General Committee Meeting, 6 October 2026
Date: Tuesday, 6 October 2026 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin, QLD 4565, Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 04:06:15
Synopsis: Affordable rentals in Cooroy approved w/ 20-yr covenant, Events framework adopted, Biosecurity Plan adopted, Zero Emissions alliance deferred, Aquatic Centre strategy endorsed, Gallery case deferred.
Meeting Attendees
Committee Members
Jessica Phillips Brian Stockwell Karen Finzel Tom Wegener Frank Wilkie Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Bill Haddrill Acting Director Community Services Alison Hamblin Acting Director Corporate Services David Lewis Apologies (Did Not Attend)
Meeting Transcript
Tom Wegener 00:00.969
Buckle up. Jessica Phillips 00:01.380
Good morning and Welcome to Noosa Council's General Committee held today Tuesday the 6th of October 2026 at 10am. I declare the meeting open in Council chambers in Tewantin and all Councillors are in attendance with one apology being Councillor Lorentson who is enjoying some well-earned time off with her family. I'd like to begin by acknowledging the Kabi Kabi people as Traditional Custodians of the land, waterways and the seas of the Noosa region and pay my respects to elders past and present. I also want to acknowledge aboriginal and torres strait islander peoples from many nations who call Noosa home and recognise its strength, resilience and enduring connection to country. We're going to move on to the confirmation of minutes, item four, the General Committee Meeting minutes dated the 8th of September, 2026. Can I have a move, I'm stepping up. Thank you. Any we'll stop there. Thank you. Right, all right, moving on. There is no presentations, no deputations, and our first items for noting on the General Committee reports is items. Item 7.1.1, which is the planning applications decided by delegated authority for August 2026. And I'm going to ask Patrick and Ben. Thank you, Ben and Patrick, to the table to provide us with the reports. Thank you. Ben 01:36.479
Councillors. We have the development applications decided for August, report for noting. The report, per the report, there were 32 applications that were approved under delegation in the month of August with zero refusals. Were on there any particular questions? On the report? Tom Wegener 01:57.278
Could I ask you about 18 Taylor Court for the low impact industry of 54 units for the transport depot? Is that already set that you have there's been an application to actually do that there's people that are it's ongoing process? Patrick Murphy 02:14.785
So this is a development application that has been approved for a Material Change of Use for the 54 units for low impact industry. The zoning of the site is low impact industry under the Noosa Plan 2020. It was industry under the previous scheme, the 2006 scheme. There was only one industry zoning under that scheme. There has been, there's a number of sites. It was originally known as one Taylor Court and was subdivided some years ago and there's been a number of applications. And development that's occurred out there in Taylor Court. This, as I said, is for 54 units for low impact industry. There's associated reconfiguration that's been approved, which will, you know, create the titles for each of the buildings that are developed and then the associated operational works. And do you know how many acres that would be? The actual site itself. Do have the details here. Just, sorry, bear with me. It's 20,000 square metres, so it's just over two hectares. Tom Wegener 03:23.499
Just over two. And last question, it seems though, with the build up there, is any plans for pathways or of ways to get from town to this industrial area? Patrick Murphy 03:37.643
Not associated with this approval. There was no requirement when it was originally reconfigured to provide a connection. Noting, I suppose, the significant distance and the complex arrangements that would need to be negotiated for a pathway to be provided involving crossing state roads. Thank you. Tom Wegener 04:01.151
I'd love to see pathways, you know, obviously, you know, going in so there's a reduced traffic flow because the town is not that far away. Frank Wilkie 04:12.732
Yeah, thank you, Chair. The development application that was approved for the Botanic Gardens, Lake Macdonald Drive, Macdonald outdoor sport and recreation rowing club, could you explain how that decision has helped Resolve some of the disruption that the club's been experiencing out there because of the Lake Macdonald dam upgrade works? Patrick Murphy 04:31.954
Certainly I mean with the upgrade works there was a requirement for the club to be relocated. Those works have you know well progressed in terms of the dam upgrade so the club has been not able to function in terms of how it previously had functioned if they had to move. We did a previous approval which is down on Boyes road and then with the lowering of the dam below what was originally anticipated it created some issues for them in terms of the site that had approved and their ability to get access into the water. So they subsequently sought a new site which is this site at the Botanic Gardens. Um so we've been through the process of a code-assessable application to being able to support their relocation to that site. In a similar form to what was previously approved there'll be a requirement for them to paint a shipping container to have some kind of Mayoral on it to soften that impact and then there's some hours for them to comply with seeking to minimise the impact. Of the amenities local area so a good outcome for the rowing club certainly in terms of them being able to facilitate their operations moving forward. So. Frank Wilkie 05:44.129
Better access to the water? And when the dam works are finished will they have to relocate. Patrick Murphy 05:48.694
Again? There is a provision requiring their relocation the time that the dam works, there's a period of time for when the dam works are completed, whichever is the earliest. So we'll be entering into negotiations, I'm sure, at that point in time. Frank Wilkie 06:03.603
The site that's chosen, when the dam refills, it won't inundate this site? Will no. Okay. You. Jessica Phillips 06:08.795
Thank have a question around, this seems like quite a lot, I mean each month there seems to be a significant amount of applications that come through, just in relation to resources and timing in your department. I moving along? Is the time of approval within the statutory requirements, is there anything that is required to sort of make sure that we stay on top of that? Patrick Murphy 06:39.224
In terms of our statutory timeframes, it seems we're doing a very good job in terms of complying. The one that we do have challenges with is often the minor change applications, so since Ben's come on board, we've had a bit of a priority with the team, with their resources and with their workload, and we've worked really strongly with individuals to identify applications that they've probably had for a timeframe longer than ideal, and so we've been able to get those out. So we're seeing some improvements there, but I think the minor changes is probably where we'll be seeking to really focus some improvements in our timeframes in the future. We do have a team member who's currently on maternity leave. They'll be back in the new year, so we're looking forward to welcoming them back. We had a resource that was assisting us up until September, which was very helpful. But certainly when tiani comes back in early February, it'll be a great balance for us. Jessica Phillips 07:33.345
So on that, do we backfill the position from that lease for the entire time, or how do. Patrick Murphy 07:39.323
We had a, through kemetra, which is an agency that we use to bring staff on, we had someone in for about six to eight months, which was sufficient for us at that point in time. We also brought in a new officer. We had a vacancy, which we brought in to fill that position as well. So with yarny coming back in February, we'll be quite well resourced, but at the moment we are holding our own. Any other questions? Jessica Phillips 08:06.973
Yeah. Karen Finzel 08:07.213
Okay. Thank you. Just coming back to 18 Taylor Court, just for like, you know, community has active eyes on that area at the moment. Just with regards to the process, it says what was reconfigured with the community title subdivision, 154, we know that. Can you talk to us why then that didn't go out to public consultation due to the process? Patrick Murphy 08:33.804
Yeah, so our table of assessments sets the assessment um the assessment pathway um whether that be accepted development code or impact the operational works applications are always code-assessable so our reconfiguring a lot applications are always code-assessable the Material Change of Use applications are sometimes code sometimes impact in this instance it was code-assessable the use of low impact industry is consistent use obviously aligned with the zoning so no public notification was required but assessment was required against the relevant codes Thank you. Jessica Phillips 09:14.503
Any other questions? Can I have a move on? Tom Wegener 09:17.165
I'll move it. Jessica Phillips 09:19.026
Thanks, that's a good one. Tom Wegener 09:20.406
I'll second it. Jessica Phillips 09:21.127
Thank you, that's lovely. I'm just calling in Mayor Wilkie. You can call me Mayor Wilkie. All those in favour? I am giving an opportunity to speak to it, Tom. Thank you very much, Kerry. I am giving an opportunity to speak to it, Tom. /007 And RAL23/001 material change use for multiple dwellings, affordable rental premises at 19 small dwelling units, and the reconfiguration of a lot 4 x 2 at 45-47A Opal Street and 9 Myall Street, Cooroy. And we're back. Thank you, Councillor. Ben 10:27.993
Well, I won't summarise the entire development. Some highlights of the application before Council today is, as you've said, it's for 19 small dwellings to operate as affordable rental premises. Of those 19 small dwellings, that will comprise seven one-bed dwellings and 12 two-bedroom units at 45 A Opal Street and 9 Myall Street in Cooroy. So it's quite an irregular shaped parcel number of lots. Other notable features of this proposal are the retention of the existing character dwelling that fronts Opal Street and also the front fence as well that contributes to the streetscape character of that area. The proposal makes the on-site car parking requirement providing 24 on-site car parking spaces. Of those 24 spaces that includes five visitor car parking spaces and one PWD space as well. There are some minor variations to the code of that is some minor instances of height exceedance where sections of the development range from 8.2 to 8.65 metres in height. However that is limited to the roof pitch of the development and largely due to the existing site conditions or rather the undulation of the land. The proposal exceed eight metres when viewed from the side or from other key interfaces. There is a figure 13 in the report also appropriately captures that. In terms of the ongoing use of the land for an affordable rental premises there in the report that seek to secure that through the preservation covenant on land where the 19 drawings will operate as affordable rental premises for a period of 20 years meaning the Planning Scheme definitions are affordable rental premises and both affordable housing. Were there any particular questions? Karen Finzel 12:27.263
Thank you for the report. It was a lot of reading and yes, a lot of listening to previous meetings from some years ago when there was some development at that time. I'm interested in hearing the process around the preservation of covenant. Ben 12:45.134
Yes, of course. Um so so one of our planning permit conditions will require that prior to the operation or occupation rather of those dwellings, the new owner of the land will be glued CHP, a community housing provider. Enter into an agreement with Council that essentially locks them into utilising, using the land in accordance with their Planning Scheme definitions for affordable rental premises for a period of 20 years. There are also other conditions that we've included in the planning permit to secure that outcome, such as prohibiting the further subdivision of the land for the period of the agreement, so essentially rather the subdivision of the land in total, but whether 19 small homes are occupied. Jessica Phillips 13:28.368
Question? No, happy to move the motion. Second. Thank you. Any more questions? Nicola Wilson 13:40.439
Oh, you have to yes, it. You do. Thanks for the report. It's great to see affordable rental properties coming to Cooroy. It's a really good location, close to town, close to facilities, hospital, all of those things, and public transport. I did have some concerns over parking, but they've all been resolved, so thank you, Ben, for taking the time to assure me on those things, and yeah, look forward to this going ahead. Jessica Phillips 14:05.967
I'll just say thank you, Ben. I sent you a list of questions. Four o'clock on Friday, you got back to me, which has really satisfied the things that I had, so thank you for not taking an extra long weekend and having those answers to me, so yeah, it's a good report. Question? Thank you. Frank Wilkie 14:24.017
You mentioned blue CHP have an agreement with Council to hold it as affordable housing for 20 years. From what we know about blue CHP, do they often extend beyond 20 years? Do they renew? Do they tend to hang on to their affordable housing stock or divest. Ben 14:41.199
It's largely dependent on how long they can secure funding for because it is subsidised housing through the State and Federal governments and some of those funding avenues that they seek to use. Blue CHP largely intend to keep their land for as long as they can, but again, based on whether they can secure funding. Unidentified Speaker 15:00.983
I said 20 periods would be a matter at that point in time. Yeah. And what I, Mr. Richard MacGillivray 15:05.883
Mayor, in other situations, there might be a developer who develops the land and builds it and gets the CHP to manage it for the 20 years, and then after that 20 year period, then, the developer may. Convert that back to normal housing. However, this is sought to be purchased by the new CHP, so it's likely that once they get through the 20 years, they'll look to maintain potential. So a logical likely scenario of that housing being retained for affordable rental for a long period of quality actually thank you. Jessica Phillips 15:43.547
I do have one more question just in relation to like how we look at things more broadly rather than individual lots. Have no issues with how this one's been assessed but when we're going through that process is there a community outlook as well on Cooroy or on a different Pomona or Kin Kin Noosaville? Do we, how do we look at it as far as like a community perspective? Patrick Murphy 16:07.126
Good question. Are you talking about potential impacts or if there's further applications is there a saturation point? That's exactly what I'm asking. Yeah I suppose a lot of this is governed by our Planning Scheme and our zoning so we've got circumstances where particular zoning will be within a township and then the scheme's going to say this is the type of development which can occur in that zone it doesn't give us an allowance through that to say well there is a unless says it there is a saturation point for most commercial uses it'll be a market demand it will be a business operators willing to invest their money in that type of use in this circumstance I think we've got a reasonable area of land proximity to this site which has got a similar zoning on which similar uses could be applied for so you know we would. Bit more of a look at it if it was inconsistent with the scheme have a bit more of a look at it and certainly the impacts but where it's occurring in the zone it's anticipated that the work that's gone into implementing the scheme is considered the amount the quantum that would be suitable. Jessica Phillips 17:22.776
Suitable. Maybe then just a question on notice, could we look at that saturation or okay what however we'll talk about it in the next round of Planning Scheme amendments, just more from a community perspective I'm not sure if I would have known that we would be able that the time to be consulted on that would probably be Planning Scheme rather than the individual lots process. Could I – does that enough information? Patrick Murphy 17:52.182
Certainly, I'm the Director of our strategic planning teams in the room so I'm sure that Kim has heard the comments. Thank you, any more questions? Karen Finzel 18:02.622
In terms of the character proof. Um, did that, has that been, where's that extended to? I didn't see a report like an actual mapping of that overlay. Can you just clarify exactly where that is and has there been changes in that? Out of the 2020 plans. Ben 18:26.898
I can take the question regarding changes on notes Councillor Finzel with regards to where the character precinct applies to. It runs along Opal Street so in terms of how that impacts the site in particular it's really only that front portion of the site where there is an existing dwelling. Now the Opal Street character precinct extends all the way down Opal Street towards hospital lane and further north it captures the core commercial area all the way up to where the library is. Karen Finzel 18:55.366
Okay and so does it actually captures that dwelling? Yes the front portion of the site. Okay and did that go out to public consultation? Ben 19:05.314
Correct yes it did. Public notice yeah and during the assessment process we also work with the applicant to try and integrate some of those design elements that are quite traditional Cooroy design elements within the proposal particularly along that interface. So things like the roof pitch, there's some ornamental gable features and even the materials and colours are sought to really reflect the Cooroy local area. Much. Karen Finzel 19:28.557
And I note you were unable to meet the landscaping requirements. That's correct. How are we going to realise those impacts? Ben 19:35.009
Yes, yeah, so the landscaping on site would achieve 33% of site cover as opposed to the medium density code seeking 35%. It's a an interesting site in terms of what it comprises. With 19 dwellings, we've also had to accommodate internal manoeuvrability for not just private vehicles, but also medium rigid vehicles, also Council waste collection vehicles. So it has been quite an interesting process to try and make sure we can fit everything on site. What we have done is try and emphasise and prioritise landscaping on those key interfaces where there might be amenity issues, so particularly around the southwest corner where there is immediate residential interface. So while there is a 2% discrepancy between what the proposal is seeking to provide and the medium density code, we do have opportunity and we have space for meaningful landscaping that will essentially look to do what it should be doing, which is offset amenity impacts and provide opportunities for meaningful. Karen Finzel 20:34.107
In terms of your response to that question, can you please talk to me about the entry of Myall Street coming off the roundabout? Because from the way people take a left-hand turn. Jessica Phillips 20:51.738
Buildings. Is that configuration, did I read that correct? Ben 20:56.918
So within Myall Street near that roundabout there will be no vehicle access whatsoever so there's an existing crossover that is remnant that will be removed as part of this application. The footpath along that area will also be replaced and upgraded to a two-metre footpath but there will be no vehicle access there whatsoever. The sole vehicle access point is along Myall Street. Brian Stockwell 21:21.603
No, I was just going to talk to it. I think this is probably one of the more important applications we've had in this term of Council. It's the first time we've had interest take advantage of the Planning Scheme. Provisions which were first conceived in our Housing Strategy and put into the 2020 Planning Scheme. We know since that happened that market conditions have varied significantly and it's really good to see that this group is coming forward, as you say, another 19 affordable dwellings at the same time, retaining a bit of Cooroy's heritage, a hundred year old house at one stage, a family home with one of the Cooroy's prominent families, the christiansons, and one that had significant. Character to the maple main street. I agree with all the reasons and conclusions. That and reasons for decisions in your report do encapsulate all what I think is important about this approval. And I think the other thing that does mention in terms of the minor shortfall is landscape open space is it's really well situated for access to other open space, you know, you can hop on your scooter or walk to the and do some gymnastics or if you're smarter you can play soccer, you can go down the road to the nature based playground and you've got oodles of space. Around that is for recreation. So, I think it's really well situated. I really hope that this one does get to the development stage and that we can start to see some of the people in Cooroy and around Cooroy that have been looking for housing and in that locality, women over 50, single women over 50 are a big client belt and they would sign it, as you said, reflects the traditional forms that are in Cooroy and hopefully we'll see that come to fruition. Frank Wilkie 23:20.271
No, no, I'll speak to a Chair. This is a genuinely affordable housing project that helps meet a dire need. In our community and our nation. It's consistent with the Planning Scheme's community facilities zone. It's a well-serviced location close to existing health care, community services, public transport and the Cooroy town centre. It progresses the of the Noosa Housing Strategy and the application importantly the application is supported by a deed of agreement with blue CHP which is a tier one housing provider that would lock in and manage the 19 small affordable rental premises for 20 it's a mix of one and two bedroom units all dwellings have been designed with accessibility considerations in mind 24 car parking spaces on site as well as 20 bicycle parking spaces the other significant feature is that there's a communal bin collection and truck manoeuvreing area on site which minimises disturbances to the street and the proposal includes retention of the existing character dwelling which has been mentioned which is important to the community stone timber paling boundary fence front in Opal Street and extensive landscaping is proposed including street tree planting landscape buffers to adjoining properties and within the private open space and importantly unlike other private development applications that have claimed to be affordable and this Council has not unfortunately knocked back a few in the past this because of its agreement is going to be a genuinely affordable private development because of this agreement it has with the tier one housing provider whereas the ones that were refused claimed to be affordable but had no agreements blocked in and could not guarantee that would be truly affordable so thank you for the report uh looking forward to this. Jessica Phillips 25:11.434
Occurring thank you for joining us and that's Councillor and that's Mayor Wilkie Councillor Wilson Councillor Wegener Councillor Stockwell Councillor Phillips and those against is Councillor Finzel and that's carried. Thank you. All right we will move on to item 7.2.2 the new advice for British land 2026-2031 and I'll see you then we will. Ben Derrick 26:13.585
Morning Councillors thank you Chair uh we're seeking endorsement of the Noosa biosecurity plan 2026-2031 following completion of community consultation on the draft plan that was presented to Council on 18th July this year the purpose of the plan is to manage invasive plant and animal biosecurity risks better biodiversity in the local economy based on priorities and actions that are reasonable and practical for the community and land managers the plan provides strategic framework for managing invasive plants and animals across the Noosa Shire over the next five years and fulfil Council's obligations under the biosecurity act of 2014. Noosa Council has had an endorsed the biosecurity plan since 2016 and the plan presented to Council for the 2026 to 31 period builds on previous plans to include emerging issues, recent trends and current technology. Council staff undertook community consultation from 13th of July to 20th of August via our online platform, an open invitation for feedback via email. A summary of the submissions has been attached to the report. Feedback generally the direction of the plan and provided recommendations relating to invasive species prioritisation, aquatic biodiversity management, stakeholder partnerships, community education and initiatives, and some minor document amendments. Relevant feedback has been incorporated into the final plan which has strengthened the strategic and operational content of the documents. Given the degrees of consequences from invasive species, the plan is underpinned by a comprehensive assessment based on Council's enterprise risk and opportunity framework. Implementation of the plan reduces residual risks across all identified risks, however a high risk remains for the potential establishment of prohibited biosecurity matters which has been identified as borderline against Council's risk appetite. There is little that we can do to reduce this risk further as it is strongly influenced by activities beyond the Shire boundary. As a result, the plan identifies working closely with partner agencies and regional local authorities to collaborate and address this risk on a bi-regional scale. The plan has received input from regional partners and biosecurity Queensland in there and is now presented to the Council for consideration. Jessica Phillips 28:31.204
Thanks very much Ben. We've got any questions? Unknown 28:33.188
Are there any changes since the draft? Ben Derrick 28:39.332
Some minor inclusions of a couple of new species based on some community feedback. So there's been some two falafel species that were introduced or sorry included. And another aquatic species which has been introduced as well into the plans. There's a list of species. Jessica Phillips 29:01.059
I do have one question Ben, thank you. Just in relation to resources and potential budget requests. Down the track for the plan. Is it going to suggest that next year there'll be requests for funding through the budget process to deliver the outcomes? Ben Derrick 29:23.266
It will be. We've been recently started with the budget over the last five years which has allowed us to implement the current plan. This recommends an additional approximately $30,000 to implement some new initiatives which will go through process. The normal. Jessica Phillips 29:44.460
So just because that hasn't happened yet, can I just maybe understand what would happen given, we don't know what would happen in the budget yet, how would that change the plan if it didn't come through, I'm not suggesting it will, I just want to know what, is there enough in the plan that can still be delivered? Kim Rawlings 30:09.286
Yeah, the additional, I think there's three small actions which are around additional community education, particular groups to work with, they are, they would add value, but they, if they're not budgeted next year, maybe one might be budgeted into the following year. They're not, important and they add value, but the existing program that meets legislative requirements is, would still continue as business as usual. Unidentified Speaker 30:39.309
Yeah, okay, thank you. Jessica Phillips 30:41.742
Would anyone like to move? All right. Councillor Wilson, and I'll second it. Any more questions? Do you need to talk first? I will waive my right to speak. Okay, thank you. And I guess you don't want to close the email. Well, other people might want to speak. Brian Stockwell 31:03.356
That's right. I have some questions. Just one question that occurred to me. When we developed these strategies, worked with key stakeholders. Have we had the conversation with Seqwater around some of the category 3 species in the dam that may be able to have substantial impact? The drawdown, like cabong caroliana and maybe more gloucester glossary hydrofoil and what that conversation to say this is our strategy and now is the time to address try and address it. Ben Derrick 31:41.885
Thanks. Councillor. I'll take that on notice. I know that we've engaged with SFQ water. The detail of that discussion, I'll have to get a few notes together. Brian Stockwell 31:52.176
Yeah, just noticing that in the submissions, one submission seemed to be very strongly on a quite best plan. And back in 1999, when I was still in government, we started up the Lake Macdonald Patrick care group, primarily to address the bomber cattle in the area and you can join them. So this might be good to re-engage that. And I know they do invest in management, might be something we do to re-engage residents as well. Jessica Phillips 32:20.837
Else like to speak? Would you like to close? No please. Okay all those in favour? Thank you. And that's carried. Thank you. Thanks Ben. Okay that moves us on to item 7.2.3 and that is the destination of the draft Terms of Reference to provide. Us with the report. Kim Rawlings 33:03.340
Thank you Chair. Councillors, in December 2025, Council endorsed the Noosa Destination Management Plan, a 10-year Roadmap for a sustainable destination that balances community wellbeing, environmental stewardship and economic resilience. The DMP identifies the establishment of a Destination Stewardship Council as a key action to support implementation of the plan. The destination stewardship shieldship Council is proposed to be established to oversee and support the delivery of priority actions and outcomes under the DMP with a particular focus on initiatives that rely on shared responsibilities and action across government, industry, community and environment and broader community. Acting as a key stewardship body for the DMP implementation, the Destination Stewardship Council is intended to provide strategic oversight of progress, performance and outcomes through the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. It is intended to leverage the collective expertise, leadership and influence of its members priority actions, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, address barriers to implementation and drive accountability for the delivery of agreed DMP actions. A draft terms of reference has been developed following research into destination stewardship councils around the world and best practice and in consultation with Tourism Noosa a number of Council workshops and reviewed by Council's governance team. The draft terms of reference establishes the Destination Stewardship Council's purpose, potential membership and governance arrangements. Once established the Destination Stewardship Council will have an opportunity to refine and adopt their own final terms of reference and the intention there is not about the purpose stewardship Council but to be able to refine those sort of operational procedures that new formed committees and groups need to find sometimes their own cadence. Um this report seeks endorsement of the draft terms of reference and authorisation to commit a recruitment and establishment of Noosa's inaugural Destination Stewardship Council. There are two processes proposed for recruitment. Some organisations who have been identified as having direct destination management responsibilities and state agency representation are offered a membership on the Council by an invitation from Council directly and then there will be a second process is an Expression of Interest open process will be six remaining member seats on the proposed Council. Noosa Council will hold two seats on the stewardship councils proposed one being the Mayor and another Councillor to be nominated today hopefully thank you. Jessica Phillips 35:50.410
Can I move a procedural motion please. For a further vote, one Federal vote. I'd like to second the procedural motion. I have to talk a bit out loud to myself, sorry. Nicola Wilson 37:07.484
Um, Councillors, we've had a lot of come back and forth and lots of questions via emails and lots of feedback from community members. And I think some of those items are too significant to just include as a minor change that we would defer to the CEO for completion of the document, I think, rather than put together a lot of amendments to say these things need to be included, we would like to, I would like to see the final version before endorsement start on a recruitment process. I think it's really important that is very clear before we start that process about the Mayoral invitations versus what the Expression of Interest process would be. And I think as well we were probably lacking some information about process on how we would appoint an independent Chair because it just says recommendation by Council officers and I think we need to establish a more detailed process for that so that we're all clear on how that will actually be, how that process will be run. We've also got references to a code of conduct that's still to be developed so I just feel at this time it's not just minor changes that need to be made and if we can get a bit further along the process in the next week then I would really like to see the an updated version of the document. Jessica Phillips 38:33.947
I will speak to it in support procedural motion. I didn't, I had amendments that I particularly didn't want to put through to give us some clarity and at the moment I have a lot of questions. The long weekend made it slightly harder but thank the staff for being able to get back to me when they could. Would certainly give us time to get a really solid report or some amendments and work with the staff before the Ordinary Meeting nothing changes as far as like delaying it any further in the months but it definitely would give me more confidence. In moving forward with some of the questions that I have as well so yes I'm very happy to support the procedural motion. Frank Wilkie 39:21.635
I'm happy to support the procedural motion if it gives Councillors reassurance to get greater clarity around appointments. The terms of reference, also which Councillor would like to be appointed to the Destination Stewardship Council. We can have a discussion about that and how we manage that and give Councillors extra time to have their questions answered before coming back to the decision-making forum on next Thursday's Ordinary Meeting. Jessica Phillips 39:56.348
Question to Director Rawlings, would it be okay if we ask for a workshop or something between now and the Ordinary Meeting to tease out some of the questions that I had and some of the other Councillors? Absolutely. Very happy to do that. Has anyone else, would anyone else like to speak to the procedural motion? To vote. All those in favour? And that's carried. So that'll be moved to the Ordinary Meeting. Thank you. We're going to move on to item 7.2.2, which is the Zero Emissions Noosa ZEN alliance agreement. And this is the ZEN alliance agreement. Thank you for the report. Thanks Councillors, thank you Chair. Unidentified Speaker 41:04.581
Good morning Councillors. Thank you for the opportunity to put this report before you. To open I'd like to provide some context around this work and why we are recommending Council to continue to support Zero Emissions Noosa Incorporated. The world is undergoing a profound transition and Noosa is part of that. The transition to renewable energy and a changing global economy is already shaping the way we live and work. How we power our homes, move around our communities, keep comfortable in a changing climate. Build resilience where the future is evolving rapidly. The future does not look like the past. As the climate changes and extreme weather continues to show up with more frequency and intensity, we must support households and businesses to adapt. The cost of fuel has increased dramatically and people are looking to electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-mobility more than ever before. The energy market is shifting as the cost of delivering renewable energy continues to drop, making it the cheapest form of electricity generation in Australia and worldwide. As recognised by the treasury in its latest intergenerational report, a representative household that electrifies their home and invests in home solar and batteries is able to reduce their cost by around $4,300. Dollars per year the Australian government similarly shows that with an electric vehicle, compared to a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle, Australians can save up to 70% on equivalent fuel costs if reliably charging at home, and around 40% on servicing for an average car, this could amount to an annual fuel savings of $1,000 to $2,000 if able to charge the EV at an off-peak rate. And again, the future does not look like the past. ZEN Inc.. Plays a critical role in building awareness, highlighting options, advocating, delivering projects, and sharing clear, unbiased information that helps our community to capture the amazing opportunities and cost-of-living relief that this transition brings. For example, solar and batteries now also act as critical infrastructure resilience measures, as demonstrated by mayan farm villas in Kin Kin, who were able to continue to operate their business despite a 20-hour grid outage, thanks to the support delivered by ZEN Inc.'s business energy advisor program. ZEN Inc.'s EV and electrify everything expo was delivered earlier this year for the eighth time running and attracted over 6,500 visitors from across the region, showcasing solutions from over 60 exhibitors from around Australia. Council's alliance with ZENINC allows Council to continue investing in emissions reduction, resilience and cost savings for the Noosa community through a volunteer-led not-for-profit. The updated agreement before you for an additional three-year term supports Council's climate risk management and helps deliver the Corporate Plan and climate change response goals of achieving net zero emissions and a low carbon community. ZEN Inc.. Is core to the fabric of Noosa's active and engaged community and our ethos of Different by Nature. It is nationally recognised as a leading community group responding to the greatest challenge of our time. Council has allocated a budget of $148,000 towards ZEN Inc.. In its 2026-27 budget, continuing our strategic alliance with the organisation. Continuation of this alliance agreement ensures that already allocated Council funding has the necessary guardrails and governance structures in place, providing important conditions tied to such funding. Without the agreement in place, ZEN, inc. Would be able to utilise the funds unrestricted, without a strong protocol for how the funding is to be applied and what requirements Council has to ensure maximum community benefit. Consistent and predictable funding for operational activities creates the time and space for expert volunteers to stand up in their roles and deliver important community projects without the burden of continued administrative and project management work and logistical challenges. Importantly, this agreement establishes the safeguards and conditions around Council's relationship with ZEN Inc.. Funding availability and amount is still subject to Council approval through the annual budget process. The agreement allows ZEN Inc.. To maintain its independence as an incorporated community not-for-profit, whilst Council gains improved governance around the application of funds approved. As outlined in the report, it is proposed that the next three-year alliance with ZEN Inc.. Would include continued collaboration and effort to support community in reducing operating costs and building resilience through emissions reduction, improve monitoring and evaluation of ZEN Inc..'s work against Council's endorsed strategies and. Targets, increase visibility and governance tied to the funding, including the proposal to have a Councillor sit as an observer on ZEN Inc..'s board, similar to other arrangements with community organisations that receive alliance funding and clear communications, transparency and reporting. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker 46:48.163
I'm happy to move it. Jessica Phillips 46:57.641
So just so you know there was an insert for E that we're going to put an observer for this but we this haven't conversation yet around who we're putting on the board. So there was discussion around how we move forward and we got to the point where we could potentially put a point Councillor insert name. Then between now and the Ordinary Meeting, we appoint that person, but we can move ahead with insert name. Frank Wilkie 47:30.603
Yeah, it's been moved and seconded Madam Chair and happy to proceed on that basis. Jessica Phillips 47:36.985
So I was just clarifying because I'm not sure if everyone was aware of that. Thank the you, yeah. Frank Wilkie 47:46.009
Dear Councillors, today I'm delighted to speak in support of Zero Emissions Noosa and an organisation that has become one of Noosa's most valued community partners and a powerful force for positive change across our Shire. What makes ZEN Inc. So special is that it does so much more than just talk about the future. It delivers practical programs that help local households, local businesses and local families save money, improve their well-being, strengthen their resilience and contribute to a more prosperous Noosa. It's helping Noosa community stay abreast of the global transition to cleaner and more cost-effective technology. Through initiatives such business energy advisor program, local businesses are reducing their operation costs and improving their long-term competitiveness, helping to create a stronger and more resilient local economy. The program has already helped business achieve significant savings while reducing energy use and improving productivity. SEND's work with vulnerable and low-income households is equally inspiring. Through solar installation families who previously struggled with rising electricity costs are now enjoying lower power bills and greater financial security. These are tangible outcomes that improve everyday lives and make our community fairer and more inclusive. There are innovative transport initiatives deserve equal praise. The Noosa e-bike library, the only program of its kind in Queensland, is helping residents embrace healthier, more active lifestyles while reducing traffic congestion and transport costs. Community education programs and transport advocacy are helping shape a more connected and accessible Noosa ZEN Inc.. Has also established Noosa as a leader in innovation through projects such as the community battery initiative, Rewiring Noosa, solar for strata, and the hugely successful EV and electrify everything expo, thousands of visitors and showcases new technologies, ideas, and opportunities that benefit our local economy. Perhaps most remarkable is the extraordinary value ZEN delivers for ratepayers. Council's investment is amplified many times over through grant funding, sponsorships thousands of hours of highly skilled volunteer contribution. The partnership allows Council to achieve outcomes that would otherwise require substantially greater resources while leveraging the passion, expertise, and commitment of professional and dedicated community volunteers. This is why that having ZEN Inc.. As a Council partner is such a smart investment for our community. It extends community capacity, accelerates delivery of important community priorities, attracts external funding into Noosa, and empowers residents to take practical action that improves their lives. The new agreement features updated clear terms, greater clarity in how ZEN's work relates to key Council strategy and also appoints a Noosa Council as an observer on the Noosa board to help with oversight and strengthen the focus of the work done by this highly professional organisation. As a matter of due diligence, it's important we have this new agreement in place to ensure the already allocated funds are expended effectively. Jessica Phillips 50:56.882
Any questions? Tom Wegener 51:01.086
I'll speak to it. Different by Nature. That's our motto here. And that is brought about through various plans, like the climate change response plan, and the Corporate Plan, the Environment Strategy. These plans come from a desire from the community. The staff writes the plans, come to Council, iron them out. They go out to public consultation. Through consultation, again, if they're agreed upon, come back to Council, voted upon. And that is the manifestation. Of the desire, the goals, the vision of the Noosa residents. We are so lucky to have ZEN Inc.. Helping us realise those goals. So dramatic with their volunteer effort of over $900,000. Amongst all the other things that they do, so much for us. Our micro little investment into them, we get 10, 20 fold back in helping us live the vision that we see in the future. Vision is so important. And we are, I just will just say we're very lucky to have ZEN helping Noosa achieve the vision of Zero Emissions Noosa. For making this a much better place, a much more resilient place, all these different things. The world is changing. Yes, Sion. I've been in china and south Cooran and Mexico in the past few years. And never would I have ever thought as a child that I would like to be like Mexico, but my gosh, they have electric cars everywhere, that the pollution has gone down. The whole economy is just thriving and it's because of. Electric cars, using electric, using sun. And in this world today, you know, as we move into a world of war, basically, diesel is harder to get, but the sun is still shining. Let's stick with that. Let's stick with our. Guarantee. Resilient way of doing things and creating electricity through what we have in abundance. So I really appreciate us supporting, continuing to support Zero Emissions Noosa. You, they're amazing. Jessica Phillips 53:10.516
Gordon. If you have questions, please, Kim. Just in relation to the timing of the sequence of the agreement and the budget process, because we've already allocated $148,000 through the 26-27 budget process, is there any way we can look at aligning the agreements with the budget process so it doesn't feel that we've already endorsed something, even though I know the report suggests that it's each annual, that they'll come again next year. I get that. It's more just around the agreement after this financial year. Kim Rawlings 53:48.668
Yeah, sure. Um Councillor Phillips, you're right. So, yes, the agreement is very specific. There's that no guarantees of funding. It is subject to annual consideration and annual budget processes, because, as you know, things happen and, you know, different priorities. Emerge. So it's very clear in the agreement that they're the one the same amount of funding or any amount of funding is not guaranteed every financial year. So that is clear. And that's been through legal review. But yes, yeah, absolutely. That is the intention that Council's budget processes are when you determine whether or not there's support there's this support or funding provided to these organisations. Jessica Phillips 54:38.590
Okay, follow-up question is more around me trying to get my head around the TN. We've talked about uncertainty and then we wanted to give certainty to the board over agreement that aligned the funding agreement aligned with their um their deed. Can you explain to me how this one's different? Kim Rawlings 55:06.599
I think scale is a big thing. It's a very different arrangement we have with Tourism Noosa as to with ZEN and the scale of the documentation and the obligations of that organisation are very different also so it was really important to provide greater certainty to an organisation like Tourism Noosa. They have ongoing commitments and liabilities for the organisation. It's very clear with a community organisations and this isn't the only one we have in place that this support is on an annual basis and yes it is about providing some you know stability and that they can get on and deliver the things that we want them to deliver in line with our Corporate Plan and our climate change response plan so being able to provide any organisation some level of support, operational support is always helpful and certainty. And provide some level of certainty but again the agreement's really clear that if that changes that can could change on an annual basis and that's they enter into that knowing that. Nicola Wilson 56:29.093
Yes question to the Chair. Can I just confirm did we have any workshops on this and the build-up to this agreement being drafted? I don't think we did but I wanted to make sure I didn't whistle. Kim Rawlings 56:42.099
No we had discussions about this through the budget on a couple of occasions around external funding and through budget workshops there was a number of discussions about this and other organisations. But in terms of specifically on the agreement, no. We had an existing agreement in place. This was a renewal opportunity, an to update the agreement. Jessica Phillips 57:08.906
That's not consistent with the biosphere have that we have workshops on that. Kim Rawlings 57:18.366
Sorry, Councillor, I don't think we had workshops on the agreement. We had a workshop with the Noosa Biosphere presenting their annual report. Um, and the SEND also do the same thing. That's a requirement. So, yeah, look, I could clarify that. Jessica Phillips 57:33.522
I could take that. I noticed, Councillor Wilson, sorry. Tom Wegener 57:39.611
I believe we did have an annual report. We had it sent around the table with all the Councillors. Jessica Phillips 57:43.650
Yes, we did. Well, we do have the agreement. Oh, the agreement. Okay. Yeah. Any more questions? Are you going to speak to it? Brian Stockwell 57:52.091
I'll talk you. So, Councillor Wegener highlighted that what we've got here is the implementation of one of the most important strategies in Noosa's history. Thank you. Then promote what they do based on common sense and economics. But the driver is one of the challenges that humanity has never faced before. You can only look at the disaster in the pool that's linked to the rapid glacial. Mass, rapid thermal frost, or some sum of the bureaucrats that cost hundreds of billions of dollars to realise that everyone has played their part. So when we come to this agreement, we look at what makes the most sense economically to achieve. Transition to a low-carbon economy. And we made the decision early on that it wouldn't be Council staff doing the majority of the outreach, that we would get the community group to do the outreach and has been highly successful. So, one statistic: 63% of households have sold on their roof in Noosa, well above the State average. $65,000. They have been highly successful in achieving rapid adoption and significant adoption both in residential and building, now within the commercial sector. We've seen initiatives such as soul of Australia and we see how that's made a huge difference. We talk about the duck curve caused by solar and the introduction now of household-based strategies and what that's done. In 2023, the peak night-time wholesale cost of electricity was over $300. In dollars 2026. It's about a hundred so if we're looking at that, is it not from the environment or the huge driver of climate change? We're looking at purely from the current context of helping households adjust to the current cost of living crisis, then having a group embedded in the community that has the knowledge, the expertise and the drive to assist that process of conversion to low carbon energy sources and transportation sources is what should at be the top of the priority list. And the agreement simply puts in place the mechanisms by which we deliver the commitment we made in our budget. So for me, this is one entirely worth supporting. Jessica Phillips 01:00:41.038
One more question around grant process and then the funding agreement, is then inc able to apply for grants and their agreement is separate? Kim Rawlings 01:00:53.077
Yes, that's correct, Councillor Phillips. They are also able to apply for grants. Unidentified Speaker 01:00:59.044
As are the Noosa Biosphere Reserve okay, any more questions? Jessica Phillips 01:01:05.600
I'll speak to it. Yes, you can. Nicola Wilson 01:01:09.466
I'm not comfortable entering a three year agreement without three years funding being agreed up front. These agreements should give each party certainty to plan for the future and ensure solvency. However, at the same time, I can't support three years funding for operating costs as other community groups don't get this opportunity. Historically, we've agreed to funding through the budget, then additional grant applications come before us. We need to look at the benefits to ratepayers of the total funding over the years. I do support a lot of ZEN does and acknowledge the significant work of volunteers and staff. The expo is a great event and there are many more other worthy projects, but that doesn't mean costs should be borne by ratepayers. ZEN's strategic goal number two is to be a sustainable organisation. To do this, ZEN can't keep relying on Council to pay for staff and projects. There has to be an income stream. This agreement has a lot of information about the mechanics and legalities, but not what Council gets in return. There's a reference to achieving KPIs within the annual operational plan, but when I look at the plans and attachments two and three, most of the KPIs have no target. Just a hashtag for measuring. How do we know what success looks like? How can we say KPIs have been achieved when there is no target to be reached? As an example, the expo is hashtag people purchasing an EV in the next 12 months and hashtag people purchasing cell and batteries. So we're recording the number, but we're not actually saying what we actually need to achieve for success. There's no targets and there's no source of evidence of any purchases. But my main concern is the exaggerated claims that ZEN makes in order to secure ratepayer funds in the attachments provided. This is not objective information. Although before then, I'd like to point out the environmental impact of using AI to create these documents. Figures for the expo people who come to the expo are clearly already interested in EVs or electrifying their homes. They come to get more info at the expo and have their questions answered. But there's no evidence that attendance purely led to decision. It will be likely one of many factors. The survey only captures future plans to purchase, not whether anyone actually did purchase. The purpose of the e-bike library is to try before you buy therefore it's targeted at people who can afford to buy an e-bike, yet it's subsidised by ratepayers, many of whom can't afford an e-bike. This project could easily be self-funded by a small admin fee and does not require Council support. There's no evidence that the loans led to e-bike purchases and it's possible that even if people did buy them they would have regardless at the library. Having a hundred e-bikes in circulation per year for two weeks higher means around four in circulation at any time. This is not reducing emissions or congestion as claimed. There's no target KPI for purchases or other outcomes only the number of loans. In attachment five the community engagement over 50% of the engagements are with Noosa Biosphere Foundation, Council or Tourism Noosa. Surely this is preaching to the converted. Where is the community benefit and is this good use of the many volunteer hours? Attachments 6 and 7. Numbers regarding community reach are inconsistent between the two documents but both have flawed calculations claiming over 2 million people have been reached ZEN newsletters and EDMs claims 18,000 recipients but it's the same database getting multiple newsletters and emails it's not 18,000 people. ZEN's database is 1,600 people. NBRF and Tourism Noosa 492,000 people reached or is this the same people multiple times print media it's states that Noosa Today's readership is 22,000 but claims to have reached 660,000 people because the same 22,000 people got 30 articles. Your local lifestyle 8,000 readers but ZEN claims it's reached 48,000 people. What evidence is there of outcomes from these interactions? I love the activity but is there any is there anything that we're actually achieving from all of this. In attachment 7 ZEN has calculated an event economic impact but then claimed it as a return on investment for Council. ROIs are calculated on the full cost to derive the benefit. This calculation does not. The claim of reaching 2 people is false. And if ZEN Inc. Didn't exist, the work ZEN Inc. Does would cost Council 3.039 million. ZEN has not saved Council $3 million as it would not be buying $2 million of goods and services. This figure is also based on assumptions around visitor spend, but over 60% of attendees at the expo were local residents. Based on all of these, I can't support this agreement. Jessica Phillips 01:06:16.507
I'll speak to it through the Chair. Karen Finzel 01:06:26.020
I guess I have a question for Councillor Phillips regarding her statement that the $2.5 million, I presume that's out of your tax return, was false. And he's still in power. $2.4 million people, that's what I said was false. You yeah. That's false, so you're saying the information's false. Nicola Wilson 01:06:52.063
Yeah, because they provided a breakdown of all the different communications, but they're claiming that each interaction is a new person. So it says even in this one here Noosa Today 660,000 readers reached but then underneath it says it's got a readership of 22,000 and it was 30 articles so it was the same 22,000 people reached 30 times not 660,000 people and when they add them all up together they get to 2 million. Jessica Phillips 01:07:38.405
I'm going to I will to it uh I'll just I need to process that I will speak to the agreement but firstly I just want to thank the officers for the report and aligning the information with Council's strategic direction okay and then start by separating the organisation with from the decision before us then has committed volunteers it delivers projects in our community and it has attracted external funding so my decision today is absolutely not criticism of other people and their work for me this is about Council's responsibility for public money and whether this funding model should continue for another the three years over the first three year agreement Council provided 65,000 in 2023-24 125,000 in 24-25 and 125,000 in 25-26 then allocated 148,000 for 26-27 so in total 463,000 across four financial years under this funding agreement it's also important to be clear about what we are funding the proposed agreement specifically defines operational expenses as including employee and contractor payments accounting advertising insurance communication public relations project management and even activities associated with raising grants donations and sponsorships 148,000 this financial year includes approximately 73,000 for a program or project manager 28,500 for secretarial and administration report and 17,600 for communications, as well as finance, fundraising, administration and business energy advisor. So this is not simply Council contributing to individual community projects. Council is making a substantial. Contribution. Towards the ongoing operating model of an independent organisation. And for me, that distinction really matters because across Noosa, we have sporting clubs, environmental organisations, cultural groups, welfare organisations, volunteer organisations and community associations doing really important work. Council cannot fund the ongoing operating structures of every organisation that delivers a community benefit. So there needs to be a clear, defensible threshold for when cut, when recurrent operational funding is appropriate. Long it should continue and what level of financial independence we should ultimately expect. And importantly, that this is a principle that I'm not introducing into this debate. It's already in the clause 5 specifically requires then to actively seek external grants, sponsorship donations and other funding opportunities to support its activities and reduce reliance on Council's funding. And the report itself also identifies risk that the alliance funding could increase reliance on Council or reduce the incentive to diversify income. So those two points are significant. If reducing reliance on Council funding is an objective of the agreement, then the first three-year term. Then in the first three year term, or this three year term, it is reasonable for Councillors to ask what progress has actually been made to meet that objective. We also consider the three year agreement, what's measurable reduction in reliance on the Council on funding? And are we expecting to see it? The agreement contains detailed reporting requirements and KPIs that ZAN must report on the projects, performance donations, project completion, communication reach and community feedback. But I cannot see a defined financial sustainability target that says over the life of this next agreement, Council's proportion of operating funding should reduce by a particular amount. There is a requirement to reduce reliance, but no measurable destination. For me, that's a missing piece if Council is going to continue providing recurrent operating funding, I want to see a clear pathway towards greater financial independence. That could include measurable targets. Actually, I'm not going to speak to that because Councillor Wilson has probably summarised that a lot better than me. So the choice before me today is not about whether I support ZEN or do not support ZEN. The question is whether the particular model of recurrent operating funding should continue without a clear and measurable pathway in reducing dependence on ratepayers. After 460,000 across four years, four financial years, we must consider entering and as we consider entering a three-year alliance, for me the threshold has not been demonstrated strongly enough. I acknowledge the contributions ZEN and its volunteers made to our community but today cannot support continuing this not in this current form and I will not be supporting the recommendation. Frank Wilkie 01:13:01.470
If the alliance agreement is not approved, the money's already been allocated, what guardrails do ZEN have in terms of the way they expend the money? Kim Rawlings 01:13:20.442
Um look we might need to take that on notice okay so it's probably an unfair question yeah maybe have a conversation with governance yeah um and happy to yeah come back on that we have a question. Jessica Phillips 01:13:37.424
Any other questions that's what following on that do we have a current agreement in place the. Kim Rawlings 01:13:44.012
Current agreement expired so this is the new agreement for this financial year yeah so when did it expire uh June 30 20 26. Jessica Phillips 01:13:52.665
Okay so we're already operating without barbers no funding no funding's been allocated for this financial year even though it's been approved it is not been allocated it's disagreeing. Okay. Yeah. Everyone's spoken apart from Councillor Finzel is there any more questions otherwise am I will go to the vote. Karen Finzel 01:14:24.356
I am considering a procedural motion doing some of the conversation around the table questions you asked and what I should raise that's just put those questions in my head that answers so just to be prudent would like to speak to governments and get some more information so I'm happy to make a procedural motion or. Jessica Phillips 01:14:49.837
Can we just defer this to them. We can lie it on the table to the end of the agenda or defer it to the Ordinary Meeting. There are a couple of options. To give us time I prefer to take it to the Ordinary Meeting. You're moving a procedural motion to defer to the Ordinary Meeting. Yes. I'd like to second the procedural motion. Karen Finzel 01:15:34.765
Is there any consideration of it? Yeah. I prefer to refer to it. Better might fall more due to situation. It's a good thank further consideration. You very much. Probably, I'd like a report, but we'll probably refer to consideration. Jessica Phillips 01:15:55.623
We won't have time for a report. We oui, go ahead. I would say it's more due to the significance. Given that you've indicated the questions that haven't been answered. But the information is in the report already. Yeah. So it's just for further consideration. OK. Further consideration. Frank Wilkie 01:16:36.902
Question. This would give us time to put some questions to ZEN Inc. About their response to what they may have heard during this meeting in terms of how they've come up with their figures, because there may have been some assumptions made that need think responding to. Jessica Phillips 01:17:05.558
It's pretty clear in your talk. I'm just taking notes because it's taking too long. I don't know if that was clear when I said to procedural motion. Frank Wilkie 01:18:20.544
We did last time. Jessica Phillips 01:18:21.305
Procedural motion must be seconded, done. It doesn't say. Brian Stockwell 01:18:25.970
The only one you can't talk to is the motion you put. That's right. Frank Wilkie 01:18:31.157
We did with the last one. Otherwise it's just a motion. Jessica Phillips 01:18:37.683
Um, I will not support this procedural motion, given that I have the information needed to vote today, but I'm happy for the rest of the decision of the Councillors. Um, whether they would like a procedural motion, um, to the Ordinary Meeting, or further information to be provided. Um, all those in favour? No. Aye. All those in favour of a procedural motion? So that's um, Councillor Wilkie, Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Wegener, and those against. On procedural Council, please. I'm sorry. And. Against the procedural motion is Councillor Wilson and Phillips. So the procedural motion is carried, um, to the order of meeting. Thank you, Councillor. Thank you. Sian. Thank you, Sam. Thank you. Okay. Um, moving on to item 7.2.5, the Noosa events strategic framework: policy and governance. And. Okay. Thank you. Richard MacGillivray 01:19:56.653
Thank you, Councillors. Um, as you know, this is a joint report, um, prepared by, uh, both, uh, directors of the environmental strategy and development regulation department. So we, um, along with Anthony put a lot of work into this. So I just wanted to give you a quick run through, um, on the report of recommendations. So the report before Council proposes a contemporary coordinated approach to planning, funding, assessment, and management of events across Noosa. Events make an important contribution. To community connection, cultural expression, local business activity, and Noosa's identity, but they can also place pressure on public spaces, infrastructure, environmental values, and community amenity. Proposed framework is intended to provide a clearer and more balanced approach to managing these benefits and impacts, and also acknowledging Council's recently assuming responsibility for the sponsorship and strategic management of major destinations since last year. The report brings together three key components: the Noosa events strategic frameworks 2026 to 2031, a new consolidated Noosa events management policy, and terms of reference for a new Noosa events executive group. Together these documents establish a clearer relationship between Council's strategic event governance, funding and investment decisions, permit assessment and day-to event management. The strategic framework establishes Council's long-term direction for events and is organised around five priorities. Improving the shared event experiencing. Maximising community benefit, actively managing event impacts, shaping a balanced and Noosa appropriate events portfolio and leveraging major opportunities that can deliver long-term benefits for the Shire. These priorities are supported by a five-year action plan including proposed outcomes, measures and targets. The new events management policy will provide the practical framework for assessing, approving and managing events on the Council control plan. It consolidates the existing events policy Noosa Main Beach events policy into a single document. Importantly, it retains the existing Main Beach event limits and key policy settings previously adopted by Council, while strengthening sustainability expectation, organiser accountability, contingency planning. Assessment processes and the management of events in high demand locations. It also provides clearer separation between Council's event funding decision and the regulatory permit assessment process. The proposed events executive group will provide strategic leadership and oversight of Noosa's overall event portfolio. Its role will include monitoring implementation of the strategic framework, reviewing funding and investment priorities, considering significant risks and emerging opportunities and improving coordination across Council. The group will operate at the strategic and portfolio level rather than undertaking operational permanent assessment or day-to event management. The framework has been informed by consultation undertaken through the destination management internal Council workshops, engagement with event organisers and businesses, and the recent events industry roundtable. The feedback identified support for events that reflect Noosa's values and deliver genuine community benefit, whilst also highlighting opportunities for improved communication, planning certainty, industry relationships, approval processes and accountability. Council is being asked to adopt the strategic framework, the events management policy and the executive group terms of reference, appointing two Councillor representatives to the executive group and authorising the Chief Executive Officer to establish the group and progress the supportive procedures, guidelines and operational tools and actions contained in the framework. Council also being asked to repeal the two existing event policies and replace them with the new integrated policy. Initial implementation will be undertaken with existing operational budgets and staffing resources with no additional budget allocation sought from this report. Of the framework will help identify. Future decisions around event funding, sponsorship, investment and program design with any future financial implications to be considered through subsequent Council budget processes. Unidentified Speaker 01:24:35.792
Thank you and any questions, Councillors? Jessica Phillips 01:24:49.744
Moved. Can I have a seconder? That's the webinar. Frank Wilkie 01:24:53.957
Thank you. Well today we introduce also the Noosa events strategic framework 2026-2031 and the accompanying Noosa events management policy. It's a forward-thinking approach that will help ensure events continue to enhance our community while protecting the lifestyle and amenity that residents value most. Events are an important part of what makes Noosa a vibrant and connected community. They bring us together, celebrate our support local businesses and contribute to our social and economic well-being. But as our community has consistently told us, successful events must also respect our environment, our public spaces and the everyday lives of residents. This is exactly why this new strategy is so important. The framework establishes a clear vision for the future of events in Noosa, but it does so with a strong focus on balance. It recognises that events should deliver genuine community benefit, while carefully managing impacts on residents, neighbourhoods, traffic, access to public spaces, public infrastructure and sensitive environmental areas. One of its core strategic priorities is the active management of event impacts, ensuring that community amenity remains at the centre of event planning and decision making. Importantly, the new policy introduced governance, improved assessment processes, clearer accountability for event organisers. It includes enhanced sustainability expectations, strengthened contingency planning requirements, capacity controls for high demand locations and a more coordinated approach. Assessing and managing events across the Shire. Existing limits and protections for key locations such as Main Beach are retained, while governance arrangements are strengthened to ensure future decisions remain responsible. The establishment of the Noosa events executive group will provide strategic oversight of the entire events portfolio, helping Council monitor performance, address emerging issues and ensure event remains aligned with community expectations and Council priorities. Most importantly, this strategy sends a clear message. We're not seeking more events at any cost. We're committed to supporting the right events, in the right places, at the right scale, at the right time. Events that strengthen community connection, support local businesses and showcase the best of Noosa, while safeguarding the peace, character and amenity that residents rightly deserve and expect. This framework gives us the tools to achieve that balance, and positions Noosa for a future where community experiences and resident well-being go hand in Thank you for your work on this. Jessica Phillips 01:28:15.061
Thank you. Just J, request that the Chief Executive Officer provide an annual report to Council on the implementation and performance of the Noosa events strategic framework 26-2031, including progress towards the framework's objectives and any recommendations for improvement. A minute. I'll second. Thank you, Noosa. Thank you, Richard, for assisting in the wording of this amendment. I'm moving this amendment because the report asks Council to adopt a strategic framework that will guide event decision making over the coming years. I also believe we need to be clear, need to have a clear mechanism for reporting back on how that framework is actually performing during our Councillor induction. Continuous improvement and importance of reviewing previous decisions was specifically discussed in our training. That principle is particularly relevant Council adopts a framework intended to guide decisions over a number of years. This framework will influence event assessment, funding and sponsorship decisions, investment priorities and the overall mix of events supported across Noosa. So therefore I just believe we evidence over time to determine whether it's achieving the outcomes Council intended. An annual report back to Council will allow us to consider what's working, what's not working as intended, what measurable benefits are whether unintended consequences have emerged, whether the event makes it remains appropriate, and whether adjusted adjustments are required. Importantly, it will create evidence base for future decisions on future for councils, rather than waiting until the end of the strategy, period and attempting to determine, sorry, retrospectively, whether it worked. Council will have information available throughout the implementation. I do not consider this will be unnecessary bureaucracy because performance reporting is a normal part of good governance. Council can adopt the framework to guide significant decisions and allocate public resources, then I believe that we should receive sufficient information to assess its effectiveness. The amendment is just to simply complete the governance cycle, plan, implement, measure, review and approve. Tom Wegener 01:30:49.901
Thank questions? Okay. So you say that performance is just a part of good governance. Why is this, why aren't we doing this? Or are we actually doing it on a month-to basis? I guess that's question to that, too. Are we not doing this? Richard MacGillivray 01:31:13.579
Through the Chair. So we will be doing regular reporting through new events executives. So that's a key action and part of that event. This is an opportunity through this amendment to provide an annual update basically to Councillors around performance against this we're strategic framework. Tracking areas that are progressing well, other areas that may be set aside in the for further work to be done. So really it's an opportunity to just do a check-in point around how we're tracking 12 months into the framework. Kim Rawlings 01:31:47.606
Well, could I just add to that? The terms of reference for the executive does state that there will be annual reporting. So this just makes it clearer and more upfront, I guess. So the intention is that there will be annual reporting. Jessica Phillips 01:32:05.493
And question, sort of the intention was that say after the first four months. It's all tracking fine. We can also say we don't need that in your report anymore, can't we? It's not like it was more because this is the first time we've adopted a strategy like this rather than waiting or as it said, it is in there. But it comes back to Councillors then to potentially make recommendations. Is that the way I see it? Larry Sengstock 01:32:32.847
But it can I speak to that, Chair? As we said, we always intend to report annually on these types of things because it is important to do that. The second piece is that the reason we've designed it this way with two Councillors on the EEG is that there will be a natural reporting process back to Council anyway, on an ad hoc basis or a more informal basis, and then on a monthly basis, particularly in this early phase, we would, I expect, would be reporting monthly because we're setting this thing up and we need to get, there'll be times when we need actual endorsement from the Council to progress in terms of records. So I think be assured that there will be regular reporting and an annual report will come in. Karen Finzel 01:33:17.837
I just have a question. Is it part of the annual reports that we already do as standard or are you talking a specific. Jessica Phillips 01:33:26.909
Annual report for this process? Specifically for this given it's a new strategy and like could just be one year and then we never need it again but I just want to see what the yearly one brings us if there was any unintended consequences we'll see that in the report back to Councillors at a report stage not through noting all the process where we go around the table at some of the workshops that doesn't get done the way I would feel that would be more transparent to community to see it in a report so it was more to bring it out of there and back here so community can see what we've addressed has it worked is it not working do we need to make changes it's more just to bring it back into the community's light rather than it being an internal report that we see. Karen Finzel 01:34:20.137
Yeah I like the rationale around that I support that but I'm just wondering would it show up in our annual report. Larry Sengstock 01:34:27.173
New annual performance actually it would just be reported annually as a report against this framework Council. Unidentified Speaker 01:34:35.806
Go ahead to the Chair just going back to these five priority areas and in each there's a measure of success and an annual target so naturally I don't expect that would be the basis of the annual report yeah but then on a quarterly basis two Councillors the proposition is that two Councillors will be part of the executive so I guess once we get through quarter one and two we start to emerge those measures will grab that kind of um I suppose we bet those in and start reporting those. Jessica Phillips 01:35:05.850
Yes so to clarify this is the mechanism to bring a report back to this table to say we need to make some changes not we can't make decisions behind there so the amendment is to make sure that even in that first 12 months it come back it comes back here it could be just for noting we might not need to do anything but then we just get on with it. Larry Sengstock 01:35:32.322
So Council as well remember we also fund some events a number of events this framework goes from community events all the way through our major events so it's a much broader framework in terms of our major events we do provide funding and that comes through a bunch of process anyway every year so there'll be naturally a reporting process comes through that because we'll be requesting either continuing funding or changed funding for those events. Tom Wegener 01:36:03.127
Any more questions okay the question so I guess I worry this is a really big change for us like right we've taken on events we've taken on Council it's very involved with two councils on the EEG and so I was expecting and reading the report that we would have regular updates as to what's happening so I guess I'm worried that maybe people might say okay don't worry about it we'll just give it to you in the annual report instead of really keeping us in the loop as time goes on and the civil all so I just want to make sure that this isn't just want to make sure that this isn't actually aggregating that the responsibility to the end of the year for what we want to see what we want to see on a regular basis because this is important comment on that? Kim Rawlings 01:36:46.365
Yeah, come on Chair. So this provides, this formalises what was always intended. There are clear measures, annual measures that we'll be measuring around whether or not the framework's achieving its intended outcomes. This then provides that this table and publicly, we're on track, we've achieved this or, you know, we need to change this. So this is a good addition to reporting. We have two Councillors sitting on the executive, as the CEO mentioned your normal communication practices, like your Councillor discussion forum. Each of you provide updates about the sorts of committees and groups you're on. We would expect that the two Councillors that are on the executive would provide regular updates and that happens monthly to the Councillors about what's happening at that forum. There are also going, as the CEO said, there are also likely to be over the next 12 months, certain decisions that this Council will have to make. So there's probably going to be other public reports come back to Council. I guess what I'm wanting to say is just to reassure Council that we anticipate there's going to be quite a bit of reporting and keeping the Council in the loop over the next 12 plus months. Karen Finzel 01:38:08.305
Well, firstly, thank you for raising this, because I do wonder then, the authors, if this is quite so significant to the reporting, as just stated, I'm just seeking from the authors of the report, it was obviously then lifted up to a Council to raise this, is there a reason why this was omitted from the report? Kim Rawlings 01:38:30.482
It's in the terms of reference. It says specifically in the terms of reference that we will be reporting annually. It's just not in the resolution. It's adopting the terms of reference. So it is, when you adopt the terms of reference, you're adopting the fact that we'll be reporting annually. So that it is in there. I don't think it's an omission. But what this is, Councillor Phillips has done is gone, I want that up front in the resolution. So it's not sitting in terms of reference, but the outcome's the same, essentially. Jessica Phillips 01:39:00.555
I understand the outcome's the same. Karen Finzel 01:39:02.411
So that your rationale is why you didn't put it in, for example, in this point in the document is because you felt it was unnecessary. Jessica Phillips 01:39:11.370
Well, but it was in the terms of reference and we would be reporting on it annually. Any more questions on the amendment? Otherwise, I'll close. Frank Wilkie 01:39:18.905
It oh, look, I'll speak to it. As has been explained, Councillors received the terms of reference as part of the attachments to this report. So it is clearly articulated in there that annual reporting and regular reporting is part of this. As has already been said, it just puts this up front that there will be annual reporting on top of the other regular reporting. I don't see any harm, even though there's a bit of duplication. Going on there's no harm in making this articulating the requirement for annual reporting in this amendment. Jessica Phillips 01:39:57.022
Thank you. I'm going to close by sort of explaining how I got to this and acknowledge the work done in the events we got there in the end. So what I've realised when I've reviewed my own reflection of the last couple of years is we have those updates general conversation in the room behind us and it's very much so it's formal but it's also there's no ability to make change so the one thing that um I'm really conscious of now with a new policy um that I actually want it to be formal in that first 12 months I want it to come back to where we can make changes um and be really upfront with the community if things need to go one way or the other I'm not pre-empting which way it goes I'm suggesting that I want to move away from the conversations that we have out there and see the report um come back to us in a formal way not for noting because that report will just come through for noting and if we head in a direction where we shouldn't be making amendments of a noting report it should just come here for noting I want it to be something that Councillors not staff we actually say, oh, that's the feedback we got this is the place we should be making those changes we do it on camera everyone can see it there's discussion and then we move on it was more around making sure that was really transparent um and it was more from my own review couple of years that I've got a little bit caught up on like how do we actually change policy well we can't do it back there we have to do it here so I'm just trying to um get ahead of it and that was the intention behind my amendment I'll put it to the vote those in favour of the amendment and that is carried unanimously and we will move back that performs the original motion which only Councillor Wilkie has spoken to I have a question yes Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 01:42:09.630
When it comes to new events new big events coming um it doesn't talk about that um would there is that would there be a process evolving for new events coming and obviously some events falling off around because we are changing the goal posts for what we want a bit. Kim Rawlings 01:42:32.203
I'm happy to um you referred to there is a lot of change and I guess that's why it's a five-year directional document with an action plan and measures and then that governance set up so it means that it's not definitely not a set and forget so to your point I think the initial focus is about really um that kind of leveraging and managing the current you know really getting that vetted down both decision making resources etc and get that really in line with the new principles or the general principles and the actions I think as we move forward quickly no doubt you know we hope we're going to get knocks on the door maybe it's related to the Olympics um so as part of that new governance the terms of reference include considering new events so there'll probably be an operational assessment first the team will assess bring it to the new exec group which is two directors and two Councillors as the proposed and key staff I think it's that forum that starts to consider maybe not you know small community events new and that goes through a normal process and probably through grants and existing but anything big new that we um the operational assessors that's worth an assessment that aligns generally it fits it's a good fit given all considerations my understanding then we'd escalate that to the executive that's. Correct yeah and just to add to that we are we do get inquiries for new events you know we've in the last few weeks we've had inquiries for new events so it's an ongoing process and this allows a you know updated and contemporary framework and the associated governance to properly assess those. Jessica Phillips 01:44:19.952
Any more questions? There's an amendment? Okay, let's talk about that. Brian Stockwell 01:44:25.978
Move that item, it won't be X, it'll be E, item K be added to read that upon establishment the events executive group review current event limits in the event policy to determine sustainable limits for event approvals, having regard to cumulative impacts, including the duration of which parking areas and recreational spaces are unavailable for public use, as well as. Frank Wilkie 01:45:09.304
I cannot second it for testing, because I moved the original motion. Jessica Phillips 01:45:15.043
It again. Councillor, we can't because you seconded the original. Councillor Wilson can have thank you. Get the floor. Brian Stockwell 01:45:26.754
So, within the policy, there's some number limits of events set out for Noosa Main Beach and Noosa Main Beach west. Those specifics are just number of events and they relate to the previous policy. Believe if we look at what's in the Destination Management Plan where we talk about establishing sustainable carrying capacity, that part of that assessment would look at the impact of events. I'm a little bit uncomfortable that the policy duplicates those numbers, but I'm would be less comfortable of coming up with some other arbitrary figure, so I think there is a body of work that needs to be done, I think there'll be some within the community who would like to see a reduction of the total events and it's not just those on Noosa Main Beach, so what I propose here is that there is a process that helped implement the DMP that leads to conscious deliberations around what it means in terms of what sustainable parent capacity might be across the Shire. Councillor Wegener and I attended a very good breakfast put on by TN recently noting that queenstown in New Zealand is actively going through the process of using a model to determine the carrying capacity. I'm sure we can look at that and learn from it but I just believe it's something in adoption of this framework that we need to also say well let's take some time and think about. Just what is the appropriate way to set limits for events to ensure that residential amenity is maintained and the expectations both of visitors and of our local residents in participating in wonderful events like the one I was in yesterday, the great Noosa Trail walk with 200 other people. Just for a change I walked rather than. Jessica Phillips 01:47:09.097
And I have a couple of questions probably for Kim because I had emailed some of these so can I, maybe for people watching, I think it's really important for myself and anyone else to know how we've actually got those limits already and how we measured and them. I might start with that question first so then I can help guide the conversation. Kim Rawlings 01:47:33.414
Yeah, thanks Councillor Phillips. So the current events policy was developed in 2019 and the current main policy was developed in 2018. And these policies were to, you know, to provide some guidance to our growing events portfolio at the time. And we were in a growth phase then with a very specific kind of approach to events, helping sort of fill some of the potential down times in our calendar. That's not as much of an issue now. But the Main Beach events policy limits were put in place at the time to essentially reflect the existing events that we had that utilised that space and to. Sort of indicate that at the time the Council of the day considered that there needed to be some capacity guidance for Main Beach that is the location that most people want new events want to be at. We get lots of requests for access to Main Beach as you know. So it was about at the time saying this is what we think the capacity is for Main Beach now and reflect. What was existing at the time into that policy. That's been carried forward into the combined policy. It hasn't had a strategic review. It's been carried forward to again reflect the events that exist and have for some time in that precinct. There is. The strategic framework does provide some direction into continuing to review impacts of events and look at those things and the cumulative impacts of how that precinct is used. So, you know, it's in line with how we would, what we would be looking at going forward. Jessica Phillips 01:49:41.696
But that's a bit of the history. Yes, thank you. Maybe a question for Councillor Stockwell then, because I like the intent. How do you propose the. Events executive group though what um how are they going to do this? Because they're not. Where's their experience in. Um, it I get ask I get it but then how is it um not going to be driven by this group and not more of a broader point? Brian Stockwell 01:50:17.847
Yeah so I actually envisage it would be broader the way that they rely on expertise within Council staff I initially, I also talked said it'd be something we could run by the Destination Stewardship Council to get the community view but you know timing of both these motions it may not be possible but yeah so I actually think that the process of leading to it is leading up to a recommendation from the executive leadership group which is there to get the whole Council perspective. Jessica Phillips 01:50:47.168
Any other questions? Frank Wilkie 01:50:50.122
I'll speak in favour of it Chair. I'm going to support this because I think this is exactly the sort of review the taking stock of the current situation the status quo that you would expect the events executive group to do. Like have we got the mix and number events right as a starting point. I also like the fact that it specifically articulates having regard to the amount of time in which spaces are unavailable for public use and that's also that's a consideration that's articulated in the events management policy. Like have it doesn't hurt to have that as part up front as part of this recommendation, this motion that we're approving today. Jessica Phillips 01:51:43.766
One more question to Councillor Stockwell. What happens if this review um, suggests. Something but there's already an approval for an event in that year, how will it work in reality? Just will it be that they recommend it for the next time it comes for approval? Brian Stockwell 01:52:06.660
Recommendation would be because we have got specific numbers within the policy the recommendation would come up if it was to change there's a change to the policy and then once that policy is. Jessica Phillips 01:52:14.704
Adopted then any subsequent decision would be informed by it. Great then I will speak to the amendment in support and I have a little bit more clarity on it. I think it ties in really well with the events policy and given that it will come back annually for a report to Council then we can publicly see those impacts and I think that is a really positive thing for community. Thank you. Anyone else wish to speak to uh Council Stockwell's amendment all those in favour? In favour.org original motion original. Councillor Wilkie has spoken to Councillor Wegener has spoken to and. That is it. Nicola Wilson 01:53:12.536
There's no doubt that events can be better managed with a coordinated team across Council and I support the formation of a Noosa events executive group this framework has been drafted over many months and we've had input along the way in workshops but I still have some concerns firstly the lack of measurable KPIs priority one for example is to improve the shared experience the target or outcome is a year-on improvement in event experience how is that measuring the priority um who is it improved for and how is it measured priority three is to actively manage events impacts the desired outcome is to protect community amenity and environmental values but the outcome targets are improved management of traffic measured by who and increased confidence in planning and management of event impacts I can't see a connection here with how these will be managed and how they reflect community amenity. Increased and improved are subjective and are not targets without baseline data and measurable outcomes and reliable methods of collecting data. My second concern is that framework does not adequately reflect the impact on community. There is a somewhat naive assumption that if events are managed better, the community will suddenly be supporters of events, feeling inconvenience, although that amendment did address that a little bit. Priority two is to maximise the benefit of events for the Noosa community. Outcome targets are: increased evidence of community benefit and participation. Again, how is that measured? Increased local business and supplier engagement, improved environmental performance across supported events. So these are quite selective ways of measuring benefits, but what about those who don't want to participate? How is this actually linking back to the target here to measure enhanced liveability? How do we measure community benefit? How are we measuring and managing community detriment? Finally, we have a lot of blank measures for events held in the past, but no lead measures on what we are looking to achieve. There's no assessment criteria and therefore we don't know how a balanced event portfolio can be achieved or whether anything is going to change. Does the community want to see increased diversity across event categories and dispersal across the Shire, or was this just something that was put in as a nice-to-have? Overall, I agree with the sentiment and the operational focus, but it's just too vague for me as a strategic framework. Jessica Phillips 01:55:45.641
Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Councillor Wegener, question? Tom Wegener 01:55:50.198
Good question, yeah. With the Destination Management Plan, we went through an enormous amount of work and consultation, and it appeared to me that we were listening to the community. It was a community-led, community vision for Noosa. That's how to manage the destination. So that was, the community here. We're taking the shift in the focus to the actual events that are coming. But we're morphing it to, we're being led by. They can't probably get to your question oh yeah that's the way I see It is that a correct vision of this is what the community has told us that they want through numerous consultations? We're looking at the destination management. These are the events that are going to conform with what the community has told us they want. Is that accurate? Nicola Wilson 01:56:39.178
Some of the community. Jessica Phillips 01:56:42.176
Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:56:43.519
I just want to go to Council note making comments and questions. I think it was meant to be deriding. I think that should be withdrawn. Nicola Wilson 01:56:52.881
It wasn't deriding, it was a clarification. Some of the community. Brian Stockwell 01:56:56.562
Is that? I think it should be withdrawn. It was their approach in making the little snaps on a piece. A lot of people talking. I think we should stop it. Jessica Phillips 01:57:07.014
Okay. You're not the Chair. Unidentified Speaker 01:57:09.737
No, that was my point. The Chair needs to rule on it. Jessica Phillips 01:57:18.601
I will say, Councillor Wegener, be mindful of your question, firstly, and that will help the commentary at the table, because it was a very leading question, which I won't allow, and then I will rule on. We will move on the procedural motion for an apology from Councillor Wilson, because I'm not going to let the question go through. Apology to who? To Councillor Wegener. Possible. And the question won't allow. I won't allow it unless you can think of another way to ask the question without putting all the words in DESTINATION the staff's mouth first. Tom Wegener 01:58:02.201
MANAGEMENT PLAN. Mirrors the community desires and that just in this plan, the sewage at the event strategic framework is the events and we want the events to mirror what the community has told us they want and so they're two very different things one is about an event, one is about the community consensus. Jessica Phillips 01:58:29.461
Does that give you enough Director Rawlings to answer the question given also that there is another emotive link? Language used in the question. Kim Rawlings 01:58:44.363
I'm happy to respond. The Destination Management Plan did explore as one of a number of key issues around the destination in our community and a range of impacts that are happening in our community. Events was one of the, it might have been 10 or 12 key issues. You might recall we did issues papers on each of them. Events was one of those. So we specifically did engage with the community on events. And their aspirations for their concerns, you know, acknowledging, putting on the table that we had heard from the community that there were impacts, they were feeling more and cumulative impacts of events. So it was a specific issue that we wanted to address. So yes, the Destination Management Plan did do that. It garnered a range of feedback from the community and there was no doubt that the community wanted some community, those community who responded to the process and councils you the on the number of community that responded to the process, so some community is correct. Those that responded provided feedback around the types of events, the cumulative impacts, the things that they want to manage. Greater management and oversight of the events calendar. As a result of that, one of the key actions in the DMP is that we develop a strategic framework to guide the events portfolio with a particular focus on community, first. And managing the impacts of events, managing the mix of events, and raising the bar around the contribution that events make back to our community. So that's what this has done. Jessica Phillips 02:00:32.930
Councillors I will urge you, I know I do it when I'm not the Chair as well, but don't use your questions to debate. Use that for the platform of debate and don't put staff in the position to have to debate your point. Frank Wilkie 02:00:47.312
Question-- sorry. Moving on. Jessica Phillips 02:00:47.961
Question. Frank Wilkie 02:00:49.024
Yeah, we had some comments before about the Measures of Success as and KPIs could you explain how you intend to capture the Measures of Success. Unidentified Speaker 02:01:06.082
I think there are initial set of measures that some will require some new I guess measurement tools as well some are already captured but the way I see it is it's part of them if you read the terms of reference the new executive group will be charged with guess ensuring that those measures can be measured on a quarterly basis and then I would expect them to identify if there's any gaps and actually what we've said we need to measure and we don't have the survey tools I think that I see the measures are evolving and I take that point that all this is really quarterly meetings with a new executive a five-year vision and a policy that is currently operating within limits on beaches but you know requiring or benefited for a review so same with measures I certainly think that they're there to be improved upon but the three or four that we put in for each priority area I think certainly after the first year and the starting point but I would expect those to continue to improve. Unidentified Speaker 02:02:17.514
Okay I put the motion. Brian Stockwell 02:02:22.258
2018-19 When Councillor and Director Kim was talking about we were under a huge pressure to keep on improving more events and it was at a stage where every time we had an event we'd had quite a lot of community complaint. We're not seeing that same pressure for new events. The market for events and the level of complexity associated with getting events and insurance and etc is one where we're seeing downward pressure on events. So it is the right time to start looking at setting forward the framework that we want to go into the future because there's no doubt it'll be cyclical. For the first time we some guiding principles that are aligned with the Destination Management Plan and I think that's really important at the strategic level. We haven't given staff previously the level of guidance about what this community and its Council expects. So we've had an administrative process complying against the act, against some policies which were probably fit for purpose at the time but had, you know, we've moved past it. But now we see that the events framework basically duplicates the core guiding principles came out of the consultation as Councillor Wegener was questioning about what the community was expecting, about, you know, putting the community apart, authentic, being balanced, the right events, the right place, right time, treading lightly and lead better. These are all things that should guide some transition of our events, you know, like the, you know, the TN-led Trees for Tourism program developed over the years. And it was a voluntary program where it's mostly event organisers would collect donations from their participants and that would lead to planting trees along the Noosa Trail that I walked yesterday, some growing very nicely. What we're saying now is that's an expectation, it's not an expectation that when you're having an event and people come to Noosa, that those people participating are also helping to contribute to this community, whether it be by Trees for Tourism or some other way, that they're actually feeling part of this community. And that you know and we must acknowledge that a lot of our bigger things have very large cohorts of locals participating you know my silly son's been running around this place for the last couple of years doing silly things and um and it's I understand what Councillor Wilson is talking about in terms of can we measure that specific measures but we have to realise that this is a strategic format when we get down to the next level for example what we expect our event organisers to report back on that's when we get into the specifics and that's where we can do the refinement that you know particularly our large events down to our community events we can have this sliding scale of performance measurement such that we do have a building baseline of community sentiment of participant sentiment. So there's lots of ways we can do it but I'm quite happy that this framework does do what was intent when we first took over the events portfolio and one of the main things was it brings all the Council together and so the executive leadership group it provides better coordination guidance as to the policy objectives and the strategic guidelines by which to assess both existing and new events so I think it's a step forward. Jessica Phillips 02:06:12.263
Thank you Councillor Stockwell I'm going to speak to it over the long weekend I had the chance to read an amazing book Paul that starts with why you hear me ask it all the time about why originally when we had our very first workshop on events framework strategic framework it was about removing events from Tourism Noosa bringing it into Council so then we could streamline the events organisers were a one-stop shop so they don't have to apply for the traffic permit through us and then go through another process with TN so originally the why made a lot of sense to me I don't agree that it morphed over time to a DMP alignment rather than its strategic intent at this beginning however with the amendment going through that it'll come back to us in 12 months one of the reasons why I'm going to support today with that amendment is that we I feel that we spend a lot of time in operational as a Council and our job is strategic policy setting I think one of the reasons why I feel we go into operational is because the policies take a long time to come back to us which is why I've asked for it to come back for every 12 months and then I can help shape the strategic direction of Council rather than wait it may not happen even in my term so I'm going to support the framework today even though I have some reservations not from staff but just as time went on I feel that it got um it lost its mission its intention I think if we'd stayed on track Council listens um things would have been addressed through that as well because a lot of that aligned with um the why um things easier on event organisers making it easier on Council um so the real test will be whether the real test of the framework will not be how comprehensive the document is today um it's the outcomes that it produces in the annual report that comes back to us I think it's really important again for policies to come back to Council to help shape the strategic direction because things change so back in 2018-19 we know that was the year or two before COVID which I understand is why things changed then costs of living has changed it's a very quick evolving community even though some things remain the same I think it's really important for us to be able to set strategic direction for us to see policies um come back to us more often and you'll hear me not talk about it just with this one but I'm going to be um heads up I'm going to be asking for a lot more um so then I stop asking for the operational request and I get to control more of the direction of the policy which Council should be doing um I'll support the framework today but I hope that the conversation around the table assists in future planning for staff thank you Council of things though you're the only one that hasn't spoken to the um the motion. Motion to in front of us the otherwise vote. Karen Finzel 02:09:55.655
I'll um thank you everyone for your comments around the table thank you to the staff I'd like to acknowledge the work that's gone on this and it's over many years um I'm happy to support this today because I think what are our options like I think we need to um certainly listen to our community they're asking us to balance the benefits first that detriment and I think this is the first step towards engaging with our community to hear what they have to say to actually begin to measure the lived experience. And the social impact on our community which I think is what we all agree on is that this is getting bigger than Ben hur and we need to take proactive steps towards ensuring that our community moving forward is a sustainable. Noosa where events and people who live here can all come together and engage in a positive way so that there's equally beneficial outcomes for all the players involved. I think it's good that we're going to have a strategy and an event portfolio that can begin to measure these things and thank Councillor Phillips for bringing in an extra report. To Council to ensure that we can publicly and openly, outward facing our community, bring them along the journey, which this is really important that it is a shared journey. But I don't want to be in a position where we're talking about us and them, and I think as a collective, we are trying to address the issues that are not only plaguing Noosa Shire, but it's a global issue, as we all know, across the globe. I think when you look at our Corporate Plan, we clearly state in those things, we look at future, understanding our future challenges. Will be key to enhancing our agility and resilience. Health and wellbeing for our people that live here is number one priority. You only have to look at our policies, our strategies, our drive, even from our community to engage in lifestyle. People have moved here to experience what we protected over many years, which is underpinned by a Different by Nature. Environment, health and wellbeing is always sat central, I believe, as a long-term residence in the Shire, as we incrementally inch towards giving us the outcomes we desire as an individual and a collective, but also addressing those things that come up before us every day in 2026. Given the uncertainties, the change, the global impacts, etc. I support this today because I think we have to move forward to do something. I believe this is the beginning of the future. Yeah, it's going to have its challenges, but anything that's worthwhile, in my opinion, does have its challenges. I think we've got to take some courage. We've got to step forward. I agree with Councillor Wilson. We don't have everything, you know, perfectly in line. But I think we've got the frameworks. We're attracting the people. We've got, you know, Council staffing with experience. We've got a highly engaged community. I'm sure that collectively we can work together to, you know, measure the social impacts, strengthen community confidence, and gender trust with Council to be able strive to. For those things which give us a livable community that is sustainable now and into the future, socially, economically, and environmentally. So I think that's all I want to say today. I think we're trying to build on the foundations of a success that's been previously brought to councils that have come behind us. Where we sit today and focus on where we'd like to be tomorrow. And very much from where I sit, and I'm sure all the Councillors around the table, we're here to serve our community. What are the beneficiaries to our community? What do we want to achieve? And hopefully we want to see our community engaged in a positive way to come with us on the journey. I wish we had a magic wand that we could say we're automatically click our fingers and we're there, but that's not how lot it's going of to money, happen. There's a lot process. A lot of engagement and a lot of careful consideration by those around the table and our community. So I thank everybody that's contributed to this agenda item today. Acknowledging that there's going to be challenges without a doubt, but at least hopefully collectively we can begin to take those steps incrementally towards a future that will be celebrated. Jessica Phillips 02:14:58.474
Thank you, Chair. Frank Wilkie 02:15:03.921
Look, the development of strategy and policy is squarely in the Councillors field of responsibility, and we're fortunate that we have relationship with staff where we do get regular. On the development of strategy and policy, and we're also fortunate with the two meeting structure where if there is any tweaks that need to be done between now and nine days hence when the Ordinary Meeting takes place, Councillors that have reservations can work with staff to put in place perhaps more. Harder Measures of Success or KPIs that they would like to see. I do would like to acknowledge that yes this does this continual improvement in terms of the events policy and now the introduction of strategic framework was driven in part by the DMP and the feedback from the community. They wanted us to take a closer events to make sure that the their impacts were managed more effectively and I'm looking forward to not just the regular monthly reporting back on the progress of this but also the annual reporting so we can stay abreast of how it's progressing so thank you. Jessica Phillips 02:16:17.732
Thank you um taking it to the vote although all those in favour Councillor Wilkie Wegener Stockwell and Phillips and those against is Councillor Wilson and it was carried now Councillors it is 20 past 12 um so we're going to pause for a break and we will be back at 10 minutes to one thank you. Jessica Phillips 02:49:27.036
Okay and uh welcome back everyone and we are going to jump straight back into item 7.2.6 the Noosa Aquatic Centre upgrade plan and Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan welcoming Brad. And Tim thank you. Unidentified Speaker 02:49:53.061
Welcome good afternoon Chair good afternoon. Unidentified Speaker 02:49:55.424
Councillors um so yeah obviously just uh today uh I'm pleased to present the Noosa Aquatic Facilities Strategic Plan 2026 to 2036 and the accompanying centre upgrade plan and prioritised implementation plan these documents provide Council with a long-term strategic framework to guide future planning renewal and enhancement of aquatic facilities across the Shire the strategic plan has been informed by a comprehensive needs assessment a demand analysis and extensive consultation with community user groups industry stakeholders and government partners the findings confirm that the aquatic centre is a highly valued and well-performing regional facility while also identifying opportunities to address ageing infrastructure accessibility asset. Renewal and evolving community expectations the strategic plan was developed to provide long-term network-wide view of aquatic service provision across Noosa ensuring future investment decisions are evidence-based strategically aligned and responsive to community needs the upgrade plan then supports this strategic direction into a prioritised pipeline proactively addressing emerging infrastructure accessibility and customer experience needs while it's establishing a long-term Roadmap for future investment the upgrade plan outlines a staged and prioritised approach to future improvements focused on accessibility renewal of critical infrastructure and customer amenity sustainability capacity to meet future community needs importantly these documents establish a strategic direction and will assist us in developing the pipeline I would also like to emphasise the endorsement of this strategy and upgrade plan does not constitute the approval of capital works projects or allocation of funding any future projects will be individually scoped assessed and considered through councils normal annual budget and capital works processes will remain subject to accrues and funding availability accordingly I'm seeking Council endorsement of this report and the Noosa Aquatic Centre facilities facility strategic plan and supporting upgrade plan and priority implementation plan to guide future planning investment in aquatics facilities across the Shire. Thank you and happy to take any questions. Frank Wilkie 02:52:21.164
Happy to move it. Jessica Phillips 02:52:24.760
Moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Finzel. We have a call. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:52:31.222
The Noosa Aquatic Centre is a very successful and much loved facility and this upgrade plan focuses on what matters most to our residents: improved accessibility, modern amenities, greater safety, more shade, enhanced wellness facilities and renewed we'll make the centre easier to use for older residents families people with disability and everyone who enjoys staying active importantly the plan responds to the growing community demand by expanding program capacity improving gym and wellness spaces enhancing spectator facilities creating a more welcoming and enjoyable experience for all users sustainability initiatives such as expanded solar infrastructure and environmentally sensitive landscaping will also help reduce costs and strengthen environmental resilience this is more than just an infrastructure project it is an investment in community well-being lifestyles and social connection positions Noosa to pursue future funding opportunities such as grants attract regional events and leave a lasting legacy for future generations it's a carefully planned and staged approach that allows us to ensure the Noosa Aquatic Centre remains a successful and well-loved community hub that continues to enrich the lives of our residents and visitors for many years to come. I commend the staff and their work. Jessica Phillips 02:53:51.158
Anyone else like to speak to the motion? Tom Wegener 02:53:56.089
Just quickly, philosophically though, this is what local government does, is supplies services that individually and can't be supplied by private um, capitalistic, ways. I grew up in the era of Milton friedman, and I was totally down with that, like the Reagan-esque laissez-faire, and I was brought up thinking that, and then I looked around and I and said, well, wait then coming to Australia, now being a Councillor, I feel really honoured and see the actual incredible value that local government does actually provide for us and how many people, and it's very worthwhile, our rates, and supporting this for the benefit of all of the residents instead of just a few residents getting the best. Jessica Phillips 02:54:57.067
A question. In relation to resources for such a strategic document like this, I know that it doesn't commit us to budget rounds, but just talk to me about whether or not your department, if something did come out of it that might be prioritised, can you, do you have adequate resources in the team to deliver the outcomes for the strategic plan? Unidentified Speaker 02:55:21.270
Yeah, certainly obviously we've targeted a couple and started work on particularly some design work. Look, it is there's time no doubt about it. This project's taken a couple of years to get through the system as well. So anytime we do start to pick things off, yeah, it certainly creates a bit of extra workload, but that's planned for. Certainly depends on what the work is as well. Certainly if it's an infrastructure build, that creates a hell of a lot pressure and the deliverable increases. Design work and stuff is a little easier to manage. So certainly for us at this point in time, we've got the on the table that we're working on. And then obviously the next phase for us will be putting a project initiation together for potentially looking at some infrastructure upgrades to be PW. And the change space. So with our current resourcing, I think we've got capacity to do that, but certainly as things evolve, because if we've got, you know, not only our facilities, but 70 clubs, we need to continue to monitor. Any other questions? I'll speak to it. Brian Stockwell 02:56:37.942
Yeah, I think it's a really good strategic plan in terms of, you know, you've done your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats. You look at our demographic profile and what that might mean to future users, like you predict, or forecast, or ABS did it, like you, know, that by 2046, our median age is going to be 54, and that 50%% of our population is going to be over 50 and that there's going to be over 50% of couples without children. And where we know that most people, well most of my activity in the aquatic centre is during that period when we do have kids. And how do you balance that? That's where you come up with your first thing of universal design, is that we have to make this not only so it's something that could be used as a training venue for the Olympics, but something that has the facilities that as we get older with our NDIS, the recipients can be used by them and can be used by kids and their brokers. Parents running up on a blow up on the top of the building pushing each other off, so to me that you know that is a big part of what you offer is that universal access and I do think that you've captured a range of the higher level strategies when you look at things like sustainable health facility and your energy usage, so I don't want to. Dip don't dip into hot water, but I think we should take the plunge. Unidentified Speaker 02:57:58.576
Right. Jessica Phillips 02:58:02.777
I have a follow up question then around making sure that all the work that's going into a strategic plan is actually delivered then. So as a Councillor or as Council, what's the biggest risk to not actually seeing some of this? Unidentified Speaker 02:58:20.983
Look, I think obviously from our standpoint, the accessibility part is probably the most important thing right now for us to try and plan for. I think we've certainly had discussions with Councillors previously around the need for the people with spaces at the NAC to be a priority. So I think for us, Tim and I particularly have certainly been trying to ensure that what we have right now is still as fit for purpose as it can be. But certainly, you know, moving forward strategically, we do need to keep an eye on trends and certainly from a community standpoint, I think we have a good understanding of the current need, the types of customers and clients that are coming through the door and need those sorts of facilities right now. So I think Tim and the team are well versed on who able to support their needs. We're also looking at a couple of program options whereby we can potentially deliver a little bit more in that space as well. So in the pool type stuff. So for us at the minute, I think we've got a pretty good handle on the immediate things that we need to take care of. But certainly as we can improve the infrastructure around us, potentially leading into probably 2032, when the Paralympics do get to our region, just having those sort of things taken care of at the NAC will just ensure that its usability is probably a little bit more fit for purpose at that time. So it's probably just from our end just working through that over the next couple of years with myself and Tim or whoever the coordinator is just working through that process of making sure that we were on point there and just make it we bring it to the table in terms of whether it's capital works pids and obviously if there's any workshopping for projects, we're doing that in a timely fashion so we have it sort of pre-planned and ready to go. Larry Sengstock 03:00:06.758
To that can I just go back to the next question um I think many of you may know, many of you may not know, that we've just done an upgrade of the filtration system for the 15-metre and 25-metre pool. I want to commend the guys and the work that they did. It's all come in under budget on time, pretty much said under budget. And the pool is looking magnificent in terms of the water clarity and the future use of the pool. The point I wanted to make also is that the common comments that went out before the 10-week closure of the 15-metre pool, I mean that caused some people quite a bit of consternation in terms of their normal usage. The noise that came back was very minimal. People accepted it was well done and it needs to be commended, I think, in terms of how we address that whole project and the team, led by Tim, is to be commended on that work, so something like that. Frank Wilkie 03:01:11.105
Just a note Madam Chair I've sent you an email there's a formatting issue and in part of the document for your attention. Jessica Phillips 03:01:17.777
Yeah um I'll speak to it um firstly great things um the knack is such a loved place by so many I my kids were very happy it was reopened for school holidays so thank you um it was crystal clear it was really nice it was um I was one of the people that turned up as closed though and I should know that it was closed um but it went really quickly we're back in um had a really great few days of school holidays with the floor inflatables the pool looks really really nice and clean um I still have an issue with the crows that took my kitkat but that's okay um that's media you guys do a great job with um the social media I think it's a really good news story for the Council um anything that comes from the NAC seems to be something that's really well received um so keep doing that my only like if I have to have one little criticism about any of it I would have loved if um there wasn't a Mayor's foreword on the document could preempt that today he doesn't have credibility around endorsement and discussion and so I would like to encourage that is something that is talked about at this table when we're doing a strategic plan um however I understand that it would be challenging not to agree that this is something that we need so I do see why I'm just saying um from a someone that may not be into pools um we've got to show equitable fairness across the Shire I hope it's not a set and forget strategic plan I do hope we see um things come through that actually are delivered and I'll try to do whatever I can as a Councillor to support that as well so thank you. Would you like to the opportunity Madam Chair. I don't wish to close. Okay so we'll put it to the vote. All those in favour? And that's carried unanimously. Thank you. And moving on to item 7.2.7. The Noosa Shire Council sole and specialised supplier list. Welcome to the General Committee. All those. Unidentified Speaker 03:03:48.848
Thank you, Madam Chair. Before I hand over to Brian, I'd. Unidentified Speaker 03:03:52.151
Like to add a few comments about the report. This is basically a standard process where we update our sold and specialised suppliers on a regular basis. It allows us to expedite our procurement processes under the requirements of the act and the Reg. I would also note that there are a number of panel arrangements that sit outside of these arrangements, and that's where Council more closely aligns with its local suppliers. We have eight of those panels involving about 183 suppliers, and they're for things like parks landscaping. Unidentified Speaker 03:04:27.979
Trade services, wet hire and dry hire and things like that. I did also notice that Councillor Phillips raised a few issues in relation to probity around Zero Emissions Noosa and the Noosa Biosphere Foundation we're coming back with some detailed responses on those questions but I would also like to add that the grants process and the procurement process are two disparate systems. So Council approves grants and then under the regs and the act Council then procure services from those two organisations. Ben Derrick 03:05:07.041
I would also like to add that under the requirements of all the panels and all specialised suppliers, there's no guarantee of work. Unidentified Speaker 03:05:16.619
Under those arrangements. So Council does follow rigorous procurement process as it engages those suppliers. So with that said, I'll hand over to Brian, I hope I didn't steal your thunder. Brian 03:05:29.817
No, thank you. The procurement of all Council's goods and services must be carried out in accordance with the Local Government Act 2009. And the Local Government Regulation 2012. Specifically, the regulation outlines the local government default contracting procedures for entering contracts via written quotes or tenders. The regulation inclusion includes exceptions to those procedures under certain circumstances, such as the engagement of a supplier without first written quotes or tenders approved as a sole or specialised supplier. This report seeks to amend both the sole supplier list and the Specialised Supplier List to continue to support Council's current and future procurement requirements. So the recommendation that Council A: note the report by the strategic procurement contracts advisor to the General Committee Meeting dated 6 October 2026. B: note the administrative process undertaken to establish and maintain the sole and Specialised Supplier List. Adopt the sole supplier list provided at attachment 1 of the report for the next 12 months and D: adopt the Specialised Supplier List provided at attachment 2 of the report for the next 12 months. Jessica Phillips 03:06:55.520
Thank you. Yeah, the floor. Thank you for the report. All very clear. No issues. Thank you. I just have one question. Do you ever notice, like, do you compare every 12 months to, like, some of the ongoing? Ones and then maybe suppliers that drop off? And do we sort of figure out why? I'm assuming you do that work behind, but I'd just love to know what's involved. Brian 03:07:26.714
Yes, so we do email all departments asking them to review their existing lists and then to provide feedback as to if a supplier is no longer required or is no longer a supplier and then we incorporate that in the annual review if I'll write that in the, in your review. Jessica Phillips 03:07:46.217
If there is suppliers that drop off do we ask them why? Is there just like do we monitor that type of interaction with people and go maybe they just decided not to put because they've got to nominate don't they? Unidentified Speaker 03:08:00.184
As in who? Are we asking why? The supplier or the no we don't ask the suppliers. Brian 03:08:06.862
Suppliers aren't invited onto these lists it's through staff internally that identify a sole or specialised supplier and then procurement will test that though that is the case that it is either a sole or specialised supplier for these purposes. A supplier cannot tender to be a sole or specialised supplier. Jessica Phillips 03:08:30.966
Okay I might have known that it just got filed somewhere in the filing cabinet. Thank is there any more questions? Karen Finzel 03:08:40.506
Councillor Finzel? Thank you. Does Noosa Council have a benchmark policy to speak to this process? How do we benchmark how procurement and how it gets sold? How do we benchmark it against the. Jessica Phillips 03:08:58.792
Organisations or the businesses and the outcomes? And how do we ensure that we're reaching their targets? Do we have a policy like that? Unidentified Speaker 03:09:09.352
I'll take the mic. Under Council we have a procurement policy. So that governs all of our. Unidentified Speaker 03:09:15.003
Functions and then we have the regs. But there's no specific. Because there's no specific target against these suppliers as to how much work they can or will get. It depends on what activities we're undertaking at any point in time. So I'm not sure if that answers your question or not. But we don't have benchmarks or targets that we aim to achieve against these panels. Jessica Phillips 03:09:40.039
These are the further questions? I am going to, would you like to close actually? All right, I'm going to put it to the vote. All those in favour? And that is carried. Thank you. Moving on to item 7.2.8. Council meeting scheduled 2027. Unidentified Speaker 03:10:20.220
We're good. And, sorry, this is yours. Larry Sengstock 03:10:25.126
It is. Sorry, Councillor, if you see me using my phone, it's because I've got an issue. I'm just dealing with, seems to be back on how the power's performed. Okay, so this is the meeting scheduled for 2027, so we adopted an annual timetable to ensure the transparency of effective planning. This is just something we do. It's not something, so it's really a framework or a base case to do. Noting that we've moved in recent times from four meetings to two meetings, we're still in the business of reviewing that and making sure that it is fit for purpose. So what we have done is simply planned out for the next 12 months the 2027 period to ensure that we've got it in our diaries and that the community can see it. But it is certainly not locked in stone as such, but it can be adapted and adopted as appropriate. So I just put it to you as a again, as the framework for our meeting schedule over this next 12 months. Nicola Wilson 03:11:35.984
Thank you. Councillor Lorentson? Have a question please. We've got September the 10th marked as a public holiday. Have we set the day for the showdown yet? Larry Sengstock 03:11:47.253
We have applied for it, yes. That's the Friday one. I. Nicola Wilson 03:11:55.689
Also just make a note that the 27th of December is also a public holiday. It's not marked. Jessica Phillips 03:12:04.706
What are you making? Can I have a move on? Sorry, I'll take the move. Oh. You. Actually, yes, thank you. I'm going to start with just a small change. That Council note the report by the CEO to the General Committee Meeting dated 6th October 2026 be approved the Council meeting schedule for January to December 2027 as outlined in the attachment line to the report noting a change to the General Committee Meeting in October from Tuesday the 5th of October to Wednesday the 6th of October. C note that the times and of Ordinary Meeting adopted in attachment line may be changed by Council resolution to order in to facilitate Council meetings in the community where appropriate. I'll second. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker 03:13:00.809
Just before we go ahead of just time, before you we for go letting ahead, I me join. Brian Stockwell 03:13:02.750
Don't think that we're going to do a note. It refers to an attachment from each of the men that are the notes, please note our men. Because I'm mending, as set out, other than, yeah, just the wording's not right. As set out, it doesn't the one to report, to the report. Frank Wilkie 03:13:23.782
With a change. Unidentified Speaker 03:13:26.298
Okay. With. Rather than no being there. Jessica Phillips 03:13:33.159
Yeah. All right. Okay. So Councillor. Moved by Councillor Wilson, seconded by. I moved it. Sorry. And you seconded it. Thank you. Okay. No, I moved the motion and Councillor Wilson seconded it. I thought Councillor Stockwell moved it. Unidentified Speaker 03:13:55.034
No, no, I started to move the original. Unidentified Speaker 03:13:58.384
This is their new version of it. Jessica Phillips 03:14:01.225
Yeah. Okay. I did this quickly in the break because I'll give you an example of sending an email at eight o'clock last Friday for some questions around today's meeting, given that most people should have a nice long weekend, I didn't get response till nine o'clock this morning, which just made it really hard with the public holiday stuff and Councillors should be allowed to enjoy a having to feel like they need to respond to requests. I think psychosocial social hazard legislation really tells people that they have the right to switch off. It's something that I think we could improve on I noted that next year it actually falls again where the Tuesday General Committee would be the day after public holiday so I'm just asking for it to be moved for the one time for to the Wednesday and that is the minor change. But hopefully you can understand my reasoning why. Frank Wilkie 03:15:05.452
Question what day of the week does the agenda for the Ordinary Meeting come out. Larry Sengstock 03:15:12.516
Comes out. Frank Wilkie 03:15:16.498
On the Monday the 11th it's there. Larry Sengstock 03:15:20.125
So if this is on Wednesday it would be intended to go out on Monday. Frank Wilkie 03:15:23.942
So it wouldn't change the date it wouldn't affect the date that the Ordinary Meeting agenda comes out. Larry Sengstock 03:15:31.703
Wouldn't it? Is there any changes you're making? Frank Wilkie 03:15:33.731
My question is would it compress the time frame between the seat of the Ordinary Meeting agenda and the Ordinary Meeting? By day. So we'll shorten it by day? Yeah. Just as long as Councillors are aware of that? Yeah. Unidentified Speaker 03:15:51.420
Yeah, I'm happy to support. I must admit I met. Brian Stockwell 03:15:56.160
One particular Director like yesterday afternoon. Unidentified Speaker 03:16:00.640
And I'm sure she would prefer to be playing soccer at the beach with kids or something. Jessica Phillips 03:16:10.601
Any other questions? Would anyone else like to speak to the motion? I think it's a good idea. Thank you for noticing. Thank you for letting me enjoy my birthday. So we'll go to vote. All those in favour? And that is carried. Moving on to 7.2.9, change of time and venue. The Ordinary Meeting dated 7th of December 2026. Larry Sengstock 03:16:49.064
So this is just to, as is part of our regulations and the process is that we are taking our meeting out to the regions and to the Shire. Our meeting on the 17th of December, we're proposing to have it at the Cooran memorial hall of arts at 12 o'clock on the 17th of December. So it's just really as a change, we need to formalise that and also to the community that will be out there. Frank Wilkie 03:17:20.731
Happy to move it, Madam Chair. Interestingly, this arrangement came at the request of community members who. A space in the Cooran school of arts hall for us, which is a great courtesy and I'm very pleased that we're able to honour that request. Jessica Phillips 03:17:50.272
Thank you, would anyone else like to speak to the motion? Would you like to close? No, thank you Chair. Brian Stockwell 03:17:56.731
It's true that Councillor Wegener is going to be seeing us at the kids after the day. Frank Wilkie 03:18:02.190
Don't spoil it. We're not listening. Jessica Phillips 03:18:07.453
All those in favour? Thank you and that's carried. Alright, we are done. Finished with reports that are not in confidential. We have one item, number eight, for confidential session and I need someone to move. I can move to go into confidential. A second? Councillor Lorentson second. That meeting be closed to the public in accordance with section 2.5.4 of the local.3 of the Local Government Regulation 2012. This is not publicly available as it contains information that is confidential to the local government and pursuant to section 2.5.4 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing item 8.1 Noosa regional gallery detailed business case and considerations. Negotiations. Relating to a commercial matter involving the local government for which a public discussion would be likely to prejudice the interests of the local government. I said that word a few times and I couldn't get it today. All those in favour to go into confidential and that's carried. Frank Wilkie 03:19:28.784
Just the wording looks a bit funny, but we can fix that. Yeah. Well it does contain negotiations relating to a commercial matter but it's just sitting by itself. Just the clause, the phrasing seems like it needs. Yeah, the body rather than sitting alone. Yeah. Pad part G, in the body of the motion, you've got, you're referred to 254J brackets 3G, which is where you would insert the meaning of that. I don't think we usually do that. You're going to. But I can pop that in now. Jessica Phillips 03:20:50.897
We've already noted on it. Yeah. We're through and we're going to complete. I don't think I keep it as is, Vicky. Yeah. You didn't vote for it, but the rest went through. That wasn't the words. Okay. It's not in the report on the front page of the report. Yeah. Jessica Phillips 04:05:12.561
Okay. We are back from confidential session. We're dealing with item 8.1 and I'm going to move a procedural motion to move the confidential Noosa regional gallery detailed business case and consideration be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting for further consideration. Frank Wilkie 04:05:39.714
I'll second. Jessica Phillips 04:05:40.456
Thank you. All those in favour? And that's carried. And that ends our General Committee with a meeting closure at:09pm. Thank you everyone. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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