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 00:01.560
Good afternoon and welcome to the Noosa Shire Council Services & Organisation Committee Meeting, dated Tuesday 7th of April 2026, with the meeting commencing at 1:30pm. I'd Shire 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 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. I note that we have all councillors in attendance, noting that Councillor Phillips have we got 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 agenda number four confirmation of the minutes do we have a mover? Move it Madam Chair. That's moved and second do you want to write a reply? Frank Wilkie 01:26.341
No I've read the minutes and they are a true and accurate of the meeting. Karen Finzel 01:30.083
Thank you Councillor. Did you note that? I'm just getting there sorry it's slow. Thank you. Councillor Wilkie and Councillor Wilson. Thank you. All in favour? That's Councillor Phillips we 5. There are no presentations. Agenda item number 6. There are no deputations. We're coming to agenda item number 7. 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 Café lease renewal. So thank you Brad. Thank you. Wonderful. Brad Chalmers 02:15.644
So yeah this report obviously is seeking approval 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 Dave was 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 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 $16,000 annually. We have suggested with our potential filtration works coming through this year at the NAC, we'll have a closure potentially around about 10 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 59k 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 $63,000. And then three incremental increases with CPI for the last three years so yeah that's where we've landed sounds Karen Finzel 03:49.728
Good thank you Frank Wilkie 03:51.388
Any questions Brad um there's a reason why this just uh this didn't need to be put out to board of tender could you talk us through that Brad Chalmers 04:01.023
Yeah look obviously um day's been amazing um I think his operation of that cafe has been first class obviously the offerings amazing service is amazing he's been really proactive in the KeepCup space which has been wonderful he's really really supportive of that so overarchingly yeah we've him excellent tenant it's been really accommodating to work with us at any point in time through what will be the filtration program as well so yeah we think in terms 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 he's the viability remains consistent for him and then that's sort of where he 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 so. And there's provisions under the Local Government Regulation as you said in the report for that to occur. Correct, to occur, yep. Thank you. Karen Finzel 05:13.559
Yeah and I think that's right that aligns with the original agreement that we put forward. Yeah. There's nothing quite new there. No. Fantastic, all right then. Okay I'm happy to move that. I'll second it Madam Chair. Sorry? Thank you. That was moved by Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor Wilkie and we have a question from the group. Room. Amelia Lorentson 05:37.096
Hi Brad. Hi Amelia. In terms of clauses in the current lease, have you included a sustainability clause? As you've mentioned Dave is an absolute champion in 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 06:06.833
So 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 using all options table so we've got a hybrid approach to delivery of coffee at the NAC. Amelia Lorentson 06:35.227
So in terms of single-use plastic waste reduction recycling how is our how is that reflected again in the contract Brad Chalmers 06:49.270
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 we go with a hybrid approach so if he's if he's wanting to go down that path of zero free he can do that without any with any qualms at all so and I think he is doing that with all these single basically single-use plastic that's his approach yeah so we so 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 so feedback at times where people have asked for that and he wasn't able to deliver it so we just come to a nice happy medium that we're going to have a hybrid approach moving forward 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 KeepCups which is what single-use plastic which is what we're all about yeah fantastic Karen Finzel 07:53.261
Thank you Brad and we'll take that offline you can answer council yeah yes happy to yep thank you Frank Wilkie 07:59.721
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 popular with the patrons and I support the recommendation online do you have anything to add Councillor Phillips yeah Karen Finzel 08:24.782
Thank you I'm very supportive I really liked it there it's all great job so very happy with the report Thank you. We'll take it to the vote yes Jess thank you that's unanimous you Thank you. Right that takes us into item number eight reports for noting by the committee what have we got on that one. Nothing to note. Thank item number nine we're moving into confidential session now we've got three points for the confidential session today listed on the agenda nine point one nine point two and nine point three so we are going to manage each of those items in closed session so we're just going to Frank Wilkie 09:19.017
Move that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 the purpose of discussing the potential commercial negotiations in relation to three 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 you need a signal? Karen Finzel 09:55.920
I'll second. We'll take that to the vote. Councillor Wilson? Yes. That's unanimous including Councillor Phillips. Do you don't want to go or oh yeah you're free Karen Finzel 31:18.680
Free you're yeah want don't thank you good afternoon and welcome back. We're coming out of confidential session the recommendation from the current item before us, 9.1.5 is that right? Yeah. Madam Chair, I'm happy to move that. Alright. I'll be the second. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 31:46.945
Mr. CEO, do I need to read this out? I think so, okay, please. This is the contract for the provision of turf and mowing and maintenance services. A, council, note the report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation Committee date 7th of April 2026. B, award Contract No. CN25082 for provision of turf mowing and maintenance services under a schedule of rates contract an initial term of two years commencing 1st of June 2026 and expiring on 30th June 2028 to the following contractor 1, APG Group Pty Ltd 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 the initial term for a further two periods of up to 24 months each. I move that to a G. Karen Finzel 33:05.080
Thank you very much. So yes. Are we at a second? Yeah, we're at a second by Councillor Phillips. I don't know how we should speak. Any further replies? We'll take it to the vote. Councillor Phillips? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. That brings us to the meeting closure at no, we're only doing two minutes. Oh, sorry. Yeah, we need 9.2. Happy to move? Or you can move. I'll second it. Okay, so that was moved by Councillor Wilson and seconded by Councillor Wilkie. Nicola Wilson 33:59.260
This is 9.2, confidential report on the formalisation of budget and grant application authority Compost Facility Project. That council and the recommendation 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 expanded if external grant funding is secured and a future Design & Construct contract is separately approved. 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. Karen Finzel 35:09.502
Thank you. Any comment? We'll take it to the vote. Councillor Phillips? Yes. That's unanimous. That takes us to item 9.3. I'm happy to move that one. I'll second. I was going to the car. There's always a gentleman that mute button. So, 9.3, confidential landfill capping technology. That council A, note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7th of 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 (511010). And C, authorise the CEO to proceed with design and procurement activities to support the preferred methodology selected in part I'll take it to the vote. Councillor? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you. And we're taking it to the real meeting closure at 2:07pm. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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