ZERO EMISSIONS NOOSA (ZEN) Inc. ALLIANCE AGREEMENT

Jessica Phillips39:56

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.

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.

Frank Wilkie47:46

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.