Ordinary Meeting, 16 April 2026
Date: Thursday, 16 April 2026 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 02:52:37
Synopsis: Burgess Creek erosion actions and responsibilities clarified, Tourism Noosa funding with stronger KPIs and annual reporting, Finances favourable, governance tightened, Organics grant and landfill capping progressed.
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 Strategy And Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Development & Regulation Patrick Murphy Deputations
AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Frank Wilkie: Petition from Cooran residents (105 signatories) to add basketball/handball markings and a hoop to existing netball courts was received and referred to CEO (Item 5.1) (00:30–02:10). Shaun Walsh: Beach Access 55 raised boardwalk request declined for now; asset rated Medium priority with fair condition; budget focuses on Urgent/High renewals ($240k pa program) (Item 8.1) (16:50–18:25). Kim Rawlings: 62 Lake Macdonald Dr investigations to date cost ~$375k with $178k offset by Federal Housing Support Program (Item 8.2) (21:00–21:52). Council: Burgess Creek motion adopted directing CEO to seek Unitywater meeting for short‑term erosion measures; note the ongoing Integrated Catchment Plan; and provide a response to councillors after stakeholder meetings (amended C) (Item 10.1) (01:11:19–01:18:10). Planning DA summary: February 2026 delegated decisions noted (Item 11.1.1) (01:22:36–01:23:10). Lease: Noosa Aquatic Centre Café renewal to Poolside NAC for 2 years at $59k/$62k + three 1‑year CPI options; tender exception under s236(1)(c)(iii) LGR 2012 (Item 11.2.1) (01:24:27–01:25:20). Waste/Contracts: Turf mowing contract CN25082 awarded to APG Group Pty Ltd; CEO delegated to extend (Item 11.2.2). Waste Strategy: Compost Facility: endorse City Deal Organics Processing Grant application; approve up to $9m co‑contribution, only if external grant secured and future D&C approved; CEO authorised to execute grant docs (Item 11.2.3). Landfill: Approve Option 3 Engineered Capping Technology for North/Eastern batter capping; proceed to design/procurement (Item 11.2.4). Tourism Noosa: Do not adopt current Deed; refine Schedule 1 KPIs; appoint Cr Wilson to working group; return revised Deed + KPIs by June; annually publish KPI/DMP outcomes and costs via dashboard to inform budgets (Item 11.3.2) (01:30:12–02:18:10). Capital Works: NAC 50m pool filtration upgrade CN26032 awarded to CMP Corp Pty Ltd for $1,210,780.40 ex GST (Item 11.3.3). Community Sport: Cooroy Gymnasium Upgrade CN25048 awarded to Murphy Builders QLD Pty Ltd (D&C) for ~$3.69m ex GST (Item 11.3.4). Finance: March YTD performance noted; operating position favourable; capex delivered $28.5m (35% of program); cash ~$159m; rates arrears down to 9.7% after collection (Item 12.1) (02:28:35–02:52:23). Contentious / Transparency Matters Amelia Lorentson: Advocated immediate dune protections at Burgess Creek (e.g., sandbags/realignments) pending long‑term plan; questioned sole burden on ratepayers vs Unitywater cost‑share (Item 10.1) (40:26–47:00). Brian Stockwell: Tabled time‑lapse and aerial analysis disputing wastewater linkage; attributed mouth dynamics to wave climate (El Niño/La Niña), and flagged unmanaged pedestrian tracks as key degradation driver (Attachment 2; 47:09–51:40). Process load: Original requirement for a CEO report on Burgess Creek replaced by a lighter “response to councillors,” after debate on duplication with forthcoming Catchment Plan briefing (Amendment carried) (01:11:19–01:17:09). Tourism Noosa funding: Legal advice confirmed Council is committed to 3 years of base funding (~$2m p.a. + CPI) from Dec 2025 resolution; Councillors insisted on stronger KPIs and public reporting to assure value for money (Item 11.3.2) (01:27:50–01:31:40). Financials scrutiny: Detailed Q&A on asset write‑offs, capex delivery, arrears management, and intergenerational equity signalled tighter governance of renewal timing, debt posture, and public communication (Item 12.1) (02:36:56–02:51:53). Legal / Risk Burgess Creek COIs: Council applied s150ES LGA 2009 to allow participation of Crs Lorentson and Stockwell after declaring declarable conflicts; votes recorded and exclusions from voting applied per minutes (Item 10.1) (32:54–40:18). Regulatory clarity: CEO noted Council land management above HWM; state has regulatory role below HWM; Unitywater a stakeholder, not regulator; mitigates misattribution of legal responsibility (01:04:48–01:06:10). Procurement exception: NAC Café lease renewal lawfully used LGR 2012 s236(1)(c)(iii) tender exemption to renew with existing tenant, reducing probity risk (Item 11.2.1). Tourism Deed: Legal advice affirms funding commitment; KPIs/Deed terms can be refined; annual public KPI reporting adopted to mitigate transparency/administrative law risks (Item 11.3.2) (01:27:50–02:18:10). Finance risk posture: Officers flagged monitoring of geopolitical inflation shocks, contractor variability, and arrears recovery activation; debt policy’s low‑debt bias balanced against renewal deferral risks (Item 12.1) (02:47:55–02:51:09). Conflicts of Interest Amelia Lorentson: Declarable COI on Burgess Creek (residence proximity and brother’s residence); Council permitted participation under s150ES; not eligible to vote on the permission motion (Item 10.1) (32:54–35:18). Brian Stockwell: Declarable COI as President, Noosa Lions FC (upper catchment facility); Council permitted participation under s150ES (Item 10.1) (38:16–40:09). Amelia Lorentson: Prescribed COI on NAC Café lease (engaged with applicant during live procurement); left room and did not vote (Item 11.2.1) (01:23:29–01:25:20). Jessica Phillips: Prescribed COI on Cooroy Gymnasium upgrade (paid role at club); left room and did not vote (Item 11.3.4) (02:27:31–02:28:23). Environmental Concerns: Burgess Creek and Coastal Dunes Brian Stockwell: Historic imagery (1958–2004) shows long‑term stability of treeline N of creek and natural mouth variability; USC research advises against hard structures and notes flow relevance mainly mid/post‑realignment (Attachment 2; 47:09–51:40). Kim Rawlings: USC/UQ studies indicate wave climate (ENSO cycles) is primary driver; current phase may allow dune accretion; grant applications to restore dunes unsuccessful to date (54:25–55:29). Council Ops: Mechanical realignments occur since 2011 (~$5k–$10k per event) when access is compromised; integrated plan to set trigger‑based management (47:50–51:40; 58:23–01:00:25). Resolution: CEO to engage Unitywater and stakeholders for short‑term measures and cost‑sharing discussion; councillors to receive meeting outcomes (Item 10.1) (01:11:19–01:18:10). Tourism Noosa Funding, KPIs, and Public Reporting Larry Sengstock: Legal advice confirms commitment to 3‑year base funding (~$2m p.a. + CPI) from Dec 2025, while Deed KPIs/terms remain negotiable (01:28:55–01:29:42). Nicola Wilson: Motion reframes focus on measurable, performance‑driven KPIs aligned to DMP; appointed to KPI working group; revised Deed + KPIs due by June (Item 11.3.2) (01:30:12–01:31:37; 01:51:04–01:52:18). Jessica Phillips: Amendment mandates annual public reporting of TN KPIs and broader DMP outcomes, with costs, via dashboard to inform budget (carried unanimously) (02:14:57–02:18:01). Scope clarity: TN to align its strategy/marketing plans to the DMP; Council to develop its own KPIs via the DMP Monitoring & Evaluation Framework (01:48:58–01:50:33). Cooran Economic Viability and Place Activation Francis Murray: Highlighted “unfinished” main street upgrades; infrastructure gaps (unsealed frontages, no footpaths/parking/stormwater) impeding safety, outdoor dining, viability; called for integrated Council strategy (02:21–15:23). Council: Encouraged engagement with Infrastructure Director during adjournment; petition on multi‑use court upgrades referred to CEO (Item 5.1) (15:29–16:10; 00:30–02:10). Waste, Landfill and Organics Projects Council: Progressing Compost Facility under ECI; applying for Organics Processing Grant with up to $9m co‑contribution contingent on grant success and future D&C approval (Item 11.2.3). Council: Adopted Engineered Capping Technology for landfill batters; CEO to advance design/procurement (Item 11.2.4). Financial Performance and Governance Margaret Gatt: YTD operating favourable; grants uplift from disaster recovery; waste business positive variance; arrears fell from 12.8% to 9.7% in March (Item 12.1) (02:28:35–02:36:56). Officers: Explained $4.6m asset write‑offs as accounting for assets at end of useful life and WIP clean‑ups for abandoned/superseded early‑stage costs; no underlying position risk (02:36:56–02:41:10). Debt/Equity: Intergenerational equity addressed via LTFP, depreciation funding, reserves and selective debt; warned that excessive debt‑aversion can increase renewal deferral risk vs well‑managed borrowing (02:41:10–02:47:55). Risk Monitoring: Steering committee tracking inflation/geopolitical shocks and contractor volatility; arrears recovery to commence with external agency plus hardship/payment plan comms (02:47:55–02:51:09).
Official Meeting Minutes
MINUTES Ordinary Meeting Thursday, 16 April 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 16 APRIL 2026 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 10.00am. 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 Strategy and Environment Kim Rawlings Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Acting Director Development & Regulation Patrick Murphy APOLOGIES Nil. 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 19 MARCH 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 19 March 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 5 PETITIONS 5.1 PETITION: ADDITIONS TO SPORTING AREA IN COORAN Refer to Attachment 1 to the Ordinary Meeting Minutes dated 16 April 2026 - Petition Additions to Sporting Area in Cooran Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the petition with 105 signatories submitted by Sean Demicoli, requesting that Council build a basketball hoop, basketball play lines and handball court lines on the existing (netball) surface in Cooran Village be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. 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 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS 7.1 DEPUTATION APPLICANT: COORAN ACTION COLLECTIVE (ELYSE PATTEN, FRANCIS MURRAY, JOHN TYNAN) TOPIC: COORAN'S ECONOMIC VIABILITY SPEAKERS: FRANCIS MURRAY 8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME 8.1 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME APPLICANT: KEN & DESLEY NIXON QUESTION 1 Will Noosa Shire Council, as part of its Budget considerations, include a raised boardwalk (approximately 25 metres) on flood prone section of Beach Access 55, noting that we are not seeking replacement of the existing concrete path but only an elevated structure over that section (Case RM2024/10901)? RESPONSE BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Council’s has recently completed a Strategic Beach Access Renewal Plan, which captures existing asset data across Council’s 70 beach accesses. This asset plan provides the Infrastructure department with clearer guidance and prioritisation for longer-term renewal planning and works scheduling. Beach Access 55 (Kingfisher Dr, Peregian) has been assessed as a Medium priority (Categories are Low, Medium, High and Urgent), with the overall condition considered fair. It is acknowledged that the primary driver for future renewal is the infrequent inundation of the pathway during high rainfall events, which can temporarily restrict public access. In terms of budget provision, Council allocates an annual capital budget provision of $240,000 for renewal of beach accesses & showers, and this budget will be ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 prioritised towards completing Urgent and High priority upgrades at other Beach Access locations. No funding is currently proposed to be allocated toward design or construction of a raised boardwalk through the flood prone section of Beach Access 55. QUESTION 2 Can Council please clarify the statement in the 28 January email (from the A/Executive Officer) referring to the existing path and railing being "at the end of its service life", and explain what this means in practical terms and when it will be scheduled for repair or replacement (in relation to the existing concrete pathway at Beach Access 55)? RESPONSE BY SHAUN WALSH, DIRECTOR INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES To clarify previous advice provided 28 January in terms of Council's current capital funding prioritisation process, Beach Access 55 has been assessed as a Medium priority (Low > Medium > High > Urgent), with the overall condition considered fair. It is acknowledged that the primary driver for future renewal is the infrequent inundation of the pathway during high rainfall events, which can temporarily restrict public access. At this stage, no delivery timeframe has been scheduled for Beach Access 55, as Council’s current program is prioritised for more urgent and high priority beach access works across the Shire. It is noted that the adjacent beach access points Beach Access 54 (approx. 350m north) & Beach Access 56 (approx. 300m south) aren't impacted by inundation and are available as alternative access points during periods of prolonged inundation of Beach Access 55. All beach accesses will continue to be evaluated on an annual basis. 8.2 PUBLIC QUESTION TIME APPLICANT: PAT SPICER QUESTION 1 What was the total cost for site investigations for 62 Lake Macdonald Drive, Cooroy and the ongoing consultations, plans and reports from companies including Murray and Associates, Covey and Associates, Environmental Advisors (contamination), North Coast Environmental Services, Holland Traffic Engineering, Austrac Traffic Count, Hydra Logic, Auspower that formed the Civil Works Package and Remediation Works Package up to work commencing on site on 4 September, 2025? (Please do not include any grants in this total figure). RESPONSE BY KIM RAWLINGS, DIRECTOR STRATEGY & ENVIRONMENT To date approximately $375,000 has been spent on plans, reports, investigations noting the project is still live and yet to be completed. QUESTION 2 What was the total amount of grant funding received to offset the costs? RESPONSE PROVIDED BY KIM RAWLINGS, DIRECTOR STRATEGY & PLANNING $178,000 of that grant funded to offset these costs from the Federal Housing Support Program. The meeting adjourned at 10.22am. The meeting resumed at 10.33am. 9 MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 10 NOTIFIED MOTIONS 10.1 ADVOCATING FOR URGENT ACTION ON BURGESS CREEK EROSION Cr Amelia Lorentson "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter Item 10.1 - ADVOCATING FOR URGENT ACTION ON BURGESS CREEK EROSION on this agenda as my brother, Gabriel Cerasani, resides in Sunrise Beach and I also now own a property in Sunrise Beach, both in close proximity to Burgess Creek. Based on recent legal advice I declare that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. I also note that I have consistently declared my brother’s property interests in relation to all matters concerning the Burgess Creek catchment, and Council has previously permitted me to remain in the meeting room when those matters have been considered. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I believe neither my brother nor myself have an interest greater than any other resident of the catchment area, and I consider that I am able to remain impartial and act in the public interest. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Lorentson and determine that in accordance with s150ES of the Local Government Act 2009, and having considered the Councillor's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Cr Lorentson may participate and vote on this matter relating to the item 10.1 Advocating for urgent Action on Burgess Creek Erosion. Carried. Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom For: Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Karen Finzel Cr Lorentson having a conflict of interest in this matter was not eligible to vote. Cr Brian Stockwell "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 I inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter Item 10.1 - ADVOCATING FOR URGENT ACTION ON BURGESS CREEK EROSION on this agenda which relates to my role as the President of the Noosa Lions Football Club which manages, in part the Girraween Sports Complex in the upper catchment. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias because there is no nexus between the activities at the Girraween Sports Complex and the aspect of the Catchment Management Plan which is the subject of this motion. Therefore, I will choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision." Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the declarable conflict of interest by Cr Stockwell and determine that in accordance with s150ES of the Local Government Act 2009, and having considered the Councillor's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Cr Stockwell may participate and vote on this matter relating to the item 10.1 Advocating for urgent Action on Burgess Creek Erosion. Carried. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom For: Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Lorentson and Cr Stockwell having declared a conflict of interest in this matter were not eligible to vote. Motion Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Request the CEO to 1. Write to the CEO of Unitywater seeking a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to jointly discuss and develop immediate short-term solutions to the ongoing erosion and flow issues at Burgess Creek; a. Seek Unitywater’s agreement to work collaboratively with Council and other stakeholders to implement urgent short-term measures to address the immediate erosion of the dune system, for example: Ongoing maintenance of the creek and surrounding areas to protect the dunes, access points, and infrastructure, using Council plant and equipment as needed; Establishing a fair and reasonable cost-sharing arrangement for these works, recognising Unitywater’s contribution to flows; B. Note that the Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Plan is currently underway and is intended to address long-term, permanent solutions; and C. Request the CEO bring a report to Council including: 1. Agreed next steps; 2. Proposed funding and cost-sharing arrangements; and 3. Interim measures required to manage risk until permanent measures are implemented. The following material was presented to the meeting in relation to this item: Cr Stockwell – refer to Attachment 2 to the Ordinary Meeting Minutes dated 16 April 2026 - Cr Stockwell - Burgess Creek Mouth Time Lapse Imagery Amendment Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Item C be amended to read: C. Request the CEO provide a response to Councillors regarding meetings with Unitywater and stakeholders. C. Request the CEO bring a report to Council including: 1. Agreed next steps; 2. Proposed funding and cost-sharing arrangements; and 3. Interim measures required to manage risk until permanent measures are implemented. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Frank Wilkie ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Request the CEO to 1. Write to the CEO of Unitywater seeking a meeting with all relevant stakeholders to jointly discuss and develop immediate short-term solutions to the ongoing erosion and flow issues at Burgess Creek; a. Seek Unitywater’s agreement to work collaboratively with Council and other stakeholders to implement urgent short-term measures to address the immediate erosion of the dune system, for example: Ongoing maintenance of the creek and surrounding areas to protect the dunes, access points, and infrastructure, using Council plant and equipment as needed; Establishing a fair and reasonable cost-sharing arrangement for these works, recognising Unitywater’s contribution to flows; B. Note that the Burgess Creek Integrated Catchment Plan is currently underway and is intended to address long-term, permanent solutions; and C. Request the CEO provide a response to Councillors regarding meetings with Unitywater and stakeholders. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener 11. CONSIDERATION OF COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 11.1 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 7 APRIL 2026 11.1.1. PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – FEBRUARY 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting dated 7 April 2026 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for February 2026 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Report. 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 11.2 SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 7 APRIL 2026 11.2.1. NOOSA AQUATIC CENTRE CAFE LEASE RENEWAL Cr Amelia Lorentson "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 – I, Cr Amelia Lorentson, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to Item 11.2.1 - Noosa Aquatic Centre Cafe Lease Renewal on this agenda, as I engaged with the applicant regarding the proposed contract during the live procurement/contract process. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on." Cr Lorentson left the meeting. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026; B. Approve the lease renewal to Poolside NAC for the operations of the Noosa Aquatic Centre Café for two (2) years commencing 1 April 2026 at a rate of $59,000 p.a ex GST and increasing to $62,000 p.a ex GST in year 2; C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to award three (3) subsequent one-year extensions, each incorporating a CPI increase, subject to the lessee complying with the terms of the lease; and D. Apply the exception to the requirement for tendering of the lease, under Section 236(1)(c)(iii) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 as the renewal is to the existing tenant. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Lorentson having declared a conflict of interest was not present and not eligible to vote. Cr Lorentson returned to the meeting. 11.2.2. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT CN25082 PROVISION OF TURF MOWING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES That Council A. Note the report by the Parks and Streetscapes Coordinator to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026; B. Award Contract No. CN25082 for Provision of Turf Mowing and Maintenance Services under a schedule of rates contract, for an initial term of two (2) years commencing 1 June 2026 and expiring on 30 June 2028, to the following contractor: 1. APG Group Pty Ltd for Separable Portions A and B; and ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer the Contract on behalf of Council, and, subject to satisfactory performance of the contractor, approve the options to extend the contract at the expiry of initial term for a further two (2) periods of up to 24 months each. 11.2.3. CONFIDENTIAL - FORMALISATION OF BUDGET AND GRANT APPLICATION AUTHORITY – COMPOST FACILITY PROJECT That Council note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026 regarding the Compost Project; and A. Note that the Compost Facility project is progressing under the previously endorsed ECI procurement process; B. Endorse the submission of a funding application under the forthcoming City Deal Organics Processing Grant; C. Approve Council’s financial contribution of up to $9 million as the required co-contribution for the grant application, and formalise the associated capital budget envelope, on the basis that this funding will only be expended if external grant funding is secured and a future Design & Construct contract is separately approved by Council; D. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to execute all documentation necessary for the grant application and, if successful, to negotiate and finalise any associated funding agreements in accordance with Council’s governance and procurement requirements. 11.2.4. CONFIDENTIAL - LANDFILL CAPPING TECHNOLOGY That Council A. Note the report by the Waste Manager to the Services & Organisation Committee dated 7 April 2026 including the findings of the technical reviews and due diligence investigations; B. Approve Option 3 - Engineered Capping Technology as the preferred capping method for the North and Eastern Batter Capping projects (511010); and C. Authorise the CEO to proceed with design and procurement activities to support the preferred methodology selected in part B above. 11.2.5. 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 7 April 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 11.3 GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS DATED 13 APRIL 2026 11.3.1. GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING - SCHEDULE OF CHAIRPERSON That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 13 April 2026 regarding the General Committee Meeting - Schedule of Chairperson; and B. Adopt the Schedule of Chairperson for the General Committee Meeting as provided in the Report, for the period of 1 May 2026 to 28 February 2028. 11.3.2. TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE DEED 2026–2029 Motion Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council: A. Note the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa; B. Not adopt the proposed Deed in its current form; C. Resolve that schedule 1 KPIs require further refinement to address specific Councillor concerns; D. Appoint a Councillor representative to join the Deed working group for final KPI development and finalisation; and E. Present the revised KPIs to the June meeting round. Amendment No. 1 Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Amelia Lorentson That Item D and E be amended to read: D. Appoint Cr Wilson a Councillor representative to join the Deed working group for final KPI development and finalisation; and E. Present the revised Deed and the revised KPIs to the June meeting round at the latest. 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 The meeting adjourned at 11.56am. The meeting resumed at 12.15pm. Amendment No. 2 Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Brian Stockwell That Item F be added to read: F. Note that the DMP is supported by a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Council will annually publish results of progress against the Tourism Noosa KPIs and the broader outcomes of the DMP via the DMP webpage and dashboard including costs and ensure that this information informs annual budget considerations. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 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 Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council: A. Note the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa; B. Not adopt the proposed Deed in its current form; C. Resolve that schedule 1 KPIs require further refinement to address specific Councillor concerns; D. Appoint Cr Wilson to join the Deed working group for final KPI development and finalisation; and E. Present the revised Deed and the revised KPIs to the June meeting round at the latest. F. Note that the DMP is supported by a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Council will annually publish results of progress against the Tourism Noosa KPI’s and the broader outcomes of the DMP via the DMP webpage and dashboard including costs and ensure that this information informs annual budget considerations. 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 11.3.3. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD - CONTRACT NO. CN26032 - NOOSA AQUATIC CENTRE 50M POOL WATER TREATMENT PLANT FILTRATION UPGRADE WORKS That Council A. Note the report by the Sport and Active Lifestyles Manager to the General Committee dated 13 April 2026 regarding the outcome of the tender process for Noosa Aquatic Centre 50M Pool Water Treatment Plant Filtration Upgrade Works; B. Award Contract No. CN26032 for Noosa Aquatic Centre 50M Pool Water Treatment Plant Filtration Upgrade Works to CMP Corp Pty Ltd under a lump sum contract for a total contract value of $1,210,780.40 (GST Excl); and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 11.3.4. CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT – CONTRACT NO. CN25048 – COOROY GYMNASIUM UPGRADE AND EXTENSION Cr Jessica Phillips "In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009 - I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to Item 9.2 - CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT – CONTRACT NO. CN25048 – COOROY GYMNASIUM UPGRADE AND EXTENSION on this agenda because I am working 10 hours per week as the General Manager and Coach of the Cooroy Gymnastics Club. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on." Cr Phillips left the meeting. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Brian Stockwell Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council A. Note the report by the Project Manager and Graduate Engineer to the General Committee Meeting dated 13 April 2026; B. Award Contract No. CN25048 for Cooroy Gymnasium Upgrade and Extension to Murphy Builders QLD Pty Ltd under a lump sum Design & Construct contract for an estimated total contract value of $3,692,575.40 (GST Excl) as follows: 1. The Lump Sum amount of $3,218,467.73 2. The Provision of additional scope for the removal of Value Management options for an amount of $251,607.67; 3. A Provisional Item sum amount of $222,500.00; and C. Delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all the things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Brian Stockwell, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Phillips having declared a conflict of interest was not present and not eligible to vote. Cr Phillips returned to the meeting. 11.3.5. GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Nicola Wilson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the Recommendations of the General Committee meeting dated 13 April 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 ORDINARY MEETING MINUTES 16 APRIL 2026 12 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 12.1 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT MARCH 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager (Acting) to the Ordinary Meeting dated 16 April 2026 regarding Council's financial performance to 31 March 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 13 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION Nil. 14 NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on Thursday 21 May 2026 at 10.00am. 15 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 12.53pm.
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.120
We declare the meeting open at 10am. We begin by acknowledging that we are meeting on the traditional lands and waters of the Kabi Kabi People. Pay my respects to their elders past, present and emerging and reiterate their recognition of each and every one of us as a joint custodian of this beautiful place that we all love. Note that all councils are in attendance. Item four is the confirmation of the Minutes. May I have a move and a seconder for the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on the 19th of March, 2026. Second. Jessica Phillips. All that's in favour? Carried unanimously. We have one petition. I would like to move that the petition with 105 signatories submitted by Sean Demicoli requesting that Council build a basketball hoop, basketball play lines and handball court lines on netball surface in Cooran village be received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action. May I have a seconder for that please? Karen Finzel 00:59.534
Happy to second. Frank Wilkie 01:00.536
I'd like to begin by apologising if I've mispronounced any names. And the purpose of the petition is that the undersigned respectfully request the Council erected at least one basketball court. Hoop with backboard on the existing netball courts in Cooran. They also request the play lines of the basketball court or half court to be painted onto the existing court surface. Two basketball hoops of varying heights would be preferred to include. Wheelchair users. It if it is cost effective, they also request handball court lines to be painted onto the existing surface. They believe these additions would make the existing infrastructure of the netball court surface to be appropriately utilised for more purposes. Thank you. The press have a good night. Paul and Fidel. All in favour? That's unanimous. There are no presentations. We have one deputation from Cooran the Cooran collective and the topic is koran's economic viability and we have speakers Elyse Patten, Francis Murray and John tynan. We have 15 minutes allocated for you. If you'd like to come the lectern, welcome. Francis Murray 02:16.143
Thank you. Unfortunately Elyse couldn't be with us today, but John and I are here. Good morning Noosa Council and thank you for the opportunity to speak today. My name is Frances and I'm here representing the Cooran action collective, an unincorporated association auspiced by the Pomona and District Community House and aligned with the town teens chapter, a global movement focused on community-led placemaking and strengthening the local economies. We are a group of local business owners and residents who have come together because we care deeply about the future of Cooran. I'm joined today by John Tynan, owner of the Noosa Hinterland Brewing Co and one of the largest employers in our town. Together we represent people who are not only living in Cooran but actively investing in employing locals and contributing to the life of the town. To understand where Cooran is today it helps to understand where it has come from. In the early 1900s Cooran was a thriving hinterland town. In fact it was larger than into lantown. Cooroy. There were commercial buildings on both sides of the main street and businesses extended up Queen Street and into Prince Street. We had two pubs, three general stores, two bakeries, three churches hospital, a timber mill and much more. It was a working town supported by strong local industry where people lived locally, worked locally and spent locally. But over time that has changed with the decline of the cream industry and the closure of the timber operations, the town began to contract. Through the mid to late 20th century, people began to move away. Businesses closed. Buildings burnt down and were not rebuilt. Zonings were changed and Cooran became, in many ways, overlooked. What we are seeing now is the beginning was, of something different. Not a return to what it was, but the early stages of what it could become. Today, Cooran has a population of around 1,750 people. We are seeing more young families move into the area, a stronger, more permanent residential base, and interest in local business and community life. There is real energy returning to the town. That energy is being driven by the community itself. Local people are stepping up. They are opening businesses and they are taking risks. They are investing in spaces they're and creating places for people to gather. They believe in Karen and they want it to thrive. But there is a limit to what a small community can do on its own. Without the right infrastructure, planning and coordination the momentum stalls. About 15 years ago Council invested in upgrading part of Karen to main street. But that upgrade only covered the central section, home to five of the 17 businesses in the town. The eastern and western ends of the commercial strip were not included. So what we have today is quite literally an unfinished town. In the centre, you can see the benefit of that investment. Beautiful retaining walls, sealed paths, gardens, shade trees. Storm stormwater, structured parking and places for people to gather. These businesses within this section are more solid, with little turnover as the years go by. But at either end, the conditions are very different. In fact, a previous the conditions are very different. In fact, a previous Council CEO described parts of Cooran, as having infrastructure more consistent with the 1920s. And when you visit, and you look just a little deeper beyond the central section, you can understand why. On the western end in particular, which is home to eight local businesses, there are parts with no footpath. A section of the commercial road frontage is dirt. Yes, dirt. There'll be a that's as main commercial delivery access for the town's businesses is also dirt. There is no structured or clearly defined parking and stormwater infrastructure is absent. There are no bins, beautiful shade trees or structured gardens. There is no safe place to gather. There is no reason to stay. Since that initial frontage upgrade, some improvements in other parts of Cooran have occurred, but they have occurred in pieces. It has been ad hoc, focused on maintaining rather than improving. What has been missing is a clear, coordinated, long-term strategy for the town as a whole. A strategy that exists across all departments of Council. Despite that, the town has not stood still. In fact, what we are seeing now is something quite important. We are seeing real demand emerging. Every commercial tenancy in Cooran is full. A recent commercial building was sold and let into five tenancies. Those tenancies were all leased within one week. There is continual strong interest from businesses wanting to operate in Cooran, but with no available space. But those businesses are operating against the odds. When you have no footpath, a dirt road frontage, no structured or safe parking, it has very real impact. Who can access those businesses and we see this in a high turnover of failed attempts. Families with young children are navigating an unsafe road, parking and footpath environment. Elderly or mobile residents face challenges moving comfortably and safely through the space. People are less likely to linger, to browse or to spend time there. To the eye of a tourist it is not even clear if you should walk down beyond the existing footpath so even when there is demand the environment makes it harder for those businesses to be supported by the very community around them. I cannot tell you how many terrifying near misses I have seen with cars and small children. How many cars we have COVID. Pulled out of the culvert due to non structured parking and how many thousands of tourists I have seen turn around and walk the other way without venturing down that far. There is no footpath. We also see a lack of infrastructure and the town's ability to retain the attention of tourists play out in different ways. Outdoor dining for example should be a natural fit for a hinterland town like Cooran. But for small operators it is often not viable, not because people don't want it, but because the surrounding conditions don't support it, either from an infrastructure perspective, no footpath to dine on, or the financial one, due to the high cost of footpath dining permits. So again, the issue is not lack of demand. It is that the current environment makes it difficult for that demand to translate into sustainable, thriving businesses. From a planning perspective, Karen can sometimes appear underdeveloped. There are commercial sites underdeveloped. That remain underutilised. Remain underutilized. But when you look more closely, the reasons are clear. To develop commercially in Karen currently involves substantial frontage upgrades, including the widening and sealing of roads and parking created. Limited. Stormwater infrastructure in kerb and channel, with upgrade costs falling on the landowner, or large stormwater pits needed to be installed on-site. Septic requirements due to no Unitywater-sewerage connection. So all sewage has to be on-site. And a rear commercial road. Requiring upgrades, as it is also dirt. These are real constraints. They increase cost, complexity and risk, and they make developing difficult to justify, especially in a small hinterland town that does not achieve the returns of Noosa. So what might appear to be a lack of growth is often actually a lack of viable conditions to support growth. At the same time, there is growing opportunity. Council invests significantly in attracting visitors to the region, and that is working. We are seeing increased visitation through Cooran due to the upgrade of Noosa Trail, particularly trail number five. Hikers and mountain bikers are coming through the town in increasing numbers. We have a beautiful community garden that is a wonderland to experience. We also have very interesting heritage assets, like the alfredson's joinery building, the town hall. The old CBA bank from 1906, an old bakery from the 20s with a very interesting past and more. These could all tell a rich and engaging historical story, taking tourists through a journey of time just with the right signage. But many visitors arrive, walk through and leave. They are not staying long, they are not deeply engaging. They critical and they are not contributing as much as they could to the local economy. Not because the potential isn't there, but because the town is not yet set up to support that experience. So today, Cooran finds itself in a very specific position. It is no longer in decline, but it is not yet fully functioning as a thriving town. It is rebuilding, but without a clear plan. And that brings us to why we are here today. As a community, we are doing what we can. We are taking risks, investing, building, creating momentum. But there is a limit to what we can do on our own. We cannot build a thriving, sustainable town without partnership. What's needed now is a coordinated approach across Council, not isolated responses. From our perspective, that includes planning to help define what piranhas Cooran look is like. Becoming and what level of growth is appropriate. Infrastructure and capital works to address the foundational gaps that are currently limiting access, safety and development. Economic development to support local businesses visibility, job creation, and reduce the need for residents to leave the town for local services. Tourism and placemaking to help Cooran better capture the visitors who are already passing through, as well as to create places for local residents to gather and support each other. Community and sport, and recreation. Particularly to support young people and strengthen local connection. We have noted there is a Council budget for sport and rent precinct master planning around this allocated for 2028. And transport and connectivity safer links to surrounding towns like Pomona and alignment with broader cycling and trail networks. The grand Pomona bike pathway has already been specifically identified as a key priority in the TMR Queensland cycle strategy. These are all interconnected. Without coordination, both internally and with community, progress will continue to happen in parts rather than building toward a shared outcome. The Cooran action collective exists because the community is ready to be a part of this process. Bring local knowledge, strong networks and a commitment to long-term outcomes but we don't claim to have all the answers. That's why we want to work with Council to develop them together. We understand the limits and demand on budget. We understand that change takes time. We understand that we need to play the long game and work toward a shared vision for the town. So our request is simple. That Council works with us to 1 undertake an update one, undertake updated vibrancy. Economic viability study of Cooran and then based on this to develop a clear long-term strategic plan for the town. One that exists across departments and beyond changes in staffing and government governance. Cooran has been a thriving town before. What we are seeing now is the beginning of its next chapter. There is energy, there is demand, there is a community willing to invest. But without alignment. That opportunity may be lost. We are asking Council to work with us to help Cooran truly thrive again. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 15:28.357
We're going to have a few questions from members of the gallery on another topic. But they'll there will be an adjournment, which gives you an opportunity to meet with some of our staff, including our Director of infrastructure, Shaun Walsh, if you have any questions of Mr Walsh or Councillors, that's an opportunity today. Okay, thanks, Frank. Thank you. Next up we have two submissions for public question time. First application with two questions is from Ken and Desley Nixon Mr. and Mrs Nixon couldn't be here today and they've requested that Councillor Lorentson read their questions which will be answered by Shaun Walsh, Director Infrastructure Services. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 16:14.838
Question one, will Noosa Shire Council as part of its budget considerations include a raised boardwalk? Approximately 25 metres on flood prone section of beach access 55, noting that we are not seeking replacement of the existing concrete path but only an elevated structure over that section. Case RM 2024-10-901 thank you. Director Walsh. Boardwalk. Shaun Walsh 16:50.861
Thank you for the question. Council has recently completed a strategic beach access renewal plan which captures existing asset data across council's 70 beach accesses. This asset plan provides the infrastructure department with clearer guidance and prioritisation for the longer-term renewal planning and work scheduling. Beach access 55 which is a Kingfisher Drive Peregian beach has been assessed as a medium priority categories are low medium high and urgent with the overall condition considered fair it is acknowledged that the primary driver for future renewal is the infrequent inundation of the pathway during high rainfall events which can temporarily restrict public access in terms of budget provision Council allocates an annual capital budget provision of two hundred forty thousand dollars for renewal of beach access and showers and this budget will be prioritised towards completing urgent and high priority upgrades at other beach access locations no funding is currently proposed to be allocated towards design or construction of a raised boardwalk through the flood-prone section of beach access 55. Frank Wilkie 17:55.438
Thank you. Councillor Lorentson, Amelia Lorentson 17:56.443
Second question. Two. Council please clarify the statement in the 28 January email from the executive officer referring to the existing path and railing being at the end of its service life and explain what this means in practical terms and when it will be scheduled for repair or replacement in relation to the existing concrete path of beach access 55. Shaun Walsh 18:22.809
Thank you for the question. To clarify, previous advice the 28th of January in terms of council's current capital funding prioritisation process, beach access 55 has been considered as a medium priority against the categories low, medium, high, urgent, with the overall condition considered fair. It is it's acknowledged that the primary driver for the future renewal is the infrequent inundation of the pathway during high rainfall events, which can temporarily restrict public access. At this stage, no delivery timeframe has been scheduled for beach access 55. Council's current program is prioritised towards more urgent and high priority beach access works across the Shire. It is noted that the adjacent beach access points, beach access 54, approximately 350 metres to the north, and beach access 56, approximately 300 metres to the south, aren't impacted by inundation and are available as alternative access points during periods of prolonged inundation of beach access 55. All beach accesses will continue to be evaluated on an annual basis. Frank Wilkie 19:21.892
Thank you Director Walsh. Is second questions request is from Pat Spicer. There's two questions. Mrs. Spicer you can come to the lectern and read your questions please, which will be answered by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy and Environment. Welcome. Pat Spicer 19:36.817
Thank you. Through the Chair. My name is Pat Spicer. The background information. Site investigations started as early as 2019 on 62 Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy. The budget allocation for site investigations was $500,000. In the 2023-24 budget. The allocations for delivery costs, remediation and civil works was $3 million in the 2024-25 budget. My question. What's the total cost for site investigations for 62 Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy, and the ongoing consultations, plans and reports from companies including Murray and associates, covey and associates, environmental advisors for the contamination, north Coast environmental services, Holland traffic engineering, Austrac Traffic Count, Hydra Logic, Auspower, that Council form the civil works package and remediation works package to the work commencing on site on the 4th of September 2025. Thank you, very good. Kim Rawlings 21:00.908
Thank you for your question. To date approximately $375,000 has been spent on plans, reports, investigation and Noting that the project is still live and yet to be completed. Second question, Frank Wilkie 21:16.278
Thanks Pat. Pat Spicer 21:16.600
Background information. Council was successful in,000 Federal grant towards these costs from the Federal housing support program which was detailed in the March Housing Strategy updates. What was the of grant funding received to offset the costs? Kim Rawlings 21:41.778
Thank you. $178,000 of that grant funding went to offset these costs from the Federal housing support program. Thank you. Pat. Frank Wilkie 21:53.473
What was um, Councillors, um, ladies and gentlemen, we have a ten minute adjournment so you can catch up with Francis and John. And if you'd like to talk to any staff or Councillors, this is the time to do it. Frank Wilkie 32:43.964
We're up to item nine, which is Mayoral minutes, of which there are none. Item 10, we have one notified motion from Councillor Lorentson. And Councillor Lorentson, you wish to declare a conflict of interest first up? Amelia Lorentson 32:55.279
I do. Is that written? Thank you. Very much. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I informed the meeting that I had a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. Item 10.1, advocating for urgent action on Burgess Creek erosion on this agenda. My brother Gabriel Cerasani resides in Sunrise Beach, and I also now own a property in Sunrise Beach, both in close proximity to Burgess Creek. Based on recent legal advice, I declare that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. I also note that I had consistently declared my brother's property interests in relation to all matters concerning the Burgess Creek catchment, and Council has previously permitted me To remain in the meeting. To remain impartial. Sorry. In the meeting room when those matters have been considered. Although I have a declarable conflict of interest, I believe neither my brother nor myself have any. An interest greater than any other of the catchment area and I consider that I am able to remain impartial and act in the public interest therefore I will choose to remain in the meeting room however I will respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Frank Wilkie 34:33.809
Just a question, Councillor Lorentson. Does your brother live on the beachfront and Burgess Creek lawns in front of his property when it moves to the north? Amelia Lorentson 34:41.520
No, Burgess Frank Wilkie 34:58.062
Are there any questions for Councillor Lorentson? Brian Stockwell 35:00.053
No. I was just going to name that I'm happy for the, in accordance with section 150 ES of the Local Government Act 2009, and having considered the council's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Councillor Lorentson may participate in the vote on this matter relating to item 10.1, advocating for urgent action on register clicker agent. Frank Wilkie 35:16.551
Seconded by Councillor Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Wilson. Any discussion? Councillor Finzel, question? To Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 35:23.230
To Councillor Lorentson. Part of the conflict of interest is around financial. Benefit or loss. Can you please. Well, you've talked about the whole catchment area. Can you just please reiterate why, in your opinion, you believe there's no benefit? Amelia Lorentson 35:42.504
Township. Sure. While I live in relatively close proximity to this area, my circumstances are no different than those of many other residents in Sunrise Beach. It's a community of around 3,700 people, and any impact from this matter is shared broadly, not unique to me. Importantly, Sunrise Beach is used not just by people in sunrise, but by people from right across flinkshire. This is a public place, and the issues we're discussing affect the wider community. The matter before us is not about delivering a personal benefit. I'm simply asking for a short-term solution to address erosion and water flow issues, that are being driven wastewater discharge stormwater and legacy night soil impacts across a catchment of approximately 545 hectares. I also note some recent legal advice that was given to the Mayor that confirmed that proximity alone is not a prescribed conflict and again several in the past I've always declared and have been allowed to stay. The meeting to vote and discuss the matter. Frank Wilkie 36:58.196
Councillor Finzel? Karen Finzel 36:59.007
Yeah, I'm just seeking further clarification Through the Chair to the CEO. Would you consider this standard Council business the matter before us today Larry Sengstock 37:08.632
No no sorry no no I wouldn't consider this, and this is to do with a notice of motion for works in particular. Frank Wilkie 37:23.844
So, to clarify, your answer is this is not ordinary Council business? In which case a declarable C.O COI is appropriate. Yes. If it's standard. Yes. That's correct. It's the right way to go, because this is not ordinary Council business, because it refers to a specific geographical area. Yes. Is that satisfactory, Councillor Finzel? I hear what you say. Thank you. Any other questions or discussion on the motion? Put the motion those in favour. Councillors Wegener, Wilson, Stockwell, Phillips. Wilkie against. Councillor Finzel? Note that Councillor Lorentson did not vote on the matter. The motion is carried. Brian Stockwell 38:17.220
Mr Mayor, I have a statement that may lead to a declarable declaration. Yes. I have a declarable conflict of interest in regard to the broader Burgess Creek integrated catchment management plan that is noted in this motion. My conflict relates to my role as president of the Noosa Lions Football Club, which manages in part the Girraween Sports Complex in the upper catchment. There is no nexus between the activities at the Girraween Sports Complex and the aspect of the catchment management plan which is the subject of this motion. So I do not believe there is a need to formally declare, but I shall be guided by the meeting if it's deemed necessary. Frank Wilkie 38:53.786
So Councillor Stockwell, are you contending that because the notice of motion to do with proposed works at the mouth of the Burgess Creek, not the entire catchment, that you ought to be able to stand around? Brian Stockwell 39:09.119
I believe because my conflict doesn't relate to the specific location which is highly targeted in the motion that there is no declarable conflict, but I note that in the motion it notes that there is a catchment management plan, that's the only link between the two issues. Jessica Phillips 39:26.201
I'll add it to those that he says in there. Frank Wilkie 39:27.682
Okay. Thank you Councillor Phillips. Do I have a seconder for that? I'll second it. Councillor Wegener. Councillor Phillips you should speak to the motion. Jessica Phillips 39:36.515
I move to that Council vote that the declarable conflict interest of by interest by the Councillor of Stockwell and determined that in accordance with section 150 ES of the Local Government Act 2009 and having considered the council's conflict of interest as described, it is decided that Councillor Stockwell may participate and vote on this matter relating to item 10.1, advocating for urgent action on Burgess Creek erosion. Frank Wilkie 39:59.248
Thank you Councillor Phillips. Any questions or discussion? Put the motion those in favour. That's unanimous. Sorry, I'm going to take down my hand. The house is Stockwell. Attempted to vote. That motion is carried. That's carried. Where the referee would go. Councillor Lorentson would you like to move your motion. Amelia Lorentson 40:27.445
I will and I'll assume just assume that the report has been read so I'm just going to speak to it. Today I'm asking Council to support a motion that's about one simple principle which is acting early and protecting a general system that's under clear and ongoing pressure. The past two years I've met regularly with residents and also with the CEO and I've raised concerns repeatedly about Burgess Creek and the catchment and its ongoing impact on the surrounding genome dune system. I've taken photos on site and I've continued to advocate for a realignment based solution to reduce erosion and protect both the environment and public access. The response I've been getting from Council has consistently pointed to cost but in my view framing this purely as a cost issue misses the bigger risk in front of us. A wait and see or a work as needed approach is in my opinion a responsible long-term management plan. It's reactive not preventative and in this case the cost of delay is not just financial. It's the ongoing loss of public trust and continued degradation of a fragile DUNE system and increasing pressure gene on puppet. Access. Burgess Creek has been a persistent source of erosion with a creek mouth shifting and contributing to in my opinion significant degradation of the dune system. That erosion is not theoretical it's visible it's ongoing and it's accelerating in certain conditions. It's also impacting safe access for residents particularly at Sunrise Beach where people are increasingly required to move further along the Coast to safely access the water. I acknowledge that the Burgess Creek integrative catchment plan is underway supported by state funding and that provides an important pathway for a longer term solution but that process does not Resolve the immediate issue we are dealing with today. Right now we have active erosion, ongoing pressure on protected dune systems and risk to infrastructure and public access that require practical intervention. Coastal dunes are not just sand formations they're critical natural infrastructure. They protect our coastline from storm surge, erosion and extreme weather events. They support biodiversity, they stabilise the shoreline and provide a physical buffer that protects roads, assets and community access. When these systems are damaged, the impacts are cumulative. Once vegetation is lost and dune structure is weakened, recovery becomes significantly more difficult and significantly more expensive. I also want to note that the DUNE home system adjoining the high water mark is what I've understood protected under the fisheries act 1994, which includes sensitive marine plants such as Main Roads and salt marsh. These are not incidental they're legally protected and environmentally critical systems that require careful management and protection. My concern is that continued erosion and unmanaged flows are placing these systems under increasing stress. I also want to be about responsibility. In my opinion, it's not appropriate for ratepayers alone to carry the financial burden of ongoing reactive works, particularly when upstream contributors, including discharges from the wastewater treatment system, are part of the broader catchment dynamics. A fair and reasonable cost-sharing approach should always be on the table when multiple parties contribute to the issue. In June 2022, Council by majority supported a notice of motion that I put forward requesting a report into Burgess Creek management plan, including long-term and short-term erosions response and other obligations. Including Despite this, the core issue of ongoing erosion and lack of coordinated short-term intervention remains unresolved. I'm what I'm proposing today is not complicated, but I believe it's really necessary. In the short-term, we should be implementing some practical measures. For example, temporary sandbags to help guide flows and along with regular realignment. Or endometriosis. Monitoring. These are not unusual measures. They're standard coastal management tools that are used to stabilise dynamic systems while longer-term solutions are developed. What I'll most again, what I'm also proposing is that these works should be supported by a fair cost-sharing arrangement. In the medium long-term, the integrated catchment plan gives us a really great opportunity to develop a more permanent and coordinated solution, but that must not become a reason to delay immediate action where the impacts are already occurring. As custodians of public land, Council has a responsibility to act proactively, not just when systems fails, but before they reach that point. Delay increases risk, increases cost and increases environmental loss. This is about protecting our dunes, maintaining safe public access. Ensuring that we're not transferring avoidable costs to future years and future ratepayers. Residents across the entire Shire deserve a safe, accessible beach. They deserve a coastline that's actively this motion is now in motion. Managed. This motion is about taking practical, coordinated steps now, working with all the stakeholders, including Unitywater, and implementing short-term protections, and ensuring that we're properly funding and managing a system that's clearly under pressure. I'll ask I just asked Council today to support the motion so we can move on a reactive approach to a more coordinated one. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 46:54.552
Councillor Stockwell. Can I have a second, please? Thank you. Stop on. Brian Stockwell 47:08.581
Cathy, if could you can bring it up. So, we're dealing with today in a notice of motion are quite complex, and the fact that it's a notice of motion rather than a report from staff means we're being asked to make a decision on limited information based on some assumptions which, with my experience, can be challenged. So what I did over the weekend is I got out all the old historical aerial photos to map the flow path from 1958 through 2004, and then there's digital imagery. After that, what you see there is the highly dynamic system of flow paths from the discharge of the Burgess Creek onto the beach. You'll see the dotted lines is where that image is. Those aerial photos show the tree line at the edge of the dominant dune and in that analysis it shows that tree line has been remarkably stable to the north of Burgess Creek for over 70 years. So, one of the assumptions, and it's in the first sentence of the background, is that the erosion is forming degradation. There is no support for the fact that the erosion, which is a natural process on beaches, is leading to degradation, as is multi-dimensional decline in the overall quality, health and functionality of an ecosystem. It's important to note that the water treatment plant, bischar, which is used as a suggestion that it should be fair and reasonable to involve Unitywater in the addressing of the issue, didn't start until 1998. So if you can go through the next slide, Cathy. You can see in 1979, the creek flow similar to where it is now. Next one. 82, fairly similar where it is now, right up against the tree line. Next one please. 83, fairly similar, quite long and right up against the tree line. If we go on, 84, similar. So what do we know? That staff working on the catchment moon plan have been working with University of the Sunshine Coast and the location of those flows and that outlet alignment is highly reactive to wave direction and whether it's an el line-needle Nino or a La Niña system. That's what strongly influences the outside. Dune scarping at the outland, higher the need for dynamic trigger-based management which is proposed in the catchment management plan. The 2020-2023 La Niña did exacerbate the process of that movement towards the treeline and it has reduced the buffer width. There's no demand but. The concept that it's related to increased freshwater flows from the sewerage treatment is. Not really supported. The USC research, University of the Sunshine Coast research says flow matters only in the mid to post realignment phase. Okay, just the flows are coming back that way. Council also has been realigning the creek to manage erosion since 2011. It costs about 5k or 10k for getting externals to do it. And also Dr. Javier Leon, the University of the Sunshine Coast. Okay, just st John professor, I think he's just a doctor, who's leading the research, suggests that it doesn't support hard or permeable structure of the creek mouth and also rises the issue that mechanical realignment is not the best ecological solution. So we've got this dynamic system. We know it's been there before. We know the system's recovered in the, you know, depending on whether La Niña, El Niño, the sand comes, the dunes reform. There hasn't been long-term loss of permanent vegetation, only those ephemeral dunes that adapted to this condition. So if we go to the next one. However, there is an urgent need. Beaches foreshore management plan says the northern bank of the creek near the mouth east of Daedalus Way is eroding due to a combination of uncontrolled foot traffic down and on a very steep creek bank and high peak water flow. Next one. Please. You can see there a section of the bank that rises from two or three metres up to nine metres very rapidly and that's what the tracks look like on your right. That is degradation. If you look at the next one you can see once again there are other tracks coming down. The VOA states that the vegetation condition is poor and notes the coffee rope slope is badly eroded from foot traffic coming down the slope from bypass probably also overland flow from top and peak flow from the creek. So is there one more? No. So Councillors I agree that we should treat the degradation of our coastal dunes in the Burgess Creek as a priority. In fact we've had that as a priority for a number of years in the eastern beaches foreshore management plan. This is what the top priority and we have in the last couple of budgets had requests from staff to put more money into addressing the informal unapproved beach accesses which is causing the erosion. And I argue we don't need a Noosa motion to address the highest priority issue we just need to consider it in the budget meeting and we can address things like just doing the simple things that aren't costly like fencing off areas and closing them for regeneration. We don't for uni need to go to Unitywater and try and make an argument that their water flow is causing erosion which the science says is caused by wind waves and the dominant climate Jessica Phillips 52:48.258
Background on what happened if they established the catchment plan in '90, wastewater treatment plan in '98? Who was managing it before that? Brian Stockwell 53:00.690
It was a very reputable organisation called Noosa Shire Council. So we had it and then the legislation came that all water and sewage got lumped up at a regional Amelia Lorentson 53:25.561
I have a question to the CEO. I think it was in 2022, 2023, Council supported a study, coastal change along Noosa, and Javier Leon was the university lecturer that actually provided a paper. Can I ask, and I don't know, Director of strategy environment, did the report indicate or highlight the damage or, not the damage, did it align any of the erosion activity to the Burgess Creek what wastewater treatment plant? Margaret Gatt 54:22.312
Are you able open to answer that? It doesn't matter. All right, fellow Councillors, fellow Councillor Amelia, the study that you're referring to, oh yes, of Kim Rawlings 54:32.650
Course, the study you're referring to that we commissioned around the 2023-24 period USC. UNSC did find that the average creek outflows, the average flow, can contribute to erosion, but the predominant driver of erosion is the wave direction and intensity that's driven by el niño and la niña cycles. So that period of triple back-to la niñas that led up to the '22 flood event had a significant impact on erosion of the dunes. Now that we're going into potentially a super el niño phase, we expect significant. Accretion or restoration of the dune as the creek will migrate southwards. That's the expectation. Now is a good time probably to be restoring that dune, which we've applied for grant funding, but have been unsuccessful at as of yet. So yeah. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 55:29.194
You. A question to the CEO. So I've met with the CEO months and with photos and asking whether we can, and to correct just a statement made before the notice of motion. Just throw suggestions. I'm not an expert. And we need to have stakeholders, including our environment. Excuse me, question to the CEO. Have you spoken to the CEO of Unitywater about what I've proposed today? And can I ask what's the response? Larry Sengstock 56:02.677
Yes, I've them. Given the CEO, we had a regular catch up yesterday, in fact. So I gave her a heads up that this was on the table for today. And she's prepared to she's come to a meeting and have a discussion around it. But there's obviously no commitments and things at this point in time. But she's more than happy because she's aware of the whole catchment, the Birch street catchment plan that we're doing. And, you know, I'm sure that, again, she's not making any commitments. But she's certainly happy to join in a meeting with me. Thank you. Kim Rawlings 56:36.519
Can I add to that? Yes. It's just also worth noting that the Unitywater are part of the Stakeholder Reference Group for the integrated water catchment management plan. And at an operational level, we met with Unitywater very regularly. So there's very consistent and ongoing conversations at all levels of Unitywater and has been for Nicola Wilson 56:56.951
Many years. Can I just ask Burgess expected to be delivered and is this motion seeking anything in addition to what would be in that catchment plan? Kim Rawlings 57:14.244
So the first part of that question is the catchment management plan is under development at the moment. We're just finalising a briefing paper for Council at the moment, which will come to you in the next week or two. The hope is that the draft plan will be developed and delivered by mid-year for broader consultation. There's been the first phase of stakeholder consultation that's happened. So we're moving on it. It's pretty quick, pretty soon. Obviously that you know that catchment management plan will look at short medium and long term solutions for a range of issues this one included as well as ongoing consultation and engagement with key stakeholders in the catchment which includes Unitywater this note is a notice of motion covers some of those issues are covered but it also sort of goes outside and says we note that's happening but can we do something in the short-term with Unitywater so yes and no. Frank Wilkie 58:23.923
Where might you mentioned that staff are preparing a briefing note for councils I think next week we're getting a briefing on Burgess Creek catchment management plan. Will that include advice about hydrology such as the movement of Burgess Creek mouth? You know, and the factors at play there? We've got the whole team here. Kim Rawlings 58:55.320
Thank you Councillors Through the Chair. The note that the briefing paper that will be delivered next week is intended to provide an update of the process to this point. The information that we have learned through technical reports and two rounds of community engagement, targeted stakeholder engagement I should say, and what's coming up in the future. So we're yet to finalise it. We're not sure how much technical information will be in the briefing paper the project progresses, you know, all the information will be provided to Council. So because it's in development at the moment, so you know it's just about the stage we're at the moment, Councillor Wilkie, but as it progresses all of that information, technical information will be provided to Council, as will the draft plan. Frank Wilkie 59:47.558
Okay. So the information that Cheyenne delivered before about the movement of the mouth being attributed more to wave action and weather patterns. Where the well that's yes. Will that form part of the Burgess Creek catchment management plan? Definitely. Kim Rawlings 01:00:02.937
Is it pertinent to that? It's one of the most important studies that's underpinning the technical report for the Burgess Creek integrated catchment management plan and our team would always be happy to provide an update on the erosion studies that we have done and the modelling that we continue to develop with University of the Sunshine Coast and The University of Queensland specifically targeting Burgess Creek because we've done quite a lot of work since that last study which I can provide. An update for if it were requested by Council. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:00:39.462
I would like to encourage the mover to consider withdrawing the motion until we've had a briefing at least about the Burgess Creek group catchment management plan. It was a gift to not us an opportunity to have access to more scientific information before we make a decision that commits us to interfering with the course of a natural waterway involving sandbags or whatever without first considering the scientific information. We've heard that, and I've seen aerial photographs myself prior to 1998 when the water treatment plant was introduced, that Burgess Creek still moved to the north and was cutting in the June which accreted during different weather patterns. We've got a regular operational work that will adjust the mount Burgess Creek on an operational level for a relatively small cost already but I really caution against moving a approving a motion that commits us to a course of action that involves interfering with the natural waterway before we've had access to all councils have had access to really good solid hydrological information such as that we just heard I think it's a great idea that we engage with Unitywater they are a stakeholder I understand they're already involved but I think I would feel a lot more comfortable if a motion like this came back before us after all councils have had access to a fuller briefing about the catchment management plan and the science of the hydro. Hydrology Amelia Lorentson 01:02:22.860
Can I ask through the CEO, so discussion so our discussions was that the notice of motion is simply a letter it's simply an email and I've just understood that's already happened and it's a meeting with Unitywater and other stakeholders including hydrologists and environmental people so my question to the CEO is would progressive progressing with this notice of motion which is a meeting with the CEO and other stakeholders to address a short-term solution to what's happening at the moment and opportunity for cost sharing arrangements does that conflict with what the Mayor just said in terms of waiting for further information and a hydrology report? The notice of motion not doing the same thing? Can I just how to seek your advice? Larry Sengstock 01:03:24.521
Sure, Through the Chair, I think we discussed this as well when we were talking about this before, is that it still has to have the same people around the table essentially from our end to discuss this and decide whether there is a possibility of doing anything or whether it's just something that's not practical at this point in time. So really, I think that's where my mind was at. It's sort of question. An adjunct to this plan that's being done so that we can at least consider it if it's not possible, which it may well not be possible because of a whole range of reasons and maybe something we say, look, it needs to just be continued with the works that we do. Regular operational works to when it gets to a point of really interfering with the walkway. But again, then, again, it's really just, was really in my mind just to get the right people around the table and say here it is, here's our issue, where does it fit in, can anything be done, if not does it just feed back into the overall plan and we deal with it at that point in time. Was that was how I priced approached it. Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 01:04:32.600
Any other Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Karen Finzel 01:04:36.064
I just have a question. Councillor Finzel. Just can you please confirm through the CEO that Unitywater is the regulatory. Body over that who's the regulatory body, Larry Sengstock 01:04:49.087
Please? Oh, no, it's us. It's our property. It's us. They feed into that creek. And again, we've got to recognise it, I think, that Kim said that, you know, it's not. They're not the only ones feeding water into there as well it's a catchment so it's coming off everybody's roofs, it's coming off everybody's gutters and drains and everything else into that catchment and then coming through. So, you know, we have a higher water flow after a big rain event. There's no question. But certainly Unitywater recognise that they're part of our community, they're part of this, and that's why when I spoke to the CEO yesterday she was happy to consider it and at least have a discussion and see where it went. So, you know, with no commitment again. Brian Stockwell 01:05:31.907
Schell: do Councillor Stockwell yeah, I just think there might be some clarification here that perhaps our manager of environmental services may be able to do it. Be able to do it. Larry Sengstock 01:05:39.277
The coastal management act. Councillor Stockwell I'm probably saying. Councillor Stockwell conservation. Councillor Stockwell I'm probably a bit general in terms of. Councillor Stockwell yeah, below high water mark, Brian Stockwell 01:05:44.887
I would. Councillor Stockwell yes, yeah. Councillor Stockwell I would believe that the State government is actually the responsible regulatory authority to make practice the environmental service management. Councillor Stockwell yeah, that's it. What comes out. Thank you. Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 01:05:57.505
I'll speak to it quickly. Okay. I think what I've heard now is that the notice of motion just sort of complements what's already been done. The notice of motion process know there's different views around the table, but we can disagree on a lot of things at this table, and then we can agree on a few, I'm sure. That is the process that we can all use. We're all allowed to go into the CEO and work out what's been priority, what someone in the community has asked for. I think Councillor Lorentson has done that. The process is there. It's in our Standing Orders. Outstanding orders for me. If the notice of the Noosa motion complements work that we're doing, there's really no reason to say we don't support it because it's not adding additional. When we went through this whole process, we said we just want to check if it doesn't add additional burden financially, then we want to know about it. If it's not going to all of a sudden divert us from so far the other way, it would make sense to disagree with it. But to me, it almost, we waste more time debating why we wouldn't just see it go through. If there's conversation that the CEO and the Councillors have had. In a room that says this doesn't divert resources or costs. I've quite enjoyed listening to some of the history around it. But for me, I'll just support the fact that it doesn't commit us to anything more than it complements. The process, and yeah, I'll support it today. It makes sense to me. Tom Wegener 01:07:34.450
Council, we're going to. Question. No, it does seem to add an extra burden on Council because you're asking for potential sandbagging, potential realignment of the creek, despite that we have the integrated action plan, and so we are actually, she's asking for a reactive approach versus a coordinated approach. A coordinated approach is what we're doing, and it seems as though we've been asked to do a reactive approach, that knee-jerk reaction, oh my gosh, there's some erosion, perhaps it's from people walking down the cliff and pushing down, and people can definitely create erosion going down. Oh yeah, so it's a question. I'm not speaking to the motion. It looked like you were arguing on that. Did, well, no, maybe I will, okay, I won't ask the question, it just appears as though this actually is implementing immediate action, reactive action, when we're in the process right now of a coordinated approach to this. Because as far as I look at the water going parallel to the shore, if you look up at the satellite photos we're looking at, you may know that there's a lot of trees growing where there is because that water, that fresh water sits in the lower dunes there and it goes up to the trees, that actually there is a lot of good. From water on the beach there feeding the microbiome life through the sand out to the beach. So it's a natural thing that naturally happens. Maybe the unnatural thing is that the people walking down and pushing down the cliff and creating the erosion. Just saying, but I would much rather stick to our coordinated action than a reactive action. Jessica Phillips 01:09:14.912
Question to the CEO. From the notice of motion, Council is not going to go out and put some sandbags as a reactive measure from this notified motion? Larry Sengstock 01:09:23.571
That's not my understanding, no. It's really just to explore that and to talk to these guys and see if that's a realistic possibility. And then it would have to still come back because it would be a cost, absolute cost that we don't have in our budget. Amelia Lorentson 01:09:38.292
Can I ask a question to the CEO? So the way that I've worded this alongside you is an understanding that there may not be an environmentally sound solution to this in terms of geotextile or revetment structures, etc. but that's part of the process and discussion. So a question to the CEO. The report coming back to Council may just affirm there may not be a short-term solution. That's exactly it. That's my opinion. Frank Wilkie 01:10:10.041
Is this committing Council to a report over and above the other report that's been and that crew catchment action plan? At action plant um as I am understand. If we approve this again another report. Kim Rawlings 01:10:28.588
Well as I understand the loan assumption doesn't call for a report, Frank Wilkie 01:10:32.973
Does it? No. Kim Rawlings 01:10:36.838
Apologies, yes. It would be committing Council to another report which, yes, would be outside the process of what we're doing with the integrated water Larry Sengstock 01:10:48.787
Catchment management. Thank you. It is a report but it's more of a response is the way I see it. Thank you, thank you. It's not a huge report. Amelia Lorentson 01:11:01.800
Can I request if it's there's a brings around the table to change the word report to a just a CEO just to bring the response from Unitywater back to Councillors in a workshop. Frank Wilkie 01:11:21.776
Someone could amend someone could amend the notice of motion. Thank you very much. Would someone like to move an amendment? Is there a is there a willingness for someone to amend the notice of motion? Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:11:41.375
Request the CEO report not report, sorry. Request the CEO provide a response to Councillors following the meeting with you. Do you want to change item C? Yes. Provide a response to Councillors following meetings at Unitywater and stay closed. So that would then be in the CDF? Larry Sengstock 01:12:33.656
Yes. It doesn't have to come to Council. Frank Wilkie 01:12:57.523
And are you're you leaving a request to CEO to bring a report to Council? Nicola Wilson 01:13:00.380
No, so that was with Unitywater and stakeholders. I'm just trying to find the striker version. Kim Rawlings 01:13:10.047
Sorry, with Unitywater and stakeholders. Brian Stockwell 01:13:11.883
A couple of typos in there. Didn't they? Yep. Yeah, just let me know. Frank Wilkie 01:13:26.181
Do we have a seconder for that? Oh, I'm happy to second for the purpose of debate. Councillor Finzel? Okay, Councillor Wilson will speak to that. Nicola Wilson 01:13:35.060
Hopefully that's fairly self-explanatory, but I think it takes away that extra workload of having a full report. As Councillor Lorentson said, it might be quite a anyway, but I think all we need really is not to have a public meeting at this stage, because we will get the catchment plan coming to Council anyway, but we could just discuss this briefly at CDF, and then I think it's you. Worth looking at that relationship with Unitywater anyway, and what we can actually get from them to look at short-term solutions. But without putting undue work on staff. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:14:14.099
Any Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Finzel. Karen Finzel 01:14:16.892
I just have a question. Noosa Council and Unitywater have been running a monitoring program using. Bores, I believe. Is that correct? To better understand how groundwater influences the creek and that there was also a commitment from senator Powell to put money on the table once the. There was a commitment to the catchment management plan of that funding so I feel that Council has already been moving forward so I'm trying to just clarify that technical issue that is underway and Unitywater Through the Chair and CEO is actually working closely with Council currently and this is what the stakeholders in my opinion I'm seeking clarification are already working in the field and in other areas to bring us towards that solution where we have the completed catchment management plan where funding has been put by minister power. Kim Rawlings 01:15:18.957
Thank you Through the Chair that that's correct so we have a funding commitment from the State government to develop the integrated water management plan which we're well in train of delivery a $50,000 contribution from Unitywater to the first phase of the project to do the work that helps subsidise the work that you described so that is correct Karen Finzel 01:15:47.404
So a question then to clarify what was spoken before that you are just about ready to bring a report to Council regarding all of these matters. Kim Rawlings 01:15:57.514
Yes there's a phased process so we're providing you with a briefing note next week to bring you up to date following the previous status update we gave you. And then we'll talk to Council about whether or not you're a workshop or whether you want the draft plan just to come to Council so yes we are well in train of doing those next steps thank you Frank Wilkie 01:16:24.438
The council's Councillor Finzel Karen Finzel 01:16:25.864
Yes so then I wish to speak to it thank you to our wordsmith for bringing this to very succinctly to just support this given the information we've just been received I think we're already moving and progressing through this process so I'm happy to support the how it is in the current form Thank you. As in the amended form yes to clarify in the amended form to make it quite succinct not put extra workload and call another report of staff I think they're already well into the work at hand so I'm satisfied for the CEO to just us a response following your meeting with Unitywater. Frank Wilkie 01:17:08.078
Thank you Councillor Finzel. Now the Council should speak to the amendment wish to close Councillor Wilson? Those in favour? Councillor Wegener, Wilson, sorry, Councillor Wilson, Wegener, Wilson, Stockwell, Lawrence and Finzel Phillips against Councillor Wilkie. That's carried. Becomes part of the substantive motion. That's carried. Councillor Phillips asked? Phil, Councillor Phillips. Except for Councillor Wilkie. Councillor Phillips. Can I stop? Councillor Wilkie keep-- Wilkie was against. Yeah. Now, it takes us back to the original motion to which everyone has spoken except Councillor or Councillor Finzel. That's your right to not speak if you don't want to. Yeah. Councillor Lorentson and Mr. Close. Amelia Lorentson 01:18:16.125
I do and I thank you for the respectful debate and conversation around the table. I just want to raise in 20-- in June 2022, I made the notice of motion and I made that notice of motion because I met with the CEO at the time, the Mayor. At the time and with a lot of residents. And we were walking down the stees of Burgess Creek to access this beautiful beach and we couldn't actually access the beach. The erosion-- had reached staircase and also threatened at the time, you know, compromising potentially the integrity of David Low Way. So that's when I started in this space with Burgess Creek. The notice of motion, which was supported by almost unanimously at the time, I can't remember, but by full majority and ratified in June 2022, actually stipulated, A, actions undertaken by Council to manage the Burgess Creek mouth, including erosion management, short-term and long-term. It's four years down the track and we've got a ratified decision by Council and we're still in the planning stages and I'm very respectful of the staff time. I'm also very, very appreciative of the $100,000 funding that was committed by a state candidate and by the LNP, which is now seeing some real action in this space. The reason I brought this notice of motion is I have over the last two years and there are weekends where I think I'm just forever annoying our meet CEO. I with residents, I meet with people that used to work in fisheries. I meet with hydrologists that live in Sunrise Beach. I meet with surfrider that I'm a member of. The World Surfing Reserve also sit in this space with Burgess Creek. It's not going away. And to me, my concern at the moment when I meet with them is you actually have to traverse the dual system. So we spend all this time residents the importance of our dual system, and yet I feel sometimes that the way that we're managing this particular location, I don't know, just we need to lead with best practice respectful of the CEO and the advice I've been giving to date, there might not be an environmentally great solution. So the notice of motion was simply that this is actually quite important to the community. It's quite an urgent issue. We're experiencing general erosion, not caused just by discharge from the treatment wastewater plant. It is stormwater. It is legacy night soils. Council are part of the problem, I'll say a problem, but part of the discharge. So the notice of motion was simply let's talk to Unitywater, see if they'll come to the table and talk to our environmental staff who are experts in this space. There may be a solution, there may not be a solution. But waiting for the progress of the integrated Burgess Creek catchment plan, that's years away. And $100,000 in funding won't get us that far. We then have to then assess what are the long-term solutions and what cost is that. So to me, respect, again, great conversation around the table. And I hope you support a really simple notice of motion to see whether we can go to step two and try to work out some solutions to help protect the dual system and also protect our infrastructure. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. Frank Wilkie 01:22:24.607
Put the motion. Those in favour? Councillor Wilson, Lorentson, Phillips and Wilkie. Against? Wegener, Stockwell and Finzel. It's counted. It brings us to consideration of committee reports. Planning & Environment Committee recommendation dated 7th of April. We only have one recommendation for the PME committee. That's the planning applications decided by delegated authority. The move and seconded for the committee recommendation. Brian Stockwell 01:23:10.431
To go down in history as the last person to move the adoption of the Planning & Environment Committee. Frank Wilkie 01:23:14.911
Councillor Stockwell. Recommendation. Second. All in favour? Seconded Phillips. Service organisation and committee dated 7th of April. Noosa Aquatic Centre lease renewal. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:23:30.607
Could I pull that out and I want to declare a conflict of interest on the matter? Yes. Thank you very much. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I, lillard, Councillor Lorentson, informed the meeting that I would prescribe conflict of interest in relation to item 11.2.1 Noosa Aquatic Centre Café lease renewal on this agenda as I engaged a few days ago with the applicant regarding the proposed contract during the live procurement contract process. As a result of my conflict of interest, I'm going to choose to leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Frank Wilkie 01:24:28.463
I need somebody to move and second the motion. Brian Stockwell 01:24:33.861
Yeah, I'll have to move the committee recommendation. Frank Wilkie 01:24:36.864
Thank you. I have a seconder. Councillor Phillips. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. And Councillor Lorentson will come back to the meeting, please. You. Next up is item 11.2. Confidential contract CN25082, provision of turf mowing and maintenance services. 11.2.3, confidential formalisation of budget and grant application authority, Compost Facility Project. 11.2.4, confidential landfill capping technology. 11.2.5 is the S&O committee recommendations en bloc. We'll move them second, please. Rawlings, Councillor Finzel, seconded by Councillor Wilson. Any discussion? All in favour? That's carried unanimously. Now we have the General Committee Meeting scheduled Chairperson. We have the 11.3.2 Tourism Noosa funding and performance deed. We'll deal with this item separately. Does anyone have a motion that they would care to move? This was the motion that was forwarded. From Tuesday. Councillor Lorentson. Amelia Lorentson 01:26:07.841
Could I please Through the Chair just make a request and I think it's important. I put a question on notice at the General Committee that I'm requesting a reply to. It's a procedural question and just in terms of whether the Standing Orders were correctly applied the declaration of the vote. I've asked for that question on notice to the CEO and had also afterwards requested some legal advice. The results of the legal advice? Larry Sengstock 01:26:49.079
Yes, so we have had legal advice. It is the standing um the Standing Orders of as we all understand, the Standing Orders are there and always an interpretation because it doesn't cater for every scenario and every situation so it required some interpretation. We have had legal advice. The legal advice say that we are able to move forward and I'm still getting the final legal advice to get it absolute but the absolute advice for them is we're able to move forward with the motion as it currently stands so the action that we took on Monday. Nicola Wilson 01:27:41.170
No, I've got a question are you saying now that we're not permitted and we can just go go with this? Larry Sengstock 01:27:51.046
No, no, no, that's not what I'm saying. That from a motion to be considered at this meeting that we were able to do that. We're able to because we went to the path of the vote and then the procedural motion, then these motions, they're saying we've followed a path that's acceptable and that this motion is now, um, sorry. It's a recommendation is now something that can be, now considered. Does that help? Not really. We've followed a process that's acceptable to the legal. So we're only talking about the procedural Nicola Wilson 01:28:32.464
At the moment. Would it be beneficial for the public to learn about the other legal advice? Larry Sengstock 01:28:43.216
This legal advice or? Nicola Wilson 01:28:44.558
About what we're committed to from the December meeting. Give me that as a question, I'll notice. Larry Sengstock 01:28:55.368
So the advice from our lawyers as well is that yes we are committed to the funding, that's their advice. To the funding um and that's the advice that I'm working with. So we are committed to funding the Tourism Noosa as in line with the resolution in the December meeting to three years of $2 million per dollars year, per year including oil. Or plus the CPI as it as we've proposed in the deed. Frank Wilkie 01:29:25.268
The legal advice also says there is we do have latitude with other elements of the deed in terms of capitalising itself. KPIs themselves. Larry Sengstock 01:29:34.565
Well the legal advice is we can we're committed to the funding in terms of the deed we still have to work through the final elements within that deed and that's if they all they have the group or the Councillors want to um to get in that part yes. Unknown 01:29:50.716
Councillor Wilson. I'll move an amendment then please. There's no motion. Unidentified Speaker 01:29:55.035
Oh well. Just a motion. Larry Sengstock 01:29:57.866
Just that you don't know. No one's making a motion. One's this is still a recommendation. It's amending that. Frank Wilkie 01:30:05.628
So Councillor Wilson, this is yours. Yep. You can get a read out. Nicola Wilson 01:30:15.094
Council A, note the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa. B, does not adopt the proposed deed in its current form. C, Resolve that schedule 1 KPIs require further refinement to address specific Councillor concerns. D, appoint a Councillor representation to join the deed working group the final KPI development and finalisation. And E, present the revised KPIs to the June meeting round. Frank Wilkie 01:30:39.433
I have a seconder for that please. Councillor Phillips, Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:30:52.361
We need a position to move forward. I'm still not comfortable with aspects of the Roadmap indeed but understand that this Council made a commitment to continue to fund TN with a 3- vote in December and I respect that and our latest legal advice despite being contrary to previous advice I received in the meeting and recently. But we do need to move forward and work with that legal advice. I think the main feedback from the community and Councillors has been around the lack of meaningful, measurable and performance-driven KPIs given we're talking $6 million in public funds. I hope this resolution would give some assurance to the community that the KPIs will be further developed for full accountability. And yes, I am volunteering my time to do that. Frank Wilkie 01:31:38.357
Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Any questions or Councillors wish to speak to the motion? Amelia Lorentson 01:31:54.562
I'd like to move an amendment, please. I'm just going to try a couple of amendments. That Council requires that prior to executing execution of the funding deed receives advice confirming that Tourism Noosa Roadmap does not limit council's ability. She's sick. For bit, the good. Council receives advice. Confirming. That the Tourism Noosa Roadmap does not limit council's ability to set, measure and enforce clear performance-based KPIs. Just consume and is consistent with the funding deed in ensuring enforceable outcomes and value for money. In what is it ensuring? Enforceable outcomes and value for money. So are you changing that to be the, you're getting rid of everything else except that? I can't see the question, and add and that add as a an E, I think it is, if you can go back. Add it as E? Yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:34:16.962
Are there any questions? About the wording? Amelia Lorentson 01:34:21.172
Yeah, if anyone wants to play with that, but I think that's clear. Nicola Wilson 01:34:37.935
We don't need all those about Council because there's, it starts with that. Amelia Lorentson 01:34:41.622
Yeah, get rid of a couple of councils. Requires that prior to execution, Council confirms, forget Council receives, just require the project execution, the funding deed, advice, sorry, Council receives advice confirming that the toys and Noosa Roadmap does not limit council's ability to set, measure and enforce career performance. Frank Wilkie 01:35:10.180
Yeah, I'm happy with that. Is anyone willing to second that? Nicola Wilson 01:35:31.302
Thank you. Brian Stockwell 01:35:35.481
I'm going to ask a question to CEO. My understanding of the legal advice we've received this week has already achieved that outcome. Any comment please? Larry Sengstock 01:35:47.109
I'm on reading that, would be my assumption that the deed already covers that, but it's for you to debate. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:35:58.102
Councillor Wilson, Nicola Wilson 01:35:58.943
Sorry. Can I just ask the question of Councillor Lorentson of where this has come from? So is there a risk that we can't do this under the Roadmap? Amelia Lorentson 01:36:12.495
I'm possibly happy to. Withdraw this and pose this as questions. It's possibly more for my clarity. I spent some time last night reading the Roadmap. So I'm happy to withdraw this and maybe just ask the questions rather than play with an amendment. Thank you. We're having-- Ms. I agree. I'm struggling. I am. I'm going to just throw the things that went through my mind. Thank you. Question. So my first one is I really need to understand the purpose of the Tourism Noosa Roadmap and the role that it plays in this funding decision. Councillor, oh. Is it a binding Frank Wilkie 01:36:55.117
Document or just advisory? Amelia Lorentson 01:37:01.993
That's much pretty the question I'm asking. Kim Rawlings 01:37:05.527
Thanks Councillor Lorentson and Through the Chair. Council will recall, Council will recall that in May last year we requested the development of a Roadmap or confirmed the collaborative the development of a collaborative Roadmap with Tourism Noosa, which would take into account the fact that the Council was developing a new approach to managing our visitor economy through the Destination Management Plan and that the Roadmap process would allow both organisations to understand what that new strategy, where it's heading, what the role of each of the organisations were, how we work together and how we provide clarity about who does what to advance that strategy. So it is what it says it is, it's a Roadmap, it's a guiding piece of work and I think, I haven't got the report in front of me, but I think the report talks about the Roadmap to be to guide. Amelia Lorentson 01:38:01.951
Does mention guiding principle, but then in the executive summary, and this is where I was. Oh, sorry. Thank you, Kim. I think my confusion was it did actually say it was a guiding principle, but in the executive summary and other parts it talked about it as a critical. Strategic document, so I just kept going which one is it? Kim Rawlings 01:38:23.256
So I don't think they're mutually exclusive, I think it could be both. It was a piece of strategic work that assessed a raft of potential models for Council to consider which model might we move forward on to best position a partner organisation to deliver on the DMP. So in that sense it was a very strategic critical piece of work but it is also and it is also a Roadmap to guide the future and it talks about various stages and various evolution opportunities. As a you know as a reference document which Council has endorsed so it is an important piece of work. The deed also has been developed in alignment with the Roadmap and talks to the fact that the Roadmap is an important document as reference. Thank you that answers my question, thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:39:22.059
Any other Councillors wish to speak to Councillor Wilson's motion? Brian Stockwell 01:39:28.483
It's a question, E he talks about to the June meeting round. In terms of meeting our responsibilities, is that satisfactory? Is it something. That will this end. Put the us right to edge of time? And if we don't do it at that meeting, we're running into problems. Larry Sengstock 01:39:56.061
That's a very good question. I'd like to get it done before June. I think we're giving ourselves a little bit of extra time. But. Our commitment is. Currently we've got an agreement with thruzum Noosa to June 30. So we've got that time in there. And is a commitment, as we said, from a funding point of view, that the funding is committed. Now it's really just working through Nadine and getting that in place. So I would like to have a bit earlier, but I also don't want to put the pressure on it and come with something that's not fully, developed and to everybody's satisfaction. So June, I think, would work. I would. We still need to. Looking at the Director here, we'd still need to certainly confirm that with tourism but my understanding is legally I think we're in a position we can do that. Jessica Phillips 01:40:52.931
Want to help community and myself understand the process from May 2025 last year. So when we adopted the Roadmap process, did that also lock us into future funding of Tourism Noosa? Frank Wilkie 01:41:11.992
Director Rawlings? No. Kim Rawlings 01:41:17.461
No, Through the Chair, excuse me. Llewyn Council adopted the Roadmap in May last year. That process, that decision did not lock Council into funding Tourism Noosa on an ongoing basis. Your endorsement of the Roadmap and the preferred and funding occurred in December. Larry Sengstock 01:41:50.611
So so if we remember that in May the Roadmap was to consider a number of options in terms of funding and bodies to actually take it forward we had in that Roadmap we had a commitment because Noosa Tourism Noosa was our is funding body and the group that we were currently working with we had a commitment to give them a decision of whether we were going to go forward or not with them by the end of December so that's what drove that but at that point there was no commitment to do it there was a there was part of the agreement or part of that decision process but certainly the idea was to look at options which we did and it was decided at that December meeting Tourism Noosa would be the body that we would go Jessica Phillips 01:42:39.967
Forward so to follow on from that May 2025 there was no decision to consider that we would fund Tourism Noosa beyond that. Then in December when I wasn't here what what other cancelled options was Council given to consider other in December they decided to fund Tourism Noosa. What other recommendations apart from funding Tourism Noosa to deliver the strategy was provided to Council as options and I know watch the December meeting but I would rather community understand how that they got to that. Kim Rawlings 01:43:37.587
Looking in short Council were presented with a report and an attachment which potential outlined eight options for a potential model for how we might manage the visitor economy and the tourism, a range of services that are provided to tourism on an ongoing basis. So there was eight models presented and that was after months of working and investigating and analysing and evaluating those models with including independent assessment that was presented to Council in workshops. Of those models there was discussions with Councillors about various models various Councillors provided options can we consider this and that can we consider a hybrid all of those things were taken into account and were part of the eight models that were presented consideration the option two of the eight models was the one that was recommended for endorsement but there was eight models with an analysis of all of those models ranging from status quo to moving towards a completely different model around you know like an economic development corporation to bringing the services in-house, to doing a hybrid, to evolving tourism Noosa along a spectrum of eight models that were analysed and worked through over a number of months. Option two was an evolve of tourism Noosa. Tourism Noosa towards a more regenerative tourism organisation in line with our DMP and that was the model that was endorsed. Jessica Phillips 01:45:26.409
And then so questions for the timeline for communities that in December Council adopted option two which also then locked in. Funding for three years. Kim Rawlings 01:45:41.011
Option two was based on a base level of funding of two million dollars and a three-year arrangement the then and for terms, KPIs, measures or all of those things to come back to Council following that which I think at that time was February or March any Frank Wilkie 01:46:06.151
Other Councillors wish to speak to Councillor Wilson's motion. Tom Wegener 01:46:17.747
So the key to the Roadmap is to implement the Destination Management Plan through Tourism Noosa. Is that correct guys? That's is that I'll answer your question. Frank Wilkie 01:46:33.234
Tourism Noosa has some responsibilities under the action plan of the DMP. Council has many as well. Not entirely. The whole responsibility for delivering the DMP will not rest with tourism this number. Tom Wegener 01:46:47.479
No, of course it won't completely rest with Tourism Noosa by any stretch. My question is are we starting from scratch with this motion and starting over again or is this interpreting as to say most of it's really good. We're stick with it that we don't need to re-establish that Tourism Noosa is largely going to be supporting the Destination Management Plan and it's only a handful of KPIs so are we just looking at a handful of KPIs and the rest of the Roadmap is okay or are we scrapping that the lot starting over again. Frank Wilkie 01:47:24.310
Councillor Wilson. Nicola Wilson 01:47:26.758
There's nothing there about revisiting the Roadmap that's already been endorsed. Is this is that there's also within the deed I think a requirement for TN to update its strategy in line with the DMP. KPIs should be supporting or measuring the performance of that strategy so it's looking at yeah maybe eight twelve eight yeah, maybe 8, 12 KPIs that really measure structure. Whether they're delivering on that strategy to support the DMP. Tom Wegener 01:48:11.440
So we're really looking at that the KPI we're gonna you're gonna work on those so that and then the rest of it is in situ actually yeah okay thank you. Jessica Phillips 01:48:23.818
Questions for the CEO? So if TN is going to have KPIs linked to DMP and as Councillor Wegener just stated that TN can't deliver all DMP the DMP, will Council have KPIs attached to what they will deliver DMP on? So there's clarity over what sits with Council and what sits with TN. Director Lawrence? Frank Wilkie 01:48:56.926
I'm going to follow up Councillor Wilson's logic. Kim Rawlings 01:49:03.620
TN are required to update their strategic plan and their other documents like their marketing plan and business plan to align with the DMP. That's a requirement of the that's deed Councillor Wilson just mentioned that the focus then is on KPIs to measure their achievement of their strategy and documents that align with the DMP. So that would be that piece of work yes Council will have KPIs there's a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework that sits alongside a draft monitoring evaluation framework that sits alongside the DMP that is being evolved and yes there will be KPIs and measures for progress against the DMP for Council. The DMP in success of its delivery will rely on a number of organisations not just tourist Noosa and not Council. It's a community led document and we heard from the minister of ice view reserve last week how they're geared up and already on the train of helping wanting to deliver against the DMP. And we anticipate and hope that there will be other organisations and partners in the community that also help advance the DMP and then a set of measures and outcomes that we will be working towards and monitoring on a regular basis. Jessica Phillips 01:50:31.625
Follow up on the question then. If the funding for TN is aligned to delivering KPIs, do we also set the same on ourselves as far as funding DMP in our internal process that we paternal were involved at funding or taking away funding from Council DMP process? If we're asking them to deliver it and match it on funding, are we going to do the same for ourselves? Unknown 01:50:57.318
I think you need to ask your Council that. A decision of the Council. Councillor Stockwell. Brian Stockwell 01:51:05.458
I'm going to try and amend it because I think I overheard something the CEO was with to you and that's to amend item D to read appoint Councillor Wilson as a representative to join the deed working group for final KPI development and then I'm an additional one in E, present the revised KPIs to the June meeting round at the latest. Karen Finzel 01:51:31.752
Do we need the date? Unidentified Speaker 01:51:36.214
Do we need the deed to be brought back as well? Brian Stockwell 01:51:39.956
Oh, that wasn't enough. And the deed, present the revised deed including KPIs to the June. That's right, yeah. Frank Wilkie 01:51:53.160
So the game it's mending deed, appointing Councillor Wilson to join the deed working group for the final KPI development and finalisation and present and item E to present the deed and including revised KPIs to the June meeting round because there may be at the latest. Because there may be Councillor Lorentson force majeure clause to be included as well. Thank you very much. Amelia Lorentson 01:52:19.054
I'm happy to second. If Brian Stockwell 01:52:27.608
You can do that I'll talk to it. The reason I've put Councillor Wilson on, if we had to wait for another month to appoint a Councillor it would hold things up and the second one's obvious it's just saying if Councillor Wilson is very good at convincing everyone that the way to go we'll have it in May. Frank Wilkie 01:52:56.869
We'll wait until that's finalised. Okay, that looks right. Councillor Stockwell, are you happy with that? We don't need Barry. Very. Any other Councillors wish to speak to? There was a seconder of Councillor Lorentson. I'll have each a second, thank you. Is there any other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Lorentson? Amelia Lorentson 01:53:40.846
I wait to support Councillors. Councillor Wilson to join the deed working group with your KPI expertise. I think you'll be a really valued addition to the working group. Frank Wilkie 01:53:55.824
Councillor Stockwell? Put it to the vote all in favour? That's unanimous. That's carried. It becomes part of the motion. Councillor? Jessica Phillips 01:54:03.234
Could I please ask Director Rawlings to help me draft some wording to. Based on my question before, to have an additional amendment on linking Council to have the same financial KPI model. Basically, I want to put the same. Scrutiny on us to deliver DMP as we are putting on TN. Do you mind? I'll start doing a little bit of work as well. Happy to ask for an adjournment, but I would also need. Your help too. It doesn't matter. Frank Wilkie 01:54:45.640
We'll have agenda. An adjournment on that one has raised a lot of financial and legal issues, I think. Brian Stockwell 01:54:51.620
Is it relevant to the DMP? Yeah, to prove it's not. An amendment. Frank Wilkie 01:54:59.954
It can't be. Well, we'll still have the adjournment. You've withdrawn. There seems to be lack of support or understanding at the moment, to your Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 01:55:16.150
That's okay, I respect that. Amelia Lorentson 01:55:20.604
Can I request a five minute adjournment so that Councillor Phillips has the opportunity to just rethink. And yeah just consider it. It's time for a break. Frank Wilkie 01:55:32.375
We're back at five past twelve. Frank Wilkie 02:14:51.721
Welcome back everybody from the adjournment. Councillor Phillips you have an amendment you'd like to attest. Thank you very much. Jessica Phillips 02:14:59.779
My amendment is it'll be F. Note that the DMP is supported by a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Council will annually publish results of progress against the Tourism Noosa KPIs and the broader outcomes of the DMP by the DMP web page and dashboard, including costs, and ensure that this information informs annual budget considerations. We have a seconder. Thanks, Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Phillips. Okay, what I was trying to get to, and thanks Director Rawlings for her help in this, I'm trying to set. Frank Wilkie 02:15:40.177
Councillor Phillips, just noticed that you moved, you seconded the original motion, which means you cannot move an amendment, but someone else may be. Able move that on your behalf. Amelia Lorentson 02:15:50.451
I'm happy to move it on behalf of Councillor Jessica Phillips. Brian Stockwell 02:15:54.403
I'm happy to second it. Frank Wilkie 02:15:57.409
So Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Stockwell, do you wish to waive your right to speak to Amelia Lorentson 02:16:02.667
It, to open to it? Like to defer it to Councillor Phillips. Thank you. Councillor Phillips. Jessica Phillips 02:16:09.147
Okay so I think my questions was trying to get to the point where if we're setting TN to their financial funding to make sure that they're the funding to the KPIs with their strategy that I think we should do exactly the same and I think it should be publicly provided so people can track through our dashboard what we're spending. Tiana's spending and where it lands is that way there's full transparency about the funding and it also should feed in my opinion our budget considerations because it ties into where over here. We get to every year where staff are working on something and it stops at budget or we need to know how it goes through that whole process so then it adds to exactly when we sit in the workshops now for a budget how it actually got there and it just keeps everything clearer. Frank Wilkie 02:17:10.395
Thank you Councillor Phillips. Any other Councillors wish to speak to the amendment? Councillor Wegener. Tom Wegener 02:17:16.784
It looks wonderful. The more communication the better on the DMP. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 02:17:22.158
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 02:17:24.043
Councillor Lorentson you wish to close? Amelia Lorentson 02:17:26.629
Well just by saying that to me I read this is a governance and accountability and transparency addition to motion. So so totally supportive we need to walk the talk and if we're asking for an organisation to come back to us and let us know whether they're progressing with you know with agreed performance indicators then I think we need to do exactly the same it's got to be a two-way partnership thank you Frank Wilkie 02:18:01.974
Put the amendment to the vote those in favour that is unanimous carried and becomes part of the substantive motion to which only Councillor Wilson has spoken anybody else wish to speak to the original motion council of lawrency Councillor Lorentson Amelia Lorentson 02:18:26.023
I am I'm just going to make this really brief we've spoken a lot over since the General Committee but I do want to start with the legal position I think it's really important that we know that we have received independent legal advice and it confirms that Council is legally committed to approximately two million dollars per year over three years in funding to Tourism Noosa and the advice also makes clear that there's some risk if Council were to withdraw from the funding that position arises from the decision in December 2025 when a casting vote carried the matter in a 3- split with one Councillor absent on pre-planned family and relief is this is a not a clear majority decision of Council and I think that background of context is really important 3- split is not consensus it tells us that Council was evenly balanced on whether the proceed with six million dollar long-term commitment and I think in those circumstances where an outcome is not determined by a majority position but by the casting vote of the Chair what that does for me is it elevates the responsibility Brian Stockwell 02:19:48.917
Yeah we're not dealing with the motion in front of us we're dealing with reviewing an action from December it's not relevant to Frank Wilkie 02:19:56.586
What we're dealing with today. That point of order is upheld. Councillor Lorentson could you your comments to the motion before us please. Amelia Lorentson 02:20:05.789
So my point is that our responsibility now is to ensure that we have a framework that is strong, clear and defensible as possible and I think that for those reasons the motion in front of us requires further refinement of the KPIs and the performance indicators and for the development and finalisation of the deed and I think that meets our obligation. Terms of exercising due care and diligence and our government's responsibility so I'm happy to support the motion in front of us as the next step forward. Thank you Councillor Lorentson. Jessica Phillips 02:20:49.374
I'm going to speak to it. Councillor Phillips. Thanks. I'm going to support the motion in front of us but I will speak because today for me this has never been about Tourism Noosa. Tourism is part of Noosa and have the right Tourism Noosa have the right people to deliver brand management. I will continue to stand by this. They do know what they're doing. It always has been a tourist destination and that side of Noosa supports jobs, it supports businesses and it is of our identity. But the question we should actually ask ourselves today is how far do we go? Because maybe we've gone too far. And the reality is you don't see it all at once. It won't ever hit you like a single decision. It creeps in quietly. Gradually, year by little by while the balance shifts. Businesses that once benefited from tourism are now struggling under the cost of operating under the Noosa brand. Lease signs go up. Lace staff become harder to find. Young people leave because they can't afford to live here. Families are pushed further out. I was really touched by the deputation today because this really reaffirmed what I've written down to speak on. Schools lose a numbers each year, and then they lose a class, and then they lose opportunities. The cafe can't find staff, the hinterland loses its general store. Piece by the social fabric of what makes Noosa unravels. Is what today's debate is all about. This is what this week has been about for me. Because when we lean too far in a direction, whether that's tourism, or any other strategy, we are creating unintended consequences. And by the time those cracks appear, it's often too late to reverse them. Every decision each year in this chamber over decades led us to this point. It's actually not about $2 million in a large budget. This is about trust. The community is-- telling us they are tired of feeling like their money is being spent on things that don't reflect their everyday reality. They want us to focus on the fundamentals, the non-sexy stuff, the basics, the things people will only notice when they fail. Because when that happens, it matters. I received a fine recently for my dog that passed away 18 months ago. Point of order, same point of order, we're not please limit yeah to the motion before us please, Councillor Phillips. It's not about systems, sorry, it's about systems that aren't prioritised when the basics are overlooked. That's when this represents, sorry, that's when this represents to people not just one decision, but a pattern, a drift away from the grassroots. I will never vote against legal advice. I'm not going to put ratepayers' money. Risk of unnecessary legal costs. But I will put us all on notice. The deputation today reaffirmed this. They are fed up with strategies that don't translate into real outcomes. They are fed up with feeling like they are being pushed out of their own town. And unless we start recognising that this today was bigger than the funding deed, bigger than Tourism Noosa, then we need to start rebalancing our priorities. Will continue to lose exactly what we said we were trying to protect. I am disappointed in the process but more than that I'm concerned about where this trajectory will lead us if we don't change course. Karen Finzel 02:24:56.249
We've probably moved on, but for clarity around the process, in the past when I've tried to call something on interrupting a speech being given, I've been advised that that's out of order and not to make a comment, so in terms of interrupting people giving speeches to say it's out of order and that they have to change the direction, just want to say that I don't particularly agree with that and I'm not going to call dissent of the Chair because I think we've got enough going on but I just want to put my opinion forward. Frank Wilkie 02:25:31.093
Councillor Finzel, you were Finzel, I think you're referring to points of order which can be raised. Points of order cannot be raised if you disagree with what someone is saying, whether or not they're relevant to the motion. I hope that helps to clarify what happened just previously. Now, anyone else care to speak to the motion moved by. Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Phillips, before Councillor Wilson closes. I wish you to wish close, Councillor. Wilson? Nicola Wilson 02:26:04.805
Just quick. When we're giving out public funds, our community expects clear account, accountability over how that is spent and whether we are getting value for money. In this case, the measurable outcomes we will gain from TN's work. I'm asking to raise the bar here and listen to our community to allow more transparency over TN's performance in relation to the funds provided and also to ensure those KPIs are achievable within the industry, especially in these changing times. There's been a lot of uncertainty in this process over the last 18 months that has not been conducive to good decision-making or efficient debate. That includes deadlines missed, reports at short notice, all issues that I will raise separately with the CEO. But in closing. Today, we found ourselves in this circumstance. It's been a tricky week on that front, but I think this final review of the KPIs will lead us to the best possible outcome that we can achieve at this point. Frank Wilkie 02:27:02.974
Thank you, Councillor Wilson. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That is unanimous. Anonymous and carried. We move to item 11.3. Which is a confidential contract award, contract number CN26032, Noosa Aquatic Centre, 50 metre pool, water treatment plant, filtration upgrade works, 11.3.4 confidential contract and award report, contract number CN25048, Cooroy, gymnasium upgrade and extension, Councillor Phillips. I believe you have a COI. Jessica Phillips 02:27:31.802
Thank you. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I will inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to item 9.2, confidential contract award report, contract number CN25048, originating. Cooroy gymnasium upgrade and this agenda because I am working ten hours per week as the general manager and coach of the Cooroy Gymnastics Club and as a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Frank Wilkie 02:28:00.242
Thank you Councillor Phillips I just needed to move a and a seconder for this contract. Moved by Councillor Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? All in favour? That's unanimous. May Councillor Phillips be invited back into the room you can come the back foot. Come in with a backflip. 11.3.5 is the General Committee recommendations en bloc for a mover and a seconder for the all these recommendations except for those that were dealt with separately. Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? That's carried unanimously. We have one report direct to the Ordinary Meeting which is the Financial Performance Report and we have our acting services Director Margaret Gatt here, also the acting finance services manager Zach Morton-Adair. Welcome. Margaret Gatt 02:29:09.222
Good afternoon Councillors. Thank you. Zach Morton-Adair 02:29:11.745
Thank you Mayor and Through the Chair I'll take the report as read in front of you. The March report provides nine months or 75% of the financial year of actual data. There are no material changes that identified financial risks to Council forecasts to our financial position as identified financial risks to Council forecasts to our financial position as at the 30th of June in 2026. As noted in the report, Council has recorded a favourable operating position of 3.5 compared to 3.2 in February 2026 with a net result variance to date of 9.7 million dollars. This is primarily driven by 5 million dollars derived from our capital funding sources. Operating revenue and operating continue to track within a narrow positive variance to budget when viewed as a percentage rather than as a dollar figure and this is consistent with the commentary and trends you would have heard from me in the February 2026 report. I would like to draw some express attention to elements of the report. So on the top of page two, there's a table that looks at the waste management, side of the business. Revenue performance reflects a $1.2 million variance positive variance to budget. This is primarily driven by a small increase of sales of goods and materials and services affected by general waste fees relating to gate fees and sale of recyclables. There is also about a $1 million expenditure primarily driven by materials and services underspent. There is a piece of work ongoing in the background with officers to understand what this underspent relates to. This point in time we don't believe it presents any risk but will provide further updates in subsequent meetings. In February 2026 I provided commentary that officers were undertaking a detailed review of the holiday parks variance to budget. So the notable update so is offices back the background have looked at the debtors ledger related to holiday parks and both revenue and expense slide items. So both revenue and expenditure is overstated compared to the budget. They effectively are that is then offset by management fees. So this is a result of the worker looking at the debtors ledger. So to summarise, there's no impact to the underlying operating financial position. It's effectively just accounting treatment behind the scenes to ensure revenue has been recognised in and the associated experience. Expenses tied to debt. Very much. To reiterate, green shading has been provided to elements of the report to convey good as green. Elements that aren't, I wouldn't say necessarily bad, but aren't positive in nature. I would like to draw attention to our grants, subsidies, contributions and donations line item. There is a change of 1. Million. Which has been received from the disaster recovery program, which illustrates a positive variance to the grants subsidies.contributions and donations line item in that table. A subject of discussion that comes up frequently in monthly finance reports is our employee benefits. So in February 2026 we had a report. Excuse me, Zach, I've just been reminded there's a formal meeting. Would you mind standing if that's alright? Oh, yeah. Thank you, Chair. My apologies for not standing in the first instance. I think that bubble that defines normally a bottle of wine. In our February 2026 report we had an underspend of $905,000 and in March 2026 report we have $430,000 so this is a area that takes questions. The indication is that our actual spend is closely aligned to our underlying cost base which would imply operational efficiencies and less vacancies that are being held. We will provide further commentary as we move forward in that regard. Financial costs have reported unspent at $402,000 today. Further detailed review has been undertaken behind the scenes looking at the budget modelling. There is a broad general comment to this. Is as we go throughout the year we look at debt servicing capability that we project through our original budget. Today we've drawn down less debt than was intended ultimately tied to our capital works program. At this point in time we don't believe it reflects any perceived risk to Council but I will provide further updates. Subsequent monthly reports as a result of that. Tables are included to both capital revenue and capital expenditure. To summarise them as at the 30th of March 2026 capital revenue of 24 point one million dollars have has been received. 2. Million of that is from developers and the balance is from capital grants and subsidies. Actual capital expenditure to date excluding commitments was 28.5 million dollars. 35% of councils revised% council's capital works. Program. It is worth noting in the report two comparative graphs have been included from the Capital Works Executive committee which has been an ongoing dialogue from Councillors in terms of integration of the two reports. It is worth noting that the graphs include our RAs at February 2026 due to the current timings of the general and ordinary committee meetings and the Capital Works Executive. The Capital Works Executive information isn't prepared when the reports close. We're currently looking at the agenda moving forward with the changes to the works program to see if we can align this to have the current month's reporting and the monthly finance report. Cash management and investment performance as at February 2026 we had 159 million dollars of cash, of which 6.7 million dollars is held in trust. We have higher than anticipated cash balances which will be consistent with messaging which is ultimately linked to the re rebate. Profiling of our capital works program with council's investments continuing to perform well against industry benchmarks and self-prescribed benchmarks within our own policies. Rights our rates raised reporting on page 8 conveys our rates of rebalances as at the 31st of March 2026. The movement in arrears from February to March was from 12.8% arrears to 9.7% with $3.6 million of rates payments received during the period. The March 2026 report provides the more detailed quarterly analysis that we provide through monthly finance reporting and a quarterly agenda which shows both the age of the respective rate arrears and the categorisation by category to provide a much more detailed picture our rates and arrears are. The detailed analysis refers to our rates and charges debt management policy so there's thresholds in the policy where effectively minor amounts are discontinued because they can screw the data as on 2026, we're you would have heard me say in February 2026 we're currently in the process of escalating this through our new policy framework we're anticipating that letters will go out in due course and I hope they will provide a much more substantial update as to the progress of their escalation in the April report and to summarise the report today Council remains in a sound financial position with variances largely driven by timing or approved budget adjustments rather than financial risk and performance will continue to be monitored as we enter the end of the financial year and-end audit processes thank you Frank Wilkie 02:36:48.265
Thank you for a very comprehensive overview Zach. Councillors do you have any questions for Zach or Director Gatt? Jessica Phillips 02:36:56.674
I have some questions because I sent them earlier to both of them for community watching. I want to talk about assets. So the report notes 4.6 million dollars in asset write offs associated with the review of work in progress projects. And I want I able to find more out more about what types of assets were written off? Through the Chair, Margaret Gatt 02:37:27.701
Thank you. Councillor Phillips for the question. The answer is really in two parts to this question. The capital um expenses of 4.6 million referred to in the report and in attachment one refers to assets that are at the end of their useful life before its estimate useful life and it needs to be replaced hypothetical example is if you have a road that has a useful life of 80 years and it's depreciated for 80 years however by year 60 for a whole range of reasons it comes to the end of it its useful life. In an accounting terms the road is then written off the remainder of the 20 years is written off and as the new road is rebuilt there are those remaining 20 years of estimate life are written off it's an accounting treatment it's not about it being physically, I don't know does that explain it Jessica Phillips 02:38:31.523
Does about the financial but then if you reference the road community then have to replace the road so probably not so much of the financial question for me is more around how that works in Margaret Gatt 02:38:49.715
Book from a tech sorry tick Through the Chair Councillor Phillips from a technical perspective it nets off through the depreciation and then writing back on the new asset and accounting for that in the fixed asset register it's a bit technical but there's also another I can answer again with um with another way so they do relate obviously to capital projects for a number of reasons some also are projects that have been started but not completed or no longer expected to deliver a usable asset such as abandoned work superseded project costs and early stage expenditure that can't be capitalised so this can also include early concept design or feasibility studies that don't eventuate into a delivered project so Council undertakes periodic reviews at over time of the work in progress balances. To assess costs and whether any of those costs need to be written off because they no longer meet the capitalisation threshold under accounting standards so it's a combination of both of those. Zach Morton-Adair 02:39:59.989
If I can provide one comment as well. The language in the report, as it's come from me, probably could have provided better clarification as well. So the WIP project in its totality looks at everything in our asset base. There's actually two distinct work streams. There's one which is the review of aged or disposed of assets. So when we talk about capital write-offs, disposals so it's in some ways easy to use so where the road is at the end of its usual life, in its simplicity, you dig it up, it's effectively disposed of. There's no road there anymore. You will then commission a new piece of road. So that's actually our fixed asset register. Circuit what is implied in the report is the WIP process, so the WIP is actually a standalone, separate process which looks at early engagement with projects, so in taking a question, the language in the report could be better written to actually clarify that, because it draws a link that probably isn't inherently there, so my apologies to that. But they are two distinct work streams, so it's kind of the capitalised write ops are at the end of its useful lives, as opposed to which is typically the start of a project, as you move into building a new asset, if that makes sense. Margaret Gatt 02:41:11.450
How is the. A much better explanation than mine. Jessica Phillips 02:41:14.768
We've got more questions then, please. So, following on from that, noting following on council's strong cash position and low level of debt, I'm probably looking for some clarification on how Council is applying the principle of intergenerational equity. So, how does Council ensure that the cost of long life over assets is shared appropriately over time, rather than being disproportionately borne current by ratepayers. Through the Chair, Margaret Gatt 02:41:46.390
Thank you Councillor Phillips. We have two policies that Council re-adopts every year. One is this financial sustainability policy and one is also our debt policy. So, we apply the notions of intergenerational equity through our long term financial plan and strategy. We look at funding our depreciation and strategic asset management planning. Also, in terms of using depreciation and reserves and where appropriate, debt. So, cost allocation is shared across the generations who benefit. Funding decisions consider asset use for lives, affordability indicators and sustainability ratios. That we are obligated to try to meet to avoid front loading costs onto current ratepayers. It is a continued balanced approach in terms of using debt appropriately to fund long life infrastructure assets as opposed to drawing down of our cash reserves. Generally the principles are to fund long life infrastructure assets over a debt period of about 20 to 30 years. Is guidance from the department of local government, auditor-General and QTC as the best way to fund long life infrastructure assets. But it is a balance because in our debt policy current debt policy still actually refers to minimising our debt and using as much of our cash holdings as possible to fund renewals and other aspects and only using debt for new or significant upgrades but it is a constant balance around what's appropriate Jessica Phillips 02:43:35.703
That was fantastically answered and it flows perfectly on to my next question which is the years of council's position on whether possibly aversion to debt itself may create financial risk around asset renewal being delayed. Asset condition declining and whether future renewal costs increase due to construction inflation and deferred works. So my question to you is now in your experience, have we, the risk averse debt policy, is that now causing averse on the actual risk. Through the Chair, Margaret Gatt 02:44:23.656
Thank you Councillor Phillips. As previously stated in my response to the question before, it is a continued balancing perspective. When we red, do utilise debt, it obviously increases our loan and redemption payments, so that impacts on our operating result and actually draws down our cash in simple terms. We have debt, we have to use our cash to pay the debt down and the interest, so that's the balance there as well. But avoiding debt can, to answer your question specifically, can increase risk if it lead to deferred renewals from an affordability perspective, declining asset condition or higher costs in the future. So Council does use cash and depreciation to meet its capital replacement and when I say depreciation we fund the depreciation or we back it. Debt also, as I've just said, creates an interest cost of financing, which ultimately needs to be funded throughout the years of the loan of that or the term of that debt. So from a financial sustainability perspective, underinvestment in renewal can pose a greater long-term risk than well-managed affordable borrowing. But our current policies do state that we have a position. Council has lot had a long-held position to prudently manage our finances by minimising debt. The statement is very specific in that it says minimising debt and using our cash holdings to fund asset renewals. But like with all policies, can be renewed we have initiated by the CEO or requested by Councillors throughout a year and/or through the budget process. Jessica Phillips 02:46:06.890
This might be a tricky one to answer then from your department but this is really important information I think community the could community understand. Better. Because so how is Council communicating to the community that maintaining a low or no debt position does not necessarily represent the best value if they're now asset sustainability indicators are below target and then asset write-offs are occurring. Margaret Gatt 02:46:39.903
Through the Chair, Councillor Phillips, can you just repeat that question Jessica Phillips 02:46:42.507
Please? I'll simplify it. You just explained then, we have community suggest that the cash that we've got sitting there is always you know used or misunderstood so how do we communicate more effectively are no debt or the policy that we've had for many years could have potentially let me think on a question it's okay. I'll leave it because I've been taking the floor up for a while. I'll think about my question and then. Margaret Gatt 02:47:20.104
Through the Chair I do have an answer but I don't know whether it's going to completely answer the question so Through the Chair okay so low debt does strengthen flexibility but value for money ultimately depends on keeping assets safe, functional and sustainable over their lives. As outlined in the earlier questioning debt financing also has that interest servicing cost. Our long-term financial plan looks at sustainable financial management and how we balance financing those asset renewals. Amelia Lorentson 02:47:55.917
Any other Councillors like to question the staff? Councillor Lorentson. I've just got a couple of quick ones in terms of impacts of external shocks and what's happening around the world in terms of escalating fuel costs, construction inflation, contractor pricing volatility. Are you guys undertaking a market sensitivity analysis to model the impacts on both our capital program and operating position? Margaret Gatt 02:48:28.236
Through the Chair. Thank you, Councillor Lorentson. You may, I'm fairly certain the CEO would have advised you that we have stood up a steering committee in response to the geopolitical crisis. And through that steering committee that meets weekly, we are discussing all of financial. The potential financial implications as a result of that. We have been engaging with our neighbouring councils to understand if they are having contractor increases starting to be requested to flow through. We're closely engaging with the LGAQ and ALGA and closely monitoring anything that's happening at a Federal and state level. And we're obviously doing, not obviously, we are also doing modelling in the background around essentially, it's not really a proper technical term, but coming up with a tipping point for what are we going to do when the costs, when and if the costs continue to rise. We are doing those external shock analysis as you as you've referred to around the at worst case scenario predicted inflation rate of 6.7 to 7%. So we are doing those analysis in the background. Amelia Lorentson 02:49:47.657
Yes. Thank you very much, mark. And I was aware of that. I just thought it was just great information to share. So thank you. Couple more questions. The rates and utility arrears totalling 11.45, 2 million or percent 9.7 does that concern you? Margaret Gatt 02:50:08.571
Through the Chair. The yes, Councillor Lorentson, it does. Thank you for the question. It does concern me. We, for a number of reasons, we haven't been able to operationalise the debt recovery policy that we brought to you earlier on in the year. But we are now at a position, literally now at a position, where we are engaging with our external debt recovery agency to start commencing. Action. Now and when I talk about action we will come back to you to Council around what that action actually is and provide you that advice. We will also be developing a communication campaign around encouraging our ratepayers to, if they are struggling to pay their rates, to contact Council and negotiate with us for a payment plan. That's so in addition to the external recovery. Agency. Amelia Lorentson 02:51:09.345
You. And my last question. So as I'm reading the report, just a couple of red flags. The low capital delivery, the $4.6 million in write-offs, the $11.45 million in rate arrears, unpredictable development. Contributions. In terms of next year's budgets and rates. Will this forecast put any pressure on future rates, service levels, or our financial sustainability ratios? I'm not sure if you can answer that, but just again, take that on Larry Sengstock 02:51:46.460
Notice? Let me take that on notice. And have some for future discussion. I think. No worries, thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 02:51:53.358
Anyone care to move the motion? Councillor Lorentson, seconded. Amelia Lorentson 02:52:00.024
Councillor Phillips, any discussion? Councillor Lorentson. Just as always, just want to acknowledge the team that were behind the Financial Performance Report before us. Just thank you as always for giving us a really good picture of where we stand heading to the final quarter. Thank you very much. Frank Wilkie 02:52:23.214
Thank you. Any other Councillor wish to speak? Related Noosa Council Meetings
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