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
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 00:00.000
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. Can I have all councillors that are in attendance come to confirmation of the minutes. Can I have a move and a seconder confirmation of the minutes. Can I have a move and a seconder for the minutes of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting, held on 9 September 2025, which was deferred from the P &E meeting. I'm happy to move. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Can I have a seconder please? Happy to second. Councillor, thank you. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. I have a mover and a seconder for the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on the 18th of September 2025. Happy to move. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Second. Councillor Wilson. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. I believe we have one petition. Councillor Lorentson. I have a petition. Amelia Lorentson 01:23.020
I 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 02:09.320
All right I'll second that. All in favour? Carried unanimously. There are no presentations. We have one deputation and 15 minutes allocation. allocated for the deputation. The speakers are Neville Hazlett Amelia Lorentson 02:28.399
And Barb Not nice or Patrick Murphy 02:31.939
Evil, but Frank Wilkie 02:33.679
Devil-hazel-ed. Neville Hazlett and Barb 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 02:46.699
Good morning everybody and thank you for accepting our attenders today. Nasal and I, and I'm not nasal, represent the bridge club and I'm the president of the current committee of 11. And Neville is a management push-along do-it-man, he's great. 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, 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 the public. 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 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 efforts of our former founders and our club has blossomed to 370 members with a capital 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. Play happens five days a week. days per week. Christmas days and Sundays, the only days that we remain closed. And sessions are four to four and a half hours in duration. Our demographic is creeping upwards, 68 being average age of our member. We have five members over 90, and because they have recently been offered free play as a 90 year old, there are 20 others aspiring 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 committee meeting held once a month. 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 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. many of our members simply disappears because of the mental challenges and they get by 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 of pension. And often state how fabulous it is that we keep our fees to $100 a year as a joining fee and $7 per game fee. Most affordable rates indeed. The club is run by 68 volunteers. volunteers, 11 of whom form the management committee. Many sub-committees exist to consider IT, strategic planning, rules and ethics, social events, housekeeping, maintenance... events: housekeeping, maintenance, publicity, teaching, we go on. And also we run an app that is an organiser for our partnership arrangement. All in all we run a pretty seamless organisation. We employ an admin for 10 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 do try to do the best by our membership. In summary we have 370 very happy Vegemites Frank Wilkie 08:02.540
Thank you Barb. Now welcome Neville. Neville Hazlett 08:06.800
Thank you. My throat suddenly got a bit dry. Barb Allen 08:14.440
Just listening to me. Neville Hazlett 08:22.940
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. Invite the council to consider our position and interests and note the contradiction between councils tree management policy and our ability to support council zero emission target. zero emission target. We are hindered from supporting Council's Living Well initiatives and we are being disadvantaged financially by this policy. Our current difficulties are financial pressures. And our financial pressures are: In one instance, Rock Arena Club is difficult because we have continuing economic issues around building maintenance, around running costs and upcoming expenses. technology and to upkeep our building. A specific immediate problem is the cost of power to building which is a result of a necessary air conditioning system to make the internal ambient conditions reasonable to the weather 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 at the start So this data points to a progressive shading increase and the encroaching vegetation grows as the vegetation 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 July period, and the shoulder periods of April and August are a bit marginal. 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. Surprising, I thought. 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 policy or some form of special dispensation for us. this would be achieved by pruning and would require monitoring to ensure that further growth was kept aligned with our minimised shading requirement. Second proposal, possible solution, is 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. to neutralize 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 building's 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 Walsh 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 and fall, this has occurred and should with some priority be reconciled. To be perfectly clear, this is a significant risk and fall recovery for the elderly is a different process It's 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 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 finding someone to volunteer to do that. Second solution is to 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 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 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. being closely surrounded by vegetation. The land 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 close vegetation also increases the building risks 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 Council Arborist confirmed confirmed that the council will remove only vegetation physically touching our building. This approach does not encourage the longevity of our building and doesn't support our interests. It does replace the vegetation in a preferential position. Our solution is to clear a three metre 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. 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 gifted the building to 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. Frank Wilkie 16:59.380
We now come 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. Your questions will be answered by Kim Rawlings, Director of Strategy and Environment. you. Pat Spicer 17:16.231
My name's 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. The strategic importance... By funding trunk and essential infrastructure, it helps housing developments proceed more quickly and efficiently. As such, the fund is totally linked housing output without delay. So my question: what implications impact does receiving a grant through the Residential Activation Fund for infrastructure work at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy have for future uses of lots 2 and 3 of the subdivision? So this is Kim's response or our response as an organisation the Residential Activation Fund is for infrastructure to support housing and not for the construction of housing itself. Proposed lot 1 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 two and three will be investigated for a range of land uses, including housing, in accordance with the council resolution dated 23 January 2025, including community concentration. Proposed lots 2 and 3 will is finished. Proposed lots two and three will be investigated for a range of land uses, including housing, in accordance with the council resolution dated 23 January 2025, including community concentration. Background information. The July budget report, 18th of the 8th of 25, included Included the loan item for 6264 Lake Macdonald Drive because there was an embargo on the funding schemes that council believed would be realised through the program. Council was anticipating taking out that loan and so achieved achieved the other known sources that we can't talk about at this juncture due to council's commitment with other levels of government around funding announcements. This budget report for July indicates council had the funding through the Regional Residential Activation but had to wait for Queensland Government announcements before making the information public. The consideration for taking out a loan substantiates the condition that applicants may be required to provide a matching 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 6264 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, from the Residential Activation Fund and the cost of of the contract, which will result in 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 cost? 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. A loan facility is being investigated along with pursuing further grant funding opportunities. you Pat. Frank Wilkie 21:03.480
The next application is from Ms Rhea Den Braasem, who couldn't be here today, but has requested Pat Spicer read her questions. Pat Spicer 21:13.140
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 of Council's resolution, the 20th of January 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 Activation Fund provides funds for trunk and essential infrastructure that is fundamental in getting more homes built sooner. The Residential consultation. The Residential Activation 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 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? 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 6264 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy have in relation to community construction or future use of lots 2 and 3? Sorry, community consultation. Sixo. Thank you again Pat. 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 Residential Activation Fund 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, meeting the three year timeframe required of the Residential Activation Fund comfortable. Community consultation on future uses for lots two and three will likely occur in 2026. 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 on the 15th of 2025, community consultation is unlikely to formally begin in the next 12 months. Expected completion of the subdivision works is prior to such a vague date. Response to public question on the 15th of 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 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 2 and 3. Connecting 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: Ria's question is: will community consultation regarding the future use 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? will community consultation... 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 2 and 3 will likely occur in 2026. 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. Frank Wilkie 25:30.126
Thank you, Mr Spicer. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a 10 minute adjournment. We thank everybody. The meeting is being 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. The 11.1.1 Governance and Policy Update, the 11.1.2 Risk Management and BCP Update, the 11.1.3 ICT Cyber Risk Report, the 11.1.4 Internal Audit Update, the 11.1.5... 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 on the subject later in the agenda at item 12.3. And the 11.1.7 is the Audit and Risk Committee recommendations on block. 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 unanimously. 11.2 Planning and Environment Committee recommendations. 11.2.1 Planning applications decided by delegated authority for August. 11.2.2 it's an MCU development.2.2 is 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 hospital infusion centre and RAL190004.0407 reconfiguration lot at 36 to 40 Hofmann Drive, Noosaville, 11.2.3. An MCU developed an application for material change of use for short term accommodation, backpackers accommodation at 17 Russell Street, Noosaville, 11.2 Noosaville. 11.2.4 planning and environment committee recommendations on block. Now we have a mover and a seconder for the planning and environment committee recommendations to be adopted. I'm happy to move. Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor. All in favour? That's unanimous. 11.3 services and organisation committee recommendations. 11.3.1 is minor amendments to fees and charges registered for commercial fees. 11.3.2 Noosa Shire Council's solar specialised supplier lists. Councillor. Margaret Gatt 40:49.050
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 40:52.790
Oh. Can I get a proof of that? Margaret Gatt 41:00.100
Yes, yeah. Okay, Councillor. Thank you. I, Councillor, 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. will now leave the meeting room while this matter is considered and voted on. Frank Wilkie 41:37.530
Thank you Councillor. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 41:41.650
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. Noosa Shire Council's sole and specialised supplier list on this agenda because my husband, Chris Lorentson, was previously employed as General Manager at Page Furnishes, Pty Ltd, a role he held for 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 a 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. Margaret Gatt 42:59.927
Thank you. Through the Chair, I have a question for 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 suppliers list. Thank you. 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. clarity for IPS. We're from Council of Lorentson in I'm chosen to do this here on. Frank Wilkie 43:40.021
Yes, thank you. I would like it Margaret Gatt 43:40.981
Noted at the previous meeting, I did request the staff to get back to me for clarification without any matter. Thank you. Patrick Murphy 43:52.709
Yes, I'm happy for the standard recommendation regarding staying in the room. Frank Wilkie 43:59.969
Is there any discussion? All in favour? Margaret Gatt 44:06.243
Sorry. All councillors Frank Wilkie 44:08.763
Were in favour with the exception of Councillor Lorentson who did not vote and Councillor who was absent. Okay, now can we have a move and a second for the committee recommendation regarding the sole and special... Specialised Supplier list. Happy to leave. Thank you. Councillor Wegener, would you like to speak to it? No, Mr Chair. Thank you Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That's unanimous with the exception of Councillor. Can we have Councillor back to the meeting Okay, that brings us to 11.3.3, register of pre-qualified 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. 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 and organisation committee recommendations en masse. And the mover and seconder will be services and organisation committee... Margaret Gatt 45:32.695
Happy to move, Mr Chair. Councillor Finzel. Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 45:35.235
Seconded by Councillor. Any discussion? discussion? No discussion. 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. 11.4.4, Sunshine Creek slope stability contract award, confidential contract variation project management. And reconstruction. 11.4.6 is the general committee recommendations on block and we move on to the second of the meeting. Seconded by Councillor Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? It's carried unanimously. It brings us to the report direct to the ordinary meeting. 12.1 is the application for other change to an existing approved for material change of use, indoor entertainment, clubhouse, sport recreation and To material change of use in outdoor sport and recreation, food and drink output in the medium impact industry, being in Surrey, the client, Opal Street, Cooroy, and we welcome Matthew, Patrick, and Richard. The item is approved by the General 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 47:16.549
Okay, I might let Matt do a summary of the report. No, okay, we'll talk to the summary of the changes. Yeah, so yeah in summary the application as it was stated is a change to the existing approval and so that's to regularize 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 open recreation and open space and the primary use of the bowls club remains unchanged and is supported by long-term agreement ensuring sorry ensuring community yeah through the chair apologies so yeah the food and drink outlet it maintains its ancillary nature and it's ancillary to the primary recreational use 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 They-- I'll move over to this one. 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 hours of operation The 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 also 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. think overall the proposal balances recreation, commercial and community interests and this application is recommended for approval subject to the recommendations conditions that we're going to be discussing in more detail 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 some of the hours of operation particularly around the allowance for patrons to be bowling on site from 7:00am. and then there was the food and drink outlet component was limited to not commence till 10:00am. and understanding that the applicant has also put forward a range of conditions that he 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 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 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 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 or can just run 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 amend that condition to allow a 7:00am. 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 7:00am. utilising the bowling facility and maintained the 9:00pm. finish time on the Monday to Thursday and the Sunday to public holidays allowing an 11:00pm. finish time on Fridays and Saturdays. The playground we've extended the hours of the playground use from 8:00pm. to 9:00pm. it's proposed to do so again based on the fact that proposed to do so again 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 our parents will be utilising the facility so that was condition 39 on 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 that's been amended to require that they with 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 just condition 50 there's been a 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 impact assessment Condition 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 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 of the noise requirements again points back to condition 45 and not table 1 as previously mentioned. Amelia Lorentson 54:28.840
Questions? Patrick you just mentioned, thank you, Patrick you mentioned just before that representation is still available to the applicant. I'm sorry Frank Wilkie 54:40.080
Councillor, excuse me Nick, there's no filming in here. Amelia Lorentson 54:45.618
My question is does that mean that the applicant after today's meeting still has an opportunity to review or ask ask for an amendment of some of the conditions if they're not workable or burdensome. Patrick Murphy 55:05.497
I agree with 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 the applicant may seek and then for us to consider those within a time frame. Amelia Lorentson 55:21.063
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. Margaret Gatt 55:45.315
Yes, thank you through the chair. Thank you to the staff. I know that everyone's had to work considerably fast in space to approve this report in a timely manner to the table. With regards to 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 of the bowlers club to able to still run professional tournaments to ensure the green is at competition level? Patrick Murphy 56:32.898
Through the Chair. So the condition would require an easement that's two metres wide along that full length of that boundary which is 70 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. An easement would leave obviously one metre. It's noted that the application seeks to utilise another part of the green for the purpose of an outdoor drinks area. It's also noted 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 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 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 of Hard up to that two metres and it would be sometime 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. and outcome with limited impact. Thank you through the chair could I just add to that thank you Patrick for that you're just in addition to to help support that so the taking of the easement itself doesn't actually outline when or all Thanks. Outline when all the types of work council will take the I guess the take 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 of the impact on 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 potentially great expense to ratepayers to acquire that land it was to do future work so that's why it requires and uses the development process to trigger the need for land to be dedicated. Thank you. Margaret Gatt 01:00:01.223
So through the chair this provides opportunity for council staff to talk to the applicant to look at that to make sure that the Bibles Club will not be compromised in their opportunities to participate in competitions Patrick Murphy 01:00:13.125
Through the chair so yeah the taking of the easement is not not committing committing that that works works will be undertaken immediately. What it does do is highlight it and it's obviously been outlined in the planning scheme for many, many years that any development will trigger the need for a dedication of an easement or the land itself. So Council will work with all with all of those landowners in the future if there's any particular design being prepared to undertake those works. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:00:43.690
Sorry, just a further question on that. When I drove past, it seemed like a lot of the lanes were already developed. So in terms in terms of an easement all the way down Diamond Lane, is that actually possible? Patrick Murphy 01:00:58.592
Through the Chair, there is a number of properties where there's already been actual dedication. So the land to the east, where the four Queenslanders were relocated to. There was a dedication there, the site beside it, there's also been land that has been made dedicated, so it it has been occurring, its development has been occurring in that area. It is quite a thin laneway and we're certainly intensifying land uses adjacent. intensifying land uses adjacent to our laneways in terms of residential density, so there's more vehicle movement, more pedestrian movement in those areas, so it's quite an important future outcome. So we have a motion, of course, which includes changes in conditions the extended council operation and change details around noise. If you'll move it. Moved. Councillor Stockwell will have a seconder. Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Stockwell. 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. 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 to residential outputs. 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 that quite often the noise nuisance late at night in licensed premises doesn't come from within the side of the building it comes when people who are going to their cars who may have drunk too much. The issue with the easement and diamond tree diamond lane like ambulance lane is very narrow what we are finding is places like to the 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. like Widened, difficult to get services in, quite difficult for our rubbish trucks to get down those narrow lanes, so I think it was the 2016-2020 council looked at all this and said yes, what we'll need to do if we want to make best use of that, of these laneways to 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 really good off-street pedestrian cycleways too, so in that particular area trying to get pedestrians to 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 a good development and I think the balance that have been struck with the amended conditions get it right. Frank Wilkie 01:04:07.196
Councillor would you speak to the motion? Councillor Wilson. Margaret Gatt 01:04:11.976
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 7 o 'clock start helps..the applicant to achieve what they want with their business, while also still being mindful of residential and community. 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, times, I think that's easier for customers to understand and also for the local residents to have an expectation of when outside activity will stop and presumably past 9pm when it's dark everyone will head inside anyway so I think that's a good sensible balance of what the applicant has balance of what the applicant has asked for and also maintaining residential rules. Frank Wilkie 01:04:58.931
You, Councillor Wilson. Amelia Lorentson 01:05:02.700
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 been really genuine efforts made to listen and respond to feedback and find solutions that balance both the 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 amenity. amended conditions and the outcome that we're seeing here today. So thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:05:46.200
Councillor Stockwell, do you wish to close? No. Okay. All in favour? That is unanimous. Thank you, Matthew. Thank you, Patrick. Thank you, Richard. The next item, 12.2, is the Tourism Noosa Roadmap Development Status Report. we have- is Kim Rawlings- is online. Kim Rawlings, Tourism Partnership and Event Strategy Coordinator. Anthony Dow is- is he here? So, Kim, I think you can give us a summary of the report. Margaret Gatt 01:06:29.342
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 and to present to us present to us some 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 we should receive that information in the next week or two we have also appointed a part-time senior experienced project lead to help manage this process and keep this process going given that the time frames are fairly tight to develop the roadmap by November so really So really, overall the report just says things are moving forward, going well, and we will keep you updated. Frank Wilkie 01:08:09.324
Any questions for Director Rawlings? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:08:15.134
Just a quick one, Kim. So you can confirm that we are on track on meeting the December timeline? Margaret Gatt 01:08:25.274
Yes, Councillor Lorentson. And 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 Noosa Board. We will need to, you know, 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 timeframe, but at the moment we are on track. Frank Wilkie 01:09:05.012
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. Item 12.3: Summary report of the Queensland Office Interim Audit Report. The Director of the Corpus Services is now at the table for this report. Margaret Gatt 01:09:33.256
I'd like to, for discussion, move the original motion. Frank Wilkie 01:09:42.358
Well, traditionally, we ask staff to give a summary of the report first, so we'll hold you as the mover of the motion. As a mover, then we'll have the report. Margaret Gatt 01:09:57.700
Thank you, Mr Chair, I appreciate that. Director Gatt. 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 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 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 investigation confirmed there was no breach 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 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. Counties: 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 not publicly disclose this information related to the incident as to not compromise 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 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 the incident was $2.3 million. Some monies have been recovered from our bank and our current net financial loss is approximately $1.9 million. That is subject to some additional changes whilst we continue to engage with our relevant insurers. Frank Wilkie 01:12:50.876
Thank you all. Thank you. We have a seconder for the motion. Seconded by Councillor. Councillor Finzel, you have the floor. Margaret Gatt 01:13:01.376
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 and to support our trust, I'm happy to support the original motion and open it up for discussion today. Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Can I ask a question? What was that question? Thank you. And I understand the extra stress that 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... want to know what's going on. it 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? 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 any natural disaster, where there is those processes of leaning forward, sitting up and standing up. So when I commenced with Council and became 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 system is proper and data and /or in-person related information is not breached. I don't know if I answered that. Amelia Lorentson 01:15:38.448
No, you go ahead. 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 01:15:58.548
Through the Chair, could I seek advice as to whether I answer that in open? Frank Wilkie 01:16:03.716
You can. 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 this very targeted scam. Do you want to speak with Margaret Gatt 01:16:29.846
Like I've been saying I think all week is that we have processes in place and for to protect our organisation and the cyber attack The cyber attack process or the process to avoid cyber attack has been shown to be very successful. In this case, that's our systems. In this case, it's the processes that we thought were in place that would protect us from this. This is a very sophisticated attack on our our, a 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 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. vulnerable, we've sought to change those processes in line with QIO's advice as well. Chair, this may be 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. think in 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 on 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, when social engineering and AI tend to be very much linked. So that's our understanding understanding of of Frank Wilkie 01:18:45.266
The-- the council. Councillor Wilson. Amelia Lorentson 01:18:52.356
You mentioned that we have engaged some external help. In terms of external consultants, what other external-- external consultants have been engaged to assist with this matter, and what is their scope of involvement? Margaret Gatt 01:19:09.074
Through the Chair, Councillor Lorentson, when I referred to in the report around external independent ICT, 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. 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 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 that's not specifically related related to the fraud event. Amelia Lorentson 01:20:25.138
So, my question is really, does Council currently have the necessary capability in house to manage or respond to this issue and issues like this in future? Margaret Gatt 01:20:39.588
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 One system, they have been implemented immediately. Through the Chair. In addition, as 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 EFTShore 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. Question please, it'll be to the CEO since just in relation to when you used the statement about identifying process issues. To reassure 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. Once 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're We're, we believe we need to 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 exposing the processes that we've got to future people that may see this as an opportunity to find another way around it. 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 attacks and social engineering and AI, it's just, 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 place as strong a process as we possibly can for the knowing what we've... knowing what we know now, and we'll continue to upgrade and do that, and we'll report that back to Council in terms of, you know, 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 01:23:26.781
Follow-up question to that, probably to Director Gatt. What likely reports are going to be coming to the Ordnance and Risk Committee, subsequent reports to the Ordnance and Risk Committee about this? Margaret Gatt 01:23:36.841
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 within 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 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 As of this morning in my conversations with the 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. not just local government but state government and any other statutory bodies. They have been contacted and other CEOs, statutory bodies, etc. across local government and state have contacted them in relation to this information now that it's out as a matter of And so the QAO are 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 So they are issuing, it's a sector wide statement, so for council's information, you may or may not be aware of this, another one, another recently as eight months ago, had exactly this same occurrence happen to them, in 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 experienced this same event. Amelia Lorentson 01:26:09.714
So, Mark, can I ask how much was the financial loss? I don't know. To the other council? Margaret Gatt 01:26:14.874
I don't know. Oh, sorry, through the Chair. Sorry, I forgot. I 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 01:26:30.771
Move an amendment through the chair. Margaret Gatt 01:26:41.731
I've got a few questions on the audit, so they're all related. So QAO, our sources are to KPMG. They did their audit testing in April. Were they aware of this event at the time that they did their audit? Thank you, through the chair. I have an actual, I've got a formal statement from the KPMG who actually do represent the QAO, one in the same. So KPMG conducted their interim audit visit at Council in the week commencing the 19th of May. This visit is primarily used by KPMG to understand and document Council's financial reporting processes ahead of their year-end audit visit where more detailed sample testing is performed. Through the course of testing is performed. Through the course of the interim visit KPMG were made aware by current management at the time were made aware of the loss event by council staff. Frank Wilkie 01:27:39.604
Move an amendment following on from comments and discussion around internal controls, Subpart B be added to the request of the CEO to provide regular updates to councillors on the implementation 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. We all take- thank you, Councillor Stockwell- we all take our financial and responsibilities very seriously and these 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. We get and receive regular reporting on how these things are being implemented and whether they actually serve the purpose for which they're intended. So by efficacy I mean the ability to produce the desired or intended result of the new software, of the new I think it's very important that councillors receive regular updates on this, whether it be monthly 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. is what will happen so we can all remain abreast of these important financial and governance changes. Margaret Gatt 01:29:15.780
Thank you. Thank you Mr Chair. Amelia Lorentson 01:29:34.707
A question in relation to the amendment. Is the, and I'll ask the question probably through acting CFO, is the amendment 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 01:29:59.141
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 have a question. Patrick Murphy 01:30:18.881
So these are updates to councillors. These are not public. Amelia Lorentson 01:30:30.180
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 CEO actually already provides these updates through existing processes and given the serious 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. 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 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. Again, I won't support this amendment, but I do have an amendment that I'd like to try on the table. Margaret Gatt 01:31:46.580
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. 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... more about identified process issues and what we can transparently tell community about outcomes that have been learnings from how this happened in the first place. And so today, yeah, I'm really not ready to move forward around how we will identify the internal controls what you're asking for, Mr. Mayor. I'm standing here today, community are 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 better. go backwards first. Patrick Murphy 01:32:56.460
I'm just a question, I think, for Acting Director Catt. There's a thing that we should have an independent advice. My understanding of standard process is we have an ordinary risk committee which have very highly experienced and 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 01:33:18.891
Through the Chair, yes that is correct, Councillor Stockwell. In addition to the committee itself, we have an internal audit plan. So whilst it's called internal audit, it's facilitated by an external audit company by the name of Crow. They also look at operating processes and procedures to see if there are any issues and they make recommendations. recommendations through to the Audit and Risk Committee that management then must also respond to and give timeframes which they put them in place. And in response to Councillor Lorentson's question, it's probably inappropriate, I'll continue to respond to your question, That through KPMG and QAO, in particular, with the significance of this event, their end of year audit, which is currently is currently happening right now, they are on site. Their sample size of testing and reviewing a whole range of things is quite far, wide reaching and 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 where 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. the audit and risk committee this will continue to be a focus where 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 01:35:03.054
Ough the audit and risk committee this will continue to be a focus where we will have to provide them assurance that we have those internal controls Frank Wilkie 01:35:10.014
In place and the risk is significantly minimised Margaret Gatt 01:35:23.640
I agree that this isn't necessary. The only way we 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 they are if we don't have another significant event. Frank Wilkie 01:35:40.587
Okay. Councillor Wegener. Patrick Murphy 01:35:46.307
You know, all the Because this is directed at the councillors around the table here. You know, we all have invitations to attend the Audit and 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 of opportunity to put this under the microscope. So there's a lot of opportunity for us to work through the Audit and 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 walk instead of talking. There's a lot for councillors to ask at the Audit and Risk Committee meetings. Margaret Gatt 01:36:40.362
Yes, thank you Mr Chair. My question to you is for clarification on the amendment. Given we've heard that the Audit and Risk Committee are processing the opportunity for councillors to access this information, what process process are you proposing that the CEO uses to update the councillors on these implementations? Frank Wilkie 01:37:01.305
Well, it's open to discussion but I think one method would be to have it as a standing item on the councillor discussion forum. Where councillors 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 them. I don't want to wait until we have a Monthly at the CDF. It will be a good opportunity. Patrick Murphy 01:37:50.500
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 councillors are being asked have you got your hands on the rudder and this just reaffirms the 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 so 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 01:38:58.200
Councilors, 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 the question and audit office recommendations. Are they being implemented? By 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 question. 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 in entirely the wrong frame. No one's comfortable about what happened. No amount of comfort can 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? What 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 This is a commitment, this is a demonstration of your commitment here and now to regular, 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 has been done, that 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. I'll put the amendment, so I've closed. Those in favour of the amendment? Councillor Wegener, Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wilkie, those The amendment, Councillor, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Wilson advance their amendments lost. We go back to the original motion. Councillor Finzel, you have a question? Margaret Gatt 01:41:36.079
Through the Chair, thank you for the opportunity, it's irrelevant now, thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:41:41.283
I'd like to move the motion. That council commits to releasing a publicly accessible follow-up report accessible follow-up report by the December round of meetings, subject to legal and privacy obligations. The report will address key questions raised by the community. 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. Actions taken. Lessons learnt, after lessons learnt, or I'll just email it to you. Vicky might be So including a commitment to providing regular updates. We can just add the words including. A commitment to providing. Frank Wilkie 01:44:20.770
That's one, what are you allowed to include? Amelia Lorentson 01:44:22.325
Including a commitment to provide regular updates on the implementation of the Queensland Audit Office recommendations and lessons learnt. Margaret Gatt 01:44:35.745
Commitment to providing updates. Amelia Lorentson 01:44:39.365
Provide, to provide regular. To providing regular, providing regular updates. Patrick Murphy 01:45:10.700
The amendment makes no sense. It's talking about a single report in November and then talking about regular updates. Amelia Lorentson 01:45:17.360
I'm happy to omit and stick to the original amendment. Thank you. Sorry, Vicky, I agree with that. I'm trying to put too much into that. Patrick Murphy 01:45:34.986
Then the same regular updates. Yep. Margaret Gatt 01:45:38.666
Questions raised and outlined key findings. Amelia Lorentson 01:45:49.519
That's the original one. That's right and can I add So after follow-up report by the December December. 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 Subject to legal and privacy obligations. Frank Wilkie 01:47:04.750
By the criminal syndicate to discourage it happening elsewhere. The tactics, techniques and strategies used by the criminals that may identify the staff involved. Is that what legal and privacy obligations would prevent from being included in any subsequent report? Margaret Gatt 01:47:34.276
Our staff, but also exposing us to further vulnerabilities by revealing specific details that fraudsters could take advantage of and expose us further. Frank Wilkie 01:47:47.796
So, for example, addressing key 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 01:48:03.940
Through the Chair, that is correct. There will be some information we won't be able to release to protect our staff and to also protect the risk of this fraud occurring again. Patrick Murphy 01:48:19.831
With the limitations, I think we've already got the report, it's the 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 communicated now? Noting that the Airborne Risk Committee won't be done in time for it to get onto be done in time for it to get onto the agenda for the ordinary meeting. Frank Wilkie 01:48:48.871
I can't allow that. It's drawing, and I'm correct to get into it. Quite a while. Patrick Murphy 01:48:55.071
Okay. I'll just raise it as a point. Frank Wilkie 01:48:56.071
Yeah. That would be a perfect last word for council. Thank you. have a, so the amendment is council commiss to releasing a publicly accessible follow-up report by December round of meetings addressing key questions raised by the community, outlining key findings, actions taken, and lessons learned subject to legal and privacy obligations. Can we have a seconder for that please? Yes. Councillor Wilson. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:49:24.889
Where do I start? In its current form, the report in front of us is simply a noting report. A noting report is simply not enough. Not when $1.9 million of community money has been lost. Not when one simply not enough. Not when $1.9 million of community money has 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 and 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 responsibility 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. Again this has come last minute as a response to an amendment that was put forward to 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 have been taken and the actions that have been taken also will come out of the QAO recommendations. Simply, unless Council commits to a publicly accessible follow-up report, I cannot in good conscience support a noting report. We must do better. People of Noosa are watching, they're questions. The last time I was on the Noosa Council Facebook notice, I think I read this morning, about 157 shares. This isn't a local issue, it's become a national issue. Again, community deserves answers. $1.9 million 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. Margaret Gatt 01:52:05.753
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 much 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. 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 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 and you work backwards from a time of events that led to that not to identify somebody to be responsible but offer often to identify process that's how we end up with speed reduction on our roads there could be certain outcomes from a Confidence. What I'm after and what I believe 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. 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 we do for constant improvement and 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 internally and this is the recommendation coming out of it. Similar to Councillor, I believe I was elected due to my experience in finance and the promise to make sure that ratepayers 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 full 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. That information will not be made public so I do support this amendment that we have a publicly accessible follow-up report. information. 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 that this could have been 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 to a copycat incident, but if our controls are now improved, that shouldn't actually be too much of a risk, it's always a risk, and this was a sophisticated event, but we can't say that it's no one's fault that this wasn't preventable. It was avoidable, and we need to do better for great pay as well. I think that's all I was going to say. Yeah, we do need to be accountable, we do need to be transparent about what's happened here, and we can't just say it was AI, that's not the tactic that we need to be pushing here, and we need to find out more about what went wrong, and share what we can. Frank Wilkie 01:56:53.260
Councillor Wegener. Patrick Murphy 01:56:55.760
My question again is about redundancy, because I would suspect that the mayor would be talking about these these things and bringing all this information on to the public because it's a very hot item we all want to know about it all of the residents so Mike Mike I just just a comment for me I think perhaps there's a little bit of a misspoke which he says if we need a plot that don't do this we're not doing our jobs no we're actually doing our jobs and this 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 on the part of staff to not bring 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 making sure that it doesn't happen again and supporting our crime, our ability to deal with this through the audit risk. So, yeah, just a little bit to take it We're not doing our jobs unless we support for this because we actually are. We're all trying to do our jobs. Frank Wilkie 01:58:12.517
Look, councillors, I would caution against supporting this amendment. 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... There's 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... I can never read it, but it says... December round 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 is the easy way out as far as I'm concerned. We're committing just to a publicly released report. We've got a publicly released report. We will have a deep dive that's been done. Councillor Wilson is your representative, community's representative on the Audit and Risk Committee. She's going to be asking for a deep dive there. Councillors have an open invitation to attend as observers to every Audit and Risk Committee. Councillor referred to an independent... process such as a coronial inquiry. Well the Queensland... the councillors have 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... be very careful about putting out something that gives the impression that it will be full disclosure, gives the impression that it will be a transparent report, when you know that the same legal obligations 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 enough. Thank you, time's up. Thank you. Time's up. Thank you. Councillor Finzel. Margaret Gatt 02:00:53.746
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, I worked in medical administration. Oftentimes, information and patient 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 we 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 legal and privacy that people's legal and privacy obligations will be met and in its capacity through redaction, through reports. 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 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. make sure that we protect our legal obligations and the privacy and the health and welfare of 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 that's the case. Because people, again, will look at the front end and not the back end at that time. Frank Wilkie 02:02:55.593
So as long as you're comfortable with that, then that's my position. Just to clarify, Mr. CEO, because of legal and privacy obligations, key questions raised by the community won't always be out there, won't be answered. Margaret Gatt 02:03:08.679
No, sorry, to the Chair, when I'm reading this, and I'm like everyone else reading this it came very late, which is fine, but when I look at the key questions, what does that mean? What are the key questions? And I know there's, I mean, you can draw a very broad scope of the questions being asked at the moment on various opportunities that the community has. So, you know, what are those key What's the key and I know there's, I mean, you can draw a very broad scope of the questions being 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. Frank Wilkie 02:03:44.903
Yeah, Patrick Murphy 02:03:45.803
I'll talk to you in a minute. I'll repeat what my question was. And that was, councillors, we get briefings. We know more than what the community knows. We know there's another full audit being completed and that 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 really being honest and saying, yes, we know you'd like to know what happened. We know you'd like to see, you know, some punitive action. That's not going to occur as well as this motion because it increases the risks. And as was highlighted, there are increases. are increases of risks not just 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. 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. 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 still be in shock. It does make you angry when criminals take money you have some claim Take money. You have some claim too. Everyone be thankful. The issue we are here as councillors is 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 occurred. There may be other tweaking around the edges but I don't expect that this will result in any significantly different report or response from TAF than what's in front of us today. Margaret Gatt 02:06:32.366
Through the chair I have asked a question and I have not had a right to reply. To the motion. Frank Wilkie 02:06:38.064
What is the question? Margaret Gatt 02:06:40.064
I've asked the question but you've not asked invited the close and I haven't actually spoken to them to the motion. Frank Wilkie 02:06:46.284
This is not the motion, this is the amendment. Margaret Gatt 02:06:48.304
Well I haven't spoken to the In response to Councillor Stockwell, we talk about threat and our community being victims of crime. I look at things, is it a 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 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. opportunity to engender trust and with excellence commit to providing outward and transparent information, engagement and community with our residents and ratepayers. opportunity to take the lessons learnt 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 councillors 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 obligations which we have the 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 as councillors elected to represent our community community, who place their trust in us to sit around this table, and rightly so, as Councillor Stockwell 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 and 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 I will support whatever it takes to engender that trust in our community, deliver excellence for our staff, for the wellbeing of all the employees, for our greater community and our councillors. We all here are the 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 in the best things that 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. Well 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 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 want to 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 supporting this amendment and thank you Councillor Lorentson for raising it today. Amelia Lorentson 02:11:05.483
One page report for a $1.9 million loss of community money is just wrong. I googled 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 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. Frank Wilkie 02:11:50.171
Okay, no worries. Amelia Lorentson 02:11:53.351
Okay, so no worries. "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 responsibility responsibility 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 Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:13:34.298
I put the amendment motion in favour. Councillor Phillips. Wagoner, Finzel, Lorentson, Wilson against. Stockwell and Wilkie. The amendments carried becomes part of the substantive motion to which Councillor Finzel has spoken You spoke, you're the only councillor who spoke to the original motion We're going to try an amendment of the motion. Margaret Gatt 02:14:52.440
So Karen, just first and second from the original motion, which is this here, and then this is the amendment that's just been passed. Amelia Lorentson 02:15:06.517
So you'll need to do another amendment. That's what this extends. Margaret Gatt 02:15:11.937
That's right. Frank Wilkie 02:15:13.357
We'll leave it as is. I'll just read that. So Councillor Finzel is the only one who's spoken to the motion. So Councillor Finzel is the only 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? Margaret Gatt 02:15:36.124
I will, very quickly. I think as representatives around the table we can probably also assist with the key questions. Um, so when there was a broad assumption that that would mean there's, you know, many, many questions. Um, there's probably only one or two. Um, and I believe that as representatives around the table we can probably assist with that when the time comes. Uh, but I will talk about leadership. I wanted to be able to... 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 for the outcomes 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... 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 with their stakeholders. Fulfilling commitments, accountability also includes fulfilling commitments, taking responsibility for mistakes, setting clear goals, following through on promises. So in essence effective leadership is characterised effective leadership is characterised by a strong commitment to accountability which is crucial for fostering a positive and productive organisational culture. Frank Wilkie 02:18:09.800
Okay, CB, that councillors be required to attend future audit and risk committee meetings. Margaret Gatt 02:18:30.100
Be invited. We're always invited. Frank Wilkie 02:18:38.220
Invited. And requested, sorry, just requested, leave it as requested then, councillors have noted that we're always invited. future audit and risk committee meetings. Any briefings? To remain informed on the progress of this matter. The council has requested to attend. Attend. Future. Just future, no vibe? Margaret Gatt 02:19:41.023
Yeah. Mm-hmm. update you soon. Frank Wilkie 02:19:50.900
So after audit committee meetings related... out related, please. this floor. Audit and risk committee meetings and related briefings about this board. Learned a few things about this forum. You can remain informed on the progress of this matter. Councils are requested to attend future Board of Directors' community meetings related to this forum. 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 the key questions the community are asking cannot be addressed by that report. This signals to the community that we are committed to being informed on the progress of the steps taken through formal and yet to be called process, yet to be called 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 occurred and the steps taken to ensure it will never happen again, because partly about the report, we know due to legal and privacy obligations, it won't be full disclosure. But we have an obligation to ensure that we're fully across. So this creates that opportunity for councillors to remain informed, to be present during the Ordinance Committee meetings when this is going to be discussed, and also when the QA or a recommendation is, the implementation of the QA or recommendations are going to be discussed as well. So it's an opportunity for councillors to remain informed and make sure that even though the report 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. Margaret Gatt 02:23:43.900
I put in respect to the intent of this but I don't think there would ever be any suggestion that councillors wouldn't attend related briefings about this fraud and so I think this is probably redundant. Councillor Wegener and I are the representatives on board the committee to report that as a cause anyway when there are significant matters and I would also commit to telling what's on the agenda for the next meeting. 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 capture what my ensure councillors are requested to attend the relevant items, so I kind of feel like just putting this on the fly is maybe not quite getting any Frank Wilkie 02:24:50.720
So, question to Councillor Wilson. The wording currently that Council has requested to the Chair of the Future Water and Risk Committee meetings about this floor, there's a clause there and related briefings about this floor, is not sufficient. The councillors have requested to attend future water and risk committee meetings, a clause about this floor that pertains to the water and risk committee meetings. Is that sufficient? Margaret Gatt 02:25:14.699
No, because there wouldn't be an open meeting for the future water and risk committee meeting that's on this floor. 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 I would ordinarily invite councillors to be present or to reopen the agenda anyway. And then once you've taken away the Audit and Risk Committee and they're saying related things about this audit, it's not related to the Audit and Risk Committee then the councillors would already be with us. I don't feel like I'm going to be able to answer the three of those. Patrick Murphy 02:26:00.600
The Audit and Risk Committee really covers a very wide broad array of risks and the event wasn't really brought event wasn't really brought up in meetings 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 suggest that the Audit and Risk Committee is a place where we can look forward towards further future risks. Looking back 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, to come to the Audit and Risk Committee. Committee meetings, and I think that maybe when we do talk about this, because 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 02:27:00.556
Yeah. Question to you as a member of the Board of the Risk Committee meeting, Councillor Wegener. If there is a Board of the Risk Committee meeting with an item related to this forward, you'll let us know? Yeah, absolutely, yeah. It's best intended. That's the intention. Patrick Murphy 02:27:19.352
Yeah. And fraud is a big one. I mean, what we're looking through is cyber security doubts within Council. And of course, that's a really big issue within the Audit and 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. Frank Wilkie 02:27:38.329
Yes. Margaret Gatt 02:27:39.989
So just, in terms of the cyber security, we're seeing on the report of last month's meeting, or last quarterly the 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 and then also every six months we do a Patrick Murphy 02:28:02.223
Review of our council strategic risks as part of the Audit and Risk Committee as well. So just making everyone aware that it's not glossed over, it is absolutely part of the Audit and Risk Committee on a regular basis. Margaret Gatt 02:28:32.520
Respect 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. I've now heard that it already happened, so I'll be voting against it, thanks. And we've clearly heard from staff that like, you know, trying to get this on the agenda for further meetings. I think that's correct how I heard that. This morning will be, you know, finance 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 02:29:46.720
All right, well, I'll close. Thank you. I get the sense of where the meeting's going on this one. I'm feeling around the table that councillors feel this is not relevant or important. That 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 as possible. 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 has been said, we already have invitations to the Oregon Risk Committee, but to the best of my knowledge, no other my knowledge, no other councillors other than the two already appointed do attend. This is to say, if there's an ordinary risk committee meeting coming up where the matter relating to fraud is on the table, you do attend to inform yourself. So, I respect the majority rule on this. 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 and might be taking every step to assure ourselves that... Amelia Lorentson 02:32:07.457
Amendment that counts Council 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 02:32:50.120
We'll just get this amendment worded, Amelia Lorentson 02:32:55.580
Once an Frank Wilkie 02:32:57.920
Amendment is put in place. we have to view this. Amelia Lorentson 02:34:05.520
Thank you, and I would just like to read your jurisdictions. Margaret Gatt 02:35:38.340
It took more than 30 seconds. Patrick Murphy 02:35:50.733
So just a question, we haven't called the HOP proceedings. No, we haven't what? So we've had a amendment moved, we haven't had a seconded Margaret Gatt 02:36:02.285
Oh, I haven't seen the finish. Patrick Murphy 02:36:04.205
It's still complete. Oh, you're still editing, eh? Unknown 02:36:07.505
Yes. That's why. Is Frank Wilkie 02:36:09.565
That it now? We're ready to go. Okay, we have a seconder for this, please. I'm happy to second. Margaret Gatt 02:36:16.256
Oh, good point. Okay, I'll second it. Frank Wilkie 02:36:40.260
Okay, Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 02:36:42.440
Okay, I've just pulled out my notes. So, Monday's general meeting, we had a look at the CEO report. CEO report had repeated mentions of resourcing constraints, staff vacancies, and competing priorities. days. When I read the report, and I think I raised this 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's suggested that people are stretched and they're recruited. retention might be ongoing 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. Also discussed at Monday's general meeting, we talked about areas that were undergoing high staff turnover and our financial department was one of them. So the amendment I've got in Takes in consideration the issues that were raised in the CEO report on Monday and also captures the 2024 December fraud incident. The incident, in my opinion, exposed some organisational weaknesses that extend beyond just this one single event. So the amendment again, the other amendment, same purpose, is simply to restore public trust and to prevent future incidents. So with that objective think it's essential that council strengthens internal systems and controls, invests in workforce capability and ensures adequate resourcing so that we don't see Stop, I'm destroying. 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 02:39:34.760
Wasn't there a review of internal processes, assessment of workforce capability and resources in this part of Council's response? Margaret Gatt 02:39:48.980
Absolutely, that's exactly what we've reported against. We have reviewed our internal processes, that is the steps that we're taking. 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 in various areas, not in all areas across council, but in specific areas. We talked about that on Monday. this is something we've already reported. This is part of the report. Part of our media statement is that these are the steps that we've been taking since we were alerted to this crime. Amelia Lorentson 02:40:35.734
Can I ask that the amendment that I moved earlier, will this information be captured as part of the follow-up report? We're subject to legal and privacy obligations. Thank you, and I do think it was captured under that amendment so I'm happy to withdraw the amendment in front of us. Frank Wilkie 02:41:07.020
Can we go back to the original motion to which Finzel and Phillips have spoken? This is now stopped now. Question 3, 4 amendments. Margaret Gatt 02:41:48.060
I have a duty to act in the public interest both as a councillor and as a chartered accountant. as councillors 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. Disclose information where it's in the public interest. Yesterday I attended the webinar for chartered accountants on ethics and trust and also encompass government which began with encompass government, which began with that acknowledgement that we must always act in a public interest. As I've 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 for all 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. There have been risks raised in the past and I'm going to have maybe... Maybe, um... Acted 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. 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 community that I will continue to ask for more information on this matter to understand how this happened and also the actions that followed in that crucial time period following the discovery of this event. Amelia Lorentson 02:44:14.460
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 a publicly accessible follow-up report respects that commitment that we made. I also spoke to a group of nearly 70 year seven, year eight students yesterday and they asked me lots of questions and a lot of the questions about the 1.9 million dollars that their mum and dad gave to this council that was lost wanted an explanation. $1.9 million of community money is a significant loss. Money 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. The community deserves more than reassurances. They deserve facts and they deserve transparency. Again, this is not about blame, it's about responsibility. As Councillor 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 02:46:19.680
Anybody else wish to speak before Councillor Lorentson Finzel closes? Patrick Murphy 02:46:27.960
I will speak. I don't think anyone has downplayed the seriousness of this crime. I mentioned earlier that earlier that the traditional way of getting those sums of money were holding up banks. It's really important to think about, just because tactics have changed, it doesn't make the relevant bank manager or the clerk that had to hand over the money anywhere accountable for the crimes of unscrupulous people. Since this incident has occurred and we've even found out about it, I can only speak highly 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. It is easy to stand up here and make political statements that will be well received. Amelia Lorentson 02:47:36.220
Point of order. The reference to political statements, I don't think was necessary. Patrick Murphy 02:47:53.460
The hard thing is to balance your desire to speak openly and honestly to the community and discharging your responsibilities in a way that protects those legal and privacy issues. This is what is at the heart To me the decision comes really clearly down to do we want to disclose information to satisfy the valid in the community's mind or we want to minimise the risk of letting similar incidents happen in the future. 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 up with 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. And 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 that we've heard is happening. 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 and the response is yes that you've done the right thing to close. I'd like to give my thank you appreciation to director Gap who has worked really hard this has up to us in the public if relatively do behind the scenes it's been going on for nine months it's been very very hard on I from very hard from what I've seen from the staff, so there is a lot of work that's been going on behind the scenes for a long time on this issue, so I will give you my appreciation to the hard And the importance and 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 02:50:44.300
There's no doubt a significant fraud was committed on Noosa Council by international criminal gangs. External forensic IT expert has confirmed there's no breach of Council's cyber security. Resident details have not been taken or affected. There's been no impact on the delivery of any of Council's projects or services, nor did it impact the rates that were levied. We know the criminals used 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. Police advise not to reveal specific details of the tactics used by the criminals to avoid copycat crimes that may occur elsewhere. The Council takes its financial and governance responsibilities very seriously. Every councillor I undertake around the table does, as do the staff. These vulnerabilities are being strengthened through measures recommended by the Queensland Audit Office. There's 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 as we can about the community. As much as we know about this insolent community is tempered with our and moral obligations to not reveal details that would identify the staff who have been deeply and personally impacted by this targeted and strategic crime. The councillors 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 Police and Cybercrime Unit. The focus has been and must remain on addressing these operational remain on addressing these operational vulnerabilities with measures to minimise the chances of this ever happening again. And I will say to the community, I will be supporting this motion, but please, please do not... I hope you 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, and no more than the staff have ever impacted. I'm personally-- I'd like to apologise to you at this place, but 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. Those in favour? That's unanimous. There is no confidential session. The next ordinary meeting will be at Lake Kathala Barsani 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 Related Noosa Council Meetings
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