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 Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Meeting Transcript
Brian Stockwell 00:00.260
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. Then move on to note that all are in attendance and that we have all turned our phones off and will be interacting with those in a polite and friendly manner. I do draw your attention Councillors in Standing Orders that the questions should be asked categorically and without argument. And without argument and so categorically means direct, unambiguous, exclusive and if we can keep our questions to that rather than statements about things we're debating that would be good. We move on and the next will be the confirmation of minutes and I believe there is a change to be made. But I'm just going to come in. Yes. So, councils, up on the screen, I believe it was the Mayor identified a little bit of a typographical error there. It just needs to have an amendment to procedural item 7.1 to show that Council to show that Councillor Lorentson supported her notion of dissent from the chairman's ruling and that I was against it rather than the other way around. Frank Wilkie 01:39.761
That's correct, Mr Chair. It looked like you were in favour of your own, of a motion of dissent against your ruling. Brian Stockwell 01:47.192
Would someone like to move the Minutes with that amendment? Frank Wilkie 01:50.207
I'll move it. Brian Stockwell 01:51.025
- Moved, Councillor Wilkie. Seconded, Councillor Lorentson. Any further discussion? I put the motion. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. We have no presentations. We have one item that was referred from Services & Organisation Committee and that's the Go Noosa report. So if we can have the relevant staff of Sean, the Director, Stephanie, the coordinator of transport and traffic. Shaun Walsh 02:17.084
Stephanie Belon. Dr Stephanie Belon, the coordinator at Transport and Traffic. I should be giving a summary of the report. Yes. And then leading the responses to questions. Thank you. Stephanie Belon 02:29.592
Thank you very much. So we have presented the Go Noosa report for 2024-2025.2025, the main idea the main of last year was to 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. Example, the school change behavioural program, we have community transport, we have the free buses, the Main Beach drop-off zone, and other initiatives that we have under this 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. One of the-- another highlight is that we ended the free weekend bus service after the State introduced the $0.50 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 of challenges that we have for next year is that the park and ride 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 and understand that we require better communication to residents so they understand what are the changes that are Christmas and Easter. For this next year, 25-26, what we're proposing is to continue the program within the budget, maintain and improve the 065 shuttle bus 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 we and ride to want to reinstate the Main Beach drop-off zone, which did not design and 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 05:16.997
Thank you. So, so, councillors Councillors, we have do questions? We have questions of staff? Jessica Phillips 05:22.296
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 Belon 05:30.631
You mean for the whole program or just for the Main Beach? Yeah, sorry, for the Main Beach. The Main Beach, so 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 might be looking at the same dates as before but we need to consider whether they will be able to implement around those dates. Jessica Phillips 05:53.948
Follow up question to that then, how will that be communicated to all the stakeholders and community about the dates? Stephanie Belon 05:59.289
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 the 26th so the 26th is our peakest day that's where we have 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. Amelia Lorentson 06:53.231
Stephanie, the report actually states 14th of December until 27th of January 2025. Yeah, can you let me know last year the Main Beach drop-off zone sign, did it start? As late as 14th of December my recollection it started a little bit earlier. Stephanie Belon 07:14.711
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 time because a lot of people is already taking the Christmas leave. 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 07:36.193
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 early on. Stephanie Belon 07:47.311
Thank you as very much. 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 try to go as late as possible but we didn't have time for us to do those adjustments and these need to be coordinated with civil and assets sorry it's with civil and operations thank you. Jessica Phillips 08:10.897
You just um now a questions a couple of questions around just metrics used for assessing the 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 Belon 08:38.811
Okay so there are a couple of things 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 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 require all know we all know collecting traffic data can be a 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 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 one which is one next to the Lions 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 started. A starting long you get longer queues at the hill so that's one thing you can measure although we haven't recorded that and it's something that could improve next year those measure 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 um I was there last year during the four weeks doing those observations so I usually went there around 8 30 which is the morning peak I went around 2 12 and then at three so there has been as you said observationals and we probably need to start recording those better and you know start um recording them and then having them for next year to assess and compare. Shaun Walsh 10:31.930
So come to 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 and that's why it's proposed in the report know to actually start to develop a set of key performance indicators that we can actually 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 were actually we're proposing to actually schedule a separate workshop to actually start to tease out what the key performance indicators we should make and I know Stephanie you're also reticent without having time to actually 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 we've got and allow that to be portrayed and in a consistent way. Stephanie Belon 11:20.619
Yeah that is correct it's quite intensive and you need a lot of resources to 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 has been recorded so that's very intensive so we just need to understand what need to prioritise what need to be 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 at least 24 we start collecting better data that is consistent and measurable that will help us a better understanding where are you know the areas of what we might need to improve or what initiatives might not be working the best way we want. Jessica Phillips 12:06.516
We want it 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 this to more efficient. Stephanie Belon 12:28.872
As well we could look at 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 like maybe three months which I 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 12:57.843
Yeah, and the fact that it's just with that, you know, 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 a dashboard for us to use and record performance. On 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 yeah so we look forward to using Stephanie's expertise to put that data in. A clear light. Stephanie Belon 13:28.503
Light yeah 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. Frank Wilkie 13:40.723
Thank you for 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 yeah, thank you for yeah is there a method that you apply to estimate the number of cars that is the equivalent. Stephanie Belon 14:17.916
Of yes correct so it's what it's being used is the occupancy rate so it's will know that 1.3 per car so if you want to convert the number of people in the bus you just have to divide it by 1.3 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 occupancy rate okay to do it later yeah thank you I'm happy to provide the number of vehicles an estimate of the numbers of vehicles that are not longer in Hastings due to the bus. Frank Wilkie 14:55.999
Yes so would you say that's that is obviously the buses passenger numbers are contributing to lesser numbers of vehicles on the road therefore having an impact on the intensity of traffic congestion. Stephanie Belon 15:10.454
That's correct you can withdraw that conclusion if you consider the occupancy rate. Brian Stockwell 15:16.200
Thank you. Karen Finzel 15:16.800
Yes 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? Stephanie Belon 15:37.453
Of pedestrians so there are a couple of things that can be measured there is like the stress level for example you know how stressful 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 have surveys, user surveys, like user service 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 16:18.776
Just a follow-up question then would that require specialised staff or can Council staff like collect that data? Stephanie Belon 16:29.546
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 that install cameras and then thing they count the vehicles the same 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 know where people move whether they're not 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. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 17:03.710
Council I think that's cabs. All. Council cabs are intended to support vulnerable residences over 60. Do we have data to confirm that these are the primary uses of these community transport systems? Stephanie Belon 17:23.534
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 flexi link and the Boreen Point is to contact the residents to have a better understanding of the circumstances and the situation. These will, of course, after we have conducted that interview and survey will probably need to come with some recommendations to maybe for example we might need to have certain requirements certain eligibility requirements for people to be able to access this service. Amelia Lorentson 17:53.245
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 Belon 18:22.793
So at this point in time I don't have enough data to say whether they are eligible but I have to say that this 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 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. Do need to understand that because these are 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 19:09.817
Councillor Wilson had a hand up before. Nicola Wilson 19:13.902
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 obviously the volume varies month to 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 Belon 19:37.495
Only one service. Only when it's booked? No, so the service only goes there when it's booked. Yeah. Yeah, so if there is a booking then the taxi will go there and collect the people. No, no, it's the FlexiLink, not the Kabi. Nicola Wilson 19:52.912
The FlexiLink. Which is the bus service which is up to three times per day. Shaun Walsh 19:57.359
It's that. 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 Belon 20:09.354
I can have a check but as far as I know it has to be booked or you know they need to have already someone there to be collected for the service to go. Nicola Wilson 20:18.045
Yeah so the question was do we only pay it's booked or do we pay for the maximum number of services. Shaun Walsh 20:25.380
We have to take that question. Thank you. Tom Wegener 20:31.835
Can I make a comment to answer Amelia's last question 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. A long-term resident of Pomona, or of Boreen Point, mentioned that it's very successful. There's some elderly people in the community on that. Brian Stockwell 21:03.627
Okay. Have we exhausted the questions? Is there someone who wants to. I haven't moved 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 seconder, so. Amelia Lorentson 21:19.004
Oh I do. I just want to talk about a 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 to the CEO or to the Director. Stephanie Belon 21:42.810
I'm happy to defer to Shaun. Thank you. Shaun Walsh 21:45.172
I understand that is consistent way levies are applied everywhere else in the Shire and I have the other directors nodding their heads. So because, you know, we require staff to actually be able to coordinate the Go Noosa Program, enter into contracts, you know, do 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 it's a consistent approach. Amelia Lorentson 22:10.916
Thank you. Brian Stockwell 22:17.361
Okay, so I had a mover of Councillor Wilkie. Do we have a seconder? Councillor Wegener, the floor is yours Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 22:25.348
Thank you. 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 residents and 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 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 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 go many Noosa 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's unique character by not sacrificing green space for major traffic related infrastructure. 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 065 the one-way loop bus, Easter and 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 for 1 the,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 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. 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 control trollers with more improved clearer signage plans. Planned. For no net loss of parking, traffic flow was freed up in Noosa Drive near Hastings Street by a 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 in key areas such as modal shift, measuring trends and 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, 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 adapt to and catered for Noosa's specific challenges and I commend the team for Councillors supporting it in the way it has evolved over the years. Thank you. Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 26:21.041
Could I please have an amendment prepared earlier on Friday that circulated? F please. So if you can read that F. Yeah, of course. Yep. So F, um, question mark? That's all right. We'll get rid of the question mark. F, that Council supports. 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. How about your second? By Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Phillips. Okay, I'm going to keep it pretty quick. It's the questions that I was asking the Director and staff will probably allude to where I want to go with this a is a of lot of the time I feel it would be really helpful in decision-making if there was, you know, year-on data that gave us an indication rather than some anecdotal evidence and so the reason why I've worked with Director Shaun 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 outcome 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 doesn't us that really transparent process so I think this is really clear 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 in the future thank you. Brian Stockwell 28:54.713
Others wish to speak to the motion? Karen Finzel 28:57.056
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 at you know reporting with actual evidence-based data I really love where you're going with this but I still think it's like 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. Stephanie Belon 29:35.810
Data so we cannot 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. What we have done is we have done a survey which is done at the bus stop at the Noosa Heads bus stop and I had to go back and check but I think we usually ask the postcode for that so that could give 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 30:07.514
With the Chair just to support that as reference to the port I think that's a really good KPI that we should be working towards to actually measure that and I think that's we could take on notice as part of the section of the report that recommends we just we actually work towards better data collection. Frank Wilkie 30:24.078
Thank you happy to talk to it I'm happy to support it it's encapsulates very well what's spelled out in the report that is not included in the motion and that is the creation of key performance indicators to guide further 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. This brings an intention that's included in the body of the report up into the motion, makes it clear. Karen Finzel 31:13.752
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 Phillips is to these get these clear KPIs. I still feel that like what are we aiming for there? Frank Wilkie 31:36.350
Well a question to staff. There'll be some work done. We've already. Sorry. The press question start. Brian Stockwell 31:42.157
To staff. Was your question. Councillor Wilkie? Because he's answering a question with a question. If it wasn't then we need to get it answered before your question. Karen Finzel 31:49.492
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 31:58.919
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. Public safety, tracking people's experience in high traffic, high activity areas, community and visitor experience, evaluating people's satisfaction and overall transport experience among residents, inclusion and access, monitoring equitable access to transport 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 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 move an 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 33:26.196
Thank you. Just a question through the Chair, then to the staff. Do the staff feel that is adequate to actually clearly communicate what we're aiming for? Shaun Walsh 33:37.436
Yeah, I think that wording to ensure the program delivers quantifiable benefits for residents, visitors and local businesses. 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 indeed a series of with countries to discuss that further. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 34:00.632
I'll speak to it. Thank you, Jess, for bringing the amendment. As Mayor 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 the Go Noosa Program 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 34:40.037
I'll support the motion too. I think it's great um it's that 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 Lions Park where it's, you know, car park generators approximately 40% increase in interception volumes. It's key data like 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 bit. 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? That could be where the revenue comes to pay for it. Others? Back to you, Councillor Phillips. Quickly then. Jessica Phillips 35:41.155
Thank you. Thanks for everyone's input. The Go Noosa Program has made an important stride in easing congestion and promoting sustainable transport, but 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 adjust then we can going to 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 local businesses see real value in the investments that we make and for me it's just making sure our decisions are grounded in evidence so thank you for supporting the amendment. Brian Stockwell 36:36.680
That all those in favour? That's unanimous it becomes part of the motion. Councillor Wilson? Nicola Wilson 36:43.652
Can I put forward a couple of amendments please? Brian Stockwell 36:46.137
You can put one forward at the bottom that would be good. Nicola Wilson 36:48.437
I will. Any particular amendments? E2 first please. Item E2 be amended or guess replaced to read: E2 authorise the CEO to negotiate 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 share. That's a full stop on the end of that. Two seconds. I do we have a seconder? I so. I think Councillor Phillips was first. Brian Stockwell 37:45.907
Councillor Wilson? Nicola Wilson 37:46.790
Thank you. The current wording is a little bit vague. It talks about of work, improving 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 receive. 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 of Council imposes direct costs of $25,000 and indirect costs of just 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 with the lines, that's something for the CEO to determine in the appropriate forum, and not really the point of the discussion today, but 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 and it shouldn't be funded from the levy. Brian Stockwell 39:05.619
Okay, does anyone else wish to talk to the amendment? Amelia Lorentson 39:09.843
Just a couple of questions. This has been operating for some time. Has Council ever lost any money? Larry Sengstock 39:31.641
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, four more times before, on. 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. This last year we didn't, necessarily. If you look at the numbers, 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 recover the ground. Again, some years the cost to recover the ground is minimal, other years it's been a red year. The ground gets a figure of wear and tear so therefore it costs even more to do it. So it's hard to put a number on it. It's been difficult for years to do that. Amelia Lorentson 40:29.658
So at Christmas $32 received,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 revenue to go towards Go Noosa initiatives and park remediation. Isn't that what was agreed to? Larry Sengstock 41:07.809
That's the notion, that's the philosophy of it. Some years when there's a lot of wet years. This last year we reduced the wet years to ten 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. The we bottom need line you. We need to attain. From the usage of the agreement. So we put that into place. It just changes it a little bit just to ensure we get that money. And again, it's just trying to work out exactly how much money we need for that park. Amelia Lorentson 42:01.445
And could it be as simple as Council requesting that the car parking fee be increased to $30 to help offset our operating costs? Larry Sengstock 42:11.051
I've had that conversation with the with Noosa lions in previous years. In previous years, yes. To increase it, they've been very reticent to increase it. One is that they're not sure. People might not use it as much, but I question that. The second one is that they're the ones who are the front line, so people are going in there and saying, "How come you increased it? Was just money grabbing." So they're the ones that didn't want to actually experience that. Third one is they've only recently started to get more airpods, 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, 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 43:04.397
Can I just ask for a point of clarification? You may. From the staff, please. It's not a 50/50 split, it's a 60/40 split. And then with the additional rainy day allowance in this last year. At the end of the year, it's 70. Amelia Lorentson 43:19.760
/30, Which is quite me, you're right here. 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, CEO, I don't recall any time that Council have made not 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 43:55.313
So can you clarify so can that I just then? That we haven't made it just that some of the years us costs cost 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 we've used throughout. Through our operations people in terms of thank that. You. So it doesn't show in our budgets as such. Brian Stockwell 44:25.098
Thank you. Okay, others wish to talk? Councillor Wilson, you wish to close? Nicola Wilson 44:34.465
Um, 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 civil ops. So when in the last financial year, that 37, 38,000 probably did get used 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 lines get a share, but that it's a fair representation of the cost as well. Brian Stockwell 45:15.002
Okay, I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. We do ought to do the same, right? Now, if you'd like to move it. Nicola Wilson 45:48.381
The amendment is that item E4 be completely deleted. Do we have a seconder? Oh, Councillor Wegener, you put your hand up. I'm sorry. Councillor Wilson. In there. So, the. I'm going to start by saying this is nothing about any concerns about the lions 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 is a review of the Go Noosa Program in the last financial year. Plans for the current financial year in terms of the activities being undertaken and their 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 so we need to be going into that kind of level of detail because it's operational, but in terms of the overall program and the levy, the recommendation has already been made to continue with paid parking at Lions Park for the Christmas period. So this item is of course, is pre-empting a position beyond this financial year that doesn't yet exist. Community engagement is just beginning with the DMP on parking at Lions Park and this community engagement will inform our future decisions and actions. So it's probably just a little bit premature. To 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 by the transport network. Frank Wilkie 47:25.063
He's wish to speak look I agree it's um it does pre-empt the outcome of a consultation process which is 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. I just think it's correct um process pre-empt the outcome of the consultation that's already underway. Amelia Lorentson 48:02.225
Happy to support the deletion I do want to note that we have a resolved of Council and I'm going back to 2023 where Council have stated position of Council and I'm going back to 2023 where Council have stated that they will work with the Lions Club to help offset any losses from car parking to their organisation so that is a this commitment that's already been made by this agree it doesn't belong in this Council but report. Brian Stockwell 48:26.147
I was supported as well, I sort of had a recollection that you had done something like that, probably an innovation that I didn't support at the time, but the key to me here is we trying to do, what we're the key to me here is we should be separating languages 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 I do think it is time to start separating the. Amelia Lorentson 48:57.438
Two can I ask a question, and this is a question that was asked, emailed to me. Residents have asked why a decision regarding lines park car parking was made when we had 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? President's residents listening can understand why. Stephanie Belon 49:30.640
Yes, so what do we have done? A targeted community consultation for the Lions Park and we have engaged different stakeholders and we have gotten the response and that has that is what has shaped the recommendations in the report. Brian Stockwell 49:46.496
Thank you okay, does anyone else wish to talk to the amendment? Councillor Wilson, do you wish to close? I'll put the amendment. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Councillor Lorentson? Amelia Lorentson 50:01.371
I have a couple of amendments. I'll start with that Council review. 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 20 this we can listen in my group-27 budget process including consideration of expanding the levy to support Noosa's river network, boating facilities and associated land-based infrastructure. Brian Stockwell 50:58.580
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-to is a program, transport levy is a separate option. Of- I suppose lot. Lack of the CEO for his advice in terms of Standing Orders. Do you think this is an amendment of a motion about a go-to program or a separate item to do with the Sustainable Transport Levy? Larry Sengstock 51:25.858
In my opinion this is more related to the Sustainable Transport Levy. 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 of the report this is and the and future recommendations. Currently apply. Amelia Lorentson 51:52.638
Do I have an opportunity to just state why I think it's relevant? So given that the Go Noosa initiatives and the much. And 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 on our road work 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. Brian Stockwell 52:43.910
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 a operational program. Therefore I won't accept your amendment. Larry Sengstock 53:04.663
Do you to speak? Yeah. 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. I'm to going bring to you to here now, don't believe this 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 future levies future program for the '26 / '27 budget. So we'll be looking at the '25 / '26 budget, so '26 / '27 is something that could be brought forward then. Jessica Phillips 53:47.786
Quick question. So I understand that process. So if 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 54:27.695
So we've already done the 25/26 budget. So for me this is something that can be brought to the table over the next 10 to 11 months. Now six months prior to us developing the next budget. So we can have a separate discussion, a separate report, brought to the table or workshop around the policy and develop and understand what the policy needs to be expanded or contracted. In the role, but that currently this is now going to try it now this is going to, 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. Councillor Wilson? Nicola Wilson 55:19.376
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? Okay. Exactly. So. That'll do. Shaun Walsh 55:37.931
Get through the Chair. Chair, yeah, the current channel of Transport Strategy includes in 2027. So we forecast that next coming year, we would need to start working on the review of the channel of Transport Strategy. And that would be a good time to review the application of the levy. Frank Wilkie 55:54.716
Okay. And the question to the CEO, isn't it the case that a review of all levies is part of the budget process? Larry Sengstock 56:01.956
But I'll get Councillor Phillips. It's quite late, so we're sort of already well into the budget process, but I really want to change the policy. Bring it forward, we can have that discussion around the table over the next six months, that's all I want to know. Amelia Lorentson 56:17.415
Please or I can move a notified motion requesting a review of the scope, that's another option you don't mind, we can just ask for a report. Thank you very much. Brian Stockwell 56:27.564
No one's, I don't think I would even get to be what's in the content, it's just that would really involve what amendment should be under these Standing Orders. Thank you. Okay, do we have any other amendments? Amelia Lorentson 56:39.850
I do, I have another amendment. That Council 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 57:14.829
Do we have a seconder? I'm happy to second. Amelia Lorentson 57:19.373
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 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 and recognise the contribution of all ratepayers 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. $30 transport levy is paid by all ratepayers. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 58:20.707
Anyone else wish to speak? Jessica Phillips 58:23.723
I'll speak to support. Oh, Tom, you go. Tom Wegener 58:26.080
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's that something that, and Gretchen as well, to look at. So I'll support the. Frank Wilkie 58:42.074
Question, staff. 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 expansion of the program would have? Shaun Walsh 58:57.672
We have no capacity to deliver this particular motion. The brief for the budget was to 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. And funding. So this would require additional budget allocation. I'm unable to scope 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 2017 Transport Strategy or align discussions about additional revenue sources. So if Council does, you know, pass this motion, my response technically would be we're unable to Resolve it. Amelia Lorentson 59:42.169
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. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 59:59.400
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 I was thinking 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 it safer for pedestrians in Cooroy and Peregian? Do we look at saying things around Peregian whereby. 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 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 a loosey-nosey. Frank Wilkie 01:01:03.443
I'm looking at this more as a longer term thing, not as a loosey-nosey. Question to staff. Is there work planned or underway in regard to parking management that addresses issues like traffic flow, pedestrian safety. In other areas of the Shire? Shaun Walsh 01:01:18.357
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 bridging, beach and quarry, would be subject to future funding allocation from Council. Jessica Phillips 01:01:33.591
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 a future similar to that for Stockwell that we would be seeing something for the next round of budget if that's how it sort of because rolls. 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 that would be great because 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 the holiday program and being out in the hinterland so I would love to see them included in Peregian Beach into how we manage the holiday congestion with the program so yeah for me it's really important forward focus for that. Frank Wilkie 01:02:30.647
Question of stuff it's these what does investigate something like this actually involved in terms of staff time given there's a small team focus on the guidance of program. Shaun Walsh 01:02:41.462
Yeah firstly thank you for chairing 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 brief you know so it's actually very we'd actually have to have a series of workshops with Councillors to try and figure out what it is that you require I'd feel more comfortable if that resolution said investigate as part of the 2620 2627 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 part budget and then as of as Councillors you your can debate budget process and whether you're willing to fund it. Amelia Lorentson 01:03:30.265
I'm happy with that inclusion, thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:03:32.087
All Councillors supportive of the addition? Yeah. Okay, does anyone else wish to speak? Frank Wilkie 01:03:38.034
I'll support it with that wording change because it was 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. What? Brian Stockwell 01:03:55.768
Um yeah. Just it was about just the you're talking to a motion I don't get quite captured what we all agreed to the 2026 budget program budget process please 2026 27 budget process. Jessica Phillips 01:04:18.739
Investigate the Go Noosa Holiday Program so investigate will also go that time this is part of the government's program. Amelia Lorentson 01:04:24.697
That's part of the 2026 27 process the Go Noosa holiday 2026 27 budget process investigate Thank you. For your time. Frank Wilkie 01:04:40.645
Let's wait for the correct wording. Brian Stockwell 01:04:42.501
We would get the box so were to get the voice earlier that the result is a little bit slow today Council so we'll just be patient. Unidentified Speaker 01:04:55.585
Must have been that earthquake. Investigate, take out the news the whole day and go and miss the whole day for everyone. So take this out. Nicola Wilson 01:05:19.095
The Go Noosa Holiday Program? Unidentified Speaker 01:05:20.363
Yes just. Brian Stockwell 01:05:24.256
To investigate. Jessica Phillips 01:05:26.090
The inclusion of other high demand so the Go Noosa Holiday Program doesn't need to be in it. Amelia Lorentson 01:05:30.507
Just investigate the inclusion a exciting process investigates the inclusion of other high demand areas part of the Go Noosa Program. Larry Sengstock 01:05:43.855
Yes, it's already in the--- We've reviewed-- it's a ripple if you go there so you don't need to do it yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:05:52.526
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 already the delivery of an already ambitious Go Noosa Program to be delivered by a very small, hardworking 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. Brian Stockwell 01:06:31.692
Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:06:33.610
Also, yeah 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 capability 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 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 are trying to seek. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:07:42.433
Well, close, you. Thank you. The inclusion of as part of the 2026-27 budget process was implied. That was always the intention. So thanks Councillor Wilkie for kicking 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 transport levies charged at $30 per rateable property across the Shire and it's simply an equity issue for me and acknowledging that this is also an opportunity for us to collect valuable data and test solutions that may improve access and reduce reliance on private vehicles. Just in the houston street precinct but across all our villages which experience peak holiday traffic and congestion. So apologies that I 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 01:08:59.062
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 Wilkie has talked to that. Amelia Lorentson 01:09:29.100
I'll speak to. Brian Stockwell 01:09:30.682
It. Firstly. Amelia Lorentson 01:09:33.064
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 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 uses and understand that you know our riverway is an important transport corridor and also consideration of other busy precincts like Cooroy, Cooroy. Like our parijin beach but again thank you for all the hard work that you and your small team do it is really well appreciated thank you busy precincts. Unidentified Speaker 01:10:36.922
Like Cooroy like our parijin beach but again. Jessica Phillips 01:10:39.943
I'll just quickly say um thanks for the one thing I'll pick out because there's a lot in the report but just specific stand out for me is looking forward to what the school program investigation will come you know often I'll hear all the 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 to school 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 but 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 that they're our next generation let's hope they can get on a bus and feel encourage safe to do so and their parents and their parents to feel safe to encourage because I think that isn't currently happening and very quickly on the Hastings Street you know drop-off zones and it was met probably early days with and I there's still some uncertainty or 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. 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 you know 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 criticised 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 Wegener. Brian Stockwell 01:13:13.332
Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:13:14.323
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 up in that stage two is oh well that's a problem but we can't do 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 not going to happen in Noosa. Brian Stockwell 01:13:43.873
Talk to the motion you know one of the key things and its reference to the schools program is that 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 there's obviously if that's being created by day trippers then day trippers should be paying for the programs to get them out of the car or onto the bus and we can then start put really significant resources around those school issues because it's one's catching the 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 of the key debates that we're we've indicated it'll be resolved through the DMP at least at the strategic level is about the Lions Park and as I mentioned before we've now got data that shows that offering car 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 our 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 to say well how important is it to address congestion versus to use that particular site to raise money for some form of social assistance. And I think that to me, based on the land use, based on 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. 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 us a little bit more information for another factor to consider in that deliberation and I know that it's proposed for December and I've never put my hand up previously for extending that. I have such a strong objection to it, but because we have previously resolved that we're waiting for the day we take it on, we'll support the motion with that objection noted. Anyone else? I ain't talking was that your own timer? You just go over five minutes, Mr Chair. No, but it was the timing there, the mover. I forgot to turn it off. Okay. Okay so it so goes back else with the talk to you, Councillor Wilkie, to close. Frank Wilkie 01:17:03.650
In closing, I'd just like to again say it's a good program, predicated on, as Councillor Phillips says, the courage to have a go and put in place smart. Iterative changes that make a difference and review and 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. The program being a success this year and learning more from it. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:17:36.366
Okay, I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you, Stephanie. Thank you, Sean. We now move on to report to the General Committee and we ask for our Director, mark, to come up and give us an overview of the Financial Performance Report. And we'll let you introduce your. Yes, I will. Acting managers. Margaret Gatt 01:18:01.841
Thank you. Good afternoon, Councillors. Apologies, I haven't had an opportunity this with you previously, but we have Dave Lewis here, who was the Acting Manager of Finance for a period of time. Dave comes to us as the ex-CFO from Hinckley regional Council, 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 notice a it's a little bit different to what you're 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. Viewpoint that you've normally had. 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. Dave Lewis 01:19:03.528
Through you, Mr Chair, thank you. Good afternoon Councillors. I'll present the, firstly I'd like to present the July financial report to Council and noting as Margaret 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 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 intervals and 12-monthly intervals, when you start to see some of the impacts of some of the variances that are coming through. So we're hoping over to a 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 a means of information to the community so it's more readable from their perspective and more traffic light sort of information so you know where there's issues, red light, green light, where it's okay. But I will continue along the vein of previous financial reports for this meeting. I'm happy to take the report as read but would note that at the end of July as anticipated there's no issues of financial concern. In relation to the major variances in the report, rates and utility charges are under budget by $135,000, with this variance approval to lower than anticipated general rates of $109,000 and higher than expected discounts of $116,000 with those partially offset by increased waste charges. And general rebates with those variances totalling about 106. Again, those issues at this point in time aren't of any concern because they're mainly to how profile the budget. And when I say how profile, the cash flows work through the organisation. So we're still doing a fair bit of work in that space. Fees and Charges are over budget by $116,000 with this variance, mainly due to high lodgement fees of 71,000, high revenues from backflow assessments and registrations of around 100, and higher than expected licensing and permit fees of 38,000. Again, those increases partially offset by lower than anticipated Material Change of Use fees of 78, and 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 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 call up 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 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, waste disposal general fees of 59 and venue hire fees of $16,000. Of 16. 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 receipt of a 264,000 grant for stream one of the housing support program. The other operating revenue variances are immaterial at this point in time. In relation to 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, 63 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 we're under budget in expenditure, so all good news at this point in time. Capital, our cash contributions in infrastructure charges are under budget by 273,000 and that's really not a point of to 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 she's a concern. Our capital grants and subsidies are over budget by 2.4, but that's mainly due to the receipt of the QRA payments and its unbudgeted line items at this point in time, with those revenue streams to be picked up in review one. The budget. At the end of majority of the 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 have expenditure will occur and the majority of the works that have been spent to date are on carryovers from the 2025 program and they'll again be adjusted in the budget I'll just review 1. Two. Budget review one. Okay. But so no. if 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 but as I said they're largely irrelevant at this point in time, okay? Brian Stockwell 01:25:59.069
And we refrain from doing the capital works in this report and we have our capital works report. Excellent. Frank Wilkie 01:26:05.849
Questions? Just a clarification, thanks for the report Dave. You mentioned the MCU fees were $22,000 for July, Yeah, $22,000 in day expenditure against a total budget for the year of $1.2 million. Brian Stockwell 01:26:21.866
And did you mention that as an area of concern? Dave Lewis 01:26:25.486
Not as much as concern, just as a watch point at this juncture. Watch point. Frank Wilkie 01:26:29.686
Yep. So the underexpenditure, why is that a watch point? Well, basically whether we were going to achieve that $1.2 million. In expenditure? Yeah, and revenue. Oh, revenue. Yeah. Okay, so isn't it dependent on the number of applications and that's what then that's what it's faster is largely beyond our.org control community budget review if applications continue to be below expectations? Dave Lewis 01:26:58.492
Yes, that's correct, but at this point we're not sure what that development approval 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 01:27:10.072
Yes. So just a quick, subsequent question and we'll be able to direct that. Have we still got the adjustments to do with the application funds received? But I forget what the term is, they're underutilised, so there was obviously a large NCEU last year that you're just starting to spend money on, is that the bill? Through the Chair, we do. Richard MacGillivray 01:27:28.749
Have what we call our new revenues that carries across from other previous financial years where the revenue collected before the end of 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 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 funded of revenue that gets carried across each financial year at the moment. Tom Wegener 01:28:07.767
Thank you, William. Perhaps because of the industrial action. Because it wasn't as much work going on? Dave Lewis 01:28:17.586
I I'd don't think have to take that question on notice. But I wouldn't believe so. Brian Stockwell 01:28:25.613
It's likely to relate to the amount of income from the laws. Unidentified Speaker 01:28:35.060
It may be a question. Amelia Lorentson 01:28:41.066
Maybe a question to the CEO. In terms of the Tourism Noosa funding agreement, where can where are we up to and when can we expect to see the executed agreement and KPIs? In the next round of meetings. September. Fantastic, thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:29:13.105
Professor Phillips. Question. First I'll make a statement. I'm looking forward to more readable. Like, traffic lights and things for the person. If you can make me understand it, then I think. I'll get 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 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 01:29:54.190
Through Mr Chair, what other councils would do be to do a reassessment of their year end position at 30th of June and effectively identify those projects that are going to be carried forward and build them into their original budget. So you would have a very, very minor adjustments in budget review, one, because of your anticipated position at the 30th of June. Margaret Gatt 01:30:21.252
I like that. I'll get to a question. Jessica Phillips 01:30:25.091
Yes, I know, I jumped ahead. Unidentified Speaker 01:30:29.311
It's because I didn't have questions about the report. Good point. Karen Finzel 01:30:32.384
Good- Yeah. I yes. 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, 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 01:31:00.022
That's it. So I asked you, do you have a question? Do you have questions a one in the future? 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 it's always that's the position. Going forward, we are carrying some vacancies. From across the expansion here as well, so they're going to show up in this. I'm not overly concerned by this kind of this. Is something that, you know, even because cables and. Everything else. We do use, we fill agencies with contractors and/or casuals where possible to make sure that the work load isn't transferred onto those who are carrying it. We also. We have got a comprehensive program in terms of succession. We did a succession survey last year and there's been a whole lot of workshops going forward to try and identify those areas that are probably of concern. We've got a lot of organisations, so that's a long-term program. Is what we're looking at today. We've got the campus mobilisation program, the SINC centre, the SINC community learning program, the SIS, the to be more important is to be able to be as popular as we want to be. They may be or might not be being handled. Hope so for the hope so, from a risk perspective, I'm like, this is sort of where all the business might be right now, it's certainly something that we're addressing, trying to make sure that we do, have those vacancies to the degree they have been, but I think it's part parcel lot of the lot problem of. That we're living in. I a world where we're not living, but I believe we're living believe it's because of culture, I don't believe it's because of, you know, we get a group of people who train hard, and naturally we have to, you know, we get quite a bit of that happening. We also have areas to deal with disorganisation. Project management, in finance, in planning. We've been speaking about that for a little while now. It's hard to put that through. It's very, very difficult to get stuff and retain stuff. Because I never know what came. Doing what came to make sure that I am perfectly but ultimately people still do. You just don't do, you don't move. I said, you know, the laws we get. And I think that I'm sure I'm proper. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:33:43.471
How critical is it having instability or vacancies in key positions, say for example in finance? How, what risk does that pose to an organisation long term? Larry Sengstock 01:33:58.449
All those things too, and we'll be all we try to do is make sure we fill those roles as best we can, as quickly as we can, and sometimes as I say it's very difficult. In many instances where we've gone out to the market, got somebody to put them in, and basically agreed with them, and then, you know, covered their existence, brought them up to one of the services, put them in one of the. It's just difficult to put them up against that. We really don't know what we can do, what flexibility we've got, so we just have to keep going with the market. And we'll also doing things like we're doing today, getting people afraid to test their economy and support us wherever we can. So there's no easy route through it. All we need to do is identify where the risks are and then try to mitigate those risks as best as possible. Brian Stockwell 01:34:53.878
So I'd like to move the recommendation. Move- I Councillor- Moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconder? Councillor Wilson. You may speak, Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 01:35:04.547
Yeah. 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. It's early, days yet for the 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 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 they're best reported on. Brian Stockwell 01:35:49.085
And what I'm a little speechless we need to do. We also wish to speak. Okay. Thank you, staff. I was thank you very much. Just going to say, get off easy from your first report to Council, I thought. It's a pretty dry subject. Very early days. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's as unanimous. Thank you. We then move on to budget review 1 for the 25/26 financial year review. Dave Lewis 01:36:18.051
Through you 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 the schedules were adopted I was doing some work on our long term financial model. I found that there was a discrepancy between our borrowings and other payables which did impact some of our ratios in the report. 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 from 1.37 to 1.27. So again very changes. Brian Stockwell 01:37:01.279
I'll just let Councillors know there is a draft change to the recommendation to note those changes will be appended to the Minutes. Thank you. Dave Lewis 01:37:12.593
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 the Local Government Act 2009, the Local Government Regulation 2012, 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 30th of June, and they result in an increase 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 process 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 to $65 nine sixty five million dollars so again the changes noted in this budget review have no significant impact on Council's ongoing financial sustainability I. I guess the only point in this review the total capital program as I said increases from $50.9 to $94.3 million dollars 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 projects of $1.6 million, fleet replacement program of $1.5 million and our coastal canal and waterways program is 1.2. I guess from my perspective it should be noted that the proposed capital program exceeds recent expenditure thresholds, but I note that Council is now resourcing additional resources to achieve substantial completion of the program by 30 June. Coastal, canal and 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 new aquatic centre filtration system of around a million dollars, and also the Noosa Gympie Terrace change in place facility, again of around $0.6 million. The schedule is no note additional loan 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 the 30th of June. This report anticipates a cash balance increase from $85 million to $90.8 million at the 30th of June and this figure will be subject to further changes as Council's financial statements are finalised. The cash balance at this juncture is based on the completion of the 2025 budget. Jessica Phillips 01:41:05.721
We just go back to my question that I asked the wrong time? Yep. It'll be the same question, but I just need to unpack it a little bit to understand it. So, do you need me to ask I didn't ask it very well. Dave Lewis 01:41:20.381
So, all 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 projections. 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 25th financial year so it will reduce from 40 so to 20 million dollars and that 20 million would then slide into the budget for 26. So to me that represents a better practice about how you should manage that transition. But other councils, like Lois, there's nothing wrong with what Noosa's done. Other councils do exactly the same thing. They let the programs, two programs run and they then just adjust their budget for the 26th financial year for 25 carryovers. And why Council has is the budget at any juncture should reflect the Council's anticipated year end position of 30th of June. So that's why Council has carried these dollars over because it anticipates that it's going to complete 94 million dollars worth of works in the 26th financial year. Amelia Lorentson 01:42:42.401
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 of 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 01:43:13.559
You 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 sources that we can't talk about at this juncture due to our commitments with other levels of government around funding announcements. But typically the loans would be at over 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 notice and provide it to Councillors. There is no actual loan time at the moment. It's the region to loan. Yes. Tom Wegener 01:44:03.036
We wouldn't Councillor. Dave Lewis 01:44:04.638
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. The end of June and see, in our view, we don't need those loans, we have sufficient cash to ensure our liquidity, we would not draw the loans. Unless Council having marked a specific outcome for its cash balances at that juncture. Frank Wilkie 01:44:28.160
And just to clarify, you said there were funding announcements regarding cash from other levels of government which are embargoed, announcements about that are embargoed at the moment. Dave Lewis 01:44:38.421
Yes, that's right. So it's an alternative treatment until we get to the other side of those announcements. Okay, answer Phillips. Jessica Phillips 01:44:49.124
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 as 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. Brian Stockwell 01:45:09.170
How does that get reported back to Council? Margaret Gatt 01:45:12.174
Council through Chair? The when there's the quarterly capital works update report to Council. Jessica Phillips 01:45:21.044
Okay and is that the same for the next bit then? Is that where I'll see it? All operating and capital submissions for additional spend reallocation and additional gravity. Does that come through that report as well? Margaret Gatt 01:45:33.977
Just trying to- Reprofiling and rescheduling of multi-year projects is considered in the capital works update report. Dave Lewis 01:45:45.220
I think if you know. Jessica Phillips 01:45:49.117
Back to us through that. Okay, thank you. I'm just trying to follow it down. Dave Lewis 01:45:52.115
I think in attachment, the last attachment to the report, there's a number of rescheduling projects listed. Yeah. Amelia Lorentson 01:46:02.110
Councillor O 'Unitywater 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 you give me an explanation? Any explanation. No. Those through three, Mr Chair, those figures don't sound right to me. I picked it up somewhere and I was just trying to find it, I thought which I thought was always $4.1 that is close to $4 million, yeah. Larry Sengstock 01:46:39.578
But it's also, because we're a 4.25% shareholder, it comes through as a shareholder. Shield for because the it's happening. Company, the united states. Amelia Lorentson 01:46:49.940
So that might absorb the equity. Okay. And that might be what I read. Okay. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:47:06.504
The Chair of the Council of kindles has a question. Karen Finzel 01:47:09.079
Yes, I'm thank not sure if it's the right spot to raise it, but just coming back to the ratios. So I've just opened up the financial sustainability policy. I've just opened up the financial sustainability policy, which was endorsed by Council 30th of June 2025. When I first came into Council, those ratios were the thing. People said focus on these, buy 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 01:47:40.053
No, Councillor, I won't read the question because it relates to the previous report. Karen Finzel 01:47:44.212
Oh, sorry. So can I close that? Brian Stockwell 01:47:51.614
Ask staff later because we've already dealt with that item. You might the staff didn't notice this was. Karen Finzel 01:47:58.730
Due was to due a ratio. Again, a ratio. In the last item. I'm happy to raise that with the CEO because I am a little bit nervous around that. Brian Stockwell 01:48:13.226
That. So yes, thank you. And it may be relevant to the operational plan review as well. Okay, Councillor Lorentson, did you? Amelia Lorentson 01:48:21.541
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 relocate 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 being given to alternatives to the existing pipeline in light of community concerns? Larry Sengstock 01:48:59.342
And has consideration been given to alternatives to the existing pipeline in light of community the pipeline, we have an allocation each year to make sure it works so that we do get an event, like a cyclone event or another cyclone event and the beach is, or the hosting stream comes at risk and we've got the ability to do all the other works. The pipes, as you know, run from the pump itself. River mouth and the pipes run essentially along the surface to the last degree, between there and the First Point. Those pipes have to be and maintained. To the public station, but also to the pipeworks themselves. In terms of potentially moving them, discuss this with our Council, is that like he said, we are currently doing the works of the rock wall or the wall for the whole of the Main Beach, and in doing that there may be, and I'm saying there may be, there's part of the consideration is due to expulsion the sand, the expulsion of the of sand same being at day but put a that's still there tonight. That could be popped out when there's opportunities to have other elements along the beach. But that's still to be worked through. That's very much in the early planning stage. But that's, you know, consideration. It's something we're going to mention to the various forums. And it's something that we're looking at. But there's no decision by any church in that direction yet as to what that will look like. What we do know is that there of the air zone. A strong movement in terms of setting up this point and what that means is that we. But, you know, from a Council point of view, our. The reason we have that same idea is to protect the assets along. Amelia Lorentson 01:50:58.862
And our natural assets, is it also there to protect our waves? And quality. Yeah. And quality of our waves, given that we're in a surfing reserve? Yeah. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 01:51:11.581
Again, I'll just answer that. We have not used that for five or six years now. So, it's. If we have a same idea, it's nothing to do with our funding. It's a natural. It's a natural, of the same code. Amelia Lorentson 01:51:24.963
Thank you very much. Shaun Walsh 01:51:29.621
If I can add something specific, say 200,000 new units forecasted this 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 01:51:56.718
Thank you very much. Again, as a surfer, I just really want to press natural assets. Protection of natural assets our ways. Thank you very much. Thank you. I've got a couple of questions. Unspent levies, in particular-based just crime action, Australian drug foundation, our youth grants essentially. We've still got 22, almost about 44,000 unspent grants. What happens with that unspent grant? Margaret Gatt 01:52:39.471
Through the Chair, as we discussed in the BL1 work 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 PCG capital works process. Larry Sengstock 01:53:00.291
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 01:53:13.444
And my last question, residential subdivision of lake.9 million. Can I get some details around that? Larry Sengstock 01:53:29.159
There's a few things to mention on that today, to get to you this point so that you can't see without having a full view but I think that's the extent that we've encountered today, we'll have, um. Brian Stockwell 01:53:45.165
Um, so Councillor, you'll need to be specific about what 1.9 million is. Dave Lewis 01:53:49.810
Through you, Mr Chair, I think the 1.9 is the dollars for that project in the original budget, and then there's a further carryover. Margaret Gatt 01:53:57.942
That brings it up to about $5.2 million, um. Dave Lewis 01:54:02.199
And the 1.9 is the initial, I believe it's the initial estimate of the subdivision works, and the additional five is to complete the project. Additional or the type of thoughts. Amelia Lorentson 01:54:15.871
An additional $3,251,000, a total of $5,151,573 to complete the subdivision work. Thank you. Okay. Brian Stockwell 01:54:30.610
Okay, 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 Phillips, because I remember when I first came here from 17 years in state government. This is part of the process that we're we doing, I don't know if government really makes sense to me. And it's really quite useful to have the budget reduced to make sure you're accurate. And on the weekend I was talking to an old colleague, I was in stockholm for 70 years, and he just had a little story about the end of financial year which I said, the "State government budget hasn't changed." Where he was getting money not only from his own program but hundreds of other programs to go and do all his work over the State that he does, you know, 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. So that's when you know the sort budgeting of is just looking at trying to get things done by the 30s of June and then starting fresh, where this concept we do in budget review 1 is what is realistic to change over, you know, and whether it's better to do it immediately after a budget or just, you know, cut off the budget. Too long so you're fairly confident that you're closing, but the important thing to understand is it's a measure to ensure that projects are 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 slowly spending heavy money another things is to try and take up all the money which is a historic practice in the government. Nicola Wilson 01:56:05.858
Other people should talk, there's no other story for I suppose I'll do that. Yeah, the financial year end is kind of a piskey arbitrary date that we just have to, for accounting purposes, match all of the income expenditure at that date, regardless of whether the plan is to actually spend the money, so as professor 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 the county standards for sustainability. Ratio. It's ratios. Appreciate all the effort, David, in going to this report, being new to Council and working out where we're up to. Frank Wilkie 01:57:00.753
Thank you. I'd just like to thank you for sending through an email with those small adjustments in some of the reports will be included in the Minutes and available for people to talk to at Thursday's Ordinary Meeting if they wish to. Brian Stockwell 01:57:18.779
I probably should have read those out too, so I will now. That's the addition of B and it's changed 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. So that was what we were talking about at the beginning. Two minor adjustments to the ratio. It was just before the meeting. To that? Yeah, would you like to. Dave Lewis 01:58:05.523
Basically, in the balance of the statement of financial position, it's about a term of 30,000 of transfers from trade and other repayables to borrowings. So there's a net impact of zero on our operating result. But because it involves 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 for disclosure to Council. Margaret Gatt 01:58:42.446
Through the Chair, it's definitely in Council rules and it's not material. I can speak to you specifically. So, trade and opening payables should be $10,430,000 and thirty thousand opposed to $10,700. Thousand seven hundred and fourteen which is was 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 million to $1.27 million. And net liabilities ratio changes from 0.6 to 0.3, negative 0.3 to positive 0.6. So again, just a slight amendment. Karen Finzel 01:59:25.602
Yeah, so can I just raise in my question. Around ratios before it was in relation to that comment because then I am nervous if we're removing ratios down the track. And through reporting, ratio is a tool know, that we look at what I read in the report. Brian Stockwell 01:59:43.321
Anyway, I'll forward it to you now, so. The comment that was made was that the ratios are things that reflect trends and there may be no value in having them in what they were doing, but they were not saying they were removing the ratios, they were just saying doing it less frequently is one of the options, and that this month was just the result of the fact that we've got an active. In there, and coming to terms with how here. Of course, it was about the report that was from the previous one, it wasn't about the. Nicola Wilson 02:00:14.646
Thank you, Mr Chair. Amelia Lorentson 02:00:16.521
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 of long islanders after work hours I know that you always reply to me on weekends and I just really want to acknowledge and thank you. Larry Sengstock 02:00:48.219
Anyone else wish to talk to the board? Brian Stockwell 02:00:52.267
Thank you and at the end I'll move, I'll put my thank you and at the end I'll move, I'll put my to vote. All those in favour is unanimous. We then move on to the next item which is OPERATIONAL RULES. Plan review. Fourth quarter reports over the last quarter last year and we invite Bianchi. Jonci Wolff 02:01:21.285
Good afternoon Councillors, 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 24/25 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 71% were either completed or on track for completion within the scheduled time frame. Highlights only just the last quarter were Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan. I think everyone was very happy to get that endorsed. Then delivery of Floating Land Biennale 2025.2025, completion Black Mountain of Black Mountain reconstruction, which is a very, very 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 experience major disruptions, some of which are key initiatives, and I think at this stage you're very well aware of 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 community engagement, which is very good to see. And then we also have the community and strategy, which I think the budget allowed some resources allocated to that to get this work started. And the financial strategy, I think for which Dave originally was brought on board to start working on that. 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, as discussed previously, there are vacancies and there are resource constraints. Those obviously also contribute to some of the delays. Anyway, these key 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 not to taking too many other items on board. The 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 KPIs show signs of the impact by the protected industrial action commencing in March. Let's stretch sort of into May. Most notably, it is the on page 103 of the PEC, 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. Time frames 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 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 like a bit of a stand out there. And that's it for the Q4 operation plan 24/25. Any questions, please? Larry Sengstock 02:06:25.302
No, Sir. I'm sorry. So, guys, thank you for that. Thank you. I think it's a fantastic work on this. So we'll leave it here. And it's sort of just, you know, this is for the core. Around. Essentially, it's the build up of globulin-deuterium-4. The octopane lives on the Corporate Plan, so the Corporate Plan is a five-year plane. So therefore, some of the, a number of the issues and projects are being done to sort of make sure that you have a projects within the operational plane for this year are multi-year. So there's programs and there's projects. So there's projects that we can expect to finish within the 12 month period, but 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 over the five year period to deliver against the corporate demand. So just so everybody's sort of aware of the way that this is. Built, and I know Councillors, you're all aware of this, I'm just probably talking for others to try and understand this as well. 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's presented at the moment, the teams have worked very, very hard to capture and catch up on all of that. But it has certainly created 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, and it's really important that we celebrate. 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 scent, the Dog Beach, we go back, it seems like ages ago, but this all came into this four quarters of. Operational planning. The strategic asset management plan, the Noosa Headlands, Noosa Heads, Lions Park and entity 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, the strategic land can land with you, Community Grants Policy, Compliance and Enforcement Policy, Pomona Place Plan, Public Art Policy, Housing Monitoring Program, the NAC, the Noosa Aquatic Centre, the upgrade plan, the rural windtail state forest transition, which is a massive piece of work. Came to fruition during this period. The Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Masterplan in the fourth quarter, the Floating Land Biennale, the Black Mountain Road reconstruction, something that initially was going to be a quick fix, took three years and $40 million, and it's now completed, along with all of the other projects out there in the shrubber's Schreibers Road, which has only just been completed as well, so it's a massive piece of work, the Tourism Noosa agreement, all the funding of that, the iconic story of surfing in Noosa, and the customer satisfaction survey. So there's 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 celebrate those, and they're just the high level ones, not to mention the VAU that goes 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. I just so wanted I just wanted to take this opportunity that to the table. Thanks again, obviously, for picking this up and working with the operational plan. We have a much better system for reporting this to and it's just going to increase and develop over the next short time and we'll see. Better reporting and more uh round reports on our cashboards. Thank you for indulging me. Chair? Brian Stockwell 02:10:51.263
Thank you. You're bigger than me, I couldn't say no. Okay, questions or. Someone wishing to move the report? Frank Wilkie 02:11:00.765
I'm happy to move it. Brian Stockwell 02:11:01.786
By Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Frank Wilkie 02:11:07.032
Oh, yeah, thank you. The annual operational plan was the Council-endorsed key projects resourced through the budget and approved for delivery last financial year. The CEO is 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 4 update reviews the progress of 107 Council-approved initiatives. Aligned with the five themes of improving our environment. Our liveability, our prosperity, our future and excellence. A total of 76 initiatives are either marked as completed. Or are currently on track to be completed within the scheduled timeframe. Time frame. 25 initiatives experiencing are a minor disruption, six initiatives are facing a major disruption. 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. 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 7 to 6. Many initiatives experiencing. Minor disruption are expected to either be completed. Or return to on-track status early next financial year. 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 Councillors' 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. A very interesting reading. Thank you for the report. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 02:14:08.994
Thank you. Councillor, what was the report? I'm going to. Just speak to something that really stood out in the report. Most of the disruptions, minor and major, are primarily attributed to resourcing constraints. And that's probably what I've 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 Our people 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? 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 done. Larry Sengstock 02:15:43.887
I don't know if that is something that's it's certainly on radar our radar today. Brian Stockwell 02:15:49.024
Let's see, I wasn't, it was a second round of the question. Would you like to provide us an update on that. Larry Sengstock 02:15:57.394
Is that your question Mr Chair? Good question. That's certainly on our radar today. That's absolutely a workforce plan and a capability plan. 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 to go with that is something 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 team, he's just starting next year. So part of the plan and part of their priorities to deliver because it is essentially important but it's also very difficult given the amount of work that we do and the diversity of things that and we do, we how have, do we have skills in all of those various areas at the level that we require, whether we need to bring them in or not. It's a tough ask but it's something that we've got on our work bank. Absolutely. Unidentified Speaker 02:17:06.019
Thank you, Larry. Brian Stockwell 02:17:09.738
I'll I'm not going to say too much. The overall operational plan, I think, what I find useful is how concise and easy it is to read to get a really good picture of what is happening. Then I had a couple of recent conversations and I thought, well, maybe there's one way we could have a look at the different kind of reporting and that is what's not happening to a better degree. And I'm just going to pick on one of the 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 MT MTU's u's and codes, they're all up to 100% marks at close to most quarters 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 in recent conversations I lied about 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. So there's clearly a prioritisation happening there but what we're not hearing is how long is it taking for the minor change to get through. So it may be 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 to me that was one and the other conversation I had someone saying, it was a lot better in my term, it 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 it was reported previously we are no longer reported because historically it was only permanent positions that were reported 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 you know 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 remunerated as well. Amelia Lorentson 02:19:38.418
A question. Go ahead. Just a question to John how C. Difficult is it for you to include in future updates more in-depth reporting? So know you I go back to what I said before in terms of resourcing delays or shortfalls attributed to resourcing can we provide more depth like how many staff are allocated to this project what specific resources are missing what are the talent and when we say things like you know underway or delayed can we add measures like 25% or 50% I read in the report that you are undertaking a review of KPIs are they things that you are considering? Jonci Wolff 02:20:28.119
For a 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 and also then comes down to the operational 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 done having to do undergo some workforce planning at the moment and relevant to we'll 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 identify further more meaningful KPMs but yeah. Larry Sengstock 02:21:37.301
I'll add to that as well, it's very that we still make sure we have this how much detail strategic point of view versus an operational point of view so you know it's our job as officers to deliver against this. What we have had if you remember we used to do a quarterly deep dive for each of the parts so that's something that we can look at. That would be excellent. Be able to specifically look at each. Look at each department. Amelia Lorentson 02:22:08.142
That would be great, thank you. Tom Wegener 02:22:09.245
Well I'm just happy to see that the agriculture part of the Corporate Plan has moved from a red to a green but if we note that it's um we've made a partnership agreement with FAN and there's a contract that's there any way I could see what, see that contract so I could just. Brian Stockwell 02:22:32.182
It's probably a question to the Director of sustainability. Kim Rawlings 02:22:36.926
Yeah we support FAN through the economic development program. We're happy to talk to you through what they counsel with them. We've been supporting FAN for a number of years. Brian Stockwell 02:22:48.136
Clarity. You've been a fan of. Anyone else wish to speak? I don't need folks. Thank you for your hard work. Those in favour? That's unanimous. If I am correct, that is the end of the meeting. I need to declare. So the will wait for it to get up. 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 Noosa Heads, and councils in accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed confidential item related to item 9.1, confidential not for public Planning & Environment Court appeal, number 3746 of 2033, application for short-term accommodation, 15 eco-cabins at 94 and 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, in Standing Orders, I have got it wrong a couple of times, I pass that over to the CEO and it is up to the committee to appoint a Chair. Unidentified Speaker 02:24:29.618
Thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:24:41.680
Okay. Wait a minute. How are you doing? Larry Sengstock 02:24:46.243
Do you want somebody to be in the Chair? I'm having a Chair here. We're happy to second. Great. Thank you. Mr. Lorentson, Mr. Bush, Mr. Taylor, Mr. We're Mr. happy to Mayor, you are now in the Chair. Frank Wilkie 02:25:03.999
Okay. There's a motion to move into confidential session. Yes. Please. I want to read out the specific wording. We will be going to confidential session. We're just waiting for the wording so that decision can be made in open session. Yeah, yeah. Yes, thank you. Okay, the motion is that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J3E 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 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? How many seconds? Seconder with Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That is unanimous. We now move into confidentiality. Session. Thank you everybody for your attendance today. Frank Wilkie 02:48:30.381
I don't know if you can hear it. That could have been terrible. Okay. So. I'd like to move the Council to report by the manager of development assessment to the General Committee Meeting. Dated 18th of August 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court appeal 3746 of 2023. I agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in attachment one. I have a seconder for that. Seconder, Councillor Lorentson. Any discussion? All in favour? That is carried. Thank you, Councillor Phillips. That is the end of this committee meeting, closed at 3:20 exactly. Thank you, everybody. Related Noosa Council Meetings
← Browse all Noosa Shire Council meeting transcripts
