Services & Organisation Committee Meeting - 7 April 2026
Date: Tuesday, 7 April 2026 at 1:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 00:36:50
Synopsis: Lease renewal for Poolside NAC café approved, Two-yr term w/ three 1-yr options, Sustainability clauses pending, Confidential negotiations, Mowing contract awarded, Compost grant, Landfill capping endorsed.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Nicola Wilson Frank Wilkie Non-Committee Members
Amelia Lorentson Tom Wegener Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Karen Finzel: Committee unanimously approved renewing Poolside NAC’s café lease for two years at $59k p.a. ex GST (Year 1) rising to $62k (Year 2), with CEO-authorised three one-year CPI-indexed extensions (02:12–05:26; Item 7.1). Brad Chalmers: Market rental assessed at $60k; Year 1 set to $59k to offset revenue impacts from planned filtration works closing the 50m and program pools for several weeks (02:12–03:49; Item 7.1). Frank Wilkie: Confirmed reliance on Local Government Regulation tender exemption for renewing to existing tenant; officer concurred (04:01–05:13; Item 7.1). Amelia Lorentson: Pressed for inclusion of sustainability and single-use waste reduction clauses; officer outlined a “hybrid” approach allowing reusables and some takeaway cups, and took specifics on notice (05:37–07:57; Item 7.1). Committee: Entered confidential session under s254J(3)(g) LGR 2012 to discuss commercial negotiations on mowing contract, compost facility grant/budget, and landfill capping technology (09:21–09:54; Closure motion; Minutes p.9). Council (post-closed): Awarded Contract CN25082 to APG Group Pty Ltd for turf mowing and maintenance (Separable Portions A and B), two-year initial term from 1 Jun 2026 with two optional 24‑month extensions (31:41–33:10; Item 9.1). CEO Larry Sengstock: Read key CN25082 terms into the record; delegation to CEO to negotiate, finalise, execute, and administer contract (31:53–33:05; Item 9.1). Council: Endorsed submitting a City Deal Organics Processing Grant for the Compost Facility; approved up to $9m co-contribution, contingent on external funding and later D&C approval (34:00–35:09; Item 9.2). Nicola Wilson: Read delegation for CEO to execute grant documentation and, if successful, finalise funding agreements per governance and procurement requirements (34:53–35:09; Item 9.2). Council: Selected Option 3 Engineered Capping Technology for North and Eastern Batter landfill capping; CEO authorised to proceed with design and procurement (35:31–35:47; Item 9.3). All items: All decisions carried unanimously by Finzel, Phillips, Wilson, and Wilkie (multiple points; Items 7.1, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3). Contentious / Transparency Matters Lease tender bypass: Renewal proceeded without open tender, relying on LGR 2012 s236(1)(c)(iii) existing-tenant exception; justification included market valuation and proven performance (04:01–05:13; Item 7.1). Public interest balance: Chair and officers emphasised continuity and value; however, no comparative market testing beyond valuation was presented in open session (02:12–05:26; Item 7.1). Sustainability clause opacity: Specific contractual wording on single-use plastic reduction not disclosed; officer to revert, indicating partial transparency gap on policy implementation (06:34–07:57; Item 7.1). Confidential session scope: Properly closed for commercial negotiations under s254J(3)(g), but no non-confidential summaries of evaluation criteria or options were provided on reopening (31:20–33:10; Items 9.1–9.3). Delegations breadth: Significant CEO delegations for contract administration and future options/extensions noted; oversight mechanisms were not detailed in open session (31:53–33:05; Items 9.1, 9.2, 9.3). Legal / Risk LGR 2012 s236(1)(c)(iii): Lawful exception to tender for leasing to an existing tenant applied; minutes reflect explicit reliance, lowering procurement challenge risk (Item 7.1). LGR 2012 s254J(3)(g): Meeting lawfully closed for commercial negotiations; reopening and resolutions recorded, aligning with transparency duties under the Local Government Act framework (09:21; Reopen 31:20; Items 9.1–9.3). ECI procurement: Compost Facility progressing under previously endorsed Early Contractor Involvement; reduces delivery risk by de-risking scope before D&C but requires strong probity controls (34:00–35:09; Item 9.2). Conditional budgeting: $9m co-contribution ring‑fenced and contingent on grant success and separate D&C approval, mitigating financial exposure (34:00–35:09; Item 9.2). Operational continuity risk: NAC filtration works will temporarily reduce patronage; rent set below market in Year 1 to share impact and sustain tenancy viability (02:12–03:49; Item 7.1). Contract extension risk: CN25082 includes two optional 24‑month extensions subject to satisfactory performance; requires documented KPIs and performance reviews to prevent rollover risk (31:53–33:05; Item 9.1). Environmental Concerns NAC waste minimisation: Hybrid model supports reusables and some takeaway cups; aligns with Council’s motion promoting voluntary transition from single-use cups, but enforcement levers unclear (05:37–07:57; Item 7.1). Compost Facility: City Deal Organics Processing Grant pursuit and $9m co-funding signal commitment to regional organics diversion and methane reduction (34:00–35:09; Item 9.2). Landfill capping: Adoption of Engineered Capping Technology for North and Eastern Batters targets leachate/gas control and regulatory compliance; design/procurement to proceed (35:31–35:47; Item 9.3). Parks maintenance: CN25082 award to APG Group suggests continuity in turf care; environmental performance requirements (e.g., fuel, noise, chemical use) were not discussed in open session (31:41–33:10; Item 9.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Tuesday, 7 April 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 7 APRIL 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 Microsoft Teams) Cr Nicola Wilson Cr Frank Wilkie NON COMMITTEE MEMBERS Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Tom Wegener EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES DATED 10 MARCH 2026 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the Minutes of the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting held on 10 March 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 7 APRIL 2026 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 7 REPORTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE 7.1 NOOSA AQUATIC CENTRE CAFE LEASE RENEWAL Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council A. Note the report by the Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026; B. Approve the lease renewal to Poolside NAC for the operations of the Noosa Aquatic Centre Café for two (2) years commencing 1 April 2026 at a rate of $59,000 p.a ex GST and increasing to $62,000 p.a ex GST in year 2; C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to award three (3) subsequent one-year extensions, each incorporating a CPI increase, subject to the lessee complying with the terms of the lease; and D. Apply the exception to the requirement for tendering of the lease, under Section 236(1)(c)(iii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 as the renewal is to the existing tenant. 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 CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie 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 the potential commercial negotiations in relation to: Item 9.1 - CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT CN25082 PROVISION OF TURF MOWING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Item 9.2 - CONFIDENTIAL - FORMALISATION OF BUDGET AND GRANT APPLICATION AUTHORITY – COMPOST FACILITY PROJECT Item 9.3 - CONFIDENTIAL - LANDFILL CAPPING TECHNOLOGY Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 7 APRIL 2026 REOPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie 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 - CONTRACT CN25082 PROVISION OF TURF MOWING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026; B. Award Contract No. CN25082 for Provision of Turf Mowing and Maintenance Services under a schedule of rates contract, for an initial term of two (2) years commencing 1 June 2026 and expiring on 30 June 2028, to the following contractor: 1. APG Group Pty Ltd for Separable Portions A and B; and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer the Contract on behalf of Council, and, subject to satisfactory performance of the contractor, approve the options to extend the contract at the expiry of initial term for a further two (2) periods of up to 24 months each. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 9.2 CONFIDENTIAL - FORMALISATION OF BUDGET AND GRANT APPLICATION AUTHORITY – COMPOST FACILITY PROJECT Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That Council note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026 regarding the Compost Project; and A. Note that the Compost Facility project is progressing under the previously endorsed ECI procurement process; B. Endorse the submission of a funding application under the forthcoming City Deal Organics Processing Grant; C. Approve Council’s financial contribution of up to $9 million as the required co-contribution for the grant application, and formalise the associated capital budget envelope, on the basis that this funding will only be expended if external grant funding is secured and a future Design & Construct contract is separately approved by Council; SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 7 APRIL 2026 D. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to execute all documentation necessary for the grant application and, if successful, to negotiate and finalise any associated funding agreements in accordance with Council’s governance and procurement requirements. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 9.3 CONFIDENTIAL - LANDFILL CAPPING TECHNOLOGY Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026 including the findings of the technical reviews and due diligence investigations; B. Approve Option 3 - Engineered Capping Technology as the preferred capping method for the North and Eastern Batter Capping projects (511010); and C. Authorise the CEO to proceed with design and procurement activities to support the preferred methodology selected in part B above. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2.07pm.
Meeting Transcript
Karen Finzel 00:01.520
Good afternoon and welcome to the Noosa Shire Council Services and Organisation Committee meeting dated Tuesday 7th of April 2026 with the meeting commencing at 1:30pm. I'd like to make the acknowledgement of country. Noosa Council proudly acknowledges and respects Australia's First Nation people and their deep and abiding connection to this country. We recognise the Kabi Kabi people as the traditional owners of waters of the Noosa area and offer gratitude for their careful custodianship of this unique environment over thousands of years. I note that we have all councillors in attendance Noting that councillor, who have we got? Phillips online and we have at the table we have councillor Wilkie and councillor Wilson we have Councillor Lorentson sitting in the gallery oh and we've had Councillor Wegener has just arrived welcome to the gallery. So there's no apologies. I'd like to put forward agenda item number four, confirmation of the minutes. Do we have a mover? Frank Wilkie 01:21.070
Move it Madam Chair. That's moved. And second, do you want to write a reply? No, I've read the minutes and they a true and accurate record of the meeting. Karen Finzel 01:30.088
Thank you, Councillor. Did you note that? I'm just getting there, Amelia Lorentson 01:33.828
Sorry for the slow. Thank you. Councillor Wilkie and Councillor Wilson. Karen Finzel 01:39.088
Thank you. All in favour? Back to you now. to you now. Yes. Yes. Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips, that's yes. Thank you. We come to agenda item five, there are no presentations. Agenda item number six, there are no deputations. We're coming to agenda item number seven, reports for consideration of the committee. We're moving to 7.1 and we welcome to the table Brad Chalmers and the item is Noosa... Aquatic Centre Cafe Lease Renewal. So thank you Brad Brad Chalmers 02:12.625
And welcome for a brief overview. Wonderful. So yeah, this report obviously is seeking approval of the renewal of the lease for the cafe at the Noosa Aquatic Centre. So as the report states, we've had poolside NAC in there for a number of years now, obviously prior to 2020. COVID, we went back out to market again through 21-22 and David's successful there. COVID, we went back out to market 2020. COVID, we went back out to market again through 21-22 and David's successful there. And then obviously we've come to the end of that lease and we're looking again to renew and wanting to endorse that the NAC poolside cafe maintain operations moving moving forward for a period of two years with three one-year extensions applicable on the back of that. So the recommendation obviously from our standpoint is to see that go through. The rate we've done market valuation just currently, which came in at $60,000 annually. We have suggested with our potential filtration works coming through this year at the NAC, we'll have a closure potentially around weeks of the 50 metre and the program pool, which will have a little impact potentially on the profitability for him for the 12 months. So we've just brought it back to $59,000. So just gone under market rate for this year, just to give him a little bit of breathing space there. And then with the second year being at $62,000. And then little bit of breathing space there. And then three incremental increases with CPI for the last three years. So yeah, that's where we've landed. Karen Finzel 03:49.329
Sounds good. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:52.069
Any questions? Brad, there's a reason why there's... This didn't need to be put out to the board of tender. Could you talk us through that please? Brad Chalmers 04:01.333
Yeah, look, obviously, Dave's been amazing. I think his operation of that cafe has been first class. Obviously, the offering's amazing. Service is amazing. He's been really proactive in the Keep Cup space, which has been wonderful. He's really, really supportive of that. So So overarchingly, yeah, we've dramas with him. Excellent tenant. He's been really accommodating to work with us at any point in time. He's been really accommodating to work with us through what will be the filtration program as well. So yeah, we think in terms in terms of just the deliverable, he's been really first class, so... And obviously, you know, we're comfortable, he's comfortable. I think we're both in an agreeance of the timelines, two plus the additional three, where the viability remains consistent for him, and then consistent for him and then that's sort of where we've landed but so for us we just really didn't feel like we needed to go to market because again the current relationship is first class and we've got it at the appropriate market value as well which is we did do our due diligence there to make we're getting an appropriate value Frank Wilkie 05:07.423
So. And there's provisions under the local government regulation as you said in the report. Brad Chalmers 05:10.503
Correct. For that Frank Wilkie 05:11.063
To occur. Brad Chalmers 05:11.823
To occur, yep. Thank you. Karen Finzel 05:13.523
Yeah and I think that's right that aligns with the original agreement that we put forward. Yeah. Yeah there's nothing quite new there. No. No. Fantastic. Alright then. Okay I'm happy to move that. I'll second it Frank Wilkie 05:26.021
Madam Chair. Sorry. I'll second it Madam Chair. Thank you. That was moved by Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor Wilkie and we have Councillor Wilkie and we have a question from the room. Amelia Lorentson 05:37.741
Hi Brad, in terms of clauses in the current lease, have you included a sustainability clause? As you've mentioned, Dave is an absolute champion. the space of reusable good cups. Given that Council has ratified a motion to help promote voluntary transition away from single-use coffee cups, have we reflected that position in the current lease? Brad Chalmers 06:06.876
So we've reflected a hybrid approach in the lease so it gives us all a little bit of flexibility so he can he can do that plus we also then have the option to have takeaway cups which he's more than comfortable with because at the end of the day we're a public facility and there are people that are going there that we've had feedback that would like to have that option available so he's he's using all options So he's using all options available on the table. So we've got a hybrid approach to delivery of coffee at the NAC. Amelia Lorentson 06:34.406
So in terms of single-use plastic waste reduction recycling. How is that reflected again in the contract terms? Brad Chalmers 06:49.236
I'd have to take it on notice and go back and actually look at the clause that actually is written in there for you to give you a full explanation of what's in there. But it was an agreed approach that a hybrid approach. So if he's wanting to go down that path of zero free, he can do that without any qualms at all. And I think he is doing that with basically single-use plastic. That's his approach. we've just said to him, just to cover the broad gamut of the community, if he could include the option of having takeaway coffee cups and he was more than happy with that. And he still gets obviously questions for that. had some feedback at times where people have asked for that and he wasn't able to deliver it, so we've just come to a nice happy medium that we're going to have a hybrid approach moving forward. he's So we get an opportunity to service all of the Shire in terms of their requirements and then obviously he's able to go ahead and really promote the key... cups which is what we're all... and single-use plastic which is what we're all about. Karen Finzel 07:52.782
Fantastic, thank you Brad and we'll take that offline you can answer council. Brad Chalmers 07:57.082
Yeah, yes happy to, happy to yep. Thank you. Karen Finzel 08:00.282
We'll take it to the... oh do you want Frank Wilkie 08:02.376
No, thank you very much, good report. Here's a very, this is a very good operation. I'm there regularly, a very good standard of service, good offering, it's very popular with the patrons and I support the You, Brad. Thank you, Brad. Karen Finzel 08:45.540
That takes us into item number eight, reports for noting by the committee. What have we got on that one? Nothing. Nothing to note. Item number number nine, we're moving into confidential session. Now, we've got three points for the confidential session today listed on the agenda. 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3. So, we are going to manage each of manage each of those items in the closed session, so we're just going to move. Madam Chair, I move Frank Wilkie 09:21.124
That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J3G of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing the potential commercial negotiations in relation to three contracts. Contracts CN25082, provision of turf mowing and maintenance services, formalisation of budget and grant application authority for the Compost facility project and landfill capping technology. Karen Finzel 09:54.840
Do you need a signal? I'll second. take that to the line. Councillor Wilson? Yes. That's unanimous including Larry Sengstock 31:15.760
You. Do you don't want to go? Frank Wilkie 31:17.780
Oh yeah, you're free to go. Thank you. Karen Finzel 31:20.820
Good afternoon and welcome back. We're coming out of confidential session. And we're moving the recommendation from the current item before us, 9.1. Frank Wilkie 31:41.760
Madam Chair, I'm happy to move that. All right. Karen Finzel 31:44.680
I'll be the second. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 31:46.980
Mr. CEO, do I need to read this out? I think so, yes. Okay, please. Larry Sengstock 31:53.680
This is the contract for the provision of turf and mowing and maintenance services. Frank Wilkie 32:11.121
25082 For provision of turf mowing and maintenance services under a schedule of rates contract for an initial term of two years commencing 1st of June 2026 and expiring on 30th June 2028 to the Noosa CN 25082 for provision of turf mowing and maintenance services under a schedule of two years commencing 1st of June 2026 and expiring on 30th June 2028 to the following day. All things necessary to administer the contract on behalf of Council and, subject to satisfactory performance of the contractor, approve the options to extend the contract at the expiry of the initial term for a further two periods of up to 24 months each. So I move that Noosa Shire. Karen Finzel 33:05.520
Yes. Are we at a second? Yeah we're at a second by Councillor. Frank Wilkie 33:08.520
I don't know how we should speak. Karen Finzel 33:10.280
Any further replies? We'll take it to the vote. Councillor? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. That brings us to the meeting closure at... Amelia Lorentson 33:22.820
No, we went together for two months. Oh, Frank Wilkie 33:33.300
9.2. Karen Finzel 33:34.960
Yeah, we need 9.2. Amelia Lorentson 33:44.780
Sorry. Frank Wilkie 33:47.200
Happy to move or you can do it. Karen Finzel 33:50.140
I'll second it. Okay so that was moved by Councillor Wilson and seconded by Councillor Wilkie. Larry Sengstock 34:00.220
This is 9 by 2 confidential report on the formalisation of budget and grant application authority compost facility project and the recommendation is that council note the report by the waste manager to the services and organisation committee dated 7th of April 2026 regarding the compost project and a note that the compost facility project is progressing under the previously endorsed ECI procurement process. B endorse the submission of a funding application under the forthcoming city deal organics processing grant. C approve Council's financial contribution of up to nine million dollars as the required co-contribution for the grant application and formalize the associated capital budget envelope on the basis that this funding will only be expanded if external grant funding is secured and a future design and construct contract is separately approved. D. Nicola Wilson 34:53.416
Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to execute all documentation necessary for the grant application and, if successful, to negotiate and finalise any associated funding agreements in accordance with Council's governance fulfilment requirements. Karen Finzel 35:09.162
Thank you. Any comment? I'll take it to the vote. Councillor? Yes. Yes, that's unanimous. That takes us to item 9.3. I'm happy to move that one. Nicola Wilson 35:31.080
I'll second. I was going to say, "aww" Karen Finzel 35:34.460
There's always a time I have to mute that one, isn't there? SPEAKER_04 35:42.840
Don't mute that one. Karen Finzel 35:47.201
So 9.3 confidential landfill capping technology that Council A note the report by the waste manager to the services and organisation committee dated 7th of April 2026 including the findings To proceed. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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