General Committee - 17 November 2025
Date: Monday, 17 November 2025 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:53:22
Synopsis: Royal Mail Hotel minor change approved: noise accepted; gaming cap, VIP parking fixes, Finance weak; arrears down, Contract let, Appeals mixed, Gaming policy signalled.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Brian Stockwell Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Brian Stockwell: Chaired the meeting, framed the Royal Mail Hotel item as both a heritage and community hub issue, and steered detailed amendments rather than a straight up‑or‑down vote on the minor change application (00:00–01:20; Item 7.1). Patrick (planning officer): Confirmed the Royal Mail Hotel proposal qualified as a “minor change” under the Planning Act only after Council’s acoustic consultant rejected the first report and required robust remodelling for playground and amplified music noise, avoiding public notification that would have applied to a non‑minor change (03:03–08:01; Item 7.1). Patrick (planning officer): Explained acoustic modelling assumed up to 30 children on the new playground plus 400 patrons in the northern beer garden and 40 in the southern area, with 4.1m acoustic barriers and speaker limits; Council relied on this expert evidence to justify no time curfew on the playground (29:15–30:04; Item 7.1). Brian Stockwell: Led Amendment No.1 to retain Condition 52 but convert it into a binding cap on the gaming area of 260m² plus a non‑enforceable advisory note expressing Council’s opposition to increases in gaming machine numbers in Noosa Shire, closing a loophole left by deleting the condition entirely (13:24–15:14, 18:19–23:24; Item 7.1C). Amelia Lorentson: Proposed Amendment No.2 to restrict the playground’s hours to 10:00–20:00 to protect nearby residents’ amenity, explicitly citing original submitters’ concerns and the lack of fresh public notification for this minor change; the amendment failed on the Chair’s casting vote (26:21–28:48, 36:22–43:41; Amendment No.2, Item 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Successfully moved Amendment No.3 requiring prominent playground signage stating age guidelines, mandatory adult supervision, emergency contacts and a “be mindful of nearby residents” noise message, embedding both safety and neighbour‑awareness into the approval (44:06–49:58; Amendment No.3, Item 7.1F). Brian Stockwell: Secured Amendment No.4 requiring the CEO to formally advise the Royal Mail Hotel that six bright‑green “VIP gaming only” car parks are inconsistent with the approved plans and must be made available to general users to comply with the substantive approval, tackling both parking adequacy and problem‑gambling incentives (55:12–01:02:30; Amendment No.4, Item 7.1G). Councillors (collective): Ultimately approved the minor change for the Royal Mail Hotel extension, including updated acoustic conditions, refusal to delete noise and end‑of‑trip (EOT) conditions, the 260m² gaming area cap, new playground signage requirements, and directions about VIP parking (01:03:33–01:09:01; Committee Recommendation Item 7.1). Jessica Phillips: Moved to note the October Financial Performance Report; councillors focused on fee and charge under‑performance, high external labour‑hire costs (~$0.5m), use of agencies (~$2.29m), rate arrears (7.2% vs 5% benchmark) and capital underspend, while finance officers committed to tighter reviews and external cash/reserve analysis (01:11:06–01:14:32, 01:18:09–01:22:15; Item 8.1). Executive (finance): Advised that rate arrears had fallen by $1.9m in October, in part due to a large debtor entering a payment plan, and that Council aims to move from 7.2% arrears toward the 5% “best practice” benchmark via a new debt policy and stronger collection (01:18:09–01:21:34; Item 8.1). Executive Officer (Yondji): Reported that 85% of the 98 Operational Plan 2025‑26 initiatives are on track, with key achievements including Floating Land, pool safety and dog control education, 650 disaster‑resilience engagements, and a new contract management framework, but flagged resource‑driven delays to Kabi Kabi engagement, the Coastal Hazards Adaptation Plan, Regional Art Gallery Stage 4, and workforce planning (01:34:04–01:37:16; Item 8.2). Council: Entered confidential session under s254J(3)(g) and (e) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to consider a major civil works contract (Western Batter capping) and legal advice on two Planning & Environment Court appeals (Gympie Terrace STA/food outlet; Seaview Terrace dwelling), then re‑opened and resolved all three matters unanimously (09. Confidential Session; Items 9.1, 9.2, 7.2). Contentious / Transparency Matters Nicola Wilson: Declared a declarable conflict of interest and left the chamber before the Royal Mail Hotel item, but neighbours’ amenity concerns about the new playground were not re‑tested through public notification because the application was kept within the minor change pathway following further acoustic evidence (02:03–02:48, 26:21–28:48; Item 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Explicitly argued that re‑introducing the playground via a minor change, after it had been removed in the original approval, circumvented a new public notification opportunity for adjoining residents, raising a perception issue around procedural fairness even if the statutory “minor change” test was technically met (26:21–28:48; Item 7.1). Brian Stockwell: Acknowledged residents’ fears but relied on the joint acoustic expert advice that the playground and music would cause “minimal and generally imperceptible” additional noise; this created a clear tension between expert modelling and lived‑experience concerns, resolved in favour of expert evidence (37:43–40:04; Item 7.1). Councillors (collective): Recognised that the initial plan to delete the gaming‑machine condition entirely would be unenforceable under the Planning Act, but nevertheless used the planning approval to signal a policy stance on gaming harm through advisory notes and area limits—lawful but close to the boundary of planning vs moral policy (08:09–09:17, 13:24–15:14; Item 7.1C). Amelia Lorentson & Karen Finzel: Sought a stronger, quasi‑regulatory role on gambling through Thursday’s upcoming “notified motion” on gaming policy and possible re‑joining of the Alliance for Gambling Reform, highlighting that Council currently lacks a formal anti‑pokies policy despite using planning levers to signal opposition (11:26–13:24, 01:01:21–01:02:30; Item 7.1 discussion). Councillors (general): Repeatedly interrogated high staff turnover, agency costs and vacancies (especially in finance and operations) as “red flags” for burnout and service degradation, requesting detailed vacancy and overtime reports—an implicit acknowledgement of governance and resourcing risk, though no systemic breach was identified (01:15:09–01:17:56, 01:49:15–01:52:51; Items 8.1, 8.2). Legal / Risk Patrick (planning officer): Clarified that if the Royal Mail changes had not passed the Planning Act 2016 “minor change” test—specifically, no worsening of environmental or amenity impacts—then public notification and a more intensive merits assessment would have been required; Council’s acceptance hinged on strengthened acoustic modelling reviewed by its own consultant (03:03–08:01; Item 7.1F, s83(9) Planning Act note). Patrick (planning officer): Emphasised that Council has no statutory power to regulate pokies numbers through a planning condition because that role sits with the Queensland gaming regulator; retaining Condition 52 in its original form would have been invalid or unenforceable, so it was reframed into an area limit plus an advisory note to avoid legal vulnerability (08:41–09:17, 19:34–20:43; Item 7.1C). Patrick (planning officer): Confirmed that any condition on playground operating hours would create a prosecutable offence for a child using the equipment outside hours; councillors were warned this could trigger enforcement actions over relatively trivial breaches, a key reason some opposed the curfew amendment (40:04–41:33; Amendment No.2, Item 7.1). Council (in confidential): Resolved to award Contract CN25113 (Western Batter Missing Link Capping Construction) to Offaly Civil Pty Ltd for $1.302m (ex GST) and delegated broad variation powers to the CEO, appropriately using s254J(3)(g) LGR confidentiality for commercial negotiations while ensuring a public resolution once agreed (Confidential Item 9.1). Council (in confidential): Decided to settle part of P&E Court Appeal D44/2025 (203–207 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville – food & drink + short‑term accommodation) on agreed conditions while continuing to defend remaining issues, balancing litigation risk and cost against preserving key planning scheme objectives (Confidential Item 9.2). Council (in confidential): Resolved to fully defend P&E Court Appeal D92/2025 regarding a dwelling house at 58 Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach, signalling confidence in its refusal reasons and a willingness to test coastal/character controls in court, likely under the Planning Act 2016 framework (Item 7.2 / 7.4 reference). Short Term Accommodation / STA / Short Stay Letting Council (in confidential): Considered legal advice on P&E Court Appeal D44/2025 involving a mixed‑use proposal combining “food and drink outlet” with “short‑term accommodation” on Gympie Terrace, demonstrating the sensitivity of STA intensification along the riverfront and Council’s selective willingness to compromise via conditions while still defending core contested elements (Confidential Item 9.2). Councillors (collective): By choosing partial settlement rather than capitulation, preserved scope to enforce planning scheme controls over STA scale, design and amenity impacts while reducing the risk of an adverse, precedent‑setting court judgment on tourism‑accommodation creep in Noosaville (Confidential Item 9.2, cross‑referenced to 8.2 Destination Management Plan progress). Sunshine Beach – Development & Litigation Council: Agreed unanimously to defend P&E Court Appeal D92/2025 concerning a material change of use for a dwelling house at 58 Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach, underscoring a firm stance on coastal hillside development controls in one of the shire’s most sensitive and precedent‑rich locations (Confidential referral; Item 7.2). Brian Stockwell: Ensured this appeal was shifted to the end of the agenda and handled in confidential session, consistent with s254J(3)(e) LGR requirements to protect legal advice and litigation strategy (01:09:37–01:09:43; Item 9 confidential motion, Item 7.2). New Hotels, Gaming & Community Health Councillors (collective): Framed the Royal Mail Hotel not only as a heritage asset but as a test case for integrating public‑health concerns—particularly gambling harm—into land‑use decisions, citing corporate plan commitments to community health, wellbeing and safety (15:14–18:19, 24:06–24:10; Item 7.1C). Karen Finzel & Nicola Wilson: Emphasised the risk of “over‑concentration” of gaming machines in Tewantin, including another nearby venue with 130+ machines and proximity to youth services, aligning their stance with recent Queensland reforms targeting gambling‑related harm and domestic violence (19:34–20:43, 01:01:21–01:02:30; Item 7.1 discussion). Councillors (collective): Used the VIP parking amendment to blunt “VIP gaming” marketing tactics at the Royal Mail, referencing Alliance for Gambling Reform material that such VIP schemes are linked to problem gambling; this goes beyond strict planning law into behavioural‑harm mitigation while remaining within conditions aimed at equitable parking (55:12–01:02:30; Amendment No.4, Item 7.1G). Council (policy direction): Signalled intent to re‑examine its withdrawal from the Alliance for Gambling Reform and to adopt a formal policy on gaming machines via an upcoming notified motion, which, if passed, would provide a stronger legal and policy foundation for future planning decisions involving hotels and gaming expansion (11:26–13:24, 01:01:21–01:02:30; linked to Item 7.1C). Conflicts of Interest Nicola Wilson: Declared a declarable conflict of interest under Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 due to a financial interest in a neighbouring property to the Royal Mail Hotel, and left the chamber for the entirety of Item 7.1, complying with statutory COI requirements and protecting the legitimacy of the approval (02:03–02:48; Item 7.1 COI note). Council: Recorded Wilson’s departure and return in the minutes and ensured she did not vote on the item, thereby reducing appeal and misconduct risk under the Local Government Act and OIA oversight frameworks (Item 7.1 COI; post‑vote note of return).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 17 November 2025 12:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Committee: Crs Brian Stockwell (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 12.30pm. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Brian Stockwell (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 OCTOBER 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 13 October 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 7 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES 7.1 MCU23/0090.02 - APPLICATION FOR A MINOR CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HOTEL (EXTENSION TO EXISTING HOTEL) AND DBW23/0073.02 BUILDING WORK (DEMOLITION) AT 118 POINCIANA AVENUE AND 26 DIYAN STREET, TEWANTIN (Item 7.1 Referred from Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025) Cr Nicola Wilson "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 I, Cr Nicola Wilson, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest for Item 7.1 - MCU23/0090.02 - APPLICATION FOR A MINOR CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - HOTEL (EXTENSION TO EXISTING HOTEL) AND DBW23/0073.02 BUILDING WORK (DEMOLITION) AT 118 POINCIANA AVENUE AND 26 DIYAN STREET, TEWANTIN on this agenda because as I have a financial interest in a neighbouring property that may be affected by the outcome of this application. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on". Cr Nicola Wilson left the meeting. Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council A. Note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding MCU23/0090.02 and DBW23/0073.02, to make a minor change to an existing approval for a Material Change of Use (extension to existing hotel) and Development Permit for Building Work (Demolition) situated at 118 Poinciana Ave Tewantin Qld. B. Approve the application in accordance with amendments to conditions 3, 22, 23, 26 and 27 and outlined in Attachment 1 to the Report.Attachment 1 to the Minutes of the General Committee Meeting dated 17/11/2025 - MCU23/0090.02 & DBW23/0073.02 Amended Conditions - as provided by the Development Assessment Manager C. Agree to delete condition 52 and include an Advisory Note which states: "Noosa Council is committed to minimising the social impacts of gaming within the community and therefore does not support any increase in the number of gaming machines in the Noosa Shire."; D. Update the Reference documents to include the Royal Mail Hotel Tewantin: Noise Impact Assessment report prepared by Assured Environmental and dated 23.09.2025 Release R, Ver R2. E. Refuse to delete conditions 28 and 42(f) for the following reasons: a. Condition 28 is required to provide a quantifiable noise level of non-amplified entertainment in the northern beer garden. b. Condition 42(f). The proposed End of Trip Facilities are required to encourage users of the site including employees to access the site by alternative transport modes. The absence of EOT facilities in the existing hotel does not justify noncompliance in the proposed expansion. Staff may work across varied shifts, and GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 facilities such as a shower and secure locker may improve staff ability to utilise alternative transport. F. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 83(9) of the Planning Act 2016. Amendment No. 1 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Item C be amended read: C. That Condition 52 be amended to read: 52. The gaming area be limited to 260m2 in accordance with the approved plans and include an Advisory Note which states: "Noosa Council is committed to minimising the social impacts of gaming within the community and therefore does not support any increase in the number of gaming machines in the Noosa Shire."; Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None Amendment No. 2 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Item F be added to read (and the current Item F be renumbered accordingly): That Condition 4 (a) be added to read: (a) The playground located within the northern beer garden must only be available for use between the hours of 10:00am and 8:00pm, seven days a week. Outside these hours, the playground area must be closed and access restricted to prevent use. Lost. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips Against: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Lost on the casting vote on of the Chair. Amendment No. 3 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Item F be added to read (and the current Item F be renumbered accordingly): That Condition 4 (a) be added to read: (a) The playground must display clear, durable, and weather-resistant signage at all entry points and within the play area that includes: 1. Age-appropriate usage guidelines (e.g., “For children aged 2–12 years”). 2. Supervision requirements (e.g., “Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times”). 3. Emergency contact information and location of first aid facilities. 4. Noise awareness, (e.g., “Please be mindful of nearby residents”). Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: Cr Tom Wegener GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 Amendment No. 4 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Item G be added to read (and the current Item G be renumbered accordingly): That the CEO be requested to advise the applicant that: 1. The restriction of 6 carparking bays for the use of VIP customers of the gaming room was not included in the proposal plans; 2. The restriction of 6 carparks to a very limited number of clients is considered to result in inadequate parking provision for the overall development; and 3. The removal of the exclusive use restrictions on these six bays is required to meet the conditions of the substantive development approval. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council A. Note the report by the Coordinator Planning to the Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding MCU23/0090.02 and DBW23/0073.02, to make a minor change to an existing approval for a Material Change of Use (extension to existing hotel) and Development Permit for Building Work (Demolition) situated at 118 Poinciana Ave Tewantin Qld. B. Approve the application in accordance with amendments to conditions 3, 22, 23, 26 and 27 and outlined in Attachment 1 to the Report. Attachment 1 to the Minutes of the General Committee Meeting dated 17/11/2025 - MCU23/0090.02 & DBW23/0073.02 Amended Conditions - as provided by the Development Assessment Manager. C. That Condition 52 be amended to read: 52. The gaming area be limited to 260m2 in accordance with the approved plans and include an Advisory Note which states: "Noosa Council is committed to minimising the social impacts of gaming within the community and therefore does not support any increase in the number of gaming machines in the Noosa Shire."; D. Update the Reference documents to include the Royal Mail Hotel Tewantin: Noise Impact Assessment report prepared by Assured Environmental and dated 23.09.2025 Release R, Ver R2. E. Refuse to delete conditions 28 and 42(f) for the following reasons: a. Condition 28 is required to provide a quantifiable noise level of non-amplified entertainment in the northern beer garden. b. Condition 42(f). The proposed End of Trip Facilities are required to encourage users of the site including employees to access the site by alternative transport modes. The absence of EOT facilities in the existing hotel does not justify noncompliance in the proposed expansion. Staff may work across varied shifts, and facilities such as a shower and secure locker may improve staff ability to utilise alternative transport. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 F. That Condition 4 (b) be added to read: (b) The playground must display clear, durable, and weather-resistant signage at all entry points and within the play area that includes: 1. Age-appropriate usage guidelines (e.g., “For children aged 2–12 years”). 2. Supervision requirements (e.g., “Children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times”). 3. Emergency contact information and location of first aid facilities. 4. Noise awareness, (e.g., “Please be mindful of nearby residents”). G. That the CEO be requested to advise the applicant that: 1. The restriction of 6 carparking bays for the use of VIP customers of the gaming room was not included in the proposal plans; 2. The Restriction of 6 carparks to a very limited number of clients is considered to result in inadequate parking provision for the overall development; and 3. The removal of the exclusive use restrictions on these six bays is required to meet the conditions of the substantive development approval. H. Note the report is provided in accordance with Section 83(9) of the Planning Act 2016. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None Cr Nicola Wilson returned to the meeting. 8 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 8.1 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council note the report by Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager (Acting) to the General Committee dated 17 November 2025 regarding Council's financial performance to 31 October 2025. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 8.2 OPERATIONAL PLAN 2025-26 Q1 QUARTERLY REPORTING Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 17 November 2025 regarding the Operational Plan 2025-26; B. Note the progress report for Quarter 1 of the Operational Plan 2025-26 provided as Attachment 1; and C. Note the status of Council's Operational Key Performance Measures for Quarter 1 FY25/26 provided as Attachment 2. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be closed to the public for the purpose of discussing: pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 - a contract proposed to be made by Council and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to that contract for Item 9.1 CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CONTRACT NO. CN25113 – WESTERN BATTER MISSING LINK CAPPING CONSTRUCTION; pursuant to section 254J(3)(e) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 - legal advice relating to an appeal in the Planning & Environment Court in relation to Item 9.2 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL D44 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET AND SHORTTERM ACCOMMODATION AT 203 - 207 GYMPIE TERRACE, NOOSAVILLE; and pursuant to section 254J(3)(e) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 - legal advice relating to an appeal in the Planning & Environment Court so that Council’s in relation to Item 7.2 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. D92 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 58 SEAVIEW TERRACE, SUNSHINE BEACH (Item 7.4 Referred from Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025). Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 9.1 CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CONTRACT NO. CN25113 – WESTERN BATTER MISSING LINK CAPPING CONSTRUCTION Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Project Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 November 2025; B. Award Contract No. CN25113 for Western Batter Missing Link Capping Construction to Offaly Civil Pty Ltd under a lump sum contract for an estimated total contract value of $1,302,337.75 (GST Excl); and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 9.2 CONFIDENTIAL – NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE – PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL D44 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET AND SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 203 - 207 GYMPIE TERRACE, NOOSAVILLE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 17 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D44 of 2025 and: A. Agree to settle part of the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. B. Continue to defend all other aspects of the appeal. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 17 NOVEMBER 2025 7.2 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL NO. D92 OF 2025 – APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 58 SEAVIEW TERRACE, SUNSHINE BEACH (Item 7.4 Referred from Planning & Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 11 November 2025 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal D92 of 2025 and agree to defend the appeal. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 03:24 PM.
Meeting Transcript
Brian Stockwell 00:00.000
Some of us looked a little bit more dishevelled than normal, particularly three people here, we're all partaking in Movember, a very good cause for men's health. I will now declare the meeting open and acknowledge that we have all councillors present and I will acknowledge that we're meeting on Kabi Kabi land and respect the contributions made to this place by elders past and present. And to reflect also that one of our matters today deals with the local area with the Royal Mail which has been a meeting place for locals ever since the pioneer times and indigenous people here gathered here for annual oyster festivals and there's large oyster mounds here and that you know if you look at the application in front of us today it is a really icon in terms of European culture in Tewantin as well so we acknowledge that there's been contributions made to this community over a long time to make the place what it is today. As I mentioned we have no apologies everyone's in attendance can I have someone to move the confirmation I have someone to move the confirmation of the minutes of the General Committee meeting on 13th of October. Moved by the Mayor and seconded by Councillor Amelia. I presume there is no discussion. All in favour? All in favour? That's unanimous. We have no deputations or presentations so we move on to the first item and that is MCU230090. MCU230090.02, application for a minor change to a development approval for material change of use hotel, extension to existing hotel and DW23073.02, building work demolition at 118 Pointe Jeanne Avenue and 26 Dyon Street, Tewantin. And that's been referred from the Planning Environment Committee meeting. And we have Patrick and Richard. Have got a declaration by Councillor Wilson. In accordance with chapter 5B of the local government act 2009, I inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest for item 7.1 MCU23/0090.02, application for a minor change to a development approval for material change of use, hotel, extension Oh, we Nicola Wilson 02:18.106
To existing hotel and DBW23/0073.02, building work demolition at 118 Quincyana Avenue and 26 Day on Street Tewantin. On this agenda today because as I have, because I have a financial interest in a neighbouring property that may be affected by the outcome of this application. As a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and... Brian Stockwell 02:58.680
If we could have a executive summary. Thanks Patrick. Patrick Murphy 03:03.000
Thank you. As you've stated it's a minor change to the existing development approval for the site. The key proposed changes are the addition of a 78 square metre outdoor playground area in the northern Beer Garden. Amendments to the noise conditions and operate associated operational parameters. That would include the removal of the requirement for amplified music to cease at 7pm. Also the applicant is seeking the removal of conditions limiting the number of gaming machines and the requirement for end of trip facilities being showers and lockers. The revised application was when it was originally submitted the revised application was supported by an acoustic report and our initial review before accepting that application was that we were not satisfied that the report suitably demonstrated that the proposed changes would not result in further impacts impacts. associated with the development primarily around the noise associated with the playground that was a very key point that needed to be clarified because if it wasn't a minor change application would be another change application and would require a re-notification of the application so an action notice was issued on this basis because the applicant had applied for a minor change and the applicant went away and provided a more robust acoustic report that was reviewed by our acoustic consultant prior to the acceptance of the application and it was able to be determined that the proposed changes would not result in the exacerbation of the known impacts and that therefore the application was accepted as a minor change minor change and in that regard the acoustic modelling looked at the playground area and did an analysis of the playground being occupied by 30 at a time. 15 of those being at ground level and 15 of those at an elevated level upon the playground equipment. It also included further modelling around the use of amplified children music within the venue and that being in part located at the northernmost end when there were entertainers with the speakers facing in a southerly direction. Again the council acoustic consultant reviewed the report and was satisfied with the results. modelling that was undertaken to demonstrate that the the changes were supportable from an acoustic point of view. The changes do result in the installation of increased acoustic barriers some of which are located on the playground equipment. In terms of so that acoustic reports also looked at the modelling around the speakers and the amplified music and has come up with suitable conditions on changes to the conditions in that regard. The removal of the end-of-trip facilities is not supported on the basis that the scheme does have provisions we seek for alternate means to access the site and get those services to be on the site to facilitate those different forms of access. In terms of the removal of the gaming machines, Council is... Council is not the authority... The removal of the conditions, sorry, relating to the gaming machines. Council is not the authority in determining the number of gaming machines for a site. There is a separate process through the Office of Appearance and Gaming, through which increases are applied for and managed, and in some instances will involve notification to the community. Due to this, it's recommended that due to this, it's recommended that that condition be deleted. And again, retention of conditions around the end of trip facilities. Richard MacGillivray 07:17.780
The recommendation has been, the conditions supporting the recommendation have been slightly tweaked. There was a need to amend condition 23 to correctly detail the height of the acoustic barriers and the number and the plans that show the acoustic barriers. And condition 26C was sitting within B. It was the sentence that was at the end of 26B. C needs to stand in its own right and not just be related to 26B. So that was separated out. So that's an amendment to the conditions supporting recommendation. Frank Wilkie 08:08.100
Thank you, Mr Chair. Thank you, Patrick. You mentioned that by believing the conditions we've been through, it acknowledges that Council has no power to limit the number of gaming machines under the Planning Act and the planning scheme. You discussed it briefly last week, but for the benefit of those who may be listening, could you reiterate the benefit for what an advisory note may indicate in its space? So the decision notice will include conditions and there will also be a section within the decision notice titled advisory notes. And advisory notes are non-enforceable, a component the decision. But they do provide council with the opportunity to reinforce the requirement to comply with other forms of legislation or detail a position in terms of an aspect of the development that is not enforceable. So commission 52 as it stood was not enforceable anyway? Mr Chairman, in order to get things going, a motion needs to be moved. I'm prepared to move a motion that can be amended depending on where Council is going to go with this. Catherine, did you bring up the motion? So, item B is being changed to note the updated attachment 1 to the minutes, which have those technical corrections. Item C advises that, well, indicates that an advisory note has been added in place of the deleted condition 2, and the advisory note states our view that Noosa Council is committed to minimising the social impacts of gaming with every community, and therefore does not support any increase in the number of gaming machines in Noosa Shire. And the rest is as defined. Brian Stockwell 10:18.436
Do we have a seconder? Seconded by Councillor Wegener. You have the floor. Thank you Mr Chair. As the manager of planning indicated, the updated attachment one corrects the condition relating to the acoustic barriers, the heights of the acoustic barriers, and also makes a more appropriate statement about how amplified music will be addressed in the northern end of the beer garden. Thank you very much. As we heard before, agreeing to do it, condition 52 acknowledges that Noosa Council has no power in turning out to regulate gaming, but we can include an advisory note. The advisory note, which has people standing under the law, which states Noosa Council's position on gaming machines, and we do not support any increase in the number of gaming machines in Noosa. Would others wish to talk to the motion? Or move an amendment? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 11:26.200
Just a question. I support the, first of all, I support the amendment. I'm just sort of a little bit curious. This links directly to a notified motion that I'm proposing to bring on Thursday, and that's in terms of council actually having a formal policy on gaming machines. At the moment, we don't have one. So my question to the CEO is, given the notified motions coming to council on Thursday, is it okay to keep this? Because I don't want to delete it, but a formal policy at this stage council hasn't endorsed. Just what is your Larry Sengstock 12:15.440
I don't think it affects it. Amelia Lorentson 12:17.680
So you're happy and come Thursday there will be hopefully endorsement of the notified motions so the two work. Great. I'll speak to it and I'm happy to support the advisory note. I keep referring to Noosa doesn't at the moment have a formal policy. We used to be part of the Alliance for Gambling Reform. We stepped away from that I think in 2021. And I think in 2018 we also had a LGAQ motion which I Which I understand you've just recently written to LGAQ for a follow-up. So given that there is a notified motion coming on Thursday which hopefully formalises our position in terms of gaming machine I think this is critical. It's an intent that I think is unanimous around the table and in council. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 13:24.880
I might try my first amendment, thanks Kathy, since it follows on. Subtitles Subtitles Sub We don't have a specific policy at this stage on our position on gambling. We have had historically taken action to seek to mitigate the impacts of gaming machines or excessive use of gaming machines. But we do have in our corporate plan a commitment to provide opportunities to enhance the health, wellbeing and safety of our community. And when we make this decision, it is about doing that. It's about not necessarily providing an opportunity to do this, but to reducing the potential for activities that would threaten that objective. So I do think it is something we can validly put into a planning application, particularly since the development application in no way indicated there was an intent for growth from the footprint of the gaming area. Anyone else wish to talk? Karen Finzel 18:19.280
Well, I just have a question. I fully support your intent and where you're going around the social impacts and supporting health and wellbeing. The gaming area to be limited to 260m2 could be a bit of overkill because I think that's already firmly stated in the plan. Do you think that's relevant that we need to put that in there when it's already clearly stated? Brian Stockwell 18:45.573
So the original condition had that in there as well as the number of machines. So this amendment just takes out the reference of the number of machines but includes the area that was suggested by staff in the original application. I suppose it's explicit in terms of the approved claims. I suppose it's explicit. Amelia Lorentson 19:09.039
Just a question to Richard or Patrick. Is it better to be more specific and actually have the number of gaming machines or would you prefer just the area limited? The area limited to 260 square metres. Question: Which is the better or preferred condition as planning experts? Patrick Murphy 19:34.032
Yeah it's an interesting one. Sometimes when we do a development approval if it's for a material change of use for a range of uses you might have a condition that says the nature and extent of the uses and it will stipulate that Noosa, Tewantin, Cooroy, Doonan, Kerri Contini, Acting, Margaret Gatt, Shaun Walsh. Different amount of areas to each of those uses. In circumstances where the use itself as a hotel encompasses sub uses within the property it just sort of changes my thinking. I do note as Brian has said it was part of the original officer condition. So there may be some validity in actually removing the element. I don't think we should keep the more specific question, the element around the game machines. I think that's problematic in terms of us not being able to regulate the numbers. It is somewhat redundant by virtue of the fact that the actual plans already show the amount of area to be 260 square metres. I would leave that for council to decide whether it wants to have a condition that reinforces the plan. Jessica Phillips 20:43.696
Question. Does this state stop looking for, let's say, renovating, but going, "Okay, here's another 100 square metres over here"? That's the intent, yeah. Okay, so it's really just been very specific around. You've already got 260. You can only have 260. So whatever you can fit in there. I think you might be able to make machines smaller. They will come from the notified version. But basically, we're just your intent is to say it's 260 and no more. Okay. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 21:18.592
I'm happy to support the amendment. I think given that we don't have any legal leavers to restrict the number of gaming machines, I think restricting it in terms of limiting the space allocated to the gaming machines is the next best step. I also want to note that my concerns is just the potential over concentration of gaming machines in Tewantin given, you know, almost across the road. There's a huge concentration of gaming machines, over 130 gaming machines. And I also want to highlight the proximity of these venues to vulnerable communities, including youth services and residents. So happy to support the amendment in front of us. Tom Wegener 22:17.277
Councillor Wegener. So, Patrick, if the building is built in Noosa, and all of a sudden you go in there and it's a 300-metre square of gaming area, I would assume that something would have to be done. Would this actually change what you would do if you will walk you would do if you will walk in there and it's 300 metres? Would this have any any effect this amendment? Patrick Murphy 22:43.166
Well it does show on the plan 260 square metres and it's not just an area that we've measured to be 260 square metres, it actually states on the plan and that took that number as a gaming area. So I think there's some element of enforceability. of enforceability associated with that. Richard MacGillivray 23:01.493
And a condition makes it very explicit as opposed to just relying on the plans which are generally in accordance. So the condition can be very explicit and a condition will override any inconsistency on a plan so it has the higher level of authority I guess from an inconsistency and enforceability. I'll speak to support it. I think wherever we can we've got obligations to make it council very explicitly say I think around the table we've spoken about that we all we can agree on this one that we see when there's opportunity that we can restrict it I think we should because it's certainly something that we see hurting community when there's addiction to gambling or not saying that everyone is so that's just to be clear but just yeah there's definitely social impacts that I feel we have an obligation to make sure we can do what we can. Brian Stockwell 24:05.740
Anyone else wish to talk? Karen Finzel 24:08.320
Yeah yeah I'm happy to support it it's always good to have a bit of extra information I think it was captured in the plan but happy to support this too to really put out to the community that we support you know health and well-being and look towards minimising the impacts and possibilities of increasing opportunity to access gaming machines. I think moving forward you know I think it's great this opportunity to be able to raise conversations around it and where collectively Noosa Shire sits within this space. I think it'll be great if this can elevate action towards social strategies and further that I'm in embedding the council's desire to support health and well-being aligned with our corporate plan and aligned with our community who shares those values so thank you for bringing that forward and having this conversation around the table where we can have opportunity to clearly state where as a council in our community that we wish to support strategies and policies or any opportunities that can reinforce our collective views of supporting our values to support health and well-being throughout our Shire and especially our young people coming up so thank you everyone around the table that's great okay I don't need to close I'll put the amendment that's carried unanimously it becomes part of the motion Amelia Lorentson 25:45.740
Okay I'd like to move an amendment also 4A and 4B, yep. so I'd like to move that item F be added to read that condition 4A be added to read 4A be added to read A the playground located within the northern beer garden must only be available for use between the hours of 10am. and 8pm. seven days a week outside these hours the playground area must be closed and access restricted to prevent use. Where do I start? I start by saying that the original approval removed the playground and it was reintroduced at a later stage and unfortunately because it went through as a minor change not as an other change there was no need for full public notification so the amendment that I have in front of us basically gives respect to the original submission where residents adjoining residents actually made some detailed submissions just in turn just in terms of the playground and in terms of potential impacts. The introduction of the playground at the northern beer garden, I think the site directly interfaces with the homes on Blakeslee Street and I just fear that without Operations and the community's rights to reasonable living conditions again I stress that the amendment basically reinforces the importance of respecting the expectations of the residents who participate who participated in the original approval process the playground was removed during assessment and its reintroduction raises to me some concerns about incremental impacts So I hope you support the amendment in front of us which supports and respects the concerns raised by the adjoining residents in the original approval process Brian Stockwell 28:48.000
Thank you. Others wish to discuss or ask questions? Frank Wilkie 28:52.880
A question of staff. The two consultants, acoustic consultants recommended acoustic Are they intended to adequately mitigate the annulment coming from the playground, correct? That's correct. Patrick Murphy 29:16.840
We didn't apply conditions around the operating hours because the material supporting the application from an acoustic point of view from an acoustic point of view demonstrated that at all times the sound would be suitable and that and the barriers were are a part of that yes and that would include mitigating against the noise of adults from the beer garden. The modelling looked at a total of 400 page a total of 400 patrons in the northern beer garden. 330 children on the playground. The use of the amplified speakers and 40 patrons in the southern beer garden on the other side of the building. Frank Wilkie 30:04.427
And just a reminder of the hours of operation for the Royal Mail. Patrick Murphy 30:13.620
I don't, I'm not off the top of my head. Apologies. Frank Wilkie 30:17.420
It'll be much later than I think. Patrick Murphy 30:19.400
Oh, that is correct. It will be later than I think, yes. Frank Wilkie 30:26.600
Look, I'll start with a question. I wonder if, given the acoustic consultants of both the council and the applicant have agreed 4.1 metre high acoustic fencing model to mitigate the sounds of 400 patrons in one beer garden. 300 in the other. Amplified music. Plus 30 children on the playground. I just wonder if restricting the hours that children can, 30 children, up to 30 children can play on the playground is a bit of overkill. And that the noise of children on the playground Would be perhaps less than 400 patrons in a beer garden. Some might think the noise of children on the playground is more enjoyable than 400 adults in a beer garden. I just question that this is overstepping. in a high acoustic barrier fence is adequate. To do the job for all the patrons, amplified music, and any children that may be on the playground. Restricting the hours of operation for the playground is problematic. Karen Finzel 31:55.740
I support this amendment. We've just had a conversation around the table about supporting social strategies, health and well-being, and standing up for the values within our community that reflect our narratives over Noosa Shire for many years, I believe. the fact that, you know, this did not go out for public consultation, but I'm sure all of us received concerns from residents about their amenity. I support it. I think that 8pm is a reasonable time and also reasonable time to have children out playing on playgrounds. When we're trying to find a balance of, you know, complying to regulations and getting database decisions, we also in my opinion have to align with lived experience and our own values to come together and support our lived experience and our values and I see this as a great opportunity and I think Councillor Lorentson and for raising it to have a discussion around the table is how we want to support our values and our health and well-being and I personally think 8:00pm. for a children's playground and I understand the reports and I respect that but the other side of the story is that social aspect and how do we provide that for our community. Jessica Phillips 33:27.527
I'll speak to it. I went there for dinner last night with my seven and nine-year-old because I thought well I better, they first asked is there a playground and I said not yet maybe there isn't one maybe there is I'm not sure because they said we only want to go somewhere with a playground and both of them took a book and sat and read a book so I am also aware that maybe I'm a little bit different in my parenting style. We were home and well and truly in bed by eight o 'clock because there's seven and nine and it's Sunday night so I think we left it. 6:45 maybe just before in bed by 7:30 so to me very reasonable eight o 'clock I think for the kids that are going to be using playground. I don't know if it's an overstretch. Whenever we go to hotels the pool always says closed nine o 'clock I think so I think it's pretty reasonable to say for those parents that need a little bit of extra enforcement or a sign enforcement or a sign that helps them save time to go home, time to wind down. They also have ice cream with their kids menu so it's really important that you would be thinking about trying to let them have a little bit of extra you know burn off that sugar on the top and I think eight o 'clock's reasonable to go home and try and bear it off. So thank you for bringing it because I do think it comes back to respect. Because I do think it comes back to respecting the residents trying to find balance. Yeah. We just spoke about the gaming this is no different if we can put conditions that help find a balance I think that's our absolute obligation. It covers lunch time you know means that kids can be there for lunch with their families. I don't think it's unreasonable to say our park should be finished at eight o 'clock. I am supportive of seeing a playground not so keen on the way that it's been done but it is what it is and I thought last night looking across the road at the park if there's not one in the pub they will probably be running across the street to the playground next door so I had a bit of you know a real think sitting there that it's important that if they can provide it and they're obviously doing the restrictions around it I do live on the other side of like over bushlands way and I can still hear music from the down here at the wharf on a late night so it does travel and I know those conditions would have been approved we can I think it's still an element of I believe all the acoustic you know treatments we and all that but live it's still in a really beautiful quiet area at night because of typically this is just yes it's quiet so I think noise does travel and whenever we can we've got a right to make sure or an obligation to strike a balance for our residents and commercial operation of the pub so thanks Amelia Lorentson 36:20.851
Amelia for bringing it in. A question through the chair please. Patrick when I spoke with you regarding the hours of operation we had a discussion about our local laws in terms of swimming pools and when children could swim in pools in the operating hours of pools. Can you A question. Can you let me know what they are? I don't, Patrick Murphy 36:51.479
I'm sorry. Yeah. I don't believe there's anything in the local law that I'm aware of. But we condition, we have conditions on quite a few occasions. That's right, we have 9 o 'clock, I think 9 o 'clock at night as Jess said is quite common in resorts with starting hours. Probably, I would expect in a resort earlier than 10am. When we did the, at Cooroy, at the Bowls Club, I think we did 9 o 'clock at night. That one is a bit different to this one in terms of it's smaller, it's at ground level and there's a building that separates the residential areas. from that playground. Thank you very much. Brian Stockwell 37:44.983
I'll speak. I appreciate that what council is trying to do is to respond to the concerns raised by the adjoining landholders and we're in a bit of an unusual situation that we've already had the ability to test whether the measures we put into the approval of the original application were working and on opening day there was quite a crowd there and you can hear quite a lot of noise as you walk in front of it but soon as you go around the corner the effect of the noise abatement measures was really clear and while we do want to consider the concerns of the adjoining residents we have to also be really clear The Press: Thank you, Mr. President. That the expert advice to us is and I'll read it with the inclusion of the children's play area and limiting deck speakers to 73 decibels at three metres or live performances by two speakers under the northern northern roof speakers facing south at 78 decibels at three metres the resultant overall change in noise levels would be minimal and generally really imb- so sustaining an argument to limit use based on advice that it makes imperceptible difference is a hard one for me and as Councillor mentioned if we artificially if we artificially limit children's use of playground does that actually increase noise nuisance by sending them across the road? I'm not sure. It's just while it is something that no doubt had this been an in fact accessible application that the adjoining residents would have made representations on and they have given us unofficial versions it's hard to marry that the need to be so restrictive on a play area when the advice is imperceptible and I think also the fact that 8:00am. is probably quite early when for other applications 9:00pm. seems to be something that we generally tick off so I don't think I can support it. Frank Wilkie 40:03.192
Just a question for staff, if this becomes a condition of approval, what happens if Charlotte is playing on this equipment after 8:00pm. is the Royal Mail potentially in a breach and then a breach action may be taken? Richard MacGillivray 40:21.932
That's correct, yeah, so if they do breach the conditions we get complaints and we sometimes undertake random audits as well. And if they're detected then they're in breach of their approval, which carries some pretty significant penalties and you'd obviously look at the case-by-case elements of the particular offence, but yeah, it does constitute an offence. Frank Wilkie 40:42.848
Does that mean that Noosa Council planning officers may be called to the Royal Mail to investigate whether or not a child may have been playing on a playground at 8:00pm.? Karen Finzel 40:58.940
Just a question through the Chair of the staff. Would that be at any time, even if it was conditioned to 9 o 'clock or 10 o 'clock? Do the local laws still apply? Richard MacGillivray 41:08.580
Yes, so the conditions will apply and run with the land, so at all times, and obviously... council will investigate those matters, you know, at the earliest convenience, sometimes that's the next business day, as opposed to getting out there at the time, but if there's a systemic period of maybe non-compliance, then council will potentially step up its compliance efforts and there we go. Karen Finzel 41:33.180
So to clarify, it'd be the same outcome whether that was 6 o 'clock, 7 o 'clock, 10 o 'clock? Yeah, correct, yeah. Brian Stockwell 41:42.780
Does anyone else wish to talk, I think? No. Councillor Lorentson, would you like to close? Amelia Lorentson 41:50.280
I will. The amendment was placed in direct response to the submissions that were received during the first approval process. So to me, it was just respecting the expectations of the residents that lived close by to the Royal Mail. I think in the discussion around the table, there's sort of like maybe an idea that kids need a playground to be entertained. I recall bringing my children when they were little to lots of coffee shops and restaurants and there were no playgrounds. So I don't think it restricts the commercial use. commercial use people and still go to the Royal Mail and have coffee have breakfast kids can still be entertained by talking to their parents or digital devices what the restrictions in terms of the playground does is again it's just respecting that the Royal Mail is Located within close vicinity to people who live in the precinct and again gives respect to the fact that the playground was taken out during the original negotiations and reintroduced as a minor change. And that did not allow, again, public notification. It did not allow the community, again, to say whether they approved or didn't approve. So I believe this is fair, but respect the views and the decisions that will be made around this table. Brian Stockwell 43:41.159
Okay, I put the amendment. Those in favour? Those in favour? That's Councillor Lorentson. That's Councillor Lorentson and Finzel and Phillips. Those opposed? That's Councillor Wegener, Wilkie and Stockwell. It's a tied vote therefore I get a deciding vote and on this case I will use my deciding vote to support the staff recommendation which didn't have this amendment in it and therefore it will be lost. I'd like to move another amendment please. Amelia Lorentson 44:22.600
That condition 4B be added to read B, the playground must display clear, durable and weather resistant signage at all entry points and within the play area that includes one age appropriate usage guidelines. For example, For example, for children aged 2 to 12 years, two supervision requirements, e.g. children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times, three, emergency contact information and location of first aid facilities, and four, noise awareness, e.g. please be mindful of nearby residents. Brian Stockwell 45:03.860
Do we have a seconder? Amelia Lorentson 45:14.060
This was a backup amendment in case the amendment before didn't go through. Again, the idea of the amendment is to respect the expectations of We participated in the original approval process. The amendment in front of us, it's basically just some clear rules, restricted access, sorry, and visible signage. And the signage is simply to demonstrate that the venue recognises and responds to concerns raised by the residents and that also council takes seriously its role in safeguarding neighbourhood liveability. But also, the requirement for this sort of signage also ensures that safe and responsible use of the playground within the licensed venue. So, age guidance, supervision, expectation, emergency contact details and noise awareness messages, again, just contribute to public safety and responsible behaviour and support the operator's duty of care, while reminding the patrons that the venue sits within a residential area. incidental. So just the idea again is to encourage greater consideration for the nearby households. So again, I hope you support the amendment in front of us, which again, respects the expectations of residents who participated in the original approval process. Frank Wilkie 46:53.512
Question for Councillor Lorentson. Amelia, what's the idea behind age appropriate usage guidelines to ensure we don't have any enthusiastic adults? Amelia Lorentson 47:07.756
Yes, and if the playground is suited for children up to 14-15 years, then again it's just got to be visible and clearly displayed. Frank Wilkie 47:28.160
I'll speak in favour of the amendment. I think it's good to have this general safety information, usage information. It doesn't restrict children using the playground equipment. make sure that the removal of the last amendment ensures that children will likely to stay within the venue with their parents and not have to be going across the road to play on the other equipment, which is not Noosa mitigated. I think it's just very sensible and responsible to have some sort of appropriate signage in the playground equipment. So that's a couple of areas. Anyone else? Jessica Phillips 48:18.520
I have a question. What's, where's the age appropriate usage guidelines come from? Like, I actually should know this, but I feel like I'd like to know. How will the playground be determined as ages? Patrick Murphy 48:33.060
Well, I would expect, and this is just an opinion, that a playground is, as you construct it, you would be advising that this playground is suitable for someone that's 0-7 or 0-9, that there would be some information. Have they indicated that in the? No. Okay. I'd like, I'll support the amendment. One of the reasons why we stopped coming to the villa is because it was always these teenage kids, older kids, just absolutely, like, they absolutely, like, almost knocking over my kids when they were little. So, yeah, I think age-appropriate guidelines is certainly something that I would, as a mum, think is a really reasonable suggestion. And I also think another soft suggestion is supervising your children, which would be lovely if we saw that more often. I'm supportive of all of it. Yeah, I think it's, again, sometimes I wonder, you know, why we have to do these things, but then remembering that. Remembering that we do have to, because not everybody, most people do the right thing, but it's always a good reminder. So, yes, thank you again, Amelia, for thinking the extra things that make the place. Tom Wegener 49:59.960
If we are imposing this upon the establishment, shouldn't we be leading the charge by having this signage across the road at our own public? Richard MacGillivray 50:14.940
Councillor, we do have some information at some of our playgrounds that talks about the specifics of the equipment and a bit of a disclaimer around the use of it is, you know, and obviously supervision and encourage those things. I'm just trying to recollect exactly what is on our own signage in relation to our own playgrounds. I can remember, yeah, there is some information there. It probably doesn't go to maybe all of the detail of that around noise awareness and things like that, but it certainly does make reference around being mindful of the equipment and obviously personal liability and supervision. But yeah, I don't have the specifics on that and whether it's in every single playground and every play equipment across the Shire. I'm not 100% sure. Jessica Phillips 51:03.895
I think our website says that playgrounds are really suitable for these ages. But I think it's more around when you go there, it's got the police supervise. I think our website has some of the ones that are under... Richard MacGillivray 51:17.695
We've got a director of infrastructure services that might be able to provide some light. Joanne, can you provide any illumination on this issue? Shaun Walsh 51:25.195
I'm through with the chair. It's inconsistent. Contemporary playground equipment does provide guidance about industrial use, but it's always under control. Because there are some children who will exceed age restrictions in the UK. Some children who are in excess of age restrictions shouldn't be able to. So those signs always rise to their parents' discretion. Thank you. Karen Finzel 51:50.729
Just another question through the chair, please for clarity. It's my understanding also that people that produce and manufacture children's playgrounds these days, they are built to certain ages, is that correct? Yeah. Shaun Walsh 52:04.994
So, for the chair, playgrounds are certified by, certified by us to be designed for this in terms of play experience and safety associated with them. And the playgrounds need a quite extensive inspection regime to ensure that they are maintained and meet those. But in terms of, they provide a recommendation for children to use it. But again, it's up to the child and parent to determine the way they use it. So, there's nothing to enforce a four-year-old getting onto equipment which is designed for seven-year-olds. Yeah. And I know from my background in playgrounds at South Lane and Ramestreet, young girls in particular are high risk, not high risk, but high appetite for risk and will easily exceed playground equipment which is designed for children. Yeah. Young boys will often get trapped on playground equipment. Thanks, Shilpa. I know. Wait, no, stand back. It was only surprising. We didn't need that. We all know that. That's the appetite of a child to be able to take on this, which is the whole point of playground equipment, is to test a child. Thanks, Shilpa. Yeah. Thank you. Yeah. Tom Wegener 53:14.201
Thank you. There you go. Brian Stockwell 53:19.361
Does anyone else wish? I have no trouble with the proposal. I think it's good. I think a little bit of prompting about awareness of neighbours is good and the other things are sensible. So I've got no problems with the proposal. Councillor Lorentson, Mr Close. I put the motion. All those in favour? That is Laurison, Finzel, Phillips, Wilkie, Stockwell and opposed is Councillor Wegener. Okay. So that becomes part of the motion. Do we have any other amendments? If it's not other people's, I will move another one. Just wait for that to come up. Oh, if you could show the picture first so we know what we're talking about in case people haven't seen it. Oh, did you send it? Didn't I? Oh, go on. It doesn't matter. I can just tell people what it is. this the one you wanted? Yes. Okay. Do you know what the item will be now? That this be, that the item G be added to read, restriction of six car parking bays for the use of VIP customers of the gambling room was not in, oh, wait a minute. There is a precursor to that. In, it was that the CEO be requested to advise the applicant. This is the wording you gave me. There was a precursor before then. Shaun Walsh 55:04.454
Yeah, there was a sentence in the email. Richard MacGillivray 55:09.134
Do you want me to read it out to you? Yeah, I'll just type it in. Where does it go? It just, um, above it. Above one? Yeah, so it says, um, that the CEO be requested to advise. Brian Stockwell 55:32.640
Yes. Okay, so I'll read it again. That the CEO be requested to advise the applicant that, one, the restriction of six car parking bays for the use of VIP customers of the gaming room was not included in the proposal plans. The restriction of six car parks to a very limited number of clients is considered to result in inadequate parking provision for the overall development. The restriction of six car parking bays for the use of VIP customers of the gaming room was not included in the proposal plans. The removal of the exclusive use restrictions on the six bays is required to meet the conditions of the substantive debate. Do I have a seconder? Councillor Wegener. Frank Wilkie 56:12.520
No, that's fine. Yeah, it wasn't Councillor Wegener. Brian Stockwell 56:17.100
So councillors, yes, I was quite surprised on opening day when the car park was full and there were six empty car parks painted bright green with the words "VIP Gaming Only". I've been back there twice since and each time the car park has been relatively few and there's six car parks with the words "VIP Gaming Only." So I think from planning grounds, when we were asked to adopt a reasonably generous method of calculating car parking, we weren't asked to consider whether six of those should be kept aside for some unknown VIP clients. I've been doing...tried to search on the weekend to find out what a VIP gaming room client for the Royal Mail Hotel is, and there is nothing in the public, but we do... but we do know from the Alliance for Gambling Reform that VIP packages for gaming is a real trap for problem gamers. It is an incentive for poor gaming behaviour. Enticing people to stay and giving them special privileges by gaming for longer. Now, I'm not a wowser, I don't mind people who bet, but we do know that problem gambling behaviour does create social harm. So both on the planning grounds that we came up with a set of numbers for car parking, with a set of numbers for car parks based on them being available for the whole use, that they haven't applied to restrict that use, and the fact that we know in Tewantin that car parking is a premium, and that we've had letters recently from businesses saying how hard it is that this concept that we can just allocate six of the 121, I think, required car parks. To some unknown VIP clients, to me, it does suggest that the development as proposed in the original application is not providing adequate car parks. So hence why I've... given that. The further explanation is it's not a condition of this approval because it wasn't a subject of the modifications. So it is virtually advice to the CEO, advise the applicant. It's really those staff that are required to seek compliance with the conditions. of approval. Does anyone else wish to talk? Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 58:47.880
It just seems to be a blatant misuse of the parking requirements. I think it's just totally inconsistent with the concept of there's so many parking spots you have to have and then they put six of them as VIP. Put six of them as VIP, it's just ridiculous. I don't remember seeing anything else like that. This is foreign. So, yeah, thanks for seeing that. Frank Wilkie 59:13.900
I agree. Mr Chair, good pick up. As you said, parking is a premium in Tewantin and certainly in this establishment and I hope to see a family... be excluded from finding parking in the parking area as a result of six positions being reserved exclusively for VIP members. I think it's against our policy of inclusivity, very exclusive and it doesn't send a live message. I'll speak to it. Jessica Phillips 59:49.444
I support the amendment. In the training that I was delivering before I ran for council around the nation between communication and safety training, we talked a lot to young team members from retail if they were parked really far away from their workplace and they were working late into the night in a 15-minute break. In a 15-minute break to, if they can, try and grab their car and come closer to the venue so it's not as unsafe to walk to at night. I think, I can't suggest what they do with their VIP parking, but rather than gaming, I would almost suggest that they... There was quite a lot of young staff over there waiting on tables. It would be great to see them, if they're not catching public transport to and from work, that they can get their car from somewhere around the streets of Tewantin and bring it closer for them to be safer to leave. Amelia Lorentson 01:00:49.460
Total support of the amendment in front of us, again, this just goes against the grain of who we are and what we want to be as a community. You mentioned, Chair, that we stepped away from the Alliance for Gambling Reform. Again, it's part of the Notified Motion I'm proposing to bring forward on Thursday. There's a request that Council reconsider rejoining the Alliance for Gambling Reform, and that's a discussion we can have on Thursday. Thank you. Yeah, just the Attorney-General and the Minister for and Justice, Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence noted in a media statement with the new laws, it was about minimising gambling harm and hold Queensland casinos to account, so I think we're well and truly in line with, you know, the federal, state and local government to bring this, to be able to help, you know, bring around these reforms, that and support also ensure that these places operate with integrity and that they have measures in place to prevent gambling harm and combat, you know, the associated issues around that. So I'm fully supportive of this. Again, it just reflects everything we've spoken around the table in terms of our values and our community and, you know, aspiring to see a future where, you know, we're supporting good health and wellbeing and good social policies in our local Shire. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:02:30.405
I'll close. Thank you all for your support and I think we are all on the same page in respect to how we think we should be managing this issue. I will say that Councillor brought up a good point and since I've gotten part bright green, there'd be absolutely no problem with panning staff because there's always staff so they'd be always utilised. I will say that... Part of the planning grounds is they're terribly underutilised. So, yeah, good point in terms of if you want to provide some precedence on your if you want to provide some precedence on your property, the first place to look for is the safety and building for your staff to find a car park. So I'll put the motion. All those in favour? That's unanimous. Now becomes part of the motion. Do we have any other amendments? If not, back to debating the substantive motion. I believe only Councillor Wilkie and Councillor Lorentson have it. Can we not speak to it? Jessica Phillips 01:03:32.640
I'll speak to it. Again, after going to it last night, I'm happy to see the Royal Mail and it's kept with heritage and it's such an iconic place to sit at, especially, you know, I've got a long history here and it was, I think every second table was local, so I really do hope that any I really do hope it ends up being a place that locals can socialise, bring community back together, be out, watch the cricket, do whatever, you know, it's a really nice thing to, it's an Aussie thing we should cherish. Yeah, sure there's going to be people that take advantage of stepping outside but that's, you know, not our role today after we've put in the conditions. I'd like to see that, yeah, that Tewantin has a bit of an injection of something like that because I think it was needed. And yes, I'm supportive of, again, I will reiterate, I'm probably more for the residents. I wasn't I didn't like the way that it came to us as a minor change. That said, I appreciate the staff for presenting it the way it has and the amendments make it maybe feel a little better for me. Karen Finzel 01:04:52.740
Just along those lines it's great to see you know that we have had a developer coming and you know look at the overall identity of Tewantin, value the heritage, work with staff to deliver it you know in a timely manner. We went there for the opening the other afternoon and it was full of locals everyone was you know engaged. and it was all positive so I think it's great when we talk about planning and linking to who we are responding to our identity and our story and our connection to place and I think this development has managed. has managed to capture that and it's great for our locals and visitors alike to come along to a place that's had a long history and connection to Tewantin and our community. So overall I think this should be celebrated and I think I'm glad we've had the opportunity today to you know reflect our community's social values and the things that we support in this community so. Thank you to everyone around the table and all those involved and seeing this come to this point and have a lovely meeting place for people. Brian Stockwell 01:06:05.121
Thank you. So I'll speak. It is interesting, it is a development that people have been wanting for decades and on top of all that the good work in terms of the design and how they finished that redesign to be in keeping with character and heritage and a place where locals can meet. The other big thing is it's re-established Tewantin's link with the river. There can be so many people say you know they're sitting there in the outside area looking down that river you know this building that was built probably blocked some of that traditional views of the river but you know Tewantin is really our river village and that that facility will actually make that connection a lot more a lot stronger it will be I'm sure it will be something where locals will go to and I think you know on the whole and I think you know on the whole when we did our heritage study it was really interesting we went around the whole of the Shire to many different places and I think the most frequent thing to be nominated for The place that was nominated for heritage and character was the local pub, was that the Kin Kin here and it is you know the Royal Mail has so much history the pioneer families who have their lunches they will tell so many stories for example the commercial fishing in in Noosa Shire happened during the sawmillers strike when all the strikers were sitting there running out of money to buy the beer in the Royal Mail and they decided let's throw in some nets over the back there and if you ever read the accounts of what they caught in one day it was absolutely amazing and they took it up to Gympie. So it is both a place of many stories but there's also a modern development that's been well done. So I support the minor changes. And I do respect the fact that the adjoining neighbours had genuine concerns and that our staff have gone to sufficient rigour. Rigour in the noise assessment to ensure that those impacts or the feared impacts are unlikely to occur and the conditions specifying the noise limits that can be applied applied. If they are breached, then that is area where we can make sure that the facility doesn't have a significant impact on the adjoining neighbours. Councillor Wilkie, did you want to speak to the overall motion? Tom Wegener 01:08:35.384
No, thank you. It does justice to the wonderful place that it is and to the Royal Mail. And you're right, the view of the river is spectacular. Anyway, that's probably not as important as the motion here. Frank Wilkie 01:08:56.262
Along the way, I'll go back to my comment. It's up right to an iconic location, and apart from that, it's all been set for several hours. Brian Stockwell 01:09:01.471
Okay, I've put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. We can now invite Councillor Wilson back into the meeting, if she's still awake. Just while we're getting, are any councillors intending to seek information regarding to the next item? Or are they likely just to support the recommendation as proposed? Amelia Lorentson 01:09:38.540
I would like to put it into confidential, please. Brian Stockwell 01:09:42.040
So I'm going to move the screen. So I'll move as as the chair to move item two planning environment court appeal number D92 of 2025 to the last item on today's agenda. No, we'll move to the last item on the agenda. and then we'll do it again. I don't think it has to be a motion. So we move on to the next item. Thank you, you get to wait around. And we have the financial performance report for October 25 and we have the director of finance and the acting manager. So, Manager Zach, I presume you're going to do the overview for us? Zach 01:11:05.840
I am, thank you, through the chair. I'll take the report as read. So October provides us with four months of actual data for the financial year, or one third of the total financial year. Again, providing us with greater evidence base for full year predictions. There's been no substantial change to the update provided in September. There's been no substantial... We are tracking ahead both in revenue in terms of operating position and again with a working eye across our capital works program. As noted in the financial report itself, we are tracking ahead of NIF surplus by 21.16% and operating results... is 8.78% actual against budget. A couple of detailed comments just related to the report itself. Councillor Wilson had raised a question relating to the tourism and economic development investment summary on the bottom of page four. There's a $66,000 variance to budget for the tourism Noosa funding agreement line item. Just to simply note that is a timing issue based on the underlying modelling itself. Just to simply note that is... It isn't actually a variance of the actual funding, so that will be corrected over the next couple months. In regards to the capital expenditure and WIPP, my comments from the previous financial report were stand. Again, there is lower than expected capital works today, but we would expect to see the upward hockey stick analogy swing of capital works over the period of the year. As a working note, we will look through budget review which is scheduled for early in the new year to look at the capital works program and whether in fact it needs to be recast or where the actuals are at that point in time. There's a working... We did take on board a query... a query from Councillor Finzel in the previous round around the WIP. where We will bring that back to a monthly report following the conclusion of our financial statements this year. We'll have been in a formal position to provide that plus the detail that was requested then. And then one further note as part of the cash management and investment performance itself, historically there have been questions from councillors around our cash position, so noting that the Director of Corporate Services in the previous meeting had noted previous meeting and noted we will do an external review of our cash position which again will be built into the future budget workshops that will be presented to you early in the year that looks at our cash management and reserves and ultimately how that is tied to our capital position as well. Well, happy to talk to you. Brian Stockwell 01:13:31.360
And so Wegener will head his hand up first, okay? Tom Wegener 01:13:35.260
On the fees and charges, numerous lower than expected fees and charges, probably $465,000. I'm always, you know, watching how many fees and charges that are going through the planning, going through the plumbing, the panel tables area. Is that reflected in this? Is it because where are you in the downtrend in the market? I was just watching if there's any change. Zach 01:13:59.717
Yes, so if you answer that through the chair. So the comment there is there are a number of fees that obviously make that up. At this point in time, it's just a watching brief. Again, it is hard to predict fees as they come through the year due to the poor dependency of the market itself and actual works. So at this point in time, we just highly know that it is the case between mind and variance of actual to budget. Again, our modelling is based on our best efforts at the start of any year to predict future works, patterns, development, et cetera, et cetera. So does that answer your question? Yeah. Brian Stockwell 01:14:32.551
Councillor Lorentson, I think, was the next person to indicate their question. Amelia Lorentson 01:14:36.171
Oh, I have a few. I'm going to start with employee benefits. So, have I read correctly so the impact of vacancies across council total 2,299,000. Wow. That seems significantly high. Which departments have the highest vacancy rates and how is system impacting service delivery? Margaret Gatt 01:15:09.740
Through the chair, I can initially respond to that, Councillor Lorentson. I'll have to take that question on notice in terms of which department are carrying the highest number of vacancies. As councillors would know, the finance area within corporate services has had a number of vacancies over the last couple of years and we're working actively to recruit to those. We're actually anticipate that the vacancies within the finance area will all have new employees within the next couple of months. So I can just respond to the corporate services area but for the other departments within the organisation I can take that question on notice and provide that answer to you either internal communications or via the next council report. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:15:54.248
Still in terms of vacancies, so I'm noticing in the report we're managing the risk with external labour hire. Is that correct? And I've got $501,000 that we're really paid to external labour hire. Through the Chair, yes, Councillor Lorentson. That's correct. Again, in terms of just some of my red flags, employee benefits also show offsets due to lower than anticipated sick leave, $320,000, and superannuation payments of $199,000, overtime $236,000, other leave payments $224,000. Again, they seem quite significant. And my questions are probably what controls are in place to manage excessive overtime? And what does the current turnover and staffing gap? How does it affect financial reporting compliance and operational risk in critical areas like finance and revenue services? Margaret Gatt 01:17:12.973
Through the chair, I can attempt to answer that question. For all of those particular areas, context is very important. Because for each business area, the context around the amount of labour hire, the term of vacancies, the superannuation, the other offsets, it's all contextual for each department. So it'd be hard to provide overall response to that that would be consistent for the whole organisation. But I can again take that on notice and I'll have a discussion with the CEO whether we can come back with a more detailed report on vacancies over time, reasons for, etc, etc. We could bring that back to you through the CEO. I would appreciate that. Thank you. Nicola Wilson 01:18:08.560
The rates arrears. When we look at the percentage of total arrears over this year's rates revenues, should we be separating out what's the arrears that's relevant to this financial year? And what's for previous years? Because does that kind of skew the percentage if it's multi-years against one year's revenue? Zach 01:18:32.068
Yes. Through the Chair to answer that question, yes. So the previous report, which was September 2025, you would have seen it was a much detailed summary. So what we're looking to do is get that regular reporting of it. It's quarterly. We bring up that more detailed analysis. Obviously say sway some of the information, but you will obviously routinely three month basis, the age degrees and what that looks like as well. Yes, it does. If it's required, it could be done more formally at each month. So it's just a balance of how much is included in each month. So happy to take advice from board if you would like more detailed summary on each month. Frank Wilkie 01:19:09.328
Just a follow-up question. If I'm reading it correctly, there's been $1.8 million, $1.9 million in regular arrears in the prior month. Does that mean you've pulled it back from $1.9 million in the month? Through the Chair, yes, simply. Noting arrears is just rates that are outstanding. So yes, we received $1.9 million of payments in the October month. Is that a reminder notice that's been sent in? Zach 01:19:33.168
No, that's a... Payments... Yeah, a combination of both. Some people on direct debits, payment plans, there's a number of different factors that would factor into that. Some people simply paying late, so the combination of all of those and the reminder notices going up speak probably to 1.9. That's not inconsistent with the previous period a year ago. We're seeing relatively similar tracking in terms of payables over the respective months. Margaret Gatt 01:19:59.576
Through the chair, I could just add a bit more detail to that. Our councillors would be aware when we provided you that workshop around the rate arrears, there was one significant outlier. We successfully were able to enter into a... We were able to enter into a payment plan with that particular property owner and we have received some substantial amounts of revenue to come in in relation to that outstanding arrears. Frank Wilkie 01:20:23.900
It looks like something might have occurred. Margaret Gatt 01:20:25.760
Yes. Yes. Amelia Lorentson 01:20:28.900
Okay. I'm still a bubble up with the rate arrears. In terms of the ratio, so we have 5% rate arrears ratio threshold. Is that correct, Zach? Zach 01:20:44.020
Through the shares of general best practice market industry. That's the intention is to get to about 5%, yes. And where we... 7.2, yep. So the important thing to remember with rates is kind of cyclical that you always get an upswing in July and January. So based on where we're currently sitting at 7.2%, we're tracking for there or thereabouts for about 5% at the end of December period. We will potentially work to work through that as the new debt policy that will become operational early next year. Noting that the... Amelia Lorentson 01:21:20.840
So in terms of a trigger level, at what point do we get a little get a little bit nervous? Is it three percent, four percent, five percent, six percent? What's what's the trigger level? Zach 01:21:34.176
Well, again, it's cyclical because we get the spikes after both of the respective periods. So I think if we were starting to see an upward trend in terms of that percentage nearer the end, so your December and June dates become very important because that's the absolute minimum point. If we were seeing them significantly in excess of five percent, again, our eventual plan over the course of the next year or two is to ultimately bring it down past best practice into two, three, four percent with the new policy. That is tracking there or thereabouts for historic years, so I don't think there's any reason to flag that. It's more of a working notice to hopefully you should see over the preceding six months that come down over time. Jessica Phillips 01:22:20.580
It'll probably be to Director Walsh because it's about fleet. So just down, talking about fleet, I like the yellow, green markers by the way. So it's on 100 Walsh. Do you think maybe you can help me understand that? Shaun Walsh 01:22:43.471
That's right, on the capital expenditure fleet, we have. Fleet. Fleet. So fleet is currently managed through. I thought you said lease. Jessica Phillips 01:23:02.926
That's right. Sorry, I thought it was huge. It has been, Larry Sengstock 01:23:06.601
Oh, right. just recently. And the process of transition. Yes, yes. So you're. Shaun Walsh 01:23:12.601
Okay. Margaret Gatt 01:23:15.661
Yes, through the chair. Just to clarify for our community, it currently is sitting within the corporate services department in terms of responsibility and accountability, but we've just concluded a transition and consultation process. So that function will be transitioning to. The infrastructure services area. So in the future, if you have any questions, you could direct it to there. But for the purposes of this report, as at the end of September, it's still within my remit for responsibility. So in summary, the reason for that being a watching brief is generally your fleet replacement program really does have a very long lead time and doesn't have. a high level of actual expenditure against the budgeted usually within the first six months of the year dependent on the type of plant that's in the replacement program. If it's your standard light vehicle or say potentially a ute, you would expect to be able to get those into the organisation fairly quickly and operational. If you've got large pieces of yellow plant, say a drum roller, a digger, a grader, et cetera, they take a longer lead time because generally those parts have to come from overseas. They come via a ship, obviously. Then it needs to be put together once on Australian soil and then brought to site. They generally take a long lead time. So this, whilst it says it's a watching brief, I'm fairly confident with the detail of I'm fairly confident with the detail of planning for the fleet replacement program and the schedule that by the time you come to probably March, April, May next year, you'll see a significant amount of that expenditure has been drawn down. Jessica Phillips 01:24:54.943
And it's probably, I'm having this be taken on notice as well because I am aware, you might not have this one on straight off, but what I'm aware of is we're trying to move to electric without fleet. However, we've got not many electric chargers so we're using diesel generators to charge our electric vehicles costing us more. So something maybe for a notice that I would like to unpack this. I'm aware that we want to move our fleet to electric and while I'm okay in principle, I also want to understand. I also want to understand the financial implications of a council that we're going to be investing in diesel generators that are of higher emission to cars than in the first place. So I really need to understand a little bit more of that. How are you for that not to be today? Margaret Gatt 01:25:50.657
Through the chair I can initially respond to that. So our manager for fleet has started that initial analysis of what it would actually look like in a 24, 48, 48 months, sorry, a year to 12 months to two years. What am I saying? I'm getting confused with my date. Sorry. For what it looks like for a year to two years to three years around converting all plant and vehicles to a green fleet where possible. So we have started the initial financial implications, but then also, obviously, there are all those alternative offsets and benefits for the financial whatever that costs. So we have, but it's really high level at the minute. So yes, we can come back to you and that will probably be through Shaun as Director of Infrastructure Services will come back at some time in the future with what that looks like. Jessica Phillips 01:26:44.980
So just a quick follow up then, in the meantime if we're purchasing fleet, what's happening, are we purchasing electric fleet without the infrastructure and relying on the diesel or is that, do we have a policy? Margaret Gatt 01:27:01.500
Through the Chair, Shaun's going to help me with this response, thank you. Shaun Walsh 01:27:06.920
I just want to note that certainly with regard to yellow paint, there has not been sufficient advancement in electric batteries to make that paint viable and on the ground as yet. So there's still some way, so Michael and I in Fleetwood have extensive discussions and he's abreast of industry trends. So certainly there's scope for us to transition into a small fleet to more electric places. We do have recharging facilities. We do have recharging facilities at the Noosaville level, but we don't have recharging facilities at the local level. There would be a significant financial cost impostor's result at the moment as we purchase all commercial vehicles. So I just want to note that a transition to a new fleet Brian Stockwell 01:28:05.272
So I think there's a little bit of misinformation. Do we have charging facilities at the moment? Shaun Walsh 01:28:11.492
Yes we do. We don't. Sorry, I'll correct that. We have one charging facility which is available for one vehicle only, which is used by the IT crew. By the IT crew. That charging facility is not available to any other vehicle. So it's got a specific plug, yeah. Can I also say, I don't know where you've, the information regarding using generators to--- We don't use generators to charge up our electric vehicles. I'm not aware of that being the case with us. We don't use generators to charge electric vehicles. The electric vehicles, we only have a couple in the fleet, in total, a few, and they use-- or charges that we have available, electric charges. So we're not using diesel at this point. Just to clarify. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:28:59.893
Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:29:03.313
Where is the $1.9 million fraud loss reported in the financial statements? Is it through the cheque? I can answer that. So in the preparation of our end of financial year statements, that will be a special note or what is referred to as a disclosure note that will be contained within those financial statements and at the back of the annual report. Frank Wilkie 01:29:43.560
Just a question on notes, perhaps, how much of the, in our cash at hand, how much of that is QRA disaster recovery funding? Zach 01:29:55.400
I'd have to take that on notes. Just gives an indication of the amount of outstanding work we have. Margaret Gatt 01:30:02.600
Yeah. And through the chair, And through the chair, I'll just try to find where it is in the report. We have made a commitment in here that for our internally restricted funds, that we will bring back a report to council that explains the percentage differences and where things are at. So that's a future report that will come to council that will talk about the balances of all of those. So that's a future report. Yes. That's not answering your question, but just to provide some extra... Brian Stockwell 01:30:36.416
Okay. Does someone like to move the motion? Move Councillor. Seconded by Councillor Lorentson. You have the floor Councillor Lorentson. Jessica Phillips 01:30:48.780
Thank you. It'll be very quick. I appreciate how well the reports are written for me to understand. I like the systems and I appreciate again that you look back at... I appreciate again that you looked back at questions around the table because I think it's pretty clear when you're reading them that they're a lot clearer for the everyday person with our accounting backgrounds. So that's hopefully what we can do for community to see and easily pick up the financial documents and have a fairly good understanding of where we're sitting. So thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:31:21.500
Any other questions to discuss? Frank Wilkie 01:31:24.940
Thank you again for the reporting, the clear reporting, the regular reporting. It really helps us understand what's going on in the organisation. And I think it's played a big part over the years of ensuring that... this council remains one of 20, or around 20, we have 77 brings-on councils that are on a surplus budget, and I think very clear financial reporting plays a big part in actually sustaining the Noosa Council Council. So thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:32:15.900
Across council, the amount of overtime, the amount of leave payouts, I'm just concerned about staff. I keep saying, you know, we're as good as the staff that we have working for us. So for me, where I sit when I look at these reports... I look at the red flags, what's the story it's telling, and what can we do to strengthen our processes, again, in order to protect our staff from burning out. And, again, how we can attract the right people to do the right jobs in the organisation. So these are the things that, like I said, keep me up at night. We really need to take care of our people and really need to understand the underlying issues behind the Noosa. Brian Stockwell 01:33:16.780
I think that's the key to the success of the organisation. 2.7 Million and based on the month's reporting format, we should be there by Christmas and then getting better after Christmas. So you can take that as a challenge. Larry Sengstock 01:33:55.107
Thank you, through the Chair. Amelia Lorentson 01:33:58.327
We're motivated by challenges. Councillor KPI. Brian Stockwell 01:34:04.167
I think, anyone else wish to talk? No. No. Councillor, do you wish to close? No, thank you. Okay, I'll put the motion. All those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you. Larry Sengstock 01:34:16.709
Thank you. Thanks. Brian Stockwell 01:34:18.609
So we then move on to section eight, number two, operational plan 2025/26, quarter one reporting, and we will... SPEAKER_08 01:34:37.240
Good afternoon, councillors. Karen Finzel 01:34:38.740
Good afternoon. Brian Stockwell 01:34:39.880
For those online, Yochi is our executive officer. Correct. SPEAKER_08 01:34:44.260
Acting. So the purpose of this report is to provide council with the progress update on the implementation of the operational plan and the status of key performance measures for the quarter one of this financial year. Of the 98 initiatives, 85% are currently on track. Some of the key achievements in this quarter were the floating land B &L, education campaigns for pool safety and responsible dock control in public spaces, they have commenced. Consultation for the draft destination management plan has concluded, completed, which is fantastic. 650 community engagements to strengthen community disaster resilience have been conducted and the implementation of a new contract management framework. There have also been some delays. 10% of initiatives are experiencing a minor delay and 5% a major delay or disruption. The major disruptions are caused by competing priorities as you all would be very well aware there's an increased focus at the moment on the finalisation of the destination management plan and tourism Noosa roadmap which is quite resource demanding for the teams and there's obviously also unplanned staff movements which can impact the delivery of operations. population. Plan initiatives. The affected initiatives, key initiatives are Kabi Kabi engagement and commitment plan, the coastal hazards adaptation plan, the progression of stage four of the regional art gallery, and the scoping of a workforce planning model. Attachment two, so the update is provided in attachment one on these operation plan initiatives, and the second attachment, attachment two, provides attachment two, provides an overview of council's current key performance measures. Overall, the majority of KPMs performed in line with targets in previous reporting periods, with two exceptions. The indicator for workplace safety has significantly increased, which is mainly due to two long-term staff absences. The second one is the return on investment was slightly below target range, reflecting current downward trend in interest rate market conditions. Happy to take any questions. Brian Stockwell 01:37:19.000
Thank you. Tom Wegener 01:37:38.010
3.4.1, And it says that it's on track, and it says that there's plans, but it says it's what the sector expects. It's what the sector economic development is refreshing a food and agriculture development plan in collaboration with the Food and Agribusiness Network, FAN, identifying where council can deliver the greatest value. It says it's about to get profulent for a proof of concept for a food and agribusiness, is about to commence successful proponents to be appointed by the end of quarter two. So, I just wanted to bring that up, because as you know, I'm a stickler about this, but sometimes I wonder if it's actually on track, if we're about to start something. But, you probably aren't ought to wear it across this particular one, because it's a pretty small piece in the big puzzle. I Let's go. SPEAKER_08 01:38:34.496
Think all pieces are for the chair. Play it out. All pieces are very important to the puzzle. But, obviously, for more specific insight into this initiative update, I would rely on the team to be here as well. So, I'll take that on notice if you want to have further information. I would love further information. I'll take it on notice. Thank you. Absolutely. Not a problem at all. That's fine. Okay. Brian Stockwell 01:38:58.376
Questions? Jessica Phillips 01:38:58.824
One of the only ones that really flags to me is the asset management. Thank you. Let's see. Can you tell me, is progress constrained by available resourcing? That one, what's the risks, I guess, for the CEO, but what's the risks of not having this position? To me, it's just really important that we have our asset management top notch. Are we recruiting? Is there, what's happening in that? Larry Sengstock 01:39:30.676
Yes, we've got a, in that area, we've got a long-term... not personal on leave, long-term, so we're dealing with that. But also, it's not to say that the asset management's not continuing. We've still got a very large or a good group of staff that are working through that. It's just that it is a major, major piece. And with every asset management plan, as we've talked about this before, it's an ongoing thing. You never finish your asset management plan. So it's constantly updating. And I think we're in a reasonable position in terms of our asset management, but we could always be better. So we're working through that. And it is a focus. We are looking to actually put more focus on our asset management delivery. Jessica Phillips 01:40:25.560
I think maybe most of it, I guess, to me, the one thing I think of is what's the risk to us not having it. It's all knowing, I understand. Is it financial risk to us? Is there like an ageing asset that we miss? What's Larry Sengstock 01:40:43.834
The... Our planning has been really very much on the civil infrastructure, so everything below the ground and the roads. So we have a, sorry, a poll. And we haven't really focused in recent years on our, we've recognised on our buildings as such and some of our other assets. So that has now become more of a priority. So that's now being picked up and being driven harder. And we've already, we've recognised and we've already, we've recognised that. We're sort of working through that progressively. And yes, you know, it does come with a financial risk because any piece, any asset doesn't matter. In your own home, you look at it and you say, well, I've got that under control, but I haven't really looked at that piece and that's the piece that catches you out. So we're working through that and trying to understand where the biggest risks are so we can address those first. Jessica Phillips 01:41:31.416
Follow-up question. And just with that, when we identify and assess it, we might be decided that we're going to run it to end of life because that's the best financial decision. How we communicate How are we communicating that with our community? Because, you know, I just think say they see something and they go, you know, why is it being fixed? How is it that we could or is there a way we can communicate that better that actually we've identified that one but we've-- The first thing that springs to mind was foreshore plan back in the day, you know, people would say to me, why is the pillars, you know, falling, whatever, and then through foreshore plan it was identified that-- Through timefalls, you mean? Yeah, that it may not, that we might need to run that to life because of the cost. I just don't know how that's communicated to our community that would see it every day. Is there a suggestion? No, that's a very good point. I'm happy to take it on notice because I think that's a really good point, is to be, you know, again, communication. I know that's a key piece for you and it is for all of us, but I think all of those suggestions are really good because the more you bring them up, the more we can address them. And I think the more we can be ahead of that sort of stuff with the community, the better, because people understand if they know what's going on and know what we can and can't do or why we're doing it, then you're going to get a much better response. So I agree. Amelia Lorentson 01:42:59.160
In terms of our investment returns, they were below the target of Bloomberg Osborne Bank bill index at 0.25, but despite being below the target, the average monthly returns of 4.1 to 4.39 were above RBA cash rates. Get to a question. Go back to, I think, what I've raised quite a few times in terms of our QTC investments being quite high and whether there's opportunities to adjust our investment strategies and portfolio- Okay, so I'm going to pull you up there. Is this a operational plan or a financial report question? Because it sounds like a financial- it's both a combination. Okay, let me change the question. So does Council's investment performance, how does it compare, say, with similar-sized councils or other local governments? And are there best practices that we could adopt? I'm just wondering, how do we assess performance against risk? Brian Stockwell 01:44:09.910
So, I'm sure Yonji would give a very interesting answer to the Director. Margaret Gatt 01:44:19.690
As you know, predominantly our funds are invested in QTC because they generally do give us the best cash rate. At the same time, as they are also advisors, not just for the government, but for state government, they also, during the period, are going to do a credit review with council to look at the health of our finances, and they also look at, they're quite independent, ironically, And, ironically, I'm not provided advice as to whether they think we could do alternatives to our investment portfolio, so we have credit reviews, and as I have mentioned before, I have also requested that they do a surplus cash and debt review with council in the lead up to 26/27 of your budget. So both of those things are in the planning stage, so a credit review that will come to council in the early winter of the calendar year next year, and also that surplus cash and debt review. So when you can combine those things, what's also our sustainability ratios and how we report against those, the local government monitors those, and if they have any calls for concern around our liquidity, so at the moment our liquidity is beyond the sustainability ratio, so over three months, at some points in time we're up to nine months. Amelia Lorentson 01:46:06.326
The upcoming reports mark thank you very much okay yes thank Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:46:17.852
The customer service average phone rate time in seconds is about half of what's what the target is of 60 seconds. What's happened in that department to get that significant reduction in previous years? Any more stuff? Through the chair, there was... SPEAKER_08 01:46:43.018
Yeah, there was a significant improvement with the team moving together into premises next door, where there's a better exchange and better training opportunities for new staff members, so that has significantly increased the response time pretty much, or reduced the queue wait time for customers. And that remains unchanged at the moment. We want to review the Whether we want to review the KPI and make it a bit more challenging is obviously up to your view of these KPMs. But I think really having the team not across different places at Council, different departments. Thanks. Absolutely. They were really spread out across different departments. There was pretty much space available. And now that we moved together as a team into one location, that has caused quite a significant improvement. Simply because they can help each other straight away when there's more information required, it's basically more like a collective brain than, you know, isolated groups of people. Frank Wilkie 01:47:49.973
Customer service is one of the challenges they've faced in the past, because they're so well trained, they're built with viable partners. a slowdown in the loss of the customer service team to other departments as well, is that a matter of fact? Are they more of a stable team? Larry Sengstock 01:48:14.292
I don't know the statistics on that, but it certainly has been in the past where there's been a practice of coming through the customer service and then moving to the organisation. I should, you know, look out there. It's been quite successful for us in terms of the rest of the organisation, but unfortunately from the customer service they're continually retraining, but that's certainly one of the processes. I'm not sure if that's changed of late, but I don't think it has. Yeah, yeah. And for the chair in addition to that, I think customer service officer highly are very regarded because they have the incredible knowledge and understanding of council because they work with customers to find response to their inquiries for all aspects of council. So therefore, for operational teams, having a person on board is quite valuable. So there will always be a healthy competition for those officers. Amelia Lorentson 01:49:15.440
Councillor Lorentson. Back to staff matters. Again, concern for me. So the 12-month moving average staff turnover rate for the report is 19.5%. That's consistent with previous periods. And the average staff turnover rate for permanent positions is approximately 13%. Again, probably concerned, what happens if the current rate continues? What type of risk does that pose to the organisation? And should we be concerned? Brian Stockwell 01:49:59.620
I think that's probably best answered by the CEO. Yeah, that's right. Larry Sengstock 01:50:04.889
I wanted to make that, or show the difference between overall rate of change as well as to the permit, because we have casuals, we have people on short-term contracts, so we have a whole range of that, and we have people coming in from various areas. There are areas that we have had issues, and Mark brought that up before, in the finance area, we have quite a bit of turnover in our operations team, civil operations team, and we have had over the recent times, over the last couple of years, but that's now starting to slow down. You'd be surprised the The, um, the, um, the over, over the sort of the COVID and then post COVID period, there was a, there was a hell of a lot of turnover because people were just moving around and it was very difficult also to attract the, um, the appropriate people. Our attraction right now is much higher. We're getting much higher numbers of people applying but also much better quality of people applying. So people are more appropriate to the positions that they're applying for. That number is actually coming down. I don't think that we're not unusual. I talk to CEOs across the State and we're not unusual in terms of the turnover. It's just one of those things that we have. I also think that, you know, in this world, particularly in local government, we attract good people, we train them up and because we're a smaller council, you know, they're looking to grow, so they're often looking to move around and move on, and other councils are looking at our good people and no question they're cherry picking. And that's it, that's it, that's it. That's a risk for us, even though we've now put in a number of steps to try to retain and keep people on board, but you know, you're never going to keep everybody, there's people who have got other ambitions or are attractive or are, you know, particularly down south, they're going to... particularly down south, they're going to Sunshine Coast or to Moreton Bay because they may live down that area. It's just more convenient for them as well, so a whole range of things in there. But what I am confident of is that whilst we have gone through quite a bit of turmoil, I think that, you know, the majority of our departments are now quite solid. Solid in their staffing and the ones that aren't, we are working really hard to make sure that we rectify that. For example, finance we are with now. I know there is a number of interviews going on today for some very good quality applicants for some important roles that will stand as input steps. Tom Wegener 01:52:51.440
The graphs are fantastic in the KFU report. I don't think I've ever seen them this good before. They just really speak. They just really speak very clearly in colours and lines. For people that are listening, all ten of you out there. So thank you Johnston. I really like that. I really like that, that graph. It literally shows what's happening. SPEAKER_08 01:53:17.910
To the Chair, thank you. Councillor Tom, it's much appreciated. However, I'm very glad that they're well perceived, but I think the plan is to... further improve these quite significantly for more easily, to make it more easily visually digestible, pretty much, yeah. Larry Sengstock 01:53:36.892
To work in progress. Great, thank you. I'm going to move the recommendation. I'm going to move. Amelia Lorentson 01:53:43.015
You can have a question. Just a last question and I can't not ask this question. Burgess Creek water catchment management plan, where are we up to and which agency is going to take the lead on this? Council or Unity Water? Larry Sengstock 01:54:02.975
I'd like to take that on that as well. So I got the follow-up. These reports are done by our directors and managers, so I'll take what's on there, but to give you any more further information on that I'll have to take that on as we go back to you. Brian Stockwell 01:54:21.869
Okay, so I had moved it and Councillor Wilkie had seconded. So thank you. As always, it gives a very good picture. It gives a very good picture of a lot of good progress across the organisation. Just picking up on a few points that were raised in the questions that the issue of where we have minor and significant disruption, when I did a quick look, there's a lot in future and in excellence and when you look at those, they tend to be the more strategic and I suppose that's always my... My area of interest is the more you discount the future and it's the easiest ones to push off, it becomes harder the longer you push them off. So as an organisation we just have to keep on saying make sure we're not discounting it and so on. One of those examples in relation to coastal hazard and it's easy to push that off until you have a coastal storm and all of a sudden we've got huge problems. So that's one. The other one was talking about the customer service. And I was trying to flip back and remember what the guarantee was. We've got a long-standing member of our community, Bob Ansett, who built the reputation of a company based on how quickly they'd answer the phone. And so it is a really good It is a really good indicator to people about when your customer service and your customer focus, that improvement that the mayor had picked up on, that is a really good indicator. And then we looked at the turnover rate and I started thinking, well, that's good. Identify a few problems, but maybe we should also think about some indicators, whether it's quarterly or annually about identifying where our strengths are. So each time we do recognition, we have a series of people coming up and getting 10 years of service, 20 years of service and occasionally 30 years of service. It might be equally as important to identify how much of our organisation is actually really solid. Really long term because that's where your corporate memory sits and it would be it's both that strength but also if you see that reducing rapidly you also know you're at risk of losing your corporate memory so just a thought but other than that obviously when you compare the amount that's on track versus those that have had disruptions it's a very worthwhile picture. Others wish to talk to this motion? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:56:42.827
Just the, oh thank you Johnston for the operational plan and I think it shows how big and how great and how much we do as an organisation. I think what I really just want to say just really quickly again and again and again, our people are our greatest asset. And I really want to thank them and concerns I raise is to ensure they don't burn out, to ensure they don't leave the organisation and to ensure they're being valued because we value them here. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:57:20.668
I'll just say really quickly, every time I see an operational plan, it's really hard for me to go up to do an operational plan. So I understand it's very different. But when I think of delivering for the community, all the extent of the illicit is amazing. I can't help but sometimes always think of these very simple things like you have the right people with the skill set, the wrong culture, and I think that's a balance in, and I'm not suggesting that's happening, but I really want to make sure that we're focusing on the two things, the right people and the right skill set, because I think you can have one without the other. And I think that's really detrimental to what communities see. And when you want to work, I relate it again to the police station that I would work with, the guys that, you know, You know, I'm good to work with. I know that they, you know, since my car accident in a police car just two weeks ago, my phone hasn't stopped from the guys that have checked out and reached out, not because they're just ticking the box, but they actually care how I'm travelling. That's culture. That's not in part of their KDOS. So I think we've got to make sure that we're constantly looking at how we've got the right mix. you can teach people a lot of things on paper. I didn't go to uni. Oh I did, but I didn't finish. You can have a mix of paper, or you can have the right attitude and the right core values, and I think that's a really important mix of Having the right values aligned with what we want to see, and people, the community will see that through the operational plan. That's all I've got to say. Brian Stockwell 01:59:10.546
Yep, agreed. Anyone else wish to talk? Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 01:59:16.344
Thank you for the report. It's only been a few months since July when Council has unanimously endorsed the operational plan for this year, with 98 major initiatives and projects in it. It's good to see that 85% of them are completed and are on track. That's very encouraging. And it's important to note that every, almost all recommendations that come before this Council are driven by the initiatives that this Council has put in place in the operational plan. So that's the origin of all the material that comes to this table for ratification by the councillors. Council are driven by councillor individuals. Again, please pass on our thanks to the hard-working staff, they're the ones that are actually doing the work and we are very grateful to them. Brian Stockwell 02:00:15.440
Anyone else? No? I don't need to close. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That is unanimous. So councillors, the next three items are all in confidential session. May I suggest we move the motion to go into confidential session but then have a short break for convenience. Amelia Lorentson 02:00:33.000
And it's up there, we've got three items to discuss. Brian Stockwell 02:00:57.840
Move Councillor Lorentson. I'm happy to second. Seconded Councillor Finzel. I don't think we need to debate. All those in favour? That is unanimous. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Move on down. That's that. We all right? Okay, so welcome back. We're now in open session. Patrick, do you just want to open the door to see if no one's waiting? And the item we're dealing with is section nine, number one. It's the contract award report, contract CN25113, Western Batter. Missing link capping construction. Is there someone who'd like to move the recommendation? Councillor Wegener and the seconder, Councillor Wilkie. Does anyone wish to talk to this? No? I'll put to the vote. Those in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. We then move on to Item 9.2 which is a Planning Environment Accord Appeal D44 of 2025. Application for a material change of use for food and drink outlet and short-term accommodation at 203 to 207 Gympie Terrace, Nooseville. Do we have a mover? I'll go for Councillor Lorentson and seconder to Councillor Wilkie. I presume there's no discussion. All those in favour? All those in favour? That also is unanimous. We then move on to the last item on the agenda, which is the one we moved earlier in the meeting. It's item 7.2, which is a Planning and Environment Court appeal under DE92 of 2025 for an application for a material change of use for a dwelling house, 58 Seaview Terrace, Sunshine. Beach. Sanchuan. We have the recommendation up there. Do we have a mover of the recommendation? Moved, Councillor Wilkie. Seconded, Councillor Wegener. Do we wish to have any discussion? No. I'll put the motion noes in favour. And Councillor. That's also unanimous. Thank you, Councillors, and thank you, staff. That brings us to the end of the November General Committee meeting. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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