Ordinary Meeting - 20 November 2025
Date: Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 5:00PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:16:37
Synopsis: Active Street backlash, EGM policy probe and Hotel approval with conditions, Planning appeals defended, Partial Gympie Tce settlement, Satisfaction down, Contract awarded, Appointments made.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Deputations
Rob Dessaix Jan Green Randal Delaney Public Question Time
Alan Deering Pat Spicer David Phipps Tony Wright AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Amelia Lorentson secured unanimous support to investigate a local policy to restrict electronic gaming machines (EGMs) on Council-owned/trustee land and consider rejoining the Alliance for Gambling Reform, aligning with the Gaming Machine Act 1991 framework (01:13:10–01:23:35; Item 10.1). Brian Stockwell moved approval of a “minor change” for Royal Mail Hotel extension at Tewantin, with amended noise and EGM-related conditions and safety/amenity requirements; motion carried unanimously with one Councillor absent due to conflict (01:26:25–01:27:49; Item 11.3.1). Council will defend multiple Planning & Environment Court appeals for dwelling houses at Sunshine Beach: 6 Arakoon Cres (2698/2025), 4 Arakoon Cres (2697/2025), and 58 Seaview Tce (D92/2025) (01:23:35; Items 11.1.2–11.1.4; 11.3.2). Council agreed to settle part of Appeal D44/2025 for 203–207 Gympie Tce (Food & Drink Outlet + Short-term Accommodation), while defending remaining issues (Item 11.3.6). Council awarded Contract CN25113 “Western Batter Missing Link Capping Construction” to Offaly Civil Pty Ltd for $1,302,337.75 ex GST, delegating contract administration to the CEO (Item 11.3.5). Council extended the Audit & Risk Committee Chair’s term to cover the rescheduled 12 Dec 2025 meeting and appointed Christina Wyer as independent member for three years (Items 11.2.1). Council noted LGAQ 2025 motions carried, Q1 Operational Plan status, October financial performance, and Capital Program delivery update (Items 11.2.2–11.2.3; 11.3.3–11.3.4). Kerri Contini presented 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey: 79% overall rating good/very good/average; adjusted analysis indicates a 14% decline since 2021; priorities include value for money, parks, roads, and transparent decision-making (01:29:54–01:51:55; Item 12.1). Chris Boden reported Peregian Digital Hub is at 100% utilisation, expanded AI programs, secured >$400k external funding, and will refresh its social return on investment and explore PPP-based expansion in 2026 (01:55:42–02:15:22; Item 12.2). Shaun Walsh outlined road sealing works since de-amalgamation and flagged a review of the road sealing priority program for potential 26/27 budget allocation (27:15–28:48; Public Q&A 8.1). Shaun Walsh defended the Peregian Active Street on Lorikeet Dr as top-ranked by Council’s 2021 Cycling & Walking Strategy and fully State/Federal funded, with ongoing engagement (38:35–42:52; Public Q&A 8.3–8.4). Contentious / Transparency Matters Randal Delaney alleged misrepresentation of “local support,” inadequate consultation, opaque prioritisation, and inaccessible grant application for the Lorikeet Dr Active Street; called for precinct-wide plan and release of evidence (10:08–22:45; Deputations 7.2). David Phipps cited parking loss, unenforceable 30 km/h, e-bike conflicts, and requested a halt pending comprehensive Peregian/Marcus Beach design and costings with co-design (35:41–42:52; Public Q&A 8.3). Tony Wright pressed for the David Low Way (DLW) western road reserve as a simpler off-road alternative; Council reiterated feasibility, safety and environmental constraints along DLW (44:56–53:17; Public Q&A 8.4). Rob Dessaix and Jan Green raised Boreen Point traffic/foreshore safety, signage and erosion/tree stability concerns; sought inclusion in Council’s placemaking program (06:05–09:43; Deputations 7.1). Alan Deering challenged dust health assurances and asked Council to release any paid technical assessment; Council relied on external studies and noted awaiting Qld Health advice (23:01–27:06; Public Q&A 8.1). Survey discussion emphasised declining satisfaction in value for money, transparency and roads; Councillors linked potential resourcing and workload pressures to service outcomes (01:47:48–01:54:50; Item 12.1). Legal / Risk Coast2Bay transaction : valuation assumed Community Facilities zoning, Multiple Dwellings use, and completed remediation/servicing; Council asserted compliance with Local Government Regulation 2012 s236(1)(b)(ii) (32:28–34:22; Public Q&A 8.2). Rates concessions : not-for-profit community housing providers may apply for up to 100% general rates donation on affordable rental premises; land remains rateable until used as qualifying premises (34:22; Public Q&A 8.2). Planning litigation posture : multiple appeals to be defended per Planning Act 2016, with one partial settlement (D44/2025) and s83(9) noted for the Royal Mail decision record (Items 11.1.2–11.1.6; 11.3.2; 11.3.6; 11.3.1(H)). Royal Mail Hotel conditions mitigate social harm (260 m² gaming area cap plus advisory note opposing increases Shire-wide), noise levels for non-amplified entertainment, end-of-trip facilities, playground safety signage, and removal of VIP car bay exclusivity (Item 11.3.1). EGM policy development must balance local land control with State regulation under Gaming Machine Act 1991 and ensure consistent lease conditions across trust lands (01:13:10–01:23:13; Item 10.1). Dust health risk : Council’s reliance on ambient exposure literature and pending Qld Health advice presents a communication risk if future data contradicts minimal-risk statements; transparency on technical assessments was requested (23:01–27:06; Public Q&A 8.1). Conflicts of Interest Nicola Wilson declared a declarable conflict for the Royal Mail Hotel item due to financial interest in a neighbouring property, left the meeting, and did not vote; returned after the decision (01:26:25–01:27:49; Item 11.3.1). Sunshine Beach Council will defend three dwelling-house MCU appeals at 4 and 6 Arakoon Cres and 58 Seaview Tce; one matter was escalated to General Committee before final endorsement (01:23:35; Items 11.1.2–11.1.4; 11.3.2). Implication : Council is signalling strict adherence to the Planning Scheme controls on coastal residential form/amenity, accepting litigation risk to uphold scheme intent (Items 11.1.2–11.1.6). Short-term Accommodation / Gympie Terrace Appeal D44/2025 (203–207 Gympie Tce) will be partially settled on proposed conditions with remaining issues defended, indicating a pragmatic compliance posture while protecting planning objectives (Item 11.3.6). Risk management : Settlement on conditions can mitigate ongoing legal costs and secure enforceable outcomes for STA and Food & Drink uses in a sensitive riverside precinct (Item 11.3.6). Community Consultation & Active Transport (Peregian Beach) Council staff cited the 2021 Cycling & Walking Strategy and a Project Reference Group as basis for preferring Lorikeet Dr Active Street over DLW reserve, noting safety, environmental constraints, and funding timelines (38:35–42:52; 48:19–49:53; Public Q&A 8.3–8.4). Residents alleged insufficient transparency (e.g., grant application not public), inadequate precinct-scale feasibility, and misalignment with community calls for off-road shared paths and safe crossings (10:08–22:45; 35:41–40:08; Public Q&A 8.3). Next steps : Staff to brief Councillors on further engagement and design refinements; no direction to pause or stop was issued (38:35–40:04; Public Q&A 8.3). Funding : Project is fully State/Federal funded, bundling kerb/drainage upgrades and bridge replacement; pausing risks funding loss per staff advice (38:35–40:04; 42:52–44:27; Public Q&A 8.3). Environmental Concerns & Public Health Boreen Point Foreshore : Community flagged erosion, beech tree root exposure, and safety; Council acknowledged ongoing working group engagement and maintenance items (06:05–09:43; Deputations 7.1). Road dust : Council stated minimal to no ambient silica risk based on literature and practices, while awaiting Queensland Health advice; residents sought release of the “technical assessment” (23:01–27:06; Public Q&A 8.1). Planning Scheme & Land Transactions 62 Lake Macdonald Dr (Lot 1) : Independent valuation assumed Community Facilities zoning with Multiple Dwellings, and completed remediation/civil works; sale to Coast2Bay framed as compliant under LG Regulation s236 for community organisations (32:28–34:22; Public Q&A 8.2). Rates relief : Donations up to 100% of general rates are application-based for affordable rental premises; other levies/charges still payable (34:22; Public Q&A 8.2). Noise, Gaming, and Hotel Expansion (Royal Mail, Tewantin) Noise : Council added the latest Noise Impact Assessment as a reference and retained a quantifiable non-amplified entertainment limit for the northern beer garden (Item 11.3.1 D, E(a)). Gaming : The gaming area capped at 260 m² with advisory note that Council opposes any increase in gaming machines across Noosa Shire (Item 11.3.1 C). Active travel : End-of-trip facilities mandated to encourage alternative transport by staff; deletion request refused (Item 11.3.1 E(b)). Parking : Exclusive VIP gaming room parking (6 bays) rejected as inconsistent with overall parking adequacy; removal required (Item 11.3.1 G(1)–(3)).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 20 November 2025 5:00 PM Lake Cootharaba Sailing Club, 24 Boreen Parade, Boreen Point QLD 4565 Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 5.00pm. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Amelia Lorentson (via Microsoft Teams) Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson (via Microsoft Teams) EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 OCTOBER 2025 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel The Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 16 October 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 Nil. 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 7. DEPUTATIONS 7.1 APPLICANT: ROB DESSAIX, COOTHARABA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TOPIC: COMMUNITY SAFETY - TRAFFIC AND FORESHORE CONCERNS SPEAKERS: ROB DESSAIX, JAN GREEN 7.2 APPLICANT: RANDAL DELANEY, PEREGIAN BEACH RESIDENTS AGAINST ACTIVE STREETS TOPIC: PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET SPEAKERS: RANDAL DELANEY 8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 8.1 ALAN DEERING QUESTION 1 In answer to my public question of 18/9/2025, part of the response was "Based on current material usage, maintenance practices and environmental exposure conditions, there is minimal to no health risk from silica dust generated by unsealed gravel roads in the Noosa Council region. There is no confirmed evidence of harmful silica dust concentrations in these areas, and no recorded public health impacts attributable to road dust". As a 40 year owner on Cooroy Mountain Road, I have concerns about the health effects of long-time exposure to fine particle road dust on myself, and especially on my partner who occasionally has nose bleeds at times of severe dust coverage emanating from Cooroy Mountain Road. Does Noosa Council confirm that there are health impacts from road dust? RESPONSE BY DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES SHAUN WALSH In terms of health risk exposure from dust on unsealed roads Council can advise: Unsealed roads in these regions typically carry low traffic volumes (30–500 vehicles/day). Dust exposure is intermittent, outdoor, and dispersed, significantly reducing concentration compared to enclosed occupational settings. A New Zealand Transport Agency study found that while PM₁₀ (particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less) dust from unsealed roads can be present, respirable silica levels were generally low and not linked to adverse health outcomes in ambient settings. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) evaluations of dirt road maintenance found no erionite and only occasional silica exceedances, primarily in active roadwork zones, not general public exposure. The Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) for Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in Australia is 0.05 mg/m³ (8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA)). Ambient exposure from unsealed roads is not known to exceed this threshold in SE Queensland. Based on current material usage, maintenance practices, and environmental exposure conditions, there is minimal to no health risk from silica dust generated by unsealed gravel roads in the Noosa Council region. There is no confirmed evidence of harmful silica dust concentrations in these areas, and no recorded public health impacts attributable to road dust. The use of natural gravel and recycled asphalt, combined with routine grading and dust suppression, ensures compliance with engineering and environmental standards. Council has also sought further advice from Queensland Health about the topic but unfortunately had not received a reply by this meeting. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 QUESTION 2 Overall, it seems that Noosa Council has a policy of not sealing dirt roads and if residents offer to seal sections at their expense, Council will make that impossible to achieve. Besides the sealing of the $5.6 million Dr Pages Road upgrade in 2016 that former Mayor Noel Playford called "a win for hinterland tourism' in Noosa Shire what dirt roads and to what length have been sealed since de-amalgamation? RESPONSE BY DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES SHAUN WALSH Council has undertaken the following road sealing programs: 2015/16 Dr Pages Rd and Kinmond Creek Rd Cootharaba – 5.6kms length 2018/19 Donnellys Rd Ridgewood – 800m length 2019/20 Tewah Rd, Boreen Point – 200m length 2019/20 Ambulance St, Pomona – 100m length 2021/22 Tablelands Rd, Cooran (bridge approaches) – 150m length Council has recently asked for review of its road sealing priority program and consideration of a budget allocation for the 26/27 budget for its further consideration. 8.2 PAT SPICER QUESTION 1 As the independent valuation of Lot 1 at 64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy was carried out before remediation, subdivision and infrastructure works, is the price quoted and agreed upon with Coast2Bay the estimated undeveloped value or the estimated developed value taking into consideration the remediation and infrastructure provisions occurring before the actual sale? RESPONSE BY DIRECTOR STRATEGY & ENVIRONMENT KIM RAWLINGS Yes the independent valuation of proposed Lot 1 was undertaken on the Community facilities zoning of the land, assuming Multiple Dwellings as a permitted use under the Planning Scheme and including all remediation and civil works were completed resulting in a fully serviced allotment. The proposed sale of Lot 1 to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with Section 236 of the Local Government Regulation 2012. QUESTION 2 Prior to the resolution “incentivising building of social housing” (Thursday, 15 May, 2025 Council Ordinary Meeting), was Coast2Bay (Community Housing Providers) exempt from paying rates on housing at 64 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy under Local Government Regulation 2012 - Reg 236? RESPONSE BY DIRECTOR STRATEGY & ENVIRONMENT KIM RAWLINGS It seems this question is referencing two different issues. Section 236 of the Local Government Regulation addresses the disposal of Council owned assets. (1)(b)(ii) allows a local government to dispose of an asset other than by tender or auction if to a community organisation (which Coast2Bay is). As addressed in the Council meeting of May this year, a not-for-profit community housing provider (such as Coast2Bay) may apply for a donation up to the value of 100% of the general rates for affordable rental premises of a property they are responsible for which is being used for that purpose. If the donation is granted they would still need to pay any applicable levies and other charges itemised on rate notices. 62 Lake Macdonald Drive is a rateable property, and if it were disposed of, rates would be payable by the new owner up to a time it was used for qualifying affordable rental premises. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 8.3 DAVID PHIPPS QUESTION 1 Given the significant opposition, will Council stop the ill-conceived, unwanted and illogical plan to convert an 800 metre section of Lorikeet Drive to an Active Street? RESPONSE PROVIDED BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Thank you for the question. Council understands that some residents have concerns. Council has also received positive support and feedback on the project. While staff have not been directed to pause or stop work on the project, the project team is discussing next steps and exploring opportunities for additional community communication with Councillors later this month. It’s important to note that the Active Street proposal for Lorikeet Drive is the result of several years of technical work and strong support for safer, more connected walking and cycling options in Peregian Beach. It directly responds to long-standing issues raised by locals, including speeding, pedestrian safety and driveway access challenges. An Active Street was chosen because it offers the safest and most suitable treatment for this corridor. It slows traffic, creates a calmer neighbourhood feel, and makes it easier for people of all ages to walk, ride and move around. Communities across Australia are embracing this approach due to its proven benefits for safety, health, local amenity and street greening. Importantly, the project is fully funded by State and Federal programs, not by Noosa ratepayers, and also enables Council to upgrade kerbs, improve stormwater and drainage, replace the ageing Lorikeet Park bridge and enhance landscaping along the street. Our goal is to deliver a safer, greener and more accessible street that benefits the entire neighbourhood. QUESTION 2 Will Council cease all Active Street design and implementation work until a detailed design and costings for walking and cycling throughout the entire Peregian and Marcus Beach precinct is complete to prove that these projects are both physically and financially viable? We also ask that the design development encompasses genuine and meaningful consultation with impacted residents and that such residents have an active role in so-designing the plans. RESPONSE PROVIDED BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Thank you for the question. Council appreciates that some residents would like to see a precinct-wide walking and cycling design completed before any further work progresses. It’s important to note that this broader planning has already been undertaken through Council’s Cycling and Walking Strategy and Implementation Plan adopted by Council in July 2021. These strategic documents assessed routes across the entire Peregian and Marcus Beach area and identified the most suitable corridors and priorities for investment. The Active Street on Lorikeet Drive is one of the top-ranked projects from this work and has already secured full State and Federal funding. Pausing the project now to redo precinct-wide design and costings could be perceived as wasteful, and would significantly delay delivery and risk losing that funding. Council agrees that community involvement must be genuine and ongoing. That is why, for this project, engagement has not been limited to a single stage. We have: involved residents and community groups through the Project Reference Group during route and treatment selection; held multiple information sessions during the preliminary design phase; undertaken doorknocks and offered one-on-one meetings; and continued adjusting elements of the design based on resident feedback - particularly around parking, traffic management, connectivity, and environmental values. This approach will continue as the project moves into the developed design and Council will be continuing with community information sessions. Council’s focus remains on creating a safer, greener and better-connected local network for walking and riding - in a way that reflects community needs and enhances the character of the area. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 8.4 TONY WRIGHT QUESTION 1 Can Council explain in detail why it has chosen to implement a challenging path through four interconnecting residential streets with hills, intersections, bends and blindspots, rather than the simpler, viable, safer and less disruptive alternative route along the road reserve west of David Low Way (DLW)? RESPONSE PROVIDED BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Thank you for the question. Council did look closely at the David Low Way corridor during the Cycling and Walking Strategy. This study sought to plan safer, more connected walking and cycling routes between Tewantin and Peregian Beach and was supported by a Project Reference Group (PRG) made up of representatives from local residents’ associations, community and sporting groups, bike shops, and tourism providers. While it may appear simpler on a map, the David Low Way was not evaluated as a safe or feasible location for a walking and cycling route. The corridor carries high-speed traffic, has complex intersections, and includes narrow, uneven and environmentally sensitive areas in the western road reserve. Building a continuous, accessible pathway there would require major earthworks, vegetation removal and significant structural works, with a poorer safety outcome for users. In contrast, the Lorikeet Drive route scored the highest across all assessment criteria. Residential streets offer a quieter, low-stress environment that is safer and more comfortable for people of all ages, especially children, seniors and less-confident riders. Active Street treatments are specifically designed to manage bends, hills and intersections by slowing traffic, improving visibility and creating a calmer neighbourhood feel. Importantly, this route also delivers the best long-term connectivity - linking homes, parks, schools, the coastal pathway network and the village. It also enables Council to address existing issues along Lorikeet Drive such as drainage, kerb upgrades and local safety improvements. QUESTION 2 Can Council please explain how the implementation of a recreational cycle pathway through residential streets, focusing specifically on Active Street features such as a priority cycle zone, will provide any benefit to occupants of those streets? RESPONSE PROVIDED BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Thank you for the question. Firstly the existing street is already used by recreational cyclists. The Active Street is designed first and foremost to improve safety and liveability for the people who use these streets every day. While it will support recreational walking and cycling for the broader community, the locals also benefit. A 30km/h environment with traffic calming will create a quieter, calmer and more predictable street, making it safer to exit driveways, walk to the beach or visit the park. The project also delivers significant upgrades - new kerbing, improved drainage, footpaths resurfacing and the replacement of the Lorikeet Park bridge all funded entirely by State and Federal grants. Features such as a priority cycling zone help organise how cars and bikes interact, reducing unpredictable movements and improving safety for both riders and drivers. Formalised parking and clearer sightlines also make dayto-day access easier and safer for residents. Beyond safety, the Active Street brings broader amenity benefits: more greenery, better pedestrian access and fewer short car trips, which means lower noise, cleaner air and a more pleasant neighbourhood feel. In short, while the route will be enjoyed by many, the people living along these streets will experience the greatest improvements in safety, infrastructure and overall street amenity. The meeting adjourned at 5.50pm. The meeting resumed at 6.08pm. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 9 MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. 10 NOTIFIED MOTIONS 10.1 INVESTIGATION INTO A LOCAL POLICY ON ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINES ON COUNCIL-OWNED OR TRUSTEE LAND Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council A. Note that several Queensland local governments, including Logan City Council, have adopted policies to guide decisions regarding electronic gaming machines (EGMs) on Council-owned or controlled land, with the objective of reducing social harm and supporting community wellbeing; B. Acknowledge that while the regulation of gaming machines rests with the State Government under the Gaming Machine Act 1991, Council has an important role in determining the appropriate use of Council-owned and trustee land; C. Explore including a policy position on gaming machines as part of the Community Purpose Land and Infrastructure Tenure Policy currently under review, to guide decisions regarding installation, expansion, or relocation of gaming machines on Council-owned or trustee land; and D. Consider reinstating membership with the Alliance for Gambling Reform to strengthen advocacy and collaboration on harm-minimisation initiatives. 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. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 11.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 11 NOVEMBER 2025 11.1.1. MCU23/0090.02 - APPLICATION FOR A MINOR CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HOTEL (EXTENSION TO EXISTING HOTEL) AND DBW23/0073.02 BUILDING WORK (DEMOLITION) AT 118 POINCIANA AVENUE AND 26 DIYAN STREET, TEWANTIN That Planning & Environment Committee Agenda Item 7.1 be referred to the General Committee due to the significance of the issue. 11.1.2. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 2698 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 6 ARAKOON CRESCENT, SUNSHINE BEACH That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2698 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. 11.1.3. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 2697 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 4 ARAKOON CRESCENT, SUNSHINE BEACH That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2697 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. 11.1.4. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. D92 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 58 SEAVIEW TERRACE, SUNSHINE BEACH That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D92 of 2025 and refer to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 November 2025 for further consideration. 11.1.5. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – SEPTEMBER 2025 That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting on 11 November 2025 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for September 2025 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Report. 11.1.6. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 2420 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 3 ALLAMBI RISE, NOOSA HEADS That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2420 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. 11.1.7. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS EN BLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That the Recommendations of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting dated 11 November 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 11.2 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 11 NOVEMBER 2025 11.2.1. EXTENSION OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE CHAIR & APPOINTMENT OF NEW INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE MEMBER That Council: A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting of 11 November 2025 in relation to two proposed changes to Council's Audit and Risk Committee membership; and B. Extend the appointment of the current Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, Timothy Cronin, to include the final meeting of this calendar year, which has been rescheduled from 24 October 2025 to 12 December 2025; and C. Appoint Christina Wyer as an independent member to the Audit and Risk Committee for a term of three years, commencing on 15 December 2025 and concluding on 14 December 2028. 11.2.2. 2025 LGAQ CONFERENCE - NOOSA COUNCIL MOTIONS CARRIED That Council note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Meeting dated 11 November 2025 detailing the final 4 motions by Noosa Council which were carried at the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) Annual Conference 2025. 11.2.3. CAPITAL PROGRAM 2025 - 2026 DELIVERY STATUS REPORT That Council note the report by the Principal Infrastructure Planner to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting, 11 November 2025, providing an update on the 2025/26 Capital Works Program as at 30 September 2025. 11.2.4. 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 11 November 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 11.3 GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 17 NOVEMBER 2025 11.3.1. MCU23/0090.02 - APPLICATION FOR A MINOR CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HOTEL (EXTENSION TO EXISTING HOTEL) AND DBW23/0073.02 BUILDING WORK (DEMOLITION) AT 118 POINCIANA AVENUE AND 26 DIYAN STREET, TEWANTIN (ITEM 7.1 REFERRED FROM PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 11 NOVEMBER 2025) Cr Nicola Wilson "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 I, Cr Nicola Wilson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest for Item 7.1 - MCU23/0090.02 - APPLICATION FOR A MINOR CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HOTEL (EXTENSION TO EXISTING HOTEL) AND DBW23/0073.02 BUILDING WORK (DEMOLITION) AT 118 POINCIANA AVENUE AND 26 DIYAN STREET, TEWANTIN on this agenda because as I have a financial interest in a neighbouring property that may be affected by the outcome of this application. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on". Cr Nicola Wilson left the meeting. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding MCU23/0090.02 and DBW23/0073.02, to make a minor change to an existing approval for a Material Change of Use (extension to existing hotel) and Development Permit for Building Work (Demolition) situated at 118 Poinciana Ave Tewantin Qld. B. Approve the application in accordance with amendments to conditions 3, 22, 23, 26 and 27 and outlined in Attachment 1 to the Minutes of the General Committee Meeting dated 17/11/2025 - MCU23/0090.02 & DBW23/0073.02 Amended Conditions - as provided by the Development Assessment Manager. C. That Condition 52 be amended to read: 52. The gaming area be limited to 260m2 in accordance with the approved plans and include an Advisory Note which states: "Noosa Council is committed to minimising the social impacts of gaming within the community and therefore does not support any increase in the number of gaming machines in the Noosa Shire."; D. Update the Reference documents to include the Royal Mail Hotel Tewantin: Noise Impact Assessment report prepared by Assured Environmental and dated 23.09.2025 Release R, Ver R2. E. Refuse to delete conditions 28 and 42(f) for the following reasons: a. Condition 28 is required to provide a quantifiable noise level of nonamplified entertainment in the northern beer garden. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 b. Condition 42(f). The proposed End of Trip Facilities are required to encourage users of the site including employees to access the site by alternative transport modes. The absence of EOT facilities in the existing hotel does not justify non-compliance in the proposed expansion. Staff may work across varied shifts, and facilities such as a shower and secure locker may improve staff ability to utilise alternative transport. F. That Condition 4 (b) be added to read: (b) The playground must display clear, durable, and weather-resistant signage at all entry points and within the play area that includes: 1. Age-appropriate usage guidelines (e.g., “For children aged 2–12 years”). 2. Supervision requirements (e.g., “Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times”). 3. Emergency contact information and location of first aid facilities. 4. Noise awareness, (e.g., “Please be mindful of nearby residents”). G. That the CEO be requested to advise the applicant that: 1. The restriction of 6 carparking bays for the use of VIP customers of the gaming room was not included in the proposal plans; 2. The Restriction of 6 carparks to a very limited number of clients is considered to result in inadequate parking provision for the overall development; and 3. The removal of the exclusive use restrictions on these six bays is required to meet the conditions of the substantive development approval. H. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 83(9) 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 Against: None Cr Nicola Wilson having declared a conflict of interest was not eligible to vote. Cr Nicola Wilson returned to the meeting. 11.3.2. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. D92 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 58 SEAVIEW TERRACE, SUNSHINE BEACH (ITEM 7.4 REFERRED FROM PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 11 NOVEMBER 2025) That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D92 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. 11.3.3. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 That Council note the report by Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager (Acting) to the General Committee dated 17 November 2025 regarding Council's financial performance to 31 October 2025. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 11.3.4. OPERATIONAL PLAN 2025-26 Q1 QUARTERLY REPORTING That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 17 November 2025 regarding the Operational Plan 2025-26; B. Note the progress report for Quarter 1 of the Operational Plan 2025-26 provided as Attachment 1; and C. Note the status of Council's Operational Key Performance Measures for Quarter 1 FY25/26 provided as Attachment 2. 11.3.5. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CONTRACT NO. CN25113 – WESTERN BATTER MISSING LINK CAPPING CONSTRUCTION That Council A. Note the report by the Project Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 November 2025; B. Award Contract No. CN25113 for Western Batter Missing Link Capping Construction to Offaly Civil Pty Ltd under a lump sum contract for an estimated total contract value of $1,302,337.75 (GST Excl); and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. 11.3.6. CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE – PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL D44 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET AND SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 203 - 207 GYMPIE TERRACE, NOOSAVILLE That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D44 of 2025 and A. Agree to settle part of the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. B. Continue to defend all other aspects of the appeal. 11.3.7. GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS EN BLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the Recommendations of the General Committee meeting dated 17 November 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 20 NOVEMBER 2025 12 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 12.1 2025 NOOSA COUNCIL COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS The following material was presented to the meeting in relation to this item: Attachment 1 to Ordinary Meeting Minutes - Community Satisfaction Survey - Boreen Point locality snapshot Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Director Community Services to the Ordinary Meeting dated 20 November 2025 presenting the results of the 2025 Noosa Council Community Satisfaction Survey as detailed in Attachment 1 to the Report: "Noosa Council 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey Performance and Priorities Executive Summary Report". 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 ANNUAL UPDATE - PEREGIAN DIGITAL HUB Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Director, Innovation and Digital Hub to the Ordinary Meeting dated 10 November 2025 regarding the Annual Update for Peregian Digital Hub. 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 Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on Thursday 18 December 2025 at 10.00am. 15 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 7.12pm.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 04:12.799
Well good evening and welcome everybody to the ordinary meeting of Thursday 20th of November. Can you hear me all right? Is that better? Tony Wright 04:36.660
Good evening everyone. Frank Wilkie 04:40.640
Declare the meeting open at 5pm. We begin by... We begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land on which we are gathered, which is the Kabi Kabi people, and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and also repeat their invitation for us to join them as joint custodians in respecting and caring for this beautiful place that we all love, respecting and caring for each other. I note that all councillors are in attendance and we have councillors Wilson and Lorentson attending by teams online. First item is confirmation of the minutes. May I have a mover or a seconder for the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on the 16th of October 2025. Councillor Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Yes. Thank you very much. We have no petitions. There are no presentations. We have two deputations. We have 15 minutes per deputation. The first applicant and speakers are Rob Dessaix and applicant and speakers are Rob Dessaix and the second. The first applicant and speakers are Rob Dessaix and Jan Green from the Cootharaba Community Association. Rob and Jan, would you like to come to the lectern? Or it's just Rob, isn't it Jan? Yes. Tony Wright 06:01.060
Thank you Frank. Okay. Rob Dessaix 06:06.080
Cootharaba Community Association. It's aim is to represent the community on matters that affect the community. I'm the President, Jan Green is the Vice President and the CCA was formed in 2001 at Noosa Council's request. At our general meeting on the 25th of October we prepared a list of seven or eight items, primary issues for our community and I'll quickly go through those now. Ray water discharge outside the caravan park, it's a work in progress. The village precinct concept update since 2006. It includes safety issues, pedestrian safety issues, have been raised by RM202517154 by Amelia Lorentson. Pedestrian safety issues have been raised by RM202517154 by Amelia Lorentson. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as an association have concerns about in terms of speed controls. There are other issues that we as Our speech sign on green parade coming down the hill. It's not to see the lake first. Missing direction U-turn at the bottom of the hill and a review to deploy pavement markers. In a village, we walk down the side of the street. We'd like to retain that. Left hand outbound shoulder for pedestrians and cycles going out of town around the corner needs the support of the State government, main roads, and we hope the council will be able to step up to the mark and give us some assistance there. For sure, working group is the next major issue. It's been going for a while. and showing what's been happening. Shaun Walsh has been heavily involved as one of the members of that working group, as well as members of the community. We have beach, tree root, and tree stability concerns. That's another part of our safety anxiety at the moment. And getting a better understanding of the cause of the erosion on the beach. I've had a chat with Shaun today. We've come to grips with understanding how it was dealt with in the past by councils. How it was dealt with in the past by councils on the quay. That's what happens in yesteryear. Dock off leash was an issue. The pipes and taps replacement along the foreshore, which is a work in progress, I understand, but that was on our list. So, how do we deal with this? We are requesting, can this community be moved onto the placemaking plan in order... Frank Wilkie 09:48.840
The next speaker is Randal Delaney and the topic is the Frisian Beach Active Street. Mr. Delaney. Randal Delaney 10:05.680
I hope I get through this in time. While residents are generally supportive of Noosa Council's broad goal of enhancing walking and cycling infrastructure, and the specific approach adopted in the Frisian Beach Active Street initiative has provoked strong and widespread opposition. Many in the community must myself included are particularly troubled by the plan to establish a recreational cycling route made of four interconnecting active streets traversing a quiet residential neighbourhood on the way to the village. The proposal directly contradicts the preferences of most local residents who have consistently raised concerns and expressed their objections to the concept. The depth of feeling against the initiative highlights the disconnect between Council's current plans and the wishes of residents. The handling of the Bridge and Beach Active Street initiative has resulted in considerable time in community confidence and trust towards Council. Many residents perceived that the project as poorly planned, overly radical, largely unwanted and foamed in the community. This widespread view has intensified due to Council's misrepresentation of the extent and nature of local backing for the initiative. Members of the community feel Council has failed to engage in genuine consultation with little effort is made to involve or listen to those that would be most affected. The lack of processes fuelling further dissatisfaction and reinforcing disconnect. between Council's actions and the community expectations. Residents have not received clear impartial or thorough information from Council regarding the actual impacts that these projects may have on their local community. From the outset Council has treated the initiative as a beneficial idea and has subsequently sought to justify its implementation even though the proposal does not align with or address the needs of the community or suit this particular residential scenario. Despite numerous inquiries and requests for further details from residents, significant concerns and issues remain unresolved in Council communications. actions. Major topics raised by the community have either gone unanswered or have not been meaningfully addressed. Despite Council's claims that the Perigee Beach Active Street projects do not align with the priorities the residents expressed during the 2021 walking and cycling strategy consultation. Highlighted a clear desire for the development of additional off-road pathways and bikeways. Enhanced connectivity between residential neighbourhoods and key local amenities. Enhanced connectivity between and facilities, safe crossings, improved crossings across major roads. While there was a desire for a safe recreational pathways, the focus was on the projects that would benefit access to activity centres, schools and recreational facilities. Further, Council's own transport strategy reinforced the need for safe road crossings and prioritised encouraging walking and cycling as a preferred daily transport option. The current proposal, however, does not deliver on these expectations, particularly with respect to overall connectivity. There is a lack of adequate safe crossing opportunities on major roads such as David Lowe Way and Emu Mountain Road. a notable absence of interconnected off-road shared pathways within the precinct. As a result, these recreational focused projects are unlawful to encourage walking and cycling as a practical choice as a practical choices for everyday transport. Additionally, the initiative fails to address challenges linked to increased visitation in the foreshore areas and does not provide solutions for reducing traffic, congestion and parking issues. The proposed design will channel more cyclists and pedestrians into neighbourhood streets that are already experiencing increased traffic volumes and visitors pressures. This means genuine cycling safety concerns will remain unresolved as the use of the on-road cycle zones exposes a growing number of cyclists to direct conflict without any physical separation. Moreover, the proposal does not account for the risks associated with unlicensed reckless e-bike riders, nor the behaviour of a number of cyclists who speed, cut corners and fail to yield as required by law. Introducing higher volumes of visitor cyclists and fast selling e-bikes into essentially residential streets will significantly, with significant, I'm sorry, significant vehicle movements substantially increases the risks. Cancel maintain that the active street design is practical, evidence-based, and specifically adapted for Noosa unique environment. However, the assertion is mainly on an internal literary review of planning materials, which provides To date, Council has not referenced any comparable active street project within Australia or elsewhere that mirrors the multi-street approach planned for Peregian Beach. This addition raises significant doubts about the suitability and effectiveness of the proposed solution in the local context. One councillor argued that if similar systems are successful in establishing cycling in established cycling cities in Europe, then the same model will succeed in Caritian Beach. This stance is both unfounded and an axiological basis for drawing such a direct comparison between similar contexts. Further, the council has not offered a clear, credible justification for the introduction of on-road priority cycle zones, especially as existing infrastructure, such as wide cycle lanes along David Low Way, already accommodate cycling. Local streets. Local streets in Bridgeton Beach have long operated effectively as shared spaces already, without any dedicated footpaths. Additionally, with proposals to implement the new 1.5 metre off-road shared pathways, the need for an extreme active street design remains unsubstantiated. Granting cyclists and e-bikes riders preferential access to residential streets undermines the rights and safety of residents, without delivering and measurable benefits to the community. Instead, council continues to promote unverified advantages, while minimising and ignoring the negative impacts of local amenity and safety, which have been consistently raised in the community council submissions to council. Another significant concern pertains to council's exclusion of any mention of active streets in its current five and ten year implementation plans. has yet to receive a comprehensive explanation regarding the criteria by which these projects were prioritised over other potentially more deserving initiatives identified within council's own project prioritisation documents. science, if you use your host This lack of transparency diminishes public confidence in the decision making processes and raises legitimate questions about the rationale for this project selection. Despite repeated calls from residents, Council has not provided an adequate explanation for the decision to reject the off-road shared pathway within the road reserve west side of David Low Way. Community members argued that this alternative is not only safer and more straightforward, but could be a more cost-effective solution and could be better suited to preserving local amenity. The kilometres of shared pathway along David Low Way on the west side in Coorong are already forming part of the coastal pathway. This sets a strong precedent for seriously considering this option. Additionally, developing a dedicated pathway along the edge of the national park would help to maintain a fire buffer for the residential prisons, offer a more scenic route, and provide the opportunity to create shaded rest points entirely free from driveways and motor vehicle conflicts. These recreational and tourist benefits are not achievable through the lorikeet drive alignment. The Australian Beach Community Association has refrained from endorsing the extension of the pilot to additional streets, instead urging council to give consideration to the use of the Western Road Reserve along David Loway. Council's claim the preferred route was chosen following consultation of the 2020 consultation pathway corollary study is insufficient, particularly as these findings from this study have not been made available to the public or subject to an independent review. The assertion that these factors such as safety, connectivity, comfort and feasibility guided the selection process lacks credibility given the absence of a thorough feasibility assessment and cost analysis specific to the Perinchin Beach scenario. Council has misrepresented the actual level of local community support for the active streets, despite the submission of the formal petition with signatures of over 140, now probably about 160, local residents opposing the proposed project. Council appears to have placed considerable weight on the recommendations and support from special interest groups such as those involving tourism, events, cycling and associated business. There are concerns regarding whether the guidance from these financially invested and non-local groups can truthfully represent or prioritise the needs of Puritian Beach community. Justification for both the chosen route and the implementation of cycle zones lacks transparency and detail. No additional solutions have ever been presented to the community. the grant application that's secured the 1.6 million in state funding for the pilot project remains inaccessible for review. The lack of transparency leaves residents in a position of having to trust council decisions without necessary or without critical information. Many community members are now only becoming aware and understanding the impacts these projects will have on their streets. Even the most recent digital door knock news update, which was intended to address previous complaints about inadequate communication, was vague and failed to provide the necessary detail. The ongoing lack of clarity and authentication and collective engagement raises serious concerns about whether council has learned from experiences such as the criticisms levelled at the Noosa Horseshire master plan for its over-designed and insufficient consultation. Council has neglected to follow Tewantin principles and its own established design values. These principles call for considering the broader context, avoiding isolated project views, accounting for the effects of design decisions, respecting the unique character of towns and villages, and creating a transport network that integrates with rather than overwhelms the environment. Despite these values, Council has not developed a comprehensive or holistic walking and cycling master plan for the Peregian Beach Precinct. Even the PPTA has advocated for a detailed design from Jabiru Street to Sestrania Drive, and for meaningful consultation with the community before any further action is taken. residents in Peregian Beach have expressed strong opposition to the prospect of living on a coastal recreational pathway. A source of concern is the expected increase in cycle traffic through residential streets, a situation that is likely to be made worse by ongoing development and population growth south of our border and increased tourism ahead of the 2032 Olympics. These changes are anticipated to add pressure on local streets, intensifying existing infrastructure and concerns within the community. The community is united in its preference for safe streets, not overactive streets. Residents overwhelmingly support the use of off-road shared pathways instead of on-road cycle zones. Residents favour recreational pathways routed through scenic bushland rather than residential areas. Viable Some residents have already put forward alternative ideas demonstrating the community is actively discussing solutions tailored to local needs. Residents believe the effective consultation would enable Council to identify and implement these locally informed alternatives. Consequently, residents are calling on Council to halt both the current pilot and any future planning of active streets in the area. We urge Council to engage in genuine consultation with all directly affected residents and ensure that the current plans and route redesigns are informed and guided by community feedback. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 22:51.000
We have four submissions for public question time. The first is an application from Mr. Alan Deering. Alan, if you'd like to come to the lectern, please. Thank you. Alan Deering 23:00.860
Good afternoon. It's a background to the question. I'll keep it brief to 150 words because Council has changed it from 300 words to 150. Now, the response to my public question of the 18th of September this year concentrated on silica dust and the workplace exposure standard. Residential homes on dirt roads are not workplaces, should not be compared. Workplaces have exhausts and filters to deal with dust and the standard is eight hours, five days a week. Residents don't have the luxury of exhausts and filters for the standard. For some residents would be 24 hours, seven days a week. Silica is not the only ingredient of road dust that can cause health issues. It may also contain aluminium, calcium, iron, titanium and magnesium. As stated in the response from Shaun Walsh, in terms of health risk, council has undertaken a technical assessment of the potential health risks associated with silica dust generated from unsealed roads within the Noosa Council region. If the rate payers have paid for a technical assessment it should be released to rate payers. Now the question, in answer to my public question of the 18th of September this year, part of the response was based on current material usage, maintenance practices and environmental exposure conditions, there is minimum minimal to no health risk from silica dust generated by unsealed gravel roads in the Noosa Council region. There is no confirmed evidence of harmful harmful silica dust concentrations in these areas and no recorded public health impacts attributable to road dust. As a 40-year property owner on Cooroy Mountain Road, I have concerns about the health effects of long-term exposure to fine particle road dust on myself and especially on my partner who occasionally has nosebleeds at times of severe dust coverage emanating from Cooroy Mountain Road. Does Noosa Council confirm that there are no health impacts from road dust? Frank Wilkie 25:12.468
Thank you Alan. Your questions will be answered by Shaun Walsh, Director of Infrastructure. Shaun Walsh 25:23.240
Is that working? Thank you. for the question. In terms of health risk exposure from dust on unsealed roads, Council can advise that unsealed roads in these regions typically carry low traffic volumes between 30 and 500 metres a day. Dust exposure is intermittent, outdoor and dispersed, significantly reducing the concentration of impeded and closed occupational centres. A New Zealand Transport Agency study found that while particles of the diameter of 10 micrometres or less dust from unsealed roads can be present, respirable sewer silica levels are generally below and not linked to adverse health outcomes in ambient settings. The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety and Health Evaluations of Dirt Road Maintenance found no aeronite and only occasional silica extinguishes, primarily in active roadwork zones and not general public exposure. The Workplace and Environmental Exposure Standard for reciprocal crystalline silica in Australia is 0.05 mg /m3 on an 8-hour time-weighted average. Ambient exposure from unsealed roads is not known to exceed this threshold in south-east Queensland. Based on current material usage, maintenance practices and environmental exposure conditions, there is minimal to no health risk from silica dust generated by unsealed gravel roads in the Noosa Council region. There is no confirmed evidence of harmful silica dust concentrations in these areas and no recorded public health impacts attributable to road dust. The use of natural gravel and recycled asphalt combined with routine grading and dust suppression ensures compliance with engineering and environmental standards. Council has also sought further advice from Queensland Health about the topic but unfortunately have not received a reply by this meeting. Frank Wilkie 27:06.594
Mr. Dearing, would you like to ask your second question? Alan Deering 27:15.120
Back round to the question. The dirt section of Cooroy Mountain Road has been assessed by a qualified road engineer and in the report found deficiencies and clear risk of crashes and other safety hazards. There has not been an assessment released by Noosa Council on this same section of road. not disputing the dangerous assessment of this section of the road. Therefore... Broymount Road is a through road that's sealed to 65% of its length at the western end. The last sealing was 26 years ago and the eastern end carries more traffic. Roadpayers have offered to seal sections of the road to the width of 7 metres, but council... refused, stating under the Noosa Plan it must be to a width of 9 metres. In the 10-year capital program 25 to 34, under sealing of unsealed roads, there is no... budgeted for the sealing of dirt roads until 2032, that being 1.5 million. The question... is overall it seems that Noosa Council has a policy of not sealing dirt roads, and if residents offer to seal sections at their expense, Council will make that impossible to achieve. Besides the sealing of the $5.6 million Dr Page's road upgrade in 2016, the former man I'll play would call a win for hinterland tourism in Noosa Shire. Frank Wilkie 28:48.369
Thank you for the question. Shaun Walsh 28:50.689
Council has undertaken the following road sealing program since the amalgamation. In 2015, 2016, Dr Page's road in Kinmond Creek, Great Cootharaba, 5.6 kilometres in length, as you have referenced. 2017.2018.2019. Donnelly's Road, Bridgewood, to 800 metres length. 2019.20. Tewah Road, Boreen Point, 200 metres length. 2019.20. Ambulance Street, Pomona, 100 metres length. 2021.22. Tablelands Road, Koran. Bridge approaches, 150 metres length. Council has recently asked for a review of its Road City Priority Program and consideration of a budget allocation for the 26-27 budget for its further consideration. Council has recently... Frank Wilkie 29:42.531
The review of questions is from Mrs. Pat Spicer. Rob and Pat. Thank you. And answers to your questions will be provided by Kim Rawlings, Director of Strategy and Environment, who is online. And our CEO, Larry Sengstock. My name is Pat Spicer. Through the Chair. Background information. In the March update to the Noosa Housing Strategy, Coast2Bay has state government funding to purchase the proposed lot 1 at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive and construct 25 social housing dwellings. In the resolution on the 16th of May 2024, it says to dispose of the proposed lot 1 to Coast2Bay subject to purchase price being market value outlined in the report. The Coast2Bay CEO said he was looking at a parcel of land in Cooroy that already had DA approval that went above the threshold for government funding for purchase of the land. But 62 Lake Macdonald Drive came in under the threshold which suggests the valuation was under market value. The local government regulation 2012, regulation 236.3, a local government may only dispose of land or an interesting land under this section if the consideration for the disposal would be equal to or more than the market value of the land or interest in the land, including the market value of any improvements on the land. Coast to boat has a commercial and confidence sale contract with Noosa Council which is not a standard contract as it has special clauses that relate to the capital funding agreement with the State government. The sale will not be completed until remediation and other matters are concluded. So my question, as the independent valuation of lot 1 at 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy, was carried out before remediation, subdivision and infrastructure works, is the price Is the price quoted and agreed upon with Coast2Bay the estimated undeveloped value or the estimated developed value, taking into consideration the remediation and infrastructure provisions occurring before the act? Larry Sengstock 32:28.600
Thank you for the question and I'll answer this on behalf of Kim Rawlings our director. Yes, the independent valuation of proposed lot one was undertaken on the community facility zoning of the land, assuming multiple dwellings as a permitted use under the planning scheme, And including all remediation and civil works were completed, resulting in a fully serviced allotment. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. Frank Wilkie 33:39.562
The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 236 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local Larry Sengstock 34:22.560
Government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale of lot one to Coast2Bay is fully compliant with section 23 of the local government regulations. The proposed sale As addressed in the council meeting of May this year, a not-for-profit community housing provider such as Coast2Bay may apply for a donation up to the value of 100% of the general rates for affordable rental premises of a property they are responsible for, which is being used for that purpose. If the donation is granted, they would still need to pay any applicable levies and other charges. itemised on rate notices. 62 Lake Macdonald Drive is a rateable property, and if it were disposed of, the rates would be payable by the new owner up to the time it was used for qualifying affordable rental premises. Frank Wilkie 35:28.603
The next application of two questions is from Mr David Phipps. David Phipps 35:41.480
My thanks to you Mr Mayor and the Councils for this opportunity. My first question, the associated background material is as follows. Council has advanced plans for the new Council has advanced plans to convert targeted streets into active streets in the Peregian Beech area without undertaking proper consultation with residents to evaluate suitability and acceptance of the these proposals. Despite mounting in widespread opposition, the council has proceeded with implementing the active streets design on an isolated 800 metre stretch of lorikeet drive, disregarding calls from for more inclusive engagement and transparency. The petition submitted to council underscores the substantial opposition from local residents to the proposed conversion of quiet residential streets into active streets as part of council's coastal pathway vision. The majority of the local community is against these changes citing several specific concerns that would directly affect the daily life and neighbourhood amenity. Of particular concern is the implementation of on-road cycle priority zones that will severely impact residential amenity by restricting parking to one side of the street which when coupled with formalised parking arrangements may reduce parking by as much as 60% and will necessitate lowering speed limits to 30 kilometres an hour, a limit which many believe will be unenforceable. Further apprehension stems from the provision of preferential access for unlicensed cyclists and e-bike users. Residents contend that this could undermine both the rights and safety of those living in the area, while failing to provide clear or substantial benefits to the wider community. The active street concept as currently applied will not address increasing traffic, visitation, parking and associated safety issues raised by residents with council. Instead, it risks adding further demand and conflict. Rather than reducing it, especially given the significant development of population growth just south of Noosa border. Why have proven low cost safety measures such as yellow line markings, clear signage and traffic? You successfully know the parts of Noosa not being applied here. My question is given the significant opposition, will council stop the ill-conceived unwarranted unwanted and illogical plan to convert an 800 metre section of lorikeet drive into an active street? Frank Wilkie 38:28.264
Thank you Mr Phipps. Director of Infrastructure, Shaun Walsh, to answer your question. Can you hear that? There we go, excellent, thank you. Shaun Walsh 38:38.564
Thank you for the question. Council understands that some residents have concerns. Council has also received positive support and feedback on the project. While staff have not been directed to pause or stop work on the project, the project team is discussing the next steps and exploring opportunities for additional community consultation with the councillors later this month. It's important to note that the Active Street proposal for Lorikeet Drive is the result of several years of technical work and strong support for safer, more connected walking and cycling options in Peregian Beach. It directly responds to long-standing issues raised by locals including speeding, pedestrian safety and driveway access challenges and Active Street was chosen because it offers the safest and most suitable treatment for this corridor. It slows traffic, creates a calmer neighbourhood feel, it makes it easier for people of all ages to walk, ride and move around. Communities across Australia are embracing this approach due to its proven benefits for safety, health, local amenity and street safety. Importantly, the project is fully funded by the State and federal programs, not by remunerate payers, and also enables council to upgrade curbs, improve storm water and drainage, replace the ageing lower plate. Lorikeet Park bridge and enhance landscaping along the street. Our goal is to deliver a safer, greener, and more accessible street that benefits the entire neighbourhood. Frank Wilkie 40:03.826
Mr Phipps, your second question please. David Phipps 40:07.552
The associated background material. Council has not produced a comprehensive and detailed walking and cycling master plan for the Peregian and Marcus Beach precincts. This omission stands in direct contradiction to established principles of good town and urban planning, as well as Council's own stated planning values. These principles emphasise the importance This principle emphasises the importance of considering a broader context of any project, rather than reviewing proposals in isolation. They also highlight the necessity of evaluating the potential ripple effects of all design decisions, respecting the unique character of existing towns and villages, and ensuring that new designs are not forced or contrived to fit environments where they do not belong. on. Additionally, it counts... guidelines call for the creation of transport networks that the community needs, and integrate seamlessly into the surrounding environment rather than dominating it. There has been a failure to engage the community on the design and implementation of the design and implementation of Active Streets, specifically regarding the key features that define the Council's vision for these projects. The overall communication and consultation surrounding the pilot initiative and future Active Streets projects. The future Active Streets projects has been viewed as inadequate. Furthermore, there is a lack of clarity regarding how Council intends to implement a uniform and Active Street design across all streets leading to the village. Especially those with more complex topographical challenges. Challenges that include narrow roadways, intersections, and bends with crests and blind spots, sloped verges and steep driveways, all of which complicate the feasibility of a consistent design. Uncertainty remains that a council's ability to secure sufficient funding to realise its vision for a coastal pathway through Peregian Beach and- Peregian Beach and the wider Noosa region. The same financial concerns apply to the proposed conversion of 60 additional streets identified for transformation into new shared streets or active streets. My question- will Council cease all active street design and implementation work until a detailed design and costings for walking and cycling throughout the entire Peregian and Marcus Beach precinct is complete to prove that these projects are both physically and financially viable? We also ask that the design and development encompasses genuine and meaningful consultation with impacted residents. And that such residents have an active role in co-designing the plans. Thank you Mr. Pierce. Dr. Shaun Walsh 42:52.908
Walsh? Thank you for the question. Council appreciates that some residents would like to see a precinct-wide planning scheme. A walking and cycling design completed before any further work progresses. It's important to note that this broader planning is already being undertaken through Council's cycling and walking strategy and implementation plan, adopted by Council in July 2021. These strategic documents assess routes across the entire bridge and markets in each area, and identify the most suitable corridors and priorities for investment. An active street on Lorikeet Drive is one of the top-ranked projects in this work, and has already secured full-stage and free-wheel funding. Pausing the project now to redo precinct-wide design and crossings would be perceived as wasteful, and would significantly delay the degree of risk in using that funding. Council agrees. that community involvement must be genuine and ongoing. That is why, for this project, engagement has not been limited to a single stage. We have involved residents and community groups through the project reference group. During group and treatment selection, held multiple information sessions during the preliminary design phase, undertaken doorknobs and offered one-on-one meetings, continued adjusting the elements of the design based on visitor feedback, particularly around parking. This approach will continue as the project moves into the developed design and council will be continuing with community information sessions. Council's focus remains on creating a safer, greener and better connected local network for walking and riding in a way that reflects beardy needs and enhances the character of the area. Frank Wilkie 44:26.542
Thank you Mr Phipps. The next application for two questions is from Mr Tony Wright. Tony you would like to come to the lectern and your questions will be answered by... Thank you. Tony Wright 44:54.880
Council has a project prioritisation table indicating the inclusion of a new three metre wide off road... Some of the bridge will be turned into that. Did you have a rooster? I'm leaving out a few instructions. The project represents a clear opportunity for extension, which could facilitate the creation of an off-road recreational pathway, connecting the village from the new path along the mountain road. the project. And such a pathway would offer safe connectivity for bridge and bridge... for bridge and bridge residents, and especially kids, to bridge and beach and its facilities. Furthermore, utilising this route as part of the coastal pathway would help avoid negative impacts on the character, amenity and safety of the largely tranquil residential cities. Council's fragmented approach to urban planning has resulted in uncertainty regarding the feasibility of implementing a consistent and safe active street design across all targeted streets The challenges stem from physical characteristics of the streets, including narrow widths, undulating sections, intersections, wings, long spots, existing utilities, infrastructure, and residents. On both sides. Many properties also feature steeply sloping verges, extremely steep driveways, and multi-unit dwellings that share a single exit or entry point. These factors, collectively complicated, complicate the implementation of a uniform and safe active street. So the question is, can Council explain in detail why it has chosen to implement a challenging path through four interconnecting residential streets with hills, intersections, bends, and blind spots, rather than a simpler, viable, safer, and less disruptive alternative route along... Frank Wilkie 48:15.140
Thank you for the question. Shaun Walsh 48:21.180
Council did look closely at the David Lowe Corridor during the cycling... cycling and walking strategy. This study sought to plain-safe the more connected walking and cycling routes between Tewantin and Peregian Beach, and was supported by a project reference group made up of representatives from local residents associations, community and sporting groups, bike shops and tourism providers. Whilst it might appear simple on a map, the day-to-day way was not evaluated as safe or a feasible location for a walking and cycling route. The corridor carries high speed traffic, has complex intersections, and includes narrow, uneven and environmentally sensitive areas in the Western Road Reserves. Building a continuous accessible pathway there would require major earthworks, vegetation and significant structural warnings, with poorer safety outcomes for users. In contrast, the Lorikeet Drive Route scored the highest across all assessment criteria. Residential streets offer a quieter, more accessible and more accessible road. No stress environment that is safer and more comfortable for people of all ages, especially children, seniors and less confident riders. Active street treatments are specifically designed to manage bends, hills and intersections by slowing traffic. Improving visibility and creating a calm neighbourhood feel. Importantly, this route also delivers the best long-term connectivity, linking homes, parks, schools, the coastal pathway network and the village. It also enables Council to address existing issues along Lorikeet Drive, such as drainage, kerb upgrades and local safety improvements. Frank Wilkie 49:53.620
Mr Wright, would you like to ask your second question please? Tony Wright 50:11.720
In the background there will be a significant number of Christian based residents who have withdrawn in opposition to the introduction of the Festival of Recreation. The Festival of Recreation is a pathway through the neighbourhood. The core concern centres on the anticipated increase in cycle traffic within residential streets, which many believe will negatively impact the local members in safety. It's further highlighted by ongoing development and population growth south of Cooroochin Beach, along targeted area efforts at both state and coastal. Council levels to boost tourism in the lead up to the 3200. Residents say these factors will intensify existing traffic issues. And place additional pressure on local infrastructure. The promotion of a recreational pathway through residential streets will only exacerbate this. This will exacerbate the existing traffic, visitation cycle and e-bike safety issues that have been raised by residents of council. Frank Wilkie 51:34.576
Residents have expressed concern about the manner in which council has promoted certain infrastructure. Such as construction of a new footpath, road resurfacing, out road curbs and improved range. Projects. Actually these types of upgrades are regarded as retaining infrastructure, maintenance and improvement activities that council should be undertaking to extend the practice. Furthermore, questions have been raised regarding the prioritisation of road surface in full or acute drive, particularly in light of the poor condition of other roads throughout Noosa. Including down the road just here. This has led to further doubts about the allocation of resources and the decision-making process behind the selection of water and heat drive for resurfacing of the town. The question here is, can council please explain how the implementation of a recreational of a recreational cycle pathway through residential streets focusing specifically on active street features such as a priority cycle zone. How will that provide any benefit to occupants of the streets? Shaun Walsh 53:14.923
Thank you for the question. Firstly, the existing street is already used by recreational cyclists. The active street is designed first and foremost to improve safety and And we've got to release the people who use it. And certainly for the people who use these streets every day. While it will support recreational walking and cycling for the broader community, the locals also benefit. A 30 kilometre hour environment with traffic calming will create quieter, calmer and more predictable street, making safer to exit driveways, walk to the beach or visit the park. The project also benefits due to the spitting and upgrades, new kerning, improved drainage, footpath resurfacing and the replacement of the lower peak keep park bridge, all funded entirely by the State and federal grants. Features such as priority cycling zones help organise how cars and bicycles interact, reducing unpredictable movements and improving safety for the public. Formalised parking and clearer sidelines also make day-to-day access easier and safer for residents. Beyond safety, the active street brings broader amenity benefits, more greenery, better pedestrian access and fewer short car trips, which means lower noise, cleaner air and more pleasant neighbourhood feel. While the group will be enjoyed by many, the people living along these streets will experience the greatest improvements in safety, infrastructure and overall street amenity. Frank Wilkie 54:41.991
We now have a ten minute adjournment. Those who are wishing to leave, feel free to. Those who wish to talk to councillors and staff can do so as well. But we'll be back in ten minutes. SPEAKER_06 01:12:18.363
All right, we're all going to leave. I don't need anyone's following. Are we ready? Frank Wilkie 01:12:28.000
Screens on. Okay, we've declared the meeting open again. Welcome back, everyone. We're up to item nine on the agenda. There are no Mayoral minutes. We have one notified motion. Investigation into a local policy on electronic gaming machines on council-owned or trustee land. Would you like to move your motion? Can you hear us, Amelia? Amelia Lorentson 01:13:11.200
I can. Not very clearly, but I can hear. Can you hear me? We can hear you loud and clear. Oh, great. Frank Wilkie 01:13:18.340
And great floor. Amelia Lorentson 01:13:20.040
Oh, okay. Thank you. I missed that part. I have a notice of motion. I'll read it. Investigation into a local policy on electronic gaming machines on council-owned or trustee land, recommendation that council aid. Note that several Queensland local governments, including Logan City Council, have adopted policies to guide decisions regarding electronic gaming machines on council-owned or council-controlled land with the objective of reducing social harm and supporting community well-being. trying to get Acknowledge that while the regulation of gaming machines rests with the State government under the Gaming Machine Act of 1991, council has an important role in determining the appropriate use of council- owned and trustee land. C, explore including a policy position on gaming machines as part of the community purpose land and infrastructure tenure policy currently under review to guide decisions regarding installation, expansion, or relocation of gaming machines on council-owned or trustee land. And D, consider reinstating membership with the Alliance for Gambling Reform to strengthen advocacy and collaboration on harm minimisation initiatives. Frank Wilkie 01:14:55.087
Thank you. Can we have a seconder for the motion? Seconded by Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Lorentson, you have the floor. Sure. Amelia Lorentson 01:15:02.407
Again, I'm having difficulty listening. Hearing you, but please let me know if there's any difficulty in hearing me. In 2018, Noosa Council joined the Alliance for Gambling Reform and supported stronger local control over poker machine approvals. However, in 2021, Council... Council withdrew its membership and currently there is no formal policy that exists to guide decisions regarding electronic gaming machines on Council owned or trustee land. While the regulation of gaming machines remains a state of responsibility through the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations, community concerns persist about the clustering of gaming venues and the potential for social and economic harm. Developing a local policy would provide transparent guidance for decisions involving gaming machines on council or trustee land, ensuring that community well-being and harm minimisation are key considerations. It would also support constructive engagement with the State government and local state... Excuse me. Logan City Council's gaming machines policy offers a clear precedent demonstrating how gaming operations on council-controlled land can align with community values and respond and responsible gambling practices. Including this policy, positioned as part of the current review of the Community Purpose Land and Infrastructure Tega Policy, is an efficient approach that integrates gaming machine considerations into broader land use principles given current operational priorities and resource constraints, no further work on this matter is proposed until the 2026 budget process and Council can consider whether to proceed with the policy development and allocate appropriate resources. Rejoining the Alliance for Gambling Reform would further strengthen Council's advocacy and collaboration of harm minimisation. I'm just going to just add a couple of little things and I pulled out some data and I just think that data speaks for itself. In Queensland, Queenslanders lost $5.1 billion to gambling in the year 2022 to 2023, pokies alone accounted for $3.2 billion of that, representing 63%. On the Sunshine Coast, losses reached in 2022-23 $231 million, with more than 3,400 machines in operation. Nationally, Australia has the highest gambling losses per capita in the world, about 15% of adults report some level of gambling-related harm, everything from financial stress to family breakdowns and mental health issues. I also pulled out a little bit of data from Noosa, and alone in one month in July in 2024, coping losses were just over two million six hundred and sixty-four thousand dollars, and understanding we have a population of approximately fifty-seven thousand people, coping machines in Noosa totalled five hundred and one. So again, the data speaks for itself, and the reason that this formal this formal policy or this notify motion is so important is because social well-being is at the heart of who we are as a community. Our Noosa Plan and our community vision talk a lot about protecting our lifestyle, talks about protecting our health, and it talks a lot about social cohesion. So to have a policy on gaming machines would help us make decisions that reflect those values and also reduce the risk of harm. It's really interesting as I was putting out all this data, what also became really quite clear was that particularly at the moment when we're in a crisis, in a cost of living crisis, it's people spend more on gambling machines than when things or the economy is better. And it's more they enter, you know, whether it's an RSL or a pub or a surf club, they enter there with $20 thinking that $20 is going to- they're going to go home with $40 or $100. So So I I keep keep coming coming- back to what role we play as a council and we seriously play a significant role in- Councillor Amelia, that's five minutes. Do you need much more time? Ensuring that our community is safe and healthy and that decisions- Councillor Amelia? support positive community outcomes. Frank Wilkie 01:20:31.944
Amelia, can you hear us? Can you hear us? Can you hear us, Amelia? Amelia Lorentson 01:20:36.073
Thank you. All support. I know that around the table we had this discussion on Monday when we were looking at the application at Tewantin RSL. I know that we were all on the same page. Again, opportunity for us to put our values into practice. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:20:50.993
Thank you. Amelia, can you hear us all right? Can you hear us? Amelia Lorentson 01:20:55.093
I can. Now I can. Thank you very much. It was... I just had so much... Okay. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:21:01.410
Councillors, any comments, amendments? Councillor Stockwell. I think I can do it. Okay. Brian Stockwell 01:21:09.150
I support the motion. I do think it's time for a policy. We have previously been as part of the gambling alliance. When we joined, it was a substantially cheaper... It would be now if we were to rejoin. But I remember the presentation given to us, and the data on gaming machines in Australia was horrifying. The number of gaming machines per head of population in Australia is not a little bit higher than the next nation. It's orders of magnitude higher. And we know from what Councillor Lorentson said that it's disproportionately responsible for responsible for social harm as a result of problem gambling. We do know that our responsibility as a landholder does extend to both our land by ourselves and state land, which we are responsible for as trustee. We have in the past put conditions... on leases without the policy backing, such as the Peregian Beach Surf Club, which had a lease that prevented it from having gaming machines. I think having a policy that can be consistently applied to across... all our leased areas in the public estate makes good sense. So I support the motion and believe that we... consideration of rejoining at the cost of the gambling alliance... It is an issue that will take very extensive advocacy. I read an article two years ago about the number of immediately ex-federal... at getting the ears of decision makers in Canberra and I suppose that the flip side is then that local governments have to also make our voices heard. Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Frank Wilkie 01:23:13.334
Any other councillors wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Lorentson, do you wish to close? Amelia Lorentson 01:23:19.454
Um, no. Once again, just a real opportunity for us to just put our values into practice and... Frank Wilkie 01:23:42.203
Is unanimous that brings us to consideration of committee reports 11.1 planning environment committee recommendations 11.2 recommendations 11.2.1 was referred to the general committee that was a minor change to the royal mail 11.2.2 planning an environment court appeal number 2698 of 2025 is an application for a material change of use for a dwelling house 6 Arakoon Crescent Sunshine Beach. Planning an environment court appeal number 2697 of 2025 application for a material change of use for a dwelling house 4 Arakoon Crescent Sunshine Beach. 11.2.4 was a P &E court appeal. Number D92 of 2025 58 Seaview Terrace was referred to the general committee 11.2.5 planning applications decided by delegated author September 2025 11.2.6. Do I really need this microphone? That's dodgy. Alan Deering 01:24:40.594
No. Confidential not for public release planning an environment court appeal number 2420 2025 application for material change of use for a dwelling house at 3 Allambi Rise. court appeal. Who says? 11.2.7 of the Planning and Environment Committee recommendations on block. Frank Wilkie 01:24:58.387
May I have a mover and a seconder for the Planning and Environment Committee recommendations to be adopted please. Amelia Lorentson 01:25:04.487
Happy to leave. Frank Wilkie 01:25:05.807
Moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Stockwell. All in favour? Thank you. Yes. That's unanimous. We're now at the Services and Organisation Committee recommendations. 11.3.1 Extension of Appointment for the Audit and Risk Committee Chair and Appointment of New Independent Committee Member. 11.3.2 2025 LGAQ Conference Noosa Council Motions Carried. 11.3.3 Capital program 2025-2026 Delivery Status Report. 11.3.4 is the Service and Organisation Committee Recommendations on Block. May I have a mover and a seconder for the Service and Organisation Committee Recommendation to be adopted. That was a move by Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor. All in favour? Yes. That is carried unanimously. Now the General Committee Recommendations. 11.4.1 is Application Minor Change to a Development Approval for Material Change of Use Hotel Extension to Existing Hotel and DBW 23007.02 Building Work, Demolition at 118 Poitier Avenue on 26 Diyan Street, Tewantin. That is the Royal Mail. Councillor Wilson, do you have a... Nicola Wilson 01:26:25.100
I do. Sorry, I'm just going to... I can't see the screen. And my cat's attacking me. Sorry. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I cancel the rules and inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest for item 7.1 MCU 23/00... application for a minor change with development approval for material change of use, hotel, extension to existing hotel. Frank Wilkie 01:27:15.500
Is that your cat? Nicola Wilson 01:27:17.960
TPW 23/00, second place in the final two, building work demolition at All-Align Louisiana Union and 26 Dio Street, Tewantin. On this agenda, because I have a financial interest in a neighbouring that may be affected by the outcome of this application, as a result of... As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room where the matter is considered and voted on, and let Councillor Wilson have it. Councillor Frank Wilkie 01:27:47.343
Wilson, don't cross the line into animal cruelty. It's a fine line. I broke the standing orders. You broke the standing orders. Can I have a move of second for this committee recommendation? Can I have a move of second? We're going the wrong way, please. Move Councillor Stockwell, second Councillor. All in favour? Yes. That's carried. All councillors bar Councillor Wilson. May we get Councillor Wilson back in. To the meeting, please. Move Councillor Stockwell, second Councillor. She's back. Welcome back, Councillor Wilson. Next item is Planning and Environment Court Appeal number D92 of 2025, application for a material change of use for a drawing house, 58 CDU Terrace, Sunshine Beach. Next item, Financial Performance Report, October 2025. Next item, Operation Next item, Operational Plan 2025-26, quarterly reporting. Next item, Confidential Contract Award Report, contract number CN25113, Western Banner Missing Link Cabin Construction. Next item is another confidential item, not for public release, Planning and Environment Court Appeal D44 of 2025, application for a material change of use of food and drink outlet and short term accommodation at 203,207 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville. We have a mover and a seconder for the general committee recommendation to be adopted except we're dealt with separately please. I'm happy to move. Moved, Councillor. Segmented, Councillor Lorentson. All in favour? Yes. Thank you. That's carried. We have two reports direct to the ordinary meeting. Item 12.1 is the 2025 Noosa Council Community Satisfaction Survey results and we have Director of Community Services Kerri Contini here to give us a summary of the report. Thank you Kerri. Thank you councillors. Kerri Contini 01:29:55.675
We're just going to share a screen here. Thank you councillors. This evening we're really pleased to present the results from our Community Satisfaction Survey 2025. The Satisfaction Survey provides a comprehensive overview of residents opinions on councils performance and priorities. The results serve as a key measure of how well council meets community needs and expectations. The findings highlight council's strengths and reveal areas for improvement. The survey helps guide our governance, our customer service, our strategic planning and our operations. Thank you. And as well, importantly, it helps us in our paying resources. The feedback covers a wide range of community council services and most... Most importantly, it supports informed, future-focused decision-making. The last time that we conducted a community satisfaction survey was in 2021. And we had a history of participating in the LGAQ coordinated community satisfaction surveys. However, those approaches used a very traditional survey approach, which was landline telecom surveys. And those, obviously, are very challenging to deliver these days. Our last survey took over 5,000 phone calls to get the required sample size. with these challenges, the team have done a fantastic job in actually exploring what contemporary moms are and partnered with our trust department in the liveability survey space. And through this, we have piloted with Place4 a digital-first approach, which replaces the outdated landmine surveys with randomized... email invitations and targeted social media to ensure that we have an inclusive survey that is representative of our ABS profile. This has enabled a broader demographic reach, it's reduced costs, it's improved accessibility, and most importantly, it gives us a rich and reliable data. Has the added benefit of being able to relate to liveability areas and data. The survey was administered by PlaceScore between 28 April and 23 May 2025. It assessed 50 service areas grouped in five dimensions: community programs, community places, transport waste and water, management of communications, and planning for the future. It achieved a representative sample of 390 residents, and for a population of our size, the required sample size is 382. The margin of error is + /- 5% at 95% confidence, and residents and ratepayers were invited to participate aged 15 years and over. to the most important aspect, the results. I'll just go through a couple of overview results, and then Emma and I are just going to show you a little bit of the portal so that you can get a sense of the difference between how we used to receive the survey, which was just a PDF copy of a lot of graphs, to the ability now that we have to really interrogate and draw out samples. To assist with our understanding of our community. The overall satisfaction was, we, the Minister's Council, rated 79% performance as either very good, good or average. Important to note that this was a different methodology from our previous surveys, so this is a much improved contemporary methodology. So while the results are completely comparable, Place4 have done a fantastic job of adjusting previous methodologies to be able to give us some comparison. And that suggests that there's a 14% decline in overall satisfaction since 2021. Now obviously that's concerning, but what we also understand is that that is similar to other local governments and other government levels generally that are facing- Declining levels of satisfaction amongst, I guess, issues of potential mistrust with government and increasing expectations. The performance scores about individual service areas ranged from satisfaction levels of 58% through to 99%. And I think really positively 27 or 54% of the 50 service areas scored a very high satisfaction at 80% or above. So it was a fantastic result for those areas. Our top performance, and this is for the full survey running, were services which scored a satisfaction rating of 99%. So they've been given that KPI of next time getting the extra 1%. Waste management scoring 95%. And our community places area was the highest leading dimension at 88%. This survey also looks at priorities. What are the communities, I guess, areas of importance right now and their priorities for council in the coming two years? And those included value for money for rents, parks and public spaces, road maintenance and transparent decision making. I think one of the interesting aspects of this survey is that, and we'll be able to show you this in a moment, that we included a don't know element. So many of you will be familiar with a scale in a survey from one to five. And for those people that don't know a service, aren't quite sure what we're talking about, or don't have a strong opinion, we'll often pick the middle, which can sometimes cloud survey results. So we included a don't know, so that those elements could be removed from the calculations of satisfaction. that's been quite instrumental in us understanding what our community actually knows about our services and what the true level of satisfaction is by the people that actually know our service. So Emma, if I can ask you to go, let's jump into service morning. Fantastic. So I think what are we sitting on there? We've got a breakdown. So it breaks it down and it's a little bit difficult to see on this, on the screen ahead, but the councillors will be able to see that in front of them. It breaks it down as it's sitting across five dimension areas and ten... service areas in each dimension. So that's a total of 50 service dimensions. Previously we only surveyed 41, so it's giving us a much thorough understanding of our services. It enables us, importantly, and this is the big difference from the previous service, we can now go in and interrogate. So, for example, we could look at ages and start to... and start to see the difference in what ages might be rating. So, Emma, if you want to just choose maybe over 64. And you start to see, for example, that you can certainly see the grey section, which is the don't knows. And you can see, for example, it's quite understanding that that over 64s wouldn't have a good... 64s wouldn't have a good knowledge of potentially our youth services. But in this sample size here, we've got 36% of our over 64s who don't know about our programs for our older residents. Those that do know them, though, rate them very highly at 88%. So this gives us a really good opportunity to go out and help market, help promote and educate to enable our community to better understand the services that we offer. Another aspect that we have is to be able to look at it from a geographic dimension and really help understand what our different areas, what's important to them and what their performance and satisfaction ratings are. So we, for example, have a look at boring... And you start to see the differences there around what different communities are seeing as performing highly for them. And we might choose another dimension. Maybe we have a look at... So you can start to then see here for Boreen Point road maintenance, you know, we've got a growing dissatisfaction in things like road maintenance. So you can see here we're looking at graphs. It enables us to actually download all of that data so that we can actually dive very deep... So that we can actually dive very deeply into it. And we've had a lot of training with our staff across the organisation and we can already see them starting to use it to help understand what the priorities should be. If we just jump into service priorities, I think it's where we'll... So this area is quite interesting. It enables us, you know, when we do surveys and we ask people what is important, people will often tell us everything is important. With this survey we forced a choice to say what are your three most important things at the moment for council. now what the portal does is it enables us to bring together satisfaction as well as importance to help council understand well what should we be trying to focus on and what this chart is showing is that anything that would appear in the red area is very urgent this is what the community is saying is performing very low and is very very important to them now it's really pleasing that for council there is nothing in the red area but in that orange area in the middle there are a range of things such as providing value for money for rates council making decisions in the best interest of the community road maintenance and condition and a range of others but this is one for if we chose once again let's choose Boreen Point and see we can start to see the differences in communities and what might be you know more of a priority to that community and that starts to change around slightly if we since Pat you're here thank you very much let's have a look at We start to see you can see that each of those numbers moving around starts to represent you know different areas of priority for our community particularly it enables us to look at different ages and so for example if we look at our under 25s you need to have something that has popped into the red and that is around provision and maintenance of public toilets and so for our young people throughout and about visiting our parks they're downtown they're riding their bikes and they're riding them safely that public toilets are a thing that's very important to them so this gives us an example of how we can delve deeply into the dark to be able to help us understand where we should be prioritising our efforts the survey also have a free text field and we had the vast majority 345 of 398 responders provided information into that free text field which once again helps us understand below the numbers what the community wants us to focus on so the next survey that we will run will be at the end of 2026 which will enable us to benchmark against this survey as we are the first council to come through this survey process we don't have directly comparable other local governments that we can benchmark against however many councils are lined up behind us and as they come through that's the fantastic thing about it being online we will be able to get those comparable results I just want to really acknowledge PlaySchool they were fantastic to work with a pilot is always a challenge we've all learnt along the way it was a little bit like the days where you could have so many characters in a text and we had to reduce our descriptions down to fit a certain character with which was quite interesting getting everybody to agree but also very much like to acknowledge the team led by Emma it was a fantastic was a long journey a brave one to take a different approach and now we've got you know we're already telling other councils who want to understand how we've been able to deliver this we're trying to move away from telephone service as well We are in a formal meeting so if someone would like to kick off by moving and seconding the report. Happy to move. Move Councillor Finzel. We're going to have a seconder please. We're going to second Councillor Wegener. Councillor Finzel do you wish to speak? Karen Finzel 01:44:43.067
Yes I do actually, Thank you. for the opportunity to speak. It's a great pleasure to hear the report this evening and celebrate that libraries are at the top and not to mention Arts, Culture and Heritage, yay. I'd like to speak from the heart of I'd like to speak from the heart of who we are here tonight, not just as locals sharing streets, beaches and bushland, but as a community connected by something deeper, a love of place a belief in the power we hold when we act together. The recent community satisfaction survey reminded us that while we celebrate much, the beauty we protect, the service The services we rely on, the resilience we've shown is the true message, not the numbers. Although they do count, but I'm speaking from the heart. It was the story behind them, a story that says we care. How we treat each other and how we safeguard what makes Noosa extraordinary, but caring is only the beginning. What this moment asks of us is responsibility, a shared responsibility to shape a future that reflects not fear or division, but collaboration. Trust and hope. A future built not by a single voice, but by a chorus of many. Every one of us holds the power of Noosa story. The long-time custodians, the families who arrived last year, the kids who... footprints in the sand are still small. These stories matter. Not one that is... Sorry. One that is not their own, but in how they weave together to guide our choices, our priorities... and our legacy that we leave behind. So I encourage everyone tonight to step forward, not waiting for others to lead, but recognising that leadership lives in each of us. Let us listen more deeply, speak more generously, and show up... more often. Let us turn concern into action, passion into participation, and ideas into shared solutions, because the Noosa we dream of, protected, connected, and thriving, is something we inherit. Not just something we inherit, it is something we build together. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:47:41.580
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Do any of the councillors have any questions for staff or would like to speak? Just one quick question. Councillor. Thank you. I don't know if I need that. One quick question around how the results will feed into the next operational plan or even the corporate plan. Is there a thought about that? Kerri Contini 01:48:00.920
Yes. Yes. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you, Councillor. So we will take this and all of the teams have been trained in it and are now exploring it for how they actually use it to determine what priorities might go into that. One of the ways that they use it is to look for gaps. We put it with the suite and other engagement that we do. The value in this is that it is statistically valid. So it is a true representative sample. So it enables us to have confidence in the results. So we might have other surveys that are open to anyone to be able to respond to. They can use this to get a statistically valid result and say well actually according to this survey this is the thing that we should prioritise. They can use this. So you will start to see this come up in various reports. It will be used in things like budget, corporate plans and strategies to help you as representatives making decisions and help talk to the community around what their priorities have been as it comes through here. Frank Wilkie 01:49:11.673
Councillor Lorentson, do you have a question? Amelia Lorentson 01:49:23.340
Oh hi Kerri, a lot of background noise so again I hope you can hear me. Given that there has been a noticeable decline in community satisfaction, has council analysed whether any of the issues raised correlate with the findings from the recent staff wellness survey? And where I'm going to with that is, are some of the low performing service areas such as roads and decision making, transparency, customer service, are they areas where staff have reported resourcing, workload or morale Kerri Contini 01:50:08.060
That's a great question, thank you Councillor Lorentson. The staff are starting to look at correlations to understand how it fits with the rest of the work that we do to understand what root cause sits behind things. In some areas, so for example, you'll see there's low performance scores in for example some of our local laws enforcement and you know we can see that show up in areas where we have had issues for example with illegal parking. So you can see that there is a correlation there in that the staff in those areas have a high workload and additional issues coming through with things like illegal camping. So for some you can see it, others they're quite quite separate issues. What I would say is for example the as well what we look at is the long-term trends and road maintenance is one that regularly sits towards the lower portion of the survey so you wouldn't we wouldn't draw a direct correlation with that and the employee well-being survey, no. Frank Wilkie 01:51:32.399
Thank you. Kerri? Any other councillors have any questions or want to speak? Councillor Finzel is allowed to close. Nicola Wilson 01:51:40.987
No, thank you Mr Chair. Frank Wilkie 01:51:42.467
I'll put it to the vote, those in favour? I wanted to speak, that's alright, thank you. That's all. That's unanimous. Councillor Wilson, sorry, are you there? Nicola Wilson 01:51:54.555
I thought Councillor Lorentson said she wanted to speak. Amelia Lorentson 01:51:59.715
Okay, Councillor Lorentson do you wish to speak? I do actually. Thank you, Mayor. I think the report provides a really important snapshot on how our community sees us and where our priorities lie. There's lots of areas of genuine strength and we heard our director Kerri Contini outline those and our libraries, our oases, our parks, our community wellbeing programs. They perform extremely well and that's a result of the dedication and excellent staff of these teams. But again, when I look at these surveys, again, I sort of just go what are the red flags, where are the opportunities for improvement. So sort of just outlined again, value for money, transparent decision making, road maintenance, parking and planning for the future. Basically the most important issues. And they're also the most important priority issues, but they're also the same areas among some of our lowest performers. And probably the last one I really want to make is what I've just mentioned before, that I don't think that we should be looking at these results in isolation. On Monday, the general meeting, we looked at the operation operational report. Last month, we had the CEO report. In August, we had the staff wellness survey. And I just think that those reports, when you look at those, they highlighted high workloads, vacancies, skill shortages, overtime pressures. And I just think that you need, it's reasonable for us to consider that internal operation Capacity challenges may be contributing to some of the external satisfaction reflected in the community survey. And I keep, you know, I feel like a broken record sometimes, that if staff are stretched or struggling, then the service quality inevitably suffers. So, again, I would love to see some overlay of data or some integration of integration of staff wellbeing metrics being included in the survey to get a complete picture of organisational health. And I think that is going to give us a more complete data set when we come into budget deliberations and strategic direction. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:54:57.444
That's unanimous. We've now come to the final item on the agenda, which is the annual update for the Pridgian Digital Hub. And we have Chris Bowden here, the director of the Pridgian Digital Hub. Could you give us a summary of the report, please? Chris, the lectern and microphone. It's the only one that works. Chris Bowden 01:55:31.700
Good evening, Mayor, councillors, colleagues, members of the public. Chris Bowden, executive janitor, director of the Pridgian Digital Hub. I'm here to present the Pridgian Digital Hub report for 2025. I've been shackled to my computer for a few weeks, and I'm thankful for the beautiful drive-out story you came up with this afternoon. is fantastic. It's a pretty diverse geography we live in, and coming down Louis Basel with those trees and the sunset is pretty special. It reminded me how lucky we are to live here. The Hub is in its eighth year of operations, having been launched by Council in 2018 to catalyse the development of the digital and technology sector to help build a more diverse and resilient local economy. it's become critical economic infrastructure in our region. In that time, version of each It's operating at 100% capacity and it's delivering a measurable return. In terms of our core business, as it were, the hub is fully tenanted across its four office spaces and it's at 100% utilisation of its shared desk space with 72 paying members across 25 different companies. Demand remains strong because the digital sector of the economy continues to grow and the programs that council offers via the hub are in high demand. The impact of our programs moved this year beyond general support to delivering specific high impact programs to bolster the local economy. We recognised earlier that AI was going to have a big impact across our community and we launched a program this year called Uplift, specifically focused on the SME sector, recognising that assisting pure technology companies was of course a very important and core part of what we do, but given the impact of AI, if we could assist our established businesses, in this case helping 90 business leaders that represent around 2,400 employees on the coast, may indeed be just as impactful, if not more impactful. This program is helping major employers pilot technology solutions that help improve their competitiveness, so that they can protect and grow local jobs. We've shown national leadership and innovation, particularly in AI. This year we established the Tokenizer series, which was funded by the Queensland State Government, with over $300,000 or $100,000 a year for three years, as a model for AI skills development. This included This included running a model event called Vibe Camp, which was a hackathon slash campathon, just out here at Elanda Point, where we had 100 innovators from the community come together to work on bringing their ideas to life with AI in ways that haven't previously been possible. And this really helped put Noosa on the map as a serious destination for this kind of tech innovation. We continue. We continue building a long-term talent pipeline. It's the seventh year that we've been doing that, running programs for people, young people of all ages. In 2025, we engaged 178 students in our programs. We ran advanced AI and screen cadetships for senior students. We had high school students build prototypes and produce films under industry mentorship. These programs are effective. The programs are effective. They help give direction and inspiration to young people and the participating students often go on to pursue engineering, computer science and other degrees in the creative sector. And then we often see them come back to our community and secure paid work in the local sector. We've also contributed to closing the digital divide in our community in partnership with the Noosa Libraries team, our young digital leaders who are graduates or alumni from our various youth programs help nearly 400 residents navigate the digital world by assisting them with their phones, computers, and various internet services and apps that they use. I'd like to think this is I'd like to think this is intergenerational connection in action on the financial performance and value side our F526 budget shows a strengthening of our net operating position by eight percent and this is due to- some operational efficiencies and strong membership revenue and there's a very tight link between the demand we see for our office spaces and our memberships and the quality of the programs that we run. It's also worth noting that council through the hub has secured over $400,000 in that period of external funding, almost all of which is unmatched funding. Other than with some in-kind salary matching from the states and from, yeah, from the State government. And also through Regional Development Australia for this year, which has helped us fund programs like the Uplift program for SME upskilling. This means we're securing investment from arts We're securing investment from outside the council budget and every dollar that we secure in that form for Australian programs that we deliver to the community. It's a real leveraging of the investment that council is making. So when you combine this with our previous social return on investment analysis, which we ran in 2021, which showed that we generated, or the hub generated, $4.8 million in annual social... return on investment value, it means that Council's net return on its investment is exceptional. For the last five years, the hub's FireTech Connect program has been the leading change agent in Australia, or a leading change agent in Australia. For accelerating tech adoption to help build bushfire resilience, that program has achieved its primary mission of helping improve Noosa bushfire resilience through tech adoption. But the broader sector changes that we've seen are required, require policy and regulatory changes that sit far closer to Canberra than they do to Peregian Beach. And council leadership on those activities is increasingly risky. Increasingly capital intensive and a struggle to justify direct payers. And meanwhile, if in 2021, sorry, in 2020, when we kicked that off, bushfires were the thing that were on our mind at that particular time, AI is certainly something that is on our mind. And to that extent, as a disruptor, it is something that the hub must help council ensure that our community is well prepared for. Because there are both opportunities and challenges that await. Randal Delaney 02:02:15.570
In terms of the strategic outlook, the hub runs a very lean operation. There are just two full-time staff and a trainee. However, challenges is that AI represents a once-in-a-generation economic shift. And despite our successes, the many programs that we run, there actually is a genuine strategic risk that our current scale is simply not sufficient to adequately prepare our community for this change. We mainly look back. There is a risk that we look back and go, perhaps we didn't invest enough, which seems paradoxical at this point because we're investing a lot more than many other councils are. to address this and ensure that we make the right sort of decisions, in 2026 we're going to undertake two specific actions. We're going to commission a refresh on the social return on investment analysis that we did in 2021, and also provide the hard data that we need to determine if our current investment bills are sufficient to secure our economic future. And secondly, we're going to explore options that, should that not be the case, there are options for us to consider expanding the hub facility to provide the infrastructure that we need to continue investing in the space. And we look to do that via a public-private partnership so that we can meet that demand without leaning heavily on council capital. In conclusion, the Hub's performing exceptionally well. We're bringing investment to the region, upskilling our workforce, and creating high-value opportunities for our youth. Our focus now is on simply ensuring that we have the right scale of investment to sustain this and meet the challenges ahead. I'd like to close by acknowledging the efforts of my colleagues at the Hub: Debra Marcinski, who leads our youth and ecosystem efforts, and Mia Woodridge, our trainee. And the very many people in our network who help us deliver those programs that I talked about. Because, of course, it's not us doing every single one of those. We are very lucky to have a virtual team of many others that, through their volunteer and other sorts of engagements, assist us with that. I'd also like to thank the leaders of the various ecosystem groups and industry networks who do tireless volunteer work to help build this particular sector. They are, from a Council perspective, force multipliers of our economic development strategy. And finally, I'd like to thank the Mayor, Councillors and the Executives, or the Executive, for continuing to support this rather unusual project into its eighth year. Thank you, Chris. Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 02:04:58.711
Councillor, does anybody care to move the motion? Can you move it? Councillor Stockwell, we have a second. We're having a second. Councillor Finzel, Councillor Stockwell. It was a great report and your presentation to us today just reinforced the... I think you used the word exceptional and that's not used lightly. I remember back in the early days when we were considering it and we were looking at other models, local government models around these sort of tech incubators and what and what we've what you and your team have achieved with support of the investment by council is exceptional. Brian Stockwell 02:05:39.146
It was interesting the last report identified residents suggesting you know value for money and was one of the lower scoring whereas if if you would explain to them the story of the Bridgian Digital Hub I'm sure with respect to that investment of councils they'd join me in saying that is exceptional the the ability of the digital hub to start developing the capacity developing the capacity within our own community to address the technology opportunities and to reduce the risk flowing from disruption is so important to achieving our economic development strategy becoming a smart bias here means that all the knowledge all the innovation can't just happen in the hub it has to happen It has to happen by going out through the huge ecosystem that you've developed that links in to our local businesses our local startups as well as you know in the case of fire tech international networks working on problems that are at the heart of the climate challenge in terms of fire and so I completely understand that we do need to move on with fire tech that particular innovation. with fire tech that particular innovation that particular investment and and we have to thank you know the State and federal governments for their investments in a range of these programs has helped prepare our community because while we might haven't had a major bushfire since 2019 and 20 they will occur in the future and our big camera network system our sensors network will mean that we are likely to be able to respond quicker and earlier and therefore potentially reduce the impacts of those fires that I do thank you for your report I look forward to the social impact assessment and just and I understand that each year we have to look at budgets but I think when we look at our investment in economic development that what we've done so far has returned an excellent reward Good, and pop. And what we could do in future budgets may, as you say, build on the benefits of the AI disruption that's happening as we speak. Frank Wilkie 02:07:56.861
Thank you. Councillor Wilson, you have your hand up. Nicola Wilson 02:08:01.421
Oh thank you, just a question. Given that we are eight years in, is there a long term plan to make sure that the hub is making Chris Bowden 02:08:17.600
A profit? Councillor, I think it really depends on what you mean by profit because I think if you look at the Peregian Digital Hub as a facility, a sort of commercial office space as it were, one could probably get to some sort of profitable outcome if one took a sort of landlord mentality and ran it purely with the objective of generating rental returns. But that is not indeed our objective. Our objective is probably closer in spirit to what we do at our libraries, for example, where we're trying to create social capital, we're trying to develop the economy, we're trying to create opportunities for young people, we're trying to create a strong employment brand for the region and do other things that you simply wouldn't be doing if you were just running a physical facility looking to drive as much rental or bottom line profit as possible. To give that some colour, there are many things that we do at the Hub that are just fundamentally not profit seeking. Or even revenue seeking because we see them as vital public service contributions. The holiday programs that we run for kids, the meet ups that we host for various networks. If we were to have to charge for those things, we immediately would lose the benefit of the engagement of the people that come from all over the place to attend those things and give their kids the opportunity or their colleagues in the industry the opportunity to attend, build relationships. and create new pathways for their businesses so this is indeed why the social return on investment is a really important way for us to be able to answer this question when it's asked by the community to say what is the sort of net cost to council of running this digital hub and indeed what is the total value from a social capital perspective that is generated from this and that's not something we mark our own homework on. We go to the stakeholders through a wide consultation and ask them to ascribe the value that our activities have added to their various and whether it's helping them attract investment to create jobs or whether it's helping them helping their talented kids get direction on where they want to go with their careers and many many other things that are very difficult to measure in a pure dollar and cents. Frank Wilkie 02:10:56.900
Thanks Chris. Any other further questions from Chris? Chris I'd like to thank you for the work you've done in encouraging the creation of the different networks that operate out of the Peregian Digital Hub. The firetec program for example as she says developed to the point where it's become too big and expensive to run there but we may see well I think we're at the stage now where drones can operate at the same time as other aircraft during fire emergencies where they couldn't previously thanks to the trials that were run out of the Peregian Digital Hub. We're at the verge of a sunshine up a film industry fully fledged film industry occurring on the Sunshine Coast because of the work down through the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective which has its home and birthplace in the Pridgian Digital Hub. When that occurs there's just a missing element they need to get which is a sound stage and work is well underway to establish that. When that appears everyone, people across the whole region will benefit but very few people will know that that work was conceived at the Pridgian Digital Hub. I can't articulate the programs and the social capital that young people enjoy it better than you have already. I'm particularly, I'd like to particularly commend you on the work done, the coding programs offered to young female students, for example, the STEM program. That's wonderful work. And I also notice, for those interested in dollars, you mentioned grants and partnerships. By virtue of the quality of the programs you offer, you're able to attract up to just shy of a million dollars in partnerships and grants, which didn't need to be matched with council funding, and that money goes back out into the community, enriching their knowledge and skills and capability. The Bridge and Digital Hub is a great way that the Noosa Council can contribute to the economic, social development of the entire Sunshine Coast region. I commend you for your work because it does take a special touch, it is an unusual arrangement, and thank you very much for your work. Chris Bowden 02:13:23.554
Thanks, guys. If I can maybe just take a minute to comment on one of the things you said there. You know, the Sunshine Coast Green Collective, indeed, sort of born out of the Digital Hub, has had its home there for seven-plus years, and the people that have volunteered and sat around the middle table in the Hub all those years ago have really done incredible work to build that sector. Indeed, we don't see that much of them these days because they're developing headquarters as part of the revitalisation of the Nambour CBD, which, you know, from a regional perspective would be an absolutely wonderful outcome, I think we would all agree. And if that's the right home for them to be and they get to build a significant sector there, build a sound stage and so forth, there'll be many Noosa residents that could travel a mere 15 minutes down the highway and go and have a high-value job. You know, a 15-20 minute commute away. So I think it's an example where council is not taking a postcode approach to the way it thinks about the value that we're creating out of the digital hub because we recognise in the round we will benefit from a regional perspective if we if we create value without being too focused on postcards. Frank Wilkie 02:14:39.068
Councillor Stockwell, please. Unknown 02:14:43.208
I thought from posterity we should record that the Tom Wegener 02:14:53.634
Remember going for a bike ride when the digital hub was quite new and I couldn't find Chris in the office because he was taking out the wheelie bins. But that is a part of the leadership that has brought the success. We have to be very thankful that Chris has come here from an international career and really does give back to this community his knowledge, his expertise. It's a form of leadership that brings others along with him, so thank you Chris. Chris Bowden 02:15:17.687
Thank you. Not possible without the support of the council exec, Kim Roddick. Frank Wilkie 02:15:29.220
Yes. That's unanimous. There is no confidential session. The next ordinary meeting will be at Council Chambers on 9 Perkins Street, Tewantin at 10am on 18 December 2025. Before we close, I would like to make a special thanks to our staff from IT. And also the executive assistants for transferring Council's operations out to Boreen Point, establishing communications, connecting us to the rest of the Shire, it's a major logistical operation and we get better and better at it every time. We do be grateful for the work you've done. Thank you to the members of the public who have turned up and I declare the meeting closed at 7.12pm. Thank you everyone. Karen Finzel 02:16:24.120
Thank you. SPEAKER_06 02:16:25.060
Thank you councillors. Thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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