Special Meeting - 4 August 2025
Date: Monday, 4 August 2025 at 2:00PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:03:16
Synopsis: Draft DMP engagement approved, Community-defined KPIs for final DMP, Broad engagement, Principles-led actions, Legal risks: levies/parking/access, State alignment, Carrying capacity, STA limits prioritising residents.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Council moved to approve release of the Draft Destination Management Plan (DMP) for Phase 2 community engagement for six weeks, with dates corrected to 6 Aug–14 Sep 2025 (00:00; Item 4.1). Frank Wilkie: Resolution delegates the CEO authority to make minor edits before engagement commences (07:37; Item 4.1 D). Amelia Lorentson: Amendment adopted adding that community input will define “success” and inform a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework to be delivered with the final DMP in Nov/Dec 2025; carried unanimously (13:46–15:53; Item 4.1 E). Kim Rawlings: Phase 2 engagement methods include info sessions, “coffee chats,” postcards to every household/business (~40,000), Your Say page, surveys, fact sheets, social media, print/radio, and stakeholder meetings (00:44–07:16; 36:09–38:29; Item 4.1 B–C). Kim Rawlings: Draft DMP reflects Phase 1 (Oct–Nov 2023) feedback; elections in early 2024 and Noosaville Foreshore work delayed Phase 2 to 2025 (00:44–02:32; Item 4.1 background). Frank Wilkie: DMP framed by four principles: respecting community, living our values, leading the way, tourism for good; actions span STA limits, funding pilots (paid parking with resident considerations; visitor levy), stewardship council, surf management, disaster readiness (08:40–13:46; Item 4.1). Kim Rawlings: Interactive digital platform (Genially) will let the community click into principles, actions, measures, and implications; fact sheets include dynamic parking and sustainable carrying capacity (16:33–18:20; Item 4.1 C). Lynne Banford: About 70% of community-suggested actions already underway in other plans; the remaining ~30% (more controversial) inform guiding principles (19:06–20:55; Item 4.1 context). Nicola Wilson: Community will get an overview distinguishing the 70% vs 30% via engagement materials (18:40–19:06; Item 4.1 C). Kim Rawlings: Implementation program will accompany the final DMP, with short/medium/long-term timing (38:43–39:46; Item 4.1 E intent). Karen Finzel: Council and partners (RTO/LTO) coordination and accountability discussed; commitment to KPIs and reporting reinforced (31:45–34:16; 39:52–45:10; Item 4.1 E). Jessica Phillips: Applauded novel engagement to reach time-poor residents and new voices (01:01:57–01:02:41; Item 4.1 C). Contentious / Transparency Matters Amelia Lorentson: Sought clarity that the public can provide specific feedback (and effectively “vote” sentiment) on controversial proposals like congestion levies, paid parking, or access restrictions; staff confirmed detailed and short surveys plus further locality-based processes if ideas proceed (28:50–31:25; Item 4.1 B–C). Amelia Lorentson: Pressed for explicit KPIs, baseline data, and targets; amendment E ensures KPI design is co-developed with the community and published alongside the final DMP (14:39–15:53; Item 4.1 E). Kim Rawlings: “Managed access” to iconic sites is framed as sustainability-based capacity management, not exclusion, with methodologies and implications to be published (25:10–27:07; Item 4.1). Nicola Wilson: Emphasized clear, accessible data online so the community can interrogate details and implications (53:49–55:21; Item 4.1 C). Karen Finzel: Called for assurance on timelines, delivery risks, and ongoing reporting back to the community to maintain trust (35:35–36:09; 36:09–38:29; Item 4.1 E). Frank Wilkie: Date shift acknowledged due to IT readiness; submissions now accepted through Sunday 14 Sep to maximize participation (07:37–08:33; Item 4.1 B). Legal / Risk Visitor contribution/levy pilots depend on State partnership; any charge on visitors likely requires State legislative enablement, aligning with the DMP’s “work with State” framing (08:40–13:46; 29:29–31:25; Item 4.1). Paid parking is within Council powers under local laws, but must comply with Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) processes and be supported by transparent cost–benefit and equity settings for residents (08:40–13:46; 28:50–31:25; Item 4.1). “Managed access” and carrying capacity controls must align with coastal, environmental and transport regimes (e.g., Coastal management and Maritime interfaces), ensuring lawful, non-discriminatory public access (25:10–27:07; Item 4.1). Surf management plan and river use implications will involve State agencies (Maritime Safety Qld) and require evidence-based safety/access rationales to withstand challenge (08:40–13:46; 25:10–27:07; Item 4.1). STA controls rely on planning scheme, local laws, rating and advocacy; enforcement must remain consistent with existing statutory instruments to avoid procedural unfairness (08:40–10:30; Item 4.1). Robust KPI framework with baselines mitigates judicial review risk over arbitrariness, and supports consistent decision-making and reporting duties (14:39–15:53; Item 4.1 E). Tourism Funding & State Alignment Karen Finzel: Queried Queensland’s Destination 2045 funding; State has announced $1b over four years, incl. $446m new funding for product/aviation/events/TEQ support, potentially benefiting Noosa operators (21:21–22:38; Item 4.1 context). Kim Rawlings: LTO (Tourism Noosa) and RTO (Visit Sunshine Coast) collaborate on co-marketing, airport/industry initiatives; differing local vs regional priorities justify council’s direct LTO support (32:03–33:02; Item 4.1). Lynne Banford: Noted Noosa’s distinct values vs broader “supercharging the visitor economy” rhetoric; collaboration occurs where interests intersect (33:02–34:16; Item 4.1). Kim Rawlings: Council memberships: Caravan Parks Association of Qld and Ecotourism Australia, tied to council-owned holiday parks portfolio and sustainability practice (34:19–35:33; Item 4.1). Carrying Capacity, Access & Environment Kim Rawlings: Carrying capacity assessment to preserve experience and ecosystems at iconic sites, drawing on established methodologies (e.g., Gari/K’gari precedent) and Noosa’s historic “population cap” concept (26:42–28:33; 25:10–27:07; Item 4.1). Frank Wilkie: Environmental stewardship central; joint custodian programs, disaster preparedness, plastic/water/energy reduction, and alignment of marketing to respectful audiences (08:40–13:46; Item 4.1). Tom Wegener: Framed DMP as “eternal vigilance” to avoid degradation seen in other destinations, leveraging Noosa’s biosphere credentials (51:21–53:33; Item 4.1 purpose). Brian Stockwell: Advocated a wellbeing/regenerative economy lens beyond GDP/GRP metrics, consistent with “managing success” and steady-state roots in Noosa policy history (45:31–50:44; Item 4.1 narrative). Short Term Accommodation (STA) & Community Liveability Frank Wilkie: Priority actions include using planning scheme, local law, rates and advocacy to further limit STA spread in residential areas and support residents in high-demand areas (10:30–11:18; Item 4.1). Amelia Lorentson: Community concerns include congestion, overcrowding, too many events, and too many short stays; plan seeks balanced management with locals first (55:24–01:01:42; Item 4.1). Nicola Wilson: Stressed equilibrium between resident liveability and visitor economy, urging detailed public interrogation of data and proposals (53:49–55:21; Item 4.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Special Meeting Monday, 4 August 2025 2:00 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 4 AUGUST 2025 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 2.00pm. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Nil. 4. SPECIAL MEETING REPORTS 4.1. DESTINATION MANAGEMENT PLAN - PHASE 2 ENGAGEMENT The following material was presented to the meeting in relation to this item: Attachment 1 to the Minutes Special Meeting dated 4 August 2025 - Draft DMP Introductory Video Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council A. Note the report by the Manager Economic Development and Destination Management to the Special Meeting dated 4 August 2025 regarding the Destination Management Plan; B. Approve the Draft Destination Management Plan provided at Attachment 1 for the purposes of community engagement for a six-week period between 6 August and 14 September 2025; C. Note the community engagement plan provided at Attachment 2 to this report, outlining the range of activities and approaches to enable broad community awareness and feedback on the Draft Destination Management Plan; and D. Delegate the CEO to make minor changes or amendments as required to the Draft Destination Management Plan prior to community engagement process commencing. SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 4 AUGUST 2025 Amendment Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Item E be added to read: E. Note that while Measures of Success have been identified in the current report, further community input will be sought to help define what success looks like from the community’s perspective. This feedback will inform the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework, which will be delivered alongside the final Destination Management Plan (DMP) in November/December. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Council A. Note the report by the Manager Economic Development and Destination Management to the Special Meeting dated 4 August 2025 regarding the Destination Management Plan; B. Approve the Draft Destination Management Plan provided at Attachment 1 for the purposes of community engagement for a six-week period between 6 August and 14 September 2025. C. Note the community engagement plan provided at Attachment 2 to this report, outlining the range of activities and approaches to enable broad community awareness and feedback on the Draft Destination Management Plan. D. Delegate the CEO to make minor changes or amendments as required to the Draft Destination Management Plan prior to community engagement process commencing. E. Note that while Measures of Success have been identified in the current report, further community input will be sought to help define what success looks like from the community’s perspective. This feedback will inform the development of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework, which will be delivered alongside the final Destination Management Plan (DMP) in November/December. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 5 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 6 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 3.04pm.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
We are meeting on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi People and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging and reiterate their invitation and acknowledgement of us as joint custodians in respecting and caring for this beautiful place that we all love and respecting and caring for each other. I note all councillors are in attendance. Today's Special Meeting is to consider ratification of the Destination Management Plan phase two engagement for release for public consultation. We have Director Strategy & Environment, Kim Rawlings here, Manager Economic Development and Destination Management, Lynne Banford, plus also staff members, Andrew Soren. Saunders and Juanita Bloomfield here at the table. And may have a summary of the report, please. Yes. Kim Rawlings 00:43.453
Thank you, Mayor Wilkie. Well, councillors, today is a very important milestone. Bring to you a draft plan that seeks to tackle potentially one of our greatest challenges: managing our success as a popular destination, while preserving our lifestyle, neighbourhoods, and all the things that make this place so special. Report seeks council's endorsement of the draft. Destination Management Plan, the DMP, to go out for a second phase of community engagement and feedback. The draft DMP has been developed in response to feedback from phase one of the draft of the DMP community engagement process, Councillor workshops. Councillor and feedback our community have provided over several years through such things as the Liveability Survey, the Corporate Plan, and various other plans and strategies. Phase one community engagement on the DMP was conducted during October and November 2023. And due to council elections in early 2024 and the prioritisation of the Noosaville foreshore master plan, phase two community engagement was deferred until 2025. And here we are today. From the significant feedback received in phase one, a draft DMP has the draft DMP reflects what matters most to our community, along with actions and tasks to drive successful outcomes to ensure our community's values and aspirations are upheld. The draft DMP is built around four key principles. Respecting community, living our values, leading the way and tourism for good. The draft DMP aims to guide the way our destination manages tourism, balancing the needs of our local community, the environment, our economy and visitors. The draft DMP is a community-led document shaped by what matters most to the people of Noosa based on what we heard in phase one consultation. Tourism is a big part of Noosa identity and economy, but the community has told us that it needs to be managed carefully to protect what makes Noosa special. The Noosa draft DMP therefore seeks to set out an action plan to address the issues that matter most to provide a balanced approach and ensure tourism is aligned to our community values. This report, it is now proposed to put this draft plan out for another phase of community review being phased to community engagement. This is proposed to occur for a six-week period between the 6th of August and the 14th of September and is intended to test how well the DMP has responded to community feedback and expectations. Identify any gaps and what more could be added to the DMP to the final DMP to improve it and importantly to seek community input on developing measures to ensure we succeed in managing our destination in line with community values. A broad and comprehensive campaign has been developed to support the community engagement process to build awareness and encourage as many people as possible to understand what the draft DMP is about and have their say. This includes a series of information sessions, coffee chats, postcards to every household and business in Noosa, a Your Say page with a survey, fact sheets, resources and background information, social media campaign, newspaper and radio ads and stakeholder catch-ups. Is now recommended to you for council's consideration and endorsement of the draft DMP to proceed to phase two community engagement. And just before I hand over to council for deliberation, we would like to show the introductory video that will support the engagement process and explain, introduce people to the DMP and what it's about. Frank Wilkie 04:24.756
Thank you Director Rawlings. SPEAKER_11 04:34.880
The in this incredible place, the harder it is to leave. It's a familiar story, a short visit that turns into a lifelong connection. Ask any local why they are here. And chances are, it's a love of Noosa natural habitat. SPEAKER_12 04:53.253
Wherever you go in Noosa, there's going to be some part of nature that you're going to find or discover or that you're going to be a part of. It's trials over the entire region where you can go walking and not see another person for hours and hours on end. We have such a wide variety of waves, beaches that face different directions. Ultimately, what's most special about Noosa is the natural assets we have. Frank Wilkie 05:19.642
It's a great place to live and visit. You can visit and feel like a local. SPEAKER_12 05:26.498
This most of this beauty draws people in more and more. Every year. And as the pressure on our region grows, so does our shared responsibility to protect it. We got born up here in waikato and we always did and we always will. SPEAKER_11 05:42.798
It's important that everybody respects this place pricey and not destroy just Kabi people have cared for this land for countless generations, by embracing regenerative tourism, we can all share in caring for this place, not just for today, but future generations, so Noosa and know its beauty. The Noosa Destination Management Plan, the DMP, is not just a policy. It was created through listening, learning and working with our community. A promise tread lightly. To share wisely. To work together to leave things better than we found them. SPEAKER_03 06:26.240
It's about caring for the land and this place, so it gives back for generations to come. It's about keeping our favourite spots to surf and hanging out with our friends and family, natural and safe. It's all about our visitors engaging and contributing to Noosa economy in ways that genuinely strengthen and support our local community. Frank Wilkie 06:44.638
Whether you live here or you're visiting, what we all share is an undeniable love for this place. Together each day through our actions, we create what Noosa is and what it can become. Noosa destination and management plan is about community first, tourism for good, and our shared hopes and actions for the love of Noosa. We're next, and the best ideas come from the people who love this place the most. So jump in and contribute to a future that regenerates and respects. It's our actions today which will write tomorrow's story. Alright, thank you. Now we're in formal meeting structure today councillors so I'll kick things off by moving a motion and questions can be asked at any time after they've been moved and seconded. I'd like to move the motion before us with the change of dates from the 6th of August to the 14th of September 2025. The reason for the change was there was some IT issues that I wanted to get some difficulties sorted out. So rather than getting underway tomorrow, we'll get underway day after and instead of closing business on Friday the 12th, submissions can be accepted up to Sunday 14 September 2025. May I have a seconder for that please? I'll second. Thank you Councillor Stockwell. Time this so we have some regard for the five-minute limit today. Through the Chair, can I move an amendment, oh excuse me, move a motion. Once the motion is moved and spoken to. Thank you, I know that, thank you very much for the benefit of other councillors you can move an amendment at any time after that. A deep and abiding love for Noosa is something we all share. At its heart the Destination Management Plan is about how we as a community can collectively care for Noosa now and for generations to come. It's about the role we all can play as joint custodians in respecting and protecting this exceptional place that we all this is a plan that recognises that everyone is part of the solution. It's being done purely for the love of Noosa. It's a long-term commitment to placing our community and environment first. Protecting the things that make Noosa different, while managing tourism, responsibly in a way that respects and contributes to Noosa improvement. Informed by over 1,000 submissions, this community-led plan outlines how we can ensure Noosa is insulated from the impacts of its popularity as a destination, increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters and how we can channel visitation in a way that benefits Noosa for all and forever. Today we're approving this draft for feedback on its priorities and actions. Do we understand your submissions correctly? What do you think of the proposed actions to protect and improve this special place. We're also expanding the community engagement program to hopefully capture views from younger people, the future custodians of Noosa and from people who don't normally participate in public consultation but care equally deeply about how it's managed. As a community-led document, the DMP outlines key priorities supported by targeted actions and measurable outcomes. What do you think success looks like? Tell us how we should measure it. Consultation in 2023. The ideas were assessed to see which issues were already being addressed in other plans and strategies and those that were new. Seventy percent of your ideas are from this, four guiding principles distilled from key community and key themes have been developed. The top priority was to protect and steward our environment. Next was to improve the management of short-term accommodation. Third highest was to improve traffic management and reduce congestion. Fourth was to align tourism values. The four guiding principles, first up, respecting community. Actions under this heading include continued using levers like the planning scheme, local law, rates and advocacy to further limit the spread of STA in residential neighbourhoods, helping residents and visitors reduce avoid congestion by providing more convenient and attractive transport alternatives and a one-way priority bus lane. Introducing trials of paid parking with exemptions for residents in high demand areas. Two, leading the way. Actions under this principle include piloting a range of programs to shift how tourism is funded such as through paid parking with special consideration for residents, a visitor levy on overnight stays and establishing a Destination Stewardship Council to establish a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to oversee the delivery of key actions. Working with the State to sustainably manage access and congestion in iconic and sensitive locations. Developing a Surf Management Plan to ensure safety and enjoyment. Better preparation against more intense and frequent natural disasters. 3: living our values. Proposed actions here include a joint custodian program, creating opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors to participate in regenerative activities such as tree planting, Bushcare, beach cleanups, workshops on Kabi Kabi traditions and storytelling, and recognising that we all play a part in caring for Noosa. Fourth principle is tourism for good. Actions here include working with the State to pilot a visitor contribution model that helps fund community priorities such as key infrastructure and other works that benefit Noosa. Supporting encouraging. Industry and to reduce use of energy, water and plastics. Working with the destination marketing body. To ensure any promotion attracts the right audience, market, engenders. And engenders respect for Noosa community and environment. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this plan so far. The 1,000 plus submitters, the members of the external reference group, the Project Control Group, key community and industry groups, the hardworking staff, and of course, our Councillor colleagues. I'd like to finish where we started on, which is on common ground, which is a shared love and desire to protect this exceptional place. The DMP sees us as all part of the solution. Tell us what we think, what you think. Did we hear you correctly? It's all being done for the love of Noosa. Noosa. Amelia Lorentson 13:45.008
That's the last of this room if I remember. You. I'd just like to move an amendment. C? Excuse me, D? I can have it on the screen, that would be great. Thank you. That item E be added to read at council note that while Measures of Success have been identified in the current report, further community input. Be sought to help define what success looks like from the community's perspective. This feedback will inform the development. Of a comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Will be delivered alongside the final Destination Management Plan. In November /December 2025. Frank Wilkie 14:31.682
Thank you Councillor Lorentson. May we have a seconder for that please? Nicola Wilson. Amelia Lorentson 14:39.210
So while the Draft Destination Management Plan actually includes a section on measuring success on pages 36 to 37 of 1. Attachment it's just important that council explicitly notes in the formal recommendation that further community input will be sought to help define what success looks like and that community feedback will help shape the development of this comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Over the last few days, residents have raised the importance of KPIs, robust KPIs, particularly KPIs, the need for baseline data and defined targets. So including this in the recommendation ensures that it's not lost in the lengthy document. It also reinforces council's commitment to transparency, accountability and delivering measurable outcomes that reflect the priorities of the Noosa community. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 15:46.228
Have the councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Thank you those in favour? That's unanimous. The amendment becomes part of the motion. Any other motion? Nicola Wilson 16:07.070
Yeah. Sorry. Through the Chair. And implications some of the actions. Could we please get some idea of the type of information that will be available on that platform? Kim Rawlings 16:32.169
Yes, so we are excitingly we are excitedly using a platform that's called Genially to support the process and provide as many opportunities as we can for people to engage in the DMP in different ways. You know, some people might like this version. That's right. Some people might, yeah. Essentially that platform will have all of this in digital interactive so you'll be able to click into one principle and then click into the actions that, some potential Measures of Success and also a section on what might be some of the implications or issues of some of the actions because of them do have unintended consequences potentially or incredible opportunities that could come from it. So it just allows you to delve a little bit deeper for those who want to delve a bit deeper. That platform will Your Say page, which is our community engagement page. And also on the Your Say page will be the video fact sheets on a range of concepts that sit in the DMP. You know, there's dynamic parking. What does dynamic parking mean? So there's a fact sheet on dynamic parking. What does sustainable carrying capacity mean? That concept too. So there's a series of fact sheets that explain further some of the concepts and in the DMP and allow those who are interested to delve a little bit deeper. As well as a series of case studies and international examples of destination management because many cities and places around the world I've. Tackling these issues and there are some incredible examples and best practice examples that we've been doing a lot of research on and have informed alongside the community's feedback some of the proposals. Yeah a raft of sort of different resources Nicola Wilson 18:40.770
That will be available will there be an overview for the community on which is the 70% and which is the 30% and where those have already been addressed or completed Lynne Banford 19:04.250
Yes Through the Chair yes so yes, so when amalgamated all the feedback, were at something like 180 different actions so to try and make this less overwhelming we went through all of the actions we looked for duplication or wording that was the same and then we prioritised firstly action and then within that the solutions we then took that information to all of our managers who were working alongside us so that this wasn't going to be a hospital pass that we came up with and then asked them to deliver. So our managers went through it all meticulously with us to identify those actions that we had started those that were already in progress none of them were at the end we're all just acknowledging that they had been started or in progress and then we worked through and basic that we hadn't yet started and no surprises these are the ones that are the most controversial and have formed our guiding principles so with various direction we were asked not to more Cairns you know down the road and actually tackle some of the real controversial issues so those are what you now find in the guiding principles and it equated to around 70% of the actions that the community identified were already started and around 30% we still had to really really tackle and that's what we hope to do with the DMP. Frank Wilkie 20:55.125
Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 20:56.205
Thank you, thank you for your opening speech. My questions will be in reference to some issues that you raised insulated from prosperity. We're working with the State. My question to the staff Through the Chair is how much has the Queensland state government invested in the 2045 plan? Kim Rawlings 21:19.700
I'm Through the Chair I am not sure how much it's cost this Queensland state government to develop that plan but what we do know is that the State have announced that it will enable one billion of tourism investment from the Queensland government over four years and as part of that it is a four hundred and forty six million dollar new funding to kick start the delivery of their state destination 2045 plan. That 446 million will be spread across product development and aviation attraction, event attraction and Tourism and Events Queensland support for continue their work that they do to support the industry. Karen Finzel 22:14.456
Thank you. The local tourism operator, Tourism Noosa in our Shire, how do you see this funding and investment by the State government, will that have any benefit to the DMP and that outlines our priorities and as the Mayor said, how can we ensure we're insulated from population. Kim Rawlings 22:41.309
Look, time will tell about the benefit of this strategy. It was only announced a few short months ago, a couple of months ago, what we do know is there is some offered funding opportunities. There may be opportunities for our local tourism industry operators to access some of that funding because the strategy does talk about new experiences. Cultural experiences, cultural tourism. So, you know, we do anticipate that there could be some of that funding maybe flow to Noosa and to support our industry. I was going to make another point. We do also know that the strategy, the state's plan does talk about directing funding to Regional Tourism Organisations, which they already do, but to continuing to support the regional tourism. For organisations also. And there are opportunities for the LTOs, as they currently do, to continue to work with the RTOs. Frank Wilkie 23:46.285
Thank you. Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 23:48.745
Through the Chair, I do have another question, just to refresh my memory. We've looked at, like, the framework of the LTOs, and I can't remember off the top of my head, on average, and benchmarking against other local councils in Queensland and LTOs, what is the average? Funding to match what we give out here and is reflected in other LTOs in Queensland? Larry Sengstock 24:19.042
I might have to take that one. Kim Rawlings 24:21.574
Yeah, I don't have those figures at hand. I'm sorry, Councillor Finzel. You can take that one though. Yeah, I'll have to take that one first. Frank Wilkie 24:33.130
Thank okay, any other questions or anyone would Amelia Lorentson 24:38.502
Just a couple more questions. What is the definition and intended scope of managed access to public beaches and parks? That's quoted in page 26 of the plan and new restrictions on reuse. Real use and how will council ensure that these proposals don't unfairly limit access for residents or undermine community rights. Kim Rawlings 25:09.358
So what that action is about is about understanding the sustainable carrying capacities of important thank important destinations and locations show. In our Shire. You know, we have iconic destinations that are absolutely loved, and that we hero all the time. And you know, you see them here in our videos and, our community absolutely love them. So, you know, that guess underpins the challenge that I talked about in the beginning about managing not, you know, I guess, ensuring that Noosa doesn't get loved to death, that we still are able to enjoy, everyone is able to enjoy and experience those beautiful assets. That so the idea that is being tested in the draft plan is to understand what the sustainable capacity of those locations are enabling access to those locations in a way that respects the sustainable capacity of them. It's not at all about stopping access to these places, it's absolutely about preserving these places in a way that people can experience them in the, you know, in the best possible Karen Finzel 26:39.671
Thank you. Through the Chair to the staff. Given the DMP data will inform this decision moving forward, how will we convert some of that subjective information into actual data and numbers of actual carrying capacity? And the ability to move forward where both the resident and the visitor alike respectfully get a return on their investment Kim Rawlings 27:05.320
And so there are trial there are methods to determine sustainable carrying capacity and I guess the one might resonate for people is the concept of the population cap that Noosa pioneered years ago that was essentially a carrying capacity that was a carrying capacity of our infrastructure and our environment and understanding what Noosa services networks could sustain, that is essentially a method to understand carrying capacity and there are a number of places globally not even globally in Australia that have actually established what their sustainable carrying capacity is so there are there's methods to do that is based on data process and methods. K'gari Formerly Fraser have established through a method methodology a sustainable carrying capacity so we would draw on those tried and established methods that use data and understanding of environmental ecological capacity infrastructure and service capacity to support developing the concept of carrying capacity Frank Wilkie 28:24.489
Council speak to the motion questions? Is this just speaking to the entire motion no we've already unanimously support the amendment which now has become part of the substantive motion which is in the screen before us Amelia Lorentson 28:48.385
I have a couple more questions to Mr. Larson. How will council ensure that the community has a genuine opportunity to provide feedback on and where appropriate whether they have an opportunity even to vote on specific proposals such as congestion levy, paid parking models or new access restrictions, so rather than being asked at the moment to endorse a broad sort of direction will they get that opportunity to vote or have some input on the potentially the controversial issues. Kim Rawlings 29:29.878
Absolutely. So at the moment this process, this six week period allows a raft of opportunities to have their say on the specifics, not just the general but the specifics. We have quite a detailed survey, possibly two surveys, a detailed one and then a short form one, like we did with the Discussion Paper. You might recall we did a deep survey that, you know, amazingly quite a few hundred spent over an hour doing that survey providing us detailed feedback on things that they thought was important. Same thing here, so there will be very, you know, specific questions around do you support these that's the first piece, give council an indication of community sentiment around these things, that will all come back to you in finalising the draft, the Destination Management Plan, but also then in the finalisation of the Destination Management Plan if some of these ideas are to be taken forward then like other initiatives that we do for council they will have their own stream of work to then develop up you know if council is to implement. Paid parking in some locations maybe there's a whole stream of work and process that we would go through with our community and those localities and the stakeholders and the business groups and businesses you before we could implement any of those things so there's you know yes there's that the piece now about the ideas do you support this for us to move forward on them or not tell us now and if you do then there'll be a more detailed process around you. Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 31:25.355
Just seeking clarity because we don't have the information about the LTOs at Queensland we've taken that on notice. With regards to how else- and RTO's how do they interact and work together to ensure that we have accountability especially in terms of economic value back to our community and that we do deliver if we're calling on other organisations to work collaboratively with us how do we how do they work together? Kim Rawlings 32:02.119
I might start but then I'm going to call on Lynn who's got first-hand experience so our I'm LTO works very closely with our RTO which is visits our RTO is Visit Sunshine Coast our LTO is Tourism Noosa and they work closely with the Visit Sunshine Coast on a range of opportunities you know co-marketing-operates they will partner with Visit Sunshine Coast on. Strategic relationships like with the airport and industry I think that they're doing a joint networking and industry development forum coming up our RTO and LTO have joined forces. On those sorts of things too so there's various levels of cooperation that occurs between the RTO and the and the LTO. Is there anything more specific? Lynne Banford 33:03.252
Through the Chair, different models apply. Queensland and Australia. We have a good relationship at Tourism Noosa and Visit Sunshine Coast but of course when you look at the size of Noosa versus the size of Sunshine Coast sometimes we differ on what we want as an outcome which is why quite LTOs are supported by their own councils because they don't always align in what they're trying to achieve and similarly with 2045 words that were used in that document visitor economy and things that might not have been quite as palatable to Noosa. So the rule of thumb is that we all work together on things where there's an intersection point and on the understanding that times LTO will work on things that are more localised, whereas a regional tourism organisation are looking across a number of different regions and may not always have consensus from every region on what they're actually targeting. But I'm pleased to say we have a good relationship. Nicola Wilson 34:16.237
I- Councillor Phillips. Karen Finzel 34:17.318
Have another question Through the Chair to the CEO. Within the visitor markets, local, state and national, what organisations, associations, et cetera, does Noosa Council currently pay membership fees to? Kim Rawlings 34:32.849
I can answer that. Yeah, yes, Through the Chair. So we- because we have tourism assets. Council owns and the horei Noosa Holiday Parks proudly, an amazing portfolio. We are members of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland. We've got an annual membership with them. This membership provides valuable access to industry-specific expert advice and sector-wide updates. Facilitates information sharing, advocacy and collaboration across the caravan and holiday park network in Queensland, supporting best practice management and continuous improvement. We also have a membership of Ecotourism Australia. And this provides the Noosa Holiday Parks portfolio with access to industry insights, sustainability resources, data and direct member support services. Frank Wilkie 35:33.290
Thank you for Karen Finzel 35:34.010
Your patience. One final question. This has been a big journey to get here how do we give reassurance to our community? Because we really want to hear their voice. Their voice matters in all of this. They are actually the leaders in this and they will inform our decision making moving forward. Can we have some type of, I don't know how you're going to give it, an insurance or a time frame where this can be delivered within a reasonable amount of time and what would be some potential risks to that happening? Within a reasonable time frame Kim Rawlings 36:07.586
Thank you I'm Through the Chair. I think any assurances to our community should come from council. But what I can say is that we have mapped out a process it's clear in the plan in the report that we are out for community engagement until the 14th of September. We will then gladly receive the hundreds and thousands of information that we get hopefully and analyse that data like we did last time and use that to inform and workshop with council any changes, no doubt, to the DMP process the clear intent is that is that is done before the end of this calendar year this engagement process is as comprehensive as any I think we've done if this counts if not more so I think there's every opportunity this every can every household 40,000 properties businesses households will receive these in the next week so every possible person property should be notified about the opportunity to have their say and be involved there's a very comprehensive social media radio, newspaper. That will launch on Wednesday and will run consistently through the six weeks we'll have seven councillors out talking it and promoting it to your networks we are working through school networks we are working through industry networks we're working through as many networks as we can to promote opportunity for people to have their say so hopefully that comprehensive approach provides some assurance at least about the opportunity to have their say and as I mentioned we will comprehensively review networks information and bring it back to council Nicola Wilson 38:26.512
Just a follow-up question on that please so I think that was assurance about when their final plan will be delivered but I think maybe the question was more about when will the plan be implemented do we have a time scale for that thank you Kim Rawlings 38:43.720
Apologies Councillor Finzel missed if I miss that my apologies so the plan if the plans got a number of actions in it that will need to be there'll be a program of implementation over a number of years and some of them will take several years hope that in the final plan that we present to council we will be able to present an implementation action plan with a sense of time frames you know what short medium and long term and what it's going to take to mobilise some of actions of them can start immediately and would and some of them will take some more time because some of them relate to you know advocacy with state government for instance that can take some time so yes we will have a clear implementation plan with priorities Councillor Finzel and again my apologies misunderstanding the question Frank Wilkie 39:45.001
Okay we have a motion before us any other councillors wish to speak to the motion Councillor Finzel Karen Finzel 39:52.721
Yes please this journey for everyone involved our community has consistently come to us and said we want action we're trying our best to deliver action and hopefully the outcome of this collaboration in all industries the community and everyone does deliver on that action. I do but have my reservations but I'm prepared to let's see where the dominoes land I want to take this moment today to speak directly to you at home and to those around the table, not as tourists or planners but as neighbours, locals and people who deeply care about this special place we call home. Over the past year or so many of us has taken the time and you at home to share your thoughts concerns and hopes for the future of Noosa. As a long-term resident who moved here in the 80s I truly value what this place means to me, my ancestors behind me, my children and my grandchildren before me. The drafting is the next opportunity to have Your Say and I really call upon our community to get engaged and have Your Say because your voice matters. We're at a transitional point in governance, in our society, is upon us. It is role as leaders to facilitate change to take our community by the hand and lead them through change. We've come through troubled times. I don't have to go there today to speak to you about the impact on our community at so many levels, socially, economically, and trying to then adapt to growth. Our community told us that while tourism has its place, it must never come at the cost of our lifestyle, our environment, and our sense of community. And you're right, and we're truly grateful for all the community that got on board to have Your Say. It's about making sure that tourism works for Noosa, not the other way around. We're working collectively, putting the community at the heart of every decision. And I'm sure everyone. Around the has table, hand on heart, say that that's what we're here for. This plan reflects what the community has told us and what matters to them. Protecting the environment, easing pressure on our roads, and public spaces. Supporting local businesses and welcoming respectful visitors who understand what makes Noosa special. And just as importantly, we're building in clear accountability. Our RTO, Tourism Noosa and council will be measured against the new KPIs that reflect the values of our people. The voices that matter. We're here to ensure our beneficiaries benefit from the decisions we make around this table. We've promised there be reports back regularly and we will make sure that we see how communities input is shaping outcomes. This is not a top down plan, it's a partnership with our people who elected us to lead with transparency and good governance. Tourism will always be a part of the Noosa story but it won't define us because our identity, our values and who we are and why we live here is coming to the forefront because we are at an intersection of change. Is upon us. We can either have a say to shape that or it will overtake us and we can see that's where we now with the State with our planning scheme where they try to override us this council has been working hard to protect what values to us and what matters. Together we're creating a balanced values driven future where residents and visitors can both enjoy this place respectfully, sustainably and with heart. Thank you everyone for being a part of this journey. Your voice matters and you are helping us create something truly meaningful. As a legacy for future generations. Let's keep building this future together and one last call to action to our community meet us at that intersection have Your Say so we can inform what this community needs now and into the future. Thank you Mr. Frank Wilkie 45:08.717
Chair 502, very well timed Councillor, excellently timed. Why does he keep on looking at me? There's a challenge for you Councillor Stockwell. Do any of the councillors who wish to speak to the motion have you can do that. I'll go. Oh, okay. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 45:31.785
So, we've heard what's in the plan. I'm going to take a step back and outline why I think the context of the plan is so important. The DMP is part of the implementation of council's economic development strategy, which is guided through to 2030. That strategy aims to develop a more diverse and resilient economy that delivers high-value employment opportunities. It is supported by three economic pillars. It requires us to be future-focused, evidence-based, and to also respect people in place. It's in that last category that the section on managing success outlines that we need to undertake destination management to ensure the ongoing sustainability. And success of Noosa and it suggests that well-managed destinations are those that protect and preserve their assets, attract investment, meet workforce needs, and have increased levels of innovation. I propose that the DMP has potential to much broader role, more far-reaching. If we are successful in the engagement of the community in the development and the implementation of the plan, it will help drive the next generation of champions. That will guide the protection of our place, champions that will stand up as custodians of community values, evolution of our economy. While in the 60s it was a silent generation who'd lived through world war II that were the forefront of early efforts to conserve Noosa, however for the past 40 years it's been largely the baby boomers who have tracked, who have steered Noosa to its position as one of the world's most naturally beautiful places to live and work. In the 82 to 85 term, it was the strategic thinking baby boomer councillors that promoted the principles of steady state economics. A steady state economy is a sustainable system that prioritises ecological balance over continuous growth. It aims to maintain stable level of resource use and population, ensuring that the plant's health is preserved. The '82 to '85 council that started the community conversation around the concept of a sustainable caring capacity and what we now know as the population cap embedded in the 1997 strategic plan every Noosa Plan since. But in reality, what we do in the planning scheme is set development caps, not population caps. It was this council that first got me interested in Noosa nuisance planning you get in my 20s when I was working in Hastings Street and the jail junctions as a part-time dishwasher, cook, barman and waiter. We are coming to the end of the baby boomer era and increasingly this community is feeling pressures created by forces outside of the control of our planning scheme. We now know that we can't achieve the aims of a steady state economy using statutory planning alone. This is why we need the Destination Management Plan. And in my view, this is why this council has an important role ushering in the next generation of leaders and stewards who can maintain Noosa difference while facilitating the evolution of our economy. We all know that many experiences in our Shire bring happiness, both to residents and visitors not explicit, concept the economics of happiness. In essence, it challenges simplistic notions of economic development based around only those things that can be measured in dollars, and direct contribution to short-term gross domestic product, or in our case, regional product. As Michelle Ketchell kept wrote in the conversation, "For more than 70 years, gross domestic product, or GDP, has been the key yardstick by which nations have measured economic process, but GDP, and our GRP, is designed to be designed to exclusively account for monetary benefits accrued from economic activity. It is blind to the degradation of the natural environment, finite resources and human wellbeing. It is time, he suggests, we come up with something better. Without ever having to nature has contributed to economic growth, GDP has promoted unsustainable practices that have contributed to the climate and biodiversity emergency. In this light, if council, community and the industry are to that we are successful in our destination management endeavours. We will need to focus our efforts on the evolution of the child's development towards a well-being economy. The victorian Department of Health has pursued this concept, suggesting it is a successful intergenerational well-being approach that transforms systems to serve a more holistic understanding of the quality of life and collective well-being and benefits both of people and the planet. At a conceptual level, these changes make perfect sense, but at a practical level, there will be challenges. Local government has only a limited set of levers we can work with. The draft DMP sets out a course of action on how we maintain the many great experiences that our case offers. Both locals and visitors alike with an aspiration to bend the curve to make it better for generations into the future. Successful the DMP will see a new generation within the community come together to build a human scale economy based on a new paradigm, an economics of localisation and pursuit of a regenerative future that seeks to wind back the current impacts while showcasing to the world a better way to thrive. Frank Wilkie 51:10.274
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 51:18.960
Thank you. Noosa is a microcosm of breathtaking beauty, of abundance, and it is truly a paradise. Before I came here, in around 1996, I made a TV show about Los Angeles, and I stood on top of the hills at Los Angeles, and I could see what it looked like in the distant past. And it was also a paradise. It had a winding river that came down with salmon that swum up there every year. It had fertile soil. Beautiful environment. Great weather. And it is no longer a paradise. That soil was paved over. The salmon are long gone. Grease was filmed in what is now, you know, what was the LA river, that giant is similar. I did surfing studies. Waikiki was a paradise. It was paved over. When I came to Noosa, I just thought, how did this place maintain itself? And then I slowly learned through the former councils and the wonderful community groups and so forth that fought hard to stop sandbiting on the North Shore. Added the national parks, all of this, the uro ringtail forest being grown, more koalas. Than the koala population growing, not depleted, not declining. And so, and a biosphere reserve. Well, since I've been in Noosa, has become a biosphere reserve, which is an amazing accomplishment. But in order to continue this, we have to maintain vigilance. What is the great quote? Freedom, the price you pay for freedom is eternal vigilance. Bart Simpson. But this is an example of this. We need to maintain our eternal vigilance. And I believe the Destination Management Plan is exactly that. Begins this very long discussion we're going to have over the next six weeks about what we're doing, why we want Noosa to maintain this status as paradise, and this is what it's going to take. And all, as Brian said, in the long form, I will just refer to Brian because he's very good at that. But we need to continue to evolve as Noosa Shire in order to maintain what we have. And I believe the DMP is on point. Frank Wilkie 53:31.162
Thank you, Councillor Wegener. Brevity is the soul of wit. Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 53:46.905
Just a brief one for me. I will support the motion which is to approve the Draft Destination Management Plan for the purposes of community engagement for the next six weeks and really encourage those community voices to come forward. Some people have been on this journey for two years already and been heavily engaged along the way. Some people won't have heard anything about it until this drops in the mailbox or they see the video or they see things online. You've read this from cover to cover already or whether the first time you see it is this, I do encourage everyone to get involved. Don't let the word destination put you off because for us this destination is home and it's really important that we have that equilibrium between liveability for residents and our visitor economy. So I know lots of people would like to really get into the detail and that's why I asked the question earlier about the other information that will be online. I've had a few people me because they have got well into the detail of this already and they have lots more questions and lots more information that they want and so I really encourage them to use the QR code and get online, read all of the fact sheets, all of the data that's available and then please also ask questions at the pop-up events. The various surveys and things that you'll be able to get involved so we're getting questions already that's great to see everyone really engaged in this plan but there will be lots and lots of opportunities over the next six weeks to have Your Say, ask more questions and hopefully find out the information that you need. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 55:21.340
All right. Councillor Lorentson. Okay, so mine's only going to be a few minutes. Noosa is more than a destination as Councillor Lorentson said, it's our home. If we want to protect what we love about living here, which is our environment, our lifestyle and our sense of community, we must plan thoughtfully for the future. Doing nothing is not an option. The draft for the London Noosa Destination Management Plan is council's invitation to the community to help shape that future. It outlines a shared vision for a thriving Noosa where tourism is well managed, the environment is protected and locals come first. Tourism brings challenges. Years we've seen growing pressures on our roads, our waste systems, our car parks and open spaces. Our community has voiced legitimate concerns. Congestion. Overcrowding during some times of the year, rising costs of living, too many events and too many short stays. Yet tourism is also a cornerstone of our economy. Supports it one in every seven jobs, more than 3,000 people across the Shire. It contributes around a third of Noosa gross regional product and underpins many of the services, amenities and small businesses locals rely on. In every street, you'll find someone whose livelihood is linked to tourism, maintaining accommodation, running tours, working in trades, or selling in shops. Our economy and visitor experience are deeply interconnected. When managed well, tourism can be a positive force. It creates opportunities, supports families, and allows us to invest in preserving what Noosa makes special. But it must be sustainable, it must support Noosa, never compromise it. This plan isn't about churning visitors away. It's about creating a better experience for everyone. One that's respectful, balanced, and future focused. During phase one of the consultation, over 1,000 residents took the time to make submissions or complete surveys, contributing more than 1,300 hours of feedback. That level of engagement just shows how deeply people care about this place. To everyone who's contributed, thank you. To the staff and the consultants who've worked to bring community voices into the draft, thank you. My fellow councillors. Engaged and committed to the process. What this shows is that the best ideas don't always come from reports or expert panels. They come from the people who live here. Ones who know the tides, walk the trails, run the small businesses, teach our kids and volunteer their time. When we let locals lead, we get better outcomes. The draft includes plan both practical actions and bold ideas, some that you may agree with and others you may not. Ideas such as visitor contribution models, a Surf Management Plan, seasonal pauses, custodian programs, sustainable transport initiatives and a strong emphasis on local values but some of these ideas need further explanation, exploration and clearer answers. Take paid parking. It's not just about whether you support it or not. We need to be asking will residents be exempt? What's the actual cost to implement it? How many metres? How often are we truly congested? Will it work or will it simply shift the problem? A congestion levy- what is goal? Will it achieve what we want? What are the consequences? Will it support sustainable visitation or damage Noosa brand? These are real serious questions and what matters is that we ask them transparently evidence and with the community. To make this plan truly successful we also need clarity, transparency and accountability. How will council measure progress on the community's top priorities like traffic, environmental protection and housing affordability? Ensure that those issues are addressed meaningfully. How will broad success measures like improved community sentiment or regenerative visit experiences be defined clearly and measured objectively? What does managed access to public beaches and park actually mean in practice? And how will council ensure any new restrictions, particularly on river use, don't unfairly limit community access or erode local rights? Will the community be provided with costings, impact studies and financial transparency? Just a couple more sentences. So we can make informed choices about proposed actions. Will we have clear, robust KPI frameworks? And finally, how will community's we ensure the community is not only consulted broadly, but also invited to help shape the specifics, not just the vision? The good news is that the draft report makes clear that while success measures have been proposed, further community input will be help define what success really looks like from the community's perspective. So as everyone around the table have said, please read the draft plan, ask the hard questions, tell us what we've got right and what we haven't, tell us what's missing, what matters and what needs to change. This is our chance to build a future where tourism supports, not competes with, our environment, our lifestyle and our values, where visitors are welcome but never at the expense of locals, and where our legacy to future generation isn't a problem to fix but a home to thank you Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Stockwell, you went the longest. Frank Wilkie 01:01:44.355
It's a record. I'm going to be the shortest. Okay, Councillor Jess. Jessica Phillips 01:01:49.275
Because I want to repeat what has been said around the table, the only thing I want to say is this morning I had a quick look, I'm in 11 group chats for sport and school and newsletters and I just want to say thank you to the staff for actually looking outside the box with engagement and looking at a way that we can capture the busy working parents. You've listened to my, you know, constant nag of I don't have time to read another, you know, long lengthy document. And so what I'm really looking forward to is seeing a group of potential community members that haven't ever reached out and engaged with us being able to do so. Thank you for different look at engagement and I'm looking forward to seeing, maybe we'd be careful what we wish for, but let's see, I hope we get some really different voices into this next draft. So Frank Wilkie 01:02:41.428
Thanks. Jess, that is the record. Thank you. Okay, I'll waive my right to speak. I don't think I could improve on what's already been said by the councillors here today. So I'll put the motion to the vote. Those in favour? That is unanimous. That is, that brings us to the end of the agenda. I thank the staff for their hard work on this and thank you for being here today and answering all the questions so openly and informatively. And thank you to our visitors. Meeting closed at 3:03pm Related Noosa Council Meetings
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