Commercial High Use Permits - Tender Assessment (CN25153) And Consequential Policy Amendment

Brian Stockwell35:51

Put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Thank you. We now move on to item three which is commercial high use permits, tender assessment and consequential policy amendment. We welcome up acting manager of property, Hayley, and the Director, who's there? You let's see if we that have one there.

Amelia Lorentson36:15

In accordance with Chapter 5B, the Local Government Act, I inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest for item 7.3, initial commercial high use assessment. Tender assessment and consequential policy amendment on this agenda. As my children have previously, over 12 months ago, worked for Dean Brady who is an applicant in the upcoming commercial high use tender process. My children are also members of Noosa Boardriders Association and Club where they are coached by Dean Brady as a result of my conflict of interest. In exercising abundance of caution, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on.

Divert to Brian at times if there's any process or tender related questions. Other than that I've got it mostly covered. Good morning. I present this report to Council regarding the outcomes of the commercial high-use permit tender assessment and the associated. Policy. Amendments. The purpose of this report is to see Council endorsement to issue new five-year commercial high-use permits commencing the 1st of July 2026. For approved activities Council-controlled community land in the Noosa beach precinct. These permits relate to a limited number of high-demand commercial activities on community land including surf schools, beach hire, refreshment vans and other surf-based activities. The current permits are due to expire the 30th of June and Council resolved earlier this year to undertake a competitive tender process to ensure fair access and good governance. The tender process was conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act where submissions were invited through a VendorPanel and supported by independent probity advisor Preston Law. The probity advisor has confirmed the process was conducted appropriately and that there is no issues affecting a Council's ability to award these permits. 17 conforming submissions from 11 businesses were assessed by five by a five-person evaluation panel. These submissions were evaluated against a weighted criteria including track record and capital investment, managing planning, environmental and sustainable initiatives, alignment with Council's DMP or Destination Management Plan and contribution to the local economy. And community. Following this process, the panel recommends that of the seven available permits, four be awarded to existing operators, reflecting strong performance and service continuity. And three be awarded to new operators, introducing improved offerings in alignment with Council's strategic objectives. A notable change is the recommendation to repurpose the existing surf dance permit. The is proposed to be awarded to ability surf to deliver allied health service, sorry, surf therapy sessions supporting people with disabilities through structured small-scale programs which align with Council's inclusion and well-being objectives. To reflect the outcome, the report recommends the consequential amendment to the commercial use of community land policy to formally recognise the surf therapy as a supported activity. Overall, the recommendation provides a balanced outcome that maintains quality and reliable service to the community, supports local economy activity, and enhances visitor experience, and ensures a sustainable and equitable use of the high-value community land. Accordingly, Council is asked to note the report, endorse the recommended committees, and adopt an amended policy to enable the implementation from 1 July 2026.