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General Committee Meeting

Monday, 19 January 2026 @ 12:30PM - #947
Meeting Duration: 1 hour and 14 minutes

This Noosa Council meeting contains very poor audio quality.
This may have affected the transcription below and is beyond our control.

Disaster Plan Adopted; Compliance, Resilience Groups, Evacuation Gaps, SLSQ Devices Endorsed; Council Defers Installs, Finance: Surplus, Arrears, Transparency, Procurement Tightened, Planning Refusal, Works Reprofiled.

Agenda, decisions & supporting documents

Inside this meeting

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0:000:120:240:370:491:011:14 Amelia LorentsonAmelia LorentsonMargaret GattMargaret GattZach Morton-AdairZach Morton-AdairJessica PhillipsJessica PhillipsBrian StockwellBrian StockwellSara WilsonSara WilsonFrank WilkieFrank WilkieScottScottNadine GordonNadine GordonTom WegenerTom WegenerLarry SengstockLarry Sengstock

NoosaWatch Meeting Insight

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Full Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions
• Frank Wilkie: Council unanimously repealed the 2023 Local Disaster Management Plan and adopted the 2026 Plan; CEO authorised for minor amendments (Item 8.1; 16:07–17:52).
• Sue: Plan review complies with Queensland Disaster Management Act; full comprehensive review slated post State Plan release (likely 2027) (02:06–03:55; Item 8.1).
• Jessica Phillips: Sought clarity on how LDMG lessons log drives asset fixes and budget bids; Sue confirmed issues are tracked via LDMG spreadsheet and routed to asset owners for bids (05:44–08:16; Item 8.1).
• Amelia Lorentson: Queried adding sub-plans for counter-terrorism and environmental/wildlife impacts; Sue noted police/lead agencies would lead with Council in support, existing environmental health sub-plan applies (10:53–12:58; 14:12; Item 8.1).
• Brian Stockwell: Pushed for community-led disaster subgroups and resilience; Sue confirmed Pomona and Kin Kin groups exist with more localities in progress (17:52–19:23; Item 8.1).
• Vince Irwin: Recommended deferring a Council-run trial of remote rescue tubes/life rings and supporting Surf Life Saving Queensland’s rollout to mitigate duty-of-care and liability risks; carried unanimously (24:51–28:22; Item 8.2).
• Amelia Lorentson: Moved support for SLSQ rollout citing near-drowning incidents at A-Bay and North Sunshine; outcome: SLSQ now installing devices incl. in Noosa NP (28:47–31:56; Item 8.2).
• Nadine: Reported 36 delegated planning decisions in Nov 2025 (35 approved, 1 refused); refusal: Castaways Beach dwelling extension breaching site cover and setbacks (33:45–35:10; Item 8.3).
• Nadine: Explained “generally in accordance” approvals allow minor design tweaks without formal change applications (35:10–36:14; Item 8.3).
• Margaret Gatt: Noted four contracts awarded under CEO delegation (≤$1m) following Procurement Contracts Assessment Working Team (PCAWT) review; transparency via foyer/website disclosure (36:47–43:16; Item 8.4).
• Scott: Confirmed register of pre-qualified suppliers used for footpath works; feedback available to unsuccessful tenderers (41:09–43:03; Item 8.4).
• Zach: December financials: operating on track; net surplus $18.4m vs $6.2m budget largely due to timing of capital revenues; added “questions taken on notice” to reports for transparency (47:29–52:00; Item 8.5).
Contentious / Transparency Matters
• Brian Stockwell: Enforced meeting procedure (“questions through the chair”) during LDMG debate, signalling governance discipline (15:05; Item 8.1).
• Vince Irwin: Took on notice legal nuances about duty-of-care once a rescue commences, highlighting risk appetite and need for evidence-based approach before Council-operated installations (27:34–28:22; Item 8.2).
• Frank Wilkie: Emphasised PCAWT’s independent oversight and biannual public reporting; reiterated open government principles (43:16–45:13; Item 8.4).
• Amelia Lorentson: Pressed whether PCAWT has ever recommended not awarding a contract; answer: not in past 12 months; earlier years to be confirmed (45:13–46:38; Item 8.4).
• Zach: Introduced standing section addressing councillor questions in finance reports; rate arrears detail enhanced with age profile per policy (47:29–52:00; Item 8.5).
• Margaret Gatt: Committed to consolidating financial and Capital Works Executive reporting for clearer picture of physical vs financial completion (53:03–55:29; 01:10:02–01:10:27; Item 8.5).
Legal / Risk
• Frank Wilkie: Framed LDMG Plan as Council’s primary statutory instrument aligning with the Disaster Management Act/Regulation; defines roles, powers, command, and aligns with state/national frameworks (16:07–17:52; Item 8.1).
• Sue: Identified residual risks: limited evacuation capacity and need to refine evacuation routes; evacuation centre upgrades to proceed via asset-owner budget bids (09:40–10:14; Item 8.1).
• Vince Irwin: Flagged liability exposure, precedent, costs, and reputational risk if Council installs rescue devices; recommended deferral pending SLSQ trials and evidence (24:51–28:22; Item 8.2).
• Margaret Gatt: Clarified CEO contract delegation limit of $1m under procurement policy; larger contracts require Council decision or prior delegation change (39:17–40:25; Item 8.4).
• Zach: Rate arrears at 6.2% exceed 5% best-practice benchmark; new debt management policy to be applied post-January rates cycle to reduce arrears (01:05:00–01:06:27; Item 8.5).
• Margaret Gatt: Industrial action, vacancies, and design/utility constraints cited as risks impacting capital delivery timing; re-profiling underway (01:06:46–01:09:47; Item 8.5).
Environmental Concerns
• Amelia Lorentson: Sought environmental/wildlife impact sub-plans for emergent risks (heatwaves, marine pollution); Sue advised existing environmental health sub-plan and reliance on lead agencies (12:58–14:29; Item 8.1).
• Brian Stockwell: Linked November storm impacts (power outages, green waste) to need for community-driven resilience planning in next LDMG Plan cycle (17:52–19:23; Item 8.1).
• Sue: 6,000 “Get Ready” packs distributed in 2025; significant state/federal funding secured for cyclone/storm events; ongoing sub-plan reviews (03:55–05:44; Item 8.1).
Sunshine Beach and Coastal Safety
• Nadine: Noted planning refusal at Castaways Beach for exceeding site cover/setbacks; Sunshine Beach Seaview Terrace matter clarified as “generally in accordance” for minor plan changes (33:45–36:14; Item 8.3).
• Amelia Lorentson: Recounted near-drownings at A-Bay and North Sunshine; endorsed SLSQ-led remote rescue tubes with potential beacons/cameras at high-risk sites (28:47–31:56; Item 8.2).
• Brian Stockwell: Supported SLSQ leadership given Council’s land manager responsibilities and liability profile; highlighted flotation-device-first rescue principle (31:56–33:15; Item 8.2).
Procurement and Financial Governance
• Scott: PCAWT reviews evaluations for probity, can return recommendations for further work; enhances value-for-money assurance (46:38–46:58; Item 8.4).
• Jessica Phillips: Sought clarity on preferred supplier lists and community-facing feedback; confirmed public tender to establish panels and debriefs for unsuccessfuls (41:09–43:03; Item 8.4).
• Margaret Gatt: Surplus spike driven by timing of capital grants; upcoming reporting changes to better reflect multi-year capital and re-profiling (01:00:51–01:02:41; Item 8.5).
• Amelia Lorentson: Requested breakdown of surplus drivers and workshop on acceptable surplus levels vs rates; QTC engaged for independent review of surplus cash and debt (01:03:06–01:04:31; Item 8.5).
• Margaret Gatt: Capital Works: ~$50m forecast; 117 projects avg 57% progressed; $9.9m actual + $11.1m commitments; key carryovers include landfill RRC expansion ($5m), Doonella Bridge ($1m), NAC filtration ($1.75m) (01:06:46–01:10:02; Item 8.5).
• Zach: Working to align “physical completion” vs “financial completion” reporting; staff onboarding to improve capital reporting consistency (55:29–56:23; 01:10:02–01:10:27; Item 8.5).
Full Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES

General Committee
Meeting

Monday, 19 January 2026

12:30 PM
Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin

Committee: Crs Brian Stockwell (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Tom Wegener, Frank Wilkie, Nicola Wilson

“Noosa Shire – different by nature”
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 19 JANUARY 2026

1 DECLARATION OF OPENING
The meeting was declared open at 12.30 PM

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 Brian Stockwell (Chair)
Cr Karen Finzel
Cr Amelia Lorentson
Cr Jessica Phillips
Cr Tom Wegener
Cr Frank Wilkie

EXECUTIVE
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock
Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray
Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt
Acting Director Infrastructure Services Chris Steel
Acting Director Community Services Paul Brinkman

APOLOGIES
Cr Nicola Wilson

4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

4.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 15 DECEMBER 2025
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener
The Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 15 December 2025 be received and confirmed.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 19 JANUARY 2026

5. PRESENTATIONS
Nil.

6. DEPUTATIONS
Nil.

7 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES
Nil.

8 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE

8.1 ENDORSEMENT OF NOOSA LOCAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2026 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Disaster Management Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 19 January 2026 B. Repeal the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2023; and C. Adopt the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2026 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Endorsement of the Noosa Local Disaster Management Plan 2026 report.
D. Authorise the CEO to make minor changes or amendments to the Plan prior to publishing the final document.

Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None

8.2 RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - TRIAL OF REMOTE RESCUE
TUBES/LIFE RINGS AT UNPATROLLED BEACHES
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips
That Council
A. Note the report by the Acting Local Laws and Environmental Health Manager to the General Committee dated 19 January 2026 B. Support Surf Lifesaving Queensland as the State’s peak coastal safety authority and Surf Lifesaving Clubs with their funded and managed roll out programs; and C. Defer the implementation of a Council managed trial of remote rescue tubes and life rings at unpatrolled beach locations until:
1. The risks associated with current trials and any emerging issues at Noosa National Park, as well as programs elsewhere in Australia and overseas, have been critically evaluated by Council; and
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 19 JANUARY 2026

2. An appropriate evidence-based management strategy has been developed to manage those risks and issues (detailed as Option 2 in the report).

Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None

8.3 PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY –
NOVEMBER 2025
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson
Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel
That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the General Committee Meeting on 19 January 2026 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for November 2025 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Report.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None

8.4 PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS ASSESSMENT WORKING TEAM - CONTRACT
AWARDS UNDER CEO DELEGATION
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie
Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel
That Council note the report by the Acting Director Corporate Services to the General Committee Meeting dated 19 January 2026 for contracts awarded under CEO Delegation, via the Procurement Contracts Assessment Working Team, for the period 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2025.
Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None

8.5 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT - DECEMBER 2025
Committee Recommendation
Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips
Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie
That Council note the report by Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager (Acting) to the General Committee dated 19 January 2026 regarding Council's financial performance to 31 December 2025.
GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 19 JANUARY 2026

Carried.
For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: None

9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION
Nil.

10 MEETING CLOSURE
The meeting closed at 1:45 PM

Full Meeting Transcript Meeting Transcript Below - Select To Listen / Share / Download [[ meetingData.is_audio_only ? 'Audio' : 'Video' ]] Clips

Disclaimer: The transcript below is produced by our own transcription systems and will contain errors and omissions, including incorrect speaker attribution. It is provided for informational purposes only and may be inaccurate or incomplete — do not rely on this content; for definitive statements, speakers, decisions and context, always refer to official council sources. We accept no responsibility or liability for any reliance on it.

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