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 $145m, Surplus $8.2m 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 and 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 have 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 on line, is that correct? No. We've got Jess on line. Thank you Jess and welcome. And Councillor Tom, welcome in the gallery this afternoon. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects Australian First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi people as traditional owners 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. SPEAKER_07 01:16.470
I just have to I just have to raise a point Madam Chair, I can't find the minutes on the agenda. SPEAKER_02 01:22.145
We didn't get out at this particular time, but they were included in the agenda this time. But that's just how we started planning. But have you had a copy of the minutes? Yes, we've had a copy of the minutes. I can bring them up now. Of course, thank you. Thank you so much for joining us. Thank you so much. SPEAKER_07 02:51.380
Yes, I'm back, down towards the end. Frank Wilkie 02:58.340
Happy to move it. Karen Finzel 03:00.060
Second. I'll take it to any questions or anything. Okay, we'll take it to the vote. All in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you, Vicky. Larry Sengstock 03:11.060
Yes. Karen Finzel 03:12.940
Yes, unanimous. Thank you, Vicky. Item number five, there are no presentations. Presentations. Item six, no deputations. Item six, no... Item seven, reports for consideration of the committee. We're going to item 7.1, Noosa Shire Council annual report 2024 to 25. We welcome to the table Deanna Stewart and Zach Wharton-Adair. Thank you. Deanna Stewart 03:53.820
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 to the 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 Local Government Act. We have a we have addressed as the 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 viewer 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'll see that in that section. For this reporting period we must note Council obtained ministerial Ministerial approval for an extension of time to complete the financial reporting component of the annual report. The extension was granted until 31 January 2026 as Council satisfied the requirements of sections 212 subsection 6 and 212 subsection 7 of the local government regulation. Therefore, on 21 January 2026, just very recently, Council's financial statement was signed off by an authorised delegate of the Queensland Auditor General and you will see that in the report paperwork. So in summary, the draft annual report encompasses 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, Key facts: environmental profile, livability and economic prosperity. We then go into council governance and operations of our organisation and it details your elected members, roles and responsibilities, services, 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, livability, 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 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 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 for you. Thank you. Zach Wharton-Adair 08:27.656
Through the Chair, I just wanted to draw attention to page 126 of the report, which is our community finance report and makes particular comment to our statement on comprehensive income. There is a reference on the page that talks to reading the value, so it's clear the removal of... So it's clear the removal of 52.7 million on non-operational items shows council's actual operating deficit to the 8.2 million. That is simply a typo. It shouldn't read operating surplus. It's just an inconsistent or other reference to the report refers surplus. So it's just a minor typo that we will correct in the final production of the report. So it's clear the removal of 52.7 million on non-operational items shows council's actual operating deficit to the 8.2 million. That is simply a typo. It shouldn't read operating surplus. It's just an inconsistent or other reference to the report refers surplus. So it's just an inconsistent or other reference to the report refers 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 09:09.238
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 indeed for the final draft that you've brought before us. I know that's been a big commitment by yourself to ensure that it meets the timelines and Timelines and the standard that we expect from such a report. So thank you, looking forward to seeing that come out in the final and the copy that's published. That's it and thank you to everyone involved and I think we should be the standards. Really proud of this as a community within the internal organisation and externally, so thank you so much for highlighting the value of the report. Of course they lie in their ability to provide a comprehensive overview, as you said, of the organisation's activities, achievements and challenges. They've served as a crucial tool for advocacy, policy making and strategic planning to ensure that our communities and their aspirations are effective and that we work together to support them. 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 council? Thank you for this report. Nicola Wilson 10:59.500
Another huge effort. to get this report together from your team, Diana, and 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 audit work. I know it takes a long time to... 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. 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 really good read and I encourage people to 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 there's a bit of a contradiction in there that we're going to resolve as part of the minor amendment so we'll hopefully bring that to the general committee meeting in terms of that amendment but yeah there's such a massive report there really are a few minor things that I've picked up on and congratulations on producing another excellent report and we really hope people make the opportunity to read it Thank you. Karen Finzel 12:15.508
I just have a question to the Chair. Can we just please, from the 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 meeting due to the significance of the matter? Larry Sengstock 12:32.248
So is it-- we have the ability to break a condition forth straight through to. SPEAKER_07 12:45.220
You mentioned it's going to general. This recommendation doesn't say that we'll go to general. This will go to ordinary. But it can be discussed in ordinary, of course. Oh, we can pull it out. Larry Sengstock 12:57.460
That's OK. We can get it straight to ordinary, or we can go to general. But I'm happy to take it to ordinary. For minor amendments, as you see on the screen, it's authorised to see how we can make minor adjustments, or whatever. If there's wording that just hasn't, again, for clarity, and we have spoken about this, I'm comfortable that... changes and bring it back to ordinary so the final endorsement can be ordinary so if you're comfortable Madam Chair we can just defer this to ordinary so we can bring back those changes and have a vote on it, given that it is an all encompassing document, all encompassing for the whole of the community, the whole of council, so it is significant as far as that. SPEAKER_02 13:49.810
Okay, so just in good direction then? Yeah. So in summary, you can go offline, given all councillors may have a different interpretation of those minor changes, they can... Well, I'll, you know, we'll look 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 you're all comfortable with those words, bring it to the, bring it to the ordinary file on this one. Karen Finzel 14:15.673
Okay, Okay, Thank you. Yes, Councillor Frank. Frank Wilkie 14:20.780
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 livability and resilience of our community. I have a password months council has delivered over $45 million worth of capital works, in addition to $100 million with the 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. Territory: Roads, bridges, transport and stormwater infrastructure were a major focus. Council also spent 6.4 million improving our parks, community facilities and sports grounds. 2.3 million upgrading paths, boardwalks and trails. The second stage of Edward Park at Sunshine Beach, the bridge and beach skate park, upgrades to the Noosaville pirate playground and improving sports field lighting and self-honoured 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 Kabi people. Council also signed a contract with the City of Cooroy. This commitment recognises the role we all share as custodians in respecting and preserving Noosa natural assets. Council also facilitated the biggest single investment in social housing in Noosa Shire's history. This commitment for a subdivision of 62/8 McDonnell Drive in Cooroy includes an architect designed 25 unit social housing project helping to deliver affordable housing for our community's most vulnerable and a key action on the Noosa housing strategy. Council endorsed revised planning scheme amendments to deliver greater choice of housing. We made a choice of housing, increased housing supply for residents and key workers, and helped meet state-imposed drawing targets. These were proactive measures intended to maintain our planning autonomy over the future planning of Noosa, rather than waiting for the State to mandate more drastic measures to achieve drawing targets through the SDQ planning process. Noosa Council's planning team assessed 525 development applications, approving 508, which means 97% of all applications were approved, ensuring thoughtful and sustainable development throughout the Shire. The biggest and most challenging construction contract in Noosa history, the $40 million outside repair work on Black Mountain Road at Black Mountain was also completed. We're grateful to the Australian and Queensland Government's disaster recovery funding arrangements for this because we couldn't do it by ourselves. The popular Doggy 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 unstable levy and community grants. Many 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 Wilson, Councillor Phillips Phillips, Councillor Tom Wegener and Councillor Nicola Wilson for their clear dedication to their work and in bringing about this result. Nicola Wilson 18:16.780
Thank you Mr Mayor. Sorry can I just ask a point of clarification, this important minor change between Dixit to Circus, can you just confirm that that was after a recounting for the amount that was lost in the fall of this year? Yes. So there's no impact on the future financial year because that was covered by Circus? No. No, that was covered by Circus. Thank you. Karen Finzel 18:41.720
Any further comments? Councillor Phillips? I think it's all been said. Jessica Phillips 18:48.720
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, demonstrating the spark that we use, which is something that I'll continue to speak about being one of our, you know, really big focuses for me this year is when you guys started demonstrating that. So yeah, thank you, have a good one. Karen Finzel 19:23.012
Thank you. We'll take that to the vote. Larry Sengstock 19:26.108
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 it to? We'll accept it and then we're going to have a little, we'll change it. Okay, I'm fine with that. SPEAKER_02 19:44.518
You're fine with that? Yes. Karen Finzel 19:45.958
Thank you Mr. CEO. Can we take that to the vote? I don't. All in favour? Yes. Yes, that's unanimous. Thank you. to the staff. Larry Sengstock 19:55.888
Fantastic. Thank you. Karen Finzel 20:07.494
Heading out to item 7.2, councillor remuneration update and we welcome Liz Smith, the people and culture manager to the table and director Mark. Good afternoon councillors. Liz Smith 20:26.640
Good afternoon and welcome. Apologies, got a bit of a stiff back today. Margaret Gatt 20:33.320
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 20:50.948
Thank you, Liz. Thank you. for allowing me to present today. So the Queensland Local Government Remuneration Commission concluded a termination of remuneration as per the requirement by Section 177C of the Local Government Act, Chapter 8, Division 1 of the Local Government Regulation. They're increase recommended of 3.25% for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors will come into effect on the 1st of 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. Noosa Regional, Whitsunday Regional, Lockyer Valley Regional Council. I would like to submit this report as read and open for any questions that you might have. Thank you, Liz. Thank you. Would anyone like to make any comment or questions to the staff? SPEAKER_07 21:53.260
What is the criteria by which Noosa Council is being declared a B3 Council? Is there a definition of what constitutes, is it a geographical size, size of budgets, size of population, just general criteria? Liz Smith 22:12.460
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 and it's in page four of the report, awareness of CPI, impact on regional livability, where we are in relation to size of the region. Karen Finzel 22:48.060
Any further questions? Thank You. Councillor Phillips, any further questions for the staff? No, Thank you. We'll take that to... Frank Wilkie 23:00.940
No, I'll move it Madam Chair. Karen Finzel 23:02.120
Oh, you would like to move it, sorry. Thank you. Would you like to make a comment before closing? SPEAKER_07 23:09.780
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 the proposed salary for councillors, Noosa councillors, is somewhat significantly below the Australian average salary, and from what I have observed, Noosa councillors are very hard-working and they deserve their dissent. Frank Wilkie 23:42.655
In fact, many councillors have taken a pay drop to take on the responsibility of the role of a local government councillor in Noosa Shire. I think the community is lucky to have them doing this work. It's thankless work. They've come under a lot of criticism, but still they're Criticism. But still they turn up every day and work hard to deliver for their community. So I'm happy to endorse this motion that the remuneration increase of 3.25% for Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors be accepted. Thank you. Karen Finzel 24:20.100
We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. staff for the report. Enjoy your afternoon. thank you we're moving into item 7.4 capital price 10.4 capital program 2025 to 26. We welcome Mel Sheppard, infrastructure planner and Aidan Flannery to the table to provide the status report. Oh, what have I missed? Sorry, I forgot to say. No, no, no, it's all right, it's all right. 7.3 Is Julie Calvert. Who's Julie? Shaun Walsh 26:30.708
I was going to get to that at the end of the presentation, so I'm happy to explain that. I can do it now. 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 in item A is incorrect, it should actually refer to resolve the delegation in item A. So item B is not limited, so which is pretty clear in terms of the resolution above. That's not how it would be. And then the same in resolution D is that it should refer to item B rather than item A. Deanna Stewart 27:36.755
So is that clear, the Chair? Yes, thank you. Karen Finzel 27:40.495
John, would you like to add any more further to that explanation? No, No, other other than than I I made a, I can't apparently understand the alphabet, apparently. Alright, well I'm happy to move that correction and thank you Shaun for giving an overview on that. So I'll take, I'm happy to move that. No, we don't need to, we'll just accept it as a correction. We'll just accept it as a correction? Yeah. SPEAKER_02 28:09.048
Alright, thank you. Karen Finzel 28:13.168
Okay, thank you Shaun. Please proceed. So this report recommends an approach that delegates the financial delegations to the CDO to actually 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 that we're estimating those projects to be, so a good understanding. It's also noted that as part of the approach, transparency is particularly achieved by the PCOR team and also noting that that is then reported through the council to ensure that you're fully across the procurement activities as they occur. that's just a general summary. Scott did you want to add anything to that? SPEAKER_06 29:04.687
I can see the intention is that the procurement contract assessment working team which you're familiar with under this recommendation would be convened We will be convening for each of the contracts relating to the RFA program and their role will 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 up to the CEO's current location. However, we're still looking to expand the program for specified contracts. Shaun Walsh 29:41.865
Pass the program to Julie who's been leading the procurement of the reconstruction program for the last number of years. I sort of 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 Calvert 30:00.554
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. It's really 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 back to you for things such as special meetings or inserting ourselves late into approval programs such as last-minute additions to ordinary and things like that. 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. We like to start we're starting to use the term rather than bounce back we want them to start bouncing forward and being a much more active in their recovery meaning we can get in there quickly get there out let them move on to their Get there out, let them move on to their next part of their new normal that 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 a peer court 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 peer court team and Scott and the team work in getting us resolutions from that point of view. In terms of the community that 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 worries they had last time. So everything we can do to minimise that, we should be looking to minimise that. So everything we can As they had last time. Thank you. Karen Finzel 32:23.705
Thank you for the overview and the report. Julie, you've done a big body of work here and it's really reassuring to know that it gives us that other way of governance. It also expedites that process to ensure for our communities that, you know, we can... move them forward in their recovery. So I think it's a really good opportunity and timely 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 these things underway and provide that assurance back to our community. So thank you. It's a big body of work from the team and everyone, but hopefully moving forward... But hopefully, moving forward, that's going to give us some really good outcomes for everyone involved. Thank you. Madam Chair, may I ask a question? Yes, of course. SPEAKER_07 33:14.992
Julie, in terms of this new system, what can... What can you quantify how many days it will save in terms of report buying, handle all those special meetings or get a report to meeting round? What are the potential time savings? Is it one week, two weeks? Can you...? Julie Calvert 33:32.057
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 We spoke about this as a bit of a philosophy and in that one we spoke about another site at Sunshine Creek. Yeah, it's a really... The moment of walking 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 which meant then I've just missed that month's reporting cadence and it would have been like we're trying to organise this a special meeting for that one and I'm then pushing into potentially going straight to ordinary so that gives you an idea of it's not it's it's really not that linear it's about how we can be actively responsive and getting into these things is 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 approval is minor for their projects in some cases some they're not but in our case we need to get in get out get it done report back to the community. 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, days, weeks. Shaun Walsh 35:03.225
And I think the key point, if I think about the emails back and forth between Julie and myself and Larry and the team, it's a couple of weeks, you know, to actually try and establish the dates. But probably the key point is about the time that that takes away from Julie to actually deliver the plan. So, you know, because then she's lost, let's say, a day's work just trying to arrange the meeting. Then that could be set on finalising contracts, incidents and the like. So it's that sort of interrelation. Frank Wilkie 35:33.355
You're talking, of course, only of grant-funded disaster recovery projects. Can you outline how they'll still be publicly reported? What are the avenues for public reporting? Julie Calvert 35:44.991
Yeah, so the procurement process up front, in terms of how we open tender, et cetera, there's absolutely no change in that. Scott and the procurement team, Adam, we've worked really strongly on making sure that 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 public funds. The next part of it is around working in a system that we've already used. So some of non-construction contracts, we use the PCORP process already. So what we're doing is understanding how that works, go through that process. When that's signed Larry Sengstock 37:17.080
We absolutely see the value in this in terms of being able to keep the wheels going, the motion going, because it is difficult to do. However, what we're asking for here is specific to grant funded disaster management. So it's really trying to get those through. From my perspective, signing them off, we have the PCORN which is a group, so it's another layer of investigation and analysis and making sure that it's all done correctly. So there's an extra step which gives me comfort and I think should give the community and council the comfort that that's in there and again we're just specific to these projects. So we can make sure that we meet our timelines and we get things done as quickly as possible because as I say, often the 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 38:28.275
Thank you. everyone, that's great. I'm happy to move the motions. I think everything's been said but I think it's important to say that 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 a benefit back to our community and also to the organisation. So thank you everyone for the report. 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, it's always going to be over a million dollars and we've got, it's grant funded by QRA and we've got the RAC team working on this with the appropriate I've got the RAC team working on this with the appropriate level of governance, so I think it's a much more efficient way of working and I hope it really makes an impact to be able to get these projects completed. SPEAKER_07 39:27.937
No, thank you Madam Chair. Karen Finzel 39:29.517
Councillor Phillips, any comments from online? No, Thank you, we'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Yes. That's the analysis. Thank you to the staff. Thank you, really appreciate that support. Thank you. for the correction, councillors. Yeah, it's a really good question. Shaun Walsh 39:48.910
Thank you. Thanks. Larry Sengstock 39:54.527
Yeah, exactly. Thank you. So now we move to item 7.4, capital program 2025 to 26, the delivery status report. We welcome... Good afternoon, everybody. SPEAKER_00 40:17.044
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 per 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% of the budget 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 percent complete within our program and the 19 percent 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 the 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 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 preparation preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 budget did anybody Budget. Karen Finzel 41:50.037
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 the school team that is working hard with providing efficiencies within the frameworks and the capital budget that you've got to work with. It's very impressive, or from my opinion I think it is, so I think our community should be really assured. 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. Thank you. SPEAKER_00 42:25.838
If I could also, sorry just to 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. 12.4 million that's alluded to just above the table, so we can make that amendment and redistribute. Thank you. Do we do that three minutes? Larry Sengstock 42:54.123
That's a change we can do with that three minutes. SPEAKER_02 42:57.523
Fantastic, thank you for bringing that to our attention. Can we provide a new report on the attachment? Yeah, we can provide one. Larry Sengstock 43:07.363
Yeah, just change it. SPEAKER_00 43:09.993
Provided there's an attachment. Yes. SPEAKER_02 43:15.333
Thank you. Karen Finzel 43:17.633
Any questions from the councils? Frank Wilkie 43:21.913
No, I just want to thank you for the additional reporting where you indicate how far... How far the project has actually been progressing, not just based on how much funding has been paid out towards the conversion 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. So thank you for going into that. I noticed you added that addition verbally. Will that be given? Can we be able to write those into the future? SPEAKER_00 44:09.193
Yes, most definitely. 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. Nicola Wilson 44:41.900
Thank you for the report and all the work again that goes into it. I know it's complicated reporting with so many different projects. 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 and the upcoming tenders as well that we've got some great projects that we're about to take on. 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 up and coming in this next year as well. Karen Finzel 45:41.280
Council, Jess. Jessica Phillips 45:44.140
No, I have nothing further to add. Thank you. Everyone said what I did. Thank you so much for speaking. Thank you. SPEAKER_07 45:52.620
First of all, I want to thank the team. As Madam Chair said, we're a very hard-working team. Thank you. Karen Finzel 46:03.244
Do you want to close? No. All right. We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Councillor Jess. That's unanimous. Thank you. Enjoy your afternoon. That takes us to agenda item number eight, reports for voting by the committee. We are going to move into confidential sessions, item 9.1. stop the public release public release CN24799 composting expression of interest, EOI, outcome and recommendation to commence early contractor involvement. see Larry Sengstock 46:51.086
So we're allowed to get out of here? Karen Finzel 47:06.760
Okay, so I'll move the motion that we gave 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 the council and in particular, the potential... for potential commercial negotiations in relation to the contract for item 9.1, CN24799, composting, especially interest in EOI, outcome and representation to commence early contractor involvement. We have a seconder. We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Thank you, that's unanimous. Okay, um, we'll get Jack in. Yeah, have you got something to read in your hand? I'll just hold the mic. I'll just hold the mic. Is that what we're reading? Yeah, because don't we have to move it? Yeah. Do you want me to read that out or should we go back out? Larry Sengstock 01:19:30.460
No, you don't. I think we normally read this, don't we? Yes, yes, yes. Yeah, yeah. Okay. SPEAKER_02 01:19:35.879
Okay, are we ready? That's not confidential, is it? No. No, that's confidential. That's in the report. Karen Finzel 01:19:43.879
Sorry, a minute. Yeah, a minute. Nicola Wilson 01:19:47.539
Yeah. Larry Sengstock 01:19:48.939
Are we good there? Karen Finzel 01:19:53.179
Yes, we are. 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 and Organisation Committee, dated 10th of February, 2026, regarding the composting facility procurement process. B, approved the selection of Orez Solutions Pty Ltd as the successful respondent to the request for tender CN2478. 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. 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. Pursue it to the section 2571 of the Local Government Act 2009. And 9. D, note that A, in the event of an ECI contract is entered into, Council intends to enter into a design and construct contract, D and C contract. Pursuant to the ECI contract at a later stage. B, the award of the DNC contract is subject to and conditional upon a further Council resolution and a report will be presented to Council for a decision by any DNC contract in due course. We'll take it to the vote. We'll take it to the vote. All in favour? Councillor Phillips? That's unanimous. Thank you. to the staff. Enjoy your afternoon. Item number 10, meeting closure at 3:09pm. Thank you, Mr. CEO. Thank you to the councillors. Thank you, Madam Chair. And thank you to the staff. Enjoy your afternoon. Thank you. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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