Services & Organisation Committee Meeting, 10 March 2026
Date: Tuesday, 10 March 2026 at 1:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:09:49
Synopsis: Complaints policy modernised to Australian standards improving accessibility, Landfill options exploration approved after closed session, Audit & Risk committee fees raised, Holiday Parks strong results.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Nicola Wilson Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Di Stewart: Council repealed the 2018 Administrative Action Complaints Policy and adopted a modernised Policy and Procedure aligned to Australian Standard complaint principles and statutory obligations, with CEO authorised for minor edits (Item 7.1; 02:11–07:26). Frank Wilkie: Clarified the update modernises clarity and guidance without changing public process, improving staff training baselines (Item 7.1; 08:24–09:40). Committee: Unanimously approved increased sitting fees for Audit & Risk Committee independents: Chair to $2,000 and member to $1,300 per meeting, effective from 20 Feb 2026 (Item 7.2; 11:26–14:39). Frank Wilkie: Justified fee uplift via benchmarking, noting past underpayment and governance criticality (Item 7.2; 13:06–14:06). Committee: Referred mid-term review of Councillor representation on external groups to General Committee for further info on appointments/workloads (Item 7.3; 14:58–15:29). Robyn Mercer: Noted Noosa Holiday Parks delivered ~$473k surplus in H1 FY25/26 with revenue 56.7% and opex 55.7% of annual budgets; 31k guests and strong forward bookings of 41k, ~$4.4m (Item 8.1; 16:49–18:30). Nicola Wilson: Queried divergent waste outcomes across parks; officers cited differing bin systems, visitor mix, and planned signage/education improvements (Item 8.1; 18:34–21:16). Robyn Mercer: Explained variable-costed management model pegs major costs to revenue to stabilise bottom line through demand cycles (Item 8.1; 25:04–26:19). Committee: Resolved to close the meeting under s254J(3)(g) LGR 2012 to discuss landfill operating model (Confidential; 27:55–28:28; Item 9). Committee: Post-closed session, endorsed retitling the landfill report to “Proposed process...” and to proceed with the implementation plan to explore future options (Item 9.1; 01:08:18–01:09:09). Contentious / Transparency Matters Committee: Use of s254J(3)(g) for landfill operating model is permissible for commercial-in-confidence; retitling to emphasise exploration improved transparency of intent (Item 9.1; 01:08:18–01:09:09; Minutes 9). Jessica Phillips: Participated via audio link; unanimous votes suggest cohesion, but no public debate on landfill commercial options occurred in open session (Attendance; 10:11–10:57; Minutes 3, 9.1). Audit & Risk fees: Benchmarking cited in debate; transcript mis-spoke market figure for external member, but minutes specify member fee $1,300—clarity preserved by formal resolution (Item 7.2; 11:26–14:39). Committee: Mid-term review of Councillor appointments deferred for more detail on workloads before decision—good governance step to avoid rubber-stamping (Item 7.3; 14:58–15:29). Di Stewart: Complaints framework modernisation emphasises public readability, anonymous/third-party lodgement and rights, boosting procedural fairness and accessibility (Item 7.1; 02:11–07:26, 08:39–09:40). Legal / Risk Governance: Policy overhaul aligns with s268 Local Government Act 2009 and s306 Local Government Regulation 2012 on complaints processes, record-keeping, accessibility, trend monitoring (Item 7.1; 02:11–07:26). Committee: Delegation to CEO for minor amendments pre-publication is routine; ensure changes remain non-substantive to avoid fettering Council policy intent (Item 7.1; Minutes 7.1). Committee: Retrospective application of increased A&R fees to meeting held 20 Feb 2026 is lawful if budgeted; disclose in financial reporting to avoid perceived backdating concerns (Item 7.2; Minutes 7.2). Waste Facility: Closure under s254J(3)(g) protects Council’s commercial interests; proceeding with an “implementation plan” to explore options may trigger procurement, IR, and probity steps—ensure compliance with Local Government Act procurement and CFO signing limits (Item 9.1; 01:08:18–01:09:09; Minutes 9). Holiday Parks: Variable-cost contracts and revenue share models mitigate financial risk; ensure contract management and value-for-money tests remain documented (Item 8.1; 25:04–26:19). Waste Facility Operating Model Frank Wilkie: Moved to note report, retitle to reflect exploration, and proceed with implementation plan on landfill and associated functions (Item 9.1; 01:08:32–01:09:09). Committee: Decision frames a structured options analysis rather than a predetermined insourcing; next steps should include option appraisal, cost–benefit, risk, and stakeholder engagement (Item 9.1; Minutes 9.1). Noosa Holiday Parks Business Unit Robyn Mercer: H1 performance strong; strategy work underway to align with Destination Management Plan for long-term sustainability (Item 8.1; 16:49–18:30). Frank Wilkie: Noted pricing balance maintains affordability for families while meeting targets (Item 8.1; 26:19–26:58). Officers: Industry occupancy trending down on Sunshine Coast; Council’s variable-cost model cushions volatility (Item 8.1; 23:12–26:19). Audit & Risk Committee Remuneration Larry Sengstock: 2025 benchmarking supported uplift to attract/retain expertise; minutes set Chair $2,000, member $1,300 per meeting (Item 7.2; 11:26–13:00; Minutes 7.2). Committee: Alignment with peers deemed overdue; ensure independence and performance expectations documented alongside remuneration (Item 7.2; 13:06–14:39). Complaints Management Modernisation Di Stewart: Policy becomes high-level principles; operational detail moved to procedure with stepwise process, roles, legislative links, and Human Rights statement (Item 7.1; 02:11–07:26). Committee: Expected outcomes: clearer pathways, fewer enquiries, better data/trend evaluation; no change to core handling for public (Item 7.1; 08:24–10:24). Environmental & Waste Education (Holiday Parks) Officers: Noted contamination variances across parks due to bin infrastructure and visitor profiles; actions include improved multilingual signage, bin placement, and pre-arrival messaging (Item 8.1; 18:34–21:16). Kim Rawlings: Strategy to embed behaviour change and align with destination sustainability goals; plan to re-audit in ~18 months to measure improvement (Item 8.1; 21:03–21:16).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Tuesday, 10 March 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 MARCH 2026 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 1.30pm 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Karen Finzel (Chair) Cr Jessica Phillips (via audio link) Cr Nicola Wilson Cr Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Director Strategy & Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt APOLOGIES Nil 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 10 FEBRUARY 2026 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 10 February 2026 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 MARCH 2026 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 7.1 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10 March 2026 and: A. Repeal the existing Administrative Action Complaints Process Council Policy, adopted by Council on 21 June 2018; B. Adopt the updated Administrative Action Complaints Management Council Policy, provided as Attachment 1 to the Council Report; C. Adopt the Administrative Action Complaints Management Process Council Procedure, provided as Attachment 2 to the Council Report; and, D. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments, if required, prior to publication. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 7.2 REVIEW OF SITTING FEES - AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10 March 2026 regarding the review of sitting fees for external members of Council's Audit and Risk Committee; B. Increase the sitting fees as follows: 1. Increase for the independent Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee from $800 to $2,000 per meeting; 2. Increase for the independent member of the Audit and Risk Committee from $600 to $1,300 per meeting; and C. Adopt the amended fee schedule to apply commencing with the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 20 February 2026. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 MARCH 2026 7.3 UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS GROUPS, BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2026 (MID TERM REVIEW) Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Services & Organisation Committee Agenda Item 7.3 UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS GROUPS, BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2026 (MID TERM REVIEW) be referred to the General Committee for a further report. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 8 REPORTS FOR NOTING BY THE COMMITTEE 8.1 NOOSA HOLIDAY PARKS UPDATE REPORT TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Commercial Business Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026 providing an update on operations of the Noosa Holiday Park Business Activity to 31 December 2025. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie 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 Item 9.1 - PROPOSAL FOR COUNCIL TO OPERATE THE LANDFILL AND ASSOCIATED FUNCTIONS AT THE WASTE FACILITY UNDER AN ALTERNATIVE OPERATING MODEL. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 10 MARCH 2026 REOPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips 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 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PROPOSAL FOR COUNCIL TO OPERATE THE LANDFILL AND ASSOCIATED FUNCTIONS AT THE WASTE FACILITY UNDER AN ALTERNATIVE OPERATING MODEL Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Waste Coordinator to the Services and Organisation Committee dated 10 March 2026 regarding the Landfill Operating Model; B. Change the title of the report to read "Proposed process for Council to explore future options for operating the landfill and associated functions at the waste facility"; C. Proceed with the implementation plan as outlined in the report. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2.40pm
Meeting Transcript
Karen Finzel 00:04.680
To go. Good afternoon and Welcome to Noosa Council Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Tuesday the 10th of March 2026. Good afternoon Chair. Good afternoon. Commencing at 1:30pm. I note all councillors are in attendance and at this stage I don't think we've got any observers. Is that correct? Sure. Thank you. Welcome Mr CEO and the staff. We'd like to do the Acknowledgement of Country. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects Australia's First Nations people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi People as the 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. We have everyone in attendance with no apologies can we have a confirmation of the Minutes? Frank Wilkie 01:14.138
Move and Madam Chair that the Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 10th of February be received and confirmed. Thank you happy to second. Karen Finzel 01:22.962
I'll take that to the vote. That's unanimous and on live? Yeah. Yes, thank you. Are you up with that? Over and seconder? Thank you. We'll up to item number five, there are no presentations. Item number six, no deputations. That brings us to agenda item seven, Reports for consideration of the Committee. That takes us to item 7.1, administrative action complaints. Management policy and procedure. We welcome Di Stewart to the table, who written statement. I might add has written a really comprehensive report and we'd like to thank you and your team for your contribution. Thank you. Deanna Stewart 02:12.003
Thank you. So good afternoon Chair and afternoon Councillors. Today I'm presenting a report on council's administrative action complaints management policy and associated procedure which have been comprehensively reviewed and updated to modernise council's approach and align with contemporary best practice thank you. Its core this work supports council's commitment to high quality services underpinned by transparency, accountability and responsiveness and it recognises the community's right to provide feedback including complaints about council's decisions, actions or inactions. And just as a starting point, there are clear statutory requirements for Council to maintain an effective administrative action complaints framework. Under section 268 of the Local Government Act, Council must adopt a process for resolving administrative action complaints. Furthermore section 306 of the Local Government Regulation requires a complaints management process that effectively manages complaints from receipt to resolution and which is supported by adopted written policies and procedures, which is why I'm here today. Council also has ongoing obligations in the law for record keeping, ensuring the public can access the policy and procedure, and monitoring complaints trends and evaluating effectiveness, which is found in the latest annual report, if anyone's interested online. Governance branch routinely reviews governance policies to ensure they remain fit for purpose, compliant, and aligned with best practice. I must note the review commenced in 2022 for this piece of work. However, progress was affected by resourcing constraints, competing organisational priorities, and the development and implementation of a new complaint system solution for Council. The policy work has now been completed following extensive consultation, trials, feedback, and expert advice both internally and externally. So in a nutshell updated policy is now clearer high-level governance document and it includes things such as alignment with council's organisational policy framework including modern sections such as review cycles definitions and the purpose. It also includes high-level complaint management principles aligned with the Australian Standard which is the Australian Standard for the Guidelines for Complaint Management in Organisations which we didn't have before. There's a clearer explanation of council's three-level complaint management approach. We have improved guidance on how to submit complaints for complainants including how to submit anonymous complaints, third-party submissions and support options and we have a dedicated on complainant rights and what complainants can expect, improving visibility and clarity. Importantly the operational detail like scope definitions, reporting processes in more detail and the distinction between what is the service request versus an administrative action complaint has been moved into the procedure so really the policy stays genuinely high level. The updated procedure document that accompanies it is designed to support consistent practice across Council and includes clear alignment with council's framework through sections like scope and review schedule, updated process steps so we have steps one to five that really show the complainant how complaints are managed in line with current practice and industry best standard and supporting governance sections including clearer roles and responsibilities for teams across Council, what the council's role in all of this as well, relevant legislation underpinning this, associated documents and a human rights statement for compatibility. If adopted, governance will implement changes through advice and training to relevant teams and continue to manage and monitor council's complaint portfolio with the updated documents published on council's website to meet our statutory obligations. From a risk perspective adopting the updated policy and procedure reduces the risk of non-compliance essentially and we can otherwise which can otherwise lead to reputational damage and breaches while improving transparency accountability and supporting trust with the community through good governance. Finally a few minor amendments from will be applied prior to publication such as word changes but they however they are not significant in nature and do not change the meaning of the document. So Councillors the recommendation is that Council will repeal the current 2018 AAC policy and adopt the two documents in both attachments and authorise the CEO to make any minor amendments. To the publication. I guess one final point of this is both documents have been written in a way that they can stand alone as well in case someone in the community only wants to read one and still understands what it's about and how they can essentially lodge a complaint with Council. I hope that gives you a summary. Karen Finzel 07:27.317
Thank you. Good summary. Thank you. All right. I've read the report. I'm satisfied. I have no questions. I think it's been thorough. We've heard it has alignment to all the regulations, requirements. In my mind, it has provided further opportunity for our residents, the people we serve, our beneficiaries to have a really open and direct pathway to be able to air their complaints and be guided by staff if they reach out. I'm satisfied. I'm really excited to see that we've been able to move forward despite the few little pick-ups along the way. We've got ourselves to this point, which is, should promote an engendered trust in our community that we have ticked all the boxes, and in terms of governance that we can, with confidence, move forward. So thank you for the report. Any questions? Frank Wilkie 08:24.691
I just have one question. From the perspective of a member of the public, how will the process change for them? And how will this policy change the way your staff manage administrative complaints? Deanna Stewart 08:39.607
The process won't change for members of the public. I think what will change for them is there is greater clarity and readability. So that we won't be getting, hopefully we'll be getting less inquiries around certain steps and what occurs in them because of that level of detail and improvements that we've done in that space. So from a process point of view, we are. Applying the same process we had in 2018, but we've modernised it, we've updated it, we've actually been more transparent, we've included the extra things we do in the procedure that members of the community want to know, which is fair, and it also helps our staff understand the process steps that go along as well, so it's a modernisation and improvement. What was the second part of the question? Frank Wilkie 09:33.925
How has the process changed for your staff in assessing a ministerial balance as a result of this policy? Deanna Stewart 09:40.525
I think it's an improvement in communications and clarity for the inquiries. The community, so less inquiry. But also when we guide teams to complete administrative action complaints, we have a better baseline to use to educate and train staff as well. So overall it's just good governance, it's a strengthening of our current framework. Frank Wilkie 10:08.510
You. Karen Finzel 10:12.393
Jess is there any questions from you online? No questions, sorry that's not a really thorough report, Jessica Phillips 10:17.958
Thank you. Well I'm happy to move. Frank Wilkie 10:22.542
Happy to second it Madam Chair. Karen Finzel 10:25.124
Thank you. I have nothing further to add. I think it was very comprehensive. I'm just interested to see outcomes and how we move forward and how we can track through data and record keeping. Does this lower complaints? Do people say that the process is more efficient? And let's wait and see how our community engages with the changes and then how we move forward with the outcomes. So thank you. We'll take it to the vote. Jess? Yeah. Frank Wilkie 10:59.935
Yes, that's unanimous. Thank you. I hope you get to use it less and Karen Finzel 11:03.933
Thank you. That takes us into agenda item 7.2, review of sitting fees, Audit and Risk. And we welcome staff member John Seabrook to the table. Afternoon and welcome. John Seabrook 11:27.272
Good afternoon all. A lot of time for me as well. Just A report. This seeks an amendment to the sitting fees paid to the external members of the Audit and Risk Committee. Are two external members on the Audit and Risk Committee, one of whom serves as a Chairperson. A review and benchmarking of sitting fees that was conducted in 2025, the first half of 2025, as part of the appointment of a new external member and Chairperson. Was conducted the review indicates that the current market average across similar and smaller category Queensland councils are approximately $2,000 for the Chair per meeting and $3,900 per meeting for the external member. This is quite significantly above what is paid by Noosa Council at the moment and it is therefore required. Recommended to increase the sitting fees consistent with this benchmarking and to adopt the amended fee schedule to apply commencing with the first regular meeting of the 2026 meeting schedule which was held on the 20 February 2026. The purpose really is to attract suitably qualified candidates to our Audit and Risk Committee and to retain those and reimburse them appropriately in line with industry standards. Any questions? Frank Wilkie 13:00.579
Thank you. I'm happy to move it Madam Chair. Do say something? Like to? Yes thank you Madam Chair. Thank you for the report. Thank you for the comparative rates of pay. It's very instructive to see where Noosa Council sits. With nursery these rates of pay. The work done by the independent Chairperson and the independent member of the Audit and Risk Committee is very important work. They have a high level of expertise and their recommendations are critical to good governance. We've been getting away with paying significantly less than market rate for some time and it's only right that they are paid accordingly so I fully support the increase in remuneration for these very important committee members. Nicola Wilson 13:49.582
I'll speak to it too. I think this is long overdue and thanks again for the benchmarking information that proves that and thanks also to our audit committee members who have accepted much lower rates but who are worth so much more. Frank Wilkie 14:06.323
Well said. Karen Finzel 14:07.364
Thank you. Councillor Jess do you want to speak to this? Motion before us as a agenda item? No thank you. Yeah I'd just like to say thank you for the work. It's great that we've got the alignment to benchmark against what other councils are paying, we get real good people at the table that work hard in this position so it's timely. So thank you. We'll take it to the vote. Jess? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. John Seabrook 14:39.991
That Karen Finzel 14:40.871
Takes us to agenda item 7.3, update to Council representation on various groups, boards and external groups, 2026, mid review. Frank Wilkie 14:59.480
Madam Chair, may I move to the General Committee Meeting for a further report? Karen Finzel 15:06.958
Certainly. Does anyone wish to speak to that? Frank Wilkie 15:16.551
Thank you Madam Chair, it's further information is required. There's some discussion about the appointments and also the workloads involved. So getting a bit more information about what's actually entitled to these appointments. Karen Finzel 15:29.694
So question through to the Chair. Thank can we do the sorry, seat. To the CEO. My apologies. Maybe I'm projecting where I want to be. Yeah, so how will this proceed? Have you got enough time to address the issues the questions raised? Larry Sengstock 15:53.399
Yeah, there's been some requests for further information for this report. So we're happy to provide that and bring it to the General Committee, which is next week. So we will have time to put that information together and bring it for decision or ratification next week at the General Committee. Karen Finzel 16:09.274
Yeah, so no concerns around capacity for staff to deliver? No. Good news. Alright, take it to the vote. Jess? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. That takes us to agenda item number eight, reports for noting by the committee. Taking us to item 8.1, Noosa Holiday Parks update report to 31st of December 2025. I invite Murphy. To the table Robyn Mercer and Kim Rawlings. Thank you, you're coming up. Robyn Mercer 16:47.096
Good afternoon all. Good afternoon and welcome. Thank you. So by way of a summary the report in front of you for noting is the six months operational update for the Noosa Holiday Parks Business Activity covering the period from 1 July to 31st of December 2025. Overall has delivered and strong and stable performance during the first half of the financial year. Revenue and expenditure are both tracking closely in line with budget expectations and the program has generated an operational surplus of approximately $473,000 within that months. Revenue is it was it as at 31st December at 56.7 of the annual budget while operating expenditure is sitting at approximately 55.7 so that's a balanced performance indicator that the business unit is on track to meet its financial targets. Overall visitation the parks welcomed just over 31,000 guests through the three sites for the six months period and that represented around 52% of last year's visitation within that six month period. That again bodes well and forward bookings for the year remain strong with more than 41,000 remains visitors secured. And approximately 4. Million in revenue committed for the remainder of the financial year. Looking ahead work is also underway on the Noosa Holiday Parks Strategic Plan which will help ensure and I'll ensure the portfolio which to evolve continues to evolve. In line with the Destination Management Plan and ensures the portfolio remains contemporary and financially sustainable into the future. Thank you. Karen Finzel 18:31.488
Thank you. Question for Councillor Phillips? Oh, no, sorry, Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 18:38.107
Thanks for the report and all the data in that, so great to see you as always. A question on the waste management section of the report, which was interesting, that there's materially different outcomes between the parks after the audit. So just wanted to confirm, are there the same kind of facilities at each campground, but just the nature of the different visitors there treating waste in different they're ways. Robyn Mercer 19:01.405
Great question. Thank you. And it was a great report to get operationally to understand. So in terms of the waste equipment at each park, Boreen Point, all parks have different size equipment. So at Boreen Point, the trucks will only do the household waste bins. So our homes and so the ones that we all have so there's a lot of them. At Noosa North Shore, there's big skips, which are almost half the size of this table. And then at Noosa River, there are the smaller skips. So bigger than a household, but kind of in between. Those different equipment choices are driven by what's in the waste contract of the type of trucks that are going to those different parks. So we're a little bit constrained there. We have a mix general waste and recycling bins. Some of the other key differences are that Boreen Point and Noosa Shire, we have a central location for where the bins are located. So guests have to bring their rubbish in and we make sure it's next to a road so they can do it on a drive in or drive out. The reason for that is that they're dirt roads and we don't want the trucks moving around with kids and bikes. And whereas at Noosa River there's a bitumen or asphalt road system so there's bins dotted around. As to the difference in the contamination levels or the loss of recycling, we do have a higher proportion of international visitors at Noosa River which may. Know so that's our job then to improve signage and information which we've already been in touch with the waste team and we're working on that and yeah it's hard to understand why and the report has made some great recommendations about what we can do in terms of signage and maybe bin placement so we'll put those into place and then I'd like to get another report done in maybe 18 months time to measure against our baseline and see that we've improved. Kim Rawlings 21:03.987
The strategy will also look at you know future opportunities around behaviour change and messaging and you know message what messaging you get with your book. Know things like that about how we manage our waste and resources here so yeah. Robyn Mercer 21:17.441
And there's a number of touch points there. It's about leadership in government and best practice all the way down to the financial cost. You know the cost for waste has gone up year on and we've bear that cost like any other business was so you know we can do away with a couple of bins because they're not needed or we can change behaviour then that's a financial outcome as well. Karen Finzel 21:41.944
Especially around the education component which is really important and aligning us with the Destination Management Plan. Robyn Mercer 21:51.632
Gives us insight into the behaviour of waste management in the visitor economy too. Karen Finzel 21:56.599
For sure yeah yeah yeah that's really good news it's really like when we're projecting and we want to align through our strategies and Corporate Plan and budget that's coming up so thank you for the report I'm happy to move the recommendation. Happy to second it Madam Chair. Thank you yeah I'll speak to it I think it's a comprehensive report it's forward-thinking it's looking at how we keep the folio relevant with constant you know being able to address things as they emerge and as we try to stabilise given the current economic climate so we do a great job as always it's not an easy space to be in and we respect the work of your team constantly working to continuous improvement and good governance. So thank you so much and I'm really looking forward to how we align that with the goals of the DMP and engaging our community around education waste and our visitors coming along and how we you know keep them on that step towards what we value so thank you so much. Frank Wilkie 23:03.662
Yes thank you for the report. I just have a question. How is the industry going generally in terms of people choosing to go camping? Robyn Mercer 23:12.954
Yeah look it's a little bit of crystal balling that's for sure. So from a data perspective occupancy levels across the State of Queensland we can access that data from the Caravanning Association of Australia and they regionalise the State regionalised estate. So we're included in the Sunshine Coast space. So that year-on data up until December showed that the Sunshine Coast was still trending down in its occupancy so December compared to December of the year before. Inland regions were trending up we're trending at you know, so you can look at that and think, well, is it? Price and people are looking for a different or cheaper alternative you know in the Lake Somerset region maybe for example, although maybe the crocodile that was found in the dam won't come with that. But I think you know that data is helpful. But then I return to how we're performing. I think we've been smart and mature with our pricing to respond to inflation but not over respond. So we're steady. We've got a good, solid, smart partner in Escape Parks on the revenue generation and the booking side of things. So yeah. I think there's. Turbulent times ahead. It certainly hasn't been the easiest 18 month period. And I don't think we're quite out of it yet. But I think the things that we've put in place to stabilise and make sure that we're just steady and constant has bode well. Frank Wilkie 24:50.901
Can I ask how you manage your budget expectations to take into account this downturn? Because the budget expectations for the half year result are very good, we're ahead of expectation. Robyn Mercer 25:04.653
Yeah, so from a business model perspective, about four years ago, we took the approach to peg a lot of our costs to our revenue. So if our revenue moves up or down, then our costs move up and we did that through having a revenue share arrangement for delivery of booking services, the onsite services, the grounds, the facility maintenance, the reactive maintenance onsite, all of those things are bundled into a management services fee, which moves up and down depending on revenue. Similarly, with water, electricity, gas, even road maintenance, instead of doing four cycles, I can just do three cycles, maybe and distribute it a little. So from a business perspective, it's been about not having fixed costs that we bear regardless of what revenue and occupancy does. It means that they move in tandem as much as possible. So the revenue might drop or not meet budget expectations maybe, but the bottom line outcome should be fairly stable. So look, you know, you're hedging either way when you pick a business model, but so far that's what it's trending by. Frank Wilkie 26:17.644
Thank you. I'll speak to it. Thank you. Thanks again for report. Holiday the parks are a very important part of Noosa Council's operation, if only because they offer a low-cost holiday experience to families and with the visitation numbers and the revenue. It suggests we are getting the pricing right, we're not overcharging and pricing families out of the market. So I'm very proud of the work done by the Noosa holiday elevator parks. So I thank so I you your management of it. Karen Finzel 26:59.588
Thank you. We'll take it to the vote. Jess? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. Thank you all for the afternoon. Thank you all. That brings us to agenda item number five. This is a confidential session. No. Isn't it? What are you up to? Nine. Yes. Confidential session. Is it five? What? Is it five? Oh sorry, nine. Do you want me to just read it? It's okay, I've got it. It's not bringing it up in there. Try to just read it up. I'm going to read it now. Do we just need to read it into confidential? Is that correct? Yes. That thank you. The meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing item 9.1 proposal for Council to operate the landfill and associated functions at the waste facility under an alternative operating model. Frank Wilkie 28:20.741
Happy to second it. Karen Finzel 28:23.494
Oh, sorry. I thought you moved it. I did. Yeah, my apologies. Frank Wilkie 28:27.643
I'm happy to second. Karen Finzel 28:28.645
Thank you. Please vote. Take it to vote. The yes. Councillor? Councillor Jess. Sorry. Jessica Phillips 28:41.113
Sorry, yes. My mute takes so long. I need to keep it off mute. Sorry, mum. Natalie 28:45.641
Okay. Thank you. That's me, Natalie. Unknown 01:08:11.209
Okay. Unidentified Speaker 01:08:12.768
Do I have to be in line then? Karen Finzel 01:08:14.003
Are we? Yeah. Good afternoon and welcome back to our open session. We're currently on confidential session item number 9.1. Frank Wilkie 01:08:32.649
I'm happy to move it Madam I we're moving that Council note the report by the Waste Coordinator to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10th March 2026 regarding landfill operating model. Change the title of the report to read proposed process for Council explore future options for operating the landfill and associated functions at the waste facility and C proceed with the implementation plan as outlined in the report. I do so Madam Chair, the part B, we've changed the title of the report to make it more accurately reflect the process Council is about to engage in. Karen Finzel 01:09:10.079
Thank you. Any further comments from anyone else? Happy to take it to the vote. Chairs? That's yes, that's unanimous. To the staff. That brings us to the meeting closure. Agenda item number 10 and the time is. 2:40pm. I would like to extend my thanks to all fellow Councillors and online. Councillor Jess, to the CEO and to the staff. Thank you for your contribution and Councillor Wegener for coming as observed. Frank Wilkie 01:09:46.768
Thank you. Madam Chair. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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