General Committee - 18 August 2025
Date: Monday, 18 August 2025 at 12:30AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:49:30
Synopsis: Go Noosa advanced with KPI targets, Lions Park cost recovery and TMP mandated, Data gaps tackled via KPIs/AI, Finances, capital risks, STA appeal settled.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Brian Stockwell Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Cr Frank Wilkie Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Council advanced the Go Noosa program; CEO delegated to implement initiatives within annual budget, including Main Beach drop-off, trial streetscape measures, and TMP at Lions Park (00:59–01:17; Item 7.1). Jessica Phillips: Won amendment mandating a transparent performance/reporting framework with baseline data and outcome targets for Go Noosa; adopted unanimously (26:37–36:35; Item 7.1). Nicola Wilson: Amended Lions Park terms so Council fully recovers oversight and damage costs before income sharing; deletion of clause exploring alternative fundraising adopted (36:43–49:59; Item 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Secured investigation of extending Go Noosa benefits to Peregian Beach and Cooroy via 2026/27 budget process after resourcing caveat (56:39–01:06:33; Item 7.1). CEO Larry Sengstock: Confirmed free weekend buses ended following State 50c fares; levy-funded staffing consistent with other levies; resourcing limits constrain program expansion (07:33; 21:41; 58:57; Item 7.1). Shaun Walsh/Dr Stephanie Bellon: Outlined data gaps; will develop consistent KPIs, traffic/pedestrian counts, and explore AI analytics for safety and modal shift measurement (08:38–13:29; 15:40; Item 7.1). Council: Financial Performance Report (July) noted; revenues up, expenditure under budget, MCU fee trend a watch point; new readable reporting format foreshadowed (01:18:02–01:26:30; Item 8.1). Dave Lewis: BR1 lifts operating position to $232k; capital program increases to $94.3m largely from QRA grants; minor ratio corrections tabled and appended to minutes (01:36:18–01:59:45; Item 8.2). Council: Operational Plan Q4 noted: 76 initiatives completed/on-track; 25 minor, 6 major disruptions; industrial action impacted service KPIs; focus on workforce and project management (02:11:00–02:15:52; Item 8.3). CEO Larry Sengstock: Sand pumping pipeline requires essential maintenance; options may be considered alongside Main Beach seawall works; nourishment program retains value (01:49:07–01:51:25; Item 8.2). Council: Settled P&E Court Appeal 3746/2023 for 15 eco-cabins STA at 94 & 142 Noosa Dr on proposed conditions after confidential legal session (02:25:29–02:48:45; Item 9.1). Brian Stockwell: Confirmed prior minutes correction on dissent vote (00:00–01:51; Minutes 4.1). Contentious / Transparency Matters Jessica Phillips: Drove transparency by elevating KPI framework from report body into resolution to ensure public accountability of Go Noosa outcomes (26:37–31:35; Item 7.1). Nicola Wilson: Pressed for clarity on Lions Park finances; CEO conceded some years ratepayers subsidised remediation; outcome now ensures cost recovery first (39:09–44:25; Item 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Sought levy scope expansion to river/boating; ruled out of order for this item, redirected to budget/policy pathway, preserving proper process (50:58–56:27; Item 7.1). Council/Staff: Acknowledged inconsistent historical datasets; commitment to consistent measurement and public dashboards going forward (10:32–13:29; Item 7.1). Council: Minor late corrections to BR1 ratios disclosed on record and appended, reinforcing disclosure integrity (01:36:18–01:59:45; Item 8.2). Legal / Risk Council: Closed meeting under s254J(3)(e) LGR 2012 to protect legal privilege for STA appeal; process compliant and reopened for decision (02:25:29; Item 9.1). Frank Wilkie: Moved to settle Appeal 3746/2023 on agreed conditions, reducing litigation risk and costs while preserving planning scheme intent (02:48:45; Item 9.1). Finance: Elevated capital delivery target ($94.3m) poses delivery risk; Exec to resource and stage via quarterly capital updates; liquidity supported by grants/loans as needed (01:36:18–01:44:37; Item 8.2). Operations: Industrial action impacted statutory timeframes (plumbing) and CRM closure; CEO reports catch-up and WHS vigilance; further KPI refinement flagged (02:06:27–02:14:13; Item 8.3). Traffic Safety: TMP required at Lions Park; AI-based pedestrian risk metrics under consideration; aligns with Road Safety Duty of Care (15:40; Item 7.1). Conflicts of Interest Brian Stockwell : Declared prescribed COI for STA appeal due to RACV sponsorship of club he leads; left room; Frank Wilkie appointed Acting Chair; unanimous carriage thereafter (02:25:29; Item 9.1). Short Term Accommodation / STA Frank Wilkie: Council agreed to settle appeal for 15 eco-cabins at 94 & 142 Noosa Dr per conditions; minutes indicate unanimous vote post-confidential session (02:48:45; Item 9.1). Finance Team: Noted lower legal fees YTD on development appeals; continued monitoring advised (01:22:52; Item 8.1). Environmental / Coastal Infrastructure Larry Sengstock: Sand pumping pipeline maintenance funded (carryover ~$200k); potential outlet options may align with Main Beach seawall works; nourishment remains strategic (01:49:07–01:51:25; Item 8.2). Council: QRA disaster works drive major capital uplift; Black Mountain reconstruction completed; ongoing resilience investments noted (02:11:00; Item 8.3). Community Transport, Parking & Levy Equity Officers: Council Cabs usage concentrated (4 passengers made 191/251 trips); eligibility controls and service review flagged to ensure purpose-fit, cost-effectiveness (17:06–19:09; Item 7.1). Nicola Wilson: Highlighted Lions Park split (60/40 + rainy-day allowances); motion now prioritises full cost recovery before sharing, addressing prior deficits (36:43–44:34; Item 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Raised levy fairness across villages; Council set pathway to consider additional areas via 2026/27 budget process (56:39–01:06:33; Item 7.1). Staff: Parking plans for Peregian/Cooroy subject to funding; integration to be scoped through budget with defined briefs to manage staff load (01:01:04–01:04:41; Item 7.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 18 August 2025 12:30 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Brian Stockwell (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 12.30pm. 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 Brian Stockwell (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Cr Frank Wilkie Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 14 JULY 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 14 July be received and confirmed, with the following amendment: A. Amend the vote on the Procedural Motion in Item 7.1 (page 3 of the minutes) to show Cr Lorentson as “For” and Cr Stockwell as “Against”. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr For: Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 7 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES 7.1. GO NOOSA REPORT (REFERRED FROM SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE DATED 12 AUGUST 2025 - ITEM 7.1) Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council: A. Note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 regarding the Go Noosa Program; B. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa Initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s annual budget processes; C. Note the temporary repurpose of the carpark in the “Main Beach Local Government Reserve” (adjacent to the Noosa Heads Surf Club) as a Main Beach Drop-Off Zone during the peak Christmas and New Year’s Eve period to improve safety, traffic congestion and functionality of the space; D. Note the successful trial of temporary streetscape and parking improvements on Hastings Street and Noosa Drive during peak periods, including and that staff will be exploring design and costs of deployable temporary "parklets" for future peak seasons to enhance the pedestrian safety, comfort and public realm activation; E. Approve the temporary carparking at the Noosa Heads Lions Park by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club for the holiday season subject to the following: 1. Confirm use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park as a temporary carpark during the Christmas 2025–26 holiday period with decision on Easter deferred until further community consultation arising from the Destination Management Plan; 2. Authorise the CEO to negotiate improved financial return with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club from use the space to better recover Council costs for oversight of the space and damage recovery; 3. Implementation of a formal Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to improve safety and vehicle management on the site; 4. Commence exploration of alternative community fundraising initiatives with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club in the event Council determines that it does not wish to proceed with future use of the public park as a temporary carpark. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Item F be added to read: F. That Council support the integration of a transparent performance and reporting framework into the Go Noosa program, including baseline data collection and clear outcome targets, to ensure the program delivers quantifiable benefits for residents, visitors, and local businesses. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, For: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Amendment No. 2 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Item E 2. be amended to read: 2. Authorise the CEO to negotiate terms of car parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club to ensure Council's costs for oversight and damage recovery at the site are fully recovered before income sharing. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, For: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Amendment No.3 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Item E 4. be deleted. 4. Commence exploration of alternative community fundraising initiatives with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club in the event Council determines that it does not wish to proceed with future use of the public park as a temporary carpark. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, For: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Amendment No.4 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 That Item G be added to read: G. That Council review the scope of the Sustainable Transport Levy as part of the 2026/27 budget process, including consideration of expanding the levy to support Noosa’s river network, boating facilities, and associated land-based infrastructure. Motion lapsed for want of a seconder. Amendment No.5 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Item G be added to read: G. That Council, as part of the 2026/27 budget process investigate the inclusion of other high-demand areas such as Peregian Beach and Cooroy, with a view to improving traffic flow, enhancing pedestrian safety, and supporting a positive visitor and community experience. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, For: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council: A. Note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 12 August 2025 regarding the Go Noosa Program; B. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to approve the ongoing implementation of the Go Noosa Initiatives as outlined in this report, subject to Council’s annual budget processes; C. Note the temporary repurpose of the carpark in the “Main Beach Local Government Reserve” (adjacent to the Noosa Heads Surf Club) as a Main Beach Drop-Off Zone during the peak Christmas and New Year’s Eve period to improve safety, traffic congestion and functionality of the space; D. Note the successful trial of temporary streetscape and parking improvements on Hastings Street and Noosa Drive during peak periods, including that staff will be exploring design and costs of deployable temporary "parklets" for future peak seasons to enhance the pedestrian safety, comfort and public realm activation; E. Approve the temporary carparking at the Noosa Heads Lions Park by the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club for the holiday season subject to the following: 1. Confirm use of the Noosa Heads Lions Park as a temporary carpark during the Christmas 2025–26 holiday period with decision on Easter deferred until further community consultation arising from the Destination Management Plan; 2. Authorise the CEO to negotiate terms of car parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club to ensure Council's costs for oversight and damage recovery at the site are fully recovered before income sharing. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 3. Implementation of a formal Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to improve safety and vehicle management on the site; F. That Council support the integration of a transparent performance and reporting framework into the Go Noosa program, including baseline data collection and clear outcome targets, to ensure the program delivers quantifiable benefits for residents, visitors, and local businesses. G. That Council, as part of the 2026/27 Budget process investigate the inclusion of other high-demand areas such as Peregian Beach and Cooroy, with a view to improving traffic flow, enhancing pedestrian safety, and supporting a positive visitor and community experience. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, For: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 8 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 8.1 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – JULY 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 18 August 2025 outlining the July 2025 year to date financial performance against budget. Carried Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr For: Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 8.2 BUDGET REVIEW 1 (BR1) FOR THE 2025/26 FINANCIAL YEAR Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 18 August 2025 and approve the proposed changes to the 2026 Budget as outlined in the Revised Budget Financial Statements and Supporting Schedules provided in A. Attachments 1, 3, 4, 6 & 7 to this report and B. Amended Attachments 2 & 5 as supplied as Attachment 1 to the Minutes - Revised Attachment 2 Statement of Financial Position BR1 & Attachment 2 to the Minutes - Revised Attachment 5 Financial Sustainability Ratios BR1. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr For: Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 8.3 OPERATIONAL PLAN 2024-25 Q4 QUARTERLY REPORTING Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 18 August 2025 regarding the 2024-25 Operational Plan and: A. Note the progress report for Q4 2024-25 Operational Plan to 30 June 2025 provided as Attachment 1; B. Note the status of Council's Operational Key Performance Measures provided as Attachment 2. Carried. Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr For: Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION 9.1 CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE – PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 3746 of 2023 – APPLICATION FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION (15 ECO CABINS) AT 94 & 142 NOOSA DRIVE, NOOSA HEADS Cr Brian Stockwell In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 - I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to Item 9.1 - CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE – PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 3746 of 2023 – APPLICATION FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION (15 ECO CABINS) AT 94 & 142 NOOSA DRIVE, NOOSA HEADS on this agenda because RACV is a sponsor of the Noosa Lions Football Club which I am currently the president of. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Cr Stockwell left the meeting. Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Cr Wilkie be appointed as Acting Chairperson of the meeting for this item due to the conflict of interest declaration by Cr Brian Stockwell. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 Carried. Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr For: Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(e) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing legal advice relating to an appeal in the Planning & Environment Court so that Council’s legal position is protected in relation to Item 9.1 - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. 3746 of 2023 – APPLICATION FOR SHORT TERM ACCOMMODATION (15 ECO CABINS) AT 94 & 142 NOOSA DRIVE, NOOSA HEADS. Carried. Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr For: Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None RE-OPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 18 August 2025 regarding Planning and Environment Court Appeal 3746 of 2023 and agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. Carried. Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr For: Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 18 AUGUST 2025 10 MEETING CLOSURE 3.20pm
Meeting Transcript
Brian Stockwell 00:00.000
August General Committee meeting. I'd like to acknowledge that we are meeting today on Kabi Kabi country and acknowledge that they have a continuing connection to land, waters and our community and we pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past and present. We then move on to note that all are in attendance and that we have all our phones off and will be interacting with them in a polite and friendly manner. I do draw your attention councillors in standing orders that questions should be categorical and without argument and so categorically means direct, unambiguous, explicit and we can keep our questions to that rather than statements about things we're debating that would be good. Okay we move on and the next will be the confirmation of minutes and I believe there is a change to So, Councils, up on the screen, I believe it was the Mayor who identified a little bit of a typographical error there. It just needs to have an amendment to Procedural Item 7.1 to show that Councillor Lorentson supported her notion of of dissent from the Chairman's ruling and that I was against, rather than the other way around. Frank Wilkie 01:39.495
That's correct, Mr Chair. It looked like you were in favour of your own, of a motion of dissent against your ruling. Would someone like to move the minutes with that amendment? I'll move it. Moved Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Any further discussion? further discussion? I put the motion. I put the motion. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Brian Stockwell 02:00.086
We have no presentations. We have one item that was referred from the Service and Organisation Committee and that's the Go Noosa report. So if we can have the relevant staff of Shaun, the Director, Stephanie, the Coordinator of Transport and Traffic. Shaun Walsh 02:18.150
Dr Stephanie Villon, the Coordinator of Sustainable Transport. And I should be giving a summary of the report? Yes. And then leading the responses to questions. Thank you. Stephanie Villon 02:29.073
Thank you very much. So we have presented the Go Noosa report for 2024-2025. The main idea of last year focus on managing congestion, improving safety and encouraging sustainable transport, which is in alignment with the policy. This Go Noosa project is actually a package of different initiatives. We have community transport, we have the free buses, the main beach drop-off zone, and other initiatives that we have under this program. For example, the school change behavioural program. A key of the highlights for last year was the drop-off zone, that it has met the operational goals, which was to improve traffic flow, pedestrian access, and emergency vehicle access. Another highlight is the success of the Go Noosa bus loop, the 065, which has been very successful with high patronage and satisfaction that we got from the surveys. Another highlight is that we ended the free weekend bus service after the State introduced the 50 cent fares. This has helped us bring the program back within the sustainable transport levy. As we all know in the past year the cost exceeded the levy revenue, now the program matches the revenue. A couple matches the revenue. A couple of challenges that we have for next year is that the parking rights sites have been underused, so we might need to focus a little bit more on promoting and advertising them. The temporary paid park at the Lions Club, although it has raised revenue and it helps some community efforts, it also comes with some challenges such as congestion. We also need an require better communication to residents so they understand what are the understand changes that are coming for Christmas and Easter. For this next year, 25-26, what we are proposing is to continue the program within the budget, maintain and improve the 065 shuttle buses routes and explore new routes and priority bus lanes. We want to refresh the school programs and deliver accesses at five schools. This is one of the new initiatives we have for these years, which we are trying to understand the barriers and challenges for people, especially for children to walk and ride to school. We want to reinstate the main beach drop-off zone, which did not design in wayfinding improvements. We want to target and reassess traffic controllers at high impact areas, promote park and ride. And look at future design options for the loading zone that has been relocated a little bit further than outside grill. And we want to keep the Lions car park for Christmas only. And of course we are looking at investigating what could be our new KPIs for this next year program. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 05:17.479
So councillors do we have So councillors do we have questions of staff? Jessica Phillips 05:21.830
I'll start. Just a quick question about the dates for the Christmas that isn't here. Could I get an indication of the dates that we're looking at for Christmas? Stephanie Villon 05:30.190
You mean for the whole program? program or just for the main beach drop-off zone? Jessica Phillips 05:34.345
The main beach drop-off zone. I cannot provide a date right now that will have to be discussed with operational power with civil and assets because they are the ones who implement these. So initially we be looking at the same dates as before but we need to consider whether they will be able to implement around those dates. Follow-up question to that then, how will that be communicated to all the stakeholders and community about the dates? Stephanie Villon 05:58.941
So we have already started planning for this year so we are going to have our first meeting I think this week. Then we will start setting up those dates and we are going to come up with a communication plan. To indicate that I think at least we will need to start communication one month before we go or we start implementing this so let's say we decided to go on the 22nd because it needs to be before 26th so the 26th is our peakest day that's where we have already like full on so it has to be at least one week before so it could give us time for us to adjust things that you know we might be seeing on site that are not going as we wanted. So if we want to go, for example, one week before, like on the 20th, we need to start communication a month before. Different areas we can do, like surveys, we can go to, you know, have a pop-up at Hastings. You know, there are different ways this can be communicated to residents. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 06:54.171
Stephanie, the report actually states... 14th of December until 27th of January 2025. Can you let me know, last year, the main beach drop-off Drop-off zone, did it start as late as 14th of December? My recollection it started a little bit earlier. Stephanie Villon 07:14.477
Yes, it started a little bit earlier because when we were discussing with civil assets, civil operations, they didn't have enough workers around that Because a lot of people is already taking the Christmas leave from that on. So we needed to push it a little bit further. So that's the main constraint that I see we've implemented now. We need to understand and match and align those. Amelia Lorentson 07:35.929
No, I appreciate it being pushed to the 14th and not earlier. And that responded to a lot of feedback at the time that it wasn't that busy earlier. As I said before, the main thing with this is that you plan it, you come with the lessons learned from last year, but each time is different. So we still need a couple of days to adjust it. So that's why we tried to go as late as possible, but we didn't have time for. time for us to do those adjustments, and these need to be coordinated with civil and assets. Sorry, with civil and operations. Jessica Phillips 08:10.675
Thank you. Just now a couple of questions around just metrics used for assessing. traffic flow, so we've got sort of maybe benchmarks over the years. Can you talk me through how we're measuring traffic flow, how we're making sure that, or how you'll look over the years and say it was actually effective, not just that community said it was or wasn't, and anecdotal feedback. How are we going to make sure that we've got that actual data? Stephanie Villon 08:38.415
Okay, so there are a couple of We do every year. So we always collect traffic counts. This has vehicles and also pedestrians, we collect them not only at Hastings, but also at Noosa Junction that that's a yearly data that can help us track. But please notice this is only during the peak hour, we don't have one that we have collected during non peak that can help us compare. And as we all know, collecting traffic data can will require an investment, you know, some funding to do that. So that's one that can help us understand the number of vehicles can help us understand the number of pedestrians. In terms of I cannot speak previous years, I years, I can only speak from my experience from last year. What I usually do is I usually go on site and I usually check the length or the blockage in the roundabouts and we usually focus on the Hastings roundabout, the Noosa Parade and Noosa Drive, and the Noosa Parade 1, which the one next to the Lyons car park. So we usually look at that. Even with traffic controllers, we have a traffic management plan which indicates where should they be located and how they should manage traffic. So they go there, they start stopping traffic and what we have seen is, for example, when they stop traffic at Noosa Parade, then you get longer queues. you get longer queues at the hill. You get longer cues. So that's one thing you can measure. Although we haven't recorded that and it's something that could improve next year, those measures and those observations are what we use as metrics to understand whether the traffic management plan or the measures that we have implemented are actually working. I was there last year during the four weeks doing those observations. So I usually went there around 8:30, which is the morning. went there around 8:30, which is the morning peak. I went around 12:30 and then at 3:00. So there has been, as you said, observational and we probably need to start recording those better and start recording them and then having them for next year to assess. Shaun Walsh 10:31.797
Through the Chair, Stephanie and I have also conversed that one of her frustrations of being fairly new to the role is the lack of consistent data sets so that we can actually compare the same data year on year and that's why it's proposed in the report, you know, to actually start develop a set of key performance indicators that we can actually, you know, present that data on a yearly basis and that proposal is referenced in the report. We're proposing that, we initially started the conversation with councillors but we're actually proposing to actually schedule a separate workshop to actually start to tease out what the key performance index we should make and I know Stephanie you're also reticent, without having time, go through all the previous data because you are concerned that you might misrepresent the data. It's trying to get your head around the data that we've got and allow that to be portrayed in a consistent way. Stephanie Villon 11:20.428
Yeah, that is correct. It's quite intensive and you need a lot of resources go through probably five years of data. And we are not only looking at traffic counts and pedestrian counts, we are also looking at the patronage and all the different things that have been recorded. So that's very intensive. So we just need to understand what needs to be prioritised. prioritised now. So for us, at this point, we need to prioritise the Christmas that is coming next week. And if we, some way later on, have more resources, we could actually start looking at that data. But what we are planning is from least 24/25, we start collecting better data that is consistent and measurable. That will help us a better understanding where are, you know, the areas that we might need to improve, or what initiatives might not be working the best way we want. Jessica Phillips 12:09.254
Just one more question then on that it might be very operational but when I hear of like you've come on into the role and trying to get that data from an IT perspective or something is there something for data analytics that actually just that you're looking at to make this more efficient? Stephanie Villon 12:27.994
It's something we could look It's something we could look at but as I said because I came into this role and it was already Christmas and then Easter came and it's been almost a year which I didn't have a full team and it's only been like maybe three months which had like the full team so it's something that yeah of course we are looking forward I do understand the need for us to have data-driven decisions and the need for us to have those facts and information so it's something that is part of my priorities. Shaun Walsh 12:57.576
Yeah, and the fact that it's just with that Stephanie has come from a much larger organisation where she actually had expectations of us having those data sets pre-articulated and they're not available and ideally they'd be on the dashboard for all of us to use and record the form. performance in a live basis. So we're very interested in the way the environment team's been working towards dashboards to measure performance of different catchments. So we've certainly got the capacity to do that. So we look forward to using Stephanie's expertise to put that data in a... a, you know, clear light. Stephanie Villon 13:28.991
Yeah, it's something that, you know, we might all be able to use and, you know, just click here, there, and have a better picture of what's actually happened during Christmas and Easter at these key locations. Thank you for Thank the report. The data that you've provided regarding the number of passengers per day for the bus service, up to 2,500 a day for the 065 one-way loop. And also the Easter, during the Easter program, up to 1,500 a day. It would be wrong to say that means 2,500 less cars on the road per day. Brian Stockwell 14:07.734
We've got a question coming. Frank Wilkie 14:09.474
Is there a method that you apply to estimate the number of cars that that is the equivalent of? Stephanie Villon 14:18.754
Yes, correct. So it's what it's being used is the occupancy rate so it's well known that 1.3 people per car so if you want to convert the number of people in the bus you just have to divide it by 1.3..3 and then you will get the number of vehicles that could have been taken outside the network so the factor is 1.3 that's the average average occupancy rate. Okay. Happy to do this later. Yeah thank you. I'm happy to provide the I'm happy to provide the number of vehicles, an estimate of the number of vehicles that are not longer in Hastings due to the bus. Frank Wilkie 15:02.559
Passenger numbers are contributing to lesser numbers of vehicles on the road, therefore having an impact on the intensity of traffic congestion. Stephanie Villon 15:10.299
That's correct, you can withdraw that conclusion if you consider the occupancy rate. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 15:17.439
Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 15:18.839
Yes, thank you, thank you for the report. I'm just interested in, I know we're looking at data, you know, historically, but moving forward, around pedestrian safety, given behaviours challenging to manage, how do you propose you can measure the safety of pedestrians? Stephanie Villon 15:39.894
So there are a couple of things that can be measured. There is like the stress level, for example, you know, how stressful it is for a pedestrian and we have now like AI cameras that can record that and can measure the stress level. There is the gap, you know, how long a person needs to wait to be able to safely cross the road. We can have like surveys, like user surveys to understand the satisfaction around like all the initiatives. So there are different ways that we can do and different data that we can get. But as I mentioned before, we need to understand in terms of budget and resources, how will that look like? Karen Finzel 16:19.305
Just a follow-up question then. Would that require specialised staff or can council staff collect that data? Stephanie Villon 16:29.004
We usually, we could collect the data, but we usually, for example, for the traffic counts and the pedestrian counts, we actually get it done through a company. install cameras and then they count the vehicles. And the same thing, for example, for the street levels or the service of level for pedestrians, you can also have AI cameras installed and they're, you know, constantly tracking and understanding, you tracking and understanding, you know, where people move, whether they, you know, taking risk in, you know, crossing where the vehicles is coming. So there are different ways. I guess it's more about what technology we can use to help us understand the data better. Brian Stockwell 17:02.963
Thank Okay, I think Councillor Wilson wants to make a point. Amelia Lorentson 17:06.666
Council Cabs. Council Cabs are intended to support vulnerable residents and seniors over 60. Do we have data to confirm that... have data to confirm that these are the primary uses of these community transport systems? Stephanie Villon 17:22.930
We don't have that exact data. We do have the contact information. So what we are proposing now as part of the review of the FlexiLink and the Boreen Point is to contact the residents to have a better understanding of the circumstances and the situation. This will, of course, after we have conducted that interview and... We probably need to come with some recommendations to maybe, for example, we might need to have certain requirements or certain eligibility requirements for people to be able to access this service. Amelia Lorentson 17:52.320
The most recent reporting period, there were four passengers who collectively took 191 of the 251 council cab trips. You may not know this similar to what I just asked, were these passengers eligible? Were they seniors over 60? And second question, is this service cost-effective? Stephanie Villon 18:22.403
So at this point in time I don't have enough data to say whether they are eligible but I have to say that if we look at the policy and we have gone as far as we can trying to understand, we haven't been able to find requirements for been able to find requirements for people to apply for this which is something that we have seen as a barrier something that we need to improve and the data is also telling us that we don't know enough information about whether the service is fit for purpose that's why we are recommending the review of these two services. We do need to understand that because this is a vulnerable or it's focused to provide a service to a vulnerable community we can adjust it and we can even come with like you know requirements and all those things but we might not be able to remove the service. Brian Stockwell 19:09.526
Councillor Wilson had a hand up before. Nicola Wilson 19:13.406
Sorry we keep switching all topics. The FlexiLink service is a service that's pre-booked and up to three return trips per day six days a week and looking at the graph looking at the graph obviously the volume varies month to month with some months as few as 20 trips and some over 80. Does council pay for three trips per day regardless or only when the service is booked? Stephanie Villon 19:37.025
Only one. Only when it's booked? No, so the service only goes there when it's booked. So if there is a booking then the the taxi will go there and collect the people. No Nicola Wilson 19:50.889
No this is the FlexiLink, not the Kabi. The FlexiLink. Which is the bus service which is up to three times per day. It's that. Shaun Walsh 19:57.649
Just to correct you, it's three return services offering Monday to Saturday. So I don't think it's three services a day, so I think it's three services. Stephanie Villon 20:08.789
I can have a check, but as far as I know it booked or you know they need to have already someone there to be collected for the service to go. Nicola Wilson 20:17.632
Yeah, so the question was do we only pay if it's booked or do we pay for the maximum number of services? Shaun Walsh 20:24.872
We have to take that question. Thank you. Can I make a comment to answer Amelia's last question? Yeah. Because when Frank and I were at the Apollonian, we were talking to Neil, the owner of the Apollonian, long-time owner, and he really praised the taxi system. Do you identify any individuals? Absolutely not. Okay. A long-term resident of Pomona, Maureen Point, mentioned that it's very successful. There's some elderly people in the community. Brian Stockwell 21:03.620
Okay. Have we exhausted the questions? I'm happy to move our recommendation. I have more questions. Well, we've got to move up so we can still have more questions. Sure. We'll go to you, Councillor Lorentson, because we didn't have a second or so. Amelia Lorentson 21:18.600
Oh, I do. I just want to talk about the transport. want to talk about the transport levy. My calculation is that 23% of the transport levy is being used to fund staff salaries. Is that correct? And why are staff salaries being paid out of the transport levy may be a question I to the CEO understand or to the that is consistent with the way levies are applied everywhere else in the Shire and I have the other directors nodding their heads so because you know to we require staff actually be able to coordinate the going into contracts you know through the communication process and the like we wouldn't you know if we didn't have funding through the levy program we wouldn't have staff to be able to roll out the program and that's a Brian Stockwell 22:15.900
Okay so I'm had a mover of Councillor Wilkie. Do we have a seconder? Councillor Wegener. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 22:25.760
The Go Noosa program is funded by a sustainable transport $30 levy on all rateable properties and takes an integrated multi-action approach to making it easier for visitors to move around the Shire at all times of the year. Based on the objectives of the Noosa transport strategy, Go Noosa encourages a shift towards free or low cost options such as the buses, two and one dollar taxis taxis for our senior residents across the Shire, anywhere actually, including Black Mountain, Kin Kin, Pomona, and residents living in remote locations where bus services do not reach, like Boreen Point, bus cycling and walking. Free, informed, personal and walking. Free, informed, personal choice remains at the heart of the program. In peak times, motorists remain free to drive to popular precincts like Main Beach. The benefit of the buses is that while motorists will be travelling in no faster than the buses, they may still be circulating looking for a park, while the thousands of passengers who choose to travel by bus have finished their swim, coffee and are heading home. Refined by multiple innovative trials over many years, GoNoosa aims to manage peak period congestion through smart, simple changes that maximise traffic flow by removing disruptions at key roundabouts and feeder roads, improve safety and the overall experience for residents and visitors, all while putting people first and respecting Noosa unique character by not sacrificing green The focus for this year's improvements for Go Noosa remains on further reducing congestion, improving access and safety and supporting a continued shift towards alternate forms of travel. All buses will be 50 cents a fare this year except for the one-way loop bus, the 065 at Eastern. Christmas which remains free. The electric one-way loop bus accounted for 40% of all bus travel during the holiday period and thousands of passengers, peaking at over 2,500 in a day during Christmas and 1,500 passengers one day at Easter. Feedback from 84% of passengers was that they were highly satisfied with the service. The team will be investigating the expansion of the service to include a shuttle bus to locations such as National Park or Noosa Woods in a vehicle that may be pet friendly or more accessible plus priority one way bus lanes which has been in the transport strategy since 2017. to locations It's proposed that staff assisting at the main beach drop off zone will this year be playing a helpful role as Noosa guides rather than traffic controllers with more improved clearer signage plans. For no net loss of parking traffic flow was freed up in Noosa Drive near Hastings Street by real allocation of commercial parking and this will continue. Paid parking will continue at Noosa Heads Lions Park this Christmas while consultation is done to help determine its future. While there is detailed data on bus passenger numbers and traffic counts, key intersections, survey feedback and social media data, key performance indicators are planned to guide further improvements key areas such as modal shift, measuring trends in reliance on the private vehicles and uptake of public and active transport, congestion management, assessing traffic flow efficiency during peak periods, focusing on key intersections, the community and visitor experience, evaluating people's satisfaction and overall transport experience among residents and visitors, inclusion and access. Residents and visitors inclusion and access monitoring equitable access to transport services particularly for vulnerable or transport disadvantaged groups and financial and operational performance reviewing cost-effectiveness service delivery efficiency and the impact of marketing and engagement activities. The Go Noosa program is a bespoke program designed to Designed to adapt to and catered for Noosa specific challenges and I commend the team for and the councillors for supporting it and the way it has evolved over the years. Thank you. Councillor. Jessica Phillips 26:20.934
Could I please have an amendment prepared earlier on Friday that circulated. Brian Stockwell 26:35.080
So if you can read that out. Jessica Phillips 26:37.300
Yeah, of course. Yep. So if, question mark? That's all right. We'll get rid of the question mark. If that council supports the integration of a The integration of a transparent performance and reporting framework into the Go Noosa program, including baseline data collection and clear outcome targets to ensure the program delivers quantifiable benefits for for residents, visitors and local businesses. How about your second? Brian Stockwell 27:09.615
Seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Councillor. Jessica Phillips 27:13.295
Okay, I'm going to keep it pretty quick. It's the questions that I was asking. director and staff will probably allude to where I want to go with this is a lot of the time I feel it would be really helpful in decision making if there was, you know, year on year data that gave us an indication rather than some anecdotal evidence. evidence and so the reason why I've worked with Director Shaun Walsh on this, so thank you for your help, was just to put in a framework that gives us and community a benchmark and and outcomes so we can actually see whether these programs are really delivering what we set out to. I look at the transport strategy developed in 2017 and it's now 2025. And I'd love to see more of inclusion over the years where we start thinking about really clear outcomes and so we can say to community here it is. Here's the data. This is what it told us. Because it really doesn't lie. It gives us that really transparent process. So I think this is really clear. It's just simply going It's just simply going to strengthen the Go Noosa program that is already being provided in the report. Measurable targets: I just want to see the approach so we can make really informed decision making. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 28:54.200
Others wish to speak to motion? Karen Finzel 28:56.420
I just have a question through the chair please. Sure. Just to clarify, is there a specific way that we can identify when people are travelling on the buses? Are they a resident or a visitor to the region? I feel if we're going to be looking... feel if we're going to be looking at reporting with actual evidence-based data, I really love where you're going with this, but I still think it's sort of broad, in my opinion, so something as specific as that, can we identify that, for example? If who's travelling on the bus, is that a visitor, or is that a resident? How do we collect specific data? collect it when they are at the bus, because we need to have a staff, and currently with TransLink that will be quite limited and challenging to do. Stephanie Villon 29:45.988
What we have done is we have done a survey, which is done at the bus stop, at the Noosa Head bus stop, and I had to go back and check, but I think we usually ask the postcode for that, so that could give So, we Postcode for that, so that could give us an idea if they are visitors or they are residents, but it's at the bus stop, it's not actually when they are travelling the bus. Shaun Walsh 30:09.380
Just to support that, as reference to the report, I think that's a really good KPI that we should be working towards to actually measure that, and I think that's something we could take on notice as part of the section of the report that recommends we actually work towards benefits. Thank you. Happy to talk to it. I'm happy to support it. It encapsulates very well what's spelled out in the report but is not included in the motion, and that is the creation of key performance indicators to guide further improvements in key areas such as improvements in key areas such as measuring the trends in reliance on private vehicles and uptake of public and active transport, the things that I've mentioned previously and that are articulated in the report, so this brings an intention that's included in the body of the report up into the motion, makes clear that we need to include that in the amendment. Karen Finzel 31:12.680
Thank you for those points, Councillor Wilkie. So then I'm just wondering do we need to include that in the amendment? I mean it doesn't actually say that. To me it is like, I think it's still, I think where we're wanting to head and I support Councillor is to get these clear KPIs. I still feel that like, what are we aiming for there? still feel that, like, what are we aiming for there? Frank Wilkie 31:35.865
Well, a question to staff. There'll be some work done. We've already... Sorry? Question to staff. Brian Stockwell 31:42.325
Was your question to Councillor Wilkie? 'Cause he's answering a question with a question. If it wasn't, then we'd need to get it answered before your question. Well, you have verbally stated the things that you think this would reach, so I'm asking, do you think that needs further information to give clarity as to what the KPIs are? Frank Wilkie 31:58.782
Well, look, in the report itself spells out what the new KPIs would likely to be. They are ones that measure the modal shift from the reliance on private vehicle to the uptake of public and active transport, congestion management, assessing traffic flow efficiency during peak periods, focusing on key intersections, that would be traffic counts, benchmarking traffic counts, before and after initiatives are introduced, public safety, tracking people's experience in Public safety: tracking people's experience in high traffic, high activity areas. They are... Community and visitor experience: evaluating people's satisfaction and overall transport experience among residents. Inclusion and access: monitoring equitable access to transport services. services, particularly for vulnerable or transport disadvantaged groups. Financial and operational performance: reviewing cost effectiveness, service delivery, efficiency, the impact of marketing and engagement activities. They're already in the report, but this would allow... already in the report, but this would allow there to be further discussion and identification, perhaps involving all councillors, on what the KPIs ought to be, so I'm quite satisfied with the wording. You do have the option to amendment to make sure that any new KPIs do contain certain things that are of interest to you, like whether the bus passengers are residents or visitors, but I think that's could be captured if this allows further work to be done and those sort of things to be identified. Karen Finzel 33:25.710
Thank you. Just a question through the Chair then to the staff. Do the staff feel that then that is adequate to actually clearly communicate what we're aiming for? Shaun Walsh 33:37.550
Yeah, I think that wording to ensure the program delivers quantifiable benefits for residents, visitors and local businesses. benefits for residents, visitors and local businesses and I also note that the report specifically references that we're going to continue to engage with councillors and stakeholders to develop these KPIs in the coming season and primarily with a series of workshops with I'll speak to it. Thank you, Jess, for bringing the amendment. As Mayor Wilkie said, it is consistent with Wilkie said it is consistent with the report that we're reading in front of us but what I like most about it is that a lot of people don't read through the pages so it's really great to have it noted as part of the recommendation and it gives our community confidence and assurances that the choices that we make whether it's through the Go Noosa program or any other choices we make or any other choices we make are evidence-based, they're transparent and in the best interests of everyone across the Shire. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 34:39.481
Yeah, I'll support the motion too. I think it's great. It's great that across a range of our programs now we've got a stronger focus on monitoring and evaluation to inform our review and innovation and our improvement programs. Just one example in this report is it's the first time we've got data around the New Sands Car park generates approximately 40% increase in interception volumes. It's key data like that that need to inform our decision making. I do recall that previous surveys on the free bus definitely did give us some data on how many who filled in the survey were residents, how many were visitors and that is important for that last how many were visitors? And that is important for that last bit of, yeah, we want to know who's benefiting from the investment, and then if we know who's benefiting, then that's a good way of identifying how much they should pay. Is it a resident, mainly resident service, or is it benefiting mainly visitors? And that could be where the revenue comes to pay for it. Others? Back to you, Councillor. Just quickly then, thank you. Thanks for Ryan's input. The Go Noosa program has made an important stride in easing congestion and promoting sustainable transport, but I have felt that maybe a clear framework to measure its impact will help us measure what success actually looks like. The baseline data collection and measurable targets track progress and... Then we can adjust where it's needed. Whether it's reducing private vehicle trips, increasing public transport uptake, or improving satisfaction with our services, there are outcomes that we can quantify and communicate. I'd love to see our residents and our visitors and our local businesses see real value in the investments that we make. And for me, it's just making sure our decisions are are grounded in evidence. So thank you for supporting the amendment. I put the amendment. Is there all those in favour? That's unanimous. It becomes part of the motion. Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 36:43.215
Can I put forward a couple of amendments please? Brian Stockwell 36:46.075
You can put one forward at a time, that'd be good. Nicola Wilson 36:48.735
Any particular amendment? E2 first. Thank Item E2 be amended or, I guess, replaced to read: E2 authorise the CEO to negotiate terms of car parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park with the Tewantin authorise the CEO to negotiate terms of car parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park with the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club. The current wording is a little bit vague and talks about improvements to financial return I think but it's not clear who is supposed to see that improvement and just in general I just found it a little bit vague so I was trying to just tighten up the wording a little bit here. Currently the Lions received Currently the Lions received 60% of the gross income from parking plus up to 10 rainy day allowances at $1,600 per day in the last financial year. They received all 10 so that was an extra $16,000. In the last financial year the Lions earned $96,000 with $38,000 coming back to council. From this amount council incurred direct costs of $25,000 and indirect costs such as damage, 000 and indirect costs such as damage repairs and call-outs, which may actually lead to an overall loss. In amending this wording, I'm seeking to ensure the Council's costs are recovered before any income sharing. I'm not trying to change the agreement otherwise. That's something for the CEO to determine in the appropriate forum and not really the point of the discussion today. This was just about tightening up the wording and trying to make sure that if there are ongoing costs to manage the site, that it's not coming out of ratepayers' money. Brian Stockwell 39:05.020
Okay does anyone else wish to talk to the amendment? Just a couple of questions. Amelia Lorentson 39:11.540
This has been operating for some time. Has council ever about Larry Sengstock 39:28.900
Changing money? Yes, there has been times even last year. The intention of the agreement, and there has been a similar agreement for a number of years, but four more times that we try to ensure that we do get enough money back to cover the cost of refurbishing the park afterwards. Some years depending on the weather we get it, some years we don't. on the weather, we get it. Some years we don't. This last year we didn't, necessarily. If you look at the numbers, you know, it's a line ball, so I'm comfortable with this amendment to put it forward that we ensure, and that gives me the right then to ensure that we negotiate a contract where we get enough money to... Amelia Lorentson 40:30.124
So at Christmas Council received $32,102 as its 50% share. Operating costs were $25,000 and the remaining $7,000 came to Council for car parking initiatives. Is this not in line with the actual agreement? In 2023 we resolved to allocate 50% of the car parking revenue to the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club with the remaining... Noosa Lions Club with the remaining revenue to go towards Go Noosa initiatives in park remediation. Isn't that what was agreed to? Larry Sengstock 41:07.409
That's the notion, that's the philosophy of it. Some years when there's a lot of wet years. This past year we reduced the wet years to 10 maximum. In the past it's been more than that. So if you have a really wet year, the park gets damaged more to some degree, but also we just don't get the same level of revenue so we need to be able to put it back into the park. So the principle's there. Some years it works, some years it doesn't. What I think Councillor Wilson is asking for is that we put it forward. So the first piece is how much it's going to cost to refurbish the park. That's the bottom line that we need to attain from the usage of the money agreement. So we put that into place. It just changes it a little bit just to ensure that we get that money. And again, it's just trying to work out exactly how much money we need for that park. Amelia Lorentson 42:01.099
And could it be as simple as Council requesting that the car parking fee be increased to $30 for example to help offset our operating costs. Larry Sengstock 42:11.190
I've had that conversation with Noosa Lions in previous years. In previous years, yes. To increase it, they've been very reticent to increase it. One is that people might not use it as much, but I question that. The second one is that The second one is that they're the ones who are on the front line, so people are going in there saying how come you increased it and it was just money grabbing. So they're the ones that didn't want to actually experience that. Third one is I've only recently started to get more air props, whereas before it was cash. People don't carry cash anymore and if it's $20 they might have that, but if it's $25 or it's $30 then they've got to have specific change to do that. It's more difficult, but that's certainly something that we'll address going forward. If this is agreed, that's a question I'll be asking. Nicola Wilson 43:04.408
Can I ask for a point of clarification? You may. From staff please. It's not a 50/50 split, it's a 60/40 split? Yes. And then with the additional rent? Amelia Lorentson 43:24.187
I'm happy to speak. I'm happy to support the amendment but I do want to note I don't recall any time, and I could be wrong CIO, I don't recall any time that council have not made money. Council have not made money on the efforts of the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club but happy to support this. Of course council should not be in a position where it's costing us money to allow a community group to support their excellent efforts. Larry Sengstock 43:55.986
Let me clarify that then. It's not that we haven't made money it's just that some cost us more money. We find that extra money out of our own operations to fix the park as opposed to using money that we've got from this one. So we might make 20 grand but it costs us $40,000 to actually do the work on the park. That extra $20,000 $20,000 we've used through our operations people to deliver that, so it doesn't show in our budgets as such. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 44:25.795
Okay, others wish to talk? Councillor Wilson, you wish to close? Nicola Wilson 44:34.433
Just to confirm, or to add to what the CEO just said as well, so in the report it does say the direct costs are approximately $25,000 and there's other additional costs that just come through. ops. So when in the last financial year that $37,000, $38,000 probably did get loosed up, but again it's not necessarily shown in terms of the Go Noosa program because it comes out of the ops. So again this is just to make sure that we're protecting ratepayers funds still ensuring that the Lions get a share but that it's a fair representation of the cost as well. Brian Stockwell 45:14.578
Okay I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Would you like to do your second one? Now if you'd like to move it. Nicola Wilson 45:47.700
The amendment is that item E4 be completely deleted. Brian Stockwell 45:53.600
Do we have a seconder? Oh Councillor Wegener you put your hand up. Nicola Wilson 46:01.500
So I'm going to start by saying this is nothing about any concerns about the lines receiving money from this program but I'm asking that this clause be removed as I think it's beyond the scope of this report. The report is a review of the Go Noosa program in the last financial year and the plans for the current financial year in terms of the activities being undertaken and their funding through the transport. been undertaken and they're funding through the transport levy of $944,000 It's not a funding agreement or results of a grant application so I just don't think we need to be going into that kind of level of detail for something so operational but in terms of the overall program and the levy. The recommendation has already been made to continue with paid parking at Lyons Park for the Christmas period so this So this item is actually pre-empting a position beyond this financial year that doesn't yet exist. Community engagement is just beginning with the DMP on parking at Lyons Park and this community engagement will inform our future decisions and actions. So it's probably just a little bit premature to be putting it here. Staff continuously work with community organisations to help them find funding opportunities and we expect this to continue through the appropriate channels but I don't believe the Lions operational and financial matters should be called out as part of a council resolution for the Go Noosa program funded Frank Wilkie 47:29.220
Look, I agree, it does pre-empt the outcome of a consultation process which has only just begun and council of course remains open to any approach from any community organisation to help them find alternative funding arrangements or boost existing funding arrangements. think it's um it's correct process not to pre-empt the outcome of the consultation that's already underway. Amelia Lorentson 48:01.444
I'm happy to support the deletion. I do want to note that we have a resolved position of council and I'm going back to 2023 where council have stated that they will work with the lines club to help offset any losses from car parking to their organisations. So that is a commitment that's already been made by this council, but agree it doesn't belong Brian Stockwell 48:28.400
I was supported as well. I sort of had a recollection that you'd done something like that and put me in a motion that I didn't support at the time. But the key to me here is we should be separating... land use transport decisions from social welfare decisions. And while I know our staff will seek to try and help all our community organisations and social welfare, and this is a long-standing... Amelia Lorentson 48:57.040
Can I ask a question? And this is a question that was asked, emailed to me. Residents have asked why a decision regarding Lions for car parking was made when we have... What decisions were made when we have previously resolved that this decision would be made only after the DMP community feedback had been made? I know the answer to that, but can I ask that to you, Stephanie, so residents listening can understand why? Stephanie Villon 49:30.248
Yes, so what we have done, we have done a targeted community consultation for the Lions Car Park and we have engaged different stakeholders. we have gotten the response and that has, that is what has shaped the recommendations in the report. Brian Stockwell 49:46.620
Thank you very much. Okay, does anyone else wish to talk to the amendment? Councillor Wilson, do you wish to close? No. I'll put the amendment. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Amelia Lorentson 49:59.930
Councillor Lorentson? I have a couple of amendments. I'll start with that Council Oh, you have it? So the Council. I do. Yep, she has. The Council review the scope of the sustainable transport levy. It's part of the 26-27 budget process, including consideration of expanding the levy to support Noosa river network, boating facilities and associated land-based Brian Stockwell 50:58.080
I'm not asking for a second because I'm still thinking about whether this is an amendment of a motion or whether it's an amendment of a, because a sustainable go-do is a program, transport levy is a separate item. I suppose I'll ask the CEO for his advice in terms of standing orders. Do you think this is an amendment of a motion about a go-do program or a separate item to do with Larry Sengstock 51:25.301
This is more related to the sustainable transport levy. It could be in a different discussion in terms of when we want to understand exactly what the transport levy should include, we can have that as a separate discussion. This is really geared towards just the Go Noosa report. Brian Stockwell 51:49.106
Do I have an opportunity to just state why I think it's relevant? So given that the Go Noosa initiatives and the staff are all paid out The staff are all paid out of the Sustainable Transport Levy. I think it is relevant because, as it stands, the Sustainable Transport Levy is limited to initiatives reducing road congestion and demand on our roadwork. So what I'm asking is consideration that we look at broadening the scope of the levy so that when we get the Go Noosa report, there's consideration given to our river network, our boating facilities and associated land-based infrastructure. I think it belongs exactly in this report. I hear what you're saying, but it is about amendment to the sustainable transport levy policy. This item doesn't deal with the sustainable transport levy policy, it deals with an operational program. therefore, I won't accept any amendment. Larry Sengstock 53:06.082
I think, as you say, it's part of the 26/27 budget process. That's where it can come in, because that's when we do assess levies. And what is in and out of a levy, and whether a policy needs to be adjusted to do that. But to bring it into here now, I don't believe is necessarily required, because it's sort of, it's not related to the existing report that we're putting out here. So I think it's something that should be, can be discussed going forward in our... our future levy and future program for the 26/27 budget. So what we're looking at here is the 25/26 budget. So 26/27 is something that could be brought forward then. Jessica Phillips 53:47.451
Quick question. So I understand that process. So we want to look at a policy though, how do we do that when we're in the middle of budget? So I understand that. Can you just explain to me if we get to that point and this is something that I think should be reviewed? So I support the amendment. I respect why it doesn't fit here but if you just identified that it could show the policy would be required to be reviewed, how do we do that in the sequence of the budget? Larry Sengstock 54:24.550
Thank you very much. So we've already done the 25/26 budget, so for me this is something that can be brought to the table in the next, over the next ten or eleven months, nine, six months prior to us developing the next budget. So you can, we you can, we can have a separate discussion, a separate report, brought to a table or workshop around the policy and develop and understand whether the policy needs to be expanded or contracted, either or, but that's currently, this is now going to try It's better to stick with the 25/26 budget as it currently stands relating to the current policy. If you want to change the policy, do that during the next period leading into the next budget discussion. So when we get to budget, we've already expanded the policy and then we can do the budget accordingly. Nicola Wilson 55:18.789
This Go Noosa program supports the Noosa transport strategy 2017-2027. When will work start to do the next transport strategy and does that naturally give you a review of the levy policy anyway? Shaun Walsh 55:36.929
The chair, the current transport strategy includes in 2027, so we forecast that next coming year we would need to start working on the review of the transport strategy and that would be to review the application of the levy. Okay. Frank Wilkie 55:57.060
And the question to the CEO, isn't it the case that a review of all levies is part of the budget process? It is. Larry Sengstock 56:02.380
But I get Councillor, it's quite late, so we're sort of already well into the budget process. But if you really want to change the policy, bring it forward and we can have that discussion around the table over the next six months, that's what I want to do. Amelia Lorentson 56:17.360
Yes, please. Or I can move a notified motion requesting... requesting a review of the scope, that's another option enable him? Thank you very much. Brian Stockwell 56:26.770
Yep, no one's I don't think arguing against the what's in the content, it's just that that would really involve what amendment should be under the standing orders. Amelia Lorentson 56:35.850
Thank you. Okay, do we have any other amendments? I do, That council, as part of the Go Noosa holiday program, investigate the inclusion of other high demand areas, such as Peregian Beach and Cooroy, with a view to improving traffic flow, enhancing pedestrian safety and supporting a positive visitor and community experience. Brian Stockwell 57:14.540
Do we have a seconder? I'm happy to second. Thank you. Currently, the Go Noosa holiday program focuses primarily on Hastings Street, Main Beach Reserve, Noosa Heads Lions Park. And while these are important locations, and I don't want to talk that down, they're... they're very important locations with high congestion, there's also other high demand areas across the Shire, such as Peregian Beach and Cooroy, who also experience significant congestion during peak holiday periods. What I'm asking is that we investigate the inclusion of these other areas and perhaps expand the program to include these areas recognise the contribution of all rate pays and ensure a fairer and more equitable approach to managing congestion, improving pedestrian safety and supporting a positive experience for both residents and visitors across the Shire. The $30 transport levy is paid by... Who else wishes to speak? SPEAKER_00 58:23.180
I'll speak to support. Oh, Tom. I'll support this. I know that in Cooroy there's a lot of people, a lot of kids especially, throughout the holidays, hopping on the bus there. And I think that that's something that, and preaching as well, to look at. So I'll support the amendment. Frank Wilkie 58:41.860
Questions, Tom? The 25/26 range of initiatives under the Go Noosa program have been fully costed under the budget. Do we know what impact on the resourcing this... this expansion of the program would have? Shaun Walsh 58:57.237
We have no capacity to deliver this particular motion. The brief for the budget was to, you know, deliver the sustainable transport program within the funding available to the levy. The report includes the initiatives that we can confidently deliver with available resources. can confidently deliver with available resources and funding. So this would require additional budget allocation. I'm unable to scope that with that with that motion. To me I think this is a discussion for whether we need to expand the transport levy or have additional funding to actually meet community and council obligations. It could be part of the 27 transport strategy or aligned discussions about additional revenue sources. So if council does, you know, pass this motion, my response technically will be we're unable to resort to it. Amelia Lorentson 59:41.378
Can I just state that the wording is to investigate the inclusion and such considerations as you've raised is part of the investigation and there may be opportunity. for us to say well we support. Brian Stockwell 59:57.637
So yes, looking at that, I'll talk to it. So I support it because I think there is room to investigate. The timing of it, the budget of it is something we can look at and yes we're aware that this year's budget is fully allocated. And obviously this would be something to prepare for next year's budget, but it is relating to the Go Noosa program. I do think there's opportunities to broaden the focus, not just in Cooroy about people hopping on the bus, it's about do we create a precinct around the playground where there's alternative transport? Do we look at making safer pedestrians in Cooroy and Peregian? Do we look at saying things around Peregian whereby in that peak period? Similarly, we look at areas where we make it more conducive to the pedestrian experience. And then if we look at the other things that may be coming up coming up in terms of paid parking. We've already started looking at how that new potential revenue can be expended, so I'm looking at this more as a longer term thing, not as an illicit thing. Frank Wilkie 01:01:03.582
Question to staff. In regard to parking management that addresses issues like traffic flow, pedestrian safety in other areas of the Shire? Is there work planned or underway? Shaun Walsh 01:01:17.756
The parking management framework, which applies across the Shire, which is part of the parking management plan, addresses all our communities, but the local parking management plans, inclusion of bridge and beach in Cooroy would be subject to future funding allocation from Council. Jessica Phillips 01:01:33.047
I'll speak to it. I'll put it because it's specific for Go Noosa holiday program and there were investigates, so I was sort of looking at future similar to you, Councillor Stockwell, that we would be seeing something for the next round of budget if that's how it sort of rolls because I often find that as we get to the budget process it's really quick and a lot, so if this gives us that time to get it for us for us, that would be great because I just went to the Vietnam vets day and one of the residents said to me, she's been there 40 years, and she said I brought my grandkids in at Christmas and I couldn't, she was literally speaking about challenges with about challenges with the holiday program and being out in the hinterland so I would love to see them included in Bridgerton Beach into how we manage the holiday congestion with the program so yeah for me it's really important that important that we're looking forward focused for that. Frank Wilkie 01:02:30.215
Question to staff. It's easy. What does investigate something like this actually involve in terms of staff time given there's a small team focused on the Go Noosa program? Shaun Walsh 01:02:41.115
Firstly, thank you There's a very small team with, you know, obligation to responding to thousands of CRMs as well as this more strategic work. So, and I think the first issue is about investigate is actually trying to define what the brief is because that's... if that resolution said investigate as part of the 26th. 27th budget allocation so that as part of that as part of the budget process we actually put together a suite of programs which address traffic flow pedestrian safety and supporting a positive visiting community experience we actually put a budget to it so that we've actually allocated resources and budget and then as councillors you can debate that as part of your budget process and whether you're willing to fund it. Amelia Lorentson 01:03:29.800
I'm happy with that inclusion. Brian Stockwell 01:03:31.840
All councillors supported of the addition? Okay. Does anyone else wish to speak? Frank Wilkie 01:03:37.640
I'll support it with that wording change because it was very vague and I think it's very easy for us as councillors just to keep piling on and piling on the work without regard for the resourcing. We've got an operational plan review coming before us. Brian Stockwell 01:03:57.790
Just, it was about, just the, you're talking to a motion, I don't think it quite captured what we all agreed to. 2026, budget program. Budget process, please. 2026, 2027, Budget. Jessica Phillips 01:04:18.880
Investigate the Go Noosa holiday program. So investigate will also go that way. Larry Sengstock 01:04:23.060
This is part of the Go Noosa program. It's part of the 2026, 2027 process, the Go Noosa holiday. 2026, 2027, budget process. Investigate. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:04:44.960
So we were getting advice earlier that the resolve is a little bit slow today, Council, so we'll just be patient. SPEAKER_00 01:04:55.560
Must have been that earthquake. That's what I'm trying to make it look Brian Stockwell 01:05:09.826
Investigate. Take out the Noosa holiday program, the Go Noosa holiday program. SPEAKER_00 01:05:16.746
So take this out, the Go Noosa holiday program. Yes. Jessica Phillips 01:05:24.331
Just investigate the inclusion of other high-demand so the Go Noosa holiday program doesn't need to be in it. when we start the budget process and investigate. investigate the inclusion of other high-demand areas as part of the Go Noosa program Yes, it's already in the bottle, but there's a report to go to, so you don't need to mention it. Frank Wilkie 01:05:51.773
I'll support the amendment as it reads now. Thank you councillors for taking on board the consideration on resourcing and the fact that there was no budget for this extra work and the impost it has on staff time and the impact this work would have had on The impact this work would have had on the already the delivery of an already ambitious Go Noosa program to be delivered by a very small hard-working team. We are aware that resourcing is a key consideration that's in our operational plan report and thank you for everyone taking on board the concerns we heard from staff and supporting this amended amendment Karen Finzel 01:06:33.412
I'll support it with the changes. I think, you know, if we're making amendments, I think we have to be really mindful of those impacts, especially around the budget and staff capabilities. I like the idea that we are not supporting vagaries, but we're actually trying to hone down to actually KPIs and data that we can actually measure. So I'll support it with the changes. Because I think as a council, collectively, we're heading towards those really pointy end of the sticks and programs and we're at a crossroad where we need action, as asked by the community, but we also need to balance that with really specific, what data are we collecting, how are How are we going to pay for that? So I think given the demands we have with the cost of living and managing, keeping our rates low and all those demands, that I think it's really responsible that we really highlight what those KPIs and what those outcomes that we're trying to seek. Amelia Lorentson 01:07:41.720
I'll close, thank you. The inclusion of as part of the 2026-27 budget process was implied that was always was always the intention so thanks Councillor Wilkie for for picking that up and I'm happy to have that included as part of the amendment. I think where I'm sort of sitting here is it's the transport levies charge it's the transport levies charged at $30 per rateable property across the Shire and it's simply an equity issue for me and acknowledging that you know this is also an opportunity for us to collect valuable data and test solutions that may improve access and reduce reliance on private vehicles not just in the Haston So apologies that I omitted the omitted the 2026-2027 budget process, but glad that's been included because I would not want to impose any extra work on a very small and very capable team. Thank you, Stephanie. Brian Stockwell 01:08:57.129
Okay, I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Do we have any more amendments? No, so it's back to the substantive motion which now includes what we've just supported and only Councillor will hear. Amelia Lorentson 01:09:29.100
I'll speak to it. Firstly, thank you Stephanie and your team. I see you guys in action and I think you're wonderful so thank you very much and I know how much work a small team, how much you guys are doing. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Go Noosa program to continue to expand and get better whether it's through collation of data and or just broadening its scope. Part of the discussion today is you know maybe we can look at in another workshop expanding the scope of the sustainable levy to catch up our river users to catch up our river users and understand that you know our Riverway is an important transport corridor. And also consideration of other busy precincts like Cooroy, like our Perugin Beach. But again thank you for all the hard work that you and your small team do. It is really well appreciated. Jessica Phillips 01:10:39.440
I'll just quickly say thanks for the one thing that I'll pick out because there's a lot in the report but just a specific standout for me is looking forward to what the school program program investigation will come. You know, often I'll hear older folk from Noosa say they've got memories of catching the bus to school or whatever and, you know, a lot of the network that I speak to, their kids don't catch public transport and buses. And I think maybe it should be encouraged for not just for road congestion, but actually maybe the memories of catching a bus and what that does for community, so maybe it's just about that behaviour change and, if anything, we're doing to advocate or see benefits to that from social... to everything. I'd love to see our community find common ground in a divisive world, so that's why I'm bringing up the school program, because I think it's important to see our young, they're our next generation, let's hope they can get on a bus and feel safe to do so, and their parents to feel safe to encourage that, because I think that isn't currently happening. And very quickly And very quickly on the Hastings Street you know drop-off zones and it was met probably early days with and I know there's still some uncertainty in community around it things take time to be perfect so I will say that you know I would like to I will applaud you for taking the negative feedback. you for taking the negative feedback. I've seen you do that and go, what was working, what wasn't. From an ex-police perspective, I think anything that creates a safer precinct for reputation is fantastic. So I hope that we continually see the recommendations for improvement, what went well and what didn't. I think that's only really good practice to review how things go. Do we need to make changes and so that openness to be criticized and suggestions from community I think that's something that I always try and think how do we hear from different points of view so yeah. I'm appreciative of the work that you've put into the report as well so and the amendments. Tom Wegener 01:13:13.683
I agree completely with that it's a very proactive program and it makes me think of a criticism of local government which is oh no that's not a problem oh well and then stage two is oh well that's a problem but we can't do anything about it and then the stage three is oh geez we should have done something about that well in this case I think we are being proactive and we're not that's Brian Stockwell 01:13:39.940
I haven't heard that sequence before. I'll talk to the motion. One of the key things and it's reference to the schools program is sustainable transport should address not just peak visitation, it should address the peak problem we have around every school in the Shire. So one of the frustrating things I suppose sitting here is we have to do something about the peak periods for holidays. And that consumes a vast amount of resources. So I'm looking forward to the feedback from the DMP because obviously if that's being created by daytrippers then daytrippers should be paying for the programs to get them out of the car or onto the bus and we can then start to put really significant resources around those school issues. One's catching a bus, one's making a safe bike ride, one's having programs where busy parents can actually, you know, whether it's a walking bus or escorted on the bikes, there's a whole range of things we can do. Whether it's, you know, really good education for our 16, 17 year olds about how to ride electric bikes more safely. These are all things that will contribute to our lifestyle. Obviously one that shows that that offering parking on a recreational park contributes to substantial traffic congestion and I think we really have to take that on board because while the benefits coming from the income to the lines do a great job with community we have to weigh that against the social impacts that congestion causes our community and it's probably for people who have to put up with that congestion every day going to work or getting to work there is a pluses and minus activity to go and say well how important is it to address congestion versus to use that particular site to raise money for some form of social assistance. think that's, that to me, based on the land use, based on the residents that have recently lobbied us as well as obviously the Lions Club have put up all the great work that they do with the money and we really welcome that and thank them for it. There are residents who want it to be a park and they've been writing to the minister and the minister's saying, still saying, it's the minister who owns the land and we're just the trustees of it, there's still their view that it shouldn't be used for car parking. So it is a big issue to be addressed and now this report's given big issue to be addressed and now this report's given us a little bit more information for another factor to consider in that deliberation. I note that it's proposed for December and I've never put my hand up previously for extending that car park because I have such a strong objection to it. But because we have previously resolved that we're waiting for the DMP, I will support the motion with that objection noted. Okay, so anyone else wish to talk? It goes back to you, Council will be to close. Frank Wilkie 01:17:02.975
In closing, I'd just like to again say it's a good program, predicated on, as Councillor says, the courage to have a go and put in place smart, iterative changes that make a difference and review. refine as we go forward. I commend the councillors for their amendments, which I think has improved this motion, and the staff feedback and advice on those proposed amendments. And I look forward to amendments and look forward to the program being a success this year and learning more from it. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:17:35.817
Okay, I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you Stephanie. Thank you Shaun. We now move on to Report Director General Committee and we ask for our Director Mark to come up and give us an overview of the financial... Thank you. Margaret Gatt 01:18:02.920
Good afternoon Councillors. Apologies I haven't had an opportunity to do this with you previously but we have Dave Lewis here who was Acting Manager Finance for a period of time. Dave comes to us as the ex-CFO from Hinckley Regional Council so we So we are in good hands while we go through this next period. So Dave has prepared the monthly finance report for us and also the BR1 report. You'll note it's a little bit different to what we were previously used to. So I'm asking for your patience whilst we just refine some things and are able to actually get all the necessary information to bring it back to a similar Again, just asking for your patience while we have got a number of resources that we're actively working on recruiting to through various means. So I'll hand over to Dave to take us through the monthly finance report. Thank you, good afternoon councillors. I'll present the, firstly I'd like to present the July financial the July financial report to council. And noting, as Mark has indicated, there's a few omissions from this report. There's two reasons for that. Mainly because we're finalising our end of year financial positions and that's why we haven't provided balance sheets. The other reason other reason is we haven't provided the ratios because to a large extent they don't provide any information to council on a monthly basis. They're more of a trend that you would expect say at six monthly and twelve monthly intervals when you start to see of the impacts of some of the variances that are coming through. So we're hoping to over the next month or so workshop with council some revised formats for our financial reports that hopefully can give council more information and give them more information and enable them to make more informed decisions but also present it. Dave Lewis 01:20:47.198
And higher than expected. I mean, how the cash flies with true theatre. Lower parking infringement fees of around $70,000. I guess from my perspective, material change of use fees of $22,000 to the end of July is a watch point for us. is a watch point for us moving forward with a budget of $1.2 million under that line item. Interest received is over budget by about $700,000 and that's mainly due to a core of a Western of a Westpac deposit and higher of $630,000 and higher than anticipated interest from Council's holdings with the QTC of $50,000. And I guess from And I guess from a revenue perspective it's all good news at this point in time as we would hope. Sale of goods and services are over budget by $111,000 and that's mainly due to higher than anticipated caravan park fees of $61,000, waste disposal general fees of $59,000 and venue hire fees of $16,000. these are partially offset by lower than anticipated sales of recyclables of $52,000. Our grants and subsidies and donations again are over budget by about $287,000 and that's due to the early receipt of a $264,000 grant for stream one of the housing the other operating revenue variances are immaterial at this point in time. In relation to goods and services or our expenditure items there's only one real issue there's only one real point of note at this point and that is that materials and services are under budget by $360,000 and that's mainly due to lower than anticipated contract expenditure of $127,000. Telecommunications charges of $73,000. Our state waste levy payments of $63,000. Our legal fees associated with development appeals of $38,000 and lower water and sewage charges of $63,000. Again, they're partially offset by higher than anticipated ICT office equipment leases. So from an operating perspective, good news from revenues. And we're under budget in expenditure. So all good news at this point in time. Our cash contributions in infrastructure charges are under budget by $273,000. And that's really not a point of concern at this juncture because they're very hard to anticipate. And noting that Council has received 7% of the $1.3 million year-to-date budget, and on a straight-line percentage that equates to about 8%. So, again, no issues of concern. SPEAKER_00 01:24:32.828
Our capital grants and subsidies are under budget by $273,000. And that's really not a point of concern at this juncture because they're very hard to anticipate. And noting that Council has received 7% of the $1.3 million year-to-date budget, and on a straight-line percentage that equates to about 8%. So, again, no issues of concern. Our capital grants and subsidies are over under budget by 2.4 but that's mainly due to the receipt on the QRA payments and it's unbudgeted line items at this point in time with those revenue streams to be picked up in the budget. At the end of July the majority of expenditure relates to works associated with the completion of the 2025 capital works program. The underbear variance of 2.1 again is largely due to the fact that we haven't profiled the budget yet to align with when we anticipate expenses will occur and the majority of the works that are being spent to date are on carryovers from the 2025 program and they'll again be adjusted in the budget review 1. So can you take any questions on note or if you wanted me to go through the more significant capital works program variances, I've got a list here. Dave Lewis 01:25:53.179
A list here, but as I said, it's largely irrelevant at this point in time. Brian Stockwell 01:25:59.259
We refrain from doing the capital works in this report until we have our capital works report. Excellent. Questions? Frank Wilkie 01:26:06.739
Just to Thanks for the report, Dave. Mention the MCU fees of $22,000 for July. Yeah, Dave Lewis 01:26:14.622
$22,000 In year-to-date expenditure against a total budget for the year of $1.2 million. Frank Wilkie 01:26:21.622
And did you mention that as an area of concern? Dave Lewis 01:26:25.742
Not as much as concern, just as a watch point at this juncture. Watch point. Yep. Frank Wilkie 01:26:30.602
So the underexpenditure it, why is that a watch point? Dave Lewis 01:26:35.028
Well, basically whether we were going to achieve that $1.2 million. Frank Wilkie 01:26:38.528
In expenditure? Yeah, and revenue. SPEAKER_00 01:26:41.048
Revenue. Frank Wilkie 01:26:41.608
Oh, revenue. Yep. Okay, so isn't it dependent on the number of applications that come in? It is, and that's why FASTA is a watch point. So it's largely beyond our control? Yep. So there may be an adjustment of a budget review if applications continue. Yes, that's correct, but at this point we're not sure what that development of the process looks like, and that's why we're saying low receipts to date, but not really a concern, but let's keep an eye on it. Brian Stockwell 01:27:14.058
Have we still got the adjustments to do with the application funds received? with the application funds received, but I forget what the term is, they're only underutilised, so there was obviously a large MCU last year that you're just starting to implement. Is that the bill? Yeah, through the Chair we do have what we call under revenues that carries across previous from financial years where essentially the revenue collected for the financial year carries across into a new financial year based on the status of an application. So, for example, a large development application, we might hold some of We might hold some of that money in unearned revenue until it progresses to further stages such as post public notification and assessment stage and we release money on a quarterly basis into that revenue pot. So we have around about $400,000 $100,000 of unearned revenue that gets carried across each financial year. Tom Wegener 01:28:07.429
In other words, perhaps because of the industrial action, because there wasn't as much work going on? Dave Lewis 01:28:17.149
I'd like to take that question on Brian Stockwell 01:28:25.140
It's a lot of people are like, do the anatomy come from Noosa? SPEAKER_00 01:28:31.560
There's a big difference. Amelia Lorentson 01:28:40.454
Maybe a question to the CEO, in terms of the Tourism Noosa funding agreement, where are we up to and when can we expect to see the executed agreement? In the next round of meetings. September. Fantastic, thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:29:14.400
Question. First I'll make a statement. I'm looking forward to more readable, like, traffic lights. And things for the layman person. If you can make me understand it, then I think. I'll get my question. Nicola Wilson 01:29:25.422
My question is, it only felt like yesterday we were doing a budget process. I know you weren't here for a day. But what's really hard is now we see, a couple of months later, a different position. But we made decisions not long ago. My question is, how do we make it more accurate at the budget process for adoption with the information we now know? Dave Lewis 01:29:53.580
Through you, Mr Chair, what other councils would do would be to do a reassessment of their year-end position at 30th of June and effectively identify projects that are going to be carried forward and build them into their original budget. So you would have very minor adjustments in budget review. One, because of your anticipated position the 30th of January. SPEAKER_00 01:30:20.677
I like that. I'll get to a question. Yes, I know, I jumped ahead. It's because I didn't have questions about the report. Good point. Karen Finzel 01:30:33.064
I have a question through the Chair to the CEO relating to the financial report employee costs. Permanent staff salaries and wages, they're underspent due to position vacancies. So my question is, is this across the whole of Council or specific departments? What are the challenges in filling the positions and what, if at any risk to the Council, including workplace culture and psychosocial hazards? Larry Sengstock 01:30:59.006
So the first one is yes, it is across the whole organisation. Yes, there are, in an organisation as complex and as large as ours, there's always going to be vacancies. So as far as that's in position, going forward, we are carrying some vacancies. carry through for the cost of the expansion of the year as well. So that will show how it is. I'm not overly concerned by this time. This is something that, you know, because tables and everything else, we do use or fill agencies with contractors and locations where possible to make sure that the work load isn't transferred onto those who are carrying it. one of those who are carrying it. We've also got a comprehensive program in terms of psychosocial. We did a psychosocial survey last year. There's been a whole lot of workshops going forward to try to identify those areas that are of real concern. We've got an organisation that's got a long-term program that's looking at that. We've got the campus organisation. I was trying to make sure what we do. Quite a bit of that happening. We also have areas to deal with, disorganization areas to deal with, to find people to fill the holes, so I mean, project management, in finance, in planning, we've been speaking about that for a little while now, because it's hard to put that through, so it's very, very, very difficult to get stuff and retain stuff, because... Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:33:41.938
How critical is it having instabilities vacancies in key positions, say for example in finance? What risk does that pose to an organisation long term? Larry Sengstock 01:34:00.267
To do as much as we can. We fill those balls as best we can, as quickly as we can. Sometimes it's very difficult. In many instances where we're going out to the market, tell somebody to put them in, unless they agree with And then they're going to be resistant to putting it up to one of the services. It's just difficult to be put up against that. We really don't know what we can do, what particular we've got, so we just have to keep going with the market. And also doing things like we're doing today, getting people with grades to at least go and come in and support us wherever we can get to. So there's no easy route through it. All we need to do is identify where the risks are and try to mitigate those risks as best as possible. Brian Stockwell 01:34:53.380
Time to move the recommendations. Moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Wilson. You may speak, Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 01:35:04.220
Thank you David for the report and Mark, thank you, it's appreciated. It's good to see we're up on revenue and down on expenditure. new financial year and I'm looking very much forward to working with you to refresh the financial reporting and hear your ideas about how we can change the format... It's early days yet for the... the format to make it easier to understand in some instances and more detailed in other areas and also have a discussion about what ratios, financial ratios are relevant and at what time of the year Brian Stockwell 01:35:48.660
No one else wish to speak? Okay. Thank you, staff. I was just going to say, get off easy from your first report to council, I thought. Dave Lewis 01:36:01.700
It's a pretty dry subject. Brian Stockwell 01:36:04.580
Very early days. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? As unanimous. Thank you. We then move on to Budget Review 1 for the 25-26 financial year review. Through you, Dave Lewis 01:36:18.233
Mr Chair, before I talk to this report, I would note that through the Director, you've been provided an update with two of the schedules to the report. After to the report. After the schedules were adopted I was doing some work on our long term financial model. the schedules I found that there was a discrepancy between our borrowings and trade and other payables which did impact some of our ratios. our ratios in the report were very minor changes with no change to our projected operating position and with our net liabilities ratio changing from-0.6 to 0.3 and our leverage ratio changing. And our leverage ratio changes from 1.37 to 1.27. So, again, very minor changes. Brian Stockwell 01:37:01.331
I'll just let councillors know there is a draft change of recommendation to note. Changes will be appended to the minutes. Thank you. Dave Lewis 01:37:12.075
Sorry, while I was talking, I just managed to lock myself out. But I might, I'll start talking, try and key in at the same time. Under our, the Local Government Act 2009, the Local Government Regulation 2012, council is... Council is required to present a revised forecast on its operating position. This budget review presents the changes that have been incorporated as a result of an assessment of our expenditures at 30 June and they result in an increase in Council's operating position by $154,000 from $78,000 to $232,000. This result is consistent with previous budget reviews and is largely due to the realisation of grant funded program revenues and associated expenditure. The revised capital program including debt redemption also increases from $50.9 million to $94.3 million. Excluding the QRA program, Council's total capital budget increases from $50.9 million to $65 So, again, the changes noted in this budget review have no significant impact on Council's ongoing financial sustainability. I guess the only point of... Sorry, I should get back. In this review, the total capital program, as I said, increases from $50.9 to $94.3 million, and that's mainly due to the changes to the QRA projects of $29.3 million, $3.6 million for the Cooroy social housing project, waste management project, $1.6 million, fleet replacement program of $1.5 million, and our coastal and canal water waste program of $1.2 million. I guess from my perspective it should be noted that the proposed capital program exceeds recent expenditure thresholds, but I note that the Council is now resourcing additional resources to achieve substantial completion of the program by 30 June. Funding for the increased capital program is mainly again due to the additional grants of $32.2 million, with the majority again being the QRA grants of $29.3 million and other major grants associated with the Noosa Aquatic Centre filtration system at around $1 million, and also the NIMPA the Noosaville Gympie Terrace change in place facility, again of around $0.6 million. The schedules note additional loans of $6.1 million, and there is some embargo on some of the things we can talk about in that space. But however, noting Council's strong cash position, in my view, Council would only draw these loans down if we're required to meet Council's ongoing liquidity requirements of 30 June. This report anticipates a cash balance increase of $85 million to $90.8 million at 30 June and this figure will be subject to further change as Council's financial statements are finalised. The cash balance at this juncture is based on the completion of the Councils do it differently. Some Councils do what Noosa do, some Councils change their process so that they do, they have a look at their projected year end position at the 30th of June and any projects that are likely to be carried over, they reduce their budget in say the 25 financial year, so it will reduce from 40 say to 20. Some can't do It will reduce from 40, say, to $20 million, and that $20 million would then slide into the budget for '26. So to me, that represents better practice about how you should manage that transition. But other councils, likewise, there's nothing wrong with what Noosa done. Other councils do exactly the same thing. They let the programs, two programs run, and then just adjust their budget for the '26. financial year for 25 carryovers. And why council has to do it is the budget at any juncture should reflect the council's anticipated year end position of 30 June. So that's why council has carried these dollars over because it anticipates that it's going to complete $94 million worth of works in the '26 Amelia Lorentson 01:42:41.740
I'm going to go straight to the loans. Note in the report, it should be noted the loans increase from $5 million to $11.1 million. Mainly to fund the Cooroy Social Housing Project. Can you give me an idea what is directly linked to the Lake Macdonald Housing Project and details of the loan? How much interest are we paying, over what term and what impact this may have on future budgets? Dave Lewis 01:43:12.704
Mr Chair, that loan item has been included in the budget because we have embargoes on some of the funding streams that we believe will be realised through that program. So at the next budget review we are anticipating to take that loan out and substitute it with other known funding with other known funding sources that we can't talk about at this juncture due to our commitments with other levels of government around funding announcements so but typically the loans would be about a 20 year interval and I couldn't, three weeks to me, I couldn't tell you what those exact interest and redemption payments would be at this juncture but I can take that question on We wouldn't, council would not draw that loan down if we didn't need to, again like the total $11 million if we did an assessment towards the end of June and said in our view we don't need those We have sufficient cash to ensure our liquidity. We would not draw the loans unless council had embarked a specific outcome towards cash balances at that juncture. Frank Wilkie 01:44:27.684
And just to clarify, you said there were funding announcements regarding cash from other levels of government which are embargoed. which are embargoed. Announcements about that are embargoed? Announcements about that are embargoed at the moment. Yes, that's right. Dave Lewis 01:44:37.904
So it's an alternative treatment until we get to the other side of those announcements. Jessica Phillips 01:44:48.904
Thank you. Just with, there's a point here at two points three and four. Capital submissions will be reviewed and authorised by exec before inclusion. a budget review submission where the group will consider justification for the request deliverable as well as the organisational and community priorities before endorsing any capital works. How does that get reported back to council? Margaret Gatt 01:45:13.264
Through the chair when there's the quarterly capital works update report to council. Jessica Phillips 01:45:20.620
Okay and is that the same for the next bit then? Is that where I see it? All operating and capital submissions for additional spend reallocation and additional revenue? Does that come through that report as well? Just trying to... Margaret Gatt 01:45:34.520
Reprofiling and rescheduling of multi-year... multi-year projects is considered in the Capital Works update report? Dave Lewis 01:45:45.020
Yes, I think if you can note... And it comes back to us through that. Jessica Phillips 01:45:49.840
Okay, thank you. I'm just trying to follow... Mr Dave Lewis 01:45:52.020
Chair, I think in attachment, the last attachment to the report, there's a number of rescheduling Amelia Lorentson 01:46:03.280
Unitly water dividends. I note in the report, and I can't find it at the moment, but I note in the report there was an increase from $4.1 million to $5.95 million. Is that correct and can you give me an explanation? No, I picked it up somewhere and I was just trying to find it, which I thought was always 4.1. I thought was always 4.1, close to 4 million, yeah. Larry Sengstock 01:46:39.151
But it's also, because we're a 4.25% shareholder, it comes through as a shareholder because it's a company. So that might absorb the equity, okay. And that might be what I read, okay. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:47:06.020
Thank you, of course, we have a Councillor Finzel's got a question. Karen Finzel 01:47:09.320
Oh, yes. Thank you. I'm not sure if it's the right spot to raise it, but just coming back to the ratios. So So I've just opened up the financial sustainability policy which was endorsed by council 30th of June 2025. When I first came into council that those ratios were the thing people said focus on these, follow those ratios. So can you just explain to me why we're removing the ratios from the report? Did I hear that right? Brian Stockwell 01:47:39.675
I won't answer that question because it relates to the previous report. Karen Finzel 01:47:45.910
Oh sorry, so can I close that? Ask stuff later, because we've already dealt with that item. Yeah, alright. Just because I was saying the staff didn't notice this was due to a ratio. I'm happy to raise that with the CEO because I am a little bit nervous around that, so yes, thank you. And it might be relevant to the operational plan review as well. Okay. Brian Stockwell 01:48:19.092
Councillor Lorentson, did you? Amelia Lorentson 01:48:21.212
I do. Just in terms of the sand pumping pipeline, residents have been contacting me and just asking in terms of the sand pumping pipeline, is there opportunity to remove or relocate the pipeline? The pipeline, I note in the budget papers there's a $200,000 carryover allocated to the pipeline. What specifically is the carryover funding for and has consideration been given to alternatives to the existing pipeline in light of community concerns? Larry Sengstock 01:49:06.645
The pipeline, we have an application each year to make sure it works, so we do get an event, a cyclone event or another cyclone event, and the beach is... The pipes, as you know, run from... The pipe is up the river mouth, and the pipes run essentially along the surface to the last degree, between there and the first one. Those pipes have to be reviewed, maintained, so there's an airline there for the maintenance of the public station, but also for the pipeworks themselves. Those pipes have... In terms of potential... is that we are currently doing the works of the rock wall, or the retaining wall for the whole of the main beach, and in doing that... Four, three, two, Amelia Lorentson 01:51:00.238
And our natural assets, is it also there to protect our waves and quality of our waves given that we're in a surfing reserve? Thank you. Larry Sengstock 01:51:19.505
It's a natural, it's a natural thing to say and carry. Thank you very much. Shaun Walsh 01:51:30.125
If I can add something specific, it's that $200,000 we knew was forecasted is building works on building a housing and plumbing system, so we do need to do some essential maintenance. And I think Dr Cyclone Alfred also highlighted the value of that system, because we've had decades of... Amelia Lorentson 01:51:55.272
Thank you very much again as so far just really... just really want to press natural assets, protection of natural assets our ways. Thank you very much. Thank you. I'm going to move the motion. Another question please. So I've got a couple more questions. So I've got a couple more questions. Unspent levies, in particular Justice Community-Based Crime Action, Australian Drug Foundation, our youth grants essentially. We've still got 22, almost about 44,000 unspent. What happens to unspent grants, excuse me, unspent grants? What happens with that unspent grant? Through the Chair, as we discussed in the BL1 watch with councillors last week, they are reallocated or they are provided back to the funding body. It just depends on what the conditions of the grant is or it's reallocated through the capital works, through the PCGN capital works process. Larry Sengstock 01:53:01.640
I think it's fair to say, Councillor, that we try to make sure we utilise the maximum amount of grants we get, but we don't want to utilise them all at the end of the month. Amelia Lorentson 01:53:12.880
And my last question: Residential subdivision of Lake Macdonald, 1.9 million. Can I get some details around that? Larry Sengstock 01:53:29.000
There's a few things to mention on that today, to get to this point, so that you can see that and report it if you want to, if you can't do that. But I think that's the extent that we've encountered today. So, Councillor, you'll need to be specific about what moment I'm going to... I think the $1.9 is the dollars for that project in the original budget, and then there's a further carry I believe it's an initial estimate of the subdivision works and the additional five is to complete the project. Or the total of five is to complete the project. Additional $3 Additional $3 Amelia Lorentson 01:54:16.726
250,000, 251,000. Total $5,151,573 to complete the subdivision work. SPEAKER_00 01:54:25.416
Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:54:28.056
Okay. Okay. Brian Stockwell 01:54:31.019
Now I'll move to motion. Do I have a seconder? Councillor Wegener. Thank you for this and I was stirred to talk to the motion because of Councillor because I remember when I first came Councillor because I remember when I first came here from 17 years in state government going out. This budget process that we do in our government really makes sense to me. And it's really quite useful to have the budget reviews to make sure you're accurate. And on the weekend I weekend I was talking to an old colleague, I was in State Government for 17 years, and he just had a little story about the end of financial year, which I said State Government budget hasn't changed, where he was getting money not only changed where he was getting money not only from his own program but also from other programs to go and do all his work over the State that he does and he's cramming it in just before June 30 and then this year he got given one week of field work to do a statewide program. that's when you know the budgeting sort of is just looking at trying to get things done by 30th of June and then starting fresh where this concept we do in Budget for June 1 is what is realistic to change over and whether it's better to stand is it's a measure to ensure that project projects fully funded and appropriately funded and that just because we have a whole lot of rain in the last quarter of a year doesn't mean that people should go silly spending money other things trying to take up all the money which is Nicola Wilson 01:56:09.320
Another big wish book is one of the stories yeah the financial year end is kind of a arbitrary date that we just have to for accounting purposes match all of can match all of the income and expenditure at that date, regardless of whether the plan is to actually spend the money, so as Stockwell said, you can have the intention to spend it all in one financial year, but when that doesn't actually happen, there's all these adjustments that you have to do to reconcile and... recognise that at year end and then push that expenditure into the future year, so it's a bit of a painful process, but it means that we're making sure that we're complying with accounting standards for sustainability. I appreciate all the effort, David, in going into this report, being new to Council and working out where we're up to. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:57:01.736
I'd just like to thank you for sending through an email with those small adjustments. In some of the reports, which will be included in the minutes, and available for people to talk to at Thursday's ordinary meeting, if they wish to. Brian Stockwell 01:57:18.173
I probably should have read those out too, so I will now. That's the addition of B, and it's a change to A as well, so the motion was that... Provided Attachments 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 to this report, and amended Attachments 2 and 5 as supplied as Attachment 1 to the minutes, which we've received by email. Revised Attachment 2, Statement of Financial Position, BR1, Attachment 2 to the minutes. Revised Attachment 5, Financial Sustainability Ratios, BR1. That was what we were talking about at the beginning. Minor adjustments. Two minor adjustments to the ratio. It was just before the meeting. Dave Lewis 01:58:03.145
Would you like to just explain what we did? Yeah, basically in the balance. The statement of financial position. the bouncer. It's about a term of 30,000 of transfers from trade and other written payables to borrowings. So there's a net impact of zero on our operating result. But because it involves loans, there's a slight adjustment in our net liabilities ratio and our leverage ratio. Again, all the ratios are still within green. There's no real impact. It's just that Mark and I felt we should mention it for disclosure to council. Margaret Gatt 01:58:41.394
Through the chair, it's definitely in council rules and it's not material. I can speak to you specifically. So trade and urban payables should be $10,430,000 as opposed to $10,700. Which is in the original one. And the same with borrowing should read $1.6 million as opposed to $1.2 million. And the leverage ratio changing from 1.37 to 1.27 and net liabilities ratio changing from 0.6 to 0.3. Negative. Dave Lewis 01:59:17.759
Negative 0.3, positive 0.6. So again, just a slight amount. Karen Finzel 01:59:25.079
Yeah, so can I just raise in my question around ratios before was in relation to that comment because then I am nervous of where we're moving ratios down the track. And through reporting, ratio is a tool that we can, you know, look at. Brian Stockwell 01:59:45.843
The comment that was made was that the ratios are things that reflect trends and there may be no value in having them in the monthly report, and that was what they were doing, but they were not saying they were removing the ratios, they were just saying doing it that frequently is one of the options, and that this month was just the result of the fact that we've got an active engine there, and coming to terms with how to do things, and yeah, of course it was about the report that was from the previous one that wasn't relevant. Thank you Mr Chair. Amelia Lorentson 02:00:16.343
I'd like to just take the opportunity to thank Mark and David and your really great little team. I know there's been a little bit of instability and I just really want to acknowledge the hard work. We get to see the polished report but sometimes we forget there's hundreds and hundreds of long hours after work hours. I know that you always reply to me on weekends and I just really want to acknowledge and thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:00:52.920
Anyone else wish to talk to the court? Thank you once again. I'll put motion to vote. All those in favour is unanimous. We then move on to the next item which is operational plan review. Fourth quarter report, so the last quarter last year and we invite. SPEAKER_09 02:01:27.240
Okay, I may just start then with the summary. So this report is for noting and the report provides you with the fourth quarter progress update on initiatives of the operational plan 2425, so last financial year's report. As you may remember there were 107 initiatives in that report. At the end of the financial year 76 initiatives or of the financial year, 76 initiatives, or 71%, were either completed or on track for completion within the scheduled time frame. Highlights of only just the last quarter were Noosaville foreshore infrastructure management plan. I think everyone was very happy to get that endorsed. Then delivery of floating land B &L 2025. Completion of Black Mountain reconstruction, which is a very, very significant piece. Also endorsed significant piece. Also endorsement of the 12-month Tourism Noosa Agreement, very important. Documentation of the iconic story of surfing in Noosa. And the completion of the Customer Satisfaction Survey. And these are just the achievements of the last quarter. So, however, at the end of the year, there were also 25 initiatives or 23% that were experiencing minor disruptions. These are carried over into the 25-26 operational plan and are anticipated to be completed or to return on track status in the first or second quarter of the new financial year, of the current financial year, so I do expect in the next quarterly update that we have quite a few achievements already. Six initiatives experienced major disruptions, some of which are key initiatives and I think at this stage you're very well aware which they are. It's the Noosa River Catchment Plan which however is I think now scheduled for completion in June 2026 and the Destination Management Plan which is now subject to a community engagement which is very good to see and then we also have the community strategy with this I think the budget allowed some resource allocated to that to get them to get this work started and the financial strategy I think for which Dave originally was brought on board and to start working on that. The reasons again The reasons again you may be well aware of is increased community engagement and consultation for the foreshore management plan that has caused some delays especially for the river plan and the DMP but also discussed previously there's there's there are vacancy and there are resource constraints those obviously also contribute to some of the delays. These these key key initiatives initiatives that have experienced major disruption have been incorporated into the new operational plan and as you may recall from the workshop and the adoption of the new operational plan, it's really about taking these into the new operational plan, bringing them to completion in the next financial year where possible and really focusing on those initiatives and For not to take too many the other items new financial year. We also, the report also provides an overview of key operational performance measures. Mostly the performance is consistent with previous quarters. However, some of the KPM show signs of the impact by the protected industrial action commencing in March. Let's stretch sort of into May. Most notably is the on page 103. Of the pack customer service, the percentage of requests completed within target date that has dropped significantly in March. Similarly, plumbing assessments, the total number of plumbing applications decided within statutory timeframes had very significant impact, so pretty much dropped. 80%, I believe. There is also a possible impact on workplace health and safety, average lost time injury rate. injury duration, where we can see there is a bit of a peak with the commencement of the industrial action. However, it would require some unpacking whether that's really attributable to that. However, because of the nature of that data, it is obviously not accessible. But it's definitely a bit of a stand out there. And that's it for the Q4 operation plan 24/25. Any questions? Larry Sengstock 02:06:27.468
Do you want to take a look at that? It's a fantastic work on this whole point of view. I just want to just reiterate, this is all for essentially... It's still not up to floor one, two, three and four. The occupant lives on the corporate plan, so the corporate plan is a five-year plan. Therefore, a number of the issues and projects within the operational plan for this year are multi-year. So there's programs and there's projects. So there's projects that we can... There's also programs that just continue to roll through and otherwise a lot of them we see that are on track because they're programs and as long as they're on track they're delivering against what we expect. So just so everybody's sort of aware of the way that this is built and I know councillors you're more than aware of this I'm just probably talking for others to understand this. But that's how it's built. There's no question the protective industrial action had caused some delays to our activities but again this operational plan is a higher level it doesn't pick up a lot of the BAU work so that's and I'm happy to say that we have managed to continue and to catch up on that to a large degree in terms of our CRMs and our work and if you look at the way Noosa presented at the moment it's in terms of work very very hard to capture and catch up on all of that but it has certainly created some challenges. some challenges but I want to also say go back to the fact that this is a four quarter program and over the four quarters there's some things that I really wanted to highlight that our teams have been very good at delivering. delivering and it's really important that we celebrate the highlights over the course of 12 months. There'll be further reports, there's annual reports and things like that coming through, but I just wanted to take this opportunity to talk about some of them. So quarter one, for example, the stent, the doggy bitch, we go back, it seems like... Scent, the doggy beach. We go back, it seems like ages ago, but this all came into this four quarters of operational plan. The strategic asset management plan, the Noosa Head's Lions Park amenity block, the approach of that, the wellbeing and work survey, the privacy policy was developed. Stage three of the regional art gallery feasibility project was delivered. of it, just because you claimed it. Community Grants Policy, Compliance and Enforcement Policy, Promoter Place Plan, Public Art Policy, Housing Monitoring Program, the MAC, the Noosa Aquatic Centre, the Upgrading Plan, the Rural Windtail wind tail state forest transition, which is a massive piece of work that came to fruition during this period, the Noosaville foreshore infrastructure plan in the fourth quarter, the floating land biennial, the Black Mountain Road reconstruction. Something that initially was going to be a quick fix for three years and $40 million and it's now completed along with all of the other projects out there and the Shriver's Road which has only just been completed as well. So it's a massive piece of work. The tourism Noosa agreement or the funding of that, the iconic story of surfing in Noosa and the customer satisfaction survey. So they're just some of those. Thank you for So these are just some of those, thank you for indulging me in allowing me to talk about that, but it is really important that we do look back and say this organisation delivers an amazing amount of work across the whole diverse spectrum and it's important to look back and say this organisation delivers amazing work across the whole diverse spectrum and it's important to look back and say this organisation delivers amazing work across the whole diverse spectrum and it's important It's important to celebrate those. And they're just the high-level ones, not to mention the VAU that goes on on a daily basis that we see coming across here. The amount of planning stuff that goes through, the amount of work that goes through, our parks and gardens and beaches and everything else, it's really important to discuss that. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to bring that to the table. Thanks again once you've been around picking this up and working with the operation plan. We've got a much better system for recording this too and it's just going to increase and develop. the next short time you'll see better recording and more regular recordings of our cashboards. Thank you for indulging us. Chair? Thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:10:51.530
You're bigger than me, I couldn't say no. Okay, questions or someone wishing to move the report? I'm happy to move it. Moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Frank Wilkie 02:11:06.640
Thank you. The annual operational plan was the Council endorsed program of key projects resourced through the budget and approved for delivery last financial year. The CEO required to report quarterly to councillors and the community on the progress of the operational plan and the range and diversity of programs and projects as we've just heard, is impressive. The quarter four update reviews the progress of 107 council approved initiatives aligned with the five themes of improving our environment, our liveability, our prosperity, our Resourcing and recruitment challenges and the deliberate spacing out of the community engagement calendar in response to community concerns about overlapping consultation has slowed the delivery of some programs, which are in the minority. The organisation's first ever protected industrial action also impacted service delivery rate in some departments. The CEO has guaranteed that initiatives experiencing major disruptions will be closely monitored by the responsible manager and director, with corrective actions a priority, and that the executive team regularly review and address emerging issues. review and address emerging issues. The number of completed initiatives have increased from 17 to 33 since the previous quarter. While the total number of initiatives experiencing some form of disruption has risen from 26 to 31, those facing a major disruption have decreased from seven to six. Many initiatives experiencing minor disruption are expected to either be completed or return to on track status early next financial year. This represents This represents a significant achievement for a small but hard-working organisation. Workforce capacity and wellbeing remains a key priority. The CEO has reported the need to focus on strengthening project management practices, improving employee engagement and wellbeing, and enhancing recruitment and retention. These areas rightly need to be and remain a priority for the leadership team. As reported, the organisation's first ever protected industrial action that stretched from March to May impacted the council's capacity. The CEO is committed to regularly keeping councillors abreast on recruitment issues across the organisation. Again, on behalf of councillors through the CEO. Please pass on our thanks to the organisation, key managers and staff for what they have achieved this financial year. This will form the basis of the annual report. It is incredible reading. I urge anyone who wants to know how their rates money is spent to have a look through all the 107 initiatives that are underway and it's... It's... Amelia Lorentson 02:14:13.040
I'm going to just speak to something that really stood out of the report. Most of the disruptions, minor and major, primarily attributed to resourcing constraints and that's probably what Constraints and that's probably what I just want to just quickly talk about which is our capability plan. I would love to see the development and delivery of that capability plan ASAP. We need to understand where council is under-resourced or lacking in necessary skills, systems or infrastructure. That body of work is critical to the delivery of this operational plan. You know, it's something that I keep raising and raising and raising. Our people, our are our most important assets, but we've got to have the right people in the right position, and that means we need to understand are there capability gaps? Do they need to be upskilled? Do we need to bring in some specified expertise? expertise. So thank you for the report in front of us but again we need to future-proof our council operations by identifying where those gaps are so you know something I'll be raising as part of our budget deliberation we need to get our capability plan So, Larry Sengstock 02:16:00.940
Good question. It has to be done. That's certainly on Absolutely. A workforce plan and a capability plan. That's part of the... There's no question that we've got very wide eyes in terms of when we develop the corporate plan. It is huge. The development of the capability plan to go with that is something that didn't get done at the time. that didn't get done at the time for various reasons and it's something that's on our radar to do and working with the executive team and our new manager of E &C. That's part of the plan. We're starting next year. So part of the plan and part of their priorities. Because it is essentially important but it's also very difficult given the amount of work that we're doing. The diversity of things that we do and how do we have skills in all of those various areas at the level that we require, whether we bring them in or not. It's a tough ask, but it's something that we've got on our work bank. Absolutely. Brian Stockwell 02:17:10.121
I'm not going to say too much. The overall operational plan, I think, what I found useful is how concise and easy it is to read to get a really good picture of what is happening, and then I had a couple of recent conversations, and I thought, well, maybe there's one way we could have a look at it that isn't currently reporting, and that is what's not happening, to a better degree, and I'm just going to pick on one graphics which is in the attachment to the KPM report, which is planning applications on time, and you'll see there for the majority of them, I can't get back up because subdivisions and MTUs and codes, they're all up to 100% market. And we talked last week, last time we had this report was that also includes ones where we've asked for more time to do it, and I thought well maybe we should know that. But then a recent conversation was highlighted about difficulties... difficulties in getting finer changes. So if you look at that graph you'll see that the little black line with the finer change was 20% in the last quarter and there's only about two quarters in recent months where it goes above that. goes above that, so there's clearly a prioritisation happening there, but what we're not hearing is how long is it taking for a minor change to get through, so maybe something we can just have a think about is, okay, where are we not living up to expectations, because that's what's going to drive us to say, well, is that a resourcing issue, is it a prioritisation issue, is it something else? So there's clearly a priority. So to me, that was one, and the other conversation I me that was one and the other conversation I had someone saying oh it was a lot better in my term he might have been elected representative in 2016 or around about then is explained in the graph up top about turnover rate is in the last couple of years we've included all positions in the turnover rate so it is higher than it was reported previously we are no longer reported because historically it was only permanent positions. positions that were important in that percentage but it still is high and it is still something I know the CEO and others are working to address but it'd be great to see that starting to come down again and hopefully if we ever get to the vote on the agreement we'll be attracting people from other councils because it would be good not just to work here but we're getting more Amelia Lorentson 02:19:40.120
Just a question to Johnsy. How difficult is it for you to include in future updates more in-depth reporting? So, you know, I go back to what I said before in terms of resourcing, delays and shortfalls attributed to resourcing. Can we provide more depth, like how many staff are allocated? many staff are allocated to this project? What specific resources are missing? What are the talent gaps? And when we say things like, you know, underway or delayed, can we add measures like 25% or 50%? I read in the report I read in the report that you are undertaking a review of KPIs. Are they things that you are considering? SPEAKER_09 02:20:27.846
For the Chair, that unfortunately again comes down to resources because I'm very limited what I can do at the moment in terms of how much time I can allocate to the further development of the performance measurement framework which then exactly would look at that. operation areas to be able to have the resources to provide that data, which may not always be available because it may require some data recovery or data selection and filtering, some work required to provide that data, but it's definitely something we will be looking at, which is having to do and to go It also then comes down Some workforce planning at the moment relevant to this, so we hope that we have more resources available going forward to basically be able then to redefine, see across the organisation, are there any other KPMs we want to take on board or can we actually adapt or can we actually identify further more meaningful KPMs by then, yeah. Larry Sengstock 02:21:36.893
I'll add to that as well, it's very important that we still make sure we have this, how much detail, strategic point of view versus operational point of view. So, you know, it's our job as sponsors to deliver against this. What we have had, if you remember, we used to do a quarterly deep dive, for specifically look at each department on the basis. Amelia Lorentson 02:22:07.898
That would be great. Thank you. Tom Wegener 02:22:10.686
Well, I'm just happy to see that the agriculture part of the corporate plan has moved from a red to a green. But we note that we've made a partnership. it's, we've made a partnership agreement with FAN and there's a contract that's been signed. Is there any way I could see what, see that contract? So I could just. Brian Stockwell 02:22:31.935
That's probably a question to the director of sustainability. Yeah, we support Nicola Wilson 02:22:37.587
FAN through the Economic Development Program. We're happy to talk to you through what they, Council with them, and we'll be supporting FAN for a number of years. Brian Stockwell 02:22:47.987
Clarity. You've been a fan of FAN. You've been a fan of SPEAKER_00 02:22:50.147
FAN. Brian Stockwell 02:22:57.400
Anyone else wish to speak? I don't need folks. Thank you, Jonky, for your hard work. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 02:23:03.880
Those in favour? Brian Stockwell 02:23:10.000
That's unanimous. If I am correct, that is the end of the meeting. Oh no, if you have a meeting for me, I need to declare. So the next item is a confidential item and it is in regard to Planning Environment Court Appeal number 3746 of 2023, applications for short-term accommodation, 15 eco-cabins at 94 and 142 prescribed user heads. In Council's accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed confidential item relating to item 9.1, confidential not for public release, planning and environment court appeal, number 3746 of 233, application for short-term accommodation, 15-year co-cabins at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive user heads on this agenda because RACV is a sponsor of the of the Noosa Lions Football Club, which I'm currently the president of. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. In standing orders, I've got it wrong a couple of times, I pass over to the CEO and it is up to the committee to appoint a chair. Frank Wilkie 02:25:08.250
Confidential session please 9.1, Planning and Environment Court Appeal number 3746 of 2023, application for short-term accommodation, 15 eco-cabins at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads. May I have a seconder for that please? Seconder with Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That is unanimous. We now move into confidential session. Thank you everybody for Okay. So I'd like to move that the Council note the report by the Manager of Development Assessment to the General Committee meeting dated 18 August 2025 regarding Planning and Environment Court Appeal 3746 of 2023, agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. I have a seconder for that, Seconder Councillor Lorentson. Any discussion? Any discussion? All in favour? That is carried. Thank You Councillor. That is the end of this committee meeting. Meeting closed at 3:20 exactly. Thank you everybody. SPEAKER_00 02:49:25.252
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