Ordinary Meeting - 21 May 2026
Date: Thursday, 21 May 2026 at 10:00AM
Location: Noosa Shire Council Chambers , 9 Pelican Street , Tewantin , QLD 4565 , Australia
Organiser: Noosa Shire Council
Duration: 01:25:10
Synopsis: Settled planning appeals with conditions, Adopted Child Safeguarding Policy, Endorsed school transfer from Qld Govt, Awarded bridge and facility contracts, Approved commercial use permits, Noted finances.
Meeting Attendees
Councillors
Frank Wilkie Karen Finzel Jessica Phillips Amelia Lorentson Tom Wegener Nicola Wilson Executive Officers
Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Acting Director Strategy And Environment Anita Lakeland Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh Apologies (Did Not Attend)
AI-Generated Meeting Insight
Key Decisions & Discussions Adopted Child Safeguarding Policy and authorised CEO implementation (Item 11.1). Endorsed in-principle freehold-in-trust transfer of 1 School St, Pomona from Qld Govt; CEO to negotiate terms (Item 11.2). Approved five-year Commercial High Use permits incl. Surf Skills/Go Ride A Wave, Emu Holiday Hire, Oz Gelati Co, Ability Surf; adopted updated Community Land Policy (Item 11.3; 03:35–04:10). Appointed Joanne Morris as independent Audit & Risk Committee member for 3 years (Item 11.4). Noted Capital Works Program Q3 status; acting chair appointed due to conflicts (Item 11.5; 06:13–06:40). Noted Operational Plan Q3 progress and KPIs (Item 11.6; 07:37–08:06). Awarded CN25203 Changing Places facility (Gympie Tce) to Carfax Commercial, $1,180,885 excl. GST (Item 11.9). Awarded CN25107 Doonella Bridge Renewal to Marine & Civil Maintenance, $7,417,905 excl. GST; proceeded with Option B scope (Item 11.10). Settled P&E Court Appeal 2697/2025 (4 Arakoon Cres) and 2698/2025 (6 Arakoon Cres) on proposed conditions (Items 11.12–11.13). Resolved in closed session then approved settlement terms for Appeal 2611/2024 (2 Bottlebrush Ave): added signage, landscaping, and noise-advisory conditions; entered car-parking IA (Items 11.11, 12.1; 26:28–28:45). Noted April 2026 Financial Performance Report; favourable operating result and cash position discussed (Item 13.1; 29:22–42:50). Approved two-month extension of Waste Management Contract 1516T043 at current rates; CEO delegated to finalise (Item 14.1; 01:23:13–01:24:52). Contentious / Transparency Matters Two confidential sessions held under Local Government Regulation 2012 s254J(3)(e), (g) for legal advice and commercial negotiations; re-opened to adopt resolutions (Items 12.1, 14.1; 10:58–11:33; 01:08:43–01:23:13). Frank Wilkie corrected report table inconsistency on rates arrears on record (57:07–58:14), aiding transparency on debt figures (Item 13.1). Commercial High Use permits included new permittees, potentially displacing incumbents; no public deputations recorded (Item 11.3). Live edits acknowledged for a typo in conflict declaration ensuring accurate minute-keeping (03:11–03:35). Tom Wegener publicly credited staff for mediated court outcomes saving litigation costs and “maintains our plan” (28:20–28:45; Item 12.1). Legal / Risk P&E Appeal 2611/2024 settlement requires deletion of façade wording and local law–compliant future signage, deep-soil vine plantings with trellis for screening, and property note about nearby hospitality noise; one-space parking contribution via IA (Item 12.1; 26:28–28:45). Bridge renewal limited to capital remediation and southern approach stabilisation (Option B), constraining scope creep and cost risk (Item 11.10). Waste contract short extension preserves service continuity while negotiating longer-term arrangements, limiting procurement challenge risk (Item 14.1; 01:23:13–01:24:52). Procurement and probity: policy update for community land use adopted; officers cited adherence to LGA 2009 principles and procurement thresholds (Item 11.3; 49:00–50:02). Finance risks characterised as timing, not structural; lower loan drawdowns reduced interest costs; arrears trending to norms with strengthened debt policy comms foreshadowed (Item 13.1; 38:42–41:35; 57:07–59:06). Conflicts of Interest Amelia Lorentson declared a declarable COI (children linked to Dean Brady/Noosa Boardriders) on High Use Permits; left and did not vote (Item 11.3; 02:00–03:11). Frank Wilkie declared a prescribed COI (campaign donor/mother adjacent to Lorikeet Dr project) on Capital Program; left and did not vote; acting chair appointed (Item 11.5; 04:49–06:13). Jessica Phillips declared prescribed COIs (GM, Cooroy Gymnastics) on Capital Program and Operational Plan; left and did not vote (Items 11.5–11.6; 04:50–05:29; 07:37–08:00). Sunshine Beach (Arakoon Crescent Appeals) Council agreed to settle Appeals 2697/2025 and 2698/2025 (4 and 6 Arakoon Cres) generally per proposed conditions, indicating negotiated compliance with the Planning Scheme (Items 11.12–11.13). Unanimous adoption suggests limited residual litigation risk at Sunshine Beach (Items 11.12–11.13). Noise and Amenity (Hospitality Precinct Interface) 2 Bottlebrush Ave settlement embeds a property note warning future owners of late-night live music and patron noise near a hospitality precinct (Item 12.1; 26:28–28:45). Mandatory deep-soil landscaping and vine screening will soften a breeze block wall’s presentation, mitigating visual amenity impacts (Item 12.1; 26:28–28:45). Waste Management Two-month extension at current rates averts service disruption while final negotiations proceed; councillors praised proactive planning (Item 14.1; 01:23:13–01:24:52). Financials: waste revenues $46k above budget; materials/services $585k below budget driven by lower levy and recyclables cost share (38:42–41:35; Item 13.1). Capital Works, Assets & Finance Zach Morton-Adair : Operating result favourable $3.2m; capital revenue $24.3m; capital spend $31.8m (39.3% of $80.8m) with reprofiling noted (29:22–34:40; Item 13.1). Margaret Gatt : Workforce capability plan project framework ready; briefing scheduled; long-term financial plan strategy ~60% complete, targeted for 27/28 budget (50:18–56:58; Item 13.1). Margaret Gatt / Zach Morton-Adair : WIP capitalisation project team in place; auditors engaged; aim to be up to date by 30 June (59:36–01:02:02; Item 13.1). Shaun Walsh : Fleet governance moved to Infrastructure; advisory committee monitoring overspend; hiring tied to disasters/reactive works (01:02:18–01:03:54; Item 13.1). Fuel-cost tracking implemented; rise-and-fall claims being challenged for reasonableness; current $4k coding noted as likely under-capture (01:04:10–01:06:56; Item 13.1).
Official Meeting Minutes
ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 Ordinary Meeting Minutes Thursday, 21 May 2026 10:00am Council Chambers, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair), Karen Finzel, Amelia Lorentson, Jessica Phillips, Brian Stockwell, Tom Wegener, Nicola Wilson “Noosa Shire – different by nature” Page 1 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 MINUTES ORDER OF BUSINESS 1 DECLARATION OF OPENING The meeting was declared open at 10.01am. 2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY Noosa Council respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters of the Noosa area, the Kabi Kabi people, and pays respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. 3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES COUNCILLORS Cr Frank Wilkie (Chair) Cr Karen Finzel Cr Jessica Phillips Cr Amelia Lorentson Cr Tom Wegener Cr Nicola Wilson (via Microsoft Teams) EXECUTIVE Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock Director Community Services Kerri Contini Acting Director Corporate Services Margaret Gatt Director Development & Regulation Richard MacGillivray Acting Director Strategy and Environment Anita Lakeland Director Infrastructure Services Shaun Walsh APOLOGIES Cr Brian Stockwell 4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4.1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ORDINARY MEETING 16 APRIL 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 16 April 2026 be received and confirmed. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 2 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 5 PETITIONS Nil. 6. PRESENTATIONS Nil. 7. DEPUTATIONS Nil. 8. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME Nil. 9 MAYORAL MINUTES Nil. 10 NOTIFIED MOTIONS Nil. 11. CONSIDERATION OF GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 11.1 CHILD SAFEGUARDING POLICY That Council A. Note the report by the Inclusion Coach to the Ordinary Meeting dated 12 May 2026 regarding the Child Safeguarding Policy; B. Adopt the Child Safeguarding Policy provided at Attachment 1; and C. Authorise the CEO to take the necessary steps to implement the Policy and associated framework. 11.2 1 SCHOOL STREET, POMONA - PROPOSED TRANSFER OF TENURE That Council A. Note the report by the Director Community Services to the General Committee dated 12 May 2026 regarding the proposed transfer of 1 School Street, Pomona to Noosa Council; B. Endorse, in principle, Option 2 and agree in principle to the transfer of 1 School Street, Pomona (Lot 3 on SP325683) from the Queensland Government to Council under a freehold held-in-trust arrangement at nil or low-cost; and C. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate the transfer agreement and execute such agreement provided any requirements are reasonable. Page 3 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 11.3 COMMERCIAL HIGH USE PERMITS - TENDER ASSESSMENT (CN25153) AND CONSEQUENTIAL POLICY AMENDMENT 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 for Item 7.3 - COMMERCIAL HIGH USE PERMITS - TENDER ASSESSMENT (N25153) AND CONSEQUENTIAL POLICY AMENDMENT on this agenda as my children have previously worked (over 12 months ago) for Dean Brady who is an applicant in the Upcoming Commercial High Use Tender Process and my children are also members of Noosa Board Riders Assoc/Club where they are coached by Dean Brady. As a result of my conflict of interest and in the interest of exercising an abundance of caution, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on." Cr Lorentson left the meeting. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Jessica Phillips Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council A. Note the report by the Property Advisor to the General Committee dated 12 May 2026 regarding the Commercial High Use Permits tender assessment and consequential policy amendment; B. Authorise the CEO to Issue five-year Commercial High Use permits commencing 1 July 2026 to the following recommended permittees: Activity Recommended Permittees Learn to Surf Noosa Main Beach Surf Skills Pty Ltd t/as Noosa Learn (West) 1 to Surf (No change) Learn to Surf Noosa Main Beach Go Ride A Wave Pty Ltd t/as Noosa (West) 2 Surf Lessons and Go Ride A Wave (No change) Beach Equipment Hire – Main Borain Investments Pty Ltd t/as Emu Beach Holiday Hire (New permittee) Beach Equipment Hire – Rock Go Ride A Wave Pty Ltd t/as Noosa Wall (Middle Groyne) Surf Lessons and Go Ride A Wave Pty Ltd (No change) Snacks and Drinks Refreshment Rainer Geitl t/as Noosa Frenzy Ice Van – First Point Cream (No change) Snacks and Drinks Refreshment Maria Kaligianis t/as Oz Whip Van - Noosa Spit Gelati Co (New permittee) Surf Therapy – Noosa Main Beach Ability Surf Pty Ltd (West - between rockwalls) (New permittee) C. Adopt the updated Commercial Use of Community Land Policy provided at Attachment 9 to the report and repeal the previous Commercial Use of Community Land Policy which was adopted by Council on 19 February 2026. Carried. Page 4 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Lorentson having declared a Conflict of Interest was ineligible to vote. Cr Lorentson returned to the meeting. 11.4 AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee Meeting of 12 May 2026 in relation to the membership of Council's Audit and Risk Committee; and B. Appoint Joanne Morris as an independent member to the Audit and Risk Committee for an initial term of three years, commencing on 29 May 2026 and concluding on 28 May 2029. 11.5 CAPITAL PROGRAM 2025-2026 DELIVERY STATUS REPORT Cr Frank Wilkie In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Wilkie provided the following declaration to the meeting of a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter: "I, Cr Wilkie, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as my mother, who donated $5000 to my election campaign, lives in a street adjoining Lorikeet Drive which is the subject of the Active Street project which is mentioned in this report for noting. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on." Cr Wilkie left the meeting. Cr Jessica Phillips In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Phillips provided the following declaration to the meeting of a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter: "I, Cr Phillips, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as I am the General Manager of Cooroy Gymnastics Club who are mentioned in this report. 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 Tom Wegener Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Cr Lorentson be appointed as Acting Chairperson of the meeting given the conflict of interest declarations by Cr Frank Wilkie and Cr Jessica Phillips. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 5 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 Crs Wilkie and Phillips having declared Conflicts of Interest were ineligible to vote. Cr Lorentson assumed the Chair. Council Resolution Moved: Cr Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That Council note the report by the Project Controls Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026, providing an update on the 2025/26 Capital Works Program as at 31 March 2026. Carried. For: Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Crs Wilkie and Phillips having declared Conflicts of Interest were ineligible to vote. Cr Wilkie and Cr Phillips returned to the meeting. Cr Wilkie resumed the Chair. 11.6 OPERATIONAL PLAN 2025-2026 Q3 QUARTERLY REPORTING Cr Jessica Phillips In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, Cr Phillips provided the following declaration to the meeting of a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter: "I, Cr Phillips, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as I am the General Manager of Cooroy Gymnastics Club who are mentioned in this report. 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 Karen Finzel Seconded: Cr Nicola Wilson That Council A. Note the report by the Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 12 May 2026 regarding the Quarter 3 Operational Plan 2025-2026 progress update; B. Note the progress report for Quarter 3 (FY25/26) of the Operational Plan 20252026 provided as Attachment 1; and C. Note the status of Council's Operational Key Performance Measures for Quarter 3 (FY25/26) provided as Attachment 2. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Cr Phillips having declared a Conflict of Interest was ineligible to vote. Cr Phillips returned to the meeting. Page 6 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 11.7 PLANNING APPLICATIONS DECIDED BY DELEGATED AUTHORITY – MARCH 2026 That Council note the report by the Development Assessment Manager to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026 regarding applications that have been decided by delegated authority for March 2026 as provided at Attachment 1 to the Report. 11.8 CONSOLIDATED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM FEEDBACK 2025-2026 That Council note the report by the Acting Director Corporate Services to the General Committee dated 12 May 2026 regarding the Consolidated Community Engagement Project Outcomes for 2025-2026. 11.9 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CONTRACT NO. CN25203 - CONSTRUCTION OF CHANGING PLACES FACILITY - GYMPIE TERRACE That Council A. Note the report by the Principal Project Manager to the General Committee dated 12 May 2026 regarding the construction of the Changing Places Facility at Gympie Tce; B. Award Contract CN25203 for the Construction of Changing Places Facility – Gympie Terrace to Carfax Commercial Constructions Pty Ltd under lump sum contract for an estimated total contract value of $1,180,885.35 (GST Excl) as follows: 1. The Lump Sum amount of $1,153,885.35; 2. A provisional Item sum amount of $27,000; 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. 11.10 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT - CN25107 DOONELLA BRIDGE RENEWAL That Council A. Note the report by the Project Officer to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026; and B. Award Contract No. CN25107 for the Doonella Bridge Renewal to Marine & Civil Maintenance Pty Ltd for the lump sum price of $7,417,905.81 (excl. GST); 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 D. Approve the revised project scope to only undertake capital remediation works to the existing bridge structure and road approach upgrade works, including the stabilisation of the Southern Approach (Option B). Page 7 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 11.11 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL 2611 OF 2024 - APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR MULTIPLE DWELLINGS (4 X SMALL DWELLINGS) AND FOOD AND DRINK OUTLETS (2 X TENANCIES) AND OFFICE AT 2 BOTTLEBRUSH AVENUE, NOOSA HEADS That General Committee Agenda Item 9.3 be referred to the Ordinary Meeting for further consideration. 11.12 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL 2697 of 2025 - APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR A DWELLING HOUSE 4 ARAKOON CRES, SUNSHINE BEACH That Council A. Note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2697 of 2025 (4 Arakoon Cres Sunshine Beach); and B. Agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. 11.13 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL 2698 of 2025 - APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR DWELLING HOUSE AT 6 ARAKOON CRES, SUNSHINE BEACH That Council A. Note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2698 of 2025 (6 Arakoon Cres Sunshine Beach); and B. Agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1. 11.14 GENERAL COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ENBLOC Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the Recommendations of the General Committee meeting dated 12 May 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 Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 8 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 12. REPORTS REFERRED FROM THE GENERAL COMMITTEE 12.1 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COURT APPEAL 2611 OF 2024 - APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE FOR MULTIPLE DWELLINGS (4 X SMALL DWELLINGS) AND FOOD AND DRINK OUTLETS (2 X TENANCIES) AND OFFICE AT 2 BOTTLEBRUSH AVENUE, NOOSA HEADS (Referred from General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026 Item 9.3) Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(e) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing legal advice relating to an appeal in the Planning & Environment in relation to Item 9.3 - Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2611 of 2024 - Application for a Material Change of Use for Multiple Dwellings (4 X Small Dwellings) and Food and Drink Outlets (2 X Tenancies) and Office at 2 Bottlebrush Avenue, Noosa Heads. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council note the report by the Manager Development Assessment to the General Committee Meeting dated 12 May 2026 regarding Planning & Environment Court Appeal 2611 of 2024 and: A. Agree to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in Attachment 1 and amended to require: i. The deletion of all wording on the breeze block wall and the building façade from the plans, with any future signage to comply with Council’s Local Law. ii. The provision of landscape vine plantings within natural deep soil areas, comprising species and soil volumes sufficient to support sustained and vigorous growth, to effectively soften the visual presentation of the breeze block blade wall. The design is to incorporate all necessary trellis and Page 9 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 structural support systems to facilitate establishment and ongoing performance of the plantings, ensuring the achievement of a cohesive and durable landscape screening outcome. iii. The inclusion of a Property Note informing future unit owners that they are located adjacent a Hospitality Precinct which may entail late night live music and patron noise. B. Agree to enter into an Infrastructure Agreement for the Contributions in Lieu of Carparking (1 space). Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 13 ORDINARY MEETING REPORTS 13.1 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT APRIL 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Amelia Lorentson Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That Council note the report by the Revenue Services Manager and Financial Services Manager to the Ordinary Meeting dated 21 May 2026 regarding Council's financial performance to 30 April 2026. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 14 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION 14.1 CONFIDENTIAL - NOT FOR PUBLIC RELEASE - WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT EXTENSION Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Tom Wegener That the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J(3)(g) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing contracts proposed to be made by Council and in particular, the potential commercial negotiations in relation to Item 14.1 Waste Management Contract Extension. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Page 10 of 11 ORDINARY MEETING | 21 MAY 2026 Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Karen Finzel That the meeting be re-opened to the public. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None Council Resolution Moved: Cr Frank Wilkie Seconded: Cr Jessica Phillips That Council A. Note the report by the Waste Coordinator to the Ordinary Meeting dated 21 May 2026 regarding Council's Waste Management Contract (Contract No. 1516T043); B. Approve the extension of the current 1516T043 - Waste Management Contract for a period of two (2) months under the current schedule of rates; and C. Delegate to the Chief Executive Officer the power to negotiate, finalise, execute, and complete all things necessary to administer the Contract extension on behalf of Council. Carried. For: Cr Frank Wilkie, Cr Karen Finzel, Cr Jessica Phillips, Cr Amelia Lorentson, Cr Tom Wegener, Cr Nicola Wilson Against: None 15 NEXT MEETING The next Ordinary Meeting will be held at Council Chambers, 9 Pelican St, Tewantin on Thursday 18 June 2026 at 10.00am. 16 MEETING CLOSURE The meeting closed at 11.26am Page 11 of 11
Meeting Transcript
Frank Wilkie 00:00.000
A few awardees. How are you? Jessica Phillips 00:06.380
I'm only about a week behind in e-mails. Good job. You're just it's I'm sure there's an AI stuff that can help with that now. I think there is. I just haven't had time. Neither have I, but I'm sure it doesn't look boring. Frank Wilkie 00:25.529
Well, good morning, everybody, and welcome to the Ordinary Meeting of Thursday, 21st of May, 2026. Declare the meeting open at 10:01am. Acknowledge that we are meeting on the traditional lands and waters of the cubby. Kabi Kabi People, and I pay my respects to elders past, present, and emerging, and reiterate their recognition of each and every one of us as joint custodians, respecting and caring for this beautiful place that we all love. Respecting and caring for each other. We have an apology from Councillor Brian Stockwell. All other councillors are in attendance, noting that Councillor Wilson is attending via Microsoft Teams. Just checking. Councillor Wilson, can you hear us okay I thank you and we can hear you thank you item 4 is confirmation of the minutes. May I have a mover and a seconder for the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 16th of April. Second. Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Wegener. All in favour? Unanimously Councillor Wilson thank you. We have no petitions. There are no presentations. We have no deputations. We have no submissions to public question time. There are no Mayoral minutes. We have no notified motions. That brings us to consideration of recommendations. 11.1 was the child safeguarding policy. Eleven point two, one school Street Pomona proposed transfer of tenure. Eleven point three, commercial high use permits, tender assessment, and consequential policy amendment. Councillor Lorentson, I believe you have a conflict of interest. Would you like Amelia Lorentson 02:00.620
Thank you, Simon. Thank sorry about my screen. It's OK. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest for item 7.3, commercial high-risk permits, tender assessment N25153, and consequential policy amendment on this agenda, as my children have 12 months ago for Dean Brady, who is an applicant in the upcoming commercial high-risk tender process, and my children are also members of Noosa Boardriders association and club, where they are coached by Dean Brady as a result of my conflict of interest and. In the interest of exercising abundance of caution I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered that and voted on. Is the actual wording from the General Committee, Margaret Gatt 03:14.425
Thank you. Frank Wilkie 03:32.681
Okay, there's just one typo there. We'll fix it up. Okay, thank you. Now we have a mover and a seconder for the committee recommendation piece. Happy to move. Moved Councillor Phillips, seconded Councillor Finzel. Any discussion? No. All in favour? Councillor Wilson? Yes. Thank you, that's carried. Can we have Councillor Lorentson back to the meeting please. Item 11.4 is Audit and Risk Committee membership. 11.5 is the capital program 2025 delivery status report for noting. I have a conflict of interest to declare on this item. I, Councillor Wilkie, inform the meeting I have a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as my mother who donated $5,000 to my election campaign lives in a Street adjoining Lorikeet Drive which is the subject of the active Street project which is mentioned in this report for noting as a result of my conflict of interest I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted upon. Jessica Phillips 05:01.029
That's right. In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I, Councillor Phillips, inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest as I am the general manager of Cooroy Gymnastics Club, who I mentioned in this report. As a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered and voted on. Larry Sengstock 05:29.540
Okay, so as the deputy Chair is absent today, we will need to vote in a new Chair due to Councillor Wilkie's declaration. Would somebody like to please move a motion to nominate a Chair? The Chair. I move that. Amelia takes the I move that. Okay. I put that to the vote? Councillor Wilson. Do the vote. All in favour? Councillor Wilson. Yes. Okay. Lawrence, I'll give you time for a second. Amelia Lorentson 06:13.641
So I'd just like to move the current item, which is the capital program 2025-2026 delivery status report. Can I have a mover and a seconder, please? Happy to move. Thank you, Councillor Finzel. I'll second. Thank you, Councillor Tom. I'll put that to the vote. All in favour? Noting that both thank you, Councillor Nicola. Councillor yes. That's in favour, Councillor Finzel, Councillor Wegener and Councillor Wilkie. Noting that Councillor. Yes, sorry. We'll have to fix that. Thank you. Noting that both Councillor Jessica Phillips and Frank Wilkie are not voting. I will now request that both Councillor Wilkie and Councillor Phillips return to the room. Thank you. Frank Wilkie 07:30.100
Thank you everyone. We return to item 11.6 of the General Committee recommendations which is the operational plan 2025-26. Jessica Phillips 07:37.900
In accordance with Chapter 5B of the local act, government Councillor Phillips informed the meeting that I have prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as I am the general manager of Cooroy Gymnastics Club who I mentioned in this report 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 08:00.080
May we have a mover and seconder for the committee recommendation please. Happy to move. Councillor Finzel quick off the mark and Councillor Wilson seconded. All in favour? That's carried. Unanimously. May we have Councillor Phillips back in the meeting room please. 11 To site.7 is planning applications decided by delegated authority for the month of March 2026.11.8 is the consolidated community engagement program feedback 2025-26.11.9 is confidential not for public release contract award report. Contract number CN25203 for construction of the changing places facility of Gympie Terrace. 11.10 a for the Doanella Bridge renewal project. 11. Was another confidential item referred to the Ordinary Meeting for further consideration. We'll deal with that later. 11.12 confidential not for public release Planning & Environment Court appeal 2697 of 2025. Application for a Material Change of Use for drawing for a dwelling house at 4 Arakoon Crescent Sunshine Beach. 11.13 is court appeal 2698 of 2025. Views for dwelling house at 6 Arakoon Crescent Sunshine Beach. May we have a and a second for the General Committee of recommendations to be adopted except we're dealt with separately. I'm happy to move, thank you. Moved by Councillor Lorentson and seconded by Councillor Finzel. All in favour? Yes. That's carried unanimously. We now go to reports referred from the General Committee, we have one report referred, it is a confidential matter, not for public release. The planning and environment appeal 2611 of 2024, which involves an application for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, that's four small dwellings, and food and drink outlets, two tenancies, and office at two bottlebrush Noosa Heads, referred from the General Committee Meeting dated 12th of May, 2026, item 9.3. This is a confidential item, so we'll need to move into confidential session, so I'll the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J, have that, yeah, 3E, well wait till it comes, stop. Sorry. Of the local, that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J, 3E of the Local Government Regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing legal advice relating to an appeal in the Planning & Environment Court in relation to item 9.3, Planning & Environment Court appeal 2611 of 2024, application for a Material Change of Use for multiple dwellings, four small dwellings, food and drink outlets, two tenancies, an office at 2 Bottlebrush Avenue, Noosa Heads. May I have a seconder, please? Thank Councillor Wegener, Wegener, all in favour? Yes. And that's unanimous. So we're moving to confidential session now. Okay, thank you. Frank Wilkie 25:47.538
We can look at that back here. We're back? We'll wait for the. Any members of the public who'd like to come back in. Welcome back, everybody. We now have a motion before us. We have the amended motion coming up. Right. We have someone who would like to move the motion, please. Amelia Lorentson 26:28.040
Councillor Lorentson. Thanks. I'm happy to move the amended motion, and it reads 12 lot for public planning environment. Court appeal 26/11/2024, application for an MCU for multiple dwellings, four by small dwellings, and food and drink outlets, two tenancies, and opposite to Bottlebrush Avenue, Noosa Heads. Note the report by the manager, development assessment to the General Committee meeting dated 12th of May, 2026, regarding planning and environment. Court appeal 26/11/2024, and A, agreed to settle the appeal generally in accordance with the proposed conditions outlined in attachment 1 and amended to require 1 the deletion of all wording on the breezeblock wall and the building facade from the plans with any future signage to comply with council's local law. 2 provision of landscape vine plantings within natural deep soil areas comprising species and soil volumes sufficient to support sustained and vigourous growth to effectively soften the visual presentation of the breezeblock. Wall. The design is to incorporate all necessary trellis and structural support systems to facilitate establishment and ongoing performance of the plantings ensuring the achievement of a cohesive and durable landscape screening outcome and three the inclusion of a property note informing future unit owners that they are located adjacent to a hospitality precinct which may entail late-night live music and patron noise and be agreed to enter into an infrastructure agreement for the contributions in lieu of parking one space. Frank Wilkie 28:13.949
Now we have a Amelia Lorentson 28:14.669
Seconder for that place. Frank Wilkie 28:16.449
Seconder, Councillor Phillips. Councillor Lorentson, do you wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Wegener? Tom Wegener 28:21.369
I'd like to give a quick congratulations to the staff, MacGillivray and Richard Patrick for the anticipated mediated outcomes to this court appeal and others coming up this month, and they've just done fantastic work. Much appreciation. That saves us a lot of court fees as well and maintains ours. Frank Wilkie 28:44.650
Thank you. Councillors wish to speak to the motion. I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Brings us to item 13, Ordinary Meeting reports. 13.1 is the Financial Performance Report for April 2026. We have financial services manager Zach Morton-Adair and acting corporate services Director Margaret Gatt with this report. Welcome, Margaret. Gaffer's welcome Margaret and Zach Margaret Gatt 29:14.666
Good morning councillors, I will take Zach Morton-Adair 29:20.786
The report as read. The April report provides us 10 of the 12 months or 83% of our financial year and actual data. There are no material changes to the identified financial risks to our forecasted position at the end of 30 June 2026. There are a number of items noted in which we are monitoring closely. As noted in the report as at 30 April 2026, council has reported a favourable operating result of $3.2 million compared to $3.5 million in March 2026, with a further $6.4 million from capital funding sources. This results in a net variance to budget of $9.6 million, which compared to $9.7 million in March 2026. My comments will focus on the headline results, the capital works program and cash and risk outlook rather than detailed workings of the attachments. In doing I'd doing so, I would like to draw attention to a number of aspects of the report. On the top of page 2, there is a table that highlights the variance of revenue and expenditure line items to budget.2 million operating variance to budget is comprised of $2.1 million from general operating activities and services and $1 million from council's business activities, which is waste management and holiday parks. Tables are provided on page three of the report, which include green shading to illustrate positive variances against budget, with explanatory notes provided in the commentary column to variances noted in the report. Later in my verbal update, I will provide further comments to both employee benefits and financial costs, which were noted in the previous General Committee Meeting. It is worth noting that materials and services have seen a $900,000 negative change or variance from March 2026 to April 2026, going from a $600,000 overspend to $1.5 million. This is about 2.9% of the overall budget. We are continuing to monitor this closely behind the scenes. This doesn't appear to have come as an unforeseen cost. It's just continuation of cost or cost pressures that we have experienced today with commentary provided in the table of what areas of council that relates to. In regards to capital, revenue expenditure, tables are provided. And in the report of major capital grants and subsidies which also include our disaster recovery funding. As of April 2026, capital revenue is $24.3 million with cash contributions from developers of $2.3 million and capital grants and subsidies of $21.9 million. Dollars. Actual capital expenditure excluding capital commitments is $31.8 million, or 39.3% of council's $80.8 million capital works program. Expenditure is tracking below profile at this point of the year. This reflects normal project timings and re-profiling of a number of projects within the current year. For comparative purposes. Of the report, graphs have been included from the Capital Works Executive committee illustrating capital expenditure to date commitments and also indicative values where we will be at the end of the financial year is at 30 June. These have been provided as illustrations to convey the financial data in a graph format. Cash management and investment performance. So total cash on hand is that April 2026 was $146.7 million, down from $159.2 million in March with $7 million held in trust. This tracks to council's normal cash profiling that we receive revenue or the bulk of our revenue in July and January as a result of our rates periods. With the expenditure then being expensed over the preceding months. Currently we have higher than anticipated cash balances primarily as a result of re-profiling of the capital works program. Our final cash positions to the end of the financial year are being managed closely. As noted in the previous General Committee report, we are monitoring whether in fact council approved borrowings of 3.1 million need to be drawn down. Or whether cash surpluses can be used to fund those projects. Page 8 of the report provides a detailed update of our rates arrears figures. Decreased from 9.7% to 7.8% from March to April 2026, with payments of arrears balances of $2 million received during the period. Council levels were provided in an update of where we are in terms of updates of the rates and charges debt management and recovery policy project as an email following the previous General Committee Meeting as a request during on where we are in the updates supporting that project. The rates and the utility charges and arrears balances are following historic norms. They have followed the predicted cash cycle that we've encountered in previous financial years. And we don't, as a result, there is no emerging financial risk of the current. Balances that are held. In previous financial reports, we've noticed, we've noted within the report questions taken on notice. You will receive a verbal update from myself around were included in the reported time where we issued them. In April, a question was taken from Councillor Lorentson. There was a couple of aspects, so hopefully we've captured this correctly, which we've recorded that is, will the lower capital delivery capital write-offs of 4.6 million and $11.5 million in arrears and the unpredictability of development contributions put future pressure on future rates, services and financial sustainability ratios? To address each of the individual items of the particular question, although lower the interim provides cash surpluses, effectively that cash is ring held for future delivery of works. Currently we've discussed re-profiling of capital works, so not discontinuation of cancellation of works. So effectively any cash held in the short-term will eventually be expended. Time to adjust for the re-profiling of works. This in theory doesn't provoke any financial risk as a result of that, but effectively it's just held in reserve or held in our bank balance until in fact we expend the cash that's held. Capital write-offs occur for a number of reasons, so this can be assets are reaching the end of their useful life, a new asset has been built, so the previous asset is disposed. Effectively this is a reflection in some ways of good asset management that you would expect over time of capital write-offs to be addressed as you have new assets that are being delivered. Capital write-offs go through been the equity side of our accounts actually have no impact on our operating position. And effectively, the simplicity, we have a useful life for all assets that we depreciate if they reach the end of their useful life prior to reaching their notional useful life the balance of that depreciation is written off and that is what a capital right offers so it's more an adjusted accounting adjustment or treatment for how we recognise that within our statements but doesn't provide any operational risk to council. Rate arrears is one of the consistent ones that always come up so we are looking to manage that we have noted historically rules probably aren't where we would like to see them as a result of the debt management policy that we're looking to interact uh there have been some delays to that operation we have actually getting them in practice just to the audit that we've had to do behind the scenes to ensure that everything that is transferred over is correct and fair there will be further updates provided for me specifically from this as to the timeline around that our communications program that we will look to implement as well to actually get out and engage with the community so they can understand whatever is uh what it looks like and what actual avenues there are to work with council around decreasing arrears balances. The unpredictability of development contributions which is the language in the report is effectively development contributions are tied to when development occurs so council has no distinct ability to control so when we talk about unpredictability it's when development occurs we will receive development contributions. Effectively this just creates an interim of receiving contributions to the expenditure so there's effectively a timing council can manage through product cash balances. We received one question by email from Councillor Finzel so if you're happy I can address that in response or would you like to raise that during question time. Karen Finzel 38:39.880
Sure, whatever. Zach Morton-Adair 38:42.174
Either way. So Councillor Finzel raised the question seeking clarification around page four of the report in regards to higher than anticipated fleet costs which the description was largely attributed to external hire of plant and equipment. What is the actual plant and equipment council is hiring for what reason whereabouts the and reporting- Sure, either way, whatever. Hiring and what and the and reporting on minutes is this increase or expenditure currently being captured? In response to the question, fleet operating costs are indicated as being $158,000 over budget today. The extent of this overspend should be compared to the actual fleet operating budget of $4.5 million, just for context. Fleet hire is an established part of the budget to hire specialist equipment, backfill and house plant due to scheduling or servicing breakdowns. Pressure on fleet hire can be particularly following natural disasters, meeting reactive requests, with additional fleet hire costs arising from emergent drainage and grading works in recent months. The fleet advisory committee of internal staff meets monthly and monitors the fleet program including expenditure and was and this was considered as part of the most recent meeting and will be worked across all teams to rating costs and the available budget that's in place. There were also April General Committee Meeting a number of items that I noted as further investigated what their finance was doing that I wanted to report back on. There were comments made regarding the financial performance of waste management revenue and expenditure and what was driving the current underspend for completeness waste revenues are currently forty six thousand dollars above budget year today this is predominantly made up of higher rates grants and gas royalty revenues which have been partially offset by lower disposal fees and the sale of recyclables these are probably slightly immaterial than the expenditure light line so materials and services are currently tracking five hundred and eighty five thousand dollars the low budget year today this is primarily driven by commercial waste levy expenses of four hundred and eleven thousand dollars primarily driven by lower volumes at the gate and a lower cost share of expenditure of eighty eight thousand dollars as a result of lower level recyclable sales in the current financial year. Employee benefits were a question taken on notice of where this was tracking versus budget as of April 2026 there was a three hundred and nineteen to budget notably this is against a four hundred forty nine point five million dollar budget so it represents less than a point six percent variance of actuals to budget so what would typically be and material below thresholds for warranting further review the hundred and fifty eight thousand dollar variance today for further explanation is primarily driven by lower training expenses of sixty, 000, thousand lower PPE expenses of forty two dollars and savings within the development assessment branch of one hundred and ninety five thousand dollars the last point is the financial costs underspend today and this variance is due to lower interest expenses of five hundred and nineteen thousand which is primarily related to a delayed drawdown a decreased long drawdown for loans related to the landfill expansion and the timings of the lake mcdonald's subdivision so they effectively just reflect delay timings or re-profiling of what debt was needed to be drawn down which means lower interest costs have been incurred in the current financial year to summarise overall council strong financial position as we work towards 30 June 2026 with any variances largely of timing rather than structural issues. Thank you and happy to take any questions in regards to the report. Thank you Sam. Amelia Lorentson 42:44.978
Questions Councillor Lorentson. Have quite um, I a few so I'll sit down and allow everyone else to talk. I'm going to probably start with our title assets. They've grown, increased over the years so just a couple of questions in terms of what's driving the growth and are we making sure that we can afford to maintain and replace them? Future net community assets what I read has increased from 1.541 billion to 1.590 billion so what's driving the change? Zach Morton-Adair 43:27.530
Happy to take a happy seat Through the Chair I can cry generalised I can cry generalised comments as opposed to specific assets that make that up so the changes to our asset base over the current financial year will be a reflection of assets that have been delivered through our capital works program and have been commissioned today so if there are you get to the completion of assets which are then capitalised put onto our fixed asset register to depreciate it over time this is also in some ways offset by any assets that are decommissioned decommission, or every stand that they use for life from the report we have a significant delivery works a capital delivery works program it's 15 million in the current year if I've remembered so that's what you're saying is that correctly effectively a growing asset base as a result of the infrastructure team delivering infrastructure assets throughout the financial year. In terms of whole of life costing of assets it's one of the aspects that have been brought up routinely through budget proceedings. For the next year's 2027 budget which is the whole of life asset costing which looks at capital replacement of assets ongoing maintenance expenditure renewals etc so it is a work program we're looking at over the next financial year to build the maturity effectively. Of how we look at whole of life assets and costs within our budget and then the reflection of our monthly finance reports. Does that answer the question? Amelia Lorentson 44:50.405
Quick follow up on that. In terms of growth in assets, revaluations, have we revalued our assets in the future? Zach Morton-Adair 44:59.585
Not today, so as part of any, sorry the chat, let's answer that question. Through every financial year we undertake a comprehensive valuation as part of our role in the five-year program. In the current financial year we're actually doing two revaluations, so other infrastructure assets and land assets. Reason for doing two is there was a change to the accounting standard two years ago to the land. Today we don't believe there's any financial impact but it was prudent to move the valuation forward. We are currently working through the valuation program. With an external valuer that's intended to be completed by 30 June so the impact of the evaluation will be first reported to Audit and Risk Committee and then reported to councillors as part of our end of statements but that will not be included today in terms of numbers that are in the financial reports. Margaret Gatt 45:51.558
Excuse me, Through the Chair, could I just add something to your question? yes. Councillor LORIS Councillor Lorentson, Councillor Lorentson, in terms of your question around the value continuing to grow, therefore our asset base continuing to grow, it's not necessarily new assets, so that valuation change or movement also comprises of renewals, so that's existing assets that then we renew and that needs to be capitalised and depreciated as well, so it's not about creating more new assets that then will potentially our ability to maintain and renew those. That figure is a mix of renewals being capitalised and potentially some new. Almost 50% of our capital works budget is renewal, it's not new. Amelia Lorentson 46:43.876
Yep so, I'm then assuming that the depreciation will increase in line with this increase in asset Margaret Gatt 46:51.796
Base, what you were saying? Through the Chair, depreciation increases if you bring on new assets or you do rehabilitation and increase and extend the use, not extend, yeah, the costs go up. So it's not necessarily renewals, it's similar to that, but it's only if you've got new that you would get a significant increase or a spike in your depreciation. Thank you very much. Well, had a question? Tom Wegener 47:20.501
No, actually, you answered my question very Frank Wilkie 47:24.201
Good. Councillor Phillips? Jessica Phillips 47:25.581
No, it's the same, it's okay. Frank Wilkie 47:27.041
Councillor Lorentson, you have some more? Amelia Lorentson 47:29.661
I do. Something I've been trying to many, years, consultancy services. So I just want to ask a couple of questions. So I've read consultancy services, I think $714,000. And when you divide that can months, so if it reports up to April 10, we're averaging close to $65,000 per month on consultants. So a couple of questions. What's driving the ongoing reliance on consultants and which areas of council operations do they support? Margaret Gatt 48:12.159
Through the Chair, I'll take that question. Councillor Lorentson, we'll have to take that question on notice. We do have the detail in the background where we could point to a particular area of the report to try to answer that question now. But it wouldn't be fair without me speaking to my colleagues and getting a report done to see where our consultancy spend is across the organisation. Amelia Lorentson 48:38.339
These other questions may be put on notice if you need to go back. So again, something I've raised. I would love to see like a formal policy or framework for engaging consultants, my understanding that we're are we using like our procurement policy as a basis when we go out to external consultants? And can you explain that a little Margaret Gatt 48:59.858
Bit in detail? Yes, Through the Chair. Just to clarify, there is a difference between consultants and contractors. So we have contractors for various bodies of our operational work either through fixed term temporary contractors or through the delivery of our capital works program that complements our own consultancies obviously can be brought in for various different means for a whole range of activities. We must comply with our procurement policy which is underpinned by the principles of the Local Government Regulation in terms of transparency and value for money and to ensure that we meet all of those we have thresholds that are determined in the policy of which we need to meet in terms of seeking quotes and we have probity plans and there is a significant amount of by our strategic rigor procurement and contract management team overlaying any form of engagement of consultants and contractors Amelia Lorentson 50:00.785
And last question how are we balancing expertise with building-term internal capability and organisation knowledge and probably my question is really where are we up to with our capability plan. Margaret Gatt 50:18.847
Yes Through the Chair I'm pleased to say that we have a draft that's been completed the actual project management plan just to clarify, not the actual workplace not the workforce capability and workforce planning plan we haven't got that done I've gave you a commitment that I would actually have that completed in draft by December this year so the first step was to actually develop a project management plan and I reported that through the operational status report as well so as I said I'm pleased to say that the PMP has been completed it's been presented to the executive team and in the next quarter we to engage some additional support to help us with that because we don't have the capacity to do BAU and addressing some I suppose foundation and stability work within the P&C function and providing service across the organisation we can't continue to focus on improving that and meeting the expectations of the organisation plus also managing a large body of work which is the development of the workforce capability plan so are getting some external help for that one as well have a couple of questions that really makes me happy Amelia Lorentson 51:39.803
Thank you Mike something again I've been pushing for some time in terms of the 1.7 million dollar loss are there any other recommendations from the review or audits that are still being implemented? Margaret Gatt 51:56.817
Through the Chair thank you we have just completed the as per the Audit and Risk Committee uh actions of I can't remember the date um the last one the one before I think sorry I can't remember exactly um there was a request by the audit risk committee that we our internal audit function which to chrome to actually do an audit. Of the QAO implementation to see whether we had actually implemented everything and I haven't um well I'm presenting the outcomes of that to the audit risk committee next week but I'm happy to share with you at a high level that there were no significant findings or observations uh there were only three uh what they refer to as process improvement opportunities so pleased to advise you that we have implemented everything and um yeah it's implemented it's in the audit risk committee report where we provide that detail fantastic Amelia Lorentson 52:58.703
And can I make a request can we perhaps in the next financial um report next month have maybe just an update of where we're up to in terms of implementation of the recommendations from the review and audit. Margaret Gatt 53:14.628
Through the Chair? Yes, I'm sure. Thank you. Amelia Lorentson 53:20.247
I have a couple more questions. So I can't I've been to two state of the nations economic forums. One hosted by council which was really excellent yesterday morning. Going to another one I think this week. So in terms of the ongoing discussions about economic risk. That have been raised through these forums. For example housing affordability and workforce shortages. How are we factoring all these issues into our financial planning and long term budget assumptions? The Chair. Margaret Gatt 54:03.839
Council oreston that's a continued watching brief is looking at what's happening at a micro and macro economic lens. Not only through the recent presentation this week hosted by council but also with our continued interactions with our treasurer, the Queensland Treasury Corporation. In terms of answering the question around how do we how do we consider that in our long-term financial planning assumptions, I did give you a commitment about months ago that we would in addition to having our long-term financial plan which is a model that is part of our budget papers proper that we would develop a long-term financial plan strategy. We are probably only about 60% through there we've just had some challenges in terms of resource constraints and the assistance the additional resources resource that we had that we have to help us develop that has been on some other compliance activities so we haven't been able to focus on that I had hoped to have that as part of the 26-27 budget adoption but I haven't been able to get it past about 60% but I can give you another commitment with more assurance behind that we will 27-28 budget and it will consider all of those things that you've just asked thank you very much A quick Jessica Phillips 55:38.434
Um if I Marg if I could ask I'm sure I know you've got a lot on as well but the workplace capabilities plan I know it's not quite finished yet but would I be able to request a workshop maybe on to tell us where it's at and telling maybe just so we're not waiting for the final just sort of that and maybe even the long-term financial plan strategy. Margaret Gatt 56:03.858
Through the Chair Councillor Phillips we actually do have a briefing scheduled with councillors on the workforce capability plan and workforce so that will basically table with you the framework show you the PMP and give you an understanding of milestones and deliverables and the amount of work that will be required so that's actually been scheduled for so I'm presenting to the audit risk committee as well that plan and the framework I think I'm actually presenting it to councillors via a briefing the day before the audit risk which is next week so I think sorry I've missed the second part of the question. Jessica Phillips 56:43.346
No, okay I'm sorry I didn't see that in the calendar so that's great as long as it's before the budget and the finalise of the budget the long-term financial plan strategy is that it's 60% but a workshop would be great on that as Margaret Gatt 56:56.264
Well yeah sure I'll look to schedule that after the adoption of the budget sometime in the later part of this calendar year if that's Frank Wilkie 57:05.362
Okay I have a question about the rates and arrears figures just trying to understand the calculations on page mentioned that in March there was 11.5 million rates and arrears but that's improved to 7.4 million rates and arrears in April is that correct yes and Through the Chair sorry yeah and then the table below the key metrics and total arrears it mentions the movement in arrears have been 2.204 million Zach Morton-Adair 57:36.861
I can I can take that one that's with me Through the Chair so this is my apologies the note 11.5 million is the layover from the previous financial report so the table is correct and then the key metrics reflect that the 9.7 million reflects the Bill is on the line, I believe, from the end of this. Believe from memory that's from the previous financial report the 11.5 million dollars should be read at 9.6 million if I'm doing my math in my head correctly so my apologies to that effect it's just that 11.5 noted in the verbal or the writing explanation hasn't been updated. Frank Wilkie 58:14.494
Thank you. I'm sorry, my the math mask makes no sense. Amelia Lorentson 58:19.061
I apologies. Apologise, Bill. So just a further question on the arrears and I think possibly it require and I think possibly you actually did record this but what proportion of the current arrears, 7.4 million, is considered short-term and this is like the long-term debt being a historical ones. Wine sale. Margaret Gatt 58:43.144
Through the Chair, at the last monthly finance report, we actually gave you an ageing in arrears more detail to show how many properties are sitting in with each of those categories. So I can't remember what they are right now off the top of my head, but it is reflected in last month's monthly finance report. Zach Morton-Adair 59:02.492
Noting we do that on a quarterly roll in R1, as we have those quarterly updates. That's why it's not in the report this time, because every quarter we bring out the more detailed reporting to provide that aged analysis. Thank you very much. Thank you. Councillor Finzel. Yes, Karen Finzel 59:16.742
Thank you. I'm just coming back to questions around assets to align with our policy around the asset management and sustainable responsibility. On track with capitalising with our capitalisation? Would you say we're on track for that? Margaret Gatt 59:35.572
Where are we sitting? Through the Chair, I'm happy to take that question. That's a continued focus for our finance team, but also across the organisation. We actually have stood up an actual project team that is solely, not but is solely, has got a focus for traction and momentum around addressing to ensure that our assets are capitalised in a timely manner and reflected in the asset are many reasons why that why there is a lag it's very common in almost every single council that there will be an amount that sits in your whip that takes a dedicated fund focus to actually look at internal processes so that when something is when the built form is practically complete that then the financially complete aspect happens as soon as and as efficiently as possible so it is a focus for us I don't know if I've answered your question. Karen Finzel 01:00:42.231
Would you say that lag there is a manageable risk or is it something that we need to be putting a greater focus to? Margaret Gatt 01:00:51.731
Through the on Chair as I said we have developed a project team that is focused on addressing the WIP it was a I would say a substantial amount last and we've progressively been working with the organisation to get things financially complete and recorded in the asset register including some of our disaster recovery programs. The audit risk committee a have focus on it and our contract auditors KPMG who do our interim year audit and end of financial year audit. They also are aware of our project team and our focus on it and are supporting us through that process. Zach Morton-Adair 01:01:31.877
To expand on to the Chair, we had an inter-remoter interim audit with KPMG on site last week this was one of the discussion topics yesterday so as of 30 June 2026 when we get to that we will be up to date on commissioning of assets so there's no lag between there for our financial statements as is in any financial year and there's a bigger emphasis being put on what and how we report that as well so there's no financial risk here when we get to the end of the financial year of capitalisation of assets or the incurring depreciation that comes from that. Karen Finzel 01:02:02.076
Good news, thank you. Just have a follow-up question of the one earlier that you've answered but I noticed we've got Shaun Walsh in the room Through the Chair to the CEO. Is that okay if Shaun can come up to the table to give us a bit more detail on that earlier question? Is method, please. What's the question on Councillor please? It was around the fleet, around the advisory panel that sits on that. Frank Wilkie 01:02:34.220
So any questions? Are you happy to answer that? Yes certainly, Shaun Walsh 01:02:38.020
Thank you Chair. So the fleet advisory committee, so firstly I just want to let you know through a restructuring arrangement internally, fleet actually is transferred across to infrastructure services so our because fleet is housed at the depot and 90% of the fleet issues are actually infrastructure services and it allows a lot more accountability in terms of the management of the product so as part of that sort of change of reporting lines we recently restructured the governance model or the terms of reference fleet advisory committee to make sure we've got adequate representation across the whole of the organisation including climate change to allow you know consideration electric vehicles and consideration of tracking things like finances the fleet advisory committee actually met this morning and because I've had written notice of Councillor Finzel's question actually we talked about the current overspend with $158,000 and Mike Dow the fleet manager and Craig young and myself committed to review the fleet high costs for the balance of the financial year to ensure that we can try and bring that into realm. Noting we are still affected if we have a natural disaster or some major reactive request we might still have to hire a fleet but we can balance the books or balance the budget to ensure great certainty for that expenditure item. Are you happy with Frank Wilkie 01:03:55.778
Thank you. Another question, if I've read the report correctly you're saying the impact of the middle east crisis has been only $4,000 on the current, have I read that correctly? Is that principally due to the price of diesel? Zach Morton-Adair 01:04:10.767
The Chair, so there's probably two aspects to that question. In terms of the most immediate impact of the crisis as it is, the impacts of fuel. So something we have done internally to address that is procurement has been working with infrastructure looking at how we can identify any increases of fuel increases over time. So within system we've identified that as a particular line item so we can track that in individual contracts. So in the current financial report as of April you are correct. It's only about four thousand dollars that had been attributed to that cost code at that point in time. Not even as evidently a lag evidently a lag between incurring costs and then retrospectively paying them as well so we will monitor that over time and it has been separated so if it starts to increase we can report that to council. There's complete visibility of the impacts of that crisis. Frank Wilkie 01:04:59.199
Yes so that's fuel cost of materials and services for transport, materials and services or anything like that? Margaret Gatt 01:05:08.361
So Through the Chair, I'm happy to take that. The $4,000 that's sitting against that particular line item, I would suggest that is probably not reflective of reality. It's probably just internally, we haven't got our internal processes bedded down to ensure that if any invoices come in where there is an increase in the cost, that it is going there. So it's about another communication exercise with the organisation to remind our staff that if they're processing invoices and of fuel associated with that invoice, that we need to have the diligence to ensure it goes to that line item. It is something that we discuss at the SteerCo. We also, separate to the fuel cost, as Zach has mentioned, the rise and fall provisions within contracts, our procurement team have been diligently monitoring that. And supporting the organisation by challenging any increases that come from our contractors. They believe that maybe they're not reasonable, that those increases aren't reasonable. Our procurement team are working closely with contractors to understand where the increase has come from. Is it just about, a percentage, is it actual based or is it just a percentage levy? And so we've got a mix of all. So some of our contractors have requested, say, an example, a 5% levy just to put across their contracts. Others have suggested up to a 30% increase and others are more just these are the actual fixed costs. So that's what we're asking for, purely associated with fuel. So it is a watching brief. It's been looked at and monitored every day. Frank Wilkie 01:06:57.720
Anybody care to move the report? Councillor Lorentson? I'm happy to. Seconded? Councillor Finzel? Councillor Lorentson? Amelia Lorentson 01:07:10.121
Thank you to your team and yourselves for preparing the financial report and for the work involved in managing council's finances. I think there was really good conversation around the table today and I feel really assured that the broader economic situation is seriously factored in when we're looking at our numbers. We're about to approach our budget next month and I think the community deserves to know that we are having lots of internal discussions about efficiencies. And about building internal capability to again attain those efficiencies. I'm going to take this opportunity to congratulate SAC for getting the management position for financial services. I understand that the calibre of applicants is really quite high. And you stood out. And from memory, 15 years of experience, asia, New Zealand, Australia, chartered accountant, senior government positions. We are so lucky to have you, SAC, and I think anyone that switches onto these live stream meetings can tell the calibre of staff that we have in our financial departments. Mark, yourself and your team. Again, really lucky to have your whole team and thank you. Frank Wilkie 01:08:43.620
Don't feel obliged to respond to that. Thank you very much. Just take it. Any other councillors wish to speak to the report? Wish to close? All in favour? That's carried. Thank you. Yes. Thank you, Wilson. Thank you, Zach. Thank you, mo. The next Ordinary Meeting is. Sorry, too far ahead. Right. Now to 14.1, which is another confidential item. It involves a waste management contract extension. So this is a. Commercial and confidence item which will need to go into confidential session. So thank you, members of the gallery. This is the last item today. But we will reopen to move the recommendation that comes from it. So I move that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J3G of the local government regulations. 2012 for the purpose of discussing contracts proposed to be made by council and in particular the potential commercial negotiations in relation to item 14.1 waste management contract extension. May I have a seconder for that please? Thank you Councillor Wegener. All in favour? Yes. Thank you. That's unanimous. Frank Wilkie 01:23:13.980
Welcome back. Thank you. To move that council A note the report by the Waste Coordinator to the Ordinary Meeting dated 21st of May 2026 regarding council's waste management contract number 1516T043 and B approve the extension of the current 1516T043 waste management contract for a period of two months under the current schedule of rates and C delegate to chief executive that's negotiate, not negotiated, finalise, execute complete all things necessary to administer the contract extension on behalf of council. May I have a seconder for that please? I have a second. Councillor Phillips. Any discussion? Wiggin. Have money. Tom Wegener 01:24:12.164
It just gives me a lot of confidence in the waste department and the team to know that they're thinking that far ahead. We're going to need a couple of extra months here to put this together, especially in the world the way it is right now. And I appreciate that. To be thinking a year ahead. In negotiations. Frank Wilkie 01:24:29.176
Thank you, council. Anybody else? Jessica Phillips 01:24:33.176
I'm going to say quickly the same thing. Thank you. Because I was going to say as well, but kyron always, I noticed that anything from your department you try and solve before you start looking externally and that I acknowledge because everything you present to us is usually, gives me a lot of confidence in your team as well. Thanks. Frank Wilkie 01:24:49.936
Thank you Councillor Phillips. I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? Yes. That's unanimous. Thank you Connor. And that's the last item on the agenda. The next Ordinary Meeting will be in council chambers at 10am on Thursday June 18, 2026. Related Noosa Council Meetings
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