities annually, Katie rose, the Parkinson's Group, Salvation Army and Santa's Little Helpers at Christmas and always try to do the best by our membership. In summary, we have 370 very happy vegemites. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 08:03.305
Thank you barb. You're now welcome Neville. Neville Hazlett 08:07.422
Thank you. My throat suddenly got a bit dry, I think I had a glass of Unidentified Speaker 08:13.037
Water. Just listening to Nate. Yeah, well no, I don't think so. Neville Hazlett 08:23.425
Um, let's do it again. Mr Mayor, Councillors, Council officers, I'm Neville hazlett and I'm part of the bridge club management committee. Thank you for this invitation and opportunity to outline. Some of our issues and problems which we hope you will receive positively. We invite the Council to consider our position and interests and note the contradiction between council's tree management policy and our ability to support council's zero emission target. We are hindered in supporting living well initiatives and we are being disadvantaged financially by this policy. Our current difficulties are financial pressures and our financial pressures are and one instance for operating the club is difficult because we have continuing economic issues around building maintenance, around running costs and upcoming expenses. It's becoming expensive for technology and to update to upkeep that our building. Specific immediate problem is the cost of power the building which is a result of a necessary air conditioning system to make the internal ambient conditions reasonable in what we are the conditions. In the summer we have to cool and in the winter we have to heat and that generates a lot of power. Consumption and our power bills are running at about $10,000 a year and likely to increase. The solution or the potential solution which upgrades the existing old and inefficient solar system with a new improved and more efficient one is somewhat constrained. And significantly constrained, I should say by the adjoining vegetation. Shading in some parts of the year reduces the solar generation by 50% and averages around 30%. So this data points to a progressive increase and the encroaching vegetation grows and the shade of vegetation grows and develops. As a result of tree shading during the winter months, the proposed new solar system is unable to generate enough power to service our needs which occurs from the May to July period and the shoulder periods of April and August surface management. The proposed solar system, according to the supplier, provides the following environmental benefits. They talk about avoided CO2 per year which is equal to 25 tonnes, surprisingly. Not I thought. It could. And according to google, the tree absorption rate per fully grown tree per year is between 25 and 55 kilograms, therefore our solar panels achieve the equivalent CO2 reduction benefit of 550 trees. Per year. The lifetime benefits are even more stunning. Solutions. Possible solutions are, we would appreciate the Council removing the shading vegetation which will require a change to the existing tree management. Or some form of special dispensation for us. I assume this would be achieved by pruning and would require monitoring to ensure that further growth was kept aligned with our minimised shading the requirement. Second proposal possible a financial one. It's a financial problem for us, so maybe it's a financial solution for you guys. Our suggestion is that we would be open to the Council acknowledging the imposition of shading has on our costs and would be happy to enter into a dialogue with Council aiming to neutralise the shading disadvantage. Second problem. We have many. The main entrance to our building is a concrete path that's been there for a long time. Presumably from the beginning of the building or construction. And in certain circumstances our members are having trouble entering and egressing the building. This is a result of the pathway follows a land contour. It's steep and has to transition between the level front door and the much lower sloping driveway that feeds to Wallace House and the car park. The pathway by necessity therefore falls in two directions and for those of us that are struggling with mobility, in the wet conditions for example, could easily lose footing and fall, this has occurred and should with some priority be rectified. To be perfectly clear, this is a significant risk and fall recovery for the elderly is a different process than if you're young, so it is quite important for us. Possible solutions: the installation of a handrail to the side of the existing pathway, which is withstanding and support members arriving at the parking. Unfortunately the handrail will need to do a couple of things. It has to curve because the pathway is curved and it falls also, but not at a regular rate. So the handrail is quite complex and quite difficult to produce and we are having trouble actually inviting someone to volunteer to do that. Second solution is to second actually start again. And take the pathway out and put a new pathway into the building which would actually take a different position. It would actually be straighter and run into the driveway at a higher point and therefore reducing the fall required and making the pathway a lot safer. But it does mean L1 goes, U1 goes in. At the same time we would also recommend putting a handrail beside the straighter pathway which is much easier and would cover the risk to falls in that respect. Last one. Third building maintenance is a problem for us. The increasing burden on our members, the natural process of repair and replacement has building components, as building components without, is exacerbated by the economic crisis of inflation, by the ageing of components that don't last forever and the harsh conditions our building has to endure, including being closely surrounded by vegetation. The level actually accelerates the maintenance requirement and places additional pressure on our resources. The approaching vegetation's root structures are already undermining our foundations and potentially disrupting our underground services. The closed post vegetation also increases the building's risks that to fire and cyclone damage. As I understand privately owned properties in Noosa are rationally allowed to separate the adjoining bush and vegetation by three metres. Our discussion with the Council of arborists confirmed the Council will remove only vegetation physically touching our building. This approach does not encourage the long levity of our building and doesn't support our interests. It does, however, replace the vegetation in a preferential position. Our solution is to clear create a three wide buffer zone around our building as is regarded elsewhere as prudent. This work should include works to ensure advancing tree roots are removed from our building's footprint. At some rate, in summary, we believe the Noosa Council represents the wider Noosa community. As we are the same, we represent the same people. We support and encourage our members to strive to live fulfilling lives. We try to operate independently as our generations used to do but we have come across Council initiatives that effectively work against us which reinforces our view that we are less important than surrounding vegetation. We invite Council to reassure us that you also have our best interests at heart and we count. In 1994 when we relocated and built the existing bridge of buildings we effectively gifted we the building the Council as observed by the then Shire clerk Mr VB Davidson. We had, we and I'm sure you will also see that this generosity should be reciprocated. And recognised as we require to allow our continuing operations which benefit our collective members. Thank you. Very much. Frank Wilkie 16:59.981
We now come topic to public question time. We have two submissions. The first is two questions are from Mrs. Pat Spicer. Pat, we know you won't be elected. Thank you. Your questions will be answered by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment. Thank you. Pat Spicer 17:17.040
My name's is Pat Spicer. Through the Chair. Background information. The Residential Activation Fund has an infrastructure focus as well as greenfield development, most relevant to 64 Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy. The strategic importance of the RAF is to support Queensland's plan to build 1 million new homes by 2044. Funding trunk and essential infrastructure, it helps housing developments proceed more quickly and efficiently. As such, the fund is totally linked to housing output without delay. So, my question. Implications impact does receiving a grant through the Residential Activation Fund for infrastructure work at 62/64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy have for future uses of lots two and three of the subdivision? Vice president: thank you, Larry Sengstock 18:15.007
And the speaker of the house answer will be a by the studio. So kim's running late from for the meeting, so I'll provide that for you Pat. So this is kim's response, or our response as an organisation. The Residential Activation Fund is for infrastructure to support housing, not for the construction of housing itself. Proposed lot one will provide housing as a lot will be sold to Coast2Bay Housing Group for the construction of 25 much needed community housing units once the subdivision is finished. Proposed lots 2 and 3 will be investigated for a range of land uses including housing in accordance with the Council resolution dated 23 January 2025. Including community consultation. Pat Spicer 18:58.802
Background information. The July budget report 18 for the 8th 25 included line the loan item for 6264 Lake MacDonald macmillan drive because there was an embargo on the funding schemes that Council believed will be realised through the program. Council was anticipating taking out that line and so achieved the other known sources that we can't talk about at this juncture due to council's commitment. With other going levels of government around funding announcements. This budget report for July indicates Council had the funding through the regional residential fund but had to wait for Queensland government announcements before making the information public. The consideration for taking out a loan substantiates condition that applicants might be required to provide a contribution to the project, often in the term of financial investment. Coastal plan building commencement July 2026 meets the 12 month criteria from receiving the grant in July 2025. My question: as Council has a grant of $4.1 million for trunk infrastructure for 62/64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, from the Residential Activation Fund and the cost of the contract which the infrastructure being provided on 62 Lake MacDonald Drive is approximately $6 million, will Council be activating the loan facility or using Council reserves to cover the balance of the costs? Larry Sengstock 20:46.190
Thank you Pat. So our response then is Council continues to explore opportunities as outlined in item D of Council resolution dated 23 January 2025. The loan facility is being 2025. A investigated along with pursuing further grant pursuing funding opportunities. Frank Wilkie 21:02.950
Thank you, Pat. The next application is from Ms. Rhea den Braasem who couldn't be here today but has requested Pat Spicer read her questions. Mr. Spicer. Pat Spicer 21:14.188
Through the Chair, on behalf of Rhea den Braasem, the background material. In relation to the subdivision of 64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, council's resolution the 20th of 2025 states any process to consider future use of the remaining two lots should investigate options for the sites and ensure the process involves community consultation. The residential resolution fund provides funds for trunk and essential infrastructure that is fundamental in getting more homes built sooner. The fund has a definite timeline for projects to begin soon after receiving the grant and a completion date within three years. Council's timeline for lot one meets this criteria but what about consultation regarding lots two and three and the trunk infrastructure is being provided across all three lots. The grant is designed to increase supply, support affordability and encourage faster development. Receiving this grant appears to be a cart before the horse situation in relation to council's community consultation in the resolution. So ria's question. What implications impact does a grant through the Residential Activation Fund for infrastructure work at 62/64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy have in relation to community construction or future use of lots two and three? Sorry, community consultation. Frank Wilkie 22:52.932
Mr Sengstock. Larry Sengstock 22:55.174
Thank you again Pat. Council is committed to community consultation to help shape future land uses on proposed lots two and three and council's success in the residential activation impact on that commitment. The Residential Activation Fund is for trunk infrastructure not for the housing itself and the infrastructure works will be completed by around March 2026, meaning the three-year time frame required of the Residential Activation Fund come to be. Community consultation on future uses for lots two and three will likely occur in 2026. Pat Spicer 23:30.912
Background information. Providing and connecting development to essential infrastructure is considered part of development in Noosa Shire. In regard to the timing for community consultation, question 15, question on the 15th of May 2025, community consultation is unlikely to formally begin in the next 12 months. Expected completion of the subdivision works is prior to such response to public question the 15th of may 2025 definition of community consultation said prior to the development of lots two and three, or even the commitment of their future use, Council will consult with the whole community. Certainly, one would hope consultation does occur. Even before the commitment of their future use. That is the intent of the resolution of the 20th of January 2025. The response states consultation will occur prior to the development of lots two and three. Trunk infrastructure is considered part of development in Noosa Shire. Connecting trunk infrastructure will occur with the completion of the subdivision work. So ria's question is, will community consultation regarding the future use of lots two and three, 64 Lake MacDonald Drive, be held before the subdivision works, which will provide the trunk infrastructure part of the development? I think so. Larry Sengstock 25:02.873
Thank you, Pat. So the response is no. Community consultation will not take place prior to the subdivision works being completed, as previously advised, community consultation on future uses of lots two and three will likely occur in 2026. Most land uses, including those identified to be investigated for lots two and three by Council resolution dated 23 January 2025, require. Of servicing and infrastructure to operate. Frank Wilkie 25:30.754
Thank you. Mr Spicer. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a ten minute adjournment. We'll be back in ten in minutes. The press thank you, Mr. President. Well, Frank Wilkie 38:31.268
Thank you, we're back everybody. The meeting's been reopened. It brings us to item 9. There are no Mayoral minutes. We have no notified motions. It brings us to consideration of committee reports. 11.1 Audit and Risk Committee recommendations. 11.1. Governance and policy update, 11.1.2 risk management and BCP update, 11.1.3 ICT Cyber Risk Report, 11.1.4 internal audit update, 11.1.5, 24, 25. Draft financial statements, NANDA financial year update, 11.1.6 is the Queensland Audit Office KPMG combined interim report, and there's a summary report of this one directed to Council on the subject later in the agenda at item 12.3. And the 11.1.7 is the Audit and Risk Committee recommendations en bloc. I have a move and a seconder for the Audit and Risk Committee recommendations, Councillor Wilson. I have a seconder, Councillor Wegener. All in favour? It's carried Fowler, it's points.2 Planning & Environment Committee recommendations. 11.2.1 planning applications decided by delegated authority for August. 11.2. It's an MCU development application for other change to develop an approval for Commercial Business Type 1 office, Commercial Business Type 2, medical to healthcare centres, hospital and infusion centre, and RAL19000407 reconfiguration lot at 36 to 40 Hofmann Drive, Noosaville, 11.2. Noosaville.3. As an I developed it's an MCU development application for Material Change of Use for short-term accommodation, backpackers accommodation at 17 Russell Street, Noosaville, 11.2.4 planning. 11 and environment committee recommendations en bloc. Now we have a mover and seconder for the and environment committee. Planning recommendations to be adopted. Seconded all in favour? That's unanimous, 11.3, Services & Organisation Committee Recommendations. 11.3.1 is Minor Amendments to Fees and Charges Register for Commercial Fees. 11.3.2, Noosa Shire council's solar specialised supplier lists. Councillor Phillips. Thank you. There's a declaration here. Oh. Thank- Can I get the proof, please? Yes, right there. I'm going to have to come back and look at some of the other reports on this, right? Thank you. Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 41:14.158
Thank you. I, Councillor Phillips, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to item 11.3.2 Noosa Shire council's sole and Specialised Supplier List on this agenda in relation to the Hastings Street Association being the sole supplier list as my sister-in-law Joanne Phillips is on the committee of the Hastings Street Association and as a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while this matter is considered and voted on. Frank Wilkie 41:37.554
Thank you Councillor Phillips. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 41:41.594
I also have a declarable conflict if I could have that on the screen. Thank you ladies. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I inform the meeting that I, Councillor Lorentson, have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter item 11.3 point 2, Noosa new south Shire Council. Sole and Specialised Supplier List on this agenda because my husband Chris Lorentson was previously employed as general manager at page Furnishers Pty Ltd., a role he held for 32 years. However, the company is no longer trading and he's no longer an employee. He's no longer employed there. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person where would they have a perception of bias or personal gain in this matter. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. The, Karen Finzel 43:00.566
Thank you, Through the Chair, question to the CEO. In Councillor Lorentson's statement just then, she said the company is no longer trading. I just want clarification given it exists on our supplies list. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 43:16.305
Through the Chair, my understanding is that yes, we've established that it is no longer trading, but it is still on the list, so it's this sort of grey area right now. We will take it off the list following this meeting, but for the sake of clarity. Lawrence and Lisa and I have chosen to do this here on. Karen Finzel 43:39.352
Yes, thank you. I would like it noted at the previous meeting, I did request the staff to get back to me for clarification with that matter. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 43:47.007
Okay, someone will the Councillor ask you to stay in the room or not? Brian Stockwell 43:53.794
Yes, happy for the standard recommendation regarding staying in the room. Frank Wilkie 43:59.905
Ms. One the press is there any discussion? Councillors were in favour, with the exception of Councillor Lorentson, who did not vote, and Councillor Phillips, who was absent. Okay. Now, can we have a move for a second for the committee recommendation regarding the sole and Specialised Supplier List. Councillor Finzel, Thank you. Councillor Wegener, wish to speak to it. Councillor Finzel. Ah, no, Mr Chair. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That's that's unanimous. Exception of Councillor Phillips. Can we have Councillor Phillips back Phillips back to the meeting place. Okay, that brings us to 11.3. Register of Prequalified Suppliers for provision of tree management and maintenance services RP25003, 11.3.4, 2526 out of ground community grant application for a three year Community Alliance Agreement. 11.3.5 is the Council meeting schedule for 2026.11.3.6 is change of time and menu for the Ordinary Meeting dated 20th of November 2025.11.3.7 is Services & Organisation Committee Recommendations en bloc. And the mover and seconder will be Services & Organisation Committee. Karen Finzel 45:32.732
Happy to move, Mr Chair. Councillor Finzel. Happy to second. By Councillor Phillips. Frank Wilkie 45:36.978
Any discussion? No discussion. In we'll provide them as that's carried unanimously. That brings us to 11.4, General Committee recommendations. 11.4.1 is the CEO's year in review. 11.4.2, the Financial Performance Report for September. 11.4.3 was deferred to the Ordinary Meeting, which regards the other change at 5 Opal Street, Cooroy. We'll deal with that later. 11.4. Sunshine Creek Slope Stability Contract Award, confidential contract variation, project management services. 2022 flood recovery and reconstruction. 11.4.5 is another confidential item, which is the contract variation for project management services, 2022 flood recovery and reconstruction. 11.4.6 is and the General Committee recommendations en bloc. Recommendations on and we move on to the second. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Happy to Councillor Phillips, phelps, any discussion? All in favour? It's carried unanimously. It us brings us to the report direct to the Ordinary Meeting. 12.1 is the application of other change to an existing approved for Material Change of Use, indoor entertainment, clubhouse, sport bowling game and recreation involving. The children. Change of use in outdoor sport and recreation, food and drink output in a medium impact industry. Being a dissuader for client Opal Street, Cooroy, and the local MacGillivray, Patrick and Richard. The item is approved by the General Committee to allow Councillors to meet with the applicant. We have development assessment manager Patrick Murphy here to give us a summary of the report and perhaps some potential changes. Patrick Murphy 47:16.775
Okay, I might let Matt do a summary of the report. Matthew 47:21.332
Yeah, so in summary the application as it was stated is a change to the existing approval and so that's to regularise the definitions under the planning scheme and apply for it as a sport and recreation, food and drink outlet and medium impact industry for distillery. The site is zoned recreation and open space and the primary use of the bowls club remains unchanged and is supported by a long term agreement ensuring, sorry, ensuring community, yeah, Through the Chair, apologies, understood, okay. So yeah, the food and drink outlet, it maintains its ancillary nature and its ancillary to the primary recreational use. Yeah impacting the medium impact industry is small scale being 28 square metres and it's within an internal room within the development. It's got limited production and there's minimal amenity impacts because it's defined as a medium impact industry. The, I'll let's see, I'll it move over to this one. Oh, yeah, cake and juice. Yeah, there's key conditions that we're going to discuss in more detail today. And the conditions include the management, of deliveries, restricting patient access to sensitive areas, and ensuring that noise and amenity is complied with. The years hours of operation there's key conditions we'll discuss today about that, and the ones that we're recommending are consistent with planning codes and acoustic recommendations, and it's also, they can the conditions ensure that the use is appropriate to the site's zoning and primary recreational use, and also that the proposed food and drink outlet and distillery remains ancillary and in the future supports and respects and not undermines the primary function of the development as a bowls club. I think overall the proposal balances the proposal balances recreation, commercial and community interests and this application is recommended for approval subject to the recommended conditions that we're going to be discussing in more detail. Patrick Murphy 50:04.095
Thank you. Through the Chair, Councillors, I assume you've received an email from me with an amended set of conditions. When we were at the General Committee Meeting there was some discussion around some of the hours of operation. Particularly around the allowance for patrons to be bowling on site from 7am and then there was the food and drink outlet component was limited to not commence till 10am and understanding that the applicant has also put forward a range of conditions that he would like to see modified in relation to the recommendation I've prepared an amended set of conditions which I'll run you through as I just want to point out that this process has been quite condensed to review ten or so conditions within 10 a 24-hour period is quite a significant task and would normally undertaken through a representations process which would allow significantly more time to do so and the representations period is still available to the applicant and also that what has been applied for is a food and drink outlet so the conditions have been applied reflective of that intended use I think some of the preferences for the applicant would be pushing the needle a little bit away potentially from a food and drink out more towards a bar hotel so we just kept that in mind in terms of how we have conditioned and made the changes to the condition I can just to run you through. The changes firstly condition 33 identified that there was a spelling mistake of the word manoeuvreing so that was corrected condition 37 relates to the hours of operation and we've sought to amend that condition to allow the.m. Operation of the food and drink outlet and the medium impact industry to align with the fact that there will be patrons on site from 7am. Utilising the bowling facility and maintained the 9pm. Finish time on the Monday Thursday and the Sunday to public holidays allowing an 11pm. Finish time on fridays and saturdays the playground we've extended the hours of the playground use from 8pm. To 9pm. It's proposed to based on the fact that there will be people on the premise at that time so just a general alignment with those other conditions when parents will be utilising the facility so so that was condition 39 condition 49 through the review was identified that the condition was asking for demonstrated compliance prior to the use commencing that creates practical issues so to require that so that's been amended require that they that the review of the certification is done within three months of the commencement of the use and that it confirms that the use is operating not will operate in accordance with the approved noise impact assessment just remember condition 50 removal of the word environmental to align that noise impact assessment title with the approved document and also added unless further modified by these conditions which is a statement that is consistently used throughout the recommended conditions 59, was initially pointing to a table to set noise limits the analysis of the background levels and the compliant increase above those background levels had already been identified within condition 45 so it's recommended that condition 59 refer to condition 45 as opposed to the table and then additionally as a follow-on condition 60 which requires that the mechanical equipment be certified that it complies with the requirements of the noise requirements again points back to condition 45 and not table 1 as previously mentioned Thank you. Questions? You just mentioned, Amelia Lorentson 54:32.840
Thank you. Patrick you mentioned just before that representation is still available to the applicant. Frank Wilkie 54:39.902
I'm sorry Councillor Lorentson. Excuse me Nick. There's no filming in here. Amelia Lorentson 54:44.959
My question is does that mean that the applicant after today's meeting still has an opportunity to review or ask for an email. Amendment of some of the conditions if they're not workable or burdensome. Frank Wilkie 55:05.947
Patrick Patrick Murphy 55:06.127
E. Through the Chair, that is correct. There is a representations process that is available for all of the conditions that have been recommended to be changed or deleted whatever or the applicant may seek, and then for us to consider those within a time frame. Amelia Lorentson 55:21.724
Does that also include, and I'm just looking at conditions 64 to 68 in terms of the requirement to remove the easement along Diamond Lane and related conditions? Frank Wilkie 55:33.862
Patrick Patrick Murphy 55:34.022
E. Through the Chair, yes, that's correct. All the conditions that would form part of an approval could. Representations could be made to those conditions Karen Finzel 55:55.452
To the table. With regards to the Diamond Lane extension, I headed out on site for a visit yesterday to inform my own mind in support of the bowls club. So the green, from my understanding, the size of that it currently sits at cannot be minimised because they won't be able to do competition. So can you please speak to us about the widening of that lane? Will that affect the capacity of the bowls club to able to bowlers' be still run. Professional tournaments to ensure the green is at competition level? Patrick Murphy 56:33.551
Through the Chair. So the condition would require an easement that's two metres wide along that full length of that boundary metres which is approximately seven metres long a bowling green does exist within part of that 70 metres, a significant part of the 70 metres. The bowling green is approximately three metres from the boundary. And easement would leave, obviously, one metre. It's noted that the application seeks to utilise another part of the grain for the purpose of an outdoor drinks area. It's also noted that there's significant area to the Opal Street frontage which has not been developed which would have capacity if required for the green to be extended. The point I made about the application encroaching into the green is that potentially the green could be swung around and that area removed to give greater width, but also the works that would potentially be required in the future have not been determined. A number of dedications have been taken in that laneway from previous applications or previous approvals that have been issued. It's important to take this opportunity to enable the future facilitation of roadworks or pedestrian linkages within our laneways in Cooroy. It's an identified outcome of the scheme, identified strategic through intent through the local plan. So hopefully that gives you some further information in terms of the impacts of the easement, but the easement don't necessarily mean that there's going to be two metres works, hard up to that two metres, and it would be at some time in the future that we would look at the land that we have available to undertake works, and also the surrounding infrastructure and surrounding assets in that area, and potentially design an outcome with limited impact. Thank you. Richard MacGillivray 58:51.247
Through the Chair, could I just add to that? Thank you Patrick for that. Just in addition to help support that, so the taking of the easement itself doesn't actually when types of work Council will take. I guess the taking of the easement is to provide that space that's dedicated there in the future for when Council is ready and prepared to design those works to create greater connectivity through the site. So in terms of the existing club there that hasn't necessarily been determined and won't have any current impact on the operation of the bowls club as exists but potentially in the future when council's ready to work through a design there'll be an ability to navigate through those elements in the future. And also just add to obviously the taking of an easement also prevents potentially Council being required to compulsory require or resume the land which would come at a potentially great expense to ratepayers to acquire that land if it was to do future work so that's why it a new system. Uses the development process to trigger the need for land to be dedicated thank you it thank so Through the Chair Karen Finzel 01:00:03.357
Provides opportunity for Council staff to talk to the applicant to look at that to make sure that the bowls club will not be compromised in their opportunities to participate in competitions Richard MacGillivray 01:00:15.757
Through the you get Chair so yeah the taking of the easement is not committing that works will be undertaken immediately what it does do is highlight it and it's obviously being outlined in the planning scheme for many years that these any development will trigger the need for a dedication of an easement or the land itself so Council will work with all landowners in the future if there's any particular design being prepared to undertake those works thank you Amelia Lorentson 01:00:44.234
Sorry just a further question on that when I drove past it seemed like a lot of the lanes already developed so in terms of an easement all the way down Diamond Lane is that actually possible Patrick Murphy 01:00:56.803
Through the Chair the there is a number of properties where there's already been A dedication there the site beside it is all so I've been land that has been made dedicated so it has been occurring as development has been occurring in that area it is quite a thin lane way and we're certainly intensifying land uses adjacent their laneways in terms of presidential dentists so or pedestrian movement in those areas so so it's quite an important future outcome Frank Wilkie 01:01:43.881
We have a motion before conditions that improve the extended operation and change details around the noise. Can you move it? Happy to move it, Councillor Stockwell. We'll have a seconder. Happy to second. Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:02:02.541
Details yes overall the nature of the proposal and the use is a good small addition to the uses that have been happening there over recent years uh they're logical it's a facility that is well frequented by the local community and well liked the key issue to be considered is the fact that it is adjacent outputs to residential outputs and to know have there have been submissions made which raise valid points in regard to the need to be mindful of the operating hours in this particular case previous approvals have allowed all car parking to be on street so we know quite often the noise nuisance late at night in licensed premises doesn't come from within inside the building it comes when people who go to their cars who may have drunk too much the issue with the easement Diamond Lane and dormant rate like ambulance lane is very narrow what we are finding is places like to the northeast of this site that they are good to create secondary dwellings at the rear and that's where a lot of the complications happen if it's not widened. Difficult to get services in quite difficult for our rubbish trucks to get down those narrow lanes so I think it was a 2016-2020 Council looked at all this and said yes what we'll need to do if we want to make best use of to that of these laneways is progressively widen them the other option too is if that sort of development doesn't occur what we addressed in the development to the west was the fact that they also make really good off-street pedestrian cycleways too so in that particular area trying to get be able to avoid having to go through the Main Roads is another option so to me it's a good development and I think the balance that have been struck with the amended conditions get it right. Frank Wilkie 01:04:10.661
Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:04:12.636
I support the amended conditions they're consistent with the planning scheme we're still giving some additional hours at the weekend for a later finish and I think the seven o'clock start helps to the applicant to achieve what they want with the business while also still being mindful of residential and community. Humanity and making it and making the outside use of the bowling ring and the playground consistent I think would just be simpler for everyone instead of having to shut parts down at different times. I think that's easier for customers to understand and also for the local residents to have an expectation of when the outside activity will stop and presumably the past when it's dark everyone will head inside anyway so I think that's a good sensible balance of what the applicant has asked for and also maintaining residential. Frank Wilkie 01:04:58.906
Thank you. Councillor Wilson. Amelia Lorentson 01:05:03.431
Councillor Wilson. I just want to speak to basically thank both the applicant and also Council planning staff. The applicant has worked really constructively with both Council and the community throughout this process and it seems like there's genuine efforts made to listen and respond to feedback and find solutions that balance both neighbourhood amenity with business viability. Also I want to acknowledge professionalism and support that's been shown by council's planning officers in working with the applicant to achieve this amended these amended conditions and the outcome that we're seeing here today. So Frank Wilkie 01:05:43.416
Thank you Councillor Stockwell, do you wish to close? No. Okay we'll do a vote on favour. That is unanimous. Thank you Matthew, thank you Patrick, thank you Richard. Next item 12.2 Tourism Noosa road map development status report. The press thank we have Kim Rawlings. Is online. Kim Rawlings, tourism partnership and event strategy coordinator. Anthony Dow. Is he here? No. So, Kim, can you give us a summary of the report? Kim Rawlings 01:06:30.366
Hello. Good morning, Councillors. Apologies, I'm not in the room. Yes, this report just provides a brief status update of the development of the Tourism Noosa Roadmap which Council called for at its meeting in May earlier this year alongside the transition 12-month funding agreement. The report just outlines that we have we are moving quickly and working collaboratively with Tourism Noosa. We have weekly meetings as a working group to develop this Roadmap. We have commissioned some external independent support to do benchmarking support to present to us some best practice case studies from around the world of various approaches to tourism management. Dealing with the same opportunities and challenges that Noosa is facing. We should receive that information in the next week or two. We have also appointed a part-time senior experienced approach experienced project lead to help manage this process and pick this process going given that the time frames are fairly tight to develop the Roadmap by November. So really overall the report just says things are moving forward, going well and we will keep you updated. Frank Wilkie 01:08:10.048
Any questions for Director Rawlings? Amelia Lorentson 01:08:14.202
Just a quick a one, quick one Kim so you can confirm that we are on track on meeting the December timeline? Kim Rawlings 01:08:26.009
Yes Councillor Lorentson at this stage yes we are absolutely working towards those time frames and are on track obviously when we present information to both Council and Tourism Noosa board we will need to consider what additional information you might need what questions you have those sorts of things so the report does outline in the risks section that there are you know some foreseeable risks to the time frame but at the moment we on are on track Frank Wilkie 01:09:02.442
Someone can move the recommendation noting the report? So moved. Thank you Councillor Stockwell. We have a seconder for that. Councillor Wegener. Councillor Stockwell wish to speak to it? No. Any Councillors wish to speak to the report for noting? All in favour? That's carried. I come to item 12.3 summary report of the Queensland Audit Office interim audit report and the Director of the corpus services, Margaret Gatt, at the table for this report. Karen Finzel 01:09:33.796
I'd like to, for discussion, move the original motion. Frank Wilkie 01:09:42.462
Well, traditionally we ask staff to give a summary of from the summit. Of the report first. So, we'll hold you as the mover of the motion as a. It's little-- as a mover to have the report read through. Karen Finzel 01:09:58.298
Thank you, Mr Chair, I appreciate that. Frank Wilkie 01:10:03.887
Director Gatt. Margaret Gatt 01:10:04.815
Good morning, Councillors. This report that is before you is a summary of the Queensland Audit Office interim audit report. In December 2024, Council was the victim of a major fraud incident perpetrated by an international crime organisation currently under investigation by the Australian Federal Police and INTERPOL. Due to the sophistication of the tactics employed and despite Council having internal controls and processes in place to mitigate such events, they were not effective in this instance. A crisis incident response team was immediately established once Council was alerted to the fraud and engaged an external independent ICT expert company to conduct a forensic investigation. This confirmed there was no breach of Council systems, no personal data was stolen, nor any ratepayer personal information was accessed, and there was no impact on Council services. All relevant processes and operating procedures were reviewed with additional internal controls implemented. Immediately to mitigate and/or minimise the risk of any subsequent fraudulent event. The QAO also recommended further internal controls to mitigate the risk of this type of incident occurring again. Council has substantially. Implemented these recommendations and, in addition, is also in the process of installing a third-party software system to provide an extra layer of security in fraud prevention. Council reported this incident to all relevant authorities, including the Queensland Audit Office, relevant ministers and the department. Of local government, water and volunteers, within the statutory reporting timeframes. Pursuant to underlying regulatory requirements regarding reporting. Council was directed at the time of the incident to publicly disclose this information related to the incident as to not compromise. The ongoing investigation. As a result, Council has been unable to. Disclose this to the community until now. The perpetrators used social. Engineering techniques that were. Sophisticated, strategic and targeted. To avoid revealing the. Tactics of the perpetrators and to ensure we meet our. Legal obligations related to the protection of. Council staff, we're unable to provide any further. Details at this stage. The original amount defrauded from incident was 2.3 million dollars. Some monies have been recovered. From our bank and our current net financial loss is. Approximately 1.9. That is subject to some additional. Changes whilst we continue to engage with our relevant insurers. Frank Wilkie 01:12:52.909
Thank you. We have a seconder for the motion. Karen Finzel 01:13:01.770
Yes, thank you. This is a very significant. Matter. Yeah, I think we open this up to discussion now and questions to the staff to ensure that all the correct requirements have been met and that in order to make sure that our community retains excellence in our governance and to support our trust, I'm happy. To support the original motion and open it up for discussion today. Thank you, Councillor. Frank Wilkie 01:13:34.486
Can I ask a question? Jessica Phillips 01:13:35.866
Question, please. Thank you, and I understand the extra stress that this probably puts on you answering my questions. I do want to highlight that you started in the role in January, and so thank you for taking on this, and it is very community. To know what's going on. My question in relation to the crisis incident response team, is there anything you can tell me about that team that was formed by Council, when it happened, and anything more around have we had a team before, and just the experience they may have? In this. Margaret Gatt 01:14:18.045
The Chair, as part of council's enterprise risk management framework and also business continuity and disaster response, so policies and processes, whenever an incident like this occurs, whether it be cyber or anything else, there is a requirement for an incident, a crisis incident response team to basically stand up like we would with natural disaster, where there is those processes of leaning forward, sitting up and standing up. So when I commenced with Council and became aware of the event that had occurred in the prior year, I stood up that incident crisis response team and chaired that team. And the first action that we took was to engage that external ICT forensic company to do that vulnerability testing and penetration testing of our systems. And thankfully, as is noted in the report, it revealed that we had not been compromised in any way whatsoever in terms of accessing our systems proper and data. And/or in-person related information was not breached. I don't know that. If I answered the question. Frank Wilkie 01:15:35.009
Any other questions? No, you go ahead. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:15:43.582
I've got quite a few questions. Does the fraud incident expose underlying systemic issues within our organisation, particularly in relation to culture, internal controls and workforce capability? Margaret Gatt 01:15:57.739
Through the Chair, could I seek advice as whether to I answer that in open? You can. Frank Wilkie 01:16:05.422
I understand you've got legal and moral obligations to not reveal details of what happened that would identify the staff who were personally impacted by the incident. Obligations to not reveal details identify the staff who were personally impacted Larry Sengstock 01:16:30.795
Like I've been saying I think all week is that we have processes in place to protect our organisation and the cyber attack process or the process to avoid cyber attack has been shown to be very successful. In this case it's the systems, in this case it's the processes we thought were in place that would protect us from this. Is a very sophisticated attack on our crime committed on our organisation and so as soon as we've been made aware of the fact that we are vulnerable, what we've done is taken steps to improve our processes, change our processes and ensure as best we can that any future attack of this nature is further guarded against and that's the best I think the answer that we need to give you in terms of it was a targeted attack. Against our processes. We've now, once we understood those processes, we're vulnerable. We've sought to change those processes in line with QAO's advice as well. Frank Wilkie 01:17:36.309
Oh, I'm sorry. Amelia Lorentson 01:17:37.530
Sorry, I'll take a little seat. Nicola Wilson, do you want to start? I do, but you can go. Thank you. Nicola Wilson 01:17:44.251
To the Chair, maybe to the CEO. The media's really focused on AI technology as being the cause of this event that's not mentioned in the report, and it hasn't been mentioned to Councillors before now either, so I'm just wondering where the media got that message from. Larry Sengstock 01:18:01.885
I think you know our media statements we have mentioned the fact that AI is such a very broad, in my understanding, such a broad category. It was a social engineering fraud event and crime and our assumption is that AI was part of that social engineering because it is sort of intertwined and that's where we've taken that position that it is sort of one and the same if you like but social engineering and AI tend to be very much IELA linked, so that's our understanding of the accounts. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:18:52.973
You mentioned that we have engaged some external help. In terms of external consultants, what other external consultants have been engaged to assist with this matter, and what is their scope of involvement? Margaret Gatt 01:19:09.453
Through the Chair, Councillor Lorentson, when I referred to in the report around external independent ICT experts to conduct a forensic review of our systems, that happened between January and February of this year. Any other, there has been no other consultancy services spent specifically on that. We did also though engage a legal firm to assist us with understanding where the issues were or if there were any issues with our system and where the vulnerabilities were. We also actively engaged with our insurers and communicated to them the whole way through. So to answer your question specifically around scope of work, specifically related to that fraud event, we have engaged additional part-time staff to assist us, not specifically around that, but to assist us with the preparation of the financial statements and any other related end of financial year processes. But to the fraud that's not specifically related event. Amelia Lorentson 01:20:25.882
So, my question is really, does Council currently have the necessary capability in-house to manage or respond to this issue and like this in future. Margaret Gatt 01:20:40.781
Through the Chair. I can confidently say to you, Councillor Lorentson, and to all the Councillors, that the immediate revision of internal processes and procedures, and also changes with our workflows in our current tech they have been implemented immediately. In addition, as mentioned in the report, the QAO's recommendations for further internal controls, they have been substantially completed. And as also mentioned in the report, we have literally this week procured that third party software called Eftsure and we have engaged a specialised ICT change manager to assist in the implementation of that project as a matter of urgency before the end of the calendar year. Jessica Phillips 01:21:32.983
Question please it'll be to the CEO since just in relation to when you use the statement about identifying process issues reassure community moving forward what will we see as Council around the identified process issues how will that be presented back to us with the learnings separate to the investigation that police are going through but more focused on the internal process that is happening Larry Sengstock 01:22:08.901
Once we're going again we've got to be very careful about the information and that's one of the issues that we do have in terms of we are implementing all these new processes or we're not updating our process making sure that we've where we believe we need to we tighten things up in terms of bringing that back to Council more than happy to bring that to Council but we've got to be careful about again exposing the processes that we've got to the future people that might see this as an opportunity to find another way around it these the problem with this stuff is you can never say never and that's the issue that we've got going forward in my opinion with cyber attacks and social engineering and AI, you know, it's just it's you know and you can see it every day companies are being attacked we're being attacked every day by various sources and it's one of those things that we're putting into places as strong a process as we possibly can for knowing what we know now. Know what we know now and we'll continue to upgrade and do that and we'll report that back to Council in terms of maybe it'll be in a confidential session again to protect our position so that we're not exposing ourselves to would-be perpetrators. Frank Wilkie 01:23:26.766
Follow-up question to that, probably to Director Gatt. What likely reports are going to be coming to the Audit and Risk Committee, subsequent reports to the Audit and Risk Committee, about this? Margaret Gatt 01:23:37.337
Through the Chair, as per normal statutory reporting obligations, whenever there is a report or so whenever we have an interim audit report or even an end of financial year audit report from the QAO we are obligated to respond to any matters or findings that they put in their report and there is those report that says management update and response is required at the next Audit and Risk Committee meeting so our next Audit and Risk Committee meeting is scheduled I think for the 12th of December so there will be a formal update to the interim audit report and the findings and be quite specific around what it is that we have actually implemented to address that if I could Through the Chair just to add some additional information as of this morning in my conversations with the Director deputy Director-general of the QAO they will be issuing a sector-wide statement tomorrow afternoon and this is often what they do if they're responding to a situation that is being felt sector-wide so not just local government but state government and any other statutory bodies they have been contacted and other CEO statutory bodies et cetera, etc across local government and state have contacted them. In relation to this information now that it's out as a matter of public record and so the QRA we're going to be issuing it's generally what they call not an improvement notice but it's an update to the sector to provide advice and guidance as to what councils and the public sector can do to make sure that their internal controls are robust enough and what pitfalls to look out for so they are issuing and that they will it's a sector-wide statement so for councils information that you may or not be aware of this another one another Council not as recently as eight months ago had exactly this same occurrence happen to them in exactly the same manner exactly the same manner that meant that there was a loss so that was through the social engineering experience that we've experienced another very large Council with a lot of resources and a lot of money, experience this same event Amelia Lorentson 01:26:09.674
Can I ask how much is the financial loss Margaret Gatt 01:26:13.720
I don't know the Council I don't know that oh sorry Through the Chair sorry I forgot to stand through so sorry I was don't know that at this point in time but it would actually be a matter of public record when their annual report is published at the end of the year because it will be in the financial statements at the back Amelia Lorentson 01:26:33.214
I would like to move an amendment Through the Chair Nicola Wilson 01:26:43.047
I've got a few questions on the audit so they're all related. So QAO our sources are audited to KPMG and they did their audit testing in April. Were they aware of this event at the time that they did their audit? Margaret Gatt 01:26:59.034
Thank you, Through the Chair. I have an actual I've got a formal statement from the KPMG who actually do represent the QAO so they are one in the same so KPMG conducted the interim audit visited Council at in the week commencing the 19th May. This visit is primarily used by KPMG to understand and document councils financial reporting processes ahead of their year-end audit visit where more detailed sample testing is performed. Through the course of interim visit KPMG were made aware by current management at the time were made aware of the loss event by Council staff Frank Wilkie 01:27:36.708
Thank you Director gatton. I'd like to move an amendment following on from comments and discussion around internal controls so part B be added to the request of the CEO to provide regular updates to Councillors on the implementation slide. The Queensland Audit Office recommendations including the progress and efficacy of the additional internal controls and third party software system we all take thank you Councillor Stockwell we all take our financial and governance responsibilities very seriously and these and vulnerabilities that were identified have been strengthened by measures recommended by the Queensland office additional internal controls and new third party software this just ensures that we're in the loop getting received regular reporting on how these things are being implemented and whether they actually serve the purpose for which they are intended so by efficacy I mean the ability to produce the desired or intended result of the new software of the new controls I think it's very important that Councillors receive regular updates on this whether it be publicly or even more frequently that's to be discussed but I've discussed this with the CEO this was always intended but I think it makes it clear that this is what will happen so we can all remain abreast of these important financial and governance changes. Thank you. Council turns out excuse me Through the Chair I do have a question yes thank you no because I OK, we've moved on, but we'll come back to your question and we'll come back to the substantial motion. Amelia Lorentson 01:29:33.807
Thank you Mr Chair. A question in relation to the amendment. Is the, and I'll ask the question probably through acting CFO, is the amendment. Redundant? Is this already happening? Will this already happen? CEO already provides updates through existing processes. Is this adding one more report? Frank Wilkie 01:30:00.246
I think it's. This is a political decision. I don't want to have a staff be drawn into a Council. It's essentially a Council debate. So I'll just go with this. Grab a picture Tom Wegener 01:30:20.877
So these are updates to Councillors. These are not public information. Amelia Lorentson 01:30:28.146
Guess who's the worst? Um, I'm, I won't vote for what's in front of us. I have an amendment that I think possibly catches this probably better. My concern with the amendment is that the CREA actually already provides these updates through existing processes. And given the serious fraud incident of 1.9 million community money, what's really needed is, in my opinion, independent checks not just more internal updates. This would give Councillors and the community more confidence that new controls are working. What I see when I read B, and that was presented to us at the very last minute this morning, is comfort and reassurances. Again, the community don't need just comfort and reassurances. What they need, what they actually deserve is accountability and transparency. They need to understand what went wrong, how it happened, and what is being done to prevent it from happening again. I won't support this amendment, but I do have an amendment that I'd like to try on the table. Jessica Phillips 01:31:47.097
I'll just quickly speak to it. I understand the intention behind it. For me, today, I stand with absolute community hat on, and I'm not ready to look forward. I believe that that's probably already happening. As part of the progress through this year. My community hat says I need to know more about identified process issues and what we can transparently tell community about outcomes that have been learning. From how this happened in the first place and so today I'm really not ready to move forward around how we will identify the internal controls and what you're asking for Mr. Mayor I'm standing here today community of feeling very vulnerable about things that they would like to know and so yeah I'd like to hear from the amendment that perhaps may look backwards first. Brian Stockwell 01:32:56.877
Oh I'm just a question I think I can direct the cat, there's a thing that have an independent advice my understanding of standard processes we have an Audit and Risk Committee which is very highly experienced are and independent people on it who do this role for us on a regular basis and that would be part of their mandate is that correct? Margaret Gatt 01:33:19.342
Through the Chair yes that is correct Council Stockwell in addition to the committee itself the we have an internal audit plan so what's it's called internal audit it's facilitated by an external audit company that by the name of chrome and they also look at operating processes and procedures to see if there are any issues and they make recommendations through to the Audit and Risk Committee that management then must also respond to and give time frames which they put them in place and in response to Council or instance sort of question that's probably inappropriate I'll continue to respond to your question sorry that through KPMG and QAO in particular with the significance of this event their end of year audit which is currently happening right now they are on site their sample size of testing and a whole range of things is quite far wide-reaching and deep so that is in response to this significant event so this will not be something that they will not continue to focus on and look at for then the QAO to have confidence that they're actually being able to audit with accurate information so please have some confidence that through both of those processes and through the Audit and Risk Committee this will continue to be a focus. We will have to provide them assurance that we have those internal controls in place and the risk is significantly minimised of it occurring again. Amelia Lorentson 01:35:04.599
Question. When did the Audit and Risk Committee last review council's fraud controls? Frank Wilkie 01:35:10.271
Um, that's not related to the amendment, so we'll hold that for a minute. Okay, happy with that. Oh, you go ahead. Unidentified Speaker 01:35:21.662
Just quickly. Nicola Wilson 01:35:24.350
I agree that this isn't necessary. The only way we would really ever know if the internal controls are working is if we don't get another future event. So I don't think we necessarily need a report to say things are working, because we only know Unidentified Speaker 01:35:37.933
They are if we don't have another significant event. Frank Wilkie 01:35:42.479
Okay. Councillor Wegener. Thank you very much. Tom Wegener 01:35:47.558
Know, you all the Councillors, because this is directed at the Councillors around the table here, you know, we all have invitations to attend the audit risk committee meetings. You're all invited to read the reports that are there all the time. And so, I'll support the motion but it's already, it is a bit redundant. We're already doing that and I encourage everybody that we're asking these questions, we're all looking very closely at this and putting everything under the microscope where we've had years opportunity to put this under the microscope. So there's a lot of opportunity for us to work through the Audit and Risk Committee and welcome anybody else to join the Audit and Risk Committee and really put your walk the instead of talking. There's a lot too. Lot for Councillors to ask at the Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Karen Finzel 01:36:40.493
Yes, thank you Mr Chair. My question to you is the clarification on the amendment. Given we've heard that the Audit and Risk Committee are processing the opportunity for access this information, what process are you proposing that the CEO uses to update the Councillors on this implementation? Frank Wilkie 01:37:00.945
Well, it's open to discussion but I think one method would be to have it as a standing item on the Council discussion forum. Which can't be suspended. Can forensically interrogate the CEO and the CDFO about the changes, what stage they are up to for their implementation, and whether they are actually working on it. I don't want to wait until we have a fraud or not to find out whether something is working or not, whether the third party software is installed as it is intended to be, whether it is detecting attempts to breach our security. I want to know that before it even happens. So that's the opportunity on a regular basis, monthly, at the CDF. It would be a good opportunity. Brian Stockwell 01:37:50.859
I'll speak to the amendment. As we mentioned, this is a statement of the process that occurs, but it is in a time where councils are being asked, have you got your hands on the road? And this just reaffirms a process. The flip side of what's been suggested that we have to give full information to the community is a statement that we want to expose that community to greater risk of fraud. Now be aware, the sort of suggestions that were made by Councillor Lorentson about what's expected from the community we've been told repeatedly, expose us to greater risk and I won't support that. I will support that we'll be briefed, that we'll keep our eye on the game and we'll make sure as technology and as scams and criminals evolve that we'll have sufficient knowledge to be able to empower staff to make the appropriate response. Frank Wilkie 01:38:52.023
I think that's done. Chancellor's-- Councillors, those who think this is hoping to gain comfort from this have missed the point entirely. This, it's one thing to say oh you will be following up but to support something that's in black and white in front of you shows your commitment to definitely following up, to making sure you keep your finger on the pulse on the progress of the audit and risk, the Queensland Audit Office recommendations. Are they being implemented? Supporting this amendment, you're committing to make sure that happens and to give yourself, avail yourself to every opportunity to attend these sessions and ask the questions that you need to ask on behalf of the community to make sure that these controls are being implemented. It's not a comfort session. If you think you're going to attend these and gain comfort, you've got it in entirely the wrong frame. No one's comfortable about what happened. No amount of comfort can be given about what's happened. But we can commit here and now to say that we will require the CEO to provide these regular updates and we will attend and follow up on understanding, satisfying ourselves whether these Queensland Audit Office recommendations are being implemented. Are these additional controls implemented? Stage what of stage of implementation are they up to? What does it involve? And the third party software system, where are we at with that? Has it been installed? Is it working? What is it detecting or not? And what else do we need to do to understand what happened and how we can make sure it never happened again? This is a commitment. This is a demonstration of your commitment here and now to attend regular updates to make sure they happen and to attend, be fully present and ask uncomfortable questions and satisfy yourself on behalf of the community that everything's been done and we can do to minimise the likelihood of this ever happening again. That's why this is here Councillor, not to give you any comfort. This I'll put the amendment. Those favour of the amendment, Councillor Wegener, Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wilkie. Those against the amendment, Councillor Phillips, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Wilson against their amendments lost. We go back to the original motion. Councillor Finzel, you have a question. Karen Finzel 01:41:37.327
Through the Chair, thank you for the opportunity, it's irrelevant now, thank you. I'd like to move an amendment. That Amelia Lorentson 01:41:46.707
Council commits to releasing a publicly accessible follow-up report by the December round of meetings. Subject to legal and privacy obligations, will report will address key questions raised by the community and outline findings from the December 2024 fraud incidents, actions taken, including regular updates on the implementation of the Queensland Audit Office recommendations and lessons learned. I'm happy to email that to you to make it easier. Questions, taken, lessons learnt, after lessons learnt, or I'll just email it to you. Vicky might be quicker and easier. So including a commitment to providing regular updates. We can just add the words including. A commitment to providing. That's including a commitment to provide. Regular updates on the implementation of the Queensland Audit Office recommendations and lessons learned. A commitment to provide. Regular updates. To providing regular, updates. Thanks. You. Brian Stockwell 01:45:10.522
Councillor Lorentson the amendment makes no sense. It's talking about a single report in November and then talking about regular updates. Amelia Lorentson 01:45:17.221
Councillor Lorentson I'm happy to omit and stick to the original amendment. Thank you. Sorry, Vicky, I agree with that. Trying to put too much into that. Just one report. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:45:33.616
There's one report then the same Unidentified Speaker 01:45:35.543
Report, Amelia Lorentson 01:45:41.573
Thank you. Yep. Questions raised and outlined key findings. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Key points action subject to legal and privacy obligation. That's right and can I add by so after follow-up report by the December round of meetings. Cancel committee. Council commits to releasing so the amendment to read Council commits to releasing a publicly accessible follow-up report by the December round of meetings addressing key questions raised by the community and outlining key findings actions taken and lessons learnt, Frank Wilkie 01:46:54.289
Question for Director Gatt, subject to legal and privacy obligations, does that mean any subsequent report will not be able to reveal the techniques or tactics used by criminal syndicate for discourage it happening elsewhere? The tactics, techniques and strategies used by the criminals that may identify the staff involved? Is that what legal and policy obligations will prevent from being included in any subsequent report? Margaret Gatt 01:47:30.306
Yes, Through the Chair, that would protect and our staff but also us to further vulnerabilities by revealing specific details that fraudsters could take advantage of and expose us further. Frank Wilkie 01:47:49.400
Addressing key questions raised by the community, which is how this happened, that may not be able to be answered by this report in full. Margaret Gatt 01:48:04.436
Through the Chair, that is correct. There will be some information we won't be able to release to protect our staff and also to protect the risk of this fraud occurring again. Brian Stockwell 01:48:22.993
One we're looking at today. And what you've said today, is there likely to be any significant difference by December? We've already responded, we've already advised of what the response is, I can't see. Is there anything else that's likely to be able to be communicated in December that we haven't but been communicated now. Noting that the Audit and Risk Committee won't be done in time for it to get onto the agenda for the Ordinary Meeting. Frank Wilkie 01:48:48.726
I'm not going to allow that, it's drawing, I'm not going to get into it. Point of order. Okay. I'll just raise it to the point. Yeah, that would be a perfect last word. We have a, so the amendment is Council commenced to release a publicly accessible follow-up report by December round of meetings addressing key questions raised by the community. How do I keep of behind key findings, exemptions actions taking taken, my lessons away? Learned subject to legal and privacy obligations. Can we have a seconder for that please? Councillor Wilson. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:49:25.036
We're going to start. In its current form, the report in front of us is simply a noting report. Is simply not enough. Not when $1.9 million of community money been lost. This is not Council money. It belongs to the people of Noosa and they deserve more than a summary. We Councillors, we were elected by the community and we are answerable to the community. They're asking questions. They expect transparency. Accountability and respect. We can't rebuild trust by withholding information and we can't restore confidence by asking the public simply to note a loss of this scale. This is not about blame it's about responsibility and means that we must be honest and we must be open and we must be willing to lead not just internally but also publicly. The community has a right to know how their money was lost and what steps have been taken to protect it going forward. This has come at the last minute as a response to an amendment that was put forward from the Mayor earlier this morning. I believe that this amendment also captures the intent of what Mayor Wilkie was intending in terms of what actions have been taken and the actions been taken being also will come out of the QAO recommendations. Simply, unless Council commits to a publicly accessible follow-up I cannot in good conscience support a noting report. We must do better. People at Noosa are watching. They're asking questions. The last time I was the on the Noosa Council Facebook page. Council Facebook notice. I think I read this morning about a hundred and fifty seven shares this isn't a local issue it's become a national issue. Again community deserves answers 1.9 million dollars of their money they want answers not reassurances so I hope you support the amendment in front of us which is basically us doing our jobs Jessica Phillips 01:52:06.499
Can I speak? Thank you. I believe that I was voted in even though I've been asked not to talk about my policing experience I believe a lot of the community voted me in for a few reasons being a mum being a local but also very around my previous role 15 years as a police officer so I have a fair bit of experience in investigations I want to talk about a coronial investigation because at the moment you could log on and look at every Queensland coronial inquest and what comes out of that is a finding from the coroner so what happens during a coronial inquest is they work on chronological order about events to get a recommendation for community about what will happen to avoid that process happening again very detailed report, excluding legal and privacy obligations so every day of the week you can log on and have a look at a coronial inquest so the hat I put on right now when I look at supporting the amendment before us is actually an experience in being part of an investigation that takes into consideration looking at a chronological order of events that something happens a major incident a crime occurs and you work backwards from a time of events that be led to that not to identify somebody be responsible but often to give community confidence what I'm after and I will what I believe there they are after is something similar for Council to say we have looked at the process we have identified any shortfalls in that process and the recommendation moving forward we will see in exactly what Councillor Wilson pointed out we will see possibly no further events occur so I can't today yeah it's very important that the community know that there is a confidence in reviewing everything we do for constant improvement and constantly looking at reassuring our community that yeah we've identified things through this process there's been a very robust investigation internally and this is the recommendation coming out of it. Nicola Wilson 01:54:59.886
Similar to Councillor Phillips I believe I was elected due to my experience in finance and the promise to make sure that my pay is money is being looked after wisely and to ask all the right questions. As a member of the Audit and Risk Committee I will be asking for a deep dive into the crisis incident and the forensic investigation and making sure that we as a committee are aware of the whole process. At the moment I'm not satisfied that I have all of the information to be able to make too much comment but I will be asking for that information. Will not be made public so I do support this amendment that we have a publicly accessible follow-up report. I believe the community deserves accountability and transparency on this matter and I'm not comfortable with the narrative. That's out in the media at the moment is this could be prevented and the fact that we're now saying we're implementing controls and we're responding to the QAO recommendations means that there was a gap and I totally agree that we don't want a copycat incident but if controls are now improved that shouldn't actually be too much of a risk it's always a risk and as far as a sophisticated event but we can't say that it's not no one's fault you know, it wasn't preventable but it was avoidable and we need to do better I think that's all I was going to say yeah we accountable do need to be transparent about what's happened here and we can't just say it was AI that couldn't have done anything about it that's not been active that we need to be pushing here and we need to find out more about what went wrong Unidentified Speaker 01:56:47.165
And share what we can do Frank Wilkie 01:56:53.663
Councillor of wagoner Wegener. My Tom Wegener 01:56:58.743
Question, again is about redundancy because I would suspect that the Mayor would be talking about these things and bringing all this information to the public because it's a very hot item we all want to know about and all of the residents. So just a comment from me. I think perhaps there's a little bit of a misspoke when she says if we'd implied that if we don't do this we're not doing our jobs. No we're actually doing our jobs and this is I'll support the motion but by not supporting the motion it doesn't mean we don't do our jobs and it wasn't negligence on the part of staff to bring in commotion. A report coming forward because I think that of course there's going to be a lot of discussion of this moving forward there's a lot of things that we need to know and a lot of them making sure that it you know doesn't happen again and supporting our crime our ability to deal with this without through the audit risk so yeah I just a little would bit take it back that we're not doing not job our jobs unless we support for this because we actually are we're all trying to do our jobs Frank Wilkie 01:58:12.722
Councillors our caution against supporting this amendment as it's worded because it commits you to doing something it over promises and will ultimately under deliver and disappoint you know that you will not be able to reveal certain aspects of this investigation because it will create copycat there's the potential for copycat crimes not in this organisation but other organisations that's the intent of that we know we cannot reveal details this report will not be able to reveal details that will identify the staff who were targeted and are deeply and personally impacted by this and we have a legal and moral obligation to their well-being this gives a false impression that it will be full disclosure when you know it will not be can never be. By it says December out of meetings addressing key questions raised by the community you know that the answers to those key questions will always be tempered by legal and privacy obligations which is the get out clause at the end of this amendment. This commits us to do this is the easy way out as far as I'm concerned of committing just to a publicly released report there won't be, we've got a publicly released report, we will have a deep dive that's been done um Councillor Wilson is your representative community's representative on the auditing risk committee which is going to be asking for a deep dive there. Councillors have an open invitation to attend as observers to every auditing risk committee Councillor Phillips referred to an independent process such as a coronial inquiry for the Queensland Council has had the Queensland Audit Office to conduct independent inquiries and that's their recommendations of what are in the process of being implemented. Councillors, be very careful about putting out something that gives the impression that it will be full disclosure. Here's the impression, that it will be a transparent report when you know that the same the legal obligation to not reveal, legal and moral obligations not to reveal details, specific details of how this crime occurred will be applied when this report comes out. I think that's me. Thank you, time's up. You, thank you, Mr Chair. Karen Finzel 02:00:55.140
Thank you, Mr Chair. With regards to a question around, I think it clearly says subject to legal and privacy obligations, prior to this position in Council, worked in medical administration. Often times, information and patient reports were requested by the courts, and many a time I was tasked with the position to prepare those records for court. And there was a lot of information that would talk about legal and privacy that was redacted, so I put my question through to possibly the CEO, or I know we've got governance in the room, can you please provide reassurance that people's and privacy obligations will be met and there is capacity through redaction through reports? Larry Sengstock 02:01:51.884
Absolutely. That's the position we're in currently where we've had to continue to only provide the information that we're legally able to provide. So that would be the same thing going forward and we would only be able to give information that legally is available or and again it's privacy obligations as well as legal so it's really important that we protect that and that's how far do you go to protect that. Already there's plenty of people out there drawing all sorts of conclusions to this and we need to make sure that we protect our legal obligations and the privacy and the health and welfare. Of us. But for all of our staff not just those particularly involved but it's affecting everybody so we've got all sorts of obligations there that we need to bring to the table so it just needs to be really clear that the case because people again will draw the look at the look at the front end and not the back end of that side so as long as you're comfortable with that then that's my position. Frank Wilkie 02:02:59.340
Just to clarify Mr CEO because of legal and privacy obligations key questions raised by the community won't always be answered? Larry Sengstock 02:03:07.283
President: no, I'm too. No, sorry to put you out. When I'm reading this and I'm like everyone else reading this but it came very late, which is fine, but when I look at that key questions, what does that mean? What's the key question? What are the key questions? And I know there's, you know, you can draw a very broad scope of the questions asked at the moment on various opportunities that the community has. So, you know, what are those key questions and which ones, because we're not going to be able to answer them all at the same time. No, no argument at all. Brian Stockwell 02:03:47.987
I'll talk to you in a minute. Repeat my what the question was and that was Councillors we get briefings. We know more than what the community knows. We there's another full audit being completed. And was Councillors that it's going to be something that in the Audit and Risk Committee can be further dissected. We know that because of the limitations on what we can say, that a report in December going to say something very similar to what the report in front of us. To be to make a motion which I interpret is to be seeing to be doing the right thing rather than to really being honest and saying yes we know you'd like to know what happened, we know you'd like to see some punitive action. That's not going to occur as well as this motion because it increases the risks. It increases the risks just not to our organisation but to other organisations. So I think the responsible thing here is to acknowledge what's in the public, is that criminals attacked our organisation. And just like bank robbers with guns, they took a lot of money. And what staff have already put in is that we followed every recommendation to date to try and stop the modern day bank robber getting in again. There's not likely to be anything else that wouldn't come out in the standard way in regard to an audit report that this amendment will achieve. Because the key questions that many in the community, because let's face it, there's 60,000 victims of a crime. Residents and everyone. It's our residents and our ratepayers who are the victims of this crime, not just the organisation, and like I was when I heard that information the first time, A lot of them will probably be still be in shock. About it. Does make it you angry when criminals take money you have some claim to. Everyone gets angry. But the issue we are here as Councillors to say this organisation has responded to that incident in a professional manner. And has adopted the best practice that is available. And I'm happy to say that I know that it's a good. There may be other tweaking around the edges but I don't expect that this will result to any significantly different report or response from TAF than what's in front of us today. Karen Finzel 02:06:32.243
Through the Chair I have asked a question and I have not had a right to reply to the motion. What is the question? I've asked the question but you've been invited to close and I haven't actually spoken to the motion. This is not the motion, this is the amendment. Well, I haven't spoken to the amendment. I beg your pardon, I wish to speak to the amendment. Yes, I do, thank you. Yes, you have the floor. In response to Council at Stockwell, we talk about threat and our community being victims of crime. I look at things as is it a threat or is it an opportunity? People voted me in because I promised transparency and outward facing to my community. We all work together to put together a Corporate Plan and I have those who know me have continually asked to how we engender trust in our community. Right here on this right page, for everyone to see. I'll read it out. Open and transparent practices will continue to strengthen community, confidence and trust with Council. I think this is not a threat, it is an opportunity to engender trust and with excellence commit to providing outward and transparent information, engagement and community with our residents and ratepayers. I see it as an opportunity to take the lessons learned and I support continual improvement. This not might not be the exact you know panacea that we are seeking today at the table but however I support Councillor Lorentson boldly putting it forward in a short time frame to work towards engendering trust in our community. We've also heard today that we can adhere to legal and privacy obligations which we have integrity and the intention to deliver. We have also heard that we can put this information out there with those things redacted. I think it's an opportunity for us Councillors elected to represent our community who place their trust in us to sit around this table and rightly so as Council Brian said that we do get reports we do have access to more information however I'm prepared to take any opportunity available to actually continue to the best of our ability to provide open transparent communication for all involved this is a very challenging matter that's come before us I agree with Councillor Lorentson that I think our community deserves more than just a doting so around the table today I will support whatever it takes to engender that trust in community deliver excellence for our staff for the well-being of all the employees for our greater community and our Councillors we all here under codes of conduct we've all got very strict requirements of us in our roles and I think I'm prepared to say that we need to support anything the best things that are available to us we are constrained by certain regulations and obligations but I think we can be bold the Mayor is always asking for bolder leadership. Here is an opportunity to be bold step forward and at least take a further step towards continuous improvement and meeting all our commitments within our constraints to ensure our community to the best of their ability can trust us to leave no stone unturned but also making sure that we protect individuals and their rights to privacy and legal obligations. No one at any point is saying we are minimising that. We are trying to look forward to deliver a Council that can be respected and trusted in this community we are Noosa Shire Council Different by Nature we want to work towards continuing that for future generations with a Council that we can be proud of and I will be them. This amendment and thank you Councillor Lorentson for raising it today. Frank Wilkie 02:10:59.596
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 02:11:04.731
A one-page report for a $1.9 million loss of community money is just wrong. I googled needs to cancel. Noosa Council cyber attacks, just googled it last night. And in 2016, I think it is, September 9, 2016, an article appeared, nigerian scammers try to hack a Noosa Council email. There is. More detail in this article than there is in this one page. And I'm going to quote the article. At the time it was me, Tony wellington. No worries. Okay, so no worries. Man "This amendment reflects simply our duty as elected representatives. Councillors, we're not meant to be just observers. We are responsible for governance oversight. That means asking the hard questions, demanding clear. Answers and ensuring accountability. When public money is lost. A one-page noting report does not meet that standard. It does not provide the level of transparency or detail required for proper scrutiny. When 1.9. Million dollars of community money is gone, we must do more than acknowledge it. We must explain it. Again, this is not about blame, it's simply about responsibility and means leading with integrity and respecting the public's right to know. And it also means fulfilling our role as Councillors, providing governance oversights and protecting community trust. Without a commitment to a follow-up report, in my opinion we're failing in our obligations. We can't rebuild trust or demonstrate accountability by withholding information. One page again is simply not enough. We must show the community that we are taking this seriously, that we're listening and that we're prepared to lead with transparency, accountability and respect. Frank Wilkie 02:13:34.126
Thank you. I'll put the amendment those in favour. Councillor Phillips, Wegener, Finzel. Lorentson. Lawrence and Wilson against. Stockwell and Wilkie. The amendments carried becomes part of the substantive motion to which Councillor Finzel has spoken. Thank we're going to try an amendment of the motion. Thank you. Okay. Another amendment of the motion? Yes. I'll do a substantive motion now. Okay. As a motion as it stands. Unidentified Speaker 02:14:52.941
So Karen just posted something from the original motion, which is this here, and then this is the amendment that's just been passed. You're going it. So you'll need to do another amendment. That's what this extends. Larry Sengstock 02:15:12.219
That's right. We'll leave it as is. I'll just read that. Frank Wilkie 02:15:18.076
So Councillor of thames-Ellis adjourned. Finzel is the only one who's spoken to a motion. This is now the motion that we're speaking to. Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion which was moved by Councillor Finzel and seconded by Councillor Phillips? Jessica Phillips 02:15:36.745
I will, very quickly. I think as representatives around the table we can probably also assist with the key questions. So, when there was a broad assumption that would mean this, many questions, there's probably only one or two. And I believe that as representatives around the table we can probably assist with that when the time comes. But I will talk about leadership. I wanted to be able to I wanted speak off the cuff of it, but I thought I'd better do a quick search on leadership, and this pretty much sums it up perfectly for me. It involves in taking accountability for one's actions and decisions, and this means being responsible for of one's decisions, both success and failures. So, ownership leads, leaders must take ownership of their actions and decisions, ensuring they align with the organisation's goals and values. Clear expectations embracing accountability helps establish clear expectations and fosters transparent communication. Cultivating trust, very important part of, I think, you know, community have spoken loud and clear around the nation probably, specifically around local government and every layer, so the only way we can cultivate trust says by being transparent about actions, leaders build trust with their stakeholders. Fulfilling also commitments, accountability, includes fulfilling commitments, taking responsibility for mistakes, setting clear goals, following through on promises, so in essence effective leadership is characterised by a commitment to accountability which is crucial for fostering a positive and productive organisational culture. Frank Wilkie 02:17:42.878
I will try and remember. Who's C? Okay. CB, that Councillors be required to attend future Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Councils be invited. Thank and any briefings? To remain informed on the progress of this matter. On the progress? Yes, progress of this matter. The council's requested to attend. Future. Just future, no value? Yeah. Yeah. Mm-hmm. Update in a second. Meetings. So after audit committee meetings, related. Comment related briefings. Related. You. This committee meetings and related briefings about this board. Book, related briefings about this book.org community to remain informed on the progress of this matter. The councils are requested to attend future board of rules community meetings related and briefings okay, we have a seconder. Thank you, Councillor Wegener. Councillors, I'm doing this because if we're just waiting for a report to come to the December round of meetings on this, and we know that the key questions the community are asking cannot be addressed by that report. It won't be enough. This signals to the community that we are committed to being informed. On the progress of steps taken through formal and yet to be called process, yet to be called briefings about this very significant matter. There are opportunities for you to ask the questions you need to get across the specific details of how this occurred and the steps taken to ensure it will never happen again. Because part of the reason talk to me about the report, we know, due to legal and privacy obligations, it won't be full disclosure. We but we have an obligation to ensure that we're fully across what happened. So this creates that opportunity for Councillors to remain informed, to be present at any one of these community meetings. Committee means when this is going to be discussed, and also when the QAO recommendations, the implementation of the QAO recommendations are going to be discussed as well. So, it's an opportunity for councils to remain informed, and make sure that even though the report that's coming to Council, due to legal and privacy obligations, even though that report is coming. We won't be able to, we will have to make sure that we know exactly what happened and be assured that it won't happen again. This gives you that opportunity. Unidentified Speaker 02:23:44.509
I put in respect to the intent of this but Nicola Wilson 02:23:47.488
I don't think there would ever be any suggestion that Councillors wouldn't attend related briefings about this board and so I think this is probably redundant. By Councillor Wegener Councillor Wegener and I are the representatives on board of this committee. We would report that as a general court anyway when there are significant matters and I would also commit to telling Councillors what's on the agenda for next meeting, I think this will be important. In terms of ordinary business and the Audit and Risk Committee, we might not have specific items on the agenda that are about this board. It will be the ongoing risks looking forward, the ongoing internal controls, so I think this maybe doesn't quite. I think capture what might be on the agenda for those meetings to ensure councils are requested to attend the relevant items Unidentified Speaker 02:24:38.904
So I kind of feel like just putting this on Unidentified Speaker 02:24:41.948
The fly is maybe not quite getting any. Frank Wilkie 02:24:51.109
So, question to Councillor Wilson. The wording currently that councils are requested to attend future water and risk committee meetings about this fraud, there's a clause there and related briefings about this fraud, is not sufficient. Forum. It's for you, but councils are requested to attend future water and risk committee meetings, a clause about this fraud that pertains to the water and risk committee meetings. Is that sufficient? Unidentified Speaker 02:25:15.130
No, because there wouldn't be an emitting water and risk committee meeting that's. Nicola Wilson 02:25:19.552
Moment is called, while I am going to request a deep dive into the discernment meeting, I don't know yet if that will be possible, and so if that was to happen Unidentified Speaker 02:25:29.443
I would ordinarily invite Councillors to be present or to reopen Jessica Phillips 02:25:34.771
The agenda anyway. And then once you've taken away the Audit and Risk Committee and they're saying related things about Unidentified Speaker 02:25:42.983
This audit, it's not related to the Audit and Risk Committee, then the Councillors will already be with us. Frank Wilkie 02:25:48.650
I don't feel like there's any, I don't think that all Councillors will be opposed to each of us. Thank you. Tom Wegener 02:26:01.521
The Audit and Risk Committee really covers a very wide, broad array of risks and the event wasn't really brought wasn't up in meetings about as an active risk. There's lots of other risks, my gosh, and it takes a long time to go through those, so I'd like to, you know, suggest that the Audit and Risk Committee is a place where we can look forward towards further future. Risks, but it's looking backwards. That's not what the committee is so much about, it's looking forward and driving the Council further. Of course, I'll support the motion. Everybody's invited, as I said. Come to the audit committee's meetings, and I think that maybe when we do talk about this, is of special interest, we can make a note, hey, Councillors, this is going to be at this time, because there are long meetings with lots of pre-reading. Frank Wilkie 02:27:00.270
I have a question to you as a member of board. The of the risk committee and Councillor Wegener, if there is a Audit and Risk Committee meeting with an item related to this court, you would let us know? Yeah, absolutely. That's the intention? Tom Wegener 02:27:18.333
Yeah. And fraud is a big one. I mean, what we're looking through is cybersecurity doubts within Council. And of course, that's a really big and issue within the audit risk committee. And there's a few others as well. And you're all, everybody's invited to come and sit through those briefings as well. Larry Sengstock 02:27:39.045
Yes. So just in terms of the cybersecurity we're seeing on the cyber security, we've seen on the report of last month's meeting, or last quarterly meeting of the Audit and Risk Committee, that we did have a specific item where we do a deep dive each time on cyber security. So that information is provided into that group. Do and then also, every six months, we do review a do a review of our account. Council strategic risks as part of the audit committee as well. So just making everyone aware that it's not glossed over. It is absolutely part of the audit risk committee on a regular basis. Frank Wilkie 02:28:24.644
The Councillors will speak to the amendment. Jessica Phillips 02:28:31.731
Speak to I respect introduction. The intention behind the amendment but I guess for me sitting back and looking at just the last 18 months of meetings where we've seen amendments that are redundant. Because they're going to happen and seeing them fall, to me it's just we should probably just move again, respect the intention but I've now heard that it already happened so I'll thanks. Be voting against it. Karen Finzel 02:29:03.198
Yeah for those same reasons I think and we've clearly heard from staff that like you know trying to get the agenda for further meetings is I think that's correct how I heard that this morning will be you know quite its resolution and things will move forward. We are as it's been discussed around the table we already have open invitations to attend these meetings and our Councillors that are on those committees give us that feedback if there's something that needs to be you know attention brought to. I think I respect your intent Mr. Mayor but I do think it is redundant. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:29:46.961
Go on, Alright well I'll close. Thank you. I get the sense of where the media is going on this one. I don't feel like we have a table but Councillors feel this is not relevant or important. Here, enough, that it's redacted. It's redundant. I still believe that with a matter like this it is important to have a public statement of intent that shows that we are committed to informing ourselves as often and as fully as possible on a matter like this we've committed to implementing these reforms we're obliged to find out how they're tracking we do as it's been said we already have invitations to be working with this committee but to the best of my knowledge no other Councillor other than the two appointed to attend this is to say if there's an Audit and Risk Committee meeting coming up where the matter relating to fraud of land fraud is. The table you do attend to inform yourself so I respect the majority rule on this uh I um I didn't want today to go by without at least trying these amendments to ensure that the community knows that we around the table are committed fully to being as informed as possible about what actually happened make it taking every step to assure ourselves that the likelihood of it ever happening again will be completely minimised. I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? No, no, no, I want, the Councillors to be represented. Councillor Wegener, Councillor Wilkie, those against? No, you voted for, up here. Yeah, and Councillor Phillips, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wilson. The amendment is lost. We go back to the original motion to which Councillor Finzel and Councillor Phillips have spoken. Councillor Lorentson, do you want to speak? Amelia Lorentson 02:31:57.318
I'm going to try an amendment, another amendment, and apologies, this is just as we're discussing around the table. An amendment that Council Councillors. Acknowledges the need to address issues that contributed to the December 2024 fraud incident and commits to undertaking a review of internal processes workforce capability and resourcing as part of council's response Frank Wilkie 02:32:50.707
We'll just get this amendment. Worded. All right. One more time. Once an amendment is put before we have to deal with it. I'm crazy. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker 02:34:16.845
I hope not, community my hand is not there. Jessica Phillips 02:35:24.183
We should have that music, you know, when you're on a hold. The music? Yeah. Sorry. Unidentified Speaker 02:35:46.323
Nicolene can sing. Brian Stockwell 02:35:51.214
So, just a question. We haven't called the HOP proceedings. No, we haven't. So, we've had a amendment moved. We haven't had a second amendment yet. Unidentified Speaker 02:36:02.746
Oh, I haven't seen the finish. Brian Stockwell 02:36:04.287
So, it's still complete. Oh, it's still editing, eh? Yes. That's why. That's what this. Frank Wilkie 02:36:12.851
Okay, we have a seconder for this place. Unidentified Speaker 02:36:14.843
I'm happy to second Frank Wilkie 02:36:38.120
Thank you. It. Okay, Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 02:36:42.927
Okay, I've just pulled out my notes. So monday's General Committee we had a look at the CEO report. CEO you see our report had repeated mentions of resourcing constraints, staff vacancies and competing priorities. When and this at I read the report and I think I raised at monday's meetings, they weren't just operational sort of issues. To me, I read that as signs of teams that are under pressure. It suggested that people stretched and a recruitment and retention might be challenges in the organisation. CEO report also on Monday saw delays in some of the key corporate areas. Financial strategy and workforce planning. Again, these are core systems that support good governance and transparency. So again, when they stall, when they fall behind, it can point to deep organisational strain. All so disgusting. Also discussed at monday's General Committee, talked about areas that were we talked undergoing high staff turnover, and our financial department was one of them. So the amendment I've got in front of us takes in consideration the issues that were raised in the CEO report on Monday, and also captured in the 2024 December fraud incident. The in my opinion, exposed some organisational weaknesses that extend beyond just this one single event. So the amendment again children the other amendment, same purpose, is simply to restore public trust and to prevent future incidents. So with that objective, I think it's essential that Council strengthens internal systems and controls, invests in workforce capability. And ensures resources. Adequate resourcing. So that we don't see staff under strain. We need a proactive and transparent review that will help us build a stronger culture of accountability and continuous improvement across the organisation. Frank Wilkie 02:39:29.525
To the thought, wasn't there a review of internal processes, an assessment of workforce capability and resourcing as part of Larry Sengstock 02:39:49.676
Absolutely, that's exactly what we've reported against. We have reviewed our internal processes, that is the steps that we're taking. And our workforce capability we've brought in some people to provide extra support in that area and our resourcing, and that's certainly the ongoing future of this whole exercise, particularly in this area. But again, across the Council, there's no question that we've had issues with resourcing, recruiting and. Various areas, not in all areas across Council, but in specific areas. We talked about that on Monday. But this is something we've already reported as part of the report. Part of our media statement is that these are the steps we've been taking since we were alerted to this crime. Amelia Lorentson 02:40:34.339
Can I ask that the amendment that I moved earlier will this information be captured as part of the follow-up report? Absolutely. Larry Sengstock 02:40:55.706
We're a legal entity, sorry. Amelia Lorentson 02:40:56.285
We're subject to legal and privacy obligations, absolutely. Thank you, and I do think it was captured under that amendment, so I'm happy to withdraw the amendment from us. Frank Wilkie 02:41:07.587
Okay, we go back to the original motion to which Councillor Finzel Phyllis Finzel and Phillips have spoken. And this is now stuck out. Question three, four minutes. Okay, anyone else wish to Nicola Wilson 02:41:52.560
I have a duty to act in- I the public interest, both as a Councillor and as a chartered accountant. As we Councillors as are. Bound by a code of conduct in the Local Government Act, and I as a chartered accountant am bound by a code of ethics. Both of those include a commitment to confidentiality, but at the same time having to disclose information where it's in the public interest. Yesterday, I attended the webinar for tax accountants on ethics and trust, and also encompass government, which began with that acknowledgement that we must always act in the public interest. I've as mentioned before, I'm on the Audit and Risk Committee. I have no doubt that this matter, or the consideration of this matter, will be front and centre. Future meetings. I take my role on the Audit and Risk Committee very seriously, especially with my relevant expertise, and I will continue to make sure that Council acts on audit issues and risks raised there. Have been risks raised in the past and I'm waiting to know how to maybe, um. Quickly enough for various reasons. The suggestion that Councillors would not be taking this matter seriously or treating it as important if they don't attend the audit in this committee suggests that there's no other way for Councillors to find out that information. I don't believe it's necessary for all Councillors to attend every audit in this committee meeting because there are plenty of other ways that Councillors will remain informed not just with this report but also just in general monthly discussions or conversations with the CEO. We can ask for updates and information at any time. I just want to kind of summarise or finish by saying I commit to our I community that I will continue. To for more information on this matter to understand how this happened and also the actions that followed in that crucial time period Unidentified Speaker 02:43:50.944
Following the discovery of this event. Frank Wilkie 02:44:00.403
You can't follow us. Amelia Lorentson 02:44:02.301
I've got notes all over the place. Where do I start? Just recently at budget time we all stood in front of a camera and we all said pretty much the same thing that we thank the community for trusting us A with their vote, B with their voices and C with their money. That was a responsibility that we've all taken really seriously and I think the amendment to allow publicly accessible follow-up report respects that commitment that we made. I also spoke to a group of nearly 70 year 7 year 8 students yesterday and they asked me lots of questions and a lot of questions about the 1.9 million dollars but that their mum and dad gave. To this Council that was lost. They wanted an explanation. 1.9 million dollars of community money is a significant loss. Money was that could million dollars of that could have gone to roads, parks, libraries or vital services. We can't treat this with a one-page report. We also can't hide behind confidentiality. Community the deserves more than we reassurances, they deserve facts and they deserve transparency. Again, this is not about blame, it's about responsibility. As Councillor Phillips said, it's about owning what happened, learning from it and making sure it never happens again. Trust is built through honesty. And if we want to restore confidence, we need to be open, accountable and clear about what failed and how we're responding. That's our job, that's our duty and that's what the people of Noosa voted us in and what they expect from us. Frank Wilkie 02:46:20.122
Anybody else wish to speak before Councillor Stockwell? Finzel closes. Brian Stockwell 02:46:28.641
I will speak. I don't think anyone has downplayed the seriousness of this crime. I mentioned earlier that the traditional way of getting large sums of money we're holding up it's really important to think about, just because tactics have changed, it doesn't make the relevant bank manager or clerk that had to hand over the money anywhere accountable for crimes of unscrupulous people. Since this incident has occurred and we've found out about it, I can only speak highly their of the staff in their response with the rigour and with the speed to which they sought to address the vulnerabilities and to look at how to strengthen defences is easy to stand up here and make political statements that will be well received. Amelia Lorentson 02:47:39.789
The reference to political statements I it I don't think was necessary Brian Stockwell 02:47:54.132
The hard thing is to balance your desire to speak openly and honestly with the community and discharging your responsibilities in a way that protects those legal policy and privacy issues. This what it's about. Is at the heart of me, the decision comes really clearly down to do we want to disclose goal is to disclose information to satisfy the valid questions in the community's mind, or we want to minimise the risk of letting similar incidents happen in the future. That so to me, I can assure the community that what I've seen from staff in response to this has been a rigorous and professional response that has reviewed all those aspects that Councillor Lorentson put that recent withdrawn amendment, it has looked at how we strengthen our defences to try and significantly reduce the potential for similar incidents to occur in the future. I know the quality of the Councillors and of the independent professionals on our Audit and Risk Committee and I have faith in that Queensland audit committee audit order will be, in other words, we've heard it's happening now to double check that what we've responded with is the right way and that's really what we can assure our community is that this has had a number of levels of auditing. The response is yes that you've done the right thing to close that vulnerability. Tom Wegener 02:49:46.293
I'd like to give my thank you. I appreciation to Gatt who has worked really hard. This has, to us and the public, it's relatively due behind the scenes. It's been going on for nine months. It's been very, very hard on, from what I've seen from the staff. So there is a lot of work that's been going the scenes for a long time on this issue. So I will give you my appreciation to the hard work and the importance and the interest or the deep importance you see in this matter and trying to rectify it and going forward from this situation. So thank you very much to all the staff. Frank Wilkie 02:50:44.900
What's up, man? There's no doubt a significant fraud was committed on Noosa Council by international criminal gangs, an external forensic IT expert has confirmed there's no breach of council's cyber security, resident detail have not been taken or affected. There's been no impact on the delivery of any of council's projects or services or in order to impact the rates that were levied. We know the criminals use sophisticated AI, social engineering techniques that were strategic and targeted operational vulnerabilities. The fact that the Australian Federal Police, Queensland police and INTERPOL were involved is an indicator of the seriousness and magnitude of this crime. Please details of task. Advise not to reveal specific details of the tactics used by the criminals to avoid copycat crimes that may occur elsewhere. The Council final. Takes its financial and government responsibilities very seriously. Every Councillor the table does, as do the staff. These vulnerabilities are being strengthened through measures recommended by the Queensland Audit Office. There is additional internal controls and staff. Plus new third-party software. The other thing we're trying to balance alongside of our wish to be fully transparent and disclose as much we can. Much know much as we know about this insolent community is tempered with our legal and moral obligations to not reveal details that would identify the staff who have been deeply and personally impacted by this targeted and a strategic crime. The Councillors around this table feel uncomfortable. Or upset by this. Can you imagine how the staff that were targeted feel? And we have obligations to them, psychosocial obligations. Legal obligations. This remains an ongoing investigation by the Queensland police with assistance from the joint policing cybercrime unit. The focus has been and must remain on addressing these operational vulnerabilities with measures to minimise the chances of this ever happening again. And I will say to the community while we're supporting this motion. But please, do not. I hope we have not given the impression by saying we'll do a publicly accessible follow-up report that addresses key questions raised by the community that we'll be able to answer all your questions in that. Because of the get-out clause at the end of that statement which is subject to legal and privacy obligations. It's an unprecedented thing that's happened to Noosa Council. We all feel it deeply. No more than the staff have been impacted. I'm I personally I'd on the case I'm determined, like everyone else around this table and staff, to ensure that all measures are taken to minimise the likelihood of this ever happening again. I'll be supporting the motion. Councillor Finzel, do you wish to close? Um, thank you for the invitation. I'm not going further to contribute. I think that's all I'm going to say. Thank you. I'll put the motioners to favour. That's unanimous. There is no confidential session. The next Ordinary Meeting will be a late catharsis at 24 Boreen Parade, Boreen Point, 5pm on the 20th of November 2025. And I declare the meeting closed at 12:56. Thank you everybody for your patience and attendance. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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