General Committee Meeting, 10 November 2026
Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin, QLD 4565, Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 04:08:17
Synopsis: Peregian project refocused to Coastal Pathway with engagement, Nov report, Burgess Creek plan with timing/cost report, Design Principles adopted, battery pilot reporting, LA delegation approved.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Jessica Phillips Brian Stockwell Karen Finzel Amelia Lorentson Frank Wilkie Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Acting Director Infrastructure Services Bill Haddrill Apologies (Did Not Attend)
Meeting Transcript
Jessica Phillips 00:00.201
Good morning everybody and welcome to the General Committee. It's day to the 10th of November 2026 and we are at county of Angus. Firstly I want to acknowledge the custodians of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pay respects to the elders, past, present and emerging. We are going to move on to confirmation the of minutes. General Committee and our attendants. Very everyone here? No apologies. Tom's not here. Of course he's not. Fun holidays. She's provided, of course. An apology. He's an apology. And everyone else is in attendance. So moving on to the confirmation of minutes from the 6th of October 2026. Can I remove us? I'll move it Madam Chair. Thank you. I pass the second. Councillor Wilkie and Councillor Finzel have seconded. All those in favour? Thank you. And that's carried. Moving on to the General Committee reports and we'll start with the reports for notary and the first one is the capital program 2026-27, the delivery status report. And we're going to have, oh, it's all team to the table, thanks. Laura, Mel and Kyrone. Thank you. We're going to hear the delivery report. So the executive summary. So the report provides a subject on Noosa Council's capital works program 2026-27 for Q1 of the financial year, excluding disaster reconstruction. The approved capital budget as per the budget for Q1 is 75 million. Actual expenditure at Q1 is 12.1 million, which represents 70% of the approved project, with a net of 18.7 commitments, representing a cumulative 30.9 million support for the safety of food project grant funding at the quarter is 18.6 million, with a Council contribution of 1.4 million to this project. Getting excluded disaster, with the cutterworks program, which represents a. Aboriginal and torres strait islander communities. Thank you. I'm going to start by asking someone to move the report from staff. Recommendation? Habit of move? I'll second that. And there will be a second at that. And any questions from the table? I think it's been moved and seconded. To vote for it. Oh, okay. I'm speaking. You. Questions or speaking too? To. Brian Stockwell 03:10.320
To what the Mayor is advising is the movement must have the right to talk to those people. Jessica Phillips 03:15.401
Yes. Okay. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 03:18.730
Oh, okay. First, thank you to the staff and the Director and the whole team for the report and for the enormous amount of work that's been delivered across the portfolio, I think anyone in the community, if they have the opportunity, should really take the time to have a look at the major projects that we've got across our portfolio. Much of this business is as usual, it's the work that keeps our community moving every day. It's encouraging to see also part of the report how much external funding. And grant opportunities that have been secured. And that's great, takes the pressure off ratepayers and helps Council deliver more for our community rather than ratepayer funding alone. Importantly, when I look at the Corporate Plan, the capital works plan, I always look at the operational plan and how it aligns with our Corporate Plan. So I think that's important to also raise that this work speaks directly to the delivery of our Corporate Plan priorities, and it's the part that I always feel most excited about when we change strategy from plans. How we execute the plans from strategy to delivery. So this is a working example of it. So again, thanks for all your professionalism. We think you guys are the A-Team. We want to just acknowledge again that it takes people to deliver these infrastructure projects and commitment to our big why that, you know, we work for the residents of Noosa. So thank you. Jessica Phillips 05:09.061
Now the move is spoken. I'm just trialling something different today. Frank Wilkie 05:14.679
Now that the move has been spoken, we will ask a. Jessica Phillips 05:16.634
Question from the Chair. Frank Wilkie 05:17.979
Look, it's a good start. So we're recording on the first day of the month of the year, off to a flying start. Mentioned that all but six of the 94 projects are underway in various stages of planning, design, procurement, delivery, handover one and completion. Of what are the major obstacles that you're facing with this completion of the capital works program? Toward completion of projects that have commenced or were you referring to the projects that have commenced? Generally, on an operational sense day-to what are the major obstacles you face? Yep. That you could possibly overcome? Karin could probably expand furthest on that one. Yeah, I think obviously acting in the position. Unidentified Speaker 05:56.032
I think at the moment one of the issues we're trying to overcome is getting the resource back into the team, getting the team up to speed and when you take on to new resource you've got obviously that resource up and that's probably happened over the last couple. Frank Wilkie 06:12.964
Of months and three or four new starters within the project delivery team and they started to really gain some traction. That's what we've been taking. I how many positions are they in your infrastructure? I'd probably take that on notice now. There's a couple that we've got that are free just off the top of my head. But we've filmed quite a few the in last couple of years. Jessica Phillips 06:37.800
Quite a few in the last anyone have a second. Amelia Lorentson 06:41.717
Oh, Kyrone, sorry for this question. And maybe you want to take this one on notice as well. My question is, in terms of, you know, thinking beyond the current program and looking at what emerging pressures so my is, are we investing enough, investing early enough to meet future growth and demand? And are there areas of risk that we're falling behind on? Yesterday, we had a meeting our state of assets. So I think the question more to me is, in terms of investing in what we need today, is there money being put aside in investments that are going to happen tomorrow? Just is that infrastructure you mentioned? Thank you. Bill. Bill Haddrill 07:34.025
Through the Chair, Councillor, thanks very much for the question. In building a capital works program, it's always really important to have a look to the future. We've got a very large asset base in excess of a billion dollars worth of assets. We've got quite a well matured renewals program looking at our roads, our stormwater, our buildings and facilities. Um as right, there is growth that is coming. We've also got ageing assets. We've got assets that are starting to approach the end of their useful life, both as a structure, but also as part of their functionality to the community. That's not a risk. It's an opportunity for us to get ahead of the game. So in developing the 10 year capital works program, we'll be having a really good look at what assets are potentially posing a risk because they're starting to age to a point where they might fail, what are the new assets that might be required to service our community, either to cater for additional growth within the region, but also different requirements, different expectations, different functionality uses of particular buildings. And so in developing that 10 year program with a focus on the first year of delivery in 27/28, we'll start to highlight some of those opportunities that we need to start planning for, that we can start lining up for external state or Federal government grants, but also a conversation around what dollars. The Council might be needing to put aside, so that we've got the relevant and appropriate cash co-contribution to put towards those grants, so when they become available, we can take further advantage of them. Amelia Lorentson 09:04.553
Terrific, thank you. Jessica Phillips 09:12.565
We're getting a lot of people who would like to speak to the question. Nicola Wilson 09:16.563
Thanks for another great report, and as Mayor Wilkie said, good to see progress being made in the first quarter. Just scrolling through the photos as I always do, it's good to see things like footpaths and the missing links at the landfill, which are kind of less suspected but still very, very useful, but really good to see, especially when we're going to be talking about design principles today. The shower renewal at Castaways is just a beautiful piece of work there. The timber deck at The J, the timber shade shelter at the Tewantin ceremony, the look out at the tharabirds, so some really lovely timber works that we've had in this last quarter. So, you know, lots of practical things that we need to do like floors and toilet blocks and all those things which are really nice to see that there's a. Jessica Phillips 10:05.345
Subject kind of thesis as well. So thanks. Amelia Lorentson 10:07.860
Do have another question and maybe this one for bill. I note in the report, identifies business stakeholder. Consultation as a risk and I also note that we've recently supported developing a business impact planning approach in partnership with our business community. I'm wondering what are the. What other what else are we doing to help improve engagement and make sure that businesses feel informed and heard throughout a project delivery. Bill Haddrill 10:48.938
Throughout a and through the Chair and the Councillor, it will vary depending on the scope and scale of the project itself. And it will depend on whether it's a new asset or infrastructure or a renewal. And so as a Council, we will use the full suite of engagement from inform all the way through to a heavy consultation process. There are a lot of sort of minor asset renewal processes. It's inform in the community that something's in a playground, it's broken, we're going to be there on Tuesday and it's going to be replaced. Versus a new infrastructure, which will have a good conversation with our community about. Ideally, we'd have a broad conversation with the community to get their input on a process. And then as we get closer down to refining that, we'll have more and targeted conversations with local businesses or local residents. But it's really important to make sure that we are building our infrastructure and assets for our entire community, you know, our public spaces, our public realms for the entire community to use. And we're going to take in all of those. When we're looking to undertake, you know, works within like streetscapes works or road reseal programs, you know, that might be within our townships or business frontages. The more advice and the more notice that we can provide to those businesses allows them to prepare for a level of disruption and allows for the construction delivery team and the contractors to work best around those businesses to make sure that they're, you know, not no disruption, but that we can minimise the disruption and keep them informed of the process and project delivery. Amelia Lorentson 12:26.973
Fantastic. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 12:34.321
I'm just going to say that thank you for the report. Also, it's really good to be part of the corporate works executive committee because for the community that are watching more for information, this is, I get to see oversight. Get to see oversight meeting in that meeting that happens prior to this where these projects are delivered with the whole team. And I think that's the piece. And I think before I was a Councillor that I didn't quite understand how it all works and how it comes up through the Chair, I guess, to today. And it's really good. Um all from perspective to have confidence in the process that it takes, it has to go through all these steps to delivery. And I'm hoping that in my time, the only thing that I would like to hope that we can achieve as Councillors is to provide less, I guess, red tape or less. Are the guys that actually deliver our works out for the community to see. And if we can do anything to create less burden on them, then they get to go out and actually deliver the works for our community. So, but it's been really good being part of the works. It's my favourite meeting, as you all know, apart from today. So it's good to see it all come together and presented like this. It makes it feel like that part is complete and then it just moves on to the next. So take time to reflect. Photos as well because it is good to celebrate. I think we're always moving forward and it's good to stop and look at what has been achieved as well. So thank you and I'll take it to the vote. All those in favour? And that's carried. Thank you. All right, and then we're going to move on to item two for noting, which is the planning applications decided by a delegated report. Sorry, and we have. Yes, good morning. Thank you, good morning. Unidentified Speaker 14:39.197
So we have the report for September. In the month of September, the development assessment team determined 32 applications under delegation with zero refusals and zero applications determined by Council. Are there any questions? Jessica Phillips 14:56.734
Well before there's questions we're going, I'm going to ask if someone would like to move it. Councillor Finzel has moved and Councillor Stockwell has seconded, if you have the floor. Kim Rawlings 15:07.110
Yes, yeah thank you, it's good to see that report come through with 32 moving straight through. Unidentified Speaker 15:14.557
The team is doing a great job doing it. We thank you for your contribution. I know the capacity and capability is sometimes stretched, given the movement going on at the department, but yeah we're down with your contribution there. I'm sure the community likes to see those things progress in their time and manner so they can fulfil what they want to with the properties. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 15:36.448
Thank you. Any questions? So would you like to flow? Thank you for inviting me, all those in paper and that's carried unanimously. Thank you, thank you. Okay, moving on to item 7.1.3 and that is the um Noosaville Community Battery Project Report. Kim Rawlings 16:23.267
Um good morning everyone, so this report is recommended for. Unidentified Speaker 16:28.892
Noting that this provides a project update on the completed. Kim Rawlings 16:32.584
Grant-funded Noosaville community battery. So, in June 2023, Council was awarded $500,000 under the Australian government's community battery to the house insolvent program. This project has now been successfully delivered, with the factory being commissioned and operational. Of community workers 2026. The project was delivered in partnership with Zero Emissions Noosa and the Yarra Energy Foundation, and was established as a pilot initiative to demonstrate community battery it deployment in Queensland. It was intended to be the first. Community battery in Queensland that was owned and operated outside of a distribution network service provider. This pilot has provided valuable insights into the regulatory, technical and commercial challenges associated with community batteries in the State. The battery is located in McGregor park, Noosaville and comprises a 120 kilowatt battery storage system which is designed to store excess root of solar generation during the day and discharge during periods of. The location included a site visit with all key stakeholders including Queensland Fire Department to ensure that there was sufficient access requirements. Proclimate. The project was delivered over a period of three years and experienced significant delays due to network power negotiations, Energex connection approvals and the development of the new commercial and regulatory arrangements associated this kind of project. Despite these challenges the factory is now fully operational and is supported by a 10 year service level agreement, an extended manufacturing warranty and ongoing operational management arrangements. Community engagement was undertaken throughout the project between 2023 and 2026 which included community information sessions, newsletters, webinars, letter box drops and direct engagement with residents. Feedback received was generally positive or neutral with no significant community opposition identified. A local artist Sophie Farquhar was also commissioned to develop a site-specific artwork which further supports the community ownership and integration of the asset within the public. As a pilot project the Noosaville community battery has provided important lessons for the future deployment of community energy infrastructure. Key learnings include the potential advantages of changing to a behind-the-metre battery model that could deliver more direct community reasoning experiments and also the challenges associated with achieving commercial viability for community batteries within the current operational environment. Performance and monitoring will be ongoing with the initial reports their performance report occurring once we have six months of operational data and this will allow us to assess its ongoing performance and viability can I have a mover and a seconder? I can move it Madam Chair. I second it by Councillor Wilson. Frank Wilkie 19:26.661
Yeah, because this is a significant project involving significant innovation, I will speak about this. Today we also mark in the successful delivery of this community battery. It's a pilot program, $500,000 grant funded project. It stores excess rooftop solar energy generated by residents' properties during the day and releases it back to them when demand is highest at night, helping residents get more value from the renewable energy they generate. This community battery strengthens local energy supply in times of high demand, reduces pressure on the electricity network, supports greater uptake of rooftop solar, and along with the installation of many more across the State, helps keep downward pressure on electricity prices by increasing supply of energy. Noosa has been at the forefront of Queensland's energy transition, delivering what is understood to be Queensland's first non-DNSP-owned community battery, and this project is part of larger movement. More than 100 community batteries are now installed under construction or planned across Queensland through energy providers, councils and government supported programs, demonstrating growing confidence in community energy storage. Lessons learned here include changes to projected costs, reducing financial returns to ratepayers, which will be monitored and regularly reported to reduce councils' exposure to financial risk. In my personal view, the charges seem designed to discourage anyone but major energy providers from distributing and benefiting financially from these batteries. And this battery is more than a piece of infrastructure. It's a big step towards greater energy security, resilience, lower energy charges and cost of living crisis, and innovation, ensuring our community does not miss out on the global transition to cleaner, more cost efficient technologies and energy supply. I also congratulate our staff and project partners ZEN and Yarra Energy Foundation for the professional way in which you've delivered this innovation for our show. Especially congratulate the forward-thinking, well-informed residents in the Noosaville neighbourhood that have embraced this battery and I look forward to future reports on the battery's progress. Thank you any questions? Amelia Lorentson 21:51.552
Um, uh, so the original business case assumed that a community battery tariff similar to Victoria's but that there was no equivalent tariff existing in Queensland at that didn't eventuate. Keep coming back to benefit of hindsight and you raised this and this is a part of project which is purposely designed to, you know, understand these challenges and learn from them. So my question is, with the benefit of hindsight and knowing now what we know about tariffs, financial viability and market changes, would we make the same investment today? Unidentified Speaker 22:39.160
Thank you, Councillor, this to the Chair, this project was grant funded, which made it financially viable. Not having a clear purview of what Queensland's tariff structures would be was a challenge. And when they were released, they were so much higher than what was normal and expected, that it did make it very difficult financially without a grant to implement this project. If we were to do this project with the current configuration of the battery in front of the metre. We would do it behind the metre. However, we understand that Energex is taking lots of feedback on board from around Queensland about their tariff structures and should they change in the future, it may make it in front of the metre viable. There have been significant market changes in the electricity market, as you all know, from the influx of batteries and solar and commercial grid scale renewable energy driving the prices down, which has however, it makes the in front of metre model less financially attractive. So behind the metre configurations are something that we're looking into together with some of our project partners like ZEN Inc and University of the Sunshine Coast is now looking into it as well. And so we may have a better model to move forward on down the track. Fantastic. Amelia Lorentson 24:02.884
I note in the report that Council secured a 10-year service agreement that was just raised. Thank you. And that includes the manufacturer warranty, which is my question is what happens after the 10 years? Do we replace it, recycle it, remove it? And what costs should Council expect down the track? Unidentified Speaker 24:26.183
We have a number of options. Recycle, replace and move it to a secondary purpose. But we're waiting for the two year period with the grant funding body, the department of climate change, energy and water, the Federal government, to be completed with the acquittal. Once we have data, more data collected on the battery and the financial viability down the track, we'll make a determination what happens at that 10 year mark. It's a bit too early to call it now. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 24:58.397
I have a follow up question then. So that comes to me. So how will Council of the time, how will that come back to them through which process? So I can think ahead, whether it's underperforming or whatever the decision is in two years. Does that come back to the chamber? Kim Rawlings 25:16.457
It will probably come back to the Capital Works Executive, based on the monitoring and the data. So that would be the First Point. But then, you know, depending on the decision, it could come back to this table as well. So it'll depend on, you know, what the recommendation is, I think Councillor Phillips better would definitely come through to the Capital Works Executive. Unidentified Speaker 25:42.613
All battery systems that Council owns have been registered in our strategic asset management system. And so they have lifespans and maintenance periods and everything associated to them. So we'll be assessing it through that form as well as the strategic assets working through it. Jessica Phillips 25:59.769
So to clarify then, the Council has a lever around whether or not they want to invest any money. If there was something come up, it's not going to be an internal decision that would come back to Council to decide whether they want to spend put future money on it. Would be through budget processes. Yes. Right. Thank you. I just had one further question around the fire being engaged earlier on. That was quite a number of years ago. Lots of change since then. Have we circled back? In which that we've been back in to see the final project and some of the recommendations around public safety. Unidentified Speaker 26:37.602
Through the Chair, following the Capital Works Executive meeting where this matter was discussed just a couple of weeks ago, we are looping back to QFES. Soon in the next few weeks. Yeah, that's the plan for all our matters. Jessica Phillips 26:50.931
Yeah, so you received a memo yesterday and we'll provide you with an update. Thank you. Fantastic. Any other questions? Amelia Lorentson 27:02.184
I'll speak to. The motion, if that's okay. First, thank you to the staff and for bringing the report. I first want to sort of acknowledge that really. Appreciated the report. It was really candid and open and transparent about the outcomes of the pilot and, in particular, the challenges along the way. For me, you know, the key lesson was. How quickly assumptions can change. And I remember when it was first brought to Council, how we were all so excited about it. And, you know, I just raised in question about the original business case being based on tariff settings that didn't actually eventuate in Queensland. And that assumption alone. Significantly changes. Changed the financial outlook. And I come back to the purpose of pilots and why they're important and why, you know, as a Council, we should be exploring opportunities and innovation based on calculated risk. So to me, the real value isn't just the battery that we've built, it's the insights that we've gained into the regulatory, commercial. Operational realities of community batteries in Queensland, and including, in particular, better understanding of the cost, who benefits, and what's required to make these projects viable. Again, just thank staff and the project partners for their persistence. And this was a complex and first-of-its-kind project, and I think the lessons learned may ultimately be the most valuable outcome of this project. Jessica Phillips 28:45.813
Thank you. Anyone else would like to speak? Would you like to close? Frank Wilkie 28:52.576
No, thank you, Charlie, is what we've said. Jessica Phillips 28:54.378
All right, all those in favour? And that carries unanimously. Moving on to item 7.1.4, the operational plan 2026/27, quarter one reporting and policy. Thank you. Jonci Wolff 29:25.634
This report provides a quarter one progress update in the delivery of the Council operational report plan. Initiatives Council operational are progressing well. With 85% on track. Some operational highlights from the first quarter include, as you just heard, installation of the community battery, the completion of the major. Filtration of rest in the neck, release of Council's house monitoring report, and the completion of communication for halls road, and Council's biosecurity plan. There were also 11 disruptions to initiatives, mostly due to competing priorities, including two major disruptions to initiatives we are already well aware of that can go from the previous year, which are major disruptions in terms of the delivery of the parking management plan and the investment Roadmap to zero emissions. Are continuing to work on these initiatives to get them off the competition as soon as possible. The report in attachment 2 also provides an update on Council's key performance measures, so our KPMs, with overall performance remaining consistent. With the previous reporting period. And as attachment 3, for the first time, this report also includes a high level of progress update on Council's 25 strategies and plans. The purpose of this new section is to give Councillors and the community greater visibility of how we're tracking against our strategic documents and commitments. And going forward, acknowledging that this is the very high level progress update on these documents. Each upcoming quarter, this section will also include a more detailed progress report on a selected strategy or plan to expand our performance reporting and to increase transparency on progress on each document. I wish to take any questions. Jessica Phillips 31:30.270
Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Frank Wilkie 31:32.232
Happy to second. Jessica Phillips 31:33.354
Thank you. Karen Finzel 31:33.742
Mayor Wilkie. This is a really highlight of, you know, coming together to see in one consolidated document where Council has been working towards what we've achieved and where we're heading. So a big thank you to all the staff and everyone involved. It's a big project, as we all know, and it's very important when to our Corporate Plan and good guidance to where we're going, I particularly like the attachment three that's broken down all those documents to give you a quick overview of where we're at. So I really like this in terms of continuous improvement and where we're heading, especially as a Councillor. It's easy to come to that one spot. We can have a quick overview of the information and where we're heading, and I'm sure that's likewise for the CEO and all the staff. So I think we should be really grateful for where we're progressing, giving all the impacts in the community and beyond that we're currently experiencing. So I think the operational gives us a really good guideline and pause points to review and see where we're going. So I'm really looking forward to seeing that, how it progresses and looking forward to next year and sort of looking ahead to the boxes and managing all the challenges that come before us. So thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 32:57.396
Thank you. Yes. Question please. Probably for the Acting Director of Infrastructure. One of the major disruptions is the delivery. Parking management plans. I wonder if you can give us an overview on what's happening there and the timeframe for delivery of the parking management plan. It's a subject dear to many people's hearts. Bill Haddrill 33:18.135
Indeed, through the Chair, you're absolutely correct. It's very dear to many people's hearts and probably one of the more, you know, the reports that would probably draw in the most community and business feedback, probably a side of the preparation. In fact, perhaps more than the preparation of the town's plan itself. We are in a position currently of recruiting. For the position of coordinator for our transport and traffic management team. That position has been vacant for a period of time, but actually the arrangement in place. My assessment when I've stepped into that would be perhaps a little unfair to start that process until we have the new coordinator on board to lead that process, because there is a significant body of work to pick up and significant engagement to undertake, particularly with the business community. For the local area parking management plans in particular that fall out of a broader traffic management plan or parking management plan. So my first priority is to get that coordinator on board. We anticipate finalising that process in the coming weeks and I can provide advice to the Council. Of when they would start, but I would certainly hope that in early 2027 I would pick up that conversation with the new coordinator and we will reset some delivery timeframes to share with the Council and the community. And just confirming that they won't be selling from scratch? Correct. And they will be picking that up? Absolutely. So there is significant work. I am very mindful of the work that was done in preparing the draft plan and the conversations that played out and the direction of the Council. So there are some things that we need to pick up and refresh and revisit. You're absolutely right, they're not starting from scratch, but even picking up a well-founded draft document requires some focus and that probably isn't currently available within the team. Amelia Lorentson 35:13.838
Um question to Director bill. In terms, many of the plans and activities, I'm sorry, many of the plans in the operational report on activities and milestones. And is a question I think I keep asking, how are we measuring whether they're actually improving outcomes for our community, our environment and our economy in the long term? Bill Haddrill 35:44.552
Absolutely. Through the Chair. It's a um it's fantastic you know, we don't just build infrastructure for the community because it's something that we like to do with the infrastructure that we are building is really well informed by a raft of documents, it's informed by the Corporate Plan, you know, the annual operational plan and our key strategic documents that are informed by a community engagement process. So that gives us a really good insight to what the priorities for the community are. It is then our challenge to work out, well, how do we prioritise and fund the delivery of capital projects in any given year? Council, something that I'm very keen to pursue with the team is to broaden the suite of metrics that we help report against the capital program. We report against a fairly fixed or static percentage delivery figure of I think there could be some benefit in exploring or having a look at what are the broader metrics that we use to promote and to give both ourselves as Councillors and the community confidence that we are on track with our delivery and the style and type of projects are the priority ones for our community that they expect us to deliver so that's something that we'll be working with and we'll bring through the Capital Works Executive as a First Point of discussion. Amelia Lorentson 37:03.055
Gosh excited by that thank you um bill it's missing piece Thank you. Frank Wilkie 37:09.182
Any more questions I speak thank for the report Jonci congratulations to the CEO and the team for delivering these projects so we're three months into it's only been three months since we endorsed this operational plan and there's 86% of project initiatives are completely on track which is we're tracking very very well and I'd just like to endorse Councillor Phillips comments previously that we will do what we can not to overburden the staff with red tape bureaucracy and delays days. That's the best thing we can do to make sure we continue to develop and get on with these initiatives. So thank you for the work you're doing. Jessica Phillips 37:54.573
All right, let's go to the audience. Amelia Lorentson 37:56.162
I just want to acknowledge John see, the edition of the update on Council's key strategies and plan. Thank you very much for that. It gives us an opportunity to step back and look beyond what we're delivering. And I want to sort of just sort of touch on what bill just said. In terms of the bigger picture. And I love that. And I know that on an executive level and on the Council level, we put all the dots together to, you know, to sort of answer, you know, to me, one of the biggest questions that we need to consider every time we make a decision in Council. It's not just about focusing on what we're doing. But I think the harder, the more important question that we can't lose track of is where we're going. So what sort of future are we actually building? So, um, really encouraging with the strategies that you've added and also just made by the Director that piece of work is being really considered. So thank you. Jessica Phillips 39:14.682
All right, let me move on to the reports for action now. And the first item for action is the Peregian active street update. Item 72.5. Frank Wilkie 39:28.661
Madam Chair, may I have a declaration? Yes. Can we get it up the screen? Thank you. I, Councillor Frank Wilkie, inform the meeting that I have received conflict of interest for item 7.251 of the Peregian active street update on this agenda as the matter involves a proposal for a new footpath in Lorikeet drive, Peregian. And I, as a close relative to my mother, live in the nearby streets that connect onto Lorikeet drive. Although can make a decision in the public interest to avoid perceptions of a conflict of interest, I choose to leave the meeting room while the matter is discussed and voted upon. Jessica Phillips 40:28.763
You. Aidan 40:48.120
Good morning Councillors, thank you for the opportunity to present. At the Ordinary Meeting held on the 18th of June 2026 staff presented an extensive report providing a project update and recommendations on the bridge in active street. This was on the back of extensive amount of work and community consultation undertaken as early as 2020 through the Walking and Cycling Strategy and high priority corridor study. At that meeting Councillors resolved not to proceed with the active street in its proposed form and determined whether available grant funding could be used to deliver practical infrastructure improvements consistent with priorities expressed by the community. Following this decision the staff met and developed a new scope of works utilising the feedback received through the community consultation. The revised scope of work excludes traffic calming measures, raised priority crossings, formalised car parking, protection road surface treatments and reduce speed limit measures and instead focuses on delivering an improved off-road pathway network and associated infrastructure including the new pathway, five curve build out to avoid existing utilities, vegetation and retaining structures and an upgrade to the pathway south of the lorikeet Escarpment Park bridge, Birch landscaping works, wayfinding signage and other ancillary improvements. Early discussions with the grant funding bodies indicated that they were supportive of this revised scope and subsequently Councillor staff submitted formal variation requests on the 14th of July South East Queensland funding body approved the proposed scope variation extension of time. A formal response from the Federal active transport fund remains outstanding however formal advice received on the 17th of September indicated that the proposed scope variation has been escalated to the minister's office for consideration and as a result of that determination could take up to a few months. They also indicate the project to be supported it would need to include a raised body crossing of Pitta Street and even then it was still sort of up in the air as to whether it would be approved this report is proposing that the works commence to avoid any further delays caused by waiting for the ATF funding. The program is currently scheduled with tender in January. Looking to award a contract in March and commence construction shortly after the Easter break with the aims of delivering the project before construction goes into the west season. Thank you very with the scope I'll also just touch on the exclusion is the formalised car parking with a focus on reducing the impact of car parking so. Jessica Phillips 44:14.829
Can I move a procedure? Or do you want to do. Could I please. Could you allow questions first? Well, I need the motion to be live before that so we'll move and second the report and then you can proceed to a motion. Amelia Lorentson 44:32.619
I would like to move an amendment before the procedural motion if possible. Jessica Phillips 44:36.885
So I'll have someone move the motion and I'll second it which is now live and then. Would you like to hear Councillor Lorentson's amendment first before you- oh, I seconded it, sorry. Oh, you seconded it. Brian Stockwell 44:54.651
Yep. Cancel things a bit tonight too. Jessica Phillips 44:56.943
Yes, you do. Could we get the motion on the. Karen Finzel 44:58.810
Yeah, I'm just trying to. Yes, thank you. Look, this has been a long, very long and projected conversation and David. Community. Is always really meaningful. And it's good to bring the community on board with us. I first sat on the strategy back in 2021, I think. So it's been a long conversation in this space. So I will move over to the IPA and hope we can find some resolution that can keep progressing this forward and bring those benefits of infrastructure upgrades, what we need in that space to actually keep our Shire running and humming along with the bass. And what people consider is necessary to keep the Shire infrastructure up to speed. So, yeah, looking forward to a debate around the table and see where this lands today. I would like to also acknowledge the significant amount of work that the staff has undertaken throughout the many years of this conversation and also acknowledge the positive and negative community engagement. But hopefully we've brought everyone along the journey. It's good to arrive at this intersection and now I see all of you putting us forward. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 46:17.768
Right, thank you. I'd like to move an amendment first if possible, thanks. And that's direct the CEO to undertake targeted engagement with residents. Directly adjoining the proposed section of coastal path at Lorikeet Drive, Peregian, including release of the final design and report feedback received back to the November 2026 Ordinary Meeting of Council for approval. Jessica Phillips 46:56.005
I just need a second doubtful of that. Can I still do a motion if I second it? You can. Amelia Lorentson 47:13.604
Oh, thank you. And I'm going to first start by just thanking the Director, helping me with the amendment in front of us. I think the amendment's really quite simple. I'm just asking that before we support a project, start again. So we've been asked to support a project before we've seen the final design. I just don't think it's unreasonable that both Councillors and the community have that opportunity. Review that final design before construction starts. Over the past week I've met with many residents. I've received a number of emails who the residents are telling me really quite clearly that their decisions that have been made about their streets, their homes, their neighbourhoods and they don't feel that they've been given a genuine opportunity to be involved. They're not asking for special treatment, they're just asking for something I think quite reasonable. The right to be heard before a final decision's been made. The changes that are being proposed in the report are not minor, they're material changes that affect parking, access, safety, visitors, tradespeople, carers, families, people with boats, trailers and ultimately the way people live and use their neighbourhoods. The decisions we make around this table have lasting impact on people's lives. Again, if we're going to run with this, we just need the confidence that the community are on board with us. The decisions we make around this so this amendment in front of us, and again, I've been meeting with the Director, just ensures that there's going to be some consultation between now, Ordinary Meeting, and all the way through to the final design, just to allow the community have an opportunity to review the final design. I've got a number of questions. I've got not a number, I've got a lot of questions, a lot of amendments, but I'd rather just put that on pause until the Ordinary Meeting, because I'm confident that the community want this to happen. I really need to say that straight out, they just want to be involved in the process and provide feedback with the opportunity that the final design can be revised and that there is community-in. So the amendment in front of us gives us that opportunity just to stop, meet with the residents and then on Thursday make a decision to progress or not progress. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 50:02.269
Thank you. I'll speak to support the amendment that November is a week late. Hopefully it doesn't put onerous or extra work on staff. I think this is fairly a good middle ground is what I'll say to make sure this community that have, there's some, I will say, have felt not heard through the process. I would like to, you know, probably look at a review of this particular project, not to look at fault, but just more process to see what Council and what we could have done just with that constant improvement lens on it. But I think the one thing that I want to see is it finalised in November, so then it gives community confidence that we can make decisions with what's in front of us, whether it ends with things that we support or not, I think we do need to make a decision in November on this project and not delay it any longer, but a week it could be pulled out then anyway, so if it gives staff and youth liaise with the Director, then I'm confident that isn't putting extra pressure. So I'll support the amendment. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Anyone else want to speak to the amendment? Larry Sengstock 51:19.402
Just in terms of the wording, a report, feedback, do you mind if I say a third word? Amelia Lorentson 51:25.300
I'll take it with joining praise, including release, and report, feedback, receive back to them. No, and just the feedback and report the feedback, either verbally or in a summary would be fantastic, bill. Acknowledging, you know, I really, and that was part of our conversations, whether this is going to add extra whether it was doable, and whether there was a likelihood that we can achieve genuine meaningful consultation. So, happy to work with you on that. Bill Haddrill 52:01.149
Through the Chair, if I may, Councillor, like yourself, we are very keen to see this project progress for the benefit of the local Peregian community. Aidan has outlined some of the timeframes, both for the grants and the project delivery, and we are very mindful that if we don't get off to a January commencement for the project, then we are going to put critical project at risk. We've had a good conversation with the project team yesterday, and I'm confident that we'll be in a position of having meaningful conversations with a number of residents in a very targeted way to help work them through and to talk them through the changes that have been proposed and what the implications or benefit or improvement of that might be. Like all consultation processes, I'm not in a position of saying that everyone will be happy at the end of the day, but our role is to listen to the full community and provide a balanced outcome and feedback, and we'll certainly believe we're in a position of doing that by the Ordinary Meeting next week. Fantastic. Jessica Phillips 53:06.395
Yeah, I just have quite a few questions around the question about the amendment. Yes, is that okay? Thank you. Karen Finzel 53:17.510
First off, I fully support that we're all here for the benefit of giving voice to our beneficiaries. It's always number one. I do have a lot of questions when we're talking about meeting timeframes. We're talking about getting it finalised in November, getting work underway, commitment in January. We're talking about meaningful engagement and targeted. So I've got a few questions. Councillor Lorentson alluded to that in terms of capabilities. I'm interested when we talk about firstly targeted, how are we going to undertake targeted meaningful engagement within the timeframes mentioned? Secondly, how is that budgeted for and where will that fall in the costings? And when we talk about understanding the wider community to see what they want to say as well, how are we going to give a firm commitment that we can deliver this. Jessica Phillips 54:24.987
All of our values? To clarify, are you asking Councillor Lorentson or staff? Unidentified Speaker 54:33.729
Staff, because Councillor Lorentson. Karen Finzel 54:37.154
Said she's had support to put this together today. So in terms of those questions and perhaps. Their directive to the CEO even, I. Unidentified Speaker 54:45.944
Want to know the process and how they're going to address the matters I just raised. Bill Haddrill 54:50.815
Yeah, through the Chair, more than happy to respond. I think I would start with a response in regards to the wider community. In the preparation of the original active street proposal that came before Council, you know, that was designed and built around significant, broad community feedback. And it's really important to start at that level. And I'm comfortable that, you know, the key design outcomes that were sought and communicated to us through that process have been captured. And it's still a key component of this, you know, design outcome that's before you today. We are now down to. We a situation where we've got, and it's not uncommon and not surprising, in fact, it's quite understandable that those who are most immediate and adjacent to the project site have some remaining concerns and questions to put to us. The project team has been engaging with a number of those, you know, throughout this consultation process. And, you know, we've got the details and we'll be happy to have a conversation with them in a fairly direct and one-on manner, you know, over the coming sort of week or so, leading up to the November Ordinary Meeting. In regards to cost, there yes, will be an additional staff cost. This is a project that will contribute towards a constructed asset. And so it is a capitalised expense. And so the time that staff will take, aide and his project team, myself and others, will be involved in that consultation process as required. So yes, there is a cost. But I think, Councillor, there would be a bigger cost if we don't proceed with this project, yeah? So we have invested good funds in the design and the development and the preceding consultation work that has been undertaken. They are sunk into this project and my goal is to deliver the project and to deliver this asset to our community and so I would suggest and to the Council that a small amount of further direct engagement with the community to help flag and discuss these issues is warranted and a good use of officer time to get this project to a point where they can be supported and move to construction. Jessica Phillips 57:20.318
Thank you, any more questions? Brian Stockwell 57:21.270
Yeah, just it's a question of clarification. In the report, we have attachment one, which is just coastal pathway stage 1, Peregian Beach, south design. In the amendment, we talk about releasing a final design. In the briefing in the report. We about we can't get up to a final design because we don't know the outcome of the Federal government process. Is our staff clear on what is required by this amendment and if there are any other designs other than what's already been released that could be a big deal. Bill Haddrill 57:57.029
Through the Chair, Councillor, thank you for the question. I think what's important is we are looking to deliver in a staged way. We were concerned that if we were to wait until we heard back from the Australian government regarding ATF funding that there was a strong likelihood that we would put our state government funding in jeopardy. So the delivery of the project has been staged in such a way that we could proceed with the delivery of the component of the project under the State government funding and should we be successful in undertaking or should we be successful in receiving the Australian government funding there are additional elements that could be delivered. The design that is in your pack shows the design that is required for the delivery of works under the State government project and sitting behind that we have a more detailed technical design which we're in a position and available to share. We provided this one because the detailed design drawings are very technical of nature with lots of variety in design and measurements and everything all over them so we endeavoured to provide a simplified version of a document that would be somewhat easier to understand and interpret. But the other design sits there and is available for us to work on. Brian Stockwell 59:13.587
So your interpretation required interpretation of what's requested here is to release the current design drawings. Yes. I think the amendment needs to be put in relation. Amelia Lorentson 59:27.267
I'm happy with the amendment. Bill, if you want to play with the amendment before ordinary, I think we can understand. Bill Haddrill 59:36.092
I think we could ask. Through the Chair, a simple suggestion would be to replace the word final with current, and that allows us to take that current design to the community for conversation. Amelia Lorentson 59:46.957
Yep, I'm happy with that. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 59:50.541
If everyone agrees, we can change that one word in here. I think that clarifies exactly the intent. Totally. Unidentified Speaker 59:57.055
I'm happy with changing that to current. Karen Finzel 01:00:00.560
Thank you. I just asked a question through the Chair, just clarification. When we talk current design, is that the design just for the element of the footpath? Jessica Phillips 01:00:10.608
That will be. Bill Haddrill 01:00:14.117
Through the Chair, yes, because Councillor Finzel, you know, through the report and presentation that Aidan has provided, we have removed the on-street traffic calming elements. So in the current design that we have, it will be the footpath, but we will also clearly show the areas where we would be proposing to add or incorporate yellow line marking, which is assisting in the parking and traffic management in particularly around that sort of Pierce Street area where we wanted to make sure that there is a clear way for vehicles, including vehicles, towing trailers and otherwise, to be able to navigate that effectively. And so that will be clearly shown. Karen Finzel 01:00:59.839
Through the Chair, I'm seeking further clarification, if that's okay, to current design to include this pathway. Larry Sengstock 01:01:12.416
Why don't we just say co-design your records as in a technical way. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:16.587
In it's the current report. Yeah, thank you. Current, it says current design and report. Unidentified Speaker 01:01:22.532
Yeah, I understand that. So if people can't agree with this further, going to try and understand the publication. I'm happy with the catch-up. Jessica Phillips 01:01:30.948
Yes, thank you. Is everyone happy with that? Nicola Wilson 01:01:35.956
Thank you, yeah. I've got a question. Why do we need to release it if it's already public? Brian Stockwell 01:01:43.571
I think the intent is that the details of the design drawings be well. Unidentified Speaker 01:01:48.484
I think that's the intent. That's not attachment one. Unidentified Speaker 01:01:52.640
Now attachment one is what's before it. Bill Haddrill 01:01:57.032
So through the attachment one is before you. The full technique is not currently public. Jessica Phillips 01:02:03.743
Okay, so Councillor Lorentson to clarify, with the engagement, targeted engagement with residents, are you wanting staff to meet with residents and go through the attachment one design? Yes. Amelia Lorentson 01:02:23.322
The current design and they have a list of questions that they want answered before Thursday's Ordinary Meeting. They want to understand even the broader strategic approach in terms of how stage one connects with stage one, stage two, stage three. I can't preempt the questions. The intent of this amendment is simply to engage and answer some questions and explore opportunities to help revise potentially or better meet their expectations. There's, I think it's really important to note that a lot of these residents haven't met with staff for five months. It's been five months since the last lot of consultation they are and I came speaking to the motion excuse the amendment excuse me. Existing would be great remove current to existing release of the existing designs and report feedback that would be great. Thank you. I'm happy with that. And report. Jessica Phillips 01:03:31.224
Thank you very much. Existing designs. Okay. So would anyone else like to speak to casa Lorentson's amendment? Amelia Lorentson 01:03:42.290
I'll close. Larry Sengstock 01:03:45.599
Sorry. The only thing with that is also just, I want to clarify, report, feedback. You said you had a little verbal? Amelia Lorentson 01:03:52.548
Verbal feedback is great. Larry Sengstock 01:03:53.770
That's all it takes to get to the start. Amelia Lorentson 01:03:57.075
Report, feedback. Yep. Verbally. To the November. Yep. Thank you. All right. Karen Finzel 01:04:06.994
Yeah, I do just want to raise my concerns then about this, if it's outside of the scope of just the decision around the footpath. Unidentified Speaker 01:04:15.650
And I understand, like, residents are seeking further information. Karen Finzel 01:04:21.176
In terms of equity, though, if we're doing a targeted engagement, what about people who want to make a broader contribution to the decision? Unidentified Speaker 01:04:29.229
I think that's a risk here. Jessica Phillips 01:04:34.248
Councillor Finzel, you can probably put your own amendment up, but Councillor Lorentson is trying to have an amendment passed that's got targeted engagement that she's spoken to Director hadrill about, so we might go with the amendment, unless you want to propose something else next that gives you clarification? Sure, thank you. I think we need to, unless you've got questions for Councillor Lorentson and Tim, unpack the intent but I feel that it's probably more important that we move on with the amendment. Amelia Lorentson 01:05:10.336
I'll just close, yeah I'll just close and I'll just mention the amendment is directed um to targeted uh residents those that have been directly impacted um they're the ones that are going to be living with the decision that we make today. A lot of them only about a week ago um saw the report they opened the map they saw yellow lines on both sides of the roads. They noticed significant loss of car parking. I think that you know during this entire process um there has been broad consultation um there has been pop-up sessions we've formally met with the residents we've undertaken broader community engagement this is specifically targeted to those that are going to again live with the consequences of this decision today they've provided feedback in good faith and all they're asking is that we meet with them to help them understand some of the impacts understand the decisions they need clarity and I just think you know any opportunity to engage any opportunity to get the community on board with a decision that will impact and change their everyday life is not a good to have it's an obligation so I'm just hoping you know like I said I've worked with bill over the week with this um I think it's just what's the word it's us telling our community we will listen before we make a decision not vice versa um so I hope everyone supports the amendment I think it's reasonable it's doable and it's the right thing to do okay. Jessica Phillips 01:07:04.102
So I'm going to take the amendment to the vote all those in favour and that's Councillor Wilson Lorentson and Phillips and those against is in Councillor Stockwell and Councillor that's finlayson what things are and I get to use my cast you don't need to know. Amelia Lorentson 01:07:18.808
No it's majority that's right. Jessica Phillips 01:07:20.754
Okay oh thank goodness um so the amendment is carried and it becomes part of the sustaining motion which only Councillor Lorentson has spoken to is there any questions or Council things or did you want to look at a broader conversation. Nicola Wilson 01:07:40.902
Like to move a procedural motion yes that's awesome. I don't think we need to put the reasons for the further report in the motion do we but you know it's good to prompt me thank you I. That's what I must wait now thank you. Amelia Lorentson 01:08:21.546
Could I add a couple more extra things Nicola. Nicola Wilson 01:08:24.947
Oh that doesn't actually go into the motion oh excellent. We need a seconder. Unidentified Speaker 01:08:38.316
And. Amelia Lorentson 01:08:42.497
I'm happy to second thank you. Nicola Wilson 01:08:45.492
Um when we got the report in during July whatever it was we had lots of information about the submissions from the community and all the feedback um we also as Council has got lots of submissions emails and meetings and things as well um and I just don't feel like this report today joins the gaps between what happens so we've just got um I really appreciate all the work that's gone into trying to adapt the scope and to retain the funding as well and to try and give um the local residents what they wanted but I just feel like a few bullet points about the revised. Unidentified Speaker 01:09:21.196
Scope um and what's it's just not enough for me to know that all of the feedback has been addressed so I'd really appreciate um that this will happen over the coming week with the amendment that's just. Nicola Wilson 01:09:40.591
With the amendment that's just carried. Larry Sengstock 01:09:50.303
Sorry I'm just trying to make sure we follow the process for further report with you. Override what we've just discussed, the Tewantin amendment and the report coming through sorry all, I just wanted to really clarify that before we go forward. My apologies if we've interrupted the speech. Nicola Wilson 01:10:12.745
Um yeah so I just don't feel like this report is really detailed enough for me to be able, I really want to support this going forward and the reason I'm only asking for a further report to next week is so that we don't delay any further beyond next week but at the moment I'm just not comfortable that I've got enough know all of the issues raised have been addressed and that how I can compare the design that was put forward originally and what's put forward now and know that it's been able to resolve the many issues that people had and noting that they are the local residents who are trying to access their driveways or concerned about safety on street corners or access ways or and to really quantify with parking. So we know that there'll be lots of parking, but I think we need to be a bit more specific in at least an estimate of how many car parks might be reduced. So let me just go back to my email, sorry. We've got the project timeline I think covered, but I think it's just more detailed visual communication of where we will end up compared to where we were before, just to make sure that all the things that people are concerned about have been addressed. I won't repeat myself. Amelia Lorentson 01:11:32.452
Anymore. Can I ask a question? Override the amendment which then will not allow staff to meet with the residents where they will collect and discuss the issues that have been raised with by Councillor Wilson. Jessica Phillips 01:11:50.456
I think that's what the CEO was trying to but should have just paused they should have paused for a second but would you be able to explain to um so everyone. Go on this on what will happen if the procedural motion goes through. Larry Sengstock 01:12:04.892
So what you're asking for is a further report that is against the existing report and we've created a new report that will come through. That will hopefully answer your questions. Nicola Wilson 01:12:16.315
Yeah, or an appendix to the current report. Larry Sengstock 01:12:19.198
Yeah. Yeah. So it'll be a further report. Nicola Wilson 01:12:21.822
Yeah. But I'm happy for that, those meetings to go ahead next week as well. Can we amend this to include the. Brian Stockwell 01:12:44.414
That's right. Unidentified Speaker 01:12:45.461
On this the last amendment had a technical problem in that it was directing staff to do something before it became a middle motion at the Ordinary Meeting yeah I thought that should be procedural too um so it actually is off the virus. Jessica Phillips 01:13:12.171
We can are asking for different. Amelia Lorentson 01:13:14.752
Can I perhaps throw this idea that we um that Councillor Wilson continues with the procedural motion but for a further report and further consideration and for that to capture um the amendment which is to meet with the impacted or targeted um residents can we that be done as part of the procedural motion. Jessica Phillips 01:13:40.411
What I'm going to. Amelia Lorentson 01:13:41.992
Do is um I think so for. Jessica Phillips 01:13:43.813
Us to get clear on what we're going to do moving forward um so if we can um journey have an adjournment until half past 11 that'll be this time to determine we can't just rely it's not okay um sorry do we have to um you don't we can leave this yeah yeah yeah put it on the table. Jessica Phillips 01:30:01.901
Thank you welcome back everybody um from our short adjournment and we've returned to um an item the bridging active street update 10.2.1 and we're currently in a of a procedural motion by Councillor Wilson when it comes up on the screen. Nicola Wilson 01:30:35.326
Telepathy I'd like to withdraw the motion please and I'll try an amendment instead. Jessica Phillips 01:30:41.270
All right so the procedural motion has been withdrawn from Councillor Wilson okay does everybody agree yes withdraw the procedural motion yes thank you all right so then we move back right to the substantive motion and Councillor Wilson I believe you have. Amelia Lorentson 01:31:18.163
I'm happy to second thank you sorry thank you that's right I just assumed you heard my mind that's right. Nicola Wilson 01:31:31.745
The item f be added to read f request the CEO to provide a report to the November Ordinary Meeting including a summary of how the current draft report and recommendations have addressed the community feedback received to date estimated impacts to parking more detailed diagrams to ensure Councillors and public can visualise the outcomes so this is looking to get the same outcome as I was trying before but it means that we don't lose all of the other information so although it's still saying the recommendation is to support the um the project I guess this is kind of a condition on that support which we will still put to the general to the Ordinary Meeting to vote on anyway um so it's yeah it's kind of still saying that we support the project um but I'd just like to see this additional information for reassurance of those issues have been addressed. Jessica Phillips 01:32:27.621
Thank you. Has anyone got any questions for staff on the amendment? Amelia Lorentson 01:32:36.215
I'm happy to support the amendment in front of us. I think the report mentions all this in terms of feedback. I think the intent of the amendment, which I totally support, is that residents and Councillors, we also need the information to make an informed decision. But the residents have time to provide the feedback. I just think it's important that we can clearly show how the feedback has influenced the draft or not, or how councils address the feedback. So I think this is a really important piece. So happy to support. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:33:16.055
I'll take I'll a question. Brian Stockwell 01:33:25.714
Is the intent still to keep the amendment that was moved previously before this one? Forward yes. To this well? One? Yes. And it says to direct the CEO to do something a committee cannot direct. Only the Council can. Therefore it is ultra vires in my opinion. You can request a report that addresses but you can't. Direct only Council. Amelia Lorentson 01:33:52.138
I'm happy to move another amendment and change the wording through the Chair. Let's finish this one. I'm happy to make the change, thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:34:07.881
So we're going to just vote on this amendment by Councillor Wilson and then we'll go back to the public. Thank you. Karen Finzel 01:34:18.258
Yes, you, thank you Councillor Wilson that you've progressed us forward to a point where we can move the meeting along. Yeah, I think it's a great idea to consolidate the information in our community voice matters. I like the fact that the staff have passed on and brought community along the and done the best efforts to engage with our community in a positive way. So I'm pleased to support this and looking forward to the outcomes. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:34:47.967
Thank you. All those in favour? And that amendment is carried. I hope it's a standing motion. From the Council. Amelia Lorentson 01:34:55.266
I'm happy to move an amendment to amend. Proceed, where are we up to? Jessica Phillips 01:35:06.046
So you'll be amending your amendment, which was? E, delete. Amelia Lorentson 01:35:21.142
So to read request instead of delete, Cathy, if you can just put it up here. Thank you very much. So delete the word direct, replace it with the word request. Thank you. So amended, that item E be amended to read requests. Thank you very much. Jessica Phillips 01:36:07.280
Thank you, Councillor Finzel. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:36:12.923
Since we now have a formal report to the question and answer, it not be better for that to be dealt with. Rather than verbal? Amelia Lorentson 01:36:23.707
And maybe remove the word verbal, yeah, and report feedback to the November 2026. Actually, no. I think it's. Jessica Phillips 01:36:34.830
Time for that. Oh, OK. There might be meetings that don't have to be verbal. Amelia Lorentson 01:36:38.312
Totally agree. Karen Finzel 01:36:40.130
OK, thank okay, you. Right, we have one question. Thank you, Madam Chair. Just with that release of the existing designs, so say someone in the broader public would like to view that, is there opportunity to do that? Or will that go on the website, or is that going to be like just for that exclusive group, or can the community be able to access that? Bill Haddrill 01:37:07.381
Through the Chair and Councillor, the intent is to have materials in hard copy for us to have face-to conversations with the residents in that area. Should a member of the broader community request it, I don't see us being in a position of withholding that information. It would be a conversation about how we receive that commentary and how it's incorporated or not into the final discussions. Karen Finzel 01:37:34.218
Thank you, I'm satisfied because that addresses that equity issue and having transparency. Who wants to have access to that is well able to, we'll just have to clarify the process, but I'm satisfied that can be done. Unidentified Speaker 01:37:47.407
Thank you, Kerry. Jessica Phillips 01:37:48.097
Sorry, we moved and seconded the original motion. We moved and I seconded the original motion. Karen Finzel 01:37:55.416
Oh I can't say, yeah, I can't say. Jessica Phillips 01:37:57.298
Just I'll second it okay thank you, Council note. Thank you. For cheering for me. My cheat sheets are not working. Okay, so we will vote on the amendment and all those in favour. Thank you. Councillor Finzel, Wilson, Lorentson, Phillips and those against is Councillor Stockwell, that is carried, becomes part of the original motion, which we have two amendments and only Councillor Finzel has spoken to us. Does. Anyone else. Amelia Lorentson 01:38:41.963
Like to speak? Questions? No, just speak to it. I'm happy to support what's in front of us and allow further consultation and engagement to occur with the community. Looking forward to the further reports and understanding feedback questions and whether a revised design detail will eventuate. I think this is a really good decision that we're making around the table and it's genuine. I think we Council is genuinely open this to working with community is important for the community and it's important to us as decision makers that we understand that people live by with the decisions that we make and it's important for them in the process. So looking forward to next Thursday's Ordinary Meeting. Jessica Phillips 01:39:35.919
I am going to speak to it and thank everyone for getting to some sort of somewhere where it seems like the councils are satisfied with where we're at today. I want to thank the staff for the work that has gone into it today. I know it's been a very lengthy project. So with that in mind, I'm the type of person that every single thing like I'll go home and think about the silly things I said in a meeting, which I never said them and all of that. So I overthink everything. But with that comes a mindset where I often think what can I do differently. So with that in mind, I think there's opportunity always to look at projects that may have had miscommunication for whatever reason and communication is one of the biggest items that comes out pretty much any matter where the interpretation can be taken differently, assumptions, non-verbal, there's differences in community and I think any opportunity where we can improve our communication internally and externally, then we should, I think sometimes we should start with in-house first communication, fix what we do here. Then the result will probably be a more transparent, effective process externally. Often, I think maybe staff are confused by just the different views at the table here. And so I'm very aware that probably um probably, you bit of confusion in community. So I think moving forward, if we could ever look at pausing and reviewing and actually being really honest with where things could have been done differently, and doing a bit of self reflecting. Then the only other thing I wanted to mention was when we think about grants, we hear so much about grant funding in Council and I can't help but with a interest rate on mortgages currently and thinking about it's not just ratepayers. It's taxpayer money that comes from a grant and so we really should be considering it not like it is our money anyway, so I am not suggesting that was done in this project, but I do think whenever we're looking at any projects, chasing grants, the money still comes out of the working the money still comes out of the working families pocket and coming into Christmas with the pressures that they're facing, we should always be really due diligence in what we're how we're spending any money. So that's something that I've really been reflecting on coming into this Christmas with two kids that have provided their santa list to me. So, but again, thanks for the report. I'm looking forward to next room meeting and seeing where we landed. All right, I'll take it to the vote. All those in favour? And that is carried it happens to be. Yes, thank you. We have a conference. Welcome back. Frank Wilkie 01:43:28.828
Thank you. Did I miss much? Jessica Phillips 01:43:35.860
You just you're just back in time for 7.2.2, which is the plan. I'm going to play it. We have our team here. And we have a request of interest before I ask them to deliver the report. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:44:05.135
Sorry. I, Councillor Amelia Lorentson, inform the meeting that I have a conflict of interest from item 7.2.2 Burgess Creek integrated catchment management plan on this agenda. My brother lives approximately 550 from the mouth of the Burgess Creek and I've recently purchased a property in Sunrise Beach approximately 550 metres from the mouth of Burgess Creek. This distance has been checked and confirmed by the governance team. Any previous statements I made on this were estimates. In an abundance of caution and consistent with advice from the office of independent assessor, I believe it's prudent to declare this interest. Consistent also with legal advice previously considered by this Council on the question of proximity. Alone gives rise to a conflict of interest only, not a material personal interest. My position falls within that same characterisation. The integrated catchment management. Plan for Burgess Creek is a Shire-wide body of work, it forms part of a broader Noosa catchment strategy for waterways and the decisions before this meeting affect the entire community. It is in community interest that I wish to contribute. I've consistently declared this interest and believed I am able to consider this matter impartially and in the public interest. I choose to remain in the meeting room and vote on the issue. Jessica Phillips 01:45:26.068
Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:45:27.695
Item 2 is to inform the meeting that I have a conflict of interest for item 7.2.2 but just a quick integrated catchment management plan on this agenda as due to my role as president of the Noosa Lions Football Club which has fields in the catchment. I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because the club does not profit from or suffer loss of result plan and while larger in area than most of the lot of them, has not significantly greater interest than the many people who live in the catchment. As special expertise and significant experience in the subject matter, I choose to remain in the room and vote on the matter. Jessica Phillips 01:46:01.515
Thank you Councillors and I'm going to start by asking Ben to deliver the report for us now, thank you. Ben Derrick 01:46:08.164
Thank you, good morning Councillors. Will recall that Burgess Creek has been the subject of significant community interest in Council discussion over several years. The integrated catchment management plan is the culmination of strong advocacy from both local Council members and elected representatives who have consistently called for a coordinated, evidence-based approach to managing the catchment. I'll also acknowledge the support of the Queensland government, whose funding has enabled this project to proceed and the ongoing involvement of Unitywater as a key catchment partner throughout the development of the plan. While Birch's creek covers only 545 hectares, it is a highly connected and complex coastal system where stormwater, groundwater, ecological processes, wastewater, influencing coastal dynamics interact. Activities in the upper can directly influence water quality, wetland function, erosion processes and the health of downstream receiving environments, excuse me, such as sunrise and Castaways Beach. The purpose of the ICMP is therefore to move beyond the issue-by management and establish a whole-of-system framework that considers how these interconnected processes influence one another across the entire catchment. Importantly, Burgess Creek is one of the Noosa's most developed coastal catchments and faces many of the challenges experienced by all the ways across Queensland, including urban stormwater impacts, development pressures, ageing infrastructure, and the need to protect environmental values and changing climate. This plan provides Councillors address those challenges in an integrated way. As Councillors are aware, Council previously endorsed the draft plan for community consultation. Phase two of this engagement was undertaken between 20th of July 16th of August and included the use of Your Say Noosa platform, a community information propping session, direct stakeholder engagement, and written submissions from community members and organisations. The engagement built on the earlier stakeholder workshops involving community groups, government agencies and key partners. The consultation confirmed broad support for the overall direction of the plan, particularly its focus on water quality, storm management, ecological protection, creek mouth management, governance and transparency. Importantly, the community feedback not only helped refine the plan, but also demonstrated support for progressing the next phase of implementation work, including further investigation, infrastructure planning, enhanced monitoring, improved governance arrangements and the development of delivery and funding pathways in partnership with organisations such as uni new water and other agencies. Before I conclude, I'd like to acknowledge the exceptional work of Rodrigo oliveira, Council's principal environment officer, and Sophie blunt, our catchments and coasts officer, who have led the development of this plan. This project represents something of a new chapter for Council. Under this leadership, the project can explore the use of artificial intelligence to assist in the development of the plan. Importantly, this was not a process of simply uploading documents and accepting a generated outcome. It involved of the careful specialised AI agents, extensive technical review and the integration of a large body of scientific literature, technical investigations and community feedback throughout the graphing process. The technology enhanced our ability to synthesise complex information and test ideas efficiently, but the final plan remains grounded. Professional judgment, technical expertise and community. This project demonstrates how Council can embrace innovation while maintaining a real transparency and evidence based decision making that our community expects. Would like to formally recognise this process and my previous contribution in achieving that outcome. In summary, the plan before Council today provides a strategic and community informed framework for future decision making. It enables a shared direction for Council our catchment partners and the community, and provides a clear pathway progressing future investigations, infrastructure planning, funding opportunity, and on-ground actions that will improve the health and resilience of Burgess Creek catchment over time. In closing, and perhaps most importantly, the plan is not a destination, it does, however, provide a map. To improve sustainable community-led management of the catchment. You. Jessica Phillips 01:50:49.668
Can I please have someone move the report? I'll second it. Staff recommendation. Thank you. Karen Finzel 01:51:01.644
Yeah. It's been a long time coming. And it sounds from the report, everything I've read in it, you just reiterated a big share. And thank you to the staff, community and fellow Councillors. A framework like this to inform future decision making on all those items that very extensive and it will be a great body of work to inform our Council staff now into the future. And of course, our community that's been really engaged on this project. So I'm looking forward to future steps and see how this can be integrated into future decision-making and hopefully lead to really good outcomes for our community. And in so doing, support good governance in our staff and the organisation. So thank you, everyone. Jessica Phillips 01:51:46.838
Thank you. Okay, questions, Councillor Lorentson? Amelia Lorentson 01:51:50.536
Have a question and I'm referring to page eight of the report, which references Ordinary Meeting 19th of March, 2026. It was a notified motion that I've moved. I'm just asking question to the CEO. Where are we up to? So the it wasn't a noting report, it was a ratified decision of Council and it was a request for the CEO to write to CEO Unitywater seeking a meeting to jointly discuss and develop immediate short-term solutions and the opportunity of exploring a cost-sharing arrangement for works. Can I just request just an update on that notice of motion. Larry Sengstock 01:52:33.571
Certainly, through the Chair, that request has been activated I have had meetings with quite regularly with the CEO of Unitywater as one of the shareholders that Noosa Council is of Unitywater and we have ongoing discussions around this so okay positive feedback we just haven't walked anything down yet but we certainly it's part of the overall planning and they're very very keen to continue conversations. Amelia Lorentson 01:53:03.502
Terrific um I'm happy I've got a couple of amendments through the Chair that I'm happy to test thank you um first one is if I can have that f um that item f be added to read F request the CEO provide a report to and I'm happy to work with Council and staff on a date that works with them. So request CEO provide a report to a future Council meeting on the timing and cost of developing of a Burgess Creek implementation delivery plan in consultation with Unitywater and relevant state agency to identify priority infrastructure projects and funding opportunities to address stormwater erosion and water quality issues within the catchment. Jessica Phillips 01:54:06.226
I'm having to second. Amelia Lorentson 01:54:10.103
Thank you. I'll keep this brief. The amendment in front of us, I've included this amendment because the integrated catchment management plan, and first I really to acknowledge the excellent work and I'm talking from consultation to where we are sitting today. It really just credit to Rodriguez, Ben, Kim and the team. What we've got in front of us is really excellent. So back to the amendment. The ICMP identifies a range of actions and projects, but it doesn't provide Council with a clear path for implementation, so we commit to future investment, I think it's important that we actually understand what the priority projects are, which ones should be progressed first, what are their likely costs, who should be involved and what funding opportunities may be available. As you said Ben, Burgess Creek is one of Noosa's most significant urban waterways and many of the issues affecting the catchment involve multiple agencies and stakeholders. A delivery plan would provide Council with a practical road map for implementation and help ensure that resources are directed towards the actions that will deliver the greatest benefits for water quality, erosion management and environmental outcomes. The amendment in front of us doesn't commit Council to additional expenditure. It simply seeks information required to make informed decisions about future priorities and investments. And I spoke about this just previously. A plan is wonderful, but it's that strategy to execution. And I think this is a first step. So I'm hoping everyone will support the amendment in front of us. Jessica Phillips 01:56:09.577
Any I'm questions for Councillor Lorentson? Brian Stockwell 01:56:12.517
I haven't actually. Probably to either the Director or the manager. Okay. In your current work plans, was there an intent to do this, or would this require other activities currently scheduled to be done to be put on the back burner? Kim Rawlings 01:56:30.817
Through the Chair, we did work Councillor Lorentson and it was about providing a report back to Council on the timing and the cost of developing the implementation plan, because the detailed cost of implementation group plan was not our program. As Council will know, the integrated catchment management plan was funded through an election commitment and the scope of that plan was worked through with the government, which only took it to a certain phase, although so many of the actions do form part of existing Council programs and some business as usual, so there will be progress and the report outlines where it aligns with existing service delivery, particularly around asset replacement, environmental restoration and Bushcare work and things like that, all fits within our current work programs, but the development of a detailed cost of implementation delivery plan with consultation with all partners, there's a fair bit of work in that. So as I understand, this is asking for a report back on what that might look like and what that might cost. Work in that, but from that perspective, that's definitely favourable. Aidan 01:57:52.024
Thank you. Unidentified Speaker 01:58:00.213
It's directed to, in terms of the cost, you know, if they have to go to budget to get this. Costing of the. Kim Rawlings 01:58:10.532
Of the costing of the project delivery, that would definitely be budget considerations. And as the report outlines, you will be looking at working with partner organisations. And we have partner organisations who are willing to work with us and continue to invest. We'll be looking at grant funding. But any Council funding would be subject to normal budget processes. Councillor Finzel, yes. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:58:35.153
I have a question. Kim, just in relation to some of the projects that might come out of it, could it be funded from the Environment Levy so then things can continue to work? Or is the Environment Levy set up where there could be some opportunities there? Kim Rawlings 01:58:48.790
Yep, absolutely. Some of these initiatives could be funded from the Environment Levy. We would explore that as part of a detailed implementation plan and looking at funding sources. Awesome. Jessica Phillips 01:58:58.851
Did that come back to us? So when the budget process happens, if there was a project example that was going to be funded from that, does that still come through that budget process that we allocate it from the Environment Levy? Kim Rawlings 01:59:15.713
That's correct. So at each budget, you get a list of projects and the funding sources, and it identifies whether it's an Environment Levy, waste levy, general rates. So yes, they will all come back to Council. Jessica Phillips 01:59:25.894
Okay. So the amendment from Councillor Lorentson helps that plan, does it? Because then I feel that we'd have information lending. Into the budget that may maybe I would help determine budget decisions. Okay. Thank you. I'm happy to support the amendment. That's all I wanted to say. Anyone else want to ask some questions? The sort of piece of work that you'd expect leading into the budget. So, I have no questions for you. Okay. Do we have a seconder? Oh, no. I seconded it. Amelia Lorentson 01:59:59.238
Can I close? Want to close by just acknowledging working with staff on the wording and working together and I think collaboration. We want outcomes. We need to all work together. Councillors with staff, Council with community and I think, you know, I'm really excited about this and I think this is an excellent project where all the dots have been really well aligned. So thank you and I'd want to acknowledge Kim. Thank you very much. Jessica Phillips 02:00:33.710
Thank you. I'll take the amendment to the vote. All those in favour? And that's carried unanimously by the Council. And that becomes part of the staff's recommendation of the original motion. Currently, Councillor Finzel has spoken to that. Amelia Lorentson 02:00:48.526
I have another amendment. You. Thank you. G, request the CEO provide a report on funding options to support implementation of the Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Management Plan including investigation of a dedicated catchment reserve. Investigation, yeah, catchment reserve fund. Should we have fund at the end, Kim? You could say fund. Frank Wilkie 02:01:20.777
Yeah, at the end. So, investigation of a dedicated catchment reserve fund question the previous amendment, doesn't that suggest work in investigation into funding sources for the implementation of a catchment reserve fund? Amelia Lorentson 02:01:42.609
For infrastructure projects, this is what brought on. Kim Rawlings 02:01:53.403
Did you want me to answer that one or would you encourage the Councillor? No, question. The work that we would do as part of the previous amendment would include, as responded to Councillor Phillips, would include looking at various funding sources. Jessica Phillips 02:02:08.764
Councillor Lorentson, are you suggesting that dedicated catchment reserve fund would be separate to an Environment Levy? Amelia Lorentson 02:02:19.770
No, it's one of the options. So the amendment actually just requests that we look at funding options and part of that would be just discussion about what is available, Environment Levy, state and partnership contributions. And I think where I'm sort of heading with this one, because this is broader than just the infrastructure delivery to environmental issues around the catchment, whether we as Council can have a discussion during our budget deliberations, whether the dividend that we receive is part of Unitywater, we get $3.6 million per annum as a dividend from Unitywater, whether a small portion of that could be dedicated into or portioned off for a catchment reserve fund so that money gets reinvested in the wider catchment. So again, it's an exploratory small portion of that could be dedicated it's an investigation, there's no commitment, it's just understanding what are the options available to us. We've got a plan, we need it funded. Jessica Phillips 02:03:29.350
Councillor Lorentson, I was thinking, I actually like where you're headed, but when I asked a few months ago about the Environment Levy to be reviewed. I was wondering whether this would be part of a broader, that maybe, I know the intent, but could it sit, and I can see the corporate service Director sitting there, and I'm thinking, is there opportunity for this to be separate to, or do you need it to tie to the Burgess Creek report, because I'm thinking it's part of the broader 10-year strategy that is being worked on, and are. Amelia Lorentson 02:04:04.671
There-- this is a little bit more specific, because we derive an income, a dividend from an asset that benefits from the Burgess Creek catchment, so the intent behind this is to explore all the funding options and whether there is appetite around this table to consider portion of the funding from that we receive annually, whether a portion of that can be reinvested into an asset that receives a benefit from the catchment. Jessica Phillips 02:04:39.041
You're thinking because about because the Burgess Creek report is here it has to be tied to that only because I was thinking it's broader or it's part of a budget process not. Amelia Lorentson 02:04:50.730
Oh it is part of a budget process, yep. Jessica Phillips 02:04:53.716
So Director gaff could I ask you because I agree with Councillor Lorentson's intent behind this but is there opportunity where could we capture that through budget the process? Margaret Gatt 02:05:08.592
Thank you through the Chair Councillor Lorentson there are broader implications if we do establish a reserve and quarantine for want of a better word a portion of the dividend that we receive from Unitywater. There are some accounting complications for that may have a negative impact on our operating position as a result of that. So if okay with the Councillors we can do a bit more of an investigation into what the opportunities are but noting that we already do have multiple reserves that actually does cause some complication in the way how we manage our cash and our cash flows so the fewer the better but I understand that that's some historical decisions so essentially there's no legal impediment that would restrict us from establishing reserve it would be internally restricted but there are just some accounting complications but I can do some further investigation into that and come back to Council. Amelia Lorentson 02:06:18.743
Can I through the Chair, just ask a question to the Director that's exactly what the amendment is asking us to do to get this information so can I just request Kim our conversations the wordings put together exactly to explore what are the pros and cons of establishing a dedicated fund where they can be bought through budget through discussion and whether there are other opportunities example the Environment Levy Tim? Kim Rawlings 02:06:51.687
Yeah, again. I'll always specifically include the words that we provide a report back to Council that considers the implications yeah um the amendment doesn't um and it deliberately doesn't talk to where any funds might come from um so it doesn't preempt we took that part out that funding would come from a particular source um but yes that's my understanding the intention was that it comes back as a report to Council that weighs up pros and cons of these things and considers all the things um services Director just mentioned. Brian Stockwell 02:07:33.447
Yes um I'm not going to support this one I'm not saying that we're just having questions because it's been moved but we need something I'm happy to say thank you uh you can't you move the original okay. Jessica Phillips 02:07:45.695
Thank you I'm happy to second the amendment thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:07:50.707
So to me this is so discuss the laws you need to speak to it she. Jessica Phillips 02:07:54.888
Already did at the start before the second okay yeah I did get that I just think it was like thank you. Brian Stockwell 02:08:03.471
Okay yeah I think this is actually perverting resources um we have other similar requests and they're years old that we're waiting on reports on futures funds and other sorts of changes to our revenue we've got staff that are trying to do this one to me is leapfrogging uh trying to use. Water order we look at the Unitywater dividend, we've been extracting water out of the Mary River catchment for decades, and the downstream impacts of that is going to be far exceeding those to the purchase credit. Far exceeding. Know the uh the significant diminishing of the endangered barrier of cotton, the Six Mile Creek catchment, for example, is likely to be directly resulted to the significant change in flows in that creek. So if we take start taking these one little bit of pieces here, one little piece of there all does is diffuse our efforts and I'm happy with the last one that's a general report about here's what the next step is. This could be one of the things that would be considered as part of an implementation plan I just think it is our sequence and diverting staff from a full agenda and there's things that are on their agenda that are as we've seen in the operational reports that really need attention so I'd prefer them to focus on that. Thank you. Karen Finzel 02:09:34.108
Anyone else like to add yes look I do have some concerns I think it is like a bit of a duplication of what we previously just voted on in terms of where we want the staff to look. Given we're making coming into budget and looking at making very strategic decisions around what informs budget, how we prioritise budget, how we have equity and through process to determine prioritising what's before us, I think this is moving into a little bit of an area that possibly this is not the appropriate place to be like requesting the CEO to provide that report with something specific. I think the reports and those discussions at this level around that strategies around budget and I just think this, yeah, I'm a bit uncomfortable about bringing that to this discussion. I think it would be better placed elsewhere. Jessica Phillips 02:10:39.017
Want to start to speak? Amelia Lorentson 02:10:40.884
I haven't actually spoken when I moved the amendment but happy to close. Yeah, right before Councillor Lorentson closes on. I'll speak. I need it, I moved it, you need to speak. Frank Wilkie 02:10:58.126
I appreciate the intent of it but I'm of the view that the previous amendment that we moved which will identify the costs and funding sources for the implementation of the Burgess Creek management plan actions um is sufficient as a starting point leading up into the budget which can include discussions of dedicated reserve I think it's duplication um staff are already doing an extensive piece of work in the report that we've already moved as part of the first amendment I think that's a really solid starting point I don't want to overburden them with something that appears to be I. Amelia Lorentson 02:11:40.323
Will I'll start by saying just thank you discussions around the table and saying just thank you discussions around the table and I accept and possibly agree with everything around the table that a lot of this is captured and will be captured in the amendment earlier I will just speak just quickly why I sort of separated the two because I keep going we've done so much excellent work and I'm so excited there's been unanimous support for the second part which is delivery or exploration of timing for an implementation plan including exploring funding options so that's again a really positive first step but I keep coming back to adopting a plan and adopting you know, an exploration of an implementation plan is an important first step but the most important step is the funding part and that's why I really wanted to separate it and have a discussion around the table because that's to me the most important our Council we are Different by Nature we are serious about improving water quality we are serious about reducing erosion and the report and the consultation and the level of engagement by this community also shows it's not just this Council we are as a community Different by Nature this matters to everyone so I go back to the plan and when I go through it there's so much identified in the plan that's going to require funding keep coming back to funding and to me the amendment was that we have a clear funding pathway separate to the implementation plan so so I'm going to support my own amendment because I do think that it's important that there's a clear funding pathway but again acknowledge and thankful for great conversation around the table understanding also the objectives of this will be hopefully captured in the amendment before so thank you for a great conversation and excited to be part of a Council that these sorts of things really really matter thank you I'm. Jessica Phillips 02:14:07.720
Going to take this amendment to the vote all those in favour and that's Councillor Lorentson and all those against and that one is lost but we still have um the first one part of the original motion and Councillor Lorentson do you have more amendments or are you ready to. Amelia Lorentson 02:14:32.832
I'm happy to speak to the motion god and I apologise in advance I'm talking so much and I'm very very aware of this but I don't think it's anyone it's a secret that um this has been a passion project of mine from day one that I came to Council six years ago so I'm going to read this bear with me and apologies if it's repetitive absolutely support this report the level of community interest in Burgess Creek shows just important this catchment is to so many people Burgess Creek is one of the most significant urban catchments in our Shire drains a large and highly developed area before discharging into one of our most valued coastal environments over time the catchment has come under increasing pressure from urban development stormwater runoff and treated wastewater discharges. What makes Burgess Creek different is that it no longer functions as a natural coastal creek. Today constant flows from treated wastewater combined with stormwater during rain events create greater volumes of water moving through the system with greater velocity and energy. The impacts of this can be seen at the creek mouth along the foreshore and with the dune system. This is not simply about protecting a creek it's about protecting an entire connected environment including the foreshore, beaches, dunes, public access and the environmental values that make this part of Noosa so special. We know there are concerns about erosion at the creek mouth. We know there are concerns about the condition of the foreshore and dune systems. We know sea levels will rise. Sea level rise will continue to place additional pressure on these coastal environments in the years ahead. That's why this report's important. Probably the point I want to make today is that a plan alone only achieves so much. The of this work will be measured by what we deliver. The report provides a strategic framework and today also carries the intention to deliver it to also carry a delivery plan and explore opportunities. For funding. Strongly support the ongoing monitoring proposed in the plan. Good decisions require good data, particularly in a highly modified system such as Burgess Creek. Repetitive, I'm going to go back to the report. I'm going to just quickly just add you know six years ago I remember starting a petition. I was going to the ALGA conference and I remember coming to Council going we live in a biosphere and we have an ocean outfall and I want to acknowledge treated wastewater and there's nothing unlawful so I want to make that clear but I remember it just really sat uncomfortably. I keep coming in the 60s in this Council I go I want to be a Council where people come for solutions and best practices and I the board and I think we have this opportunity in this plan. When I went to ALGA six years ago I started a petition two weeks before I went out and in just less than three weeks I got 13 000 people sign a petition and I almost had the total support of people around, all the councils around Australia saying it's not okay to have an ocean outfall, we need to do better. So just close with repetitive. You know in a country and a place like Noosa that's famous for its beaches and coastline, we should always be looking for better solutions. Sending valuable resources to the sea in front of us is that opportunity. So thank you again. Thank you, Rodriguez. Really great work. Sorry, I apologise. I'm zipping. Frank Wilkie 02:18:41.238
I think combined with the staff comments from Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Finzel's comments, I think it's all been set up. I'm particularly pleased that the report notes have been cleared. That the brown-coloured word that we see coming from Burgess Creek is the result of cannons and nothing else, and that's up front in the report. We've gone a long way towards stoning some myths about Burgess Creek. Good body of work. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 02:19:06.024
Yes, Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 02:19:09.189
I just wanted to say thank you for the extensive engagement summary report. That was really good to be able to look at all of those engagement interactions and how they've been addressed. Brian Stockwell 02:19:22.724
I'd just like to say this is a new direction for Council in that, as Councillor Lorentson's point out, it's an urban pension plan. I acknowledge that it has been a passion project of Councillor Lorentson's and it's one that I initially put up in the term before Councillor Lorentson got in as a good place to do a demonstration of the urban capture management plan. So it's useful in that we have both the point source of the sewerage treatment plant and the diffuse source of one of our suburbs and it's also got significant environmental values. Historic land uses like the old landfill. So it has got plenty of issues to be addressed and plenty of opportunities to demonstrate what we said in our Destination Management Plan is to be regenerative. You know some of these coastal creeks have quite unique species. I was trying to quickly flick through just down the road when we had the oil spill seven years ago, they found Oxleyan Pygmy Perch in one of these mottled streams. It'd be great to see some of those really quite rare and threatened species coming back if we get the cash management of this right. And it's also good to see if we can start doing those broad urban engagements and educational type activities that reduce the diffuse flow of nutrients, whether it's by people understanding that when they're washing the car in the driveway, all the suds are going down into the critical driving nutrient in the waterway. So to me, this is a landmark. I do acknowledge it's a very good piece of work and thank the staff for doing it. And I look forward to the budget process and we can start looking at this in line with other things that come before us in terms of funding and any alternative sources of revenue that may come to be. Jessica Phillips 02:21:13.957
Since you've all said it's something. Thank you Ben, Rodrigo and Sophie and Kim for the report. But I'm also going to acknowledge Councillor Lorentson in her tenacity and determination to pursue this issue and Stockwell who in the last term didn't quite make it to this fight to bring you out. It's good to see. But don't change who you are Councillor Lorentson. You fight passionately for the things that you care about and I do respect your fight. And I hope that everyone can respect that we all bring different views and different priorities to this table. I hope that I'm never sitting here with groupthink. Think for a city it's important that we bring diversity. How we support the project and sorry the report and the work that will come out of it. Frank Wilkie 02:22:00.121
Question, am I suggesting we vote against it just to avoid groupthink? Jessica Phillips 02:22:05.766
No, that is the time that we have. I won't tell you how to vote, we're looking, but I will take it to the vote for those in favour. And that's carried unanimously. Thank you. Thank Ian. Thank you, guys. Thank you Sophie. Before we go on to, I think we'll change. Should we do need some time for lunch everyone. Watch lunch. You go thank you we are taking a 30 minute lunch break. Jessica Phillips 03:00:01.660
Thank you. Welcome back everybody. It's Tuesday afternoon and we have ready item 7.2.3 the new design. Thank you. Welcome to the panel, everyone. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker 03:00:19.753
This report presents to Council the updated Noosa Design Principles 2026. Articulating and preserving what makes Noosa special has its foundations in the 1986 Noosa design manual and subsequent Noosa Design Principles published in 2015. Through further research, review and stakeholder consultation, this journey has continued evolve, culminating in a comprehensive and contemporary review of the Noosa Design Principles in 2026. The refreshed principles honour Noosa's design legacy while responding to contemporary challenges and opportunities. Provided clear and enduring framework. And operate as a guide to future development, ensuring the qualities that define Noosa's distinctive character, identity and sense of place are retained and strengthened over time. Noosa Design Principles support Council officers and design and development professionals involved in shaping both the public and private realm. The document comprises eight guiding principles supported by sub-principles that articulate Noosa's distinctive design character and Noosa look and feel. The principles provide a clear and consistent design language supported by carefully selected case studies and imagery that showcase design excellence and reflect the unique character and landscape. And built form of Noosa Shire. The eight principles are: preserve and enhance our community legacy, shapes the future, let nature shape design, nature leads, built form follows, maintain a village atmosphere distinct villages within nature's limits, prioritise vegetated streetscapes, streamline corridors to mask built form, ensure built form sits lightly in nature, embraced, minimal impact, low rise, design for climate responsiveness, sustainable, resilient, future ready, enable healthy movement and connection, streets for walking and cycling, reinforce spirit of place, community, and identity, design honours culture and community. The Noosa Design Principles are not statutory requirements, nor are they intended to duplicate Noosa Plan 2020 or replace other Council guidelines. Instead, they serve as an informative and complementary resource to help Council staff, developers, and designers understand the important design elements that contribute to the character of Noosa. The updated Noosa Design Principles have been informed by consultation with local and national architecture and landscape design firms, relevant industry bodies, the Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation, Councillors and Council staff, Council officers. Targeted engagement was also undertaken with key local designers to ensure the principles articulate and communicate Noosa's distinctive character and design values. The Noosa Design Principles provide a clear contemporary and place-based design framework that articulates the qualities that make Noosa unique. The document is recommended for adoption and launched by Council as the primary reference for promoting design excellence and guiding development and built form that reinforces Noosa's distinctive identity and character and I'd just like to note that there are a few minor changes to be made to the document that was provided as attachment, namely one of the photos we just needed a higher resolution image so that'll be inserted and a few minor word changes to come with the question. Jessica Phillips 03:04:06.637
But you can be done when you're done. Brian Stockwell 03:04:11.298
Thank you very much, have a good move, have a good second. Jessica Phillips 03:04:14.088
Thank you, Councillor Stockwell. Council will be at the floor. Brian Stockwell 03:04:18.883
So it was 40 years ago that the Council first adopted the design manual in response to what at that stage was huge development pressure and a determination that the community didn't want Noosa to turn out like the Gold Coast. That's really what underpins our decades of focus on what's currently communicated in contemporary terms in this version of our design guidelines. It didn't begin in the it grew out of a remarkable collaboration between forward-thinking Councillors like Councillor Peter Bycroft, community advocates and a generation of innovative architects who understood that in Noosa our natural environment should shape our buildings rather than our buildings dominating the environment and that's the key to Noosa design. Architects like Gabriel Poole, John Mainwaring, Neil Harris and Maurice Hurst, Lindsay and Clare all helped establish what became known as the Sunshine Coast school of architecture. It was revolutionary thinking at the time. In 1998 Gabriel Poole described a good architect as someone who is sensitive to the environment, to the climate, to the client's needs, to proportion, to space and colour. And that's what we see engendered in these set of design guidelines. He believed architectures invite the of natural surroundings into our homes and our buildings, harnessing natural ventilation, sunlight and shade, rather than relying on mechanical systems. John Mainwaring, I should mention that this information has come out of our Council is our Council's heritage library where all these Fellows and women have oral histories on the subject. John Mainwaring described how the simple, open, flexible structures of coastal holiday living evolved into an entirely new style of architecture. And as Tim Ditchfield reminds, the fundamental principle hasn't changed. Buildings should be designed for the particular site, breathe naturally and respond to the sun without unnecessary energy consumption. So that's where we came from. And what we're trying to evolve. It wasn't a group of architects who were looking at a particular style of roof or material. It was a philosophy of designing with nature, with the climate and for the people. Philosophy that helped shape the 1986 design guidelines and the distinctive village character we continue to value today. But 40 years on, the challenge has evolved. We faced increasing development pressure, a changing climate, great demand, for and resilient buildings, and need to better recognise the cultural values and enduring connection of country, of the Kabi Kabi people in our public places. These updated design principles respond to these challenges, remaining faithful to our original vision. The eight principles reinforce the importance of the community legacy, village atmosphere, vegetative treescapes and buildings that sit lightly on the landscape. Importantly, they do extend beyond our public spaces and into the private realm. Where individual design decisions collectively shape character of our communities. They also recognise that the character of our hinterland villages should not be identical to those on the Coast or the riverine areas. Really important for the community to understand they're not statutory controls, they are shared design language to guide better decisions by public space designers, architects, developers, landowners and Council itself. And perhaps the most important message is that good design is not about copying the architecture of the past, it's about carrying forward the thinking that made the architecture exceptional in the 80s. The original architects, some of whom were around in the 80s to help guide the first one, helped us guide these. And Councillors and the Councillors, like I mentioned Councillors, Peter bycroft and Michael gloucester in the previous Council who championed the concepts and the design guidelines were innovators and they weren't imitators we should encourage that same creativity today providing respect provided it respects our landscape our climate and our communities so I congratulate all those involved including local design professionals our staff Kabi Kabi and have contributed to what is a really great publication the 1986 manual helped protect the Noosa we've inherited the 2026 principles can help shape the Noosa we need for future generations. Amelia Lorentson 03:09:05.672
A question to staff say on you mentioned in the report also notes that the principles in the Noosa Design Principles are non-statutory and not intended to duplicate the Noosa Planning Scheme. My question if you've got a proposed development and it doesn't align with the print these principles but it complies with the Noosa Plan what practical influence will this document have and how will officers or do officers use the design principles Noosa Design Principles during a say pre-lodgement discussions or design reviews? Unidentified Speaker 03:09:56.898
So, through the chat. Unidentified Speaker 03:09:58.727
Um so, it's really a resource tool to actually be able to hand out to those designers at a pre-lodgement and actually be able to go through, you know, what is the essence, what are the key principles that we're looking at. Yes, the Planning Scheme sets the absolute statutory requirements, but it's really good to get designers to go away and think about it before. Jessica Phillips 03:10:19.944
They actually lodge. Kim Rawlings 03:10:26.660
So can I add to that? Often we, you know, we talk about, you know, Noosa design or, you know, that the building needs more articulation or, you know, needs to represent Noosa design values. And people are saying, what does that actually mean? You know, this document helps interpret some of those things and this is what it actually means. Here's some examples, here's some very specific guidance. If you want to understand what that means, this is sort of what it looks like. Ultimately, the Noosa Plan is the decision making it complies with the Noosa Plan, then it complies and it would move through. We would hope that there's alignment between the objectives of Noosa Plan and the performance criteria of Noosa Plan and how these design principles are articulated. Um you a there is that alignment but sure there could be that specific example where it complies with the provision of the Noosa Planning Scheme and for some reason doesn't quite hit the Noosa Design Principles it would still be appropriate because it complies with the town plan which is the leading document. Amelia Lorentson 03:11:33.182
And I know just our discussions over the last six years when we're considering development applications with conditional reference our Noosa design principle so and speaking with developers once the application is live I think again it's something that us Councillors make reference to in terms of respecting the values and that's what I see the design principles it's more protection of character and values rather than a prescriptive you know design elements that we're trying to promote thank you any more questions sorry one last question um in terms you mentioned that uh during pre-lodgement you referenced the Noosa Design Principles I'm wondering whether um Council's considering maybe even doing like a summary version and handing it to real estate agents um residents who are looking at building renovating developing um something with a QR code is that something that um that you're considering. Unidentified Speaker 03:12:42.536
Certainly can do yeah um the design principles also has a checklist at the back which is a one. Jessica Phillips 03:12:47.937
Pager as well which is a kind of reading right now that we could distribute you know the QR code and something like of medic that something. Unidentified Speaker 03:12:55.529
That should be quick. Frank Wilkie 03:12:57.294
Fantastic just a quick comment not duplicating what's been said but the Noosa Shire Council design manual principles enshrined from 40 years ago about embracing the outdoors that Councillor Stockwell alluded to led to outdoor dining and Noosa was one of the first places in Queensland to embrace outdoor dining so we have this body of work to thank you for that. Karen Finzel 03:13:30.219
I'd just like to add a little blurb there for the Noosa Regional Gallery because on the 12th of November there's the book launch of the Gabriel Poole and what he's done and how he's contributed leading, a architect into those principles into the Shire. So for anyone that's interested I think that's a great opportunity if you're not familiar with the works it's a great opportunity to explore those principles and see how important they are in our community and how embedded they are into our story. Jessica Phillips 03:14:04.715
Story I'll say I love Noosa it's the most beautiful place on earth I think growing up here and I'm glad to hear the history that Councillor Stockwell has talked about because I've lived through a lot of that and Noosa is what it is today because of decisions that were made by previous councils. I'm also going to throw in that you know there is a point where sometimes I feel that potentially there was some intended consequences of strip design which has created probably an increase in value of homes and people that live here that's great for everyone that already is in this market because increase in your house is benefiting you but that means that our generations to come are going to have a lot of trouble getting into this market um and so I will always love the principles I'm not even suggesting they should be changed but I do feel that I've over years um it could have caused a ripple effect of people really struggling our young people to ever buy a home in Noosa so even though that's not particularly about the Noosa Design Principles today because I understand why we need them um I think whenever there's other opportunities as Council where we're sitting here with future decisions if we've got opportunity to think about how our generations are going to afford to live here then we should be thinking about that as well long before like long after we're sitting here because that's my biggest fear um is that we may make decisions today that are going to cost um our kids from not being able to afford to live here but in saying that everything's amazing about what principles I understand why we need them I think it is a great document and so it's not to shy away from the work that's been through to that because I think it's really important all right I'll take it to the vote oh you've got a close Council well yes thank you I'm going. Brian Stockwell 03:16:03.875
To start where you ended off and it's interesting when you look at good design it won't affect the price of land it will protect the price of building but if you follow the nursing design principles in my house was constructed exactly in line with what these say you do and it creates affordable living I haven't had an energy bill for two years I haven't had felt hot or cold in my two years and it's a lightweight structure it's built with lightweight cladding and it's on stumps and most of the time it's just a natural breeze but you've got good insulation and it's surrounded by trees it even though those many in our community can afford to do an architect morning was basically designed by me with a few photos and a draftsman so following design officials and having guidance about how to do it is actually a good way to try and get some shape of affordability affordable living in that the ongoing costs in terms of reducing your energy bills reducing your heating costs reducing your cooling costs are really important and I think it's really important to also highlight what Councillor Wilkie said that outdoor dining was a key part of those 1986 principles not only were we the first to do it in Queensland it was illegal to do it in Queensland a few short years later one of those architects I mentioned who's still around John Mainwaring got the contract was to turn what was a very morbid Queen Street into the Queen Street Mall and put all these Sunshine Coast architect principles into getting people enjoying sitting in the main street eating in the main street and anyone goes there is very crowded but those principles that you see driving community interaction in Queen Street Mall were driven from the Council in 1986 willing to push the boundary and I believe started in 1985 in terms of that push to allow outdoor dining. So yeah, hopefully these nine principles will also have great flow on effects I think where they are most valuable is reducing court time for development applicants who have got a architect with a shiny sign somewhere in New South Wales or Victoria because what we can clearly do to them is very early in the piece say make sure your architect understands Noosa Design Principles because a lot of the problems come where architects come with a preconceived idea about how they design things to establish their design on the landscape where in Noosa we say the landscape dictates what your design should be and that's probably where we're going to save the most money. That's all. Jessica Phillips 03:18:57.899
Thank you. All right. Let's take it to the vote. All those in favour? And that is carried unanimously. Thank you. All right, moving along. 7.2.4 MCU 21/0175 which is the 38 alternate drive disability to MCU. You very much. You. Unidentified Speaker 03:19:32.329
The application before Council today is a Material Change of Use for an office and showroom on the northern peripheral of the Noosa Business Centre. The address is formally identified as 38 Walter Hay Drive. Now the proposal comprises 3,000 square metres in total of gross floor area and of that 2,300 square metres is office space and 700 square metres is showroom space. The developed form is supported or complemented rather by 118 car parking spaces, bicycle parking, landscaping and other associated site works. In terms of the built form outcome, there is a two-storey building which comprises the ground floor being the showroom, upper. Level being office and a basement car park and the other building is a standalone office building single storey. The application was originally received in September 2021 at the time the Noosa Plan 1 was in effect in accordance with section. 45 of the Planning Act the assessment manager can afford discretion and give way to the current and previous scheme on which the application was lodged in. Consideration of that and the current scheme we know that the showroom component is consistent with the outcomes sought within the business park precinct which is limited to 720 metres for this site and office is also considered a consistent use that the proposal that we've worked closely with the applicant to refine the proposal and what is currently before Council acknowledging that the site is on a prominent gateway on the northeastern entrance of the business centre we've worked to refine the design response and also beef up the landscaping so that way we've got quite a robust form of architectural response from the mixture of materials and activation as well as some landscaping that appropriately screens and addresses that point the application also went to public notice and there were no submissions. Jessica Phillips 03:21:39.832
I'd like to move the question in front of us. Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Unidentified Speaker 03:21:46.960
Happy to second. Jessica Phillips 03:21:48.063
By Councillor miles-Burton. We have the floor, Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 03:21:54.950
Not really much sense, I think expected this one to come before us after changing the Planning Scheme. So yeah, happy to support it. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 03:22:03.487
Anyone like to ask any questions? Yes, Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 03:22:07.613
Dorothy Dixer, does this one. Comply with the new design guidelines? Patrick Murphy 03:22:12.797
Thank this, just on that, this is, I'm going to step had for quite some time, as you'll see. It was the first of the applications that we considered at the bookends of the employer and the whole world did quite a lot of work on this one to get it to the design that it is. So the mini-hub, I suppose, to some degree, has been proposed here. So, come with the design out front, I guess. Brian Stockwell 03:22:38.765
It also Dorothy Dixer, because here is that. I think have been one of the ones missed out who's been around and helping to shape Noosa since the 80s and yeah I have looked at this I didn't realise this one the design predated the one the other because it's opposite it's the same design thing yeah and it does and that was what the 2020 scheme tried to do is have entrance statements where people entering that precinct got a feeling of not just a big supermarket mall just you know they can be quite um yeah when you go into any other big shopping centres all you get is car park with the first 100 metres so yeah and the um this one is uh at the time of design of doing the scheme we did sort of agreed to this swap uh you know we initially we prior to 2020 had the medical precinct here and the showrooms on the other end so while it was submitted beforehand I totally agree with the way start with that predominant guidance on our decision making should be the current scheme and I don't think it would serve anyone any useful purpose uh to make them resubmit under the current scheme um and I think it'll add value uh being an economic and employment generating development and I also have to say that the applicant Stockwell Development Group is not a relation. Jessica Phillips 03:24:08.665
Thank you Councillor Stockwell Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 03:24:12.102
Um a question, so just looking at I think condition 34 on page five um Patrick minimum of 118 18 car parking spaces must be provided of which d two disabled parking spaces the total um my question is I know that's compliant and I know that's lawful but I'm just wondering whether we've considered um Ben um in putting the condition together will that actually meet the future needs um given that some sometimes what's compliant and lawful doesn't actually equate to what's actually needed. Patrick Murphy 03:24:50.418
The provision of all buildings um given that sometimes it'll be the certifier that'll dictate the amount of spaces that are ultimately required um it sits under the building requirements the conditions will be reflective of what the building claims it's effectively not for councils to determine the upper limit of the amount of car parking oh okay in terms of I mean the quantum of total car parking yes but in terms of how that's broken down it'll be the certifier. Amelia Lorentson 03:25:27.156
So for us to request it would be like a noting or something like that Patrick we couldn't actually condition more disabled car parking if required that's correct okay unless you put an advisory note I might take this one offline yeah okay thank you. Jessica Phillips 03:25:48.202
Thank you. Um Council listen would you like or would anyone else like to speak to it. Frank Wilkie 03:25:52.406
Thank you for the report um this is a site that's quite prominent and been vacant for a long time this development application represents the right sort of development in the right place that is the Noosa Civic centre which is set aside for business development it will house professional offices provide high quality jobs it's lightweight designed with varied reforms it's exactly the sort of development we want in this place so Thank you. Long time no see. Jessica Phillips 03:26:22.411
Anyone else wish to speak, Councillor? Amelia Lorentson 03:26:25.187
One last question do we have any idea when development might actually start? I note there's currency period by 19th of November 2032 has there been any discussion in terms of when we're expected to see this? Patrick Murphy 03:26:39.704
Not at all, okay. There is a childcare facility, we're that construction to start on too. Construction to start on that too. Excellent. They had sat in abeyance on the application for quite some time, but they seem quite keen to move it forward, so we're very hopeful that this will help in the near future. Amelia Lorentson 03:26:58.451
Terrific, thank you. Jessica Phillips 03:27:00.633
Any more questions for anyone else that would like to speak? Can't see anyone else that would you like to close? I'll wave my right, Thank you. Let's take it to the vote. All those in favour? And that's carried unanimously. Thank you, and I'm assuming the same for the next one, don't I? Yes. Then, so moving on to item 7.2.5, that's the MCU. 15 0105 19 to 20 trading press road and extension of currency period. Thanks Ben. Unidentified Speaker 03:27:38.587
Thank you. So the application before Council extension of currency period for a retirement and aged care facility at the in Cooroy, Pearsons Road, commonly known as the palm lakes retirement community. The original approval was granted in 2016 by Council for a five stage development that would comprise 220 independent living units and a 120 bed aged care facility with the associated community facilities. In conjunction with a configuration reconfiguration of what component. So to date four out of the five stages have been constructed. This extension to currency period before Council regards the fifth stage of development or the development that comprises the 120 bed aged care facility. Uh in is that the officer's report considers the extension to currency period in it says that against the strategic planning intent of the current scheme assesses any variation between the previous Planning Scheme and the current Planning Scheme noting that the proposal generally complies with the strategic intent. Amelia Lorentson 03:28:46.901
Happy to move thank you. I'll second. You have the first I'd like to acknowledge that the aged care sector they face significant challenges as a lot of people you know in the community that's building including construction increasing construction costs workforce shortages and broader market pressures while this approval dates back to 2016 it's encouraging and I've been out to have a look over in Taylor Court it's encouraging that four of the five stages have already been delivered and that the remaining stage continues to align with both the planning intent for the site and the needs of our community. Importantly as you just Ben, the approved development remains still consistent with the current planning framework. It's appropriately located within Cooroy's urban area and again continues to support the provision of much needed aged care accommodation. So happy to support this and really looking forward to the final stage to proceed. So thank you for the report. Really great report. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 03:29:59.336
Like to speak to these questions. Would you like your writer to close? All good, thank you. All right, I'll take it to the vote. All those in favour? And that's also carried unanimously. Thank you. Seven, Noosa Parade Noosa Heads and other change to dwelling house. That's item 7.2.6. Unidentified Speaker 03:30:35.610
Thank you. So this application for another change is for Council, essentially because the proposal, the variation, the amendments sort between the original approval and this proposal approval are quite minor in nature. However, it's due to the definition of minor change within the Planning Act. While the application technically can't meet that definition because public notification would be required if the application was made and can't escape, accordingly the other change was lodged comprising or containing just minor amendments to the basement configuration. When the application did proceed to notice there were no submitters and yeah with the proposed changes are quite limited to internal to the site and the site design refinements they're generally quite insubstantial in nature and without the definition if the application was able to meet the minor change definition this decision would have been made under office of. Patrick Murphy 03:31:33.530
Delegation so if I could just expand on that it's a application that was applied from 2025 so quite recently and at that recently time and at that time the version of the Planning Scheme had a house as being a consistent use within the medium density residential zone and with the most recent changes to the Planning Scheme that is now an inconsistent use in the zone so we've got a very recent approval for a dwelling house approved at a time when it was consistent and they're more seeking to make changes to that development and when we look at the definition of minor change one of the aspects that needs to be adhered to is that public notification would not be required if public notification was not initially required and the application now would require notification and didn't require notification and there was no submissions because of that change from a consistent use to an inconsistent use so we have to look at the application through the lens of the current Planning Scheme and what it would trigger um in terms of level of assessment when that change is applied for as if the whole development would have been made so I'm hoping that's not having complicated things for you by explaining that but that's the reason why we're here today as they are very minor and inconsequential changes designed it's essentially a process issue and our delegation is are requiring it to come back to Council. I've had some initial conversations with Diana and we'll continue to have conversations around potential changes to the delegations to recommend changes to the delegations to Council to consider whether these items should not come before you in the future. I'm trying to find so question I a tried. Frank Wilkie 03:33:17.780
Is, to is an anomaly and you. You're taking steps to change the delegation register, change the level of delegation so that these sort of minor items need not come to Council. Patrick Murphy 03:33:32.799
That's correct. They'll still have to go through the same process where they might be considered a minor change. They will still be considered another change and require notification, but they would not be required to come back to Council for these very minor matters. So around the same time there was changes to the Planning Act where previously a house in the medium and high density residential zone could not require a Material Change of Use, so we couldn't make it consistent or inconsistent on that basis. There's been a change in the Planning Act so that those zones, a dwelling house now can be in consistent use and it's part of a most much recent change. To the planning schemes, Council has effectively taken that approach in those zones, obviously to try and accommodate more dwellings in the zones that are designed to accommodate them. Jessica Phillips 03:34:21.912
I'm going to move the motion. Frank Wilkie 03:34:24.614
I think she's second. Jessica Phillips 03:34:25.543
Thank you I'm just going to speak to it quickly and say thank you for the report, but also we went through this in the agenda review. People watching, it's a bit of a briefing on what's to and I was really satisfied with the information provided that day, but also we'd like to see governance review those delegations in order to keep things moving, because this is exactly what I was talking about earlier, that red tape making this delay because come here, so in order to continue to move it, I hope that can happen so staff can get on with their role, but nothing further. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 03:35:10.648
Yeah, just a couple of questions and maybe it's outside the 12-month period, but under our superseded Planning Scheme, could the applicant have put an other change under the SPS? Is there a provision there? And my second question is in terms of cost, what does this mean in terms of cost going from another change now to a minor change? Is there a big difference? Patrick Murphy 03:35:41.300
The first question I wanted to come back to you because we haven't my second question been saving that space of another change. Amelia Lorentson 03:35:47.916
Yeah, I'm just wondering if that's there somewhere in the SPS. Patrick Murphy 03:35:51.615
Yeah, noting the 12-month period is now expired, so I can give you that information as far as redundant going forward. In terms of cost, there is a higher cost for another change as opposed to a minor change. We can amend the application fee upon request. So if that occurs, we will do that. But we also need to be mindful of the cost to Council to process the application, to prepare a Council report in the current environment and to present to Council. So there is, you know, it becomes going through this process. The report has to also deal with potential submissions as well. So, but on a case by basis, we've been certainly able to play, noting that hopefully these might be coming back to Council in the future. Amelia Lorentson 03:36:39.842
Fantastic. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 03:36:43.912
Anyone who wants to speak, can we stop now? Brian Stockwell 03:36:46.519
Yeah, I support the recommendation. I think the nature of the change is so small that it would be untenable to try and utilise it and leave it to prosecute the argument about the current Planning Scheme settings. I do think it's a good example, noting it was lawfully made prior to the Planning Scheme change, it's a good example of why we didn't change the Planning Scheme, is that this development will reduce the number of dwellings in the Shire by two. So it's going from a unit development to a house, is my understanding, from three down to one. That's correct. Currently on site there are multiple dwellings and some commercial. Yeah, commercial. And so this is what the Planning Scheme is trying to stop going forward is that we have a limited amount of medium density residential zone land because the economics of building houses in high amenity areas. Amelia Lorentson 03:37:40.193
Point of order. Through the Chair, is this relevant to an application to approve a minor change? We're arguing Planning Scheme amendments. Brian Stockwell 03:37:54.961
I just think, yes, I think you're right. While we can't use this minor change from an approved plan to prosecute the argument. I think it's always good to understand what the argument is. Jessica Phillips 03:38:10.320
Thank you, that's a tough one, okay. It's all about. Okay. Is anyone else would like to speak to it, I'm going to waive my right to close. All those in favour? And that is carried. Thank you. Very much. All right. Moving on to item 7.2.7, the annual report. Diana and Zach, welcome. Thank you. It's all right. Thank you. Can you give us your summary? Kim Rawlings 03:38:53.904
So in accordance with section 182 of the local government regulations, Council has prepared its annual report for the 2025 to 2026 financial year, which is presenting attachment 1. The annual report essentially provides our community with a comprehensive of Council's operations, performance, achievements and challenges over the past financial year. There are several statutory reporting requirements that must be addressed within the annual report. Unidentified Speaker 03:39:23.058
Particularly in relation to accountability, governance and financial matters under the Local Government Act and the local government regulations. To ensure we meet those requirements, the annual report has been prepared against the State governments. Kim Rawlings 03:39:38.999
And we will report compliance checklist and compliance with these requirements is also captured in the backend of the annual report where it demonstrates that compliance level of particular note this year is a new statutory reporting requirement arising from recent legislative. Unidentified Speaker 03:39:56.144
Reforms relating to planning contributions. So under now section 189a of the local government population Council is now required to report on certain financial contributions received under the Planning Act, including community benefit agreements. Kim Rawlings 03:40:16.901
Following consultation with Patrick and the planning team, Council has. No disclosures last financial year to report on that are required under the. Provision for the reporting period. Importantly, we've also gone again above and beyond the minimum statutory reporting requirements this year to further strengthen transparency and accountability. In particular, the performance. Section has been expanded to include additional performance measures against Council's Corporate Plan and it is a work in progress. It's the first year that we're inserting that element into it and this is an area we intend to continue developing as part of our ongoing organisational improvement and as teams continue to align their reporting with the corporate planning. Consultation in preparing the annual report has been broad and extensive across the organisation with the draft also formally presented to the Audit and Risk Committee just recently on the 23rd of October. Review and feedback and it was supported in its draft form. So in terms of its structure the annual report contains six key sections commencing with acknowledgement and leadership messages from the Mayor and CEO. Then flows into our Shire section which provides an overview of the Shire for our community members including key facts. And our local identities shaped by the strong interconnection we have between a natural environment community well-being and local economy we then proceeding your Council which provides information about our elected members Council services customer service performance community engagement activities we do throughout the year organisational structure corporate planning framework and our workforce we then go into the performance section which is quite a large part of our annual report. It provides a review of the year, how we've proceeded. We demonstrate progress against the corporate planning themes excellence. It also includes performance measures, infrastructure project. Highlights, and key performance indicators. Finally, we, are looking at disclosures. So mainly the governance disclosures, which brings together Council. Statutory and governance disclosures, including our governance framework, ethics risk management, audit activities, Councillor and executive remuneration, Council meetings. Unidentified Speaker 03:43:01.597
Complaint management, community, grants, business activities, and procurement. So it's quite extensive, that part. And then finally, we are presenting financial performance of our organisation. And this is where we work closely with Zac and his financial team to present. Kim Rawlings 03:43:19.713
The community financial report and Council's voted financial statements for '25 to '26, including information on Council's financial sustainability outlook. So in summary, the annual report provides an important account for our community of what Council has delivered over the past financial year, how we have performed, and how we continue to meet our legislative and responsibilities. It also demonstrates Council's ongoing commitment to good governance, transparency and accountability, while also providing a clear picture of our achievements, performance and also areas for continuing development. Frank Wilkie 03:44:00.614
Thank you Madam Chair. Happy to see you. Jessica Phillips 03:44:04.870
Councillor Lorentson, we're just going before you. Councillor Wilkie, you have the floor. Frank Wilkie 03:44:12.706
You for the excellent 105 page report. It's an impressive body of work and it shows that above all else this Council is one of the few that are financially sustainable. This report publicly. Documents for residents and ratepayers the Noosa Council projects, programs and services dedicated principally to preserving Noosa's quality of life and the environment we all enjoy. Infrastructure, affordable housing investment, waste and recycling improvements and the distribution of more than 258,000 community grants to support community events are among the details in this piece of public reporting. The $51 million capital works program delivered upgrades and renewals across the Shire, including $17.4 million invested in roads, bridges and transport infrastructure. Key projects of the year included planning and design for the major upgrade of Doonella Lake Bridge, a project now nearing completion. And expected to extend the life of the spider link between Tewantin and Noosaville by around 50 years. Council also invested $10.3 million in waste and recycling improvements, $5.6 million in community facilities and sports grounds, $6.3 million in pathways, parks, playgrounds, trail networks and public amenities, $5.2 million was spent on road reseals, $1 million in pathway renewals, and $86,000 for the Sunshine Beach skate park renewal. It documents this Council's commitment to delivering results for. Our community planning for the Shire's future. It reflects the dedication and professionalism of our CEO, directors, and the entire Council staff, whose pride in their work and commitment makes a positive difference across the Shire every day. Endorsement of the new 10-year Destination Management Plan to help protect Noosa's lifestyle, natural environment, and prosperity in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic games and beyond was another milestone in 2025-26. Affordable housing remained a key keep. Focus Council continuing its investment in facilitating development of 25 affordable dwellings at Lake Macdonald Drive for local families, young people and seniors in the Queensland social housing register. Council distributed more than $258,000 through community grants. Support local events, projects and infrastructure. The year also saw Council secure a 121 hectare conservation property of Kin Kin through the Environment Levy. Improve accessibility with a new Changing Places facility and keeping Terrace and complete consultation on draft Noosa Botanic Gardens master plan. Customer service remained a key priority with average phone wait times improving from 32 seconds to 29 seconds. Well below the target maximum of 60 seconds. So 105 page report goes over and above the information required by legislation to disclose and I again thank the governance team and the entire Council staff for compiling the work they've done that's contained within it and my Councillor colleagues for the decisions they've made that's contributed to delivering all these projects for afternoon. Amelia Lorentson 03:47:32.721
To do it oh no you're right go ahead I was I've got questions but you speak. Nicola Wilson 03:47:39.787
Thank you Diana, Zach and your teams for this 210 page report in fact this is two pages per page of the pdf. Even more work than we thought. I know it takes months of effort and a lot of collaboration across the business to get this report together every year and it's always a highlight for me and I always enjoy reading it and please also thank the graphic designer who I know puts in so much effort to get this right with so much information coming from different people. I always think it's a great place for people to start when they want to find out about what Council actually does and all the different things we've got going on as well as the financial position but just all the different disclosures and everything that we need to comply with so I think it's a great way to understand the business of local government and maybe the difference between what Councillors do and what Council as an organisation does. Another great report, hopefully I could be another award winner. And congratulations to all the team. Amelia Lorentson 03:48:43.634
Just a couple of questions, a couple of things stood out to me, Diana, and maybe it's a question to the CEO, and I won't pull out all of them, I'll make this brief, but in particular, legal expenses. So we've gone up by more than half from $1.57 million to $2.3 million. And my question is, do we actually have a policy or some framework in Council to determine whether a legal matter represents value for money? And at what point do I don't know the expected no longer justify the expenditure? I don't know whether we've actually had that deep dive or analysis. But I just think to those numbers just need to me some analysis. I'm not sure Zach is that something that you're considering or bringing or can I request a workshop on just our legal costs just to understand the benefits? You know, do we win the cases, lose the cases? Are there some cases where should have just stopped after mediation? And I don't know, just I feel that I keep watching those legal expenses jump up, But this is quite significant. So question maybe to the CEO. Larry Sengstock 03:50:13.160
I don't know if this is something we can bring back to the forum because I don't think that's analysed, but in general, we have a very solid process, so when we're talking about challenges to our planning schemes or our decision making process, we have a huge process there and Councillors were involved in that. We have our meetings with our lawyers to really understand and make decisions on whether to go forward or not to go forward. So it's not just the officers that make those decisions. We do it on the sound legal advice. So I think that, you know, you can look at that. And it's also, today we've been through a whole range of things with Noosa in terms of what makes Noosa and in order to keep Noosa, we have to protect it. We have to, actually often go to court to protect it. And that's, part of the, process that we do. And I think it's really important that we, keep that, process as well. As soon as you let the door open a little bit, you run that risk. So we, we're very strong on that, but be assured that we don't do it just off the top of their heads. It's a, full process that goes through and we can take very strong advice on that. And I think it's part of the, also the society that we live in as well. People are automatically going further and going further than they would have in the past. So we need to stand up and take positions on that. Invariably costs money because whilst we have a legal counsel and we have various legal advice within Council, we don't have that expertise to go out and get that when we go into court. Things like that don't cost money. But protect we have we've got. That's part of the deal. Amelia Lorentson 03:51:55.566
Right, disagreement with that. It's more just an analysis. I don't think we've actually had a deep dive. So can I just request a workshop just to understand? That'd be great. Thank you. Jessica Phillips 03:52:13.754
Questions? I'd just like to speak to the report. Thank you. I'm going to take that to the vote. All those in favour? Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 03:52:31.054
Thank you, Diana. Thanks, Zach. Jessica Phillips 03:52:36.666
Okay, the last item on the agenda today is to provide the Mayor's attendance and representation of Council of Mayors, SEQ delegation. International travel. And the CEO is moving, I'm sorry, is presenting the report. Sorry, I'm just closing. Didn't we have to report first? Unidentified Speaker 03:53:05.927
And then I'll have ask you. Larry Sengstock 03:53:09.264
I'm taking this as a friend. Noosa Council is a member of the SEQ Council of Mayors, which is a very strong way that has been very successful for us as a local government since we've been re-established as a member. Group is taking a Council of Mayors and support staff to Los Angeles County early next year, ahead of the LA 28 games. This is a report to put forward that the Mayor has been invited to join that group to travel to LA to gain insights. As we all know, that 2022 will be on the books as soon as the LA games are finished. There's a whole lot of information to be learned at this early stage, so they're taking a delegation, including a number of interested companies, going with that group, trying to stand and look for opportunities for going to. For going on to the 2030 camps in Brisbane. We've had a number of companies in the Noosa Shire that have registered interest in that. I'm not sure exactly how many will end up going, but I know that a number of them in terms of interest can seek to go over there and learn more. We'll also have to establish some relationships and build some potential opportunities for business. So this is really just to inform that the committee has been invited, as all mayors have, to attend this delegation from the 21st to the 28th. So it's a one week trip to LA and back. Is it busy? Hectic trip. I don't know if they fit a lot in. So it's not a long term trip. There's lots of downtime. This will be a whole lot of learning and understanding of what's going you. On. I'm just putting it to make it a public disclosure that this is the opportunity that's been presented to us through the Council of Mayors. I would also say that this is fully paid for by the Council of Mayors. Is not something that has any cost to Noosa Council other than the cost to be part of the Council of Mayors which again we gained huge amounts of benefit from that in terms of some of the projects we talked about today actually came through Council of Mayors from a funding perspective so there's huge advantages of being part of the concept and this is one of the opportunities. That they're presenting to us for the Mayor to take up so I'll put it to you four in Noosa. Jessica Phillips 03:55:51.784
Okay I'm going to have to move our Councillor since I would like to now move to the report. And I'll second just before and now you've got the floor. Karen Finzel 03:56:01.174
Thank you yeah I think the CEO said it all. I know there's members of the community that think this is with the cost of living expenses it's not a good time or a good one for our leaders to be heading off. But we do also understand that this is part of like the process of government as the CEO has stated, the Council and mayors advise that the purpose of the mission is to advance economic partnerships between the regions, strengthen investment opportunities and draw on LA's experience delivering major infrastructure. We of course, we know that the Mayor will be working hard on the trip and I'm sure we'll get a report back to Council. So yeah, that's the matter before us today and I'm happy to move the motion. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:56:47.495
I'd like to add to that if I can. Thank you, Chair. At last count, 60 South East Queensland businesses are heading this major business delegation to Los Angeles County, the location of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games. Among the delegation is a constantly changing and yet to be finalised number of Sunshine Coast and Noosa businesses. Seeking the opportunity business ties with one of the world's largest economies. The population of more than 10 million across 88 cities, LA county is home to one of the world's largest economies and a global leader in advanced manufacturing technology, major events, infrastructure and urban innovation. As mentioned, the 2032 Olympics was an idea conceived and successfully advocated for in 2015 by the South East Queensland Council of Mayors as an opportunity to accelerate much needed infrastructure growth in the region and expand the export markets for local businesses. Being is constantly changing as businesses confirm whether they can attend or not. The united states is the largest investor in Australia and is Queensland's fifth fastest, sorry, is Queensland's fastest growing major export California alone is the world's fifth largest economy. The delegation will introduce businesses to sectors where they can build international relationships, secure supply contracts and access vastly larger export markets. After the expression of the was over but subscribed. With business delegates having to be limited to local government areas represented by attending mayors, Councillors are aware that the creation of export markets for our local businesses is a key objective of our smart buys for Noosa. Development strategy. Noosa's future prosperity depends on fostering businesses that export goods and services to the world and imports wealth into our community rather than just relying on population construction or tourism alone for prosperity growth. Export markets generate high-value jobs, help retain local talent and attract skilled professionals to the region. Every successful exporter supports local suppliers, families and community prosperity. The delegation will also learn how planning to benefit its communities through legacy projects created as a result of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games and I'm more than happy to report back publicly to this Council. Unidentified Speaker 03:59:21.671
Thank you. Councillor Keating. Amelia Lorentson 03:59:22.959
In October 2025, you went to an overseas delegation to dubai. Question to the Mayor. What was the outcomes achieved and the direct benefits delivered to Noosa residents? Frank Wilkie 03:59:40.289
I did circulate a very extensive document at the time provided by the Council of Mayors about that. I can't recall them off the top of my head, if that's all right. I can get back to you on that. Amelia Lorentson 03:59:52.656
Fantastic. That was circulated by Council of Mayors. We had a brief discussion, I think, during a. I. Council forum, but. Council forum, I. Had a brief discussion. Notes that I shared with the Councillors and staff. Frank Wilkie 04:00:06.331
There was a wrap-up provided by the Council of yeah. Mayors. Yeah. I have to gather my thoughts about that. Fantastic. If you could circulate. If I had asked that question, I would have prepared. Amelia Lorentson 04:00:19.894
My question. Yeah, my question is not, like, what's been prepared for this report. My question is just from me to Councillors and community in terms of benefits. And this is a question, as you know, that's been raised in community. What are the direct benefits? Frank Wilkie 04:00:34.591
Mass transport, water provision, densification projects, urban densification projects, conservation waste-to-energy projects, that the Council of man's are looking at for benefits for South East Queensland. But mass transport was certainly one of them. Place. It wasn't an Olympic-based delegation. Whereas the one to Paris was. It's about how Paris prepared for the Olympics and the legacy projects, the advice about how communities can get the benefit from, lasting benefits from the Olympics, positioning themselves to not miss out, and how they set up live broadcast sites during the Olympics so that communities that can't attend a venue can still watch events. And that'll be of relevance for our community. We're looking at creating live sites, places like the aquatic centre, Noosa national Lions Park, maybe the Noosa Lions Park along the river. But yeah, I can probably dig out my notes again and re-share them. Want. Amelia Lorentson 04:01:56.523
Or maybe provide them with a report that's going to come back, like the sound of it, after the LA trip. Frank Wilkie 04:02:03.854
Oh, certainly, with the LA report like the other two. Right, I'm happy to prepare a briefing for the Councillors, share the Councillor Mayor's summary, but also even make a report available to this chamber. Back. Yeah. And I think Councillor Wilson may have an amendment in that regard, which I'm happy to second. Nicola Wilson 04:02:30.160
I'd like to make an amendment. I'll second it. Before you've seen it. Items D and E to be added and to read. Request the Mayor to present a Mayoral minute to the Ordinary Meeting in March or April 2027, summarising learnings from the delegation. Relevance to Noosa and their potential to guide the Shire's preparation for the 2032 Olympic games, and table the Council of Mayors' SEQ report on the delegation at an Ordinary Meeting for Council's voting. Seconded by the Council of Mayors, thank you. Just a short one on this. I fully support the travel and fully understand the reasons for it and what will be involved in such a short trip with a long flight to get there. I just think it's great for to actually understand exactly what the benefit is from that travel and to be transparent about why the delegation is happening and what we can learn from it and hopefully help our preparation for the games. Frank Wilkie 04:03:37.677
I'm happy to speak to you. Amendment as well I'm sorry just. Amelia Lorentson 04:03:41.837
A question to Councillor Wilson if and okay she's not but if she's happy to change the wording to include just also a summary of outcomes from previous delegations. I'm happy to move another amendment to otherwise but I just think given this is the third trip is that correct under the Council of Mayors and be great to again just understand in summary forms what benefits are derived or I think I'd like to keep this separate relevant to the. Nicola Wilson 04:04:17.271
LA travel. Okay, no worries. Keep it separate, yep. I'll stick with this amendment first. Amelia Lorentson 04:04:24.077
Okay, then I'll play with another amendment. Play with another amendment. Frank Wilkie 04:04:29.237
I'm happy to support the amendment. It's all part of reporting back to the community. The other thing we're interested in following up is the progression of autonomous air travel, air taxis under the WISC program, which was first flagged when I think it was Mayor Stewart went on a delegation. To LA and this sort of autonomous flight was scheduled to be operational by the LA games and there are plans to have it was Mayor there's been simulated studies and simulated demonstrations of how that would service the Brisbane CBD, Brisbane airport and even outlying areas like Noosa. It's proposed that there'd be aerial taxis going from airport in 30 minutes. So it would be interesting to see how that's progressing. This sort of transparent reporting has application to broader principles like perhaps any road payer funded travel from Councillors not necessarily retrospectively but sort of going forward. I'm happy to comply. Jessica Phillips 04:05:54.431
Thank you Councillor Wilkie. All right we'll take the does anyone. Nicola Wilson 04:05:58.094
Else want to speak to the amendment? No. And Councillors would you like to close? I actually just wanted to echo that I think it could be something that we consider as standard practice for conferences or any kind of visits that we do that we present back to the public. I mean I know we share information on our social media and things but it might be something good to have some more formal record. Jessica Phillips 04:06:18.933
Okay I'll take the amendment to both of those in favour. And that's carried unanimously. And that forms part of the report and the recommendation from the Councillor Finzel. Moved the motion. Would anyone else like to speak to it? Nicola Wilson 04:06:40.941
Yeah, I think I just want to support not just the delegation, but our involvement with the Council of Mayors. As the CEO said, we get a lot of benefit from it. And I think part of that benefit is we, as a small Council, get to learn from the bigger councils and share in some of their resources and projects that they're working on. And as far can see so far we do get a lot of money from it and if that includes international travel for these really important delegations then I'm really keen to support it. Jessica Phillips 04:07:09.257
I'll take the amendment to report to the vote. I'll waive my right to speak. Yes, thank you. I knew you were going to. It's telepathy again. Amelia Lorentson 04:07:17.596
Yeah. Can I speak? Sorry. Jessica Phillips 04:07:20.579
Yeah, of course you can. Oh hang on, she's waived her right to close. Sorry. Oh okay, that's all right. So going to the vote, all votes in favour and that is carried unanimously. And that brings us to the end of the confidential sessions and the meeting is closed. Thank you everyone for your attendance today. Unidentified Speaker 04:07:45.249
Thank you Madam chairwoman. Thank you Chair. Good job. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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