Due to council's efforts to hide their meetings from the public, the video for the meeting was not made available. We have instead provided the audio of the meeting and the full transcript below.
Key Decisions & Discussions • Karen Finzel confirmed adoption of the 2024–25 Annual Report with audited financials; minor amendments authorised to CEO prior to publication (Item 7.1; 09:44, 12:20–14:16). • Zach Wharton‑Adair flagged a typo in the Community Financial Report: $8.2m is an operating surplus, not a deficit; to be corrected in final (Item 7.1; 08:26–09:08). • Nicola Wilson noted contradictory wording on the fraud incident in the Annual Report; CEO to align wording before Ordinary Meeting endorsement (Item 7.1; 10:58–14:16). • Frank Wilkie highlighted FY24/25 delivery: ~$145m in capital and flood-recovery works, including Black Mountain Road landslip ($40m), parks/sport upgrades, Sunshine Beach works, dog beach restoration; stated $8.2m operating surplus and resilience despite industrial action and criminal targeting (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). • Council approved a 3.25% remuneration increase for Mayor/Deputy/Councillors effective 1 July 2026, in line with the QLD Remuneration Commission and B3 categorisation (Item 7.2; 21:40–24:20). • Shaun Walsh secured corrections to resolution references and advanced a DRFA procurement strategy delegating c
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Key Decisions & Discussions • Karen Finzel confirmed adoption of the 2024–25 Annual Report with audited financials; minor amendments authorised to CEO prior to publication (Item 7.1; 09:44, 12:20–14:16). • Zach Wharton‑Adair flagged a typo in the Community Financial Report: $8.2m is an operating surplus, not a deficit; to be corrected in final (Item 7.1; 08:26–09:08). • Nicola Wilson noted contradictory wording on the fraud incident in the Annual Report; CEO to align wording before Ordinary Meeting endorsement (Item 7.1; 10:58–14:16). • Frank Wilkie highlighted FY24/25 delivery: ~$145m in capital and flood-recovery works, including Black Mountain Road landslip ($40m), parks/sport upgrades, Sunshine Beach works, dog beach restoration; stated $8.2m operating surplus and resilience despite industrial action and criminal targeting (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). • Council approved a 3.25% remuneration increase for Mayor/Deputy/Councillors effective 1 July 2026, in line with the QLD Remuneration Commission and B3 categorisation (Item 7.2; 21:40–24:20). • Shaun Walsh secured corrections to resolution references and advanced a DRFA procurement strategy delegating contract authority to CEO beyond general financial limits, with PCAWT oversight, to expedite 2026–27 reconstruction works (Item 7.3; 25:42–29:41). • Julie explained time-savings and community benefits of CEO delegation for disaster projects, reducing need for special meetings and accelerating recovery delivery (Item 7.3; 30:00–35:45). • Council noted the Capital Program status: $65m BR1 budget (+$13.4m carry‑forwards); average project 65% complete though only 19% spend by value; recruitment ongoing (Item 7.4; 40:13–44:50). • Jessica Phillips corrected Capital Finance YTD actual to $12.4m in Table 1; to amend attachments (Item 7.4; 42:24–43:11). • Council entered confidential to consider CN24799 composting EOI under Reg 254J(3)(g); selected Orez Solutions Pty Ltd for ECI up to $1.1m ex GST; D&C to return for separate resolution (Item 9.1; 47:07–47:57; 01:19:56–end). Contentious / Transparency Matters • Deanna Stewart confirmed Ministerial extension for audited statements to 31 Jan 2026 under Reg 212(6)-(7); transparency enhanced by going beyond minimum statutory reporting (Item 7.1; 03:53–08:26). • Nicola Wilson raised inconsistent Annual Report wording on a fraud incident; CEO agreed to consult councillors offline to settle precise wording before Ordinary Meeting adoption (Item 7.1; 10:58–14:16). • Council used a closed session for CN24799 citing Reg 254J(3)(g); returned with public resolution naming Orez and capping ECI value, noting later D&C requires further public decision (Item 9.1; 47:07–47:57; 01:19:56–end). • Frank Wilkie referenced an “international crime syndicate” targeting Council; context connects to fraud controls and resilience assertions in Annual Report (Item 7.1; 16:45–18:16). • Shaun Walsh emphasised PCAWT governance and public reporting pathways to offset risks of expanded CEO procurement delegation for DRFA works (Item 7.3; 28:15–29:41, 35:33–36:52). Legal / Risk • Annual Report compliance : Prepared under Reg 182; audit delay lawfully extended under Reg 212(6)-(7); CEO authorised to make minor amendments before publication (Item 7.1; 03:53–08:26, 12:20–14:16). • DRFA Delegations : CEO empowered under LGA s257(1) to negotiate/execute DRFA-funded contracts in 2026–27, exceeding general delegation limits; PCAWT to advise, sustaining probity and value for money (Item 7.3; minutes text; 28:15–29:41). • Confidentiality : Closure compliant with Reg 254J(3)(g) for procurement negotiations; decision made public post-session with clear ECI cap and staged D&C governance (Item 9.1; 47:07–47:57; 01:19:56–end). • Remuneration : Adoption of Commission-determined increase reduces conflict exposure; councillors voting on Commission-set pay aligns with QLD framework (Item 7.2; 21:40–24:20). • Data integrity : Noted errors corrected on financial table ($12.4m YTD) and surplus typo; attention to accuracy mitigates misinformation risks (Items 7.1, 7.4; 08:26–09:08; 42:24–43:11). Planning Scheme & Housing • Frank Wilkie reported endorsed planning scheme amendments to broaden housing choice and supply for residents/key workers, aiming to maintain local autonomy amid SEQ targets (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). • Frank Wilkie cited facilitation of Noosa’s largest social housing investment: 25-unit project at 628 Macdonald Dr, Cooroy within a subdivision, aligned to the Housing Strategy (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). • Frank Wilkie noted 525 DAs assessed with 97% approvals, indicating throughput and policy alignment (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). Disaster Reconstruction & Infrastructure Delivery • Julie detailed need for agile approvals to meet QRA timelines and minimise repeat disruption at revisited sites; CEO delegation trims administrative lag (Item 7.3; 30:00–35:45). • Shaun Walsh linked CEO delegation to faster mobilisations while maintaining open tenders and public contract reporting (Item 7.3; 28:15–29:41, 35:33–36:52). • Capital Status : Average project 65% complete vs 19% spend; $16.4m grants and $17m Council contribution (ex‑disaster) active; recruitment underway (Item 7.4; 40:13–44:50). • Frank Wilkie credited DRFA with enabling Black Mountain Road landslip completion and broader flood repair portfolio (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). Waste & Circular Economy (Composting Facility) • Council selected Orez Solutions Pty Ltd for ECI (cap $1.1m ex GST) under CN24799; CEO authorised to finalise ECI and notify unsuccessful tenderers (Item 9.1; minutes text; 01:19:56–end). • Council noted intent to proceed to a Design & Construct stage later, subject to a separate Council resolution, preserving staged probity (Item 9.1; minutes text; 01:19:56–end). Sunshine Beach & Community Assets • Frank Wilkie referenced Stage 2 of Edward Park at Sunshine Beach and skate park/boardwalk upgrades among FY24/25 achievements (Item 7.1; 14:18–18:16). • Capital Team confirmed enhanced reporting to show physical progress, improving community visibility of delivery beyond spend metrics (Item 7.4; 43:22–44:50). Crime/Fraud and Cyber Crime • Frank Wilkie stated Council was targeted by an international crime syndicate; Annual Report to clarify fraud incident description to ensure consistency (Item 7.1; 16:45–18:16; 10:58–14:16). • Finance reaffirmed audited surplus positioning despite the incident; correction of surplus typo prevents public misinterpretation (Item 7.1; 08:26–09:08, 14:18–19:27).
Official Meeting MinutesRead minutes ↗
MINUTES
Services & Organisation Committee Meeting
Tuesday, 10 February 2026
1:30 PM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin
Committee: Crs Karen Finzel (Chair), Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson
“Noosa Shire – different by nature” SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 FEBRUARY 2026
1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 1.47pm
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 Karen Finzel (Chair) Cr Jessica Phillips (audio link) Cr Nicola Wilson Cr Frank Wilkie
NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Tom Wegener
EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh
APOLOGIES Nil
4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson The Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 9 December 2025 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None
7.1 NOOSA SHIRE COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2024 - 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council: A. Note the report by the Governance Manager to the Services and Organisation Committee meeting dated 10 February 2026 regarding corporate reporting. B. Adopt the Noosa Shire Council 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, which incorporates the audited Financial Statements for 2024 - 2025 financial year, as presented in Attachment 1. C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make any required minor amendments to the document prior to publication.
7.2 COUNCILLOR REMUNERATION UPDATE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council: A. Note the report by the People & Culture Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10 February 2026 regarding the Local Government Remuneration Commission Annual Report 2025; and B. Approves the remuneration increase of 3.25% for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors effective from 1 July 2026.
7.3 SOURCING RECOMMENDATION: DRFA 2025 - RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT PROCUREMENT STRATEGY Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Disaster Reconstruction Coordinator to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 10 February 2026 regarding contracts applicable to the execution of work related to Disaster Reconstruction SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 FEBRUARY 2026
B. Pursuant to section 257 (1) of the Local Government Act 2009, delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute, amend and administer contracts on behalf of Council that are directly related to the construction for the repair, reconstruction or betterment of infrastructure. Specifically, those contracts approved by QRA for reconstruction funding under the DRFA program, for work that commences in the 2026 and 2027 calendar years. C. Resolve that the delegation in Item B above is not limited by any general financial delegations that apply to exercising the Chief Executive Officer’s power and may be exercised to bind Council to a contract sum that exceeds the Chief Executive Officer's general financial delegation; and D. Resolve to convene the Procurement Contracts Assessment Working Team (PCAWT) to provide advice to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the exercise of the CEO’s delegation pursuant to Item B above.
7.4 CAPITAL PROGRAM 2025 - 2026 DELIVERY STATUS REPORT Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Principal Infrastructure Planner to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting, 10 February 2026, providing an update on the 2025/26 Capital Works Program as at 31 December 2025. B. Note the correction of the error in Table 1 – Capital Finance data as at 31 December 2025 Actual Year to Date to read $12,400,000 Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None
8 REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE Nil.
9 CLOSED SESSION Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing a contract proposed to be made by Council and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to that contract for Item 9.1 CN24799 COMPOSTING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) OUTCOME AND RECOMMENDATION TO COMMENCE EARLY CONTRACTOR INVOLVEMENT (ECI). Carried. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 FEBRUARY 2026
Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None
9.1 CN24799 COMPOSTING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) OUTCOME AND RECOMMENDATION TO COMMENCE EARLY CONTRACTOR INVOLVEMENT (ECI) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council: A. Note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10 February 2026 regarding the Composting Facility procurement process; B. Approve the selection of Orez Solutions Pty Ltd as the successful respondent to Request for Tender CN24799 (the Procurement Process) for a contract amount of no greater than $1,100,000 (excluding GST); C. Authorise the CEO the power to negotiate, finalise and execute an early contractor involvement contract (ECI Contract) with the successful respondent on behalf of Council, and take any other steps necessary or incidental to finalising the Procurement Process (including notifying any unsuccessful tenderers), pursuant to section 257(1) of the Local Government Act 2009; D. Note that: a. in the event an ECI Contract is entered into, Council intends to enter into a design and construct contract (D&C Contract) pursuant to the ECI Contract at a later stage; b. the award of the D&C contract is subject to and conditional upon a further Council resolution, and a report will be presented to Council for a decision about any D&C Contract in due course.
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