Services & Organisation Committee Meeting - 10 February 2026
Date: Tuesday, 10 February 2026 at 1:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:22:37
Synopsis: Annual Report corrected, Fraud wording aligned, DRFA CEO delegation accelerates rebuild, Capital/Flood works 45m, Surplus .2m corrected, Orez ECI selected, Pay rise 2026.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Nicola Wilson Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh AI-Generated Meeting Insight
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 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 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 FEBRUARY 2026 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 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. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 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. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 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. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 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 CONFIDENTIAL 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 For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 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. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 3.09pm.
Meeting Transcript
Karen Finzel 00:00.000
Thank you, good afternoon and welcome. I'd like to open these Services & Organisation Committee Meeting at 1:47. I would like to express my apologies on behalf of Noosa Shire Council. We've had some technical issues which thankfully now been resolved and we can head into the meeting. Noting that we have all councillors in attendance around the table and I don't think we've got any extras online, is that correct? No. We've got Jess online. Thank you Jess and welcome. You're Councillor Tom, welcome in the gallery this afternoon. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects australians First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. Recognise the Kabi Kabi People as Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area and offer gratitude for their careful custodianship of this unique environment over thousands of years. There's no apologies and everyone's in attendance. Can we have a mover for the confirmation of the minutes of 9th of December 2025. Frank Wilkie 01:16.416
I just have to raise a point Madam Chair I can't find the minutes on the agenda SPEAKER_00 01:21.297
We didn't get out of this particular time. But they weren't included in the agenda this time. But that's just how we started. But if you had a copy of the minutes. Karen Finzel 01:38.498
Yes, we've had a copy of the minutes. I can bring them up now. Of course, thank you. Would you like to bring them up? Yes, so do we. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:27.320
Okay, scroll beautiful. Can you go back one page? Yes, I'm back towards please. Have a good one. Karen Finzel 02:59.840
Thank you. Second. I'll take it to any questions. Or anything. Okay, we'll take it to the vote. All in favour? That's yes, unanimous. Thank you Vicky. Item number five, there are no presentations. Item six, no deputations. Item seven, reports for consideration of the committee. We're going to item 7.1 Noosa Shire Council annual report 2024.25. We welcome to the table Deanna Stewart and Zach Moreton. Thank you hello, Jai. Hello, and welcome. Yes, report, thank you, which is well written. Kim Rawlings 03:54.163
So in accordance with section 182 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, council has prepared its annual report for 24/25 financial year as presented in attachment 1 report. The purpose of the annual report is to provide the community with a comprehensive overview of council's operations, performance achievements and challenges during the reporting period. There is a minimum standard of statutory reporting as you all know that must be included within the report, primarily relating to accountability, governance and financial matters associated with the act. We have addressed, as for previous years, we have addressed the minimum standard by complying with the State department's annual report compliance checklist. This is also captured in the legislative compliance section of the appendices and confirmed for the readers. However, to further strengthen transparency and improve our reporting, we have gone beyond the regulatory minimum standard in this year's annual report. In particular, we have expanded the performance section to include additional progress information against council's Corporate Plan. So you will see that in that section. For this reporting period, we must note council obtained ministerial approval for an extension of time to complete the financial reporting component of the annual report. Extension was granted until 2017.31 January 2026. As council satisfied the requirements of sections 212 subsection 6 and 212 subsection 7 of the Local Government Regulation. Deanna Stewart 05:32.202
Therefore on 21 January 2026 just very recently council's financial statements were signed off by an authorised delegate of the Queensland Auditor-General and you'll see that in the report paperwork. So in summary, annual report the following key sections. Acknowledgements and leadership messages where at the start you see annual messages from the Mayor and CEO summarising our performance and progress for the year. Our Shire overview provides an insight into our location, key facts, environmental profile, liveability and economic prosperity. We then go into council governance and operations of our organisation and it details your elected members, roles and responsibilities, services, customer service performance, community engagement, our organisational structure, corporate planning framework and workforce overview. We then go into the performance section of the report and it summarises the year in review, progress against our Corporate Plan themes which are environment, liveability, prosperity, future and excellence. We also highlight infrastructure project achievements and key milestones in that area and key performance indicators that we have as an organisation. We then go into the governance and statutory disclosures of the annual report. This is where we outline our governance framework, our ethics and integrity measures, our risk management approach, audit activities, Councillor and executive remuneration, complaints management, community grants, business activities and procurement processes. This is where we go above and beyond the minimum reporting standard to let the community know what we've been doing for the year. Finally, we go to the financial performance section of the report, which is important because it presents the community financial report and audited financial statements for 2024-25, including our financial sustainability outlooks. So in summary, and as noted, this annual report demonstrates. Council's ongoing commitment to good governance and reflects council's dedication to transparency and accountability through comprehensive reporting on performance, strategic achievements and compliance with legislative requirements. I must make a note, since the report has been submitted in the council papers for the S&O round, we have picked up some several minor amendments that will be adjusted and it will be amended following council adoption as per the recommendations that allow it. I will however pass for commentary to Zach, our Finance Manager, to discuss one of the amendments relating to the financial component Zach Moreton 08:27.491
I to draw attention to page 126 of the report, which is our community finance report and makes particular comment to our saving of comprehensive income. There is a reference on the page that talks to so it's clear the removal of $52.7 million of non-operational items shows council's actual operating deficit to the $8.2 million that is simply a typo. It should read operating surplus. It's just an inconsistent all other references to the report refer surplus. So it's just a minor typo that we will correct in the final production of the report. My apologies for that. Karen Finzel 09:09.170
Thank you for bringing that to our attention. Firstly I'd like to say thank you to all the staff and everyone that's worked so diligently to bring this body of work before us. It is a huge undertaking and especially for the final draft that you've brought before us. I know that's been a big commitment on yourself to ensure that this is a timeline and a standard that we expect from such a report. So thank you, looking forward to seeing that coming out in the final. And the copy that's published that's it that's thank you to everyone involved and I think we should be really proud of this as a community within the internal organisation and externally. So thank you much so for highlighting the value of the report. Of course they lie in their ability to provide a comprehensive overview as you've said of the organisation's activities, achievements and challenges. They've served as a crucial tool policy making and strategic planning. To ensure that our communities and their aspirations are effective and that we work together to support them in achieving their goals as well. Not to ruin my situation. We the opportunity to advocate to all Noosa government. This is a very important document to be used internally and outward facing to our community. So thank you very much. Do we have any questions from the councillors regarding the report? I'm happy to do a promotion. I'm happy to second it. Okay. Well thank you very much. That was easy. We'll take that to the vote. No. Oh, sorry. Yes, right, reply. My apologies, Councillor. Nicola Wilson 10:57.297
Thank you. For this report. Another huge effort. It takes a long time to get this report together, both from your team, Deanna, and from the finance team as well, especially in a particularly challenging year where we've had so much extra happening following the fraud incident and the extra recorded work. Audit it's a great report. That reflects what we're doing as a council, how we're spending our budget, and also how we are meeting our compliance requirements. There's lots of good information there about a lot of different services, where the money is being spent, information about councillors, different departments, so it is a good lead. I encourage people to have a look once it's published. I will note in terms of the minor adjustments that I have had a conversation today with the CEO about how the fraud incident has been described and if there's a bit of a contradiction in there that we're going to Resolve as part of the myra amendment so there's we'll hopefully bring to the general committee meeting in terms of that amendment. But yeah, for such a massive report that we're in now and a few minor things that I've so, picked up on and congratulations. On producing another excellent report SPEAKER_00 12:09.511
And we really hope people make the opportunity to read it. Karen Finzel 12:14.351
Thank you. I just have a question for the Chair. Can we just please. I'm sorry. Chair to the CEO, can you just please clarify how we work through this process of the minor amendments before taking it to the General Committee meeting, due to the significance of the matter? Larry Sengstock 12:33.451
We haven't got the ability to recommend this report straight through to the board meeting. Frank Wilkie 12:43.722
So, just to put you around here, you mentioned trying to generalise, we're looking into this recommendation doesn't say that we will go to the General Committee. This will go to the ordinary. It can be discussed in the ordinary, of course. Karen Finzel 12:54.162
Oh, we can pull it out. Larry Sengstock 12:56.022
Sorry, that was my mistake. That's okay. We can go straight to the ordinary or we can go to the General Committee. But uh. To see how we can make the minor adjustments, or whatever. It's wording that just, again, for clarity. And we have spoken about this. I'm comfortable that we take this away. It's sort out the wording correctly, and have the councillors all understand what that wording changes, and then bring it back to ordinary. So, the following endorsement can be ordinary. So, if you're comfortable, Madam Chair, we can just defer this to ordinary. So, we'll bring those in. Changes and have a vote on it at the local committee, given that it is an all-encompassing document, all-encompassing for the whole of the community, the whole of council. So, it's unanimous. Karen Finzel 13:51.865
Yeah. So, in summary, you can go offline, given all councillors may have a different interpretation of those minor changes. Well, I'll, you know, Larry Sengstock 14:02.405
We'll work together and we'll make sure that everybody's comfortable with those words because it is, it can be, you know, it can be people's interpretation of words so we'll make sure that we're all comfortable with those words, bring it to SPEAKER_03_b 14:11.917
The, ordinary profile of okay, Karen Finzel 14:16.779
Thank you. Yes. Thank you. Councillor Frank. Frank Wilkie 14:20.777
Thank you for the report. It is a comprehensive body of information. And 24/25 was a huge year. And it is worth reflecting on. So the annual report reflects the year where the organisation demonstrated its dedication to improving the liveability and resilience of our community. Over the past 12 months, council has delivered over $45 million worth of capital works, in addition to $100 million worth of flood reconstruction program funds, which has resulted in a total of $145 million directed to renewing infrastructure and repairing damage, principally in hinterland communities that were impacted by the 2022 floods. I'm doing this because some of this has taken into account in the iran-Bursa. Territory. Roads, bridges, transport and storm water infrastructure were a major focus. Council also spent $6.4 million improving our parks, community facilities and sports grounds. $2.3 million paths for corridors boardwalks trails. The second stage of the upgrade park is Sunshine Beach, the Peregian Beach skate park, upgrades to the Noosaville prairie ground and improving sports field lighting at selma oval at Cooroy Sports Complex were also delivered. Council also signed a historic commitment to joint custodianship of lands, waters and Noosa in partnership with Kabi people. This commitment recognises the role we all share as custodians in respecting and preserving Noosa natural assets. Council also biggest single investment in social housing in Noosa shire's history. This commitment for a subdivision at 62 Lake MacDonald Drive in Cooroy includes an architect designed 25 unit social housing project helping deliver affordable housing for our community's most vulnerable and a key action council endorsed revised planning scheme amendments to deliver greater choice of housing, increase housing supply for residents and key workers, and help meet state-imposed drawing targets. These were proactive measures intended to maintain our planning autonomy. The future planning of Noosa, rather than waiting for the State to mandate more drastic measures to achieve drawing targets through the SEQ planning process, Noosa Council's planning team assessed 525 development applications, approving 508, which means 97% of all were approved, ensuring thoughtful and sustainable development throughout the Shire. The biggest and most challenging construction contract in Noosa history, the $40 million landslide repair work on Black Mountain Road at Black Mountain was also completed. We're really grateful to the Australian and Queensland government. Disaster recovery funding arrangements for this, because we couldn't do it by ourselves, with our budget, the loss of that scale. The popular Dog Beach in Noosa Spit was restored and earned a coastal engineering award. Despite challenges such as labour shortages, material supply constraints, rising construction costs, the unprecedented protected industrial action, and being targeted by an international crime syndicate, minister council will remain steadfast in its mission to deliver for our community and remain in the financially strong position, finishing with an $8.2 million operating surplus which includes some unscathed ladies and community grants. Of the achievements, in fact I'd say all of the achievements, are a credit to our dedicated staff, directors and CEO who contently contribute to making Noosa a special place to live, work and visit and I'd also like to personally acknowledge our community councillors, Deputy Mayor Brian Stockwell, Councillor Karen Finzel, Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Jessica Phillips, Tom Wegener and Councillor Nicola Wilson for their clear dedication to their work and in bringing about this result, reflecting the annual report SPEAKER_00 18:16.766
Thank you Mr. Mayor. Nicola Wilson 18:21.330
Of clarification this important minor change between deficit to sort of can you just confirm that was after a recounting for the amount that was lost in the fall? Yes. Zach Moreton 18:32.643
So there's no impact on the future financial year because that was covered by the service. Frank Wilkie 18:38.123
Thank you. Karen Finzel 18:40.383
Thank you. Any further comments? Councillor Phillips? Jessica Phillips 18:48.200
Your reports are always very thorough and I think the community probably never gets to see the workload that you seem to take in your stride, so thank you for the dedication that you show and the commitment to always follow the line. On demonstrating this mark how he used because it's something that I'll continue to think about things right now. Being one of our, you know, really big practices for me this year is working on when I started demonstrating that. So yeah, thank you, have a good one. Karen Finzel 19:23.462
Thank you. We'll take that to the vote. SPEAKER_03_b 19:26.122
The vote, or the current motion is to accept that. That's correct, yes. But do we want to have a, do we need to have anything to take a direct order? Extraordinary, so we'll accept it and then we're going to have a little change. Okay, I'm fine with that. Karen Finzel 19:44.518
You're fine with that? Yes. Thank you Mr. CEO. We'll take that to the vote. All in favour? Yes. That's unanimous, thank you. Good luck with that work. Yeah, thank you. A good legacy piece then. Heading out to item 7.2, Councillor remuneration update, and we welcome Liz Smith, the People & Culture Manager, to the table, Director Margaret Gatt. Thank you. Liz Smith 20:23.520
Much. Good afternoon, councillors. Good afternoon. Apologies, I've got a stiff back today. Margaret Gatt 20:33.363
At this report, our table for you today is as a result of the remuneration commission making recommendations for Councillor updates or increases in Councillor remuneration. I'll just hand over to Liz to take you through the report. Liz Smith 20:50.926
Thank you, Liz. Thank you. For allowing me to present the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission concluded determination of remuneration as per the requirement by section 177C of the Local Government Act, chapter 8, division 1 of the regulation. The recommended increase of 3.25% for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors will come into effect on 1 July 2026, subject to our adoption, in line with categorisation of Noosa Shire Council as a B3 council in association with other councils such as Isaac Regional, Whitsunday Regional Council, Lockyer Valley Regional Council. Like to submit this report as read and open for any questions that you might have. Thank you, Liz. I'll bring this up and give Karen Finzel 21:41.947
It to the point. Thank you. Would anyone like to make any comment or questions to the staff regarding the matter? SPEAKER_04 21:52.305
One of the, um, what is the criteria about which new is being declared a B3 council? Frank Wilkie 22:03.496
Is it, is there a definition of what constitutes, is it a geographical size, of budgets, size of population, just general in whole country. Criteria? Liz Smith 22:12.976
So there are a number of categories that they use to consider where we sit in relation to it. So some important information that they've considered are things such as it's in page four of the report, awareness of CPI, impact on regional liveability, where we are in relation to size of the region and population. Karen Finzel 22:48.240
Any further questions, Councillor Frank? No. Thank you. Councillor Phillips, any further questions for the staff? No, Thank you. We'll take that to. No, I'll move it, Madam Chair. Oh, you would like to move it? Sorry, I'll have you second. Frank Wilkie 23:04.340
Do you get the ball rolling? Thank you. Would you like to make a comment before closing? Yes. Look, it's always a difficult thing when councillors are asked to approve increases in remuneration for themselves, but I'd just like to make the point that proposed salary for councillors, Noosa councillors, is somewhat significantly below the Australian average salary, and from what I have observed, the Noosa councillors are very hardworking and they deserve their dissent. In fact, many councillors have taken a paindrop to take on the response. Responsibility. Of the role of a local government Councillor in Noosa Shire. I think the doing this work. It's thankless work. They come under a lot of criticism, but still they turn up every day and work hard to deliver for community. So I'm happy to endorse this motion that the remuneration increase to 3.25% for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and councillors be accepted. Karen Finzel 24:18.139
Thank you. We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. Staff. Thank you. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you. We're moving into item capital program 2025 to 26. We welcome Mel Sheppard, Principal Infrastructure Planner, and Aidan Flannery to the table to provide the status report. Thank you. Um, this sorry. My apologies. 7.3 is Julie Cole. Where's Julie? She's downstairs. I have messaged her. SPEAKER_00 25:17.906
Oh, she might, she might be trying to join me. Shaun Walsh 25:24.426
She's everywhere. Karen Finzel 25:26.086
Did we want to go to 7.1? Or perhaps we go to 7.1 and come back? Shaun Walsh 25:32.826
Or Shaun, are you happy talk to the reports, but I can certainly start my presentation. Thank you for your patience. Karen Finzel 25:47.078
You're welcome. Shaun Walsh 25:49.138
So this is report. A presented by Julie Cole with our Disaster Reconstruction Coordinator with the assistance of our expert procurement team. It suggests an alternative approach for procurement associated with our disaster reconstruction activities. As you're aware, over the last three to five years, we've had roughly a dozen major procurement activities that have required special reports to council because of the very limited timeframes associated with trying to execute the projects. Sometimes also because it affects residents' access, like in terms of closures of roads and the like. So rather than waiting for the regular meeting cycle, you know, we've been compelled to actually present. Specific reports to council, which is, you know, it's a significant administration and also a significant imposter on council's time, so. Karen Finzel 26:37.970
I'm just before you give us the overview of the report. Has come to our attention that there was an admin error, a typographical error. I was going to get to that at the end of the presentation, so I'm happy to explain that. Oh, certainly okay. I can do it now. Yeah, so we'll get the business of that out of the way. Thank you, Jane. Thank you, you're welcome. Shaun Walsh 27:03.407
I just wanted to highlight a correction in the report resolution that under resolution C, at the moment resolution C refers to Resolve the delegation A is result of in item A. So item B is not limited, which is pretty clear in terms of the resolution above. And then the same in resolution D, is that it should refer to item B rather than item A. Thank you for the point Karen Finzel 27:40.194
Of view. John, Joanne, would you like to add any more further to that explanation? No, other than I made a. I can't apparently understand the alphabet. All right. Well, I'm happy to move that correction. And thank you, Shaun, for giving an overview on that. So I'll take. We just accept it as a correction. Shaun Walsh 28:12.252
Thank you. Okay, Karen Finzel 28:13.490
Thank you, Sean. Please proceed. Shaun Walsh 28:15.132
So this report recommends an approach that delegates the financial delegations to expedite the program and also reduce the impost upon councillors throughout the next, you know, basically 12 months while we procure these typical projects. In terms of the report, there are confidential attachments that, you know, outline the extent of the projects and the value those projects to be, so a good understanding. It's also noted that as part of the approach, transparency is particularly achieved by the PCAWT team, and also noting that has been reported through the council to ensure that you're fully across as they occur. So that was just a general summary. Scott, did you want to add anything to that? Scott 29:04.777
I guess the intention is that the procurement contract assessment working team, which you're familiar with, under this recommendation would be convening for each relating to the RFA program. And their role would be to review the procurement process and make a recommendation to the CEO in regards to any rewards of those contracts. So it's that extra layer of governance which we've always had in place for procurement. Procurement's obscenity. Up to the CEO's current delegation. However, we're still looking to expand the program for specified contracts. Shaun Walsh 29:41.913
I'll pass it over to Nick. And that's been leading to Julie, who's been leading the procurement of the reconstruction program for the last number of years. Referenced the administration burden in terms of presenting the reports and the like, which takes away from your time to actually then deliver the projects. And I thought, would you like to talk to that further, Julie? Julie Cole 30:00.635
Yeah, probably an example that highlights this is, if we were to follow the normal cadence of monthly meetings, and whilst that process is incredibly valuable for business as usual work, that all our programs and budgets and everything rotate around that, because this is extraordinary work, we do tend to be out of sequence of those particular elements. It does rely on us coming special meetings or inserting ourselves late into approval programs such as last-minute additions to ordinary and things like that and part of that is about our true commitment to the community to embark on work as quickly as possible so that we can actually boots on ground doing the things we need to do and helping communities recover back. We like to start, we're starting to use the term rather than bounce back, we want them to start bouncing forward and being much more active in their recovery meaning we can get in there quickly, get there out, let them move on to their next part of their new normal that would be. Some of the examples of how this speeds up and I know it only seems like matters of days and things like that but the admin that goes into it is certainly there. For a Special Meeting we definitely as part of the process we need to give two full business days notice. Then we need to find time with everyone, with the PCAWT process I can effectively brief and have an answer back about my next steps in terms of contracting a contractor in two days. That's how responsive the PCAWT team and Scott and the team work in getting us resolutions from that point of view. In terms of the community we're working in, a lot of the sites that we're working in this time around are revisits of previous sites and we've already embarked on contacting some of those residents directly based on some of our lessons learned last time and we probably need to look at our recovery as a reiterative process here because they are revisiting now all the concerns and last time. So everything we can do to minimise that, we should be looking to minimise that. Karen Finzel 32:26.521
Overview and the report joined with a big body of work here and it's really reassuring to know that it is that other way of governance. It also expedites that process to ensure that communities. We can move them in their recovery. So I think it's a really good opportunity entirely that we've got this report before us and that we can make a decision around that and tick all those boxes. But, you know, mainly it's about that efficiency to get underway and provide that insurance back to our community. So thank you, it's a big body of work from the team and everyone, but hopefully moving forward that's going to give us some really good outcomes for everyone involved. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 33:10.797
Madam Chair, may I ask a question? Oh yes, of course. Julie, in terms of this new system, what can you quantify how many days it will save in terms of report writing, having all those special meetings or getting a report to the meeting round? What are the potential times? Is it one week, two weeks? Julie Cole 33:32.000
Yeah, it's a really hard way to dimension it because often what we'll have to be is responsive in what we're doing and probably the best example I can give you is previously I would have spoken to the wider group about this as a bit of a philosophy and in that one we spoke about another site at Sunshine Creek. The moment walking of out of that meeting the contractors in the tender phase requested of us an extra week to make sure they could get enough information from their subcontractors so we've extended that period of tendering which means we have to push out all our other deadlines meant that I just missed that month's cadence and it would have been like we're trying to organise as a Special Meeting for that one and I'm then pushing into potentially going straight to ordering so that gives you an idea of it's not it's really not that linear it's about how we can be actively responding and getting into these things as quickly as possible not dismissing the body of work that the rest of the team does in terms of their business as usual but often those projects have been let's say four years in the making and getting to this a month wait for an is minor approval for their projects in some cases some they're not but in our case we need to get in and get out get it done report back to the community about getting that done report back to our funding body about getting it done so it's not a saving that I can dimension in hours minutes Shaun Walsh 35:03.160
It is. The key point if I think about the emails back and forth between Julia and myself and Larry and Tim it's a couple of weeks you know to actually try and establish the dates probably the key point is about the time that takes away from June to actually deliver them so you know because then she's lost let's say a days work just trying to arrange the meeting and that could be set on files and contracts, things. It's that sort of interrelation between capacity as well as delights. Frank Wilkie 35:33.361
You're talking, about. Because I know you're from grant funded disaster recovery can you outline how they'll still be publicly reported, what are the avenues for public reporting? Julie Cole 35:45.042
Yeah, so the procurement process up front in terms of how we open like tender etc, there's absolutely no change in that. Scott and the procurement team, Adam, we've worked really strongly on making sure that is ring fenced and we keep doing that and it's the right thing to do because we need to keep returning value for money on all of these as a public funds. Part of it is around working in a system that we've already used so some of non-construction contracts we use the peacock process already. What we're doing is understanding how that works go through that process when that's signed off it then dips into the already established procurement process where that gets it'll still be reported publicly. Scott 36:33.630
So we'll still be reporting obligations of any contractor of $200,000. That'll be reported publicly. That'll be on our website on the notice board. And then on top of that we'll report these contracts through the B corp, through the biannual reporting that the Verity report services does Frank Wilkie 36:52.934
Thank you. Madam Chair. Karen Finzel 36:57.674
Just a question. Oh, no, you're on. Ask the guy, just interested. In just an overview, Larry, how you think this is going to contribute to the efficiency of the organisation, just from your perspective. Larry Sengstock 37:11.496
Well, as the ex-Director Infrastructure Services as well, I actually see the value in this in terms of being able to keep the wheels emotionally going, because it is difficult to do. However, what we're asking for here is specific to grant funded disaster management, which has a priority and a time, you know, probably more urgent timeline so it's really trying to get those through. From my perspective, signing them off is, we have the PCAWT, which is a group, so it's a second, another layer of investigation and analysis and making sure that it's all done correctly before it comes to need to file a sign off. An extra step which gives me comfort and I think should give the community and council comfort that that's in there and again we are specific to these projects so that we can ensure that we meet our timelines and get things done as quickly as possible because as I say, often the communities. Community is disadvantaged at some point with the disasters so the quicker we can get it into the system and get it done, the better it is for everybody so to me that just makes good sense. Karen Finzel 38:28.291
Thank you. Everyone, that's great. I'm happy to move the motion. Second. I think everything's been said but I think if we have our community and our beneficiaries at the centre of our decisions this is one of those cases where I can definitely see that this is you know benefit back to our community and also to the organisation so thank you everyone for the report. Nicola Wilson 38:50.235
I'll speak to the motion. I fully support the recommendation so thank you for bringing this to us. We're talking about projects that need an urgent action and response. We're also competing to find the best contractors as well. We need to be able to move this forward. It's high value projects. And it's grant funded by QRA and we've got the art team working on this with the appropriate level of governance so I think it's a much more efficient way of working. I hope it really makes an impact to be able to get these projects completed. Karen Finzel 39:26.120
Any further comments? No, thank you Madam Chair. Councillor Phillips, any comments from online? No, Thank you. We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you to the staff. Shaun Walsh 39:41.078
Thank you, really appreciate that support. Thank you for the correction, councillors. SPEAKER_00 39:50.256
Good pick up, Karen Finzel 39:55.696
Yeah, exactly. Thank you. So now we move to item 7.4, capital program 2025-26, the delivery status report. We welcome Mel Sheppard, the Principal Infrastructure Planner and Aidan Flannery to the table. Good afternoon. Jessica Phillips 40:13.494
Good afternoon everybody. We're here today to provide a status update on the capital works program as at the 31st of December. The approved capital works budget review one is $65 million with $13.4 million in carry forwards. Actual expenditure at the end of quarter two was $12.4 million which represents 19% of the approved budget with a further $11.6 million in commitments representing an accumulative 37% extending on that dot point, we'd also just like to bring council's attention to the fact that if we look at project progress, the average project is 65% complete within our program and the 19% we look at in the executive summary is representative only of a financial value. Moving forward, grant funding revenue for the year is $16.4 million with council contributing $17 million to these projects, excluding disaster. The program comprises of 117 projects at various stages of planning, design and delivery and the planning, design and delivery team are managing 35 projects at the moment to the value of $41 million. Recruitment is ongoing for key roles within the infrastructure services department and the planning design delivery team continue to work on the project management framework and associated processes with that. Capital works planning are also continuing our preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 budget. Karen Finzel 41:49.697
Did anybody did anybody have any questions on the report or comments? Thank you, I think that was a comprehensive report and wow what a great effort from a small team that is working hard with providing efficiencies within the frameworks and the capital budget that work with. It's very impressive, or from my opinion I think it is, so I think our community should be really assured that we're getting the work done and there's always a call for action and I think this team is delivering that call to action. Mel Sheppard 42:26.540
I could also, sorry, just extend, I also wanted to bring everybody's attention to a small error on page four. Within the table under finance, the actual year-to-date that's listed at five and a half million is reflective of the last report and that should. Be updated to the 12.4 million that's alluded to just above the table. So we can make that amendment and redistribute. Thank you. SPEAKER_03_b 42:54.570
That's a challenge we need to put out there in the U.S. Fantastic. Karen Finzel 42:58.490
Thank you for bringing that to our SPEAKER_00 42:59.750
Attention. So you can provide a new village attachment. Yeah, just change it. Provided it's an attachment one to two minutes. SPEAKER_03_b 43:13.980
Yes. Karen Finzel 43:16.420
Okay. Thank you. Any questions from the councils? Frank Wilkie 43:22.620
No, I just want to thank you for the additional reporting where you indicate how far the project has actually been progressing, not just based on how much funding has been paid out towards the completion of the projects, so it does give a different picture. It shows that all of these projects are far more advanced than the funding would indicate. And I think that the community likes to see that greater level of detail and accuracy in the report and so thank you for going into that effort. I noticed you added that addition verbally. Will that be given any way to be able to write those into the future? Jessica Phillips 44:09.115
Yes so moving forward we can incorporate more of the project related progress based on completion in addition to the financial progress that we have reported on so far. So at the moment this has been a verbal update of the 65% project progress but it's something that we could incorporate in future reports. Karen Finzel 44:43.815
Thank you for the report and all the work again that goes into I know it's complicated reporting with so many different projects to manage Nicola Wilson 44:51.604
And such a big budget as well. It's just good to know again that we've got major projects on the way right across the show, we're certainly spreading the love with our capital budget here and the different types of programs as well that we're investing in. So we've got lots in sports and community facilities, bridges, obviously roads, safety issues like roof renewal and stormwater and sewer works so and the upcoming tenders as well that we've got some great projects that we're about to take on. Yeah always some good news stories in these reports which is good to see when things get completed and for everyone to be able to see what's coming in this next year as well. Karen Finzel 45:41.220
Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 45:44.120
No, I have nothing further to add. Thank you. Everyone said what I did, so I was speaking. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 45:52.620
First of all I want to thank you to the team. Karen Finzel 45:54.520
As Madam Chair said, you're a hard-working I really appreciate what you have thank you. Do you want to close? No. Alright, we'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Councillor Phillips. That's unanimous. Thank enjoy your afternoon. Us to agenda item number eight, Reports for Noting by the Committee. There are none. We are going to move into confidential session, item 9.1. It's not the public release. CN24799, composting expression of interest, EOI, outcome and recommendation to commence early contractor involvement. Amen. Okay, so I'll move the motion that we headed to confidential meeting, that the meeting be closed to the public facility for section 254J3G, the Local Government Regulation. Of 2012, for the purpose of discussing the contract proposed to be made by council, and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to the contract item 9.1C. We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Councillor Phillips. Unanimous. Thank you, that's the end of this. Just kidding. All right. Karen Finzel 01:19:11.280
Well, just okay, um, we'll get you a camera. Yeah, have you got something for everyone? I'll just walk away. Is that what we're moving? Yeah, 'cause don't we have to move it? Yeah. Do you want me to read that out, or should we go back out? No. I think we normally read this, don't we? Yes. Yeah. Okay, are we ready? That's not is it? No. that's confidential. That's in the report. Okay. Yeah, just do it. Yeah. Are we good there? Yes, we're good. Okay, thank you. Good afternoon and welcome back. We are at current item 9.1. We're going to note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee, dated 10th of February, 2026, regarding the composting facility procurement process. Approved the selection of Orez Solutions Pty Ltd as the successful respondent to the Request for Tender CN24799, the procurement process, for a contract amount of no greater than one hundred. One million one hundred thousand, excluding GST. C, authorise the CEO the power to negotiate, finalise and execute. Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) 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 the section 2571 of the Local Government Act 2009. Note that A, in the event of an ECI contract is entered into, council intends to enter into a Design & Construct contract. D and C contract, pursuant to the ECI contract at a later stage. B, the award of the D and C contract is subject to and conditional upon a further council resolution and a report will be presented to council for a decision by any D and C contract in due course. I haven't happy to move really managed it. Happy to second. Take it to the vote. We'll All in favour? Councillor Phillips? That's unanimous. Thank you. To the staff. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you. Item number 10, meeting closure at 3:09pm. Thank you, Mr. CEO. Thank you to the councillors. Thank you, Madam Chair. And Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:22:32.505
Thank you. Chair. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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