Ordinary Meeting, 19 March 2026
Date: Thursday, 19 March 2026 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:14:01
Synopsis: Waterways Authority Bill opposed over ambiguities and overlaps, Governance updates adopted, Planning amendments initiated, Lions Park overflow parking trial approved, Meeting reforms and conflict declared.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Brian Stockwell Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Craig Young Public Question Time
AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Council endorsed a submission on the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill and added that Council does not support the bill in its current form; carried 5–2 (Mayoral Minute; 08:29–16:10). Brian Stockwell: Amendment C adopted stating non‑support “in its current form” due to ambiguity and risks of overlap; supported by Wilkie, Finzel, Wegener, Wilson; opposed by Phillips, Lorentson (Minutes 9; 08:29–15:54). Kim Rawlings: Explained the bill timeline, $33.6m State allocation, and rushed submission window (~10 days; public briefing 48 hours before deadline) (27:18–30:44). Council: Adopted all Audit & Risk Committee recommendations incl. Internal Audit Policy/ARCO Charter updates, ICT cyber risk update, EFTSure implementation, and supplier non‑compliance review (Items 11.1.1–11.1.15; 31:29–33:30). Council: Initiated a Planning Act s18 process to amend Noosa Plan 2020 for 94 & 170 Holts Rd, Cooroy; and adopted Minor Amendment No.3 under s17 MGR (Items 11.2.1–11.2.2; 33:30–35:00). Council: Delegated CEO authority to apply under Transport Infrastructure Act s42 for OPW25/0072 at 36 Roses Rd, Federal (Item 11.2.3; 33:30–35:00). Council: Approved meeting structure reform (Option 2) from 1 May 2026 with a rotating General Committee Chair; wording refined to “agreed rotating schedule” (Item 11.4.3; 38:27–55:09). Council: Updated councillor appointments to internal/external groups, including LDMG Chair/Deputy, Capital Works Executive, Climate Change Response Plan SG, and COM(SEQ) roles (Item 11.4.1). Council: Noted Feb 2026 financial performance and adopted revised 2025–26 Debt Policy aligning with Feb borrowing changes (Item 11.4.4). Council: Approved a four‑day Easter overflow paid parking trial at Noosa Heads Lions Park with monitoring to inform Go Noosa EoY report; carried 6–1 (Item 12.1; 56:27–01:08:17). Council: Deferred Peregian Beach Active Street Stage 1 to 9 June 2026 General Committee for further consideration (Item 12.2; 01:12:02–01:13:36). Kim Rawlings: Clarified Agricultural Hub work is at Phase 1 feasibility; outcomes to Council before any business case or funding model decisions (Items 8.1 Q1–Q2; 01:37–03:36). Contentious / Transparency Matters Frank Wilkie: Stated State claim of prior LG consultation on the Bill was “not accurate” aside from his meeting; sought hearings and genuine early consultation (Mayoral Minute; 03:36–08:29). Amelia Lorentson: Opposed submission aspects: a statutory council board seat, mandatory council endorsement of SCWA strategies, and strong reliance on CHAP, citing governance boundaries and community confidence; also concerned about limited time for community input (16:10–22:49). Karen Finzel: Supported lodging a submission despite compressed timeframe to ensure Noosa’s voice is on record (24:31–25:54). Jessica Phillips: Queried process sequencing and timing of non‑support wording; clarified by officers that “non‑support” was a meeting‑day amendment, not in draft (26:43–30:51). Brian Stockwell: On Lions Park, cited prior departmental letters (2020, 2023) that car parking is inconsistent with the recreation reserve and a land management plan was required; argued community feedback leaned against parking use (01:05:12–01:08:17). Council: Noted a confidential report on future landfill operating models and endorsed proceeding with the implementation plan (Item 11.3.5). Legal / Risk Brian Stockwell: Identified legal ambiguities in the SCWA Bill: functional boundaries, tenure/foreshore integration, infrastructure definitions, sediment management overlaps, and navigational access conflicts; urged safeguards akin to Iconic Queensland Places protections (08:29–12:05; 22:56–24:28). Council: Planning scheme processes invoked under Planning Act 2016 s18 and s17 MGR; TI Act 1994 s42 delegation to CEO (Items 11.2.1–11.2.3). Council: Financial governance strengthened: Internal Audit Policy/ARCO Charter adopted; QAO plans noted; Financial Mgmt Assurance Framework to implement per LGA 2009 s105(4) (Items 11.1.9, 11.1.14). Council: ICT cyber/security risk update noted; EFTSure vendor-validation rollout progressing; review of non‑compliant supplier audit samples noted (Items 11.1.10–11.1.12, 11.1.11). Council: Meeting structure amendment proceeded following legal advice; deferral of Peregian matter under Standing Orders s31.3 (38:27–43:31; 01:12:02–01:12:41). Council: Risk of policy inconsistency flagged by dissent on Lions Park vis‑à‑vis reserve purpose and prior community feedback; mitigation via data‑driven, time‑limited trial and reporting (Item 12.1; 56:27–01:08:17). Conflicts of Interest Frank Wilkie: Declared a prescribed conflict for Peregian Beach Active Street due to a >$2,000 campaign donation from his mother who lives adjoining the project; left the room and did not vote (Item 12.2; 01:08:45–01:12:02). Frank Wilkie: Publicly apologised for earlier misinterpretation; noted legal advice (King & Co) that proximity is declarable but donation triggers prescribed COI (01:08:45–01:12:02). Environmental Concerns and Waterways Governance Brian Stockwell: Warned SCWA could undercut Noosa River’s conservation and low‑key recreational values without explicit statutory recognition and Noosa‑centric assessment mechanisms (08:29–12:05; 22:56–24:28). Tom Wegener: Cited council’s learned capability managing sand pumping at the river mouth/dog beach and urged retaining local control (14:07–15:12). Council: Submission seeks clear roles on sediment management, infrastructure planning, climate response, and foreshore tenure to avoid conflicts (Mayoral Minute; 03:36–08:29). Planning Scheme and Zoning Processes Council: Began s18 targeted amendment process for Noosa Plan 2020 re: 94 & 170 Holts Rd, Cooroy; CEO to report back with draft (Item 11.2.1). Council: Adopted Minor Amendment No.3 and set gazettal/commencement steps and CEO authority for minor corrections (Item 11.2.2). Community Transport and Parking (Noosa Heads) Amelia Lorentson: Backed a 4‑day Lions Park overflow trial to obtain comparative congestion/behaviour data; highlighted accessibility needs and NFP community benefits (56:27–01:03:40). Brian Stockwell: Opposed trial as inconsistent with reserve purpose and prior Council direction to phase out parking; referenced DMP survey feedback prioritising recreation (01:05:12–01:08:17).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 19 March 2026 10:00 AM Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Crs Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 10.01am 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Brian Stockwell Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Director Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Acting Director Infrastructure Services Craig Young APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 FEBRUARY 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 19 February 2026 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 5 PETITIONS Nil. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 8.1 BRIAN O'CONNOR QUESTION 1 What is an Agricultural Hub, what is its purpose, how would it operate in practical terms, what are the outcomes such an initiative would achieve and what role does Noosa Council believe it has in constructing the core infrastructure and creating ongoing operational settings for such a facility? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment. An Agricultural Hub is an emerging concept that Council is currently exploring through a initial scoping and feasibility investigation to understand its potential role in supporting Noosa’s rural and hinterland communities. The study is assessing a range of domestic and international models to determine what a fit-for-purpose hub could look like, and whether it could strengthen rural, rural production, regenerative farming, artisan, and creative industries while building long-term community and economic resilience. The study is examining how such a hub might operate, including potential functions, services, and a range of potential benefits and considerations. Should a viable model be identified, detailed financial and operational modelling would occur in a subsequent phases, should Council choose to progress to ‘Business Case’. The Phase One Feasibility Study is being progressed in 2026. QUESTION 2 What scoping studies have occurred to establish an Agricultural Hub in Noosa Shire, will they be made public? Has a business case been prepared and will the feasibility of such a venture rely upon funding from state and federal government sources - at the start-up stage and ongoing? What economic benefit would the hub generate? What is the timeframe that Noosa Council is working towards getting such a project up and running? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment. Council is currently undertaking the Phase One Feasibility Study, which is the first formal piece of work examining the potential around the concept of an Agricultural Hub in Noosa Shire. Outcomes of this phase will be reported to Council for consideration prior to any future work. As this is just a scoping study, it has not yet been determined what any future approach or model could be and how it might be financed. The scoping phase will identify initial range of benefits and considerations. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 9 MAYORAL MINUTES 1. SUBMISSION ON THE SUNSHINE COAST WATERWAYS AUTHORITY BILL Motion Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: N/A That Council: A. Endorse the attached submission on the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill and submit to State Development Infrastructure and Works Committee prior to 12 midday Friday 20 March, and B. Delegate to the CEO to make any necessary changes as a result of discussion, direction or decision at this meeting and or minor amendments if required prior to submission Amendment Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson Item C be added to read: C. Does not support the bill in its current form based on the concerns raised in the submission. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: N/A That Council: A. Endorse the attached submission on the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill and submit to State Development Infrastructure and Works Committee prior to 12 midday Friday 20 March, and B. Delegate to the CEO to make any necessary changes as a result of discussion, direction or decision at this meeting and or minor amendments if required prior to submission C. Does not support the bill in its current form based on the concerns raised in the submission. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson 10 NOTIFIED MOTIONS Nil. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 11. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 11.1 AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 20 FEBRUARY 2026 11.1.1. CEO UPDATE That Council note the CEO Update to the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026. 11.1.2. CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM - STATUS UPDATE That Council note the Capital Works Program Status Update to the Audit & Risk Committee dated 20 February 2026 by the Principal Infrastructure Planner. 11.1.3. 2025 FINAL MANAGEMENT REPORT - QUEENSLAND AUDIT OFFICE (QAO) That Council note the report by the Queensland Audit Office to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the 2025 Final Management Report. 11.1.4. 2026 AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE BRIEFING PAPER - QUEENSLAND AUDIT OFFICE (QAO) That Council note the report by the Queensland Audit Office to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the 2026 Audit and Risk Committee Briefing Paper. 11.1.5. 2026 EXTERNAL AUDIT PLAN - QUEENSLAND AUDIT OFFICE (QAO) That Council note the report by the Queensland Audit Office to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the 2026 External Audit Plan. 11.1.6. ASSESSMENT OF COUNCIL'S REGULATORY PRACTICES That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 and note the assessment results on Council’s regulatory practices. 11.1.7. RISK MANAGEMENT AND BCP UPDATE That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 providing an update on risk management related matters. 11.1.8. INTERNAL AUDIT UPDATE That Council note the report by the Executive Officer to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the update on the Internal ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 Audit Function. 11.1.9. ANNUAL REVIEW ARCO CHARTER & ANNUAL REVIEW INTERNAL AUDIT POLICY That Council: A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the annual review of the Internal Audit Policy and the annual review of the Audit and Risk Committee Charter; and B. Adopt the updated Internal Audit Policy and the updated Audit and Risk Committee Charter. 11.1.10. ICT CYBER & SECURITY RISK UPDATE That Council note the report by the ICT Manager to the Audit and Risk Committee Meeting dated 20 February 2026 providing an ICT Cyber & Security update. 11.1.11. REVIEW OF NON-COMPLIANT AUDIT SAMPLES OF SUPPLIERS That Council note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the review of non-compliant audit samples of suppliers. 11.1.12. PROJECT UPDATE EFTSURE IMPLEMENTATION That Council Note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding the implementation of the EFTSure project. 11.1.13. ASSET VALUATION AND THE IMPACT OF AASB 2002-10 ON THE VALUATION OF LAND That Council note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 regarding asset valuation and the impact of AASB 2002-10 on the valuation of land. 11.1.14. FINANCE SERVICES WORKFORCE PLANNING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT That Council: A. Note the report by the Acting Financial Services Manager to the Audit and Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026; and B. Recommend to Council to implement the Financial Services Workforce Planning 2026 and Financial Management Assurance Framework, pursuant to Local Government Act 2009 S105 (4). ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 11.1.15. AUDIT & RISK COMMITTEE RECOMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the Recommendations of the Audit & Risk Committee meeting dated 20 February 2026 be received and adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 11.2 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 10 MARCH 2026 11.2.1. NOOSA PLAN 2020 - SECTION 18 AMENDMENT PROCESS - 94 AND 170 HOLTS ROAD COOROY That Council A. Note the report by the Principal Strategic Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee dated 10 March 2026; B. Resolve to enter into a Section 18 Process under the Planning Act 2016 for a proposed amendment to Noosa Plan 2020 for land located at 94 and 170 Holts Road, Cooroy; and C. Following B above, request the CEO bring a report be to a future Council Meeting on the Section 18 Process and draft amendment. 11.2.2. NOOSA PLAN 2020 - AMENDMENT NO. 3 - MINOR AMENDMENT That Council note the report by the Senior Strategic Planner to the Planning & Environment Committee dated 10 March 2026 and Under Section 17 of the Planning Act 2016 and Chapter 2, Part 2 of the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules and resolve to: A. Make, prepare and adopt minor Amendment No. 3 to Noosa Plan 2020 as contained in Attachment 1 to this report; B. Publish a notice in the newspaper and Queensland Government Gazette; C. Commence Amendment No. 3 to Noosa Plan 2020 on the date the notice appears in the Queensland Government Gazette; D. Provide the Chief Executive for State Development and Infrastructure a copy of the public notice and a certified copy of the minor amendment; and E. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to make minor corrections if required prior to gazettal. 11.2.3. REQUEST FOR DELEGATION UNDER SECTION 42 OF THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ACT 1994 ASSOCIATED WITH OPW25/0072 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR OPERATIONAL WORKS (VEHICLE CROSSOVER, ROADWORKS, DRAINAGE WORKS, EARTHWORKS, ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 VEGETATION CLEARING AND WATERWAY BARRIER WORKS) - 36 ROSES ROAD FEDERAL That Council A. Note the report by the Manager of Development Assessment to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026; and B. Pursuant to sections 257 and 259 of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer, including the power to subdelegate to Position 10223, to make an application under section 42 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994 (“the Act”) in relation to development application OPW25/0072 at 36 Roses Road Federal. 11.2.4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – JANUARY 2026 That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for January 2026 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Report. 11.2.5. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the Recommendations of the Planning & Environment Committee meeting dated 10 March 2026 be received and adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 11.3 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 10 MARCH 2026 11.3.1. ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION COMPLAINTS MANAGEMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURE That Council note the report by the Governance Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10 March 2026 and: A. Repeal the existing Administrative Action Complaints Process Council Policy, adopted by Council on 21 June 2018; B. Adopt the updated Administrative Action Complaints Management Council Policy, provided as Attachment 1 to the Council Report; C. Adopt the Administrative Action Complaints Management Process Council Procedure, provided as Attachment 2 to the Council Report; and, D. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to make any minor amendments, if required, prior to publication. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 11.3.2. REVIEW OF SITTING FEES - AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 10 March 2026 regarding the review of sitting fees for external members of Council's Audit and Risk Committee; B. Increase the sitting fees as follows: 1. Increase for the independent Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee from $800 to $2,000 per meeting; 2. Increase for the independent member of the Audit and Risk Committee from $600 to $1,300 per meeting; and C. Adopt the amended fee schedule to apply commencing with the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 20 February 2026. 11.3.3. UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS GROUPS, BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2026 (MID TERM REVIEW) That Services & Organisation Committee Agenda Item 7.3 UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS GROUPS, BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2026 (MID TERM REVIEW) be referred to the General Committee for a further report. 11.3.4. NOOSA HOLIDAY PARKS UPDATE REPORT TO 31 DECEMBER 2025 That Council note the report by the Commercial Business Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026 providing an update on operations of the Noosa Holiday Park Business Activity to 31 December 2025. 11.3.5. CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PROPOSED PROCESS FOR COUNCIL TO EXPLORE FUTURE OPTIONS FOR OPERATING THE LANDFILL AND ASSOCIATED FUNCTIONS AT THE WASTE FACILITY That Council A. Note the report by the Waste Coordinator to the Services and Organisation Committee dated 10 March 2026 regarding the Landfill Operating Model; B. Change the title of the report to read "Proposed process for Council to explore future options for operating the landfill and associated functions at the waste facility"; C. Proceed with the implementation plan as outlined in the report. 11.3.6. SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That the Recommendations of the Services & Organisation Committee meeting dated 10 March 2026 be received and adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 Against: None 11.4 GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 16 MARCH 2026 11.4.1. UPDATE TO COUNCILLOR REPRESENTATION ON VARIOUS GROUPS, BOARDS AND EXTERNAL GROUPS 2026 (MID TERM REVIEW) (referred from Services & Organisation Committee meeting 10 March 2026 - Item 7.3) That Council A. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the Services and Organisation Committee Meeting dated 10 March 2026; and B. Appoint the Council representatives to the following groups (noting that these supersede any prior appointments): GROUPS ESTABLISHED BY COUNCIL: a. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair and Cr Phillips as Deputy Chair to the Local Disaster Management Group (and note that all Councillors are to be invited to attend as Observers); b. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair and Cr Lorentson as Deputy Chair to the Local Disaster Recovery Committee, (and note that all Councillors are to be invited to attend as Observers); c. Appoint Cr Wilkie, Cr Wegener and Cr Wilson to the Case Management Working Group; d. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Regional Arts Development Fund Committee (RADF); e. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair of the Noosa Heritage Reference Group; f. Appoint Cr Phillips as Chair, Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilkie, to the Capital Works Executive; g. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair, Cr Stockwell and Cr Wilson to the CEO Performance Review Committee; h. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Chair, Cr Finzel and Cr Lorentson to the Noosa Biosphere Trails Reference Group; i. Appoint Cr Wilkie as the Chair of the Business Round Table (and note that all Councillors are to be invited to attend as Observers); j. Appoint Cr Wilson as Chair, and Cr Finzel and Cr Wegener to the Climate Change Response Plan Steering Group; k. Appoint Cr Wilson to the Management Committee, Cr Lorentson as an Observer, to the MOU / Regional Partnership Agreement (RPA) with the Sunshine Coast University (SCU); l. Appoint Cr Wilkie and Cr Wilson to the Audit and Risk Committee; m. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Chair and Cr Stockwell to the Noosa Drive Pathway Project Reference Group; n. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Chair, and Cr Finzel and Cr Wilson to the Housing Stakeholder Reference Group; o. Appoint Cr Wilkie to the Regional Resource Recovery Steering Group (as part of the MOU with Gympie Council); p. Appoint Cr Finzel as Chair, Cr Lorentson and Cr Phillips to the Noosa Botanic Gardens Masterplan Stakeholders Reference Group ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 q. Appoint Cr Lorentson to the Environment Levy Working Group; EXTERNAL GROUPS (not established by Council): r. Appoint Cr Stockwell as Council’s Observer on the Tourism Noosa Board; s. Appoint Cr Lorentson as Council's Observer on the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation Board; t. Appoint Cr Finzel as member and Cr Phillips as an Observer to the Northern SEQ Regional Roads and Transport Group; u. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell as Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) ; v. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council’s Representative, and Cr Wegener as Proxy, to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) Waste Working Group; w. Appoint Cr Wilkie as Council's Representative, and Cr Stockwell as Proxy to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) SEQ 2032 Legacy Working Group; x. Appoint Cr Lorentson & Cr Wegener on the Noosa World Surfing Reserve Committee; y. Appoint Cr Wilson to the Local Govt Domestic & Family Violence Prevention Champions Network; z. Appoint Cr Phillips to the Sunshine Coast Precinct Transport Security Group. C. That the Tourism Noosa observer role be reviewed at the time of the establishment of the Destination Stewardship Council. D. Request the CEO to begin a review of the status of the existing working groups and the potential need for the establishment of any new groups. 11.4.2. PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET - STAGE 1 PROGRESS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS That now before the meeting Item 8.1. - PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET STAGE 1 PROGRESS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS be deferred to the Ordinary Meeting at 10.00am dated 19 March 2026. 11.4.3. REVIEW OF NOOSA COUNCIL MEETING STRUCTURE Motion Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 16 March 2026 regarding the review of the Noosa Council Meeting Structure; B. Adopt Option 2, as detailed in the Report, as the Council Meeting Structure, with implementation to commence from 1 May 2026; C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint the Deputy Mayor as the Chair of the General Committee from 1 May 2026; D. Approve the Council Meeting Schedule for May July 2026 - December 2026 as provided in Attachment 1 to the Report (noting this supersedes the previously approved meeting schedule for 2026) after amending to include ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 May and June 2026 to the Ordinary Meeting Minutes dated 19 March 2026 – Updated Meeting Schedule May 2026 - December 2026. E. Review the new meeting structure in 12 months to ensure that it is delivering its intended benefits. Amendment No.1 Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson Item C be amended to read: C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint Councillors on a 4-monthly rotating schedule on agreement, with Councillor Stockwell retaining the chair for the first period on the schedule commencing from 1 May 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener Against: Cr Nicola Wilson Amendment No.2 Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel Amend Item C to read: C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint Councillors on a 4monthly rotating schedule an agreed rotating schedule, with Councillor Stockwell retaining the chair for the first period on the schedule commencing from 1 May 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 16 March 2026 regarding the review of the Noosa Council Meeting Structure; B. Adopt Option 2, as detailed in the Report, as the Council Meeting Structure, with implementation to commence from 1 May 2026; C. Appoint all Councillors as Committee Members and appoint Councillors on an agreed rotating schedule, with Councillor Stockwell retaining the chair for the first period on the schedule commencing from 1 May 2026. D. Approve the Council Meeting Schedule for May 2026 - December 2026 as provided in Attachment 1 to the Ordinary Meeting Minutes dated 19 March 2026 – Updated Meeting Schedule May 2026 - December 2026. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 E. Review the new meeting structure in 12 months to ensure that it is delivering its intended benefits. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 11.4.4. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT FEBRUARY 2026 That Council: A. Note the report by the Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager (Acting) to the General Committee dated 16 March 2026 regarding Council's financial performance to 28 February 2026; and B. Adopt the revised 2025-26 Debt Policy (Attachment 6) which incorporates the revised borrowings adopted by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 19 February 2026. 11.4.5. GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That the Recommendations of the General Committee meeting dated 16 March 2026 be received and adopted except where dealt with by separate resolution. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 12 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 12.1 NOOSA HEADS LIONS PARK PROPOSED EASTER 2026 USAGE FOR TEMPORARY CARPARK Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council: A. Note the report by the Director Infrastructure Services to the Ordinary Meeting dated 19 March 2026 regarding the operation of temporary paid parking at Noosa Heads Lions Park. B. Endorse the temporary operation of Lions Park as an overflow parking facility during the Easter holiday period from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April 2026. C. Endorse the implementation of a monitored operational trial during the Easter period to assess traffic impacts, transport network performance, visitor behaviour, and community sentiment associated with the use of the site. D. Note that the outcomes of the Easter monitoring and trials will be reported to Council as part of the Go Noosa End-of-Year Report (May 2026) to inform Council’s future ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 consideration of the role of Lions Park in managing visitor parking and transport demand in the Noosa Heads precinct. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Brian Stockwell 12.2. PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET - STAGE 1 PROGRESS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS (DEFERRED FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 16 MARCH 2026) Cr Frank Wilkie "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 - I, Cr Frank Wilkie, declare a prescribed conflict of interest for Item 8.1 PEREGIAN BEACH ACTIVE STREET - STAGE 1 PROGRESS UPDATE AND NEXT STEPS, being that my mother who lives on a street adjoining the project donated an amount above the prescribed threshold amount of $2000 to my 2024 election campaign. For the record, I also declare that I live near the project site and works are now recommended to also occur in my street. As a result of this Prescribed Conflict of Interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on.". Cr Frank Wilkie left the meeting at 11.12am Cr Brian Stockwell assumed the Chair. Procedural Motion Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That the matter be deferred in accordance with Section 31.3 of the Standing Orders until the General Committee Meeting on June 9, 2026 to allow for further consideration of relevant matters. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Wilkie, having declared a conflict of interest did not vote in the above motion. Cr Wilkie returned to the meeting and resumed Chair at 11.14am. 13 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 14 NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on 16 April 2026 at 10.00am. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 15 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 11.15am
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
Good morning and welcome to the Ordinary Meeting of Thursday 19th March 2026. I declare the meeting open at 10:01am. I acknowledge we are meeting on the traditional lands and waters of the Kabi Kabi People and I pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging and acknowledge their all of us as joint custodians in respecting and caring for this beautiful place that we all love and respecting and caring for each other. I note that all councils are in attendance. Item 4 is confirmation of minutes, the Ordinary Meeting held on the 19th February 2026 have a mover and a seconder for confirmation of the Minutes please. Moved Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. There are no petitions, there are no presentations, we have no deputations. We have one submission to public question time. The application of two questions is from Mr. Brian O'Connor. Mr. O'Connor couldn't be here today and has requested that Councillor Finzel read his questions which will be answered by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment. Councillor Finzel. Fink-Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:07.642
Thank you Mr Chair. Question one. What is an agricultural hub? What is its purpose? How would it operate in practical terms? What are the outcomes such an initiative would achieve? And what role does Noosa Council believe it has in constructing the core infrastructure and creating ongoing. Operational settings for such a facility? Thank you. Director Rawlings, welcome. Kim Rawlings 01:37.498
Thank you. Councillor Finzel and thank you Brian for that question. An agricultural hub is an emerging concept that. Is currently exploring through an initial scoping and feasibility investigation to understand its potential role in supporting noosa's rural and hinterland communities. The study is assessing a range of domestic and international models to determine what a fit for purpose hub could look like and whether. It could strengthen rural production and regenerative farming, artisan and creative industries while building long term community and economic resilience. The study is examining how such a hub might operate including potential functions, services and a range of potential benefits and considerations. Should a viable model be identified, detailed financial and operational modelling would occur in subsequent phases should Council choose to progress to a business case. The phase one feasibility study is being progressed in 2026. Thank you. Karen Finzel 02:34.208
Question two. What scoping studies have occurred to establish an agricultural hub in Shire? They be made public? Will they be made public? Has a business case been prepared and will the feasibility of such a venture rely upon funding from state and Federal government sources? At the start-up stage and ongoing. What economic benefit would the hub generate and what is the time frame that Noosa Council is working towards getting such a project up and running? Thank you. Kim Rawlings 03:09.198
Thank you for the second question. Council is currently undertaking the phase 1 feasibility study, which is the first formal piece of work examining the potential around the concept of an agricultural hub. In Noosa Shire, outcomes of this phase will be reported to Council for consideration prior to any further work. As this is just a scoping study, it has not yet been determined what any future approach or model could be or how it might be financed. The scoping phase will identify an initial range of benefits and considerations. Frank Wilkie 03:38.170
You. General. Rawlings. Director thank you, Councillor Finzel. I have a Mayoral minute. Is council's submission of the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill. I hereby give notice of my intention to move the following motion at the Ordinary Meeting, Thursday 16th of March, 2026, that Council a that Council endorse the attached submission of the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill and submit to State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee prior to 12 midday Friday 20th of March and delegate to the CEO to make any necessary changes as a result of discussion direction or decision at this meeting and or minor amendments if required prior to submission. Mayoral minute comes today as it was felt that it was best to bring the submission to this arena and. The is Mayoral minute was the most expeditious Avenue to do that in the short time frame. The background on 4th of March 2026 the Honourable Brent Mickelberg MP. For Transport and Main Roads introduced Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority Bill 2026 into the Queensland Parliament. The bill was referred to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee for detailed consideration. The objective of the bill as described by minister is to establish the Sunshine Coast waterways authority as a statutory body. The bill provides for the SCWA to be responsible for defined waterways from Pumicestone Passage to Noosa Lakes in the north including the Noosa, Maroochy and Mooloolah rivers. The bill establishes a board for the SCWA as its governing body, provides for the appointment of a chief executive and SCWA staff. The proposed functions of the SCWA include to plan strategically for the management of the Sunshine Coast waterways by developing a waterways management strategy, develop a waterways management program to implement the waterways management strategy, install, manage and maintain for same the Sunshine Coast waterways, manage navigational access to and within the Sunshine Coast waterways, monitor and manage sand and sediment movement in the Sunshine Coast waterways and adjacent waters and land. The bill is currently open for submissions for a very short period, with submissions due by mid-day tomorrow, Friday 20th of March 2026. Given the short timeframe and the significance of the matter, I bring forward this Mayoral minute for Council consideration and endorsement of the attached submission to be lodged by close of submissions deadline tomorrow. In summary, the attached submission seeks to, one, highlight areas of the bill regarding roles, responsibilities, tenure and decision making where Council seeks further clarity. Two, seek to confirmation of representation on Sunshine Coast waterways authority for three local governments. Three, identify risks of functional overlap or conflict between Sunshine Coast waterways authority and Council, particularly in infrastructure planning. Tenure management, environmental protection, climate change response and foreshore integration. Four, emphasise the importance of genuine and early consultation, noting the bill requires consultation but not endorsement by local governments. Ensure that noosa's distinct environmental and waterway values, community expectations and statutory land use frameworks are appropriately recognised in the establishment and ongoing operation of the SCWA. 6. Propose amendments or safeguards to support collaborative, transparent and place-based waterway governance to meet the objectives and aspirations of our community. 7. Given the significance and level of community interest, request for that, as part of this process, request the hearing be held to provide representation and presentation of submissions. A public briefing was held in Brisbane yesterday in which it was stated the local government had been consulted the bill. It understanding on this is not accurate to my knowledge. Apart from a meeting I had with Minister Mickelberg, minister for Transport and Main Roads, minister-Council was not consulted on this bill prior to it being made public by a state government website. I note the Crisafulli government has committed publicly to work in partnership with local governments and we welcome this commitment. We trust that local governments feedback into this process will be considered seriously given the significance of the bill. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the State government on all matters relevant to Noosa and important to our community such as this one. Councillors, we'll have Director Rawlings here to answer any questions you may have. Anyone wish to speak to the Mayoral minute? Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 08:30.745
I would like to move an amendment and I'd like to add a C the item C to read based on the concerns raised within the submission Council does not support the bill in its current form. We have a second for the amendment to test it. Nicola Wilson 08:48.694
I second. Brian Stockwell 08:49.396
Councillor Wilson, Councillor Stockwell. So Councillors, the submission raises areas where it says clarity is required and I'll list them. They suggest the staff's assessment of the bill is that it's ambiguous in terms of functional boundaries between the SCWA and local government. It lacks clarity around tenure and land-based integration. It doesn't give appropriate recognition of local policies and plans. It's imprecise in its definition of infrastructure for the waterways. There's potential overlap in sand and sediment management responsibilities. Keep going, it perceives as infrastructure planning and delivery conflicts and tenure and land use conflicts on foreshore and reserve land are perceived to be an issue and there is navigational access concerns that needs clarity around how we Resolve perhaps different objectives between navigational access and local waterway management objectives and as needs more precise needs clarification of the extent of the remit in terms of the geographic extent Councillors you know specific issues around our Noosa ferry service and commercial marine leases how they'll be handed how it will separate waterway management strategies and programs for distinct river systems such as Noosa compared to the other rivers and waterways captured by the legislation the impact of the authority on sand pumping and sediment management at the Noosa River mouth and the funding model for long-term resourcing I'll leave it there. So Councillors the bill as drafted is quite minimal and as such it could be interpreted quite broadly its it's limits are by constrained by a very brief drafting process. And for me I can't support a bill that may usher in the same sort of problems we had when this Council was amalgamated. The Sunshine Coast regional Council where the specific interests objectives and values of this Shire are not considered in substantive decisions that affect our community and the values of the Noosa River system. It is a real threat because the bill does nothing to identify how the balancing objectives of maintaining and preserving the low-key recreational access and world-recognised world-recognised conservation value of the Noosa River system against things like the authorities remit for marine industries and infrastructure in our river so for me we should make it very clear that as drafted this bill does not meet the expectation not meet the of our community in terms of setting out a coordinated management framework for rivers between the Moreton Bay area and Noosa and therefore I propose the amendment. Frank Wilkie 12:09.553
Councillor Stockwell. If the Councillors wish to speak to the amendment or are against it, Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 12:16.871
I'm happy to support it for all the reasons Councillor Stockwell has stated. I just wanted to question the wording of the amendment because the substantive motion is that Council will have A endorse, B delegate. So I think C doesn't follow be on that Council. So we might just need to have some which might be that Council does not support the bill in its current form based on the concerns raised within the submission. So just to reorder the sentence okay, we're not set. Frank Wilkie 12:58.051
The wordsmith strikes again. Nicola Wilson 13:06.147
You just take the first half of the sentence and switch it to the beginning. Sorry, the second half of the sentence. Frank Wilkie 13:12.036
It does not support the bill in its current form based on concerns raised in the submission. Ice, just so you very much. The vice president I support the concerns okay, and then--- Full stop. After submission. Thank you, Thank you, Councillor Councillor Wilson. Any further discussion on the amendment? Councillor Wegener? Wegener. Tom Wegener 14:05.267
I just, quickly, there's so many elements, as Brian mentioned, but I think of the sand pumping at the river mouth when we went to Dog Beach area and we had two cracks at it the first time we had to evolve quite a bit within our own Council to figure out how to actually do it at a reasonable cost, and it was a very big deal, and since then, we have an incredibly wonderful, I would say, award winning style of Dog Beach there, were people enjoy it the way through manicure and so forth, and I really want us to maintain control over that. Not something that you would want to pass on to the State government, to this authority, when we've already gave ourselves an incredible education and spent a lot of money learning how to do it ourselves. So I think that template of us managing the waterway that's completely within our own Shire, that's completely within our own control, to maintain as much control over it as we can because we do a good job. Just like we did with the sand pump to get the roofing off the Dog Beach. So, I support that. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 15:13.197
Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 15:13.910
Councillor Finzel yeah, thank you. I just also have a question around the dredging. When we talk about safe haven and then disaster management, can the staff perhaps answer a question around how dredging at the river mouth, like little facts. Like will affect, is that out of order? Frank Wilkie 15:33.167
It's probably beyond the scope of this amendment that's before us at the moment. My apologies I got ahead of myself. Thank you Mr Chair. That's alright. Did you wish to speak to the amendment Councillor Finzel? No- Okay. Mr Chair, thank you. Alright, Councillor Stockwell do you wish to close unless anyone, other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? No, I'll put the amendment. Those in favour? Councillor Wilson, Councillor Wegener, Councillor Stockwell, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Phillips, Councillor Lorentson. To larson. Amendment becomes part of the substantive motion. Anybody else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 16:12.207
I'll speak to it. Firstly, thank the work that has gone in preparing this submission. It's comprehensive, thoughtful, and clearly seeks to improve the proposed framework. I support many of the issues raised, particularly around governance clarity, the risk of duplication, the need for genuine consultation. The of importance of protecting the unique environment and community values of the Noosa River. However, after careful consideration, I am unable to support the submission in its current form due to a number of key differences in approach. Primary issue for me is the position on board representation, and I refer to the submission, I think it's B2 and B3, the recommendation, inclusion of a statutory local government representative on the SCWA board, nominated a local government rep and B3 which requires Council endorsement, not only consultation for the 10 year strategy and 3 year program. So the submission seeks a formal local government representative on the board of the authority. While I understand the intent behind this to ensure local knowledge and alignment, it's my personal belief that I don't believe a designated Council seat is the most appropriate way to achieve that outcome. This is a significant reform in my view it requires a governance process. Models grounded first and foremost in lived on water experience. The long-term management of the Noosa River and connected waterways should be shaped in my opinion by those who interact with it every day. Recreational users, commercial operators, boating and paddling communities, environmental stakeholders and those working in tourism. These groups bring practical place-based knowledge that can't be replicated through institutional representation. Alone, ensuring that this breadth of experience is reflected at the board level is critical to building trust, making balanced decisions and delivering outcomes that generally reflect how the river is used. Council has a very important role to play and I strongly support that role. Council's responsibility in land use planning, foreshore management, environmental protection and community advocacy are essential and should continue to guide how we engage with the authority. However I believe it's equally important that we remain clear about staying within that role. Introducing a formal Council position on the board in my opinion risk blurring governance and may unintentionally contribute to the very concerns raised in the submission around overlapping responsibilities and role clarity. There is also a broader consideration around independence and community confidence. For a body like this to succeed again in my opinion it needs to be seen as balanced inclusive and representative of all users not weighted again towards any single institutional perspective prioritising lived experience and equitable representation of all river users at the board level helps to achieve that. We have seen here in Noosa how quickly community confidence can be impacted when people feel decisions are being made without sufficient local understanding or involvement. Concerns raised in relation to marine park legislation or conservation park sorry demonstrated how important it how important it is that communities feel informed heard and genuinely included in decisions that affect access to and use of the river. That experience underscores the importance of getting governance settings right from the outset and avoiding models that may be perceived as top-down or institutionally driven. I've also concerns regarding the inclusion and reliance on the Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan as the central alignment requirement for the authority and identified in the submission. Again, while I acknowledge the intent to ensure coordination between water-based and land-based planning, the CHAP has been a complex and at times controversial process within our community. There remains a level of concern and sensitivity around how it's interpreted and applied. Given this, I don't believe it should also be positioned as a primary or determinative framework for the authority at this stage embedding CHAP too strongly within governance structure risk reintroducing community concern and may limit the authority's ability to consider a broader range of perspectives and emerging information local governments absolutely have a responsibility for coastal hazard adaptation land use planning stormwater management and for sure areas and alignment between these functions and waterway management is important however, that alignment should be achieved through collaboration and information sharing not through rigid or prescriptive requirements that may constrain decision-making or elevate one way framework above others that are still evolving or contested more broadly this proposal represents a major shift in how our waterways are managed because that it's essential that the foundations are built on strong community representation equitable consideration of all user groups and a government's governance models that reflects lived experience alongside technology technical expertise lastly and most importantly the community has not had time to review this submission we only received it late last night they haven't had the opportunity to provide any feedback and for the reasons that I've just mentioned I can't ratify it unless I understand the community's position on this and whether or not the submission that we're putting forward is generally supported by those who live work and recreate on the river. Again I remain supportive of many elements of the submission and the intent to strengthen the bill. I believe these issues particularly board composition the approach to chat and ensuring community support are fundamental and for that reason I am unable to support the submission as it currently stands. Frank Wilkie 22:49.454
Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Would any other Councillors like to speak to the minute? Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 22:56.401
Councillor Stockwell yeah I will. I mentioned the similarities of the amalgamated area where regional control was placed and where the interests of Noosa were seen to be threatened and the legislative fix for that at the time was the Iconic Queensland Places Act where the State government recognised the iconic values of Noosa which this bill could do, the iconic values of the Noosa system river and then the legislation then you know it natural and environmental and in this case it'll be recreational values of the Noosa River and established an independent development assessment panel to evaluate the impacts of development applications in iconic locations ensuring appropriate development aligns with local planning regimes. I think that this bill to be acceptable to me and to our community a similar mechanism would need to be put in place. That we have confidence that the decisions of the authority is recognising the planning, the community values, the iconic natural environment recreational values and that there is Noosa centric assessment. Processes of people with the appropriate qualifications feeding into the process. That may be simple in this case. It may be giving Council the right to endorse and approve things like the waterway management plans. But I think there needs to be a trigger in the bill that recognises the values of the Noosa river system. Karen Finzel 24:31.436
I think this has been a rush to do. I met last night quickly with some people from my neighbourhood that had grave concerns around the timeframe to deliver their own voice. So people are moving fast in the space. I think the most important thing here for Noosa Council being the closest to our people and understanding our values, our identity, our connection to place that we are best placed to put a submission in. It may not be exactly what we want but I do believe given the time frame. It's prudent to submit something and hopefully that we can smooth that out along the way. I think as a Noosa Councillor I think our most important job is to engage our people, understand all the people that use our waterways, our ocean, our rivers. It's you know it's that we do stand tall and put our voice forward that protects our identity and who we are through placemaking, through all the strategies and the plans that we have in place. So I'm confident today that putting forward this attached submission gives us a voice at the table. It not may not be exactly what we would have liked to have submitted if we'd had more time but I feel that we've got to put something up and it gives us opportunity to at least put our voices and represent our people. Frank Wilkie 25:54.268
Thank you, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Wegener. You're going to do it, I'm done. Tom Wegener 26:00.320
The process that the State has put this out to us and given us about 10 days to respond to quite a substantial bill. I would like to hugely thank Kim Rawlings and the staff for working tirelessly to put this submission together. It's a very long, detailed submission. Admittedly, it came last night. It was a struggle for me to read it last night. Definitely helped me go to sleep. Important. And we did run through the points that Brian did, as you just did, in the Mayoral minute and in the briefing that we had. So the headlines are there. Yeah. Thoroughly support. I thoroughly you very much. Support this. Frank Wilkie 26:44.926
Councillor Phillips. I have a question. Director Rawlings. Thank you. Can-- Councillor Phillips. Oh, I'm sorry. Recap a question from the quick workshop we had on it. Was a question around whether or not-- Jessica Phillips 27:03.161
I think there was-- can you refresh my memory? There was something around it's already happening and there was a timeframe to get the bill or the submission in. What did you mean by it's already happening? Kim Rawlings 27:19.396
So, yeah, the bill was announced Friday a week ago and what I meant by that I the process is underway. Where the process is underway, there's build. A bill out which is draft legislation so, you know, there's a serious proposition by this government that this is happening. There's also an allocation of $33.6 million in the State budget towards the establishment of this authority. And the minister-- relevant minister has also advised that the authority will be established by the 31st of July. So if I made a statement to say this is happening, it's in that context. Authority is going to be to established. So we've a been given an opportunity, very short opportunity, 10 days, to understand the bill and the explanatory material. The public briefing of the bill only happened yesterday. So, you know, between briefing and explanation of the bill, there's 48 hours to put in a submission. So I fully acknowledge that this is-- rushed. This is not by our making. I would also just like to acknowledge that we did have a discussion with Councillors last we prepared a briefing note and, you know, I've sent three subsequent emails keeping you up to date with all the relevant documentation that's been emerging. So we've done everything we can possibly do to keep you informed and give you the information that we have to inform this submission. Unidentified Speaker 29:02.611
Thank you. Jessica Phillips 29:03.793
It might be a question then to the CEO because I had, I'm just trying to put the pieces together because the last note that I had was that we would be in a position why we wouldn't support the bill. There was a sort of a Council, why would Council not support what we had in front of us. I'm just concerned now, today, we're not supporting it. Just trying to put my timeline together, what's happened between then. It's a bit hard to put you on the spot. I thought between. I thought the Mayoral minute was going to come at the end of today as well, so I'm sorry to put you on the spot. I had wanted to put my questions more appropriately, but it took me off guard with mero the Mayoral minute straight up. Frank Wilkie 29:48.460
Are you certain of the question? Could I answer that? Kim Rawlings 29:52.200
Yes, sure. I'll answer it. So the submission as it's currently attached to the Mayoral minute, does it not bill? The submission doesn't say we don't support the bill. The submission says there are a raft of issues. It's structured in two parts. There are a raft of concern issues around clarity that we think need to occur. And then there's a raft of recommendations we have put forward. To seek to improve the clarity of the bill and the understanding in the areas of uncertainty. The idea of not supporting the bill has been an amendment from a Councillor today, which has been. So just be the drop just to clear fill in the gaps. Thank you. The draft submission does not support the bill. It just raises a range of issues. Frank Wilkie 30:44.666
Double negatives there, sorry. That's right. Jessica Phillips 30:47.509
That does answer. That my question, thank you. Frank Wilkie 30:52.353
And the Councillors wish to speak to the motion. Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 30:55.856
I'll just speak briefly. As of the comments have already been made around the room. It was a short timeframe to read the submission. I do appreciate all the work that's gone into that submission and largely I'm supportive of the comments made in it. But I will echo Councillor Lorentson on a couple of other things about the, I'm not sure about the representation on the board or the endorsement of the strategy. But I'm happy for those still to be put forward to be considered by the government. So I will support this resolution. Frank Wilkie 31:29.861
Thank you Callum. Councillor colleagues for your comments on the Mayoral minute and the submission. I also would like to thank the staff for moving very quickly in a limited time frame to produce a 25 page very comprehensive submission on all the, raises a whole lot of questions about a bill which is drafted very broadly and raises a lot more questions and provides answers. So I think the submission will be considered by the State government if they have all the authority to approve or not approve elements of it. The biggest, the most glaring omission in the bill from my perspective is there is no reference to there being any local representation from any Noosa representative. Noosa representatives, be they in the community, your local government, or the commercial sector, or environmental scientists. It is not geographically based at all. And I think the submission seeks to rectify that. I also I see part C as not council's opposition to the bill. It's basically saying what we're doing. We do not support the bill in its current form because there are concerns. We want more information and we would like the final version of the bill to have more clarity. So, we're not supporting the bill in its current form because it is quite vague. It doesn't mean we do not accept the real politic that is going to happen and we want to work with the State government to get the best outcome for this community that we possibly can. Thank you Councillors. Put the motion. Those in favour? Councillor Wilson, Wegener, Stockwell, Finzel and Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Phillips, Councillor Lorentson. The minute is carried. We have no notified motions. That brings us to consideration of committee reports. First 11.1. Audit and Risk Committee recommendations from the meeting on the 20th of February.1 C. Update. 11.2 capital works program status update. 11.3 final management report Queensland Audit Office. 11.4 Audit and Risk Committee briefing paper Queensland Audit Office. 11.5 external audit plan Queensland Audit Office. 11.1.6 assessment of council's regulatory practices. 11.1.7 risk management and business continuity plans update 11.1.8 internal audit update. 11.1.9 annual review ARCO Charter and annual review Internal Audit Policy. 11.1.10 ICT Cyber & Security risk update. Review of 11.1.11 non-Compliant audit samples of suppliers. 11.1.12 project update EFTSure implementation. 11.1.13 asset valuation and the impact of AASB and of AASB 2002-10 on the valuation of land. 11.1.14 financial services workforce planning and financial management assurance framework development. 11.1.15 Audit and Risk Committee recommendations en bloc. May I have a mover and seconder for the audit risk committee? I a Audit and Risk Committee. Thank you. For the Audit and Risk Committee member, Councillor Wilson. May I have a seconder, fellow Audit and Risk Committee member, Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Apprentices 2, 11.2, Planning & Environment Committee recommendations, dated 10th March. 11.2.1, Noosa Plan 2020, section 18, amendment process for 94 and 170, Holts Road, Cooroy. 11.2. Noosa Plan 2020, amendment number 3, minor amendment. 11.2.3, request for delegation under section 42 of the Transport Infrastructure Act 1994, associated with operational works. 250072, development application for operational works, vehicle crossover, road works, drainage works, earthworks, vegetation clearing and waterway barrier works at 36 Roses Road, Federal. 11.2.4, planning applications decided by delegated authority, January 2026, 11.2.5, Planning & Environment Committee recommendations en bloc. May I have a mover and a seconder for the Planning & Environment Committee recommendations? Amelia Lorentson 35:53.947
I'm happy to move. Frank Wilkie 35:54.684
P&E committee Chair, Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Wegener. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Bins Noosa's point. Booms us to 11.3. Services & Organisation Committee Recommendations dated 10th of March, 2026.11.3.1. Administrative action complaints, management policy and procedure. 11.3.2. Review of sitting review of sitting fees, Audit and Risk Committee. 11.3. Which was the various groups and boards of external groups. Midterm review is referred to the General Committee. 11.3.4 is the Noosa Holiday Parks update report to 31st of December, 2025.11.3.5 was a confidential report, the proposed process for Council to explore future options for operating the landfill and associated functions at the waste facility. 11.3.6 is the Services & Organisation Committee Recommendations on. Committee recommendations I have a mover and a seconder for the Services & Organisation Committee Recommendations. That's the S&O Chair, Councillor Finzel, seconded by S&O committee member, Councillor Wilson. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. It brings us to the General Committee recommendations, which is the 11.4.1 is update to Councillor representation on various groups, boards and external groups mid-term review. Referred from the Services & Organisation Committee Meeting 10th of March 2026, 11.4. Brian Stockwell 37:30.468
I believe we can draw that item out as it was a foreshadowed amendment. Karen Finzel 37:41.350
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 37:43.040
Okay. Well, this is the external committees, not the meeting structure. Am I wrong? Meeting structure. I'm wrong. Had to think carefully about it myself. I had to think carefully about it myself. 11.4.2, the Peregian Beach active street progress update and next steps was deferred to the Ordinary Meeting today. We'll deal with this at item 12.2 on the agenda. 11.4.3 is the review of Noosa Council meeting structure and we will discuss this one today so we're going to pull this one out because there is an alternate motion. There was some legal advice we were awaiting so we'll call Jonci Wolff to the table. Jonci Wolff 38:27.464
Morning, Councillors. So item D was I'm going to provide the update. And I think then there was another amendment brought. Yeah. So legal advice has been sought regarding whether the withdrawn amendment was supported or permitted. So legal advice has been received confirming that the proposed amendment that was withdrawn at the last meeting is permitted under the relevant legislation. And counts as Standing Orders. As a matter of good governance, minor amendments to the Standing Orders noting the rotational arrangement for the role of Chairperson will be considered as part of a future review of the Standing Orders. Regardless of any such future updates, Councillor can proceed with the proposed amendment today. Brian Stockwell 39:20.279
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 39:22.650
Well, we'll give them a motion up first. Would someone care to move this motion. Councillor Stockwell? I'll move. Seconded? By Councillor Phillips. Councillor Stockwell, would you like to speak to the motion? No. Okay. Councillor Finzel, would you like to move an amendment? Yes, thank you. Can you bring that up? I'd Karen Finzel 39:51.804
Like to move an amendment and add item C based on the feedback from the legal team. It'll have to be. Amend item C. To read. Appoint all Councillors as committee members and appoint Councillors on a full monthly rotating schedule on agreement with Councillor Stockwell retaining the Chair for the first period on the schedule commencing from 1st of May 2026. Frank Wilkie 40:22.243
May we have a seconder for that please? I think you're second. Lawrence, Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Finzel. I wish to speak to it. Karen Finzel 40:30.055
I think we covered it all the other day but just briefly I think this creates a really good opportunity for diversity in the Chair role give people opportunity to gain experience I think it's a really good opportunity as I've said for that Chair to be able to gain experience and I think just bring diversity to the table in the role. Frank Wilkie 40:53.604
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 40:57.197
Can I just confirm what it is that we're amending? What was the substantive? What are we actually amending what was the original? That's not what we voted on the other day because lived it was withdrawn Brian Stockwell 41:18.085
Yeah this is that's correct it would have been the staff recommendation in c Karen Finzel 41:23.338
Oh, right. Frank Wilkie 41:25.202
Okay, then that is down. Okay because C is actually reflects the amendment doesn't it well there's two ways we can go about this we can rescind the amendment and note that item C that item C already contains your amendment Brian Stockwell 41:46.358
And move that I don't think that would be appropriate because what has been presented is not a reflection of the recommendation of the committee I think we need to rectify the record to start with an independent okay so so um so let um the both that this is the motion that we've just passed Nicola Wilson 42:20.500
That was a motion from Monday yes let's see and now there's the motion Karen Finzel 42:25.411
The amendment to c in it from the original one so this is back to the alternate motion with the original c and the updated d there Frank Wilkie 42:36.785
Right yeah this is what we started with yeah that's correct so this is right Unidentified Speaker 42:41.234
No it's just it's been changed would you like to do a new mover and seconder are we okay to keep that and then yes Sir Councillor Stockwell and I've just looked at the Brian Stockwell 42:56.458
The agenda and see is printed as that so so that's correct that's what should have been moved yes Amelia Lorentson 43:05.974
Can we just vote yeah vote on it that it was just a technical mistake the wrong thing was put on the screen happy to accept Frank Wilkie 43:17.011
This is the motion yes yeah and Councillor Finzel is Councillor thinsdale's finzel's amendment still relevant yes all right so we can move on to Councillor Finzel's amendment can we bring that up yeah that's fine that's okay thank you I'm going to get confused Amelia Lorentson 43:39.901
I'm happy to speak in support and we had a great conversation at the General Committee about this the only thing that wasn't raised and I want to raise today is the rotating Chair, sorry the position of Chair has real influence including a casting vote so to me having a rotating Councillor Chair is spreading that responsibility around and just keeps things fair and also reminds us that Councillors were all actually equal at the table so I think it's good governance and builds trust in our decision-making so totally supportive of this. Frank Wilkie 44:26.248
Any further discussion on the amendment? Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 44:29.449
I'm not her. If it's a question or speaking to it but I just want to question the four monthly rotating schedule whether we should be fixing that four months because if it is an opt-in-out then the number of councils that we're dividing the number of months by might change so do we always want it to be fixed as four monthly or is it just that we have a an agreed schedule that we've prepared after this meeting based on who wants to be included? Karen Finzel 45:05.751
Thank you. I think from memory the other day we talked about this and the CEO from for like the schedule to at least put the framework there and I think it's probably a question then to the CEO. I thought it was then, is this correct, through this changes to the Standing Orders we will go down to this and address the concerns you raised. Is that the right process Through the Chair to Mr CEO? Larry Sengstock 45:38.910
Thank you Chair. I think the concept that is to agree the idea I think of the four month thing in terms of who does which month. That's something we can consider at either a workshop or bring it back to a Council. We will work through that in terms of when we do the Standing Orders and reflect this in the Standing Orders. It's not something we will put in the Standing Orders in terms of who does what. Gets which four-month period. But I think it's just something we have to agree and then bring it back to the Council to ratify. But it's not something we can do today, I don't think. Nicola Wilson 46:15.629
My concern is just that we're walking in four months which might not actually be practical. Whether we need that specified in the motion or whether we just have an agreed rotating schedule. Frank Wilkie 46:33.993
Okay. Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 46:36.615
Well, I think we did discuss that at some depth at the previous meeting. However, if you feel that you want to bring that to further debate to the table to change it, I think the full monthly from my memory was around just trying to at the moment get equity and then we discussed in length the opt-on. Off and I think we came to the conclusion we'd do it through further workshops or Standing Orders. I'm happy to if you want to put forward an idea to reword that more effectively Amelia Lorentson 47:10.695
A question Through the Chair so the wording as it stands which is a four-monthly rotating schedule on agreement the does agreement the actually capture catch that a could be opt-in-out and that will determine what the rotating schedule monthly rotating schedule will look like I'm just wondering you know to me that reads Frank Wilkie 47:32.058
Okay I think that was the intention but the council's could approve this become part of the substantive motion and then test alternative wording yeah. Thank you, Mr Chair. Any other Councillors wish to speak to this I'll Nicola Wilson 47:53.605
Speak to it so that I can explain what I'm talking about so I think this has been based on 24 months remaining six Councillors four months each but if one Councillor was to opt off that would actually give one Councillor a second rotation and so then there wouldn't be equity I would get eight months so that's why I prefer it to just be an agreed schedule once we know how many Councillors will opt in and then we can divide the number of months by the number of Councillors who want to participate Frank Wilkie 48:26.549
Understood. So just as a procedural thing rather than lose the amendment we can pass this and then we can test a change of wording for another amendment thank you. Okay any other Councillors to speak to the amendment Councillor Wegener? Tom Wegener 48:56.074
Yeah without but Council will said I'm not quite sure if I want to opt in or not so I wouldn't be able to get the sign of the dotted line or not right now. I think a lot of us might be in that boat. So I'm in favour of this. Frank Wilkie 49:12.572
Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 49:13.247
Yeah. Specification of the time period was to try and address the concern that if it was monthly rotating it would be too frequently. Six monthly rotating it wouldn't give everyone the opportunity. Reading of one agreement is if we have to there's nothing going to be here saying that if you agree to a lesser or greater amount that will be precluded that's as soon as we adopt the schedule itself that supersedes this motion. Frank Wilkie 49:49.660
Any other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Any questions? Councillor Finzel, do you wish to close? No, thank you, Mr Chair. We'll put the amendment. Those in favour? Councillor Phillips, Wegener, Lorentson, Stockwell, Finzel, Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Wilson. Amendment's carried. Do you wish to try a different amendment, Councillor Wilson? There you we are reviewing the meeting structure in 12 months. I'm just going to get the mirror. Thank you. Nicola Wilson 51:13.982
So I would take out a full monthly and book agree sorry on all Councillors as committee members and appoint Councillors on an agreed rotating schedule and then you can take out on an agreed rotating schedule? Yes please and that's it. Oh, there's two ones in there, sorry. Karen Finzel 51:55.852
Oh, yeah, okay. Nicola Wilson 51:59.553
That should be it, I agree. Frank Wilkie 52:02.627
Yeah. Might just take a nap. Someone like to second that for the purpose of debate? Councillor Stockwell? All right. Hang on, do know Councillor Stockwell? The original motion. Oh, I think that, I won't do that anyway. You can't do that. Karen Finzel 52:17.273
No, I'm sorry, I can't either. Yes, you can, why not? I'm getting excited. Frank Wilkie 52:21.898
Councillor Phillips? Yeah, you've moved. Councillor Phillips. Oh, I am. I'm sorry. I am. Unidentified Speaker 52:26.884
I'd be there anyway. Amelia Lorentson 52:30.048
Who did you do? Frank Wilkie 52:31.048
Finzel. Nicola Wilson 52:32.608
I've already outlined the reasons for this. I don't think it's necessary to specify a monthly period and I think that might actually cause trouble in the future that either one or two Councillors get to. Or the mathematics don't quite work out and we can't actually fulfil that. So we might just get three months at the end or something. So I think it's just better that we agree once we know how many Councillors want to opt in and then we determine mathematically how it can work. Frank Wilkie 53:03.379
Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 53:04.520
Yeah, I see your mathematical perspective. I think we came from that the other day to try and, you know, address some of the issues that couldn't be addressed at the table to get the refinement and that one is going to be done, I understood, through the alternative, the workshop. Noting also formal the four-monthly rotation through the discussion the other day was around the fact that we are changing our meeting schedule and that I think we did the four-month thing to find that we did have the Deputy Mayor still in the Chair so we went through that you know bit of just readjustment to the new meeting Standing Orders that we had remaining the deputy in that position so that we had confidence in moving forward with other glitches or things that might come up as we make that adjustment so I think that's where we arrived at the four monthly I think it wasn't just a mathematical it was having that you know more Unidentified Speaker 54:02.361
Confident Chair. Point of order, that's not being amended. Pardon? That's not being amended. What's not being amended? The four monthly. The Councillor Stockwell retaining the first period. Frank Wilkie 54:13.710
Yes that's not in contention that's true. Karen Finzel 54:17.153
Yeah I was just giving my voice about how we sort of from the meeting the other day arrived at four monthly. Just giving a broader context. Frank Wilkie 54:25.422
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Any other Councillors wish to speak to this amendment? Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 54:32.622
I think either or was actually fine but I do understand Councillor Wilson's perspective when equity was the intent and the motivation behind the amendment. I think the wording as it sits at the moment actually reflects that intent more clearly so I'm happy to support. Anything else? Anybody else? Brian Stockwell 54:59.083
I agree actually if it starts on the 1st of May the mathematics wouldn't work out so this makes it flexible. Frank Wilkie 55:10.310
Any other Councillors? Unidentified Speaker 55:12.021
Oh, I don't think you want me to speak. Frank Wilkie 55:18.990
Speak okay cancel this english okay. Councillor Wilson, do you wish to close? Put the amendment. Those in favour? That is unanimous. We go back to the substantive motion to which nobody has spoken. Anybody wish to speak to the motion? Wish to close? Councillor Stockwell. Put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Now up to 11.4. Financial Performance Report February 2026.11.4.5 General Committee recommendations en bloc. Can I have a mover and a seconder? Councillor Phillips. Seconded Councillor Stockwell. All in favour? Just to prove you were here. Thank you. We have two reports direct to the Ordinary Meeting. 12.1 Noosa Heads Lions Park proposed Easter 2026 usage for temporary car park. We have Acting Director Infrastructure Services Craig Young here. Craig could you please come and welcome and give us a summary of the report please. Craig Young 56:26.587
Thank you Mr Mayor, Councillors this report is in relation to Noosa Heads. Utilising the Noosa Heads Lions Park for car parking over four days of the Easter period. As the Council away, is aware this park has been used for overflow car parking in previous years. During the current period, and during the current period, the proposal is to use it just for the four days of Easter and then outside of the other remaining school holidays to actually look at the impacts of having paid parking. At the Lions Park versus when the park's not there and the impact to the surrounding roads and streets if it's approved, the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club will be managing the paid parking component. And as part of the supporting activities, Council officers will be undertaking traffic counts, pop-up surveys to capture the community and the visitor feedback and enhance pedestrian wayfinding signage to assess variations between the two periods. This trial will sort of inform the strategy coming back and pardon me I just lost my place for a second there in relation to the Go Noosa which in May this year. Jessica Phillips 57:55.509
Thank you. Craig. Any questions? Quick question just to be clear for the community and so I'm present at the meeting. Just the traffic and transport monitoring can we just confirm that's going to be done whilst the Lions Park used? Are utilising and outside. So then we've got a comparison of the data. Craig Young 58:16.572
You may say yes, exactly. Thanks. Frank Wilkie 58:21.407
Councillor Lorentson? Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 58:22.877
I'm happy to move the motion. Move Councillor Lorentson. Jessica Phillips 58:25.983
Seconded. Amelia Lorentson 58:27.212
Councillor Phillips. I support. The four day Easter trial and I thank Bernadette Craig and her team for presenting the report in front of us. I support the four day Easter trial because it gives us something that had before. Real data. On congestion, data on parking behaviour and data on how people actually move through Noosa Heads during one of our busiest weekends of the year. Four days is sensible, it's low impact. And it's a great way for us to understand the effects before making any potential future long-term decisions. Over Christmas the overflow area accommodated 5,000,908 B corps. Vehicles. That's thousands of families, visitors and locals who are able to access Hastings Street, the beach and our small businesses without circling endlessly for a park. Anyone who is here intense the pressure was and how valuable that extra capacity proved to be. Catching a bus. Is an excellent alternative to driving but catching a bus with prams, beach gear, surfboards. Elderly parents and people in wheelchairs is hard. It's not always practical and for many families especially those with young children or mobility challenges having a place to park close to the beach makes a huge difference. That's why the community benefits component is so important. We need to be clear about who benefits with this car parking and in this case it's not a commercial operator, it's not a private company, it's the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, a not-for of incredible volunteers who give so much to this community. There is honestly nothing better than parking at Lions Club park and being greeted by one of the wonderful lions volunteers with their big smiles. For so many visitors they are the very First Point of contact, the first Welcome to Noosa moment. As ambassadors for this beautiful place we call home, they are the best. They set the tone and they make people feel looked after and they do it with warmth, humility and genuine community spirit. And every dollar they raise goes back straight back to the community. From the Christmas period alone the Lions Club has already supported around 40 different local causes and organisations and only this morning I got sent a photo. Lines that are up in Morayfield at the moment. Brian Stockwell 01:01:17.367
We're dealing with the unemployment of car parking over the Easter holiday, not the performance of the Lions Park. I think it's outside the scope of our matter in front of us. Amelia Lorentson 01:01:28.371
In terms of the Lions Park, I think it's also worth remembering history of the Lions Park and I'm not sure whether many around this table know how the name actually came to be. Many years ago, Council was halfway through building a toilet block on this site. There was a national shortage of roofing materials that stopped the project. The Tewantin Noosa Lions Club stepped in. They had a builder who supplied the roofing materials so the project could be completed. The Mayor at the time was I think Bert Wansley and he recognised that contribution by own name. Naming honour the park in their and I think that history matters when we potentially start talking about equity and fairness. Also important to note that Hastings Street traders association strongly support the temporary use of Lions Park during peak periods. Again helps balance the needs of residents, visitors and businesses. It's low impact and temporary measure that forms part of council's integrated visitor management and Transport Strategy under the Land Act changes. Again also important to note Council now has full responsibility for these decisions. The temporary use does not alter the reserve. It supports transport and event management during peak periods and it also aligns with long-standing operational practice. Again, trial is not a commitment to a long-term arrangement. It's simply a chance to gather evidence through traffic monitoring, parking surveys, community engagement and pedestrian management trials so that future decisions are informed and not assumed. So thank you again for the report, four days is a reasonable, measured approach to give us the information that we need to make good decisions going forward. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 01:03:21.805
Just around the monitored operational trial, will the survey, will this give, or the survey, will that give us an indication of residents versus visitors? Yes. And how will you capture that? - That's good, that's Okay. Further question, so just break it down, how we said it, as the lions volunteers doing that, collecting that data, or how will we capture that so then I can see the end of it. Our team are collecting the data in person. I've got surveys written, but I've also got QR codes if people want to do the surveys, take them away. Bernadette Craig 01:04:02.235
The questions start off. Oh, so sorry. The survey starts off with. Where do you live, and then I go into what is your purpose here today, shopping. I've got a list of drop-downs to choose from, beach, etc. I think that's everything regarding. Who you are. It's quite a lengthy survey, between three and five minutes. I do go into a lot of detail. How many people are you travelling with? How long do you plan to spend here? I do have two slightly different surveys because I'll be doing some at the bus stop and Lions Park. Some within the lines. Does that answer your question? No. Amelia Lorentson 01:04:48.663
Okay. Thank you, Bernadette. Councillor Lorentson? So for clarity, Bernadette, the survey and data collection is undertaken by Council officers and not the Tewantin the Tewantin lusor. Noosa volunteers. That is correct. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:05:07.737
Any other Councillors speak to the motion? Councillor Stockwell? Brian Stockwell 01:05:12.709
I will. So councillors Councillors, the issue the of car parking on the holidays at Noosa Heads Lions Park had a motion in the 2016 to 2020 Council which said we're phasing it out. We've subsequently got a letter from the department 2020 and 2023 identifying that it's an inconsistent use of a recreation reserve and it's a use that if it was to be approved required a land management plan. So well over six years we lander because haven't done the land management plan because the policy direction needs on to each be step has always been the intent to phase it out. The last time we wrote to the minister who previously had to approve this we said we were awaiting the results of the consultation on the DMP and what did those results say? Those results said 72% of respondents said to maintain and prioritise publication space for recreational use not car parking e.g. News heads Lions Park unless there is an overriding community benefit to do so. Councillors, all our transport planning says there's not an overriding community benefit and when you put that specific question together with the qualitative assessment, what was the summation? Of what an overriding community said was that the emphasis is on limiting vehicle access central areas, promoting the use of electric vehicles and ensuring that open spaces are preserved for recreational use rather than parking. It can't be clearer. We said we're putting off this decision until we've got feedback from the community. We got feedback from the community which is overwhelming saying we don't want to do it. So while I understand what the trial might do, why would we go to the extent of allocating resources to do a survey when all the policy direction is that's the wrong direction. It's not what this Council has resolved over I'm thinking since 2019 so to me this debate has been confused by the concept of benefits. Flowing from the great work of the Noosa Heads Lions the decision is not about how we provide welfare and support to our community decision is about land use and my involvement that goes back way before think probably 2008, 2009 we when residents of the Noosa Heads precinct started complaining because Noosa Heads hasn't got sufficient parks. Well below the standard for park provision for that locality. And do people like to use parks? When they're on holidays. So for me, we don't need to allocate resources, we don't need to do the trial because the overwhelming strategic direction over many years is this was to be phased out. We've got the data, we told the department last time we needed and the community, the overwhelming community said don't use it for car parks. So I can't support it. Frank Wilkie 01:08:17.589
Thank you Councillor Stockwell, Councillors wish to speak to the motion. Councillor Lorentson you wish to close. No, thank you. Put the motion to the vote. Those in favour? Councillor Phillips, Wilson, Lawrence and Lorentson, Finzel, Finzel, Wilkie. Those against? Councillor Stockwell. Thank you. That brings us to item 12. Point. Thank you very much. Thanks very much. Thank you, Craig. Peregian Beach, active street, stage 1 progress up. Update next steps. Councillors and community, pending further legal advice, I wish to upfront apologise unreservedly to my fellow Councillors, staff and the a mistake I have made regarding my conflict of interest in I take responsibility. My responsibilities under the Local Government Act seriously and I'm committed to full disclosure and aspiring to the highest standards in my role as a Councillor and Mayor. I acknowledge I have misunderstood the of interest regulations as they apply to this project and will provide a revised COI declaration. As I live near the active street project site, I declared last year in internal briefings with staff and Councillors that I live in this neighbourhood. Councillors affected work. Affected by the works. It is not ordinary Council business. At this stage, the active street project was intended to progress on an operational level and not require a Councillor decision. As public consultation continued, it was decided to bring the matter Council to Council for a decision. The public report released last week included a new recommendation that works now also to include traffic calming directly in my street. I was also aware that my mother, who lives nearby, had attended public information sessions and made a comment during the public in February. My mother also donated an amount to my campaign above the prescribed threshold amount of $2,000. As this week was the first time the matter was to come to Council for a decision, I believed a prescribed conflict of interest declaration that openly covered the new all other elements ought to be made. Subsequent legal advice received yesterday from King & Co advises that living nearby or having works in my street is a declarable conflict of interest and does not trigger a prescribed conflict of interest declaration. The King & Co advice is that my mother's campaign donation above the prescribed threshold amount of $2,000 makes the matter a prescribed conflict of interest. They advise this donation advised from my mother ought to have been declared in internal project briefings last year and would have excluded me from such briefings. Based on this legal advice, I've clearly made a mistake and apologise unreservedly to my colleagues and community for this error. I received this advice, I felt sick and I'm deeply sorry. I take my responsibilities seriously. Though I acted in good faith, I have misunderstood the conflict of interest regulations as they apply to this project. Given this latest advice I would like to declare a revised prescribed conflict of interest declaration as follows. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I, Councillor Frank Wilkie, declare a prescribed conflict of interest for item 8.1, Peregian Beach Active Street stage 1. Update and next steps, being that my mother, who lives on a street adjoining the project, donated an amount above the prescribed amount, $2,000, to my prescribed. To my 2024 election campaign. For the record, I also declare that I live near the project site and works are now. Recommended to also occur in my street as a result of this. Prescribed conflict of interest. I will now leave the meeting room. While the matter is considered and voted upon. Brian Stockwell 01:11:56.325
Amara community so, Councillors, I will take over the Chair in the absence of the Mayor, and I'm going to move straight to a deferral motion. So, I will move that the matter be deferred in accordance with sections 31 and 3 of Standing Orders until the General Committee Meeting of June 9, 2026 to allow for further consideration of relevant matters. Just a second. No need to. Oh, excuse me, no need to. I know you. I think you did come to me. Oh, I did. Didn't get it. Seconder? Yeah. Thank you. I'm just saying no need to discuss it now. Anyone else wish to discuss it? I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's carried unanimously, noting that Councillor Wilkie was outside the room and we can invite him back in. Unidentified Speaker 01:13:30.844
Sorry, I don't have the food. Frank Wilkie 01:13:32.041
Okay. Thank you. Councillor Stockwell. Chair, thank you, Councillors. We're up to item 13 in the agenda. Item 13, no confidential session. Item 14, the next Ordinary Meeting will be at Council chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin on 10am, 16th of April, 2026. To white I declare the meeting closed at 11.15. Thank you, Councillors and staff, Mr. CEO. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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