General Committee Meeting - 13 April 2026
Date: Monday, 13 April 2026 at 12:30PM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:19:28
Synopsis: Tourism Noosa deed not adopted, Funding uncertainty, KPIs and governance debated, Amendment allowing funding review passed, Force majeure clause flagged, Pool and gym contracts awarded.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Brian Stockwell Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Jessica Phillips Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Development & Regulation Patrick Murphy AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Brian Stockwell oversaw adoption of a rotating chair schedule for General Committee meetings, confirming Standing Orders section 36.2 covers absences (Item 8.1; 02:12–03:42). Kim Rawlings presented the Tourism Noosa Funding & Performance Deed 2026–2029: $2m p.a., CPI capped at 3.5% from year 2, three instalments with a performance-based adjustment up to $350k; deed aligns with the Destination Management Plan (DMP) and introduces ranked KPIs and a points system (Item 8.2; 04:53–08:43). Frank Wilkie confirmed external legal review and procurement input supported structure/compliance; feedback focused on drafting/KPI measurability rather than content (07:33–08:43; Item 8.2). Nicola Wilson successfully moved Amendment No.1 to clause 4.3 so funding may be reviewed/adjusted if Tourism Noosa (TN) gains a substantial, sustainable alternative source (e.g., a user-pays visitor/bed tax), with proportionality and written agreement (Carried; Item 8.2). Amelia Lorentson proposed adding a clause for review on “material external shock” to visitor economy; after legal input indicating a force majeure-style clause would be more appropriate, she withdrew to redraft for Ordinary Meeting (25:59–27:50; Item 8.2). Brian Stockwell ’s substantive motion to approve the Deed (as amended by clause 4.3) was lost 3–4 (Item 8.2; 54:47–59:31). Brian Stockwell then moved to defer Item 8.2 to the 16 April Ordinary Meeting; the deferral motion was lost (Item 8.2; 59:31–01:24:32). Amelia Lorentson moved an interim funding/continuity motion paired with a full review of governance/funding/consultation; it was lost 2–5 (Item 8.2; 01:24:49–01:33:07). Nicola Wilson secured the Committee Recommendation: Council notes the report and does not adopt the proposed Deed in its current form (Carried 6–1; Item 8.2; 01:34:09–01:42:24). Council awarded CN26032 Noosa Aquatic Centre 50m pool filtration upgrade to CMP Corp Pty Ltd for $1,210,780.40 (GST excl), with CEO delegated to administer/variations (Item 9.1; 01:57:41–01:59:59). Council awarded CN25048 Cooroy Gymnasium Upgrade & Extension to Murphy Builders QLD Pty Ltd, Design & Construct, total $3,692,575.40 (GST excl), incl. lump sum, removal of value-management options, and provisional sum; CEO delegated to administer/variations (Item 9.2; 02:15:21–02:18:51). Contentious / Transparency Matters Amelia Lorentson and Jessica Phillips questioned whether a May 2025 resolution requiring consultation with industry stakeholders and residents before future funding decisions had been met; CEO took on notice (10:57–11:39; Item 8.2). Jessica Phillips argued KPIs lack SMART outcomes and risk paying $1.65m even if core outcomes underperform; critiqued governance loop measuring “alignment” not “outcomes” (31:37–33:27; Item 8.2). Brian Stockwell directed withdrawal of an accusation of “stealth,” ruling it an allegation of impropriety; maintained relevance constraints on debate (29:36–29:47; Item 8.2). Standing Orders s31 dispute: whether a procedural deferral motion could be moved post-vote; Chair ruled no decision existed on the books and allowed it; motion ultimately lost (01:18:07–01:24:32; Item 8.2). Karen Finzel floated shortening the deed term to one year for certainty in a volatile environment; CEO cautioned it would undermine the three-year certainty resolved in Dec 2025 and be impractical (49:43–54:07; Item 8.2). Public sentiment from the DMP Community Insights was cited by Jessica Phillips as favouring review/reduction of public tourism marketing spend; others countered the DMP and deed process had robust legal/procurement oversight (30:02–31:18; 45:51–49:40; Item 8.2). Legal / Risk External/Internal Legal Review confirmed deed structure/compliance and KPI measurability; procurement confirmed alignment with Local Government framework/principles (07:33–08:43; Item 8.2). Jessica Phillips asserted a bed tax is not currently lawful for QLD local governments under the Local Government Act 2009; Amendment No.1 retained a generic adjustment clause but example remained in minutes wording (18:26–20:36; Item 8.2). Force majeure concept raised by legal counsel as a better mechanism than bespoke “external shock” wording; to be drafted for potential inclusion at Ordinary (25:59–27:50; Item 8.2). Confidentiality : Council lawfully closed meetings under Local Government Regulation 2012 s254J(3)(g) to discuss contract negotiations for Items 9.1 and 9.2, reopening to decide and disclose awards (9.1, 9.2 minutes; 01:43:23–01:59:59; 02:00:15–02:15:21). Procurement Delegations : Both contract awards delegated administration/variations to CEO, preserving commercial agility while decisions were made in open session (Items 9.1, 9.2). Funding Certainty Risk : Loss of the deed in current form creates interim uncertainty for TN services; attempts to defer or adopt interim funding failed at Committee, leaving resolution for the Ordinary Meeting (59:31–01:35:52; Item 8.2). Conflicts of Interest Jessica Phillips declared a prescribed conflict for CN25048 (Cooroy Gymnasium) due to her paid role with Cooroy Gymnastics Club; she left for debate/vote, consistent with Local Government Act 2009, Ch 5B (02:00:17–02:00:53; Item 9.2). Tourism Noosa Funding Framework & KPIs Funding mechanics : $2m p.a., CPI cap 3.5% from year 2, three instalments with a mid-year performance adjustment up to $350k per points-ranked KPIs (Item 8.2; 04:53–08:43). Governance intent : Deed to embed DMP priorities (destination stewardship, sustainability, behaviour change) with clarified roles between Council and TN (Item 8.2; 04:53–07:29). Critiques : Councillors raised that many “KPIs” were activity deliverables lacking numeric outcome targets, risking weak accountability; staff emphasized annual KPI review and legal vetting for measurability (31:37–33:27; 07:33–08:43; Item 8.2). Revenue adjustment : Clause 4.3 now permits proportionate funding adjustment if TN secures substantial sustainable alternative funding, with written agreement (Amendment No.1 Carried; Item 8.2). Term/certainty tension : Push to shorten to one year for flexibility rejected at this stage due to prior three-year intent and operational certainty requirements (49:43–54:07; Item 8.2).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES General Committee Meeting Monday, 13 April 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 13 APRIL 2026 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 12.30pm. 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 Brian Stockwell (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Tom Wegener Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Development & Regulation Patrick Murphy APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 16 MARCH 2026 Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the Minutes of the General Committee Meeting held on 16 March 2026 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 5. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 6. DEPUTATIONS Nil. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 APRIL 2026 7 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES Nil. 8 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE 8.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING - SCHEDULE OF CHAIRPERSON Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 13 April 2026 regarding the General Committee Meeting - Schedule of Chairperson; and B. Adopt the Schedule of Chairperson for the General Committee Meeting as provided in the Report, for the period of 1 May 2026 to 28 February 2028. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 8.2 TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE DEED 2026–2029 Motion Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council: A. Approve the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026–2029 with Tourism Noosa Ltd for a term of three (3) years, commencing 1 July 2026 and ending 30 June 2029, for funding of $2,000,000 per annum (ex GST), with CPI indexation applied from the second year of the Term, capped at a maximum of 3.5% per annum, subject to the terms and conditions of the Funding Deed as per Attachment 1. B. Note that the funding will be paid in three instalments, with the second instalment subject to a performance-based adjustment of up to $350,000, based on Council’s assessment of KPIs and Target Metrics achievement under the Annual Outcome Report and having regard to the KPI priority rankings and points-based calculation methodology set out in Schedule 2 to the Deed. C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to: 1. Finalise and execute the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026–2029, including any minor or administrative amendments if required following Council decision; and 2. Administer the Funding Deed in accordance with its terms. Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Item A. 1. be added to read: 1. Clause 4.3 be amended as follows: 4.3 The Parties may review and adjust the Funding (whether an increase or decrease) if an external event occurs that results in TN receiving a substantial sustainable alternative source GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 APRIL 2026 of funding., regardless of whether such event was anticipated at the commencement of the Term. An example of such an external event includes, without limitation: (a) A User Pays Visitor Tax or equivalent (i.e. a bed tax) is implemented. Any adjustment to the Funding under this clause must be reasonably proportionate to the financial impact of the alternative funding source and must be agreed in writing by the Parties. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Amendment No. 2 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded Cr Nicola Wilson That Item A. 2. be added to read: 2. That Clause 4 be amended to include a new provision requiring that the Funding Deed and associated deliverables may be reviewed and adjusted where a material external shock occurs that significantly impacts the visitor economy, including but not limited to sustained increases in fuel costs, significant changes to aviation capacity or routes, natural disasters, or a sustained downturn in tourism demand. Any such review must allow Council and the parties to jointly consider whether funding levels, priorities, KPIs, or delivery expectations require adjustment to ensure the agreement remains realistic, fair, and aligned with prevailing economic, aviation, and market conditions, and continues to deliver value for money and effective outcomes under changed circumstances. Amendment No. 2 was withdrawn by Cr Lorentson with agreeance of the Seconder and full Council. Motion Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council: A. Approve the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026–2029 with Tourism Noosa Ltd for a term of three (3) years, commencing 1 July 2026 and ending 30 June 2029, for funding of $2,000,000 per annum (ex GST), with CPI indexation applied from the second year of the Term, capped at a maximum of 3.5% per annum, subject to the terms and conditions of the Funding Deed as per Attachment 1 with the following amendment: 1. Clause 4.3 be amended as follows: 4.3 The Parties may review and adjust the Funding (whether an increase or decrease) if an external event occurs that results in TN receiving a substantial sustainable alternative source of funding., regardless of whether such event was anticipated at the commencement of the Term. An example of such an external event includes, without limitation: (a) A User Pays Visitor Tax or equivalent (i.e. a bed tax) is implemented. Any adjustment to the Funding under this clause must be reasonably proportionate to the financial impact of the alternative funding source and must be agreed in writing by the Parties. B. Note that the funding will be paid in three instalments, with the second instalment subject to a performance-based adjustment of up to $350,000, based on Council’s assessment of KPIs and Target Metrics achievement under the Annual Outcome Report and having GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 APRIL 2026 regard to the KPI priority rankings and points-based calculation methodology set out in Schedule 2 to the Deed. C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to: 1. Finalise and execute the Tourism Noosa Funding and Performance Deed 2026– 2029, including any minor or administrative amendments if required following Council decision; and 2. Administer the Funding Deed in accordance with its terms. Lost. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Against: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Wilson The meeting adjourned at 1.32pm The meeting resumed at 1.47pm Procedural Motion Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Frank Wilkie That General Committee Agenda Item 8.2 be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16 April 2026 for further consideration. Lost. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Nicola Against: Wilson Motion Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa; B. Does not adopt the proposed Deed in its current form; C. Request that the Chief Executive Officer prepare an interim funding arrangement for Tourism Noosa to ensure continuity of core destination marketing services; and D. Note that the intent of this Resolution is to ensure continuity of tourism promotion services while Council undertakes a full review of governance, funding arrangements and community consultation. Lost. For: Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips Against: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 APRIL 2026 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Council: A. Note the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa; B. Does not adopt the proposed Deed in its current form. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Brian Stockwell 9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION 9.1 CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD - CONTRACT NO. CN26032 - NOOSA AQUATIC CENTRE 50M POOL WATER TREATMENT PLANT FILTRATION UPGRADE WORKS CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson 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 a contract proposed to be made by Council and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to the contracts for Item 9.1. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD - CONTRACT NO. CN26032 - NOOSA AQUATIC CENTRE 50M POOL WATER TREATMENT PLANT FILTRATION UPGRADE WORKS. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None REOPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 APRIL 2026 Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council A. Note the report by the Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager to the General Committee dated 13 April 2026 regarding the outcome of the tender process for Noosa Aquatic Centre 50M Pool Water Treatment Plant Filtration Upgrade Works; B. Award Contract No. CN26032 for Noosa Aquatic Centre 50M Pool Water Treatment Plant Filtration Upgrade Works to CMP Corp Pty Ltd under a lump sum contract for a total contract value of $1,210,780.40 (GST Excl); and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 9.2 CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT – CONTRACT NO. CN25048 – COOROY GYMNASIUM UPGRADE AND EXTENSION Cr Jessica Phillips "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 - I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to Item 9.2 - CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT – CONTRACT NO. CN25048 – COOROY GYMNASIUM UPGRADE AND EXTENSION on this agenda because I am working 10 hours per week as the General Manager and Coach of the Cooroy Gymnastics Club. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on.". Cr Phillips left the meeting. CLOSURE OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing a contract proposed to be made by Council and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to that contract for Item 9.2. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT – CONTRACT NO. CN25048 – COOROY GYMNASIUM UPGRADE AND EXTENSION. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Phillips was not present for the vote due to her conflict of interest declaration. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES 13 APRIL 2026 REOPENING OF THE MEETING TO THE PUBLIC Committee Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Phillips was not present for the vote due to her conflict of interest declaration. Committee Recommendation Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council A. Note the report by the Project Manager and Graduate Engineer to the General Committee Meeting dated 13 April 2026; B. Award Contract No. CN25048 for Cooroy Gymnasium Upgrade and Extension to Murphy Builders QLD Pty Ltd under a lump sum Design & Construct contract for an estimated total contract value of $3,692,575.40 (GST Excl) as follows: 1. The Lump Sum amount of $3,218,467.73 2. The Provision of additional scope for the removal of Value Management options for an amount of $251,607.67; 3. A Provisional Item sum amount of $222,500.00; and C. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all the things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. Carried. For: Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Phillips was not present for the vote due to her conflict of interest declaration. Cr Phillips returned to the meeting. 10 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 2.50pm.
Meeting Transcript
Brian Stockwell 00:00.000
We're speaking on Kabi Kabi country and we pay our respects to the thousands of years of leadership of the elders in the past, in the present and those emerging who are always keen to work with council to look after and care for country. We don't have any apologies but we do have a set of minutes from last month's General Committee Meeting to move by Councillor Wilkie, Councillor Finzel, presuming there's no discussion. All in favour? That's unanimous. There's no presentation, no deputations, no matters referred from committee, so we move on straight to section eight. And the first item in that section a General Committee Meeting Schedule of Chairperson, and we have the executive officer, yanchi, to come and give us an outline. Larry Sengstock 01:00.359
Good afternoon, councillors. SPEAKER_00 01:07.821
On 19 March 2026, council resolved to amend its meeting structure, reducing formal meetings to one General Committee Meeting and one Ordinary Meeting, effective on the 1st of May 2026 is part change to the meeting structure, council endorsed the implementation of a rotating schedule for the chairperson of the General Committee Meeting, basically to provide all councillors the opportunity to act as a chairperson. Participation is not mandatory, and rotations were assigned by random draw. This report before you presents the Schedule of Chairperson as agreed by councillors for period one May 2026 to 28 February 2028, when the next local government election is anticipated to occur. It is therefore recommended that the council note this report and adopt the Schedule of Chairperson before the General Committee Meeting as provided in the report for the period one May 2026 to 28 February 2028. The president thank you. Councillors, if you'll all Brian Stockwell 02:12.311
Be involved, does anyone have any questions? Amelia Lorentson 02:14.471
Councillor Lorentson. Just a question in terms of clarification. Are you happy that section 36.2 of the Standing Orders, which. States if the chairperson of a standing committee is absent or unavailable to preside, a Councillor chosen by the councillors present will preside over the standing committee meeting. Are you happy that cause doesn't need to be, I don't know, doesn't be stated as my concern is John c's, for instance, idea of if I'm going to take holidays in 2028, and when that period happens, just do we need any clarity around that situation in terms of leave, absence, or illness, or are you confident that section 36.2 of the Standing Orders covers that situation? Larry Sengstock 03:14.976
Yeah, I'm very confident that section covers that point because it basically provides if a chairperson is unavailable or absent, which obviously is very, very broad and can cover quite a few different scenarios, including private arrangements, so that section probably covers for their form of proxy as outlined, that all remaining councillors present in the person in the meeting can nominate a chairperson as a proxy in that meeting. Amelia Lorentson 03:42.870
Thank you very much. Brian Stockwell 03:45.313
Any others? Would someone like to move? Frank Wilkie 03:47.713
Moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Thank you. As discussed last month, this change to the two-meeting schedule is intended to be a more efficient form of decision-making for the community and also this council, and the rotating Chair idea was something that was being discussed been will give all councillors an opportunity to Hone their skills of chairing in the more robust forum, which is the General Committee. Brian Stockwell 04:21.769
Anyone else wish no? I'm presuming you don't want to argue with selkirk. Those and they've been that's unanimous. We then move on to the second item in section 8, which is the Tourism Noosa funding at Palmer steed 2026 to 2029, and we welcome Kim Rawlings, the Director Strategy and Environment, to the Chair. Kim, if you can give us an overview, please. Kim Rawlings 04:52.986
Thanks, councillors, the council report, it follows the council meeting and decision in December, 18th of December, where council adopted the Tourism Noosa Roadmap and endorsed what was known as option two to evolve Tourism Noosa to align with the Destination Management Plan. Also in December, council adopted its destination. Plan. So this report, sorry that resolution required the CEO to bring a report back to council with the final terms for the multi-year funding deed and to ensure that there was procurement guidance and support of the development of that process. This report responds to that resolution brings back to you for consideration the detailed Tourism Noosa funding and performance deed. The in December. It requires a shift towards destination stewardship, embedding community values, sustainability, behaviour change and measurable outcomes across the services that Tourism Noosa deliver including marketing, visitor services and industry capability. The funding deed as attached a fair to this shift. It preserves, seeks to preserve their service continuity but strengthens accountability, aligns programs and reporting to the DMP and clarifies roles and governance between council and TN. The deed introduces ranked KPI framework supported by a points-based performance adjustment methodology enabling council to assess performance against KPIs and importance of. The deed was developed through a joint council and Tourism Noosa working group. It was guided by and reviewed by council's internal legal counsel. It also has undergone an independent external legal review and as per resolution council procurement has advised on compliance with the local government framework and the principles. Councillors have been briefed on a number of occasions and received drafts and provided valuable input into the development of the process. So the report recommends the funding deed as attached for council consideration with Tourism Noosa for a term of three years commencing on the 1st of July 2026 and ending on 30th of June 2029. CAPE is provision for the KPIs to be reviewed on an annual basis and it seeks authorisation for the CEO to finalise and execute the deed and administer the deed in accordance with the group's terms. Brian Stockwell 07:29.436
Thank you. Do we have any questions? Councillor Wilkie. Frank Wilkie 07:33.702
Thank you for the report, Kim. Could you tell us a bit more about the external legal review, what they were looking at and checking for? Kim Rawlings 07:41.602
Sure. We had, after the December meeting, we engaged with procurement immediately and said provide procurement all of the documentation. Procurement recommended a external legal firm to get involved. I can't think of the name but I've been working with him, doesn't matter. And they have been involved right through the process so they firstly reviewed the deed before the KPIs were developed and provided some great feedback which has all been incorporated. I think they did that maybe twice, possibly three times. And then as the KPIs were being developed will versions of those were sent also to the legal firm to see that they were measurable, that they, you know, aligned and feedback was also given from that perspective, noting that they didn't provide feedback really on content. More structure, alignment, drafting, those sorts of things in relation to the KPIs. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 08:43.976
Okay, any Amelia Lorentson 08:48.016
Can you confirm whether council is legally committed to the three-year funding arrangement, is already legally committed, or is the funding still subject to council endorsement of this report and the attached funding deed. Larry Sengstock 09:07.368
Well, I'm happy to answer that. My understanding is that we've agreed to a three-year funding agreement. This deed is pursuant to how that funding is. Allocated in terms of KPIs and/or over the term. So, in December this year, or last year, we agreed for clues and Noosa with the terms to be agreed, and this is what the is for before we Brian Stockwell 09:41.957
Do you have a question, Councillor Wilson? Nicola Wilson 09:45.437
I've received different advice from governments on that. Brian Stockwell 09:51.657
So, you haven't got a question? Amelia Lorentson 09:54.297
Can I? Rephrase the question? Can we perhaps, on notice, can you please come back to me with that? Sure, happy to come back on that. My information differs as SPEAKER_00 10:05.986
Well. I haven't seen any information this morning. Thank you very much. And as I said, that's my understanding. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 10:14.927
Okay. Any other questions? Jessica Phillips 10:17.578
I have a question. Just, okay, I can ask it. I wasn't here on the 18th of December at the Ordinary Meeting. I had leave planned four months prior. Question to the CEO around that coming to the December meeting. Could you maybe explain to me, because I felt like I would have really liked to have been able to. So, Councillor, I'm not going to allow the question. It doesn't relate to the matter in front of us. It relates history. Okay. Can I rephrase the question? Brian Stockwell 10:50.981
If it relates to this report and what we're dealing with today. Thanks. Amelia Lorentson 10:57.161
I have a few questions that were sent to me by residents. One was in reference to the council resolution in 2025 which required with industry stakeholders and residents before any future funding decisions. My question is how does the proposed three by two million dollar per annum funding comply with that resolution? Brian Stockwell 11:26.640
Here we I'll take it for the CEO. Larry Sengstock 11:30.284
I'm going to have to take that question. I'm not aware of that. Amelia Lorentson 11:35.424
It's part of the report. I'll just pull out the report. Brian Stockwell 11:39.339
The CEO said he's taking it on notice. Amelia Lorentson 11:42.899
Other Karen Finzel 11:48.319
Yeah, sure. Thank you for the report. Firstly, on page 3 of 12, TN is council's long-standing LTO and key delivery partner. I've raised this in the past around the funding. We've talked about evolving Tourism Noosa. I feel like I haven't got an explicit answer in terms of. The question is, Tourism Noosa continuing to operate as an LTO? Kim Rawlings 12:25.882
So Tourism Noosa is a local tourism organisation yes. In the hierarchy of tourism organisations there is a regional tourism organisation which is Visit Sunshine Coast. Covers Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and Gympie Council. Peer then there are organisations. Not all destinations have Local Tourism Organisations but destinations like ours that have a strong tourism industry do tend to have local tourism. Organisations and that's what tourism merceries so in terms of structure and governance yes they are a local tourism organisation you know if you were asking whether have impact you know beyond a local tourism organisation but in terms of governance and structure and hierarchy they are LTO and the question, Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 13:36.150
Um sorry it's on notice are you able to tell me the LTO's what sort of funding amounts do they receive Kim Rawlings 13:45.610
So I don't have that at hand but council have been provided that previously as part of the benchmarking that was the Roadmap in December we provided that information to council so happy to recirculate that but it does it varies you know most LTO's have a level of funding provided from their local council local governments LTOs LTO's do not tend to get state funding state fund the RTO bodies so most LTO's get funding from their local governments and also their membership base but in terms of what each get of them there was a schedule and a benchmarking process done and provided to council in December so happy to recirculate that just from memory was that confidential or open to the public. What that's a great question Councillor Finzel. Brian Stockwell 14:48.663
Can you take that on notice? I can. Kim Rawlings 14:52.563
It's not really related to the matter in practice, it's related to history once again. I think there was a version that we made public but I'm happy to share that. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 15:02.789
Any other questions? No? I'll move to staff recommendation. So councillors, we have agreed to enter into this agreement through the Roadmap process and the staff have actioned the motion from December to produce a deed that has been negotiated both with councillors and involvement of councillors and with the relevant working group of Tourism Noosa. The deed does. Deed reflect was expected from the Roadmap and what was adopted as actions in the Destination Management Plan. It sets out the transition to an organisation that is a partner in delivering the Destination Management Plan with enhanced accountability measures, enhanced key performance indicators and a change payment structure that overtly includes a payment in second and third year related to the satisfactory completion of the previous year's work. So in that regard it is the agreement before us is completely consistent with the adopted position of council and therefore I urge your support. Others wish to talk? Busby: would to read out what the change is? Nicola Wilson 16:59.881
It identifies if you want to delete some of the content there, so it would just screen Busby: if the next general event occurs at the end of the year, that results in the end its potential. A sustainable alternative source of funding. Any adjustment to the funding under this clause must be reasonably proportionate to the financial impact of the alternative funding source and must be agreed in writing by the parties that are setting that in place. Brian Stockwell 17:26.505
We have a seconder. Councillor Phillips. Talk to your amendment please, Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 17:34.825
This agreement is between council and TN with a commitment to debugging TN for three years by general rates collected through differential rates on businesses. We've talked about how that applies to the General Committee rights many times over this process. At this point we do not expect this to change. TN needs certainty and we need to be able to commit to using general rates to fund this agreement. If council finds a new income source, it's not relevant to this agreement. TN meeting its revenue diversification goal and of course we would have a discussion about that source if it happens. Having said that, we shouldn't reference a bed tax. It doesn't exist in Queensland. It is pre-empting. Council position that we haven't reached yet, or may never reach. If the source of income becomes so great that the TN isn't reliant on council anymore, then both parties have the option to end the agreement. But we should not pre-empt the types of income that may occur to a third party, particularly when they are. Currently illegal, as there is no council position to refer to. Brian Stockwell 18:44.775
I was wishing to talk to the. Jessica Phillips 18:49.095
I will just keep it simple. I'm happy to support the amendment. Bed tax is not currently lawful for local government income plan to implement, either directly or indirectly. And the local government exist. Does not expressly authorise a bed tax. The general power Local Government Act are unlikely to support the creation of a new tax or levy, and so my thoughts are that this takes time. I was taking away some risk that I believe that would have been included if we hadn't. Frank Wilkie 19:27.640
So I'm going to support Chairman Chen. The council right. There is no bed tax in Queensland currently. There are other councils that are working in collaboration with each other and the State government to bring one in as an option for councils to consider. But my understanding is that was only introduced in this clause as an example of something that may happen. Don't think it substantially changes the intent of this clause and as Councillor Nicola Wilson said that we do need to give TM some certainty and removal of this clause in here in no, in my opinion, in no way affects the intent of this clause or the certainty that the funding deed will deliver to Tourism Noosa and the industry. Brian Stockwell 20:27.920
Talk. Just a question to staff. You've had this in advance. Are you happy that it doesn't materially affect the agreement? Yeah, absolutely. It's just an example. So, nothing else. Anyone else wish to talk? No. Councillor Wilson wish to close. No, I've said it so many times. Okay, I'll put the motion, or the amendment, that the motion, or amendment, that unanimous so the amendment becomes part of the substantive motion. SPEAKER_04 21:00.872
I'd like to move an amendment, please, Through the Chair. Amelia Lorentson 21:04.532
That clause for the amended to include a new provision requiring that the funding deed and associated deliverables may be reviewed and adjusted where a material external shock occurs that significantly impacts the visitor economy including but not limited to sustained increases in fuel costs, significant changes to aviation capacity or routes, natural disasters or a sustained downturn in tourism demand. Any such must allow council and the parties to jointly consider whether funding levels, priorities, KPIs or delivery expectations require adjustment to ensure the agreement remains realistic, fair and aligned with prevailing economic, aviation and market conditions and continues to deliver value for money and effective outcomes under changed circumstances. Do we have a seconder for that? Second. Councillor Wilson? Councillor Lorentson? The amendment ensures that the funding deed remains flexible. Practical and responsive to changing economic and global conditions that are outside the control of either party and the tourism industry is highly sensitive to external factors such as fuel prices, aviation capacity, route availability, natural disasters and broader global economic conditions as we're currently seeing. These factors directly influence visitor demand, market access and the effectiveness of destination marketing investment. In periods of significant change including sustained downtrends. Downturns in demand or reduced aviation capacity, it's important that our funding arrangements remain aligned with what is realistic and effective in prevailing conditions so that rate-paced funds continue to deliver genuine value for money and measurable outcomes. This amendment ensures that there's a clear and transparent mechanism for council and the parties to jointly review whether there's adjustments needed in response to materially changed circumstances. Basically, threw it in there to strengthen the deed by ensuring that the agreement remains adaptable, accountable and capable of delivering effective results for the community over the term of the agreement, even in periods of significance. Significant external disruption. Tom Wegener 23:50.528
I'm having a question, so what I worry about is if all of a sudden, TN has contracts, has employees, has their budgets set, and if some downturn happens, would we. Consider lowering what paying Tourism Noosa, and therefore they have to pass that on to their employees? Amelia Lorentson 24:12.972
That is the intent of the cause, that we have the agility and agility and flexibility to consider. How much we're funding, to review KPIs, to review our performance measurements, to align. So yes, that's the intent. Tom Wegener 24:35.152
I'll speak to it. When we first became councillors, I think about six years ago, Noosa was facing the pandemic and one of the most heartening things I ever felt from Noosa the council was when Brett de Chastel says we will not fire anybody. Everybody's on our team and never are we gonna buckle and worry and panic and cut employees. I thought that was a really proud moment, you know, I just thought I'm joining a good team and this is so solid. So I worry about the legalities, first off, of this clause, whether it's legal or enforceable, and two, I like to, you know, we make a strong decision on something, we commit to it, we've committed to so many things, we commit to this. So I'm not sure if Larry Sengstock 25:33.048
Question. Brian Stockwell 25:34.848
Thanks, lukey. Frank Wilkie 25:42.388
The intention of this amendment, that is, there being capacity to review the funding deed if there is an external shock already catered for in the wording of the funding deed. Kim Rawlings 25:59.024
Not really. So there's a clause for, which is the clause that Councillor Wilson has just sought an amendment for, which does talk about an opportunity to review based on an external event that relates to revenue. More broadly, no. So Councillor Lorentson did circulate this, and I did provide some initial feedback, but I've since got some feedback from our legal Council, and apologies to Councillor Lorentson and Carly arlene just recently. But essentially, she has advised that potentially what this could be is a force majeure clause, which would be a standard clause to go into a deed. Which I did request during the workshops, Kim. Okay, so. The director's got the floor, please. No communication. We can draft a force majeure clause and bring that back, maybe. And for inclusion, that would be a standard process. But that's essentially what this is about. If there are external events that are outside the control of parties that affect, like pandemic, pandemics, like war, like shortage of supplies, essential, you know, natural disasters, that there is a clause by parties to SPEAKER_05_b 27:14.524
Be able to review the clause. So yeah, that would probably be the better way to do this, which will pick up all the things that you're looking to achieve. Amelia Lorentson 27:26.668
So Through the Chair, in that case, I'd like to withdraw this amendment, and then come back on at the Ordinary Meeting with a, the like to withdraw Kim Rawlings 27:45.820
This amendment, and then come circulate that to councillors. Amelia Lorentson 27:49.672
Thank you very much. Brian Stockwell 27:50.752
So councillors up to, the whole council to agree to withdraw a motion. And we'll do it by show of hands, those in favour of withdrawing the motion. That's unanimous. Okay. We have only had Councillor Stockwell talk to this. Have we got anyone else who wished to. Talk to the motion? SPEAKER_08 28:24.412
Wilson in May last year, council was presented with a report at a Special Meeting. The councillors had signalled they were not comfortable extending the existing agreement with TM for over two years. The report at the Special Meeting presented the option of a 12 month agreement. In that 12 months, council would determine the future of the relationship with TM. Nicola Wilson 28:46.271
However, the recommendation also included an instruction for council to co-create a Roadmap for TM, detailing council's future expectation of TM's role, structure, future focus and actions, and further second payment within a 12-month period, and TM's second payment was This course gave us no opportunity to end the agreement after 12 months, it pre-empted an ongoing relationship. Involved in writing the Roadmap did not allow us to objectively review council's needs and alignment with TM's services. It was just a tweak of the status quo. Notably, while council was the co-creator of the Roadmap, councillors right now. That 12-month agreement has turned into a four-year commitment by stealth. The decision should have only been on the 12-month agreement. Brian Stockwell 29:34.061
That meeting we've made. Councillor, I can pull you up. You made accusations that something was done in stealth, which is an accusation of impropriety. I thought that was drawn. Thank you. Nicola Wilson 29:45.541
Okay. The meeting we've made also committed council to consult with industry stakeholders and residents regarding any proposed funding decisions for TM. That never happened. Suggesting that consultation with the DMP cover this specifically, industry stakeholders and residents need to be specifically consulted about the dollar amount, the length of the agreement, and its value for our community. The questions in the were not enough to get a reliable response, with questions about funding being mixed in with questions about the types or levels of marketing. However, we did get some level of sentiment towards destination marketing in the community insights report. 55% wanted to review public funding of tourism, 47% to implement value-based marketing, 35% to diversify destination marketing, 87% wanted to maintain the current level of public funding of tourism and marketing, 31% wanted stop public funding, and then 35% wanted to stop promoting Noosa Shire to visitors all together. How does this deed reflect the community's wishes? The Ordinary Meeting in December 25 asked councils to approve the Roadmap in accordance with the requirements of the current 12-month deed prior to us ever receiving these insights and with most specific community or industry engagement. The 12-month-minute speech narrowly never impedes us when councils only have two days to prepare for these meetings, it's not always clear that the sub-causes may have unintended consequences. At the December meeting, I repeatedly asked what we were committing to, whether it was the preferred option, Roadmap, the $2 million per year, or the three years, and could not demonstrate an answer. I'm going to request a legal process review to examine this process. The process leading to last May was delayed due to significant delays in producing the DMP. The preferred option was for the Tourism Noosa to evolve and align with the DMP. Therefore, we would expect the goals and KPIs in this with the DMP, but there are no clear KPIs in the DMP to align to. The priorities, KPIs and metrics referred to in schedule 1 are not KPIs and I make this clear many times and even offered to run a training session on KPIs I used to teach in liverpool forms. Similarly, KPIs must meet the SWOT SMART criteria: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely. They are aligned to strategic goals, not everyday tasks. KPIs are numerical measures and use set improvement targets year-on-year or quarter-by-quarter. The completion of routine tasks is not a KPI, nor should it form part of an incentive program for planners to report. Delivering full marketing campaigns a year should be core business. The performance aspect is the success of those campaigns. The performance adjustment of $350,000 means that TM objectives. More. And still receive $1.65 million in ratepayer funds. Revenue diversification. TM can meet the KPI that defines one dollar revenue. It does not have to achieve a particular figure only to report on it. Business cases must be presented there's no requirement for to be implemented or anything about policy the quality, just deliver the report. The website must be refreshed but there is no metrics on how it performs. Deliver five quotes for the corporate events but no metrics on whether those events go ahead or their success. None of these KPIs are measured the CM. Performance in its core business for any stretch to deliver aspects of the DMP. The DMP does not specify that the TM will receive funding to deliver any specific initiatives. If the DMP is our guiding policy on tourism, it is lacking on this key relationship. I can't support a team that is lacking in accountability to our community and has not had the required consultation. Brian Stockwell 33:27.020
I to the motion. Jessica Phillips 33:30.960
I'll speak to it. Councillor Phillips. Thank you. My concern with the deed is government governance. It's not the intent, not effort, but just governance. Because the deed does more than allocate funding. It embeds the DMP into how funding is being delivered, how performance is success reported. And it does that before the strategy itself has been properly tested, and that's where the problem starts for me, because once you link funding to a strategy in this way, you're no longer just supporting it, you're locking it when we're being asked to commit $2 million per year of rate pay and money, that comes with an obligation to be certain, not hopeful, that the strategy we are funding will deliver a benefit across the entire community. And at this point for doesn't exist. There has been no demonstrated modelling that shows the economic impact across the Shire. There is no clear evidence of how this will affect different sectors, including the small and local businesses. For me, there's been no meaningful assessment of unintended consequences in a community as diverse as ours, if that matters, because what benefits one part of the economy does not automatically benefit all, and that needs to be tested, assumed. Instead, the framework does, is, what it does is measure alignment to the DMP, not outcome, not outcomes, not impact alignment, and that has created a structural problem, in my opinion, because once alignment becomes the measure of success, the system begins to reinforce it. The DMP sets direction, the D requires alignment, and the KPIs measure alignment, and the reporting confirms the alignment. But nowhere in that process is a clear independent mechanism that asks, is the strategy actually working? So for me, it's a closed governance loop. A closed loop carries risk. It creates a situation where funding can continue regardless of outcomes, where strategies can continue without being properly tested, and where issues are identified too late, not early enough to correct the course. The consequence of this doesn't sit in this room, it will actually sit in the community and there is also a second layer for me that relates to Tourism Noosa. They are being funded to deliver council aligned outcomes while also operating with constraints that limit public criticism of council and that matters because it affects independence. If the organisation responsible for delivering a strategy is not in a position to openly challenge it, then one of the key safeguards in good governance is weakened. Effective governance relies independent challenge. It relies on the ability to test assumptions, to raise issues early and question direction when needed. This structure will reduce we'll that, but I've also been told that the DMP can evolve over time. But when funding, KPIs and reporting are going to be built around alignment to a strategy, that becomes difficult in practice. You're not just updating a document, you're then trying portfolio. To shift an entire performance and funding framework, that's not flexible, it's going to be constrained. So when you step back and look at this as a whole, the issue has become clear to me. We're being to commit significant ongoing public funding to a strategy that has not been independently tested within a structure that reinforces alignment rather than outcomes and that limits the mechanisms that would normally challenge to improve it. This is not whether tourism is important, because it is, and this is not to me whether Tourism Noosa is capable, because I believe they are a professional, experienced, incredible organisation. This is where we are as council, have met the standard required to allocate public funds in the best interest of this whole community, and that standard for me is very clear. Decisions must be evidence based, they must be transparent, and they must be accountable. And right now that threshold has not been met. Because without clear evidence of whole or shyer benefit, without understanding sector impacts, and without testing unintended consequences, this is not evidence based decision making, it's assumption. I do not support walking in ongoing funding based on assumption, so the position is straightforward for me. The deed funds the implementation of a strategy, and the question is not Tourism Noosa can deliver it. The question is whether there is sufficient evidence that the strategy they are being asked to deliver will benefit the entire community, and at this point that has not been demonstrated. Without that, it is not appropriate to link ongoing great payer funding to its success. Brian Stockwell 38:30.369
Thank you. Anyone yes, I'd like to talk to the motion. Tom Wegener 38:42.120
With Jess, just to answer, my take on that is, we voted the DMP in, and so that status quo that we have, and the DMP absolutely depends on the service of Noosa for its success, so they're one and the same in a way. They actually need to work on each other. This is my understanding of Tewantin Noosa, because in order to achieve the goals of the DMP, we do it. Council can't do it. Council press can't do it. We know we can't do it. We actually need the groups around us marching shoulder to shoulder as it is. It's almost like we're coming out of the trenches shoulder to shoulder ready to face the future seems pretty dim in this world. So I kind of go back and step back and say the DMP is here. We have a new vision. This the business has fantastically done a great job over the past 20 years. Overall, they do a really good job. This is the deed here, is the deed which changes the direction, changes how the tourism business is going to work in order to supplement, implement the DMP. Because without it, we're not going to go anywhere with the DMP. And that's why I support it. We just, we've made a decision, we've set our edge, we've we have to follow through. And it's a good vision. The DMP is a positive vision for the future. And that's what this council has committed to. So I think that I'm going to follow through with our commitment to implement the ideas and the thoughts put forward in the DMP because they are genuinely good. Frank Wilkie 40:38.330
Mr who's to close? I would like to Amelia Lorentson 40:41.010
Thank you. Today the question for me is not whether we can enter into this funding arrangement but whether we should commit to it in its current form. Been asked to commit $2 million dollars of public funds per year for three years, a total of six million dollars of ratepayer money. This is a significant long-term commitment that demands the various very highest standards of certainty and assurance around outcomes. The key issue for me is the KPIs. Must be strong enough measurable enough and enforceable enough to justify this level of public investment. I have concerns that they are not sufficiently outcome focused and may not provide a clear or objective basis to assess value for money over time. Further funding is largely guaranteed with only limited performance adjustment mechanism. Year one is paid in full regardless age. Of performance and KPIs can be reviewed and amended annually by mutual agreement this raises a fundamental concern as to whether we're dealing with a fixed accountability framework or a shifting set of measures over time. That matters because this is public funding regardless of its source once it's committed through council it becomes public money and the community expects transparency, accountability and clear measurable outcomes. I have also concerns around the consultation and I'm going to reference I think it's page six of the report in front of us. G, ensure any future funding decisions for Tourism Noosa include consultation with industry stakeholders and residents ensuring transparency and input into strategic investment in Noosa tourism's future. I'm not convinced that this has occurred in a meaningful way for this specific three-year funding commitment. While there has been broader consultation through DMP process that's not the same as the community being asked to consider a clear and explicit six million dollar funding decision over three years. That distinction matters because it goes directly to public trust and confidence in how council makes decisions of this scale. We're also operating in a period of global uncertainty with rising fuel costs, aviation volatility shifting demand continuing to impact local businesses. In that environment, council needs funding arrangements that are robust, flexible and capable of responding to change. The funding agreement commitment locks council into a fixed three-Year commitment without, in my opinion, adequate safeguards for changing conditions, without sufficiently strong performance measures and without the level of consultation I would expect for a decision of this magnitude. Is not about intent and it's not about any organisation. It's about whether this deed as a governance instrument meets the standard I require as a Councillor when committing significant public resources. Again, it's not whether the arrangement is possible, it's whether it's responsible. Good governance requires confidence in the detail, clarity on performance, meaningful consultation and a clear demonstration that public funds deliver value for money over time. The KPIs are not strong enough. The accountability framework is not clear enough and we do not have the level of certainty required for a commitment of this scale. When there is that level uncertainty around performance measures and government settings, it is appropriate and it is responsible to pause and reconsider whether the current framework is the right one going forward. That context, in my opinion, the best course may be to step back and reset to ensure that we get the governance framework, the performance measures and the accountability settings right from the outset. If the decision is not to approve the funding deed, then that is what it is. That is part of responsible decision making. Arrangements evolve when they are no longer the right fit. And sometimes the most responsible path forward is not refinement of what exists, but the opportunity to design something clearer, stronger and more fit for purpose for the future and one that truly meets the expectations of our residents and our local businesses. I therefore cannot. I in good faith support the report and the deed in front of us. Brian Stockwell 45:53.539
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 45:55.379
Anyone else? Mr Chamberlain. Councillors, us is following through on the commitment to deliver on outcomes the of the Destination Management Plan, which was a ratified decision of the Noosa Council. This local government has endorsed the Destination Management Plan. This tourism funding. Tourism Noosa funding and performance deed is a key part to delivering on some of the key actions and outcomes of the Destination Management Plan as promised to this community by the decision we made as a local government last year. It's easy enough to say, to express opinion on whether or not the KPIs are adequate enough or the process has been robust or the governance has been sufficient. That's one thing. It's another thing entirely. Read this report and be assured about the governance and the reviews and the partnership and the integrity that has gone into putting this funding deed together. I hear a lot of people say that they support evidence-based decision-making. The evidence before us is that the process that has gone into getting us to where we are has been robust. We've had internal legal review. We've had external legal had procurement support the whole process and assess this deed in terms of its relevance to the Local Government Act, specifically in relation to transparency and good governance. Is more than enough opportunity to amend and review this funding deed as we progress through the three years. Do not gamble with the future of this community. This funding deed is integral. To ensuring the things we love about Noosa withstand the pressures that we're going to be facing through increased massive population growth in South East Queensland, influx of visitation in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics. To 2032 Olympics, say we need to delay lay and rebuild from ground up, in my opinion, is obstructionist and irresponsible and doesn't give the community and the industry the certainty that they deserve. We're here to make decisions. We've got, I don't recall any instance where there's been so much governance, internal and external legal review, procurement involved around any funding deed that council has entered into before. Councillors, you've had your input into this. You've attended workshops on this. Yes, just because we. Our input during those workshops, all of it isn't reflect. You see reflected in the documents that come before this council, does not in any way diminish their value or the integrity of the process. We have excellent staff who are community members, who are just as invested in this working as we are, as the industry is, as the residents are. Councillors, don't gamble with the future of this community. Let's not delay anymore. Let's not give anyone cause to think that there's an obstructionist game being played here. Let's just get on with this, make the decision that the community expect us to make, endorse this because we've endorsed the Destination Management Plan and this is integral to the delivery of the Destination Management Plan. Thank you. Karen Finzel 49:44.107
I just have a question. Given the uncertainty around the table and comments and questions that have come to the table, this ASSIST has been increasingly categorised and characterised by complexity and rapid change externally and locally and abroad. So my question is, to address that changing landscape and uncertainty around. Future at so many levels of which we're all aware, is there an opportunity to provide some assurity of being able to progress this forward and perhaps instead of, can we amend it instead of for three years, could we make it for one year? Can we test an amendment on. So number A, like could we explore or debate the idea of approving approve it for one year as opposed to three years? Through the Chair of the CEO. Larry Sengstock 51:19.623
I think we have to look back on, Through the Chair, why the decision was taken a three-year agreement is it's to give certainty to the organisations, both organisations, so to take it back to one year, and we have, I've looked at the documentation, we have, in December last year, we made a commitment for three a-year funding agreement with the intent then to work through and develop a deed, which is then before you decide today, but it's based on, we based it on the three-year agreement. Again, take it back to one year, I'm not sure be acceptable to Tourism Noosa, because they are reliant on funding, as we know, for their ongoing business operations. Business operations, so I just think that um back to one year at this at this point would be quite regressive and difficult and would take some time for us to go back and I'm not sure that we would get to a point. We're able to provide certainty for any organisation going forward. Tom Wegener 52:32.437
Can we've talked about the abomination that Councillor Wegener went through- I went through to Brian Stockwell 52:40.796
See you. Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 52:49.656
A question then to Councillor Wegener. Would you like to make a comment around the idea of making amendment on item number A as per my previous-- Tom Wegener 52:59.976
What about-- we-- one of our things that we did was we hung the tewans and Noosa and other groups out so badly at one time in our term that we need that-- the security. I think that they really need that security in order to do what they need to or else we're right back to where we are. Amelia Lorentson 53:21.474
Point of order is there's commentary, not a question being asked. And Councillor Wegener's already spoken. Yes, it is difficult, but he was asked Brian Stockwell 53:31.215
A question and his response related to that but it did take the form of an additional argument, but it was a question and he did answer it. Council your hand up. Jessica Phillips 53:52.515
I think it was just a question to the CEO around if it goes to one year, the KPIs tied to DMP, would it be tricky because DMP is meant to be a ten year ongoing? Larry Sengstock 54:06.862
Absolutely, yeah, we will have to get back and readjust and re-look at all of that. Amelia Lorentson 54:12.682
And I would also, to the CEO, would a one year amendment also possibly be ultra vires, not ultra vires, but would it be not in keeping with the intent of the report in front of us, which is tied to three years. Is needed move an alternative motion if that was the intent one there of the changes. Brian Stockwell 54:40.792
That would be mine, okay, so I think you've got several questions for Councillor Finzel. Thank you. Would you like to talk to the motion? No, thank you. Okay. So I'll close. So councillors, there's been a range of matters raised which are only marginally related to the decision in front of us. The assertion that we need information. More is highly contestable. Never in the history of Noosa, and probably in Australia, has as much research been done on the local tourism industry as what we've done since we started the Destination Management Plan process. The information that Councillor Phillips seeks is very well covered within the first draft paper that went out to the community and had huge response which gave council a very clear idea of where to go. We have a concept that strategies shouldn't lead agreements with co-deliverers, which is the opposite of the real world. I can recommend a very good book called network government and that's what we're doing here. We recognise that to do the Destination Management Plan. Have to have a network of co-deliverers. With any complex sustainability problem, if you don't bring the key stakeholders and the key industry along with you, are doomed to failure. Now, it's not a surprise to me that three councillors who didn't vote for the Destination Management Plan have talked about this motion, but that's not the decision in front of us. Is, are we agreeing to the deed that complies with what was requested by us in the road. Matt? And the answer is yes. We've had talks about KPIs and what KPIs should be, and what Councillor Wilson pointed out as what, in her world of financial management and business, what KPIs are, it may be in different worlds, key performance indicators mean different things. And as a person who teaches at university level and has paid as a consultant to do these things, they can be very widely interpretive. Yes, we can look at the KPIs in this agreement and say there's not a whole lot of outcomes specified, but that is, once again, linked back to the point that we're looking at Tourism Noosa to collaborate with council and their industry and in our community to drive forward to achieve these outcomes that can't be done by one individual organisation on its own. To suggest that we don't as councillors have enough knowledge of what the community and stakeholders desire and don't desire in this means you haven't been doing your job. There's been no other issue prosecuted as much as this one and we know there are upsides. But what we're certain of is that this organisation historically funded by a specific levy which was transferred a rate of the dollar for businesses and tourism enterprises is still funded by businesses and tourism enterprises. Okay, so councillors, to me this is a really straightforward suggestion. Had a subcommittee of tourism NERCA working with our staff and their expertise, but we as councils have been involved in numerous workshops in every step of the way. Our access to providing input is unmatched in Queensland. Unmatched, the level of consultation that staff have with councillors. So don't use that as an argument because it's a fallacious one. Council is very simple. Improve the Roadmap and honour the agreements that we've made over time or if you don't support it brings council's reputation into disrepute. I put the motion. Those in favour? That's councillors Wilkie, Wegener and Stockwell. Those against? Here's Councillor Wilson, Phillips, Lorentson and Finzel. The motion's lost. We move on. Do we have a turnative motion that someone wishes to move? Sorry, turnative motion to. I'll move it. That the matter of the Tourism Noosa funding agreement be referred to the Ordinary Meeting on Thursday of this week. Frank Wilkie 59:43.238
I'll second it. Well, I just wanted to say thank you very, very much to everybody and I hope you have does anyone wish to discuss the motion? It's just a deferral motion. I support the motion because I think it gives this government local an opportunity to have an internal workshop on the repercussions of not approving the Tourism Noosa funding deed and what that means for the industry and the future of this community. Nicola Wilson 01:00:10.687
Point of order. This sounds like you're trying to influence our votes. We've already voted. Brian Stockwell 01:00:16.134
No, that motion has been lost. There has to be a motion on the item. This is a new motion. The motion is a procedural one to refer to the Ordinary Meeting. Amelia Lorentson 01:00:29.054
Can I seek, please, some governance advice on that? Sure. And can we maybe adjourn until we get that advice, please? Sure. Yep, I'm happy to be doing it without a. Yeah, happy to move to adjourn after Councillor Finzel's question. Brian Stockwell 01:00:47.362
Don't have to move it. I'm happy as dead. Do you want an adjournment? Yeah. Thank you very Brian Stockwell 01:17:33.440
Okay, welcome back. During the adjournment, the CEO had a chance to discuss the matter with governance and the question was whether the motion to. Procedural motion to defer to the Ordinary Meeting was in accordance with orders. So, um, Mr CEO, do you have a view on that now? Larry Sengstock 01:17:57.838
So the process, and we've just had an adjournment to discuss this with our, with our, um, governance team and to look at the, um, the Standing Orders. The process is that the motion went forward, it was lost, so therefore there's still nothing take forward in terms of going, so we need to have another motion. Now, whether that's a procedural motion or an alternate motion, um, is both, um, acceptable in my understanding, um, and the Chair has put up a procedural motion as the first. Now, it hasn't been, uh, has it been. Second. Yes, it has. Um, before we then went into adjournment. So, that's the position currently, is, um, because it was lost, it then goes into a, into a um. We still need a motion that's, to take forward to, um, our Ordinary Meeting, because it's a General Committee. Remember, this is not the final deciding, or decisive meeting. Amelia Lorentson 01:18:59.290
Um, through the CEO. Just for clarity, what section in the Standing Orders, um, states that a procedural motion can be moved after a decision's made? My understanding, it has to be done during the debate, before a decision's made. Can you just state what section in the standing order you're referring to? Yeah. Because there was no decision taken, that's the advice I've been given. There's no decision taken, so the procedural motion is 31, but it's open to discussion. Can I have a reference please what section in the Standing Orders states that a procedural motion can be moved once a decision has been made? Brian Stockwell 01:19:47.011
So I'll answer it as the Chair, and this will be my ruling, and you can vary from your. Ruling is the decision hasn't been made. A motion was put up which was lost, so there is no decision on the books in regard to the item in front of us. Frank Wilkie 01:20:03.610
If there was a motion counted, that council not approve the Tourism Noosa funding and performance deed as read, that would be considered a motion? Yes. Brian Stockwell 01:20:16.326
So the council could I put it around, there was no one at hand so I did the. So at the moment we are proceeding on the basis that the motion to defer to the Ordinary Meeting is legitimate. Is a motion, it's open to the meeting to either vote for it or against it. Frank Wilkie 01:20:42.860
But the point is, you're making, Mr Chair, is that. Whether it's this one or another motion some sort of motion needs to be ratified by this majority of these councillors to go to the Ordinary Meeting and appear on the Ordinary Meeting agenda. That's correct. Tom Wegener 01:21:02.050
Could it be that to say we say that nothing was decided we were not going to fund that we don't want going to pursue them the deed and it would that be the motion that people would be okay that's it like is that an example of a motion that would be made that confirms basically have to confirm that you did not vote Brian Stockwell 01:21:23.772
For the deed. That would be an option if the current procedural motion falls. Amelia Lorentson 01:21:30.692
I'm not going to support the procedural motion in front of us because I have an alternative motion that I would like to test and I've circulated it to all the councillors some time ago. Brian Stockwell 01:21:43.392
Thank you. Anyone else? Oh, just the. I'll get, I'm sorry. I'm sorry, here's it is a procedural motion, they all can talk to it. Anyone else wish to talk to the procedural motion? I'll speak to it, I won't support this because I would prefer to see if there's an alternative motion. Thank you. Karen Finzel 01:22:16.866
Okay. Just to clarify, we're voting now on the procedural motion to take it to, yes, I have a question just for clarification Through the Chair to the CEO. In terms of the Standing Orders, can you confirm that we are unable to pull it out of the Ordinary Meeting? If it just moves forward without motion? Larry Sengstock 01:22:42.351
Need to have, my understanding, and this is with the governance, sorry, Through the Chair, is we still need to have something that we take to ordering. So whether that's the procedural motion or whether it's an alternate motion, that then goes to ordering, we've the ability then, you've got the ability, to pull it back out and relitigate or discuss, but we need to have something to take forward. The Standing Orders are quite silent on this, but because there's nothing on the books, it's open to a motion, and or an alternative is available to us. This is my advice that I'm going to provide. Brian Stockwell 01:23:20.510
Councillor Wilson first and then Councillor Lorentson. Nicola Wilson 01:23:22.649
Just a correction, it says General Committee, the vote to the general committee, which is the Ordinary Meeting. And we normally don't have to put a date, Brian Stockwell 01:23:30.149
Don't we? Yeah, exactly. Yeah, and if you can. That's and it's April 16. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:23:42.820
I have section 31.1 of our Standing Orders in front of me. It states very clearly, 31.1 procedural motions. A Councillor at a meeting of council may. The debate of a matter at the meeting, move as a procedural motion following motions. I think it's very clear that, you know, I'm still challenging whether a procedural motion can be moved after the debate. Says very clearly during the debate of a matter. Brian Stockwell 01:24:16.455
I'll take that as a point of order and I've given my ruling on it before which I disagree with that view. Okay, so I'm just going the motions. Those in favour? And I cancel as will be. Do we get to have another? Councillor cancel that. Wegener, Councillor Stockwell, that we still have not got the resolution. Against? Yes. Sorry, better not put my hand up both ways. Councillor Wilson, Councillor Phillips, Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Finzel. And do we have a further motion? Amelia Lorentson 01:24:49.105
I'd like to move an alternative motion, thank you. That council 8, the report notes regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa. Can you just give me a moment to catch up with you? Sure. I've sent it in an email ten minutes let's refresh the rules. Is that's correct, yes. That council A: notes the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa. Does not adopt the proposed deed in its current form. Requests that the chief executive prepare an interim funding arrangement for Tourism Noosa to ensure continuity of core destination marketing services and F notes that the intent of this resolution is to ensure continuity of tourism promotion services while council undertakes a full review of governance, funding arrangements and community consultation. Do we have a seconder for that motion? I have a second. Councillor Phillips was the seconder. Councillor Lorentson? I just think this is the correct way forward. It acknowledges the decision that's been made around the table today and also ensures that a short are there's some continuity while full review is undertaken. I'm surprised that default position for funding for Tourism Noosa had or a contingency planning hadn't been put to us in case this didn't go through so I think this gives us the opportunity to provide some continuity ensure that there is continued core destination marketing services delivered and that we have the opportunity to review agreement funds the funding arrangements and most importantly ensure that we deliver on our May 2025 resolution which was to consult with community in terms of tourism investment Brian Stockwell 01:27:40.967
I just others wish to talk to the motion SPEAKER_10 01:27:47.590
Councillor Wegener, just my thought, sorry, the axe has fallen. Tom Wegener 01:28:03.713
I think that we have voted to not support tourism due to continue on it this thing I just don't support this say that we're gonna including community consultation and a four of you in governance we've been doing that for two years now kind of over it like it like cut the head off the snake we did it but I won't support it Frank Wilkie 01:28:24.908
Look I'm really surprised that a plan B in the making for such a long time that is inextricably linked to delivery of the Destination Management Plan has just been conjured up in certainly we need something to go forward to Thursday because by that time we may have some legal advice about what Tourism Noosa may do with their next step how I'll probably be in a minority and this will have something to go to thursday's meeting I can't support this resolution because it's a hastily cobbled together plan B that pales in into insignificance when compared against the rigor and the governance and the partnership and good faith that has gone into preparing the deed which as we know in internal, external funding, external, internal legal advice, procurement advice, clear KPIs and part D is a full review of a governance, funding arrangements, community consultation, it's so broad. Council's governance, council's funding arrangements, community consultation. Look, I can't support it in principle, SPEAKER_01 01:30:08.011
But at least we'll have something on the books to go forward to thursday's meeting. I wish time will, I hope all councillors will be fully aware of what they're Brian Stockwell 01:30:29.000
Doing. Others wish to talk? Karen Finzel 01:30:31.320
Just in response to the no plan B, I mean this was discussed very early on around if this came to the vote to councillors it would fall either way. So, you know, it's nothing new, it just is we didn't have, through the negotiations and everyone working hard for the partnership, we never found agreement in my opinion and this is where it's landed. So, I just put that comment forward terms in of rebutting what the Mayor said with regards to that because there has been discussion along the journey around that potential to happen. Brian Stockwell 01:31:34.780
Others wish to talk? Amelia Lorentson 01:31:37.320
Councillor Lorentson wish to close. I will. I'm just going to just draw everyone's attention to the 18th of December 2025 decision where there were only six councillors and it was a split vote and the decision was made with the casting of raising new matters. When you close you are not allowed to do that under the Standing Orders. I will close by acknowledging what Councillor terms of this should come as no surprise. There has been discussions during the workshop and a split decision made on the 18th of December 2025 split 3-. One Councillor was away. This to me should not be a surprise and if anything we should have had some contingency planning in place understanding that this was very contentious both around this table and also in community. I think this is a responsible way forward we have also the opportunity between now and Thursday to understand what the legal financial and operational consequences of this decision are and once again possibly would have been great to have this information knowing that it was going to be contentious before it came to a meeting today Brian Stockwell 01:33:04.462
Okay I put the motion those in favour that's Councillor Lorentson and Phillips those against that's Councillor Wilson Wilkie Finzel Wegener and Stockwell so we have yet to have a successful motion on this item does else have an alternative motion they wish to move Councillor Wilson Nicola Wilson 01:33:37.090
The same as what Councillor Lorentson just raised but went out past the ND yes I agree yes Brian Stockwell 01:34:07.640
That cancels. The council's, are you clear about this one? It is, while equating it'll say that council notes the report regarding the proposed funding agreement arrangement with Tourism Noosa and B does not support the proposed deed in its current form. We got a seconder for that? I think she's second. Councillor Lorentson? Councillor Wilson, you have the floor. Nicola Wilson 01:34:29.323
I think this is a position that we've arrived at through the vote of the previous motion, but to put it into, to turn it around into an action that we can take forward to the Ordinary Meeting. Also, I think maintaining that the deed in its current form still leaves potentially the option open to amend the deed. Or still have conversations. Frank Wilkie 01:34:55.070
Yeah, I'll support that Mr Chair. It's a sensible way forward, gives us opportunity to actually get an understanding of how the deed can be amended to take on board concerns that councillors do have and even dare I hope for a consensus. I've been called an optimist. I hope that we can reach a consensus. But it at least leaves that door open. Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:35:27.357
I'm also happy to support it. I think it's again one of our obligations that we come to meetings with open minds and final decisions made at Ordinary Meeting. I think removing A and B was the correct way to go ahead. So thank you, Councillor Wilson. And I'm happy to support the amendment. Brian Stockwell 01:35:51.648
Anyone else wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:35:54.588
Yes, I'm happy to support the amendment. I do believe we need to leave it open to move through this because this is, you know, a partnership involving not only tourism. This is a partnership between the organisation and our community. It's a partnership between councillors and our community and the people we live and work amongst every day. This is a really major decision. This came up in the two in our previous election campaign. My opinion communities strongly raised their concerns around continued funding in its current form around tourism and we're all aware of that. We've read the reports, we've discussed it around the table at workshops and we have actually done our jobs I might add and we have worked diligently and we represent a modern-day leadership group with diversity around the table understanding that we need to respond to changing expectations in our community and abroad given the current circumstances that are beyond our control what is within our control today is to continue this debate to try and reach a consensus that actually gives fair and equal representation all our partners it is with diligence and code of conduct that we as councillors move to this position and I do take a front at being told or insinuating have not done our jobs the councillors have worked hard the staff has worked hard external community has worked hard the voices of our people have clearly been indicated to each of us as councillors within our areas of influence we have respected Tourism Noosa, board, and what they've come to the table with in good faith so I'm happy to support this because we need the rise of we leaders that we come together with diversity but collectively we make those decisions for the best outcome at that given time for all the people that I've just mentioned that we represent the different sectors so I'm happy to support this I believe that successful leaders are able to move forward and take on board the ever-changing environment diversity the and the complexities just as we did in COVID so I'm confident that this going forward gives us opportunity to further give extra time and expertise rather than just going being admonished we had heard enough we have been given enough clearly the outcome here today supports that is not necessarily the case so in closing I would like to thank each and every person that has worked on this in good faith to try and achieve a fair and equitable outcome for everyone that we represent in Amelia Lorentson 01:39:14.867
Chair I not correct it's C and D that was. Brian Stockwell 01:39:20.669
That's what you were intending to do? Oh so not A and B, remove A and B. No, that's correct. I think Councillor Lorentson misunderstood. Amelia Lorentson 01:39:28.709
He does not adopt the proposed state okay Jessica Phillips 01:39:32.530
I'll speak it. Sure. I've been talking to my kids a lot about integrity and honesty lately and for me it just circles back to the way we make really good decisions is by being really honest at the table and in workshops and when I sat with the Tourism Noosa board which was two years into my term or not quite but I was surprised that would take so long when we were in partnership with an organisation to try and be on the game understanding to where they were at and where we were at as a new council I think the community expect us to be honest with them and honest about the fact that they are scrutinizing more than ever where we spend money me it's just bringing back some true honest conversation that has no bias or no already decision made and just really rip the band-aid off and say you know what is this what do we want and it fit to me it's become so complex from different opinions and we should just really go back to I know that the man is not impressed with my wording of evidence-based decision making but for me think that speaks the truth and I think that's what the community are asking for us so I'll support the amendment because I do think it's not surprising to me that we're sitting here today with this in front of us. Brian Stockwell 01:41:13.363
Anyone else wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:41:17.523
So this is just the as I said before the previous motion this is as the motion was lost this is the outcome of that I'm not getting any more I'm not trying to add anything else in at this late stage the door open just saying in its current form so it doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of our relationship with Tourism Noosa it just means that we don't support the deed in its current form. There have been comments today which I'm quite offended by about council's not doing their job or the council's wanting more information or the council's not understanding the consequences of their actions and I'm going to Brian Stockwell 01:41:52.524
Pull you up that is not a close that was regarding to the previous debate when you're closing your SPEAKER_09_b 01:42:05.244
So I'm just saying I'm quite happy that I've done plenty of work on this motion or the previous motion which resulted in this motion I can do my job I have done all my research I sought advice and I don't need to be pressured in the next three days about changing my vote. That's it, thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:42:25.351
I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's Councillor Wilson, Wilkie, Phillips, Lorentson and Finzel and Wegener. And against would be Councillor Stockwell. And I will apologise if in the last debate I did. Sound like I was admonishing um I it wasn't my intent I was my intent was to say that I think that if we didn't have a clear understanding but I'll accept the legitimate trade concerns so I will apologise on now, which the next is a confidential session we're going to deal with these items two separately so we're going to if I can have a motion just to go in for item one in confidential session section nine please. Amelia Lorentson 01:43:22.723
I'm happy to move that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254 J3G of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing a contract proposed to be made by council in particular potential commercial negotiations in relation to the contracts for item 9.1 confidential contract award Contract No. CN26032 Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre pool Water Treatment Plant filtration upgrade works. Brian Stockwell 01:43:58.410
Do I have a seconder? I second it. Councillor Wilkie all in favour? I think we're down to all staff in the room now. So who was going to talk Brian Stockwell 01:57:34.508
Going to locate the new onions, and then we'll just put them in there, okay. So welcome back. We're considering item 9.1 for a contract award for the Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre treatment plant Filtration Upgrade Works. Do we have a mover for the. We're moving the staff recommendation. Councillor Phillips, and I think I saw Councillor Finzel's hand, seconded. Do you wish to talk to the motion, Councillor Phillips Jessica Phillips 01:58:05.027
Yes thank you for the report. This is one of my favourite places in Noosa. I will be a little bit sad for 12 weeks, but I think the community should be really pleased to know that a much Noosa-loved place to take kids and lap swimmers and sport swimmers and alikes and all the other factors at the NAC, the gym and everything. So I'm just very pleased to support our sport and active lifestyle in Noosa and I think that it should be celebrated with our community that we're making sure that we've got some really good equipment. Obviously filtration to me is something that would be pretty important at a pool. So I'm glad to see, and I may have dived under the kids pool the other day playing a game and I'm just really glad there's going to be some new filtration systems. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:59:03.650
Thanks. And the CA has pointed out that as this was a confidential item it might be beneficial for the motion to be read out, so I'll do note the report life by the sport and active lifestyle manager to General Committee dated 13th April 2026 regarding the outcome of the tender process for Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre pool water treatment plant, filtration upgrade works and award contract numbers CN26032 for Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre water pool water treatment filtration upgrade works to CMP Corp Pty Ltd under a lump sum contract for a total contract value of $1,210,780.40 to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate finalise and execute and do all things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of council. Is there anyone else who wishes to talk to the motion? No? Are you happy not to close Councillor Phillips? Put the motion those in okay so we move on to the next item which is a contract award report for the Cooroy Gymnasium upgrading extension and Councillor Phillips you have a declaration. Jessica Phillips 02:00:20.560
I do in accordance with chapter 5 of the Local Government Act 2009 I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to item 9.2 confidential contract award report Contract No. CN25048 Cooroy Gymnasium upgrade and extension on this agenda because I am working ten hours per week as the general manager and coach of the Cooroy Gymnasium Club and as a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:00:53.130
I invite Councillor Phillips to leave the meeting room. And councillors, could I have. To move into confidential session please. Councillor Finzel I think had her hand up first and Councillor Wegener we're happy that it's a standard wording we don't need to read that out. All in favour? That's unanimous. Brian Stockwell 02:15:10.952
The live stream yes we're live all right so welcome back how we've only got the final item. Happy to move. Moved by Councillor Lorentson and seconded by Councillor Finzel. Councillor Lorentson do you wish to talk to the motion? Amelia Lorentson 02:15:32.196
I'll read the motion firstly but council note the report by the project manager and graduate engineer to the general committee meeting dating dated 13 April 2026. The award Contract No. CN25048 for Cooroy Gymnasium upgrade and extension to Murphy Builders QLD Pty Ltd under a lump sum Design & Construct contract for an estimated total contract value of three million six $3,692,575.40. GST excluded as follows. One, the lump sum amount of $3,218,000, so $3,218,467.73. Two, the provision of additional scope for the removal of value management options for an amount of $251,607.67. Sixty seven three, a provisional of $222,500. And C, delegate authority to the CEO to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all the things necessary to administer and vary the contract on of behalf council. Thank you, do you wish to now speak to that Councillor Lorentson? Just to firstly acknowledge the report graduate engineer and Jasper just noting it was really well done and also to make note the core gymnasium upgrade it's the only gymnasium competitive gymnasium facility we've got in the Shire it's well used well loved and have excellent staff there including our own councillor who works there as a coach I also note I think it's the first time or first time in a long time that they actually had gymnasts attending state event down in Brisbane again anything to do with sport and our community bring it on we need to be upgrading extending and providing opportunities for all our sporting groups membership and growing needs in the Shire to help keep our youth active and out of their off their screens again we cannot support enough as a council and also as a group so thank you for the report in front of us and happy to support anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 02:18:16.359
Councillor Finzel yes, just quickly. It's all been said. Thank you for the report. I'd like to also acknowledge the stakeholders and the community, ongoing community engagement that had the privilege to go along to that, and that was a quite extensive work, and everyone did a great job, so thank you to everyone who's been involved in providing a facility that, you know, is at that standard that we can find and train young people to a standard where, you know, perhaps we can find a few olympians in the Shire. So, thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:18:51.180
Yes, need to close? Thank you. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. That brings us to the meeting closed but we should give the opportunity, thank you, to Councillor Phillips if she's still in attendance to rejoin the meeting so we can close it. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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