Before the first item ¶
00:00:00 Speaker 11: Our chair is unwell today. He has COVID, of all things. So he will be tuning in from home on Teams. So me as the CEO will take charge of the meeting initially until we appoint a standing chair. But initially what I'd like to do is I'd like to acknowledge that we're meeting on the traditional lands of the Kabi Kabi people. And I pay my respects to the Elders past, present, and emerging. The next point of order is to acknowledge and have Councillor Frank Wilkie be accepted to attend the meeting via Teams. Mayor Stewart: I'll move that. Speaker 11: I'll second that. So I'll move that. Claire Stewart, Secretary of the Judge's District. All in favour? Councillor Jurisevic: That's carried. Speaker 11: Carried. The second piece is therefore to appoint a chair of the meeting.
1 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES ¶
00:01:00 Can I have a... Mayor Stewart: I'll move that Councillor Joe Jurisdict is the chair for the meeting. I'll make a second. Thank you. Speaker 11: Seconded by Amelia Lorentson. Any discussion? All in favour? That's unanimous. Frank? Thank you. Very unfortunate that I haven't been sitting in the chair yet. Councillor Jurisdict, I pass it over to you now to chair the meeting. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you, Mr. CEO. Welcome, everybody, to the general committee meeting. I, too, would like to acknowledge the traditional lands of the land on which we work, the Kabi Kabi people, and pay my respects to the Elders past, present, and emerging. As far as attendance goes, we are aware that Councillor Wilkie is attending online and Councillor Karen Finzel is on apology today. First item on the agenda is the confirmation of minutes from the last general meeting. I have a mover. Councillor Stewart. That'd be a second. Thank you. Seconded by Councillor Wollaston. No discussion? All in favour? In favour. Thank you, Councillor Wilkie.
2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ¶
00:02:00 Carried unanimously. There are no presentations. There was to be a deputation today with regard to the proposed hotel development at Nurses Springs, but I have been advised that we have received notice from the applicant for the proposed hotel at Nurses Springs that a notice advises of another change to the proposed development. The other change includes work to the existing clubhouse building. By virtue of this change, a new use club is introduced into the application. The effect of the other change is that the development assessment process stops on the day notice of a change is made. The next item on the agenda is the confirmation of minutes received by the assessment manager, being today and starts again at the beginning of the assessment manager's confirmation period. So as a result of that other change, the item 5.3, consideration of the development MCU21-011. Mayor Stewart: Are you moving this item to this section now or are you moving it? Speaker 11: Yeah, we might hold back until... Councillor Jurisevic: Yeah, yeah, I'm just advising people that it won't be undertaken.
3 PRESENTATIONS ¶
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4 DEPUTATIONS ¶
00:03:00 So if there's anybody in the audience that has come to hear the matter on Nurses Springs, that item will not be dealt with in today's agenda. So I'm just giving you a forewarning that we've got another number of items before that. So if you're here to hear about Nurses Springs, we won't be dealing with that matter today. And as a result of that, the deputation has been withdrawn and will not be presented today. So we'll move on to item 5, items referred from committee. So the first item is 5.1, MCU22-0118, development application for a material change of use, short-term accommodation 94 and 142, Nusa Drive, Nusa Hedge, which is referred to the Planning and Environment Committee. Welcome staff to the table. Catherine or... Mayor Stewart: Councillor. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor, you're going to give us an overview on the report. Mayor Stewart: Councillor Wilson has a conflict of interest. Councillor Lorentson: Conflict of interest. Councillor Jurisevic: Sorry, we have conflict of interest. Conflict of interest to deal with? Councillor Lorentson: Oh, yes. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wilkie and Councillor Kynes. Councillor Wilkie, I believe you have a conflict of interest.
4.1 KIM PETROVIC & JOHN COCHRANE Topic - proposed hotel development at Noosa Springs MCU 21/0110 ¶
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6 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES ¶
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5.1 MCU22/0118 – DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION FOR A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE – SHORT-TERM ACCOMMODATION AT 94 & 142 NOOSA DR, NOOSA HEADS (Referred from Planning & Environment Committee dated 7 November 2023 - Item 5.1) ¶
00:04:00 Would you like to undertake your declaration? Councillor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Chair. I have a conflict...like to declare a prescribed conflict of interest in this matter as the applicant RACV Resort, support for Nusa Arts Theatre with an annual $2,500 sponsorship. And I also serve as Nusa Arts Theatre President. As a result of this conflict of interest, I will read the meeting while the matter is Councillor Jurisevic: decided. Thank you. Councillor? Councillor Lorentson, I believe you also have a... Councillor Lorentson: I do. I, Councillor Lorentson, have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. My husband and I own a property in Nusa Parade, Nusa Hedge. Since November 2020, this property has been used for short-term accommodation rental, although I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter. I do not believe a reasonable person could have a perception of bias as I have no personal relationship with the applicant. And although I have an STA property, I will not be positively or negatively impacted by
00:05:00 the decision. 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. Councillor Jurisevic: That leaves it to the remaining councillors to consider whether Councillor Lorentson is Mayor Stewart: interested. I move that Councillor Lorentson stay here. I move that Councillor Lorentson participates and votes in this matter because the council believes that there is no personal relationship with the applicant and that Councillor Lorentson will not be positively or negatively impacted by the decision. So a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in public interest. Councillor Jurisevic: Do we have a seconder? Councillor Wegener? Would you speak to... No, I don't. Thank you. Any other councillors wish to speak to the matter? Those in favour? Against?
00:06:00 That's Councillor Stewart, Stockwell, Wegener and Jurisdict in favour. None against? And Councillor Lorentson did not vote on the matter. And the motion is carried. Back to where we were. Can we have an overview on the... Thank you. Can we have an overview on the application? Sure. Speaker 5: So this one's coming as a material change of use for short-term accommodation at 94 and 142 Noosa Drive. The proposal includes eight buildings comprising 15 different two-storey dwellings. Each of the buildings are elevated above ground level and are connected by an elevated timber boardwalk. The proposal includes 18 additional car parks and requires the removal of a minimum of 71, and possibly up to 82 native trees on site, with a minimum of 27 koala trees, potentially up to 33. Access will remain as is from Noosa Drive.
00:07:00 The applicant's proposing to amalgamate the lots, so the existing access easement would no longer be required. The proposal is primarily located over the southern lot, being lot three of the development, with cabins two to 15 being wholly located in those... In that lot, and cabin one in the car park, being split across the existing developed site and lot three. The subject site is split-zoned, being tourist accommodation and environmental management and conservation, with a total size of approximately 5.18 hectares. The short-term accommodation is consistent in a tourist accommodation zone, however, it's inconsistent in the environmental management and conservation zone. So the application is being proposed as a refusal. Given that it's a short-term accommodation, it's consistent in a tourist accommodation zone, given that it's inconsistent in the environmental management. In addition, that section of the site is also outside of this planning scheme's mapped
00:08:00 urban boundary. The planning scheme does look to consolidate all development within the urban boundary footprint. So the site's subject to biodiversity mapping, including portions of riparian buffer, and the whole of the site is mapped as koala habitat area. So in terms of the environmental management, the site is subject to biodiversity mapping, It's pretty substantial that it is acknowledged that the site's currently degraded, however, not to the extent to allow such a large development on the site. So in terms of the proposal, we don't think it's consistent with the community expectations of development in the Shire, given the loss of the ecological values on that site. 125 properly made submissions were received throughout the notification period. Six of those were in support, and 119 opposed the development. Most of those in opposition were raising concerns regarding the koala habitat and the environmental impacts.
00:09:00 Councillor Jurisevic: Any questions? Mr Council, any questions to start? Ms Lorentson, you can start us off. Councillor Lorentson: I'll start off. So if the proposed development, so you say that the development sort of overlaps both zones, the tourist accommodation zone and the conservation zone, so if RSCV changed the development to fit within the urban boundary, within the tourist accommodation zone portion of the land, and changed the built form of the development, would Council approve the application? Speaker 5: Potentially. So we had had conversations with the applicant about reducing the footprint and squeezing it, I guess, into that short-term accommodation zoning. There would still be... There would still be environmental impacts, but in terms of having it outside of the map to riparian area and inside the urban boundary, our concerns from a planning perspective would be less than what's currently proposed.
00:10:00 Speaker 3: So just to clarify that, there's biodiversity values across the whole site. They're not limited to where the zoning is applied. And there are significant environmental values within the tourist accommodation zone that also need to be dealt with. From a hierarchy point of view, do the overlays sit above the zoning? So it is crucial that that is addressed. So whilst it may, by bringing it into the tourist accommodation zone, it might deal with that single matter, there are still issues. Yeah. Councillor Jurisevic: So the elements of vegetation clearing would be one of those considerations, whether it were to come back before us within that 3,800-metre footprint that is in the tourist accommodation zone. Speaker 3: It would still be a matter that would need to be addressed, yes. Mayor Stewart: That's a question. Sarah, thank you. The Queensland Wildcote Crusaders, do they support this? Speaker 5: Yes, so they did lodge a submission. It was outside of the notification period, so it's not taken to be properly made,
00:11:00 but they did lodge a submission in support of the development. Mayor Stewart: So they're supporting the application by RSVB. And SARA, the state agency in that Wildcote habitat area, they're in support of this too, is that correct? Speaker 5: Yes, so they have issued an approval. It's a pretty stringent approval, though, in terms of how it's to actually be developed. There's basically the whole of the site, excluding the building footprint and the boardwalks, are all to be under a covenant. So we have concerns about how the buildings would actually be constructed and then maintained long-term, given that those covenant requirements would be quite substantial. They were also required to pay an offset as well to SARA for the koala habitat removal. Mayor Stewart: So the difference between SARA and the state agency authorising or giving stringent conditions for approval is based around how the cabins are being built? Speaker 5: I'm not sure in terms of what sort of swayed the approval, but essentially, I guess, from our perspective,
00:12:00 there's more than just the koala habitat that we're concerned with. It's a larger ecological issue in terms of there is koala habitat, but the other environmental aspects on the site, it also had to be considered, whereas they're just looking at the habitat. Speaker 3: And it's, you know, the Noosa Springs application also had koala habitat on it? Mayor Stewart: I'm out for that one, Patrick. Oh, sorry. Yeah, they're a conflict, so I can't... So can I... OK. Speaker 3: It's possible that SARA may, in some instances, request a financial payment as an offset, but that still doesn't override our assessment. So, yeah. Councillor Lorentson: And I believe they actually did require a financial offset, I think, yeah. Can I ask, what happens to the site if the development doesn't get approved? It's a bushfire risk. It's heavily degraded, infested with weeds and vines.
00:13:00 And the report submitted by the applicant says that the long-term prognosis for the site is towards decreased koala habitat. So it's unlikely that, without intervention, that this site's going to be any good for koalas. So... Speaker 3: So the weed invasion of the site is a concern? Yeah. William might be able to talk to the requirements for that to be dealt with? Yes. To the landowner? To the landowner, to be dealing with that. That's correct. Speaker 2: So we have a Local Law 3 that we're looking at. It requires that invasive weeds and unsightly properties are maintained. The major weed on this site is a Cranjapani species. That's... It isn't, however, on our list of invasive species. So Local Law 3 for weed removal would not be appropriate.
00:14:00 However, unsightly property could be a potential problem. So, yeah. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: The zoning boundaries and urban boundaries are based on 2006 zone boundaries. Are you aware if there's any environmental reasoning behind where those boundaries were located? Speaker 3: My understanding is the environmental management and conservation zone aligns with the riparian buffer. The match riparian buffer. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So in the area around caverns four to seven where it takes a big dip, it would suggest at the time the creek would have taken a bend or something at the time to push it in, that
00:15:00 that might not be the case anymore? Speaker 3: It may not be. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: And what's the process? Is it only council who can review that urban boundary and the zoning code? There's no re-zonings or anything anymore, so the only way to change it would be for a scheme amendment. Speaker 13: It's under our mandate. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: It's not. Speaker 13: So unless there's new information that comes to light when council's reviewing those boundaries, it could be, I mean, for the research done. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So before, during the scheme review, we actually had the application to extend the previous approval over this site? It was obvious then that the boundaries of the zone weren't great. I can see here that caverns four to seven actually are located to minimise tree clearing. Whereas they're also the ones that raise the problem in terms of being in the environmental management zone. Is that correct?
00:16:00 Speaker 5: Yes. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yeah. Okay. I'll leave the rest. Thank you, Mr Chair, for calling me out. Any further questions? Councillor Jurisevic: No. Okay. Councillor Lorentson: So the applicant, so we've been on site and spoken to the applicant. He's been working with Noosa Council's respected environmental experts in preparing his application. I've also understood they've been working with council planners now for several years. What's happened that the proposal that's in front of us today? Is so opposite of, you know, we've got a proposal that's not been supported by council. I just sort of want to understand the process. At what point were they directed to change the development application? And when did we tell them that this is unlikely to be approved? There's a huge cost involved in putting these applications together.
00:17:00 Okay. Speaker 3: Well, you would have discussed, well, earlier in the process there was concerns that were raised in terms of the ecological values of the site and the need for their footprint to be addressing that. So in terms of conversations around specifically refusing the application, it would have been, I'd say, within, definitely within the decision-making period. Speaker 5: Can't believe it. So they were issued an information request and we followed it up with the further advice. We had a meeting with the applicant here. In the office and discussed the footprint of the building and recommended that, you know, potentially it's an overdevelopment. Is there any ability to shrink it? We met with them out on site as well and had that same conversation. So it's definitely been raised as, you know, potentially bringing the scale back and lessening the impact of it. But they've chosen to continue with the current design. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: I've got a question. With regards to the biobasin size and this talk with the biobasin that's been proposed
00:18:00 being undersized and something would require a more significant area of land to be allocated for the biobasin to facilitate the runoff from this site. But given that the developer has proposed water tanks and the use of water tanks, is there any indication of what that water will be utilised for and does that in any way impact or contribute to the sizing of the biobasin? Has that been taken into consideration when the comments here with regards to the size of the biobasin? Yes. Speaker 5: So it has. So Council's hydraulic expert, who's external, has reviewed their stormwater management plan that's been provided, which does reference the water tanks. They're predominantly to be used for maintenance and things like that on site. But the overflow would go out onto the site. So all of that has been taken into consideration. Councillor Jurisevic: So from the maintenance, you mean irrigation, rather than utilised within the facilities
00:19:00 to go down the sewer system. So it would still flow into the gardens and things like that. Yes. I believe so. Thank you. Any other questions? Anybody moving a recommendation or other motion today? Oh, God. Speaker 12: Looks like a close call. Councillor Jurisevic: I'll move to start. I'll move to start. Thank you. If that's the case, I'll move to start. Recommendation? Speaker 12: I'll second it. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you, Councillor Wegener. I do so on the basis of having looked and ground-proofed the site. And I do acknowledge the work done by the developer in this case to ground-proof the site and to undertake an understanding of the ecological values and the environment of the trees. My concern is that there are still a significant number of koala trees that will be removed from the site. And as staff indicated, there is incursion into areas outside of the footprint allocated
00:20:00 to the tourist accommodations area. So I'm happy to support staff's position on this, in that I think there is an element of over-development. I think there is scope here for the developer to consider a review of the footprint of the caverns and the like, and to bring it within the footprint. The concerns with regard to the biobasement. So I'llzie that one. That may mean that some additional environment or land may be at risk. So on that basis, I am prepared for the staff recommendation to . Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'm going to move an amendment but I'd asked Kathy, can you bring up the attachment. The final attachment on the tree clearing proposals and open up on sheet F.
00:21:00 It's the final attachment on tree clearing. Councillor Lorentson: Figure 6 and 7, I think, on page 5 of the report. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: If you've got a sheet F on that one. You're probably around 5, page 5, Kabi.
00:22:00 If you can zoom out a bit so you can see more of it. So I'll talk to the motion first and then I'll move the amendment so we don't have to do that. If you can just scroll down a little bit. Yeah, that's probably the next one is the better one without the circles. So you can see on that one that cabins 4 to 7 have been located to avoid tree clearing. But they're the substantial areas of non-compliance with the zone and the town boundary. Cabins 2 and 3, on the other hand, have probably... Some of the most tree clearing and only a small part of that is outside the town boundary.
00:23:00 I think, having looked at this application and the site, it's been a long time since I've seen a developer who's tried to do the right thing as much as this developer has. In terms of how to maximise conservation, you would be putting cabins 4 to 7 where they are. You would be trying to maintain that larger body of vegetation. And you'd probably be... If you're cutting anything, the first one to cut would be cabins 2 and 3, in my opinion. I'm going to move an addition to Councillor Gerisovic's motion on that basis. So you... Yeah, that's okay. I don't need the visual anymore. I just wanted to show that... So... Yeah, that's okay. And if it goes to B, perhaps a new B, and then make B, C, and the new B to read, that
00:24:00 the CEO be requested to review the zone and town boundaries as part of a future review of the planning scheme. Zone and... Town boundaries, I think that's what it's called. Sorry. Town boundaries. As part of a future review of the planning scheme. Urbanism. Speaker 13: Urbanism. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: As part of a future review of the planning scheme. Councillor Jurisevic: Do you have a second?
00:25:00 Councillor Lorentson: I bid you second. That's all right. Councillor Jurisevic: I do so. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Most of the development sites left in Noosa are constrained. It's important that those constraints in a planning scheme sense reflect the real world constraint, rather than a line on the map from 20 years ago. In the development of the review of the planning scheme, as I said, we actually had a fair bit of information from the extension, and I actually suggested we go to a Meats and Bounds description of the tourism zone, which would probably... Come up with something that's a little bit different to what we've currently got. I do think it's time in these sites, which are going to continue to be highly valuable, both from an environmental and from a development perspective, to get it right. I think there is opportunities to do, as has been suggested, a smaller scale development,
00:26:00 and potentially if a scheme review went through, then a second stage, which would achieve both koala conservation and broader environmental conservation while maintaining as much as possible of the current values, hence the amendment. Councillor Jurisevic: I'll speak to it. I'm happy to support the amendment. I think having the challenges that some of these constraints bring, I think the option is to ensure that the boundaries as they are true and accurate reflection of the passes of the land are worth reviewing and ensuring that they are accurate reflection of the land status as they are at the moment. Councillor Gough's wish to close. All in favour?
00:27:00 You've never seen Caroway. Councillor, oh, Councillor Gough's got mine. I'm sorry, I forgot his last name. Okay, the amendment is added to the motion. I think myself and Councillor Stockwell have spoken to the motion so far. Councillor Gough's wish to speak. Nothing to add? I think I'll... Councillor Gough? I'll close in that case. I think the yellows have been brought before us and I think the points raised by Councillor Swanson are relevant and I don't think anything further needs to be said on the motion so I'll put the motion to a vote. All those in favour? Carried unanimously. We'll move on to the next item before we do that. We'll have to let Councillor Wilkie know that we've dealt with the first item and we're moving on to seat 5 and 2. We're getting back into the... Councillor Wilkie, you're back with us? Yes, Mr Chair. Thank you. We're moving on to the next item which is 5.2, approval for MCU21-0.
00:28:00 194.01, application for another change to a development approval for a roadside store which includes a food and drink counter at PI1 Mary River Road, Le Roy. This is referred from the Planning Environment Committee also. Mayor Stewart: I'm just going to close results in a minute. It's just... Councillor Jurisevic: Not just me. We'll pause briefly while we sort through the technical issues. Thank you.
00:29:00 Councillor Jurisevic: Now, Gals as well, I've got you all. We've got a moment. We have got a fairly full agenda so I will be keeping the place on at times. Thank you. As we speak towards matters today, we'll be here till midnight if we all get on. So we'll get back with you soon. Councillor Wilkie: Seem to be dropping in and out, Mr Chair. Councillor Jurisevic: Yeah, I think there are some internet issues that the staff are trying to deal with. So if you'll bear with us, Trace. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: We should go on with the meeting and I can move your manual if you want to. No. Speaker 11: Do you mind? Mayor Stewart: Oh, it's coming up. Speaker 11: Frank's here.
00:30:00 Yeah, sorry. We need to get better. Councillor Jurisevic: Frank, is it just the hearing what's being said dropping in and out? Mayor Stewart: Board view just came up but the actual report is still coming up. Councillor Jurisevic: Are you still with us, Gals? Wilkie? Here we go. You're on mute, Frank. Yes, I'm here. That's all right. So is it just the voices going in and out or is it just a bit quiet if you're in? Councillor Wilkie: It was all your voices dropping in and out. Councillor Jurisevic: All right. We'll see how we go from here on in. Thank you. Okay. So as I said, item 5.2. Gatslet, any questions to staff? Oh, before we do that, there are no conflicts. Staff, can we have an overview of the matter before us? Sure. Speaker 5: So an application was received in June 2021 for a commercial low use permit for trading in Cooroy's industrial area for the existing bus itself to actually travel around that area. The applicant then received that permit but started parking in front of the subject site
00:31:00 rather than in the Cooroy industrial area. So as a complaint had actually been lodged regarding the use of the bus in the right direction, the road reserve compliance action was taken by Council which resulted in a material change of use being lodged for a roadside stall in November 2021. So the application went to Council in April 2022. The report was recommending refusal at that point because it was believed that the use was commensurate with a food and drink outlet as opposed to a roadside stall. Council approved the roadside stall at the ordinary meeting that month. A notation was included on the decision. Notice requesting that the applicant provide, sorry, the applicant lodge an application within a period of time for food and drink outlet. They were allowed to continue operating the use on the site provided that it wasn't causing impacts. So Council has received a number of complaints in the last six months regarding impacts from
5.2 MCU21/0194.01 – APPLICATION FOR AN OTHER CHANGE TO A DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL FOR A ROADSIDE STALL TO INCLUDE A FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET AT 201 MARY RIVER RD, COOROY (Referred from Planning & Environment Committee dated 7 November 2023 - Item 5.2) ¶
00:32:00 the use as it's currently operating. So the current proposal is an other change application to include a food and drink outlet in addition to the approved roadside stall. The applicant is looking to expand the range of goods that's permitted to be sold and consumed on site. They're also looking to include dining for up to 12 people on site at any one time in two different seating areas. So essentially at the moment the applicant is seeking a retrospective approval for the 26 square metre building that's been constructed for the roadside stall component. We are supportive of that. So we are looking to improve that structure. And we're also seeking retrospective approval for the food and drink outlet, which we are not supportive of. So we are recommending approval for the food and drink component of this application. The current application requires a total of five car parks on site. The planning scheme, that's the minimum required under the planning scheme. The original food and drink, sorry, the original roadside stall did condition three car parks
00:33:00 on site. The planning scheme actually only requires one, so I believe that was conditioned because of the scale of it. The applicant is proposing seven compliant car parks on site. To date, none of the originally approved car parks have been constructed. So the request also includes changes to and deletion of a number of the conditions of the original approval relating to no food and drink to be consumed on site. The removal of the requirement for no on site dining, things like that. So those conditions themselves are predominantly around the food and drink component. Not the roadside stall. So we're also recommending recusal of that aspect of the application. So under the Noosa Plan 2020, a food and drink outlet is considered an urban development and they are predominantly required to be located in centre zones. So this sort of development isn't envisaged to be located in rural areas under Noosa Plan
00:34:00 2020. So the application, sorry, the subject site is outside of the urban boundary again. It's on an 80 kilometre an hour road. There is not sufficient car parking being provided on site at the moment for the way that the use is operating. So it is noted that a majority of patrons are parking in Council's road reserve, which has caused some damage to the road reserve. It is lawful parking. Our local laws have confirmed that the parking that's out the front at the moment is lawful. Our infrastructure team have had a look. And to formalise that car parking, there's not enough space in that road reserve to provide compliant formal car parking in Council's road reserve. So there are some issues in terms of how the use is currently operating and the impacts in terms of safety of accessing to and from the site. They provided a traffic assessment as part of the application.
00:35:00 The assumptions that were used in that assessment, though, were that all vehicles were entering and exiting via the Worley Court road reserve. So we know in reality that's not how it's actually functioning. So there are concerns about people pulling out from the road reserve directly into Mary River Road at the moment. The subject site is outside the SEQ regional plan urban footprint. So it's mapped as regional landscape and rural production areas. So the SEQ regional plan, which does the big picture sort of development, looks at, does it support retail activities in these rural areas as well as the planning scheme. So at that higher level, at the state level, they're also not looking for these sorts of activities to develop in rural areas. It's not considered to improve the area. It doesn't value add to rural activities that are currently on the site. So at the moment, the rural production on the subject site is very limited. The planning scheme supports these types of uses when they're looking to value add to
00:36:00 rural activities that are currently on the site. So at the moment, the small scale, you know, beekeeping, egg production, things like that, doesn't warrant the scale of this food and drink outlet as an ancillary use to what's being produced on site. So essentially, the scheme, the proposal doesn't meet the outcomes of the scheme. So we're not supportive of the food and drink outlet. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you. Councillor Wegener: I find issue with just about everything that you say, but not completely. It's like when you say that there's not an overriding reason for this, that we don't need this there. But at the same time, there's so many people going there that that's where the problem lies, is it's too busy, yet there's not enough right. So is there a question here or we made a comment from the staff?
00:37:00 Are you confident that when you say that there's not an overriding reason for this establishment, are you confident in that comment, considering the evidence seems to be contrary to that? Speaker 5: So I guess the popularity of the use doesn't necessarily mean that there's a need for it. So it's a convenient location for people coming to and from Cooroy in terms of car parking. But I don't think that that necessarily indicates that there's a need for it. There's areas within the Cooroy town centre where this use could be located that's more appropriate. Councillor Wegener: But when you said in the town centre, people like to go there and sit down under the trees and have a coffee for two hours. That isn't in the town centre. That it's a completely different use than the coffee shop in the town centre. Speaker 5: So I guess under the planning scheme, a coffee shop's a coffee shop in terms of the definition. So a food and drink outlet, the expectation from the planning scheme is that they do operate in centre zones
00:38:00 where people are going and they're doing multiple things in that centre zone. So they're going to the post office or the library as opposed to drawing people outside of the town centre to a rural area where the expectation is that there's rural amenity. There's no expectation for these sorts of urban activities that create a high traffic flow in these locations. Councillor Wegener: With the popularity of... Councillor, I think you're trying to prosecute me. Councillor Jurisevic: You're the only one here and you're not asking questions relevant to... I'd prefer that you leave that until you... Yeah, go ahead. Mayor Stewart: I think it's just falling off from Councillor Wegener. I'll just pick up on what you said. I think that if you would agree that there is the black letter law in the planning scheme law, then there is the... You're talking the community side and sometimes they don't always marry up. So what happens in a community or what people feel comfortable with isn't necessarily stipulated
00:39:00 on a planning scheme. That's what you're trying to say. Yeah. That's correct. Speaker 13: And I think it's worth adding too that the applicant hasn't demonstrated overwhelming community or planning need, which obviously the onus is on the applicant to demonstrate the need, I guess, argument as part of their proposal that overrides the conflicts of the planning scheme. So I guess from, I guess, a pure assessment perspective, the applicant has the onus to demonstrate what that community or planning need is that can provide grounds to support an application despite the conflicts. In this particular case, there hasn't been that planning need or community need demonstrated as part of that material for the officers to get to that point. Where those conflicts can be overridden. Councillor Jurisevic: Can I clarify the difference between need and desire in a planning context? What would be an example of a need that would help facilitate an application to come forward?
00:40:00 Speaker 13: So an example would be if there were no cafes available in the local town centre that could supply the need for that local community. So if there was none there at all or there was one and there was an overwhelming community need, they need coffee and this is the only place to go and therefore there's reasons. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: That clarifies it. Speaker 13: So needs and wants, I guess, is. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wegener, you've got a burning question. Mr Chairman. Yes, Craig. Sorry, Councillor Wilkie. Yes, you've got a question on the line. Councillor Wilkie: I'd like to move a motion, please, Mr Chairman. Please do. I'd like to move the staff recommendation with the addition of an I, point I, to read, authorise the CEO to work with the applicant.
00:41:00 I'm sorry. Speaker 11: I'm just handwriting. We're here. Councillor Jurisevic: This has been inclusive. Thank you. Councillor Wilkie: Authorise the CEO to work with the applicant to find an appropriate location for the food and drink outlet slash bus. Mayor Stewart: Authorise the CEO to work with the applicant to find an appropriate location for the food and drink outlet slash bus. Councillor Jurisevic: Seconded by Rick. Yes, thank you. Okay, and who's Councillor Wilkie? Do I have a seconder? Speaker 1: I'll second it. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Stockwell seconding. Councillor Wilkie, would you like to lead off? Councillor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Chair.
00:42:00 Basically, Councillors, I'm in favour of approving the roadside stall and also finding a safer and more appropriate location for the food and drink outlet and a bus. So when it comes down to choosing between the rights of patrons, whether they be locals or tourists, to have coffee where they want it, when they want it, regardless of the legality of the business providing it, and the rights of the family to have privacy, safety and peace in and around their rural home, as intended under the planning scheme, the choice has to be clear. The Noosa Plan aims to ensure there are no inequalities, negative impacts on residents or traffic hazards through conflicting land uses. And I'd like to read this plea from a neighbour. It was a public plea, not just to show that the planning scheme is not just a box ticking exercise, Councillor Wilkie: but that when we have non-compliant commercial operations, the impacts on neighbours and residential neighbourhoods are real.
00:43:00 So it says, my name is Joyce Brunley and I live in a Noosa Shire rural zone in Cooroy. I have lived in this community for 10 years. I also work in this community as well as the Noosa community as a registered nurse. I'm a single mother of five. My sons are aged 18, 6 and 14 and my twin daughters recently turned 11. Councillor Wilkie: Unfortunately, my life and dream of living and raising my children in a peaceful rural zone is about to be turned upside down forever. Due to my neighbours seeking approval for a roadside food and drink outlet, but they have been operating without approval. This has been the case for approximately two years. For years now, making this business in breach of council regulations. Councillor Wilkie: Please note, as per the Noosa Plan 2020, food and drink outlets are not permitted in such zones, let alone on an 80 km per hour road. While I support entrepreneurship and believe in giving everyone a fair go, this business, if approved, will be detrimental to my children's welfare.
00:44:00 Councillor Wilkie: It is located in an 80 km per hour zone opposite the Cooroy rubbish transfer station, which is open Saturday and Sunday and Monday, 8am to 1pm, adding to the traffic hazard along the stretched road. And this is one of her main concerns here. My children have to cross this road and catch the bus to school. The busy traffic created by customers pulling over for coffee adds to their risk on this road. Councillor Wilkie: Some customers park outside my property and create blind spots, which make it difficult to access the road. Some customers also block access onto my property. Some customers walk through my property. Councillor Wilkie: And we have also had customers walk into my property, making my youngest children fearful of playing outside. Councillor Jurisevic: Excuse me. Sorry. Sorry from the gallery. Can I ask that you give the speaker the appreciation of allowing him to speak without being interrupted. Whether you agree with the comments or not, we do not take comments from the gallery.
00:45:00 Thank you. Councillor Wilkie: Thank you. This is the plea from the neighbour. The business owners without approval from council have built a medium impact coffee roastery on the property and the emissions are creating an impact also. I am reaching out to you on a personal level as I am desperate for your support. Councillor Wilkie: How would you feel if this was your backyard and negatively impacted the rural privacy, safety, security and enjoyment of your home? My fate and that of my children live in the hands of councillors. My family have a right to peace and quiet in our own home in a rural zoned area. Our wellbeing and quality of life should be understood by our business, namely a food and drink outlet next door that has been operating without approval seven days a week. Now there are also 148 residents of the Shire who feel the same way about this and they signed a petition to that effect. All they are asking is for us to do our job, support the right of every resident to peace, privacy and traffic safety through proper planning and the planning scheme.
00:46:00 The report which states there is insufficient on-site car parking to meet the current requirements. Which is the potential to increase with the changes proposed by the applicant. We have been truly warned by residents and professional council staff about potential traffic safety hazards with children crossing this busy road at school bus times. We have been warned of the potential for a tragedy. If this is approved and the worst does happen, what then? How will councillors justify the decision then? What could we possibly say? If this bus stop is moved to a more appropriate area, coffee lovers will still be able to get their morning coffee, neighbours will have their amenity restored and we will have acted responsibly. If it is approved contrary to the planning scheme and the pleas of residents for councillors to do their jobs and enforce the planning scheme, the neighbours will permanently have lost what everyone deserves to have in their homes, especially in a rural zone, that is privacy, peace and safety. There may even be a foreshadowed tragedy. And for what? A right to coffee where and when we want it?
00:47:00 Let's not send a message that it is okay to set up a business without approval in areas that create traffic and safety hazards and council will cave in approved. Councillor Wilkie: Let's not make this council the first one to ignore the planning scheme and approve inappropriately located operations against the valid and lawful demands of our residents. Let's not make this council the first one where residents take their council to the Planning and Environment Court and legitimately use the Noosa Planning Scheme. as evidence against its own council. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor I forgetting your- Councillor Wilkie: According to our Planning and Environment- Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor, I will just make you aware is that your five minutes? Councillor Wilkie: I continue I am almost finished, 2 past,pinots. You're almost finished? Yeah. Thank you Mr Chair. There is no one at you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. According to our Planning and Environment Court judges finding, Noosa Council's success in defending major court appeals, All of these deals, including one against the investment arm of the Queensland Government itself, has been a strong record of making decisions that are consistently in support of its planning scheme.
00:48:00 Let's not risk throwing this key pillar of Noosa Council's legal defence away and place the success of all future litigation in jeopardy over this matter. Councillor Wilkie: I support approval of the roadside store and also requesting the staff work with the applicant to find a safer, more suitable location for the food and drink bus. Thank you, Councillor Scott. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. Councillor, anyone else? Councillor Lorentson: I have a question. In terms of the addition that the CEO work with the applicant to find an appropriate location for the food and drink outlet bus, that's some conversation that I've had with you, Richard. Yes. My understanding is that it would need to go through a competitive tender process, that it's not as simple as making a request, for example, to go to the botanical gardens. Speaker 13: Yes. So to operate on public land, that's right, there would be a competitive tender process for any, you know, and the council would need to decide on particular sites that they would identify for that.
00:49:00 I guess there's another opportunity for private land to be used as well. So part of this motion, I understand, would be to engage with them to look at opportunities on private lands also as part of that. So there's sort of two different elements that could be explored potentially. Councillor Jurisevic: Further than that, my understanding is that in the past, the applicant, the bus has had the opportunity of a low use permit, which enables the sale of coffee and goods from the bus at various locations. And I believe the Cooroy industrial area was one of those. Is that still applicable? Yes. Speaker 13: Is that permit still in place? Originally there was a permit enabled for itinerant trading, so where the bus could be moved to various locations and pull over and provide coffee for short periods of time, similar to an ice cream van or the like.
00:50:00 So that permit could be reapplied for and reinvigorated again. Councillor Jurisevic: Is that a top current? Speaker 13: I don't believe so, no. Okay, thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wegener, would you like to speak to the motion? I'll speak to the motion. Councillor Wegener: I definitely feel for Ms. Grumlin, and I understand that there can be problems with neighbours. On the other hand, our real problem is that this bus stop espresso is too busy because it's just being too successful because people really, really want it. It is providing a serious need for our community. Which is to enjoy coffee under the trees, social distancing in play. It brings the ability for people to bring their locally made products, their breads, their coffee, their honey, their eggs, to a place where they can sell them. And that is something that Noosa Council has been driving toward. We are on a road to support our local agriculture, our local small businesses.
00:51:00 We want to do that. It's in the planning scheme, it's in the environment strategy, it's in the climate change response plan. And then I can't talk about the planning scheme amendments, but we have clearly set a path towards self-sufficiency, towards local business. And this, the bus stop espresso, is the perfect example of what we want to go towards. Our problem is there's not enough bus stop espressos. Our problem is there's not enough of these places. Because there's only one. If there were every couple of kilometers or so, we might not have this problem. And bus stop espresso might actually be more confined and happier in that without being actually overrun and having potential problems with neighbors. So, I'm considering saying that the waters are just so muddy.
00:52:00 We were downstairs discussing whether coffee is a good idea. Coffee, if you cook the beans and prepare the beans, is that value adding to coffee? Is that an artisanal activity or is it not? There's just so many questions that this brings up. And I don't think that the report actually answers the big questions. So, I won't be supporting this. And dare I say, I will talk about it in a moment. But say we should hammer out a lot of these issues before we refuse this application. Because we haven't really addressed them. And I think that in the future, if this is refused and then things change, which we all know what we're talking about, then we're going to be saying we want bus stop espresso, that same model, throughout the hinterland.
00:53:00 And so, I would like to the councilors, because this is a bit of our own making, by the way. We voted to push this out and to recommend that they look at getting a drink and eating establishment and apply for that. And then we probably, in the back of our minds, knew that it would never happen when we suggested that two years ago or a year ago. So, what do you think? What do you think? Should we make this decision? Should we make this decision now and go against where the big train of council is going? Or should we put it off for a while and really hammer through these issues that bother us? And surely, surely we could find a way to address Ms. Brumley's issues with traffic. I mean, we must be able to do that. And that's not even a part of that. The discussion is how we can work with the council, work with traffic. So, that's my speech.
00:54:00 Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you, councillor. And the other councillor who just went to the promotion. Mayor Stewart: I've got a question. On Councillor Widner's request for the potential that we've issued. Is that a question to the applicant? Is that something that they have to slip the clock on? Speaker 13: Yeah. The applicant can make a decision of whether they want the application to be just decided. Or they can withdraw. So, they can reapply. That's a decision for them to make. We can't make that. No. Councillor Wegener: One of the issues is this. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor, are you asking a question? Or are you continuing to speak because your time is up? Councillor Wegener: Well, there's so many issues. We refer to it as a coffee shop. But it's a mobile coffee shop. Can you have a mobile coffee shop? Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor, you're now prosecuting. You're continuing to prosecute when your time is up. Okay. Anything, Councillor Linestone or Councillor Stockwell?
00:55:00 Yeah. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I will. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Stockwell. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: It is a vexed application. In terms of what Councillor Widner suggests, there are elements of it which are totally consistent with what we envisaged in terms of encouraging small-scale artisanal production. That's what is allowed within the roadside store. That's what is allowed within the roadside store. There is also a service or a food and drink outlet that has gained a lot of popularity because it is an alternate offering within a rural atmosphere. It is the relaxed informality of it that has caused the community to rally behind the particular advisors. But obviously, the level of service and the nature of the service is clear. But that doesn't create a plan. That doesn't create a planning need. And this is where we're constrained as councillors to assess planning applications in accordance
00:56:00 with planning scheme criteria. Councillor Widner is right that part of the problem with the proposal is that starting up informally, it's growing. It is causing traffic issues. When we did a workshop the other day, I looked on Google Maps. It was shown as congested red line, three kilometres outside of Cooroy. Okay. We've got lots of people who really enjoy it and they support it, including one example being Porsche drivers who suggest every two weeks they take 20 to 26 people out there, which in itself is a reason to reduce it because there's not 20 to 26 safe car parks. We've heard there's not enough room in the road reserve to make car parks accessible. We've heard there's not enough room in the road reserve to make car parks accessible. According to standard such that it's safe and easy to access, the applicant has proposed
00:57:00 seven on site and we've got a petition and a valid objection from neighbouring properties saying the existing way it is operating is creating both amenity and but also traffic issues. I think our professional staff have identified the traffic issues, which is probably the key constraint. Now, if we were to approve it with the relevant car parking road works required, it's highly likely the business would no longer be available. So while it might feel good to approve it, we're probably just pushing off the inevitable. That we can't treat this business any other, different to any other business in terms of the requirement to have safe access to provide car parkings fit with need, you can't just continue to be the informal, drive off the road and park on the grass. That is part of its appeal, no doubt. But it's also, if we're going to be consistent with every other person who wants to set up
00:58:00 a similar establishment, we have to be bound by what are the correct standards. I do think there is opportunity for this service to be located in a more desirable location. I do understand that as part of the roadside stall, that it's providing a community service. It's well known these Perrievin communities tend to want somewhere where they can sit and congregate. So it's not something new. If we look at Orange on Sunrise Road, it's the same thing in a rural residential area. This one's a little bit different in that it's less, from quick look, less than three kilometres from town. But it's not quite as far out to go. So unfortunately, while I've enjoyed the place and I understand it does provide an excellent service, I can't see how we can overcome the constraints of an enterprise of the size that
00:59:00 is envisaged within the context without, A, requiring a heck of a lot of cost in terms of building the required road and car parking infrastructure. And, B, addressing the amenity issues to the neighbour. Mayor Stewart: Councillor Stewart. There are absolute merits on the success of this business. It is a place of community. It is a place of gathering. It has been so fundamental to so many people, especially during the COVID period and beyond, where people have seen this as the place they come together. Life is not always the same. It is a place of saving, in some instances, for some people. And with our planning scheme, it is very important. We talked before about the Black Level Law and this is the scheme. Social, economic and environmental impacts should be taken into account. In this aspect, the social impacts should be taken into account.
01:00:00 But in this location, there is, we have heard, children's safety at risk. And that fundamentally, for me, is a non-conventional issue. It is not negotiable. I wholly support this business relocating to an area more suitable. I wholly support the merits of the business. But I can't potentially put a child's safety at risk in this instance. So I'll be supporting the staff recommendation. Councillor Morrison. Councillor Lorentson: It was almost exactly the same time last year, and the year before, that I stood in front of this Council to fight for the rights of a neighbour and a community. And I think that's what we need to do. I cannot believe that a meat processing facility belonged in a quiet rural residential estate in Timbewa. I lost and I went down 6-1 both times. I said at the time that development approvals are public documents that have an impact well beyond the date of the decision notice.
01:01:00 And that people should come before business. Today the same applies. People must always come before business and anything that compromises the peaceful enjoyment of a residence amenity must always be protected. The mental health and wellbeing of a person matters. The safety of people and the safety of children matter. The Noosa Plan matters. In Ashburn and Brisbane City Council Judge Williamson emphasised that planning schemes are intended to guide development in a region in a way that achieves the will of the community. Our planning scheme says that the proposed food and drink outlet is contrary to the Noosa Plan 2020 and it's not appropriate for the site. That is the will of the community. The scale of the combined activities is adversely impacting on residence amenity with a number of residents, not just Joyce, submitting valid objections to the submission.
01:02:00 The Bus Stop Espresso Cafe is on every level. An incredible and wonderful business. Without any question it's a community hub. But its success has transformed it into a local attraction. It's no longer small in scale and it is, in my opinion, not located in an appropriate location. Today councillors, to me it's not about coffee and it's not about food. It's about the Noosa Plan and it's about people and the value we put on their wellbeing. When you buy into a residential area you expect it to remain residential. Residents who bought their rural blocks were not expecting to be living next door to a cafe. To go against the staff recommendation opens the floodgates to other properties doing the same, setting up a commercial business in rural areas. We've learnt with STAs that they do not belong in residential areas and we've learnt the hard way what happens when the floodgates are open.
01:03:00 The Bus Stop Espresso Cafe will succeed in any location. It's the people in this business, Rob and Beth, and it's reputation for great coffee and company that makes this business so successful. Today I've been guided by the Noosa Plan and the people that are most impacted by this decision. I support the staff recommendation and the addition to authorise that council work with the applicant to find a more suitable location. Councillor Jurisevic: I think the elements of the challenges that this has presented to us have been addressed by all the councillors. One of the reasons I think we were challenged by this proposal when it came to us the first time was elements that are addressed here in the rural zone. The proposal, it says here the proposal does not have an indelible connection to the rural or ecological values of the site.
01:04:00 But I would argue that the complete opposite is true and that's the appeal. I think that's what we all acknowledge around the table. That's the appeal of the site and the locations being chosen and cleverly chosen. There's no overriding community benefit for the food and drink out there to be located on the site. Well, clearly there is because the community are willing to support it and have acknowledged it. It's a great location. It's the ambience that the facility provides. It's the outdoor locality sitting amongst the trees. And obviously during COVID it was a sanctuary and the provider was provided by the owners of this facility going forward that have drawn so many people to it. But unfortunately that overwhelming success is what is now presenting the challenges to us. I had thought that parking in the road reserve would be one of the challenges. One of the options that would facilitate this going forward.
01:05:00 But I see that wasn't addressed in the transport consultation that was presented with this application. Nor from what I see from staff is there sufficient room to provide adequate or safe parking in that area that would meet the constraints. As Councillor Stockwell alluded to, the costs to actually facilitate that would probably be prohibitive in the long run and would probably make the business close just on that alone. I think every councillor and everybody that's enjoyed our coffee at the outlet acknowledges that there is merits in the way that this business operates in the Lake County. Unfortunately, the challenges that it presents as a result of that are the ones that the staff have alluded to today. And I will reluctantly have to concur with the staff. Ruling on this and allow and acknowledge the great work that the roadside stall can continue.
01:06:00 But that the coffee outlet, the food and drink element of it is probably not appropriate in its current location. But I think there are opportunities for other Lake County's to be sought. So I'll be voting in favour of the staff recommendation. Councillor Stockwell, do you wish to close? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: No, Councillor Wilkie. Councillor Jurisevic: Sorry, Councillor Wilkie. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Wilkie. Councillor Jurisevic: Wilkie. Sorry, you're right. Councillor Wilkie. I kept forgetting his own line. Councillor Wilkie, do you wish to close? Sorry, yours was the amendment for you. Councillor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Chairman. There was some excellent summaries by councillors on this issue. I'd just like to pick up one point that Councillor Wegener made. If I understand correctly, all the great products that he mentioned, the eggs, the honey, the breads, they're still able to, unless I'm incorrect, they will still be able to be sold at the roadside
01:07:00 stall. So all those other products will still be available on site. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you, councillors. Thank you, Councillor Wilkie. Put it to the vote. Councillor Zahar. Councillor Zahar. And his councillors, Lorentzen, Stockwell, Gerusevic, Wilkie and Stewart. And against? Councillor Wegener. The motion is carried. Councillor Wegener: We'll move on to the next item. Was that for the whole thing? That was for the whole thing. That was for the whole thing? Councillor Jurisevic: Yeah. Okay. There was no amendments. We'll order any more. As I said, item 5.3 has been, will not be discussed today. It's going to be called by the applicant at 6.45. Allow the gallery to clear. Mayor Stewart: You still have to do a recommendation.
01:08:00 You still have to do. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So I've moved that it be noted that the applicant has submitted another change application. And that this matter will therefore not be dealt with at today's meeting. Thank you. Is it as good as mine? Mayor Stewart: A little bit better. A little bit better. How's our map for next time? Councillor Jurisevic: We'll deal with the technicality of 5.3. It doesn't matter how you count it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Would staff like to suggest a clear, appropriate wording? Speaker 11: It's already gone. We can't access the technology. Speaker 3: It basically said the same, that another change has been made, which means it goes to the confirmation period and can't be decided today. Speaker 5: Do you want to do the declaration? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: We're just moving it. We don't need to do a declaration. Councillor Jurisevic: We'll get a councillor to approve it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Can the council note the further report by the Manager of Development Assessment in the Planning Environment Committee meeting, dated 7 November 2023, regarding application number
01:09:00 MCU210110 for a development assessment in the planning environment committee meeting for a permit for material change of use, bar, food and drinking outlet, outdoor sports and recreation and resort complex at 61 Noosa Springs Drive, Noosa Head, and note the applicant has made another change to the application. This results in the application reverting to confirmation notice stage and no decision can be made on the matter today. Councillor Jurisevic: I'll second that. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: No need to speak to it. Mayor Stewart: Can I do that please? I don't think so. You should have done the declaration. No. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: If you're just putting it off. Okay. I don't think. Councillor Jurisevic: As it's not been decided today. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: This is just a procedural motion. Councillor Jurisevic: Procedural motion. I believe you can vote on the procedural motion. Okay. So all in favour? Yes.
01:10:00 Carried unanimously. Thank you. Thank you. We'll move on with the reports to the Director-General Committee, item 6.1 is the Community Grants Program Community Project Grants Round 2 Overview, we've got a series of community grants and community programs funding opportunities, would you like to give us a bit of an overview of the further plans? Speaker 4: Sure, thank you Councillor Drusevich, so the purpose of this report is to give you an overview of the Round 2 projects to Council, we have just over $308,000 for two rounds being presented, so this is the second round, the second round is made up of 24 applications, offices are recommending 13 applications that are recommended for funding, the recommended funding amount that we're recommending is $99,459.67, the remaining funding we're proposing that is being put forward to our youth initiatives, where there's a desperate need to support our youth through a funding program and our Living Well program.
5.3 FURTHER REPORT - MCU21/0110 - APPLICATION FOR MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE - BAR, FOOD AND DRINK OUTLET, OUTDOOR SPORT AND RECREATION, RESORT COMPLEX AT 61 NOOSA SPRINGS DRIVE, NOOSA HEADS (Referred from Planning & Environment Committee dated 7 November 2023 - Item 5.4) ¶
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6 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE ¶
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6.1 2023-2024 COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - OVERVIEW ¶
01:11:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I think those of us who have got conflicts in later sub-categories will have to declare a conflict because the A actually recommends approval for the A. I really, really agree. Councillor Jurisevic: Would that be appropriate that all the declarations be made up front and then just be reiterated for the following item where conflicts exist? Or do they only have to be made up front from the first item and not the day? Speaker 11: The problems are they're so specific to various, Councillor Jurisevic: Can they be noted up front and then be reiterated when the manner comes before where the conflict exists? And of course, theddisc. It would be my suggestion that we note them up front and that we just note them against
01:12:00 the item at which the actual conflict occurs. With the overview, I think we'd need to make those declarations up front. That would be my suggestion. So if there are councillors that have conflicts, we'll go through the process, declaring all We don't have to go through the overall, we can just reiterate that the conflict applies to this matter as the alleged matter comes forward. Councillor Steele, what we're going to do is we'll just make the declaration. And then just reiterate them when they come before the specific item when that conflict arises. Speaker 1: Thank you, Councillor Steele. Councillor Jurisevic: Given that we're approving the funding up front. We now need to actually go through the formal declaration. I need to acknowledge that you've got that. I still can't even insert the relevant declaration.
01:13:00 Would we then have to vote on each matter in a minute? You will because some councils have to leave. Speaker 6: Yes, okay. Councillor Jurisevic: So we'll have to vote on it. We just won't have to go through the declaration. Other than to acknowledge. Unless somebody's leaving the room. I'm sure it did, but it doesn't. Speaker 8: Well, this is a different approach to what we've taken previously. Councillor Jurisevic: Yeah, yeah. Brian's just pointed out that we're actually approving the funds up front in the first iteration. Speaker 8: Which is what you have done previously, councillors. And we've separated out the individual elements to... So up front, you just have a total fund. It's a total grant pool that's being allocated out of the budget. And the individual reports deal with the grants themselves, the organisations and the proposed projects.
01:14:00 Councillor Jurisevic: I agree. That is different there. We've dealt with it in the past. We've never actually made the declarations up front. No. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Have we agreed with the total amount? Because basically, A approves them all. Yes. Councillor Lorentson: No. It approves the total value. Total value. Total value. We're actually not approving the programs or projects. We're approving the value of $99,459. Councillor Jurisevic: The only other amount we're disapproving is the Youth Green Funding Program. Councillor Lorentson: That's it. I disagree. Yeah. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: We might be able to leave it till the original one up. Councillor Lorentson: Poor Kabi. Can I stop doing it? Speaker 8: Yeah. Councillor Lorentson: I think it's the value of $99,459 we're approving. Speaker 8: The individual projects or organisations attached to the ... Councillor Lorentson: So it's not approving the grants, it's approving the value. No declarations until the individual projects are made. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: No. No. Approved around to ... You're actually approving the grants. So actually, the recommendation ... Councillor Jurisevic: So we've been doing it incorrectly in the past?
01:15:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yeah. Because you're actually saying you've approved the grants to that value and then you break it up. Councillor Jurisevic: I see the point being made. Yeah. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I just moved the change of this recommendation to approved around to a total value of $99,459.67 be made available to community grants. Councillor Lorentson: Can I ask through the Chair just advice from Kerri Contini? Yeah. Kerri Contini, the Director of Community Services. What is your recommendation? Speaker 8: I think the approach that you're recommending at this point in time negates having separate sub-reports. If you're going to deal with all of the conflicts up front, then we don't need to separate out the reports. Councillor Jurisevic: We could do with one report.
01:16:00 Speaker 8: Previously, we have separated out the reports to ensure that as much as possible across the span of different categories, that counsellor involvement is allowed. If we're to change that approach, then that would mean that in most grant rounds, we would have a significant number of counsellors out of the room. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: And my suggestion is just a slight change of the words. So you're not approving the grants, you're approving the value. So approve. Round two. Round three. Approve. Speaker 8: I think whatever we approve, counsellors stop. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Approve an amount of $99,456.7 be made available to community grants. Be made available to community grants. Therefore, you're not saying you're approving the grants. Councillor Jurisevic: No, we can't do that because the amounts are already available to community grants. Councillor Lorentson: Can I just, excuse me, through the Chair, can I just make a suggestion?
01:17:00 Just add to the end of grants program. Just add to the end of grants program. So it's a grants program, total value of $99,469.67. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yep. That's how I do it. So. Councillor Lorentson: Just add program after grants. And I think we'll sort our problem. Yep. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yeah. And take out the word project on it. Community grants program. Speaker 8: I would just remind counsellors we have a very broad community grants program. It's our preference normally. That recommendation stands by itself and can be really clear. Speaker 7: Okay. Speaker 8: So our community grants program covers a range of things. Community grants project program is very specific. Which is the nature of the reports that we're bringing to you today. Councillor Lorentson: Yeah. So add project. Speaker 8: Or Brian's moving it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Sorry. I know. I'm having, you think projects is needed for project. Yeah. Councillor Lorentson: Program.
01:18:00 Project. Program. Yeah. Councillor Jurisevic: Okay. Okay. Are we clarifying? Yes. Satisfied with all that's been clarified? I'm satisfied with it. Mr C Young? Yeah. All right. Move. Councillor Stockwell. Do I have a second? A second? I have a second. Councillor, do you wish to speak to it? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: No. I just regret it. Any other counsellors wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Jurisevic: I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? Councillor Wilkie? In favour? All. Motion carried unanimously. Councillor Lorentson: Oh. All my questions. That's right. Councillor Jurisevic: We're going on to the individual reports. The individual reports. The sub reports of this. Item 6.2. Community program funding. Community project grants round two. Program projects. Alison? Yes. Mr Chair? Yes. Councillor Wilkie? Councillor Wilkie: I'd like to break the record that although general membership of an organisation does not qualify as a declarable conflict of interest, I would like to put on the record my general
01:19:00 membership of the Cooroora Historical Society, which is mentioned in its grant round. I don't believe a reasonable person would see this as a conflict of interest, choose to stay in the meeting room, but I will accept the decision of the meeting. Speaker 3: I'm going to do five. Councillor Wilkie: Pardon? Do you want to do five of yours? Councillor Jurisevic: I think we have to vote individually. Which one? Which one? So councillors, does anybody wish to? Mayor Stewart: I'll move it that Councillor Wilkie, that council note the... Councillor Jurisevic: Conflict of interest of council? Mayor Stewart: Yes, the declarable conflict of interest and... Not declarable. Councillor Jurisevic: No, no. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: He's declared it. He's declared it. Mayor Stewart: It's a declarable conflict of interest. Yes, and it is in the community interest that Councillor Wilkie stays in the room because he receives no benefit nor gain from the decision. Speaker 2: Second. Councillor Jurisevic: Second. Seconded by Councillor Stockwell. We've lost her on the screen there, Councillor.
01:20:00 Mayor Stewart: Yeah, I'm the one that... I think I took it out before and I just... Councillor Lorentson: I'd like to ask a question through the chair to the CEO. Councillor Lorentson. So membership to... To an organisation, would you like that to, from this day on, be declarable? Because my understanding under our conflict of interest guidelines that it's not necessary to make a declaration if we're just a member or... Councillor Jurisevic: You're correct councillor. It's not a requirement to make a declaration as a member, only if you're on the executive of an organisation. My question... Councillor Lorentson: My question is given that... My question is given that Councillor Wilkie has made the declaration, is that the preferred action for... Just any... Speaker 11: No, the rules are that you don't have to, but again, back to your... In your court, if all councillors call, not just yours, councillor. Councillor Lorentson: Okay, thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Your requirement is on the individual councillor...
01:21:00 Councillor Lorentson: No worries, thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: ...to make the assessment as to whether or not they have to make a declaration and for the councillors to assist. Sure. On that basis of the declaration as to whether or not they remain in the room. Councillor Lorentson: Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wilkie has chosen to make a declaration on something that's not necessarily required under the statute, but he's chosen to do so anyway. Speaker 11: Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: Yeah, thanks. Councillor Jurisevic: So, on that basis... I've got a little screen before us, so everybody understands the nature of what we're discussing here. Is there any discussion or any questions for Councillor Wilkie? If there's no discussion, I'll move... Ask councillors to vote on the conflict. Those in favour of Councillor Wilkie staying in the room, carry unanimously. Councillor Wilkie did not vote on the matter. Councillor Wilkie, I believe you've got a second declaration. Thank you. Thank you, Mr Chair. Councillor Wilkie: I'd like to put on the record that although it does not qualify as a declarable conflict of interest, I volunteer, playing music at various aged care facilities in the Shire,
01:22:00 including at Noosa Care, which is mentioned in this grant round. I'm not a member or executive member of Noosa Care and don't believe a reasonable person would see this as a conflict of interest. I choose to stay in the meeting room, but we'll... We can see how the meeting feels about that. Councillor Jurisevic: Can someone like to... Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Stonwell? Councillor Jurisevic: We vote for Cleo Bumford, Councillor Wilkie, as per the determines in the interest that he stays in the room, seconded, Councillor Wegener. Any discussion or questions for Councillor Wilkie, Councillors? On that one, I'll put that to the vote. Those in favour of Councillor Wilkie remaining in the room on this declaration? Carried unanimously. Councillor Wilkie did not vote on the matter. Third declaration here, Councillor Stewart, I believe you have a doctorate. Mayor Stewart: I, Councillor Stewart, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict with the matter in relation to the funding recommendations to Katie Rose Cottage, as I have a personal friendship with Liam McCready, who is employed as Head of Fundraising and Partnerships by Katie Rose Cottage, Noosa Water Polo Club, as my children are members of the club, Noosa Little Athletics Inc, as my children are members of the club.
01:23:00 As a result of my conflict of interest, I now leave the meeting room when the matter is considered and voted on. Thank you, Councillor. Sorry for me, I'm busy with children. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Just a question. Councillor Lorentson: Why are you moving? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Isn't this the next item? I'm sorry, I was moving and I wanted to do this. Mayor Stewart: It's all right. Councillor Jurisevic: My apologies, I'm only ready to replace him. Mayor Stewart: I had called the right stop before, but then when I was cutting you all out. Sorry. Speaker 11: I'm heavily relying on you at the moment, yes? Councillor Jurisevic: That's the weirdest bit. Mayor Stewart: Sorry. Apologies to everybody. So we're still on Noosa Care. Councillor Jurisevic: So we're only on the first item. Projects. We're only on 6.2, which is Community Praying Funding. Speaker 8: The one that starts Arthritis Queensland and ends Waves of Kindness. Mayor Stewart: Do I have a conflict with Waves of Kindness? Is my dad's favourite shot?
01:24:00 Speaker 1: No. Speaker 5: It's one of my favourite shots too. Councillor Jurisevic: So the recipients of grants, councillors, just to clarify so that we know whether you have a declarable conflict or otherwise, is Arthritis Queensland, Noosa Women's Shed, Cooran Organic Garden Incorporated, Cooroora Historical Society, Trading Institute, Noosa Shire Museum, Noosa Care Incorporated, Relationships Australia Queensland and Waves of Kindness London. All the declarations have now been made. I'll ask Alison and Gerry to give the notes. Sure. Speaker 4: So as you understand, there's four categories under the community projects, made up of program projects, infrastructure, equipment and events. The first report is looking at the program and projects. Seven applications were received. Officers are recommending three of those applications for funding. We have put the reasons why the other four have been unsuccessful in the copy of the report. Councillor Jurisevic: Being unsuccessful does not mean you are not eligible to apply again and try again for the next grant.
6.2 2023-2024 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING – COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) – PROGRAM/PROJECTS ¶
01:25:00 That's correct. Yes. Speaker 8: And certainly what we've seen is when that occurs that there is an increased likelihood of success in following grant rounds when the applicant does work with FISTA. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you. It's a requirement of all grant recipients to work with council staff in the first place and ensure that the grant meets the criteria. Speaker 4: That is ideally, yes. We would like that to happen, yes. Councillor Jurisevic: Okay. Thank you. Council, does anyone have any questions, comments? Someone want to move the staff recommendation? Councillor Stockwell. Seconded, Councillor Wegener. He had his hand up slightly before you, Councillor Stockwell. That's right. Any discussion? There being no discussion, I'll put the vote. All in favour? In favour. The ayes have it. Carried unanimously. We'll move on to item 6.3. Community Program Funding, Community Project Grants, Round 2, Events.
01:26:00 I'll just mention the recipients this time so that we get our declarations correct. Friends of Noosa Mechanic Gardens, Dance on Maple, Noosa Surfing Reserve and Noosa Coast Open House. Does any councillor have any conflicts with the item before us? In that event, can I have a mover? Sorry, Councillor Lorentson, Noosa World Surfing Reserve. Councillor Lorentson: I see there's a council representative on the World Surfing Reserve. Councillor Jurisevic: Just noting it, just asking the question. Councillor Lorentson: Yep, no worries. Councillor Jurisevic: Just rather we shrill it up front than find anything. On that matter, can I have a mover? Councillor Lorentson, a seconder, Councillor Stewart. Any discussion? I'll put them to a vote. All in favour? Councillor Wilkie? The motion is carried unanimously. Item 6.4, Community Program Funding, Community Project Grants, Round 2, Infrastructure.
6.3 2023-2024 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - EVENTS ¶
01:27:00 Alison, would you like to tell us the difference with this one? Speaker 4: Yes, infrastructure relates to building works or any type of infrastructure within the community facility or sporting facility. This particular one, 50% of the funding needs to come from the applicant. That can be either cash, external grant or in-kind. So they do require that 50%. We had five applications received. Two of those applications we're recommending for funding. And the other three, we've got the reasons why unsuccessful for this particular round. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillors, the recipients this time, or the applicants this time are Sunny Kids, Noosa Touch Association, Tawaka Cricket Club, Kin Kin Community Group, Salvation and Queenland Property Trust. Any more conflicts? Yes, there are. Councillor Stewart, would you like to comment? Mayor Stewart: Yes, I have two declarable conflicts of interest. I make a monthly donation to Sunny Kids LTD, and my children are also members of the Tawantin Noosa Crick Club. So as a result of that, I won't be meeting with any Tawantin Noosa Crick Club members.
6.4 2023-2024 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - INFRASTRUCTURE ¶
01:28:00 This is very odd. Thank you, Councillor Stewart. Councillor Jurisevic: I also note for the public record that I'm a member of the Tawantin Noosa Crick Club, and as a player, I have registered again this year only to be a fill-in, but that doesn't raise a declarable conflict of interest, so I won't be declaring. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillors? I move to staff recognition. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Spock, while moving. Councillor Wegener, seconding. Is there any discussion? No discussion. All in favour? In favour. The ayes have it. Moved unanimously. Councillor Stewart, Councillor Attenborough. The next item is Item 6.5, Community Program Funding, Community Project Grants for Round 2, Equipment.
01:29:00 Again, I'll read out the applicant names so that councillors can be aware of their potential conflicts. We've got Noosa Water Polo Club, Noosa Trailblazers, Mountain Bike Club, Noosa Little Athletics Incorporated, Mercer District Basketball Association, Kimbeawah Hall Incorporated, Redwood Community Oil Association, Life Flight Foundation and Katie Rose Cottage Hospice. Mayor Stewart: So, I, Councillor Stewart, inform the meeting that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter in relation to funding recommendations to Katie Rose Cottage as I have a friendship with Lou McCready, who's employed as Head of Fundraising and Partnerships by Katie Rose Cottage, Noosa Water Polo Club as my children are members of the club, and Noosa Little Athletics Inc. as my children are members of this club. So, I will now leave the meeting room on this matter as decided and voted on. Councillor Jurisevic: I'm glad to hear it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I declare my conflict of interest with Lee McCready based on my previous written declaration as appears on the screen and choose to remain in the meeting room however I will respect
6.5 2023-2024 COMMUNITY PROGRAM FUNDING - COMMUNITY PROJECT GRANTS (ROUND TWO) - EQUIPMENT ¶
01:30:00 the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Councillor Jurisevic: I move that council note the declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Stockwell and determine Councillor Lorentson: that it's in the public interest that Councillor Stockwell participates and votes on the matter because council believes that a reasonable person could not have a perception of bias because the ICEO review was an advisory service not a statutory process and Councillor Stockwell's queries at the time were in the public interest and neither he nor Ms McCready stood to personally gain or lose from that advice and thereby a reasonable person would trust that the final decision is made in the public interest. Councillor Jurisevic: Do I have a seconder? Councillor Wegener. Any discussion? Any questions? I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour?
01:31:00 In favour. So Councillor Wilkie, Wegener, Lorentson and De Ruse in favour. Councillor Stockwell did not vote on the motion. Alison, what are we up to here with the group? Speaker 4: Yes, the final category which I think is the most important is the final category which is equipment. As you can see from the eight applications received, it's very sought after equipment by these community organisations. We're recommending seven out of the eight would be funding and the last one that's not recommended again it's written into the application as to why they're unsuccessful. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you. I'll put it to the vote. Any in favour? Are we in a movement? In favour? I thought we had a movement. Do we? No. Sorry. My apologies. I thought we had a movement. Seconder? Can I have a mover? Councillor Wegener. Seconder? Councillor De Rusevig. Any discussion? I'll put it to the vote. All in favour? In favour. Thank you Councillor Wilkie. That was carried unanimously. My apologies.
01:32:00 So many of them I've just lost track. 5 and 6.6. Thank you. Councillor Stewart. Councillor Stewart back in the room. Councillor Stewart returns. Item 616, Regional Arts Development Fund, Loretta Grants. Round 20, 23, 24. Councillors, I'll ask if there are any declarations to be made on this matter before we continue. Councillor Wilkie, I believe. Councillor Wilkie: Thank you Mr Chair. I'd like to declare that I have a declaration of agreement with the Council that I have a declarable conflict of interest in this matter in relation to the funding recommendations to Zest Factor, as Zest Factor applicant Russell Crouse is a member of Noosa Arts Theatre where I serve as President. Mr Crouse's grant does not involve Noosa Arts Theatre or myself. Therefore, I don't believe a reasonable person can see this as a conflict of interest and choose to remain in the meeting room. However, I will respect the decision of the meeting and whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Councillor Jurisevic: Just one question there, Councillor.
6.6 REGIONAL ARTS DEVELOPMENT FUND (RADF) - GRANT RECOMMENDATIONS ROUND 20, 2023/24 ¶
01:33:00 When you said it does not involve Noosa Arts Theatre, there's no production or performance of Noosa Arts Theatre involved in this grant application. Is that correct? Have we lost Councillor Wilkie? Councillor, you've muted yourself there. Yes, Mr Chair. Just clarifying that when you say that Mr Crouse's grant does not involve Noosa Arts Theatre. Yes, Mr Chair. I'm assuming that means that there's no element of performance or any undertaking at Noosa Arts Theatre involved in this grant application. Is that correct? Councillor Wilkie: That's the advice of staff, Mr Chairman. Councillor Jurisevic: Okay. Thank you. Can I have a mover? Happy to move. I'm sorry. A mover. Somebody to make the recommendation that Councillor Spilke either stay or leave. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'll stay. I'll stay. A standard motion. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wood.
01:34:00 All councillors in favour, Councillor Wilkie did not vote on the motion. Is that the last of the declarations councillor? In that case, Paul, over to the table, may I get a summary of the grant grants for this year? Speaker 1: Certainly. So this report is to endorse the recommendations of the Regional Arts Development Fund Assessment Committee for grant applications received in Round 20 for 2023. After assessing eight applications that were received for Round 20, the committee recommends to Council to fund four applications to the value of $28,150. All four applications were assessed as high quality, meeting the four assessment criteria and the two priority areas for the round. The funding request falls within the current RIDF budget. Councillor Wilkie: Sorry, Mr Chair.
01:35:00 Yes, Frank. I've just noticed there is an application from Little Seed from Joanna Wallace. Joanna Wallace may also be a member of Noosa Arts Theatre. She has her own theatre company. So as a precaution, I don't know if she is a member, but she could be, Councillor Wilkie: I'd like to declare a declarable conflict of interest that Little Seed applicant Joanna Wallace may be a general member of Noosa Arts Theatre, where I serve as president. Ms Wallace's, I understand Ms Wallace's grant does not involve the Noosa Arts Theatre or myself. And therefore, I don't believe a reasonable person will see this as a conflict of interest. Though, I will respect the decision of the meeting and whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Sorry about that, Mr Chair.
01:36:00 So, quite okay. Councillor Jurisevic: On that basis, I'll move that Councillor Wilkie participates as part of the matter, because Council believes a reasonable person would trust the final decision made in the public interest. Can I have a seconder? I'll second. Councillor Stewart. Councillor Stewart. Any questions or, according to the vote, councillors? Those in favour? Carrying it out, I see. Accounting that Councillor Wilkie did not vote on the matter. Did we finish already? Sorry. Yes. It's all right. Just double checking. I think I got distracted by the . Councillors, are there any questions or discussion? There have been no questions or discussion. I'll put the matter to the vote. Those in favour? In favour? Mayor Stewart: Sorry. Can I have the mover and seconder? Can you stop? Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wegener moved it.
01:37:00 Councillor Gerritsen has seconded it. Again, I'll put it to the vote. All in favour? Carried it out. Carried it out. Remember on Item 6.7, Non-Powered Water Sports Feasibility Study. That's a good question, councillors. We've been going for a bit of time. Does anybody in need of a short recess? Speaker 1: I think it's a good idea. Councillor Jurisevic: OK. Councillor Wegener: Sorry, guys. Councillor Jurisevic: We're just going to take a short recess.
01:45:00 Thank you. Thank you, Councillor. Speaker 7: The recommendation before you today is to accept the Non-Powered Water Sports Feasibility Study and refer to findings of the study for future planning activities. The need for this study has come out of both the Sport and Active Recreation Plan and the
01:46:00 Noosaville Foreshore Land Use Management Plan, which were both endorsed in 2019. And it's really to look at the need to consolidate and non-powered water sports storage and to mitigate ad hoc infrastructure development along the Noosaville Foreshore. We engaged Ross Planning to, as a consultant, to undertake this study. They've considered the not-for-profit club use, the trends of each of the sports, and future projections, both population projections and the trends in each of the sports. The study looked at 13 sites along the Noosaville Foreshore under three different sections, to determine where was the most appropriate, where a co-located non-powered water sports precinct could be housed, if at all. The rear of the Noosaville Yacht and Rowing Club was deemed to be the most appropriate location, given quite significant site constraints along the Noosaville Foreshore in terms of access
01:47:00 to land, considering the water access that's required for each of the sporting activities and environmental concerns. And so, what we have before you as part of the report is some high-level concept plans, which will feed into the work currently being undertaken for the Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Master Plan, which is currently underway and due to be completed in next year, in August next year. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you. Questions, councillors? Yeah? All right. I'll crack. Proximity to the ocean for the ocean rowing? Speaker 7: My understanding is the requirement is approximately two kilometres. That was part of the consultation, and that is why it's determined that this is the most appropriate location for both coastal rowing.
01:48:00 Councillor Jurisevic: I noticed the Noosa Woods, areas within Noosa Woods, was that intended for the ocean rowings as an optional? Speaker 7: It was just intended as an option. It was intended as a potential site to look at and to be assessed against an assessment matrix which took into consideration both the access to open water as well as water access points, current use and congestion within those sites. Councillor Jurisevic: So they're happy that a couple of kilometres away from... Speaker 7: Yes, more than a couple of kilometres. Councillor Jurisevic: ...is sufficient that they need to look at, say, somewhere next to the sand pumping sheds? Speaker 7: We, as I said, councillor... Or possible. Councillor Jurisevic: Question? Mayor Stewart: Yeah, thank you. And then could you... Thank you. Great report. Could you just explain the study found that... Well, this is on H2D9. The study found that while all sites identified have constraints, the area behind the Noosa
01:49:00 So, some of the constraints, could you talk a bit more about them? Some of the area behind the constraints that you mentioned? All sites identified have constraints. How do you have to, I guess, choose this one being the best? Speaker 7: Yeah, so there are general constraints across every site that we looked at, being along the foreshore. And obviously the foreshore master plan is looking at the impact, climate change impacts, and how that will affect the foreshore moving into the future. And so there were significant considerations in part of that as well. Constraints also in terms of the type of water access that's required for the different activities. And as an example, rowing requires parallel access into the water, whereas outriggers and coastal rower require forward access. So, when we're talking about a craft that could be up to 15 metres long, that can be, and potentially needing a berth of about 55 metres per craft.
01:50:00 It creates significant constraints as to where your points of access to water are. Mayor Stewart: Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: On parking constraints, though, a lot of these rowing activities are usually taken very early in the morning, is that right? Does or does not, or does that prohibit or preclude the access to water? Does that preclude the challenges that parking may have on this site? Speaker 7: Yes, so parking and traffic congestion was considered within the study as well. And definitely the operating hours of each sport were taken into consideration into the assessment of each site. Councillor Jurisevic: Excellent. Now there's a question I've got on page 261 of the under-sailing. It mentions local club and says there is one sailing club in the Noosa LGA. I don't believe that to be correct. I know that. Speaker 7: Aren't there two? There are two, Lake Cootharaba, sailing club at a boring point. Councillor Jurisevic: I think they're referring to along that section of the river, perhaps. Yes. Speaker 7: Yes, I think there was an amendment made to that, which may not have been made.
6.7 NON-POWERED WATER SPORTS FEASIBILTY STUDY ¶
01:51:00 Councillor Jurisevic: Can I comment? Yes. So it's not to offend anybody, it can be acknowledged. Certainly. Noted. Councillor Lorentson: Can I ask, Amanda, the report notes that these restraints that were just discussed, might also restrict the growth of membership for a lot of these clubs. And the report refers to rethinking of traditional operating practices. Can you elaborate on that, please? Speaker 7: Certainly. So obviously, given the physical restraints of each site, obviously there will be a site capacity for membership. So we're never going to be able to facilitate thousands of people accessing one point at one point in time. So as an example, the Coastal Rowers Club has said to us, we understand and we accept the fact that, and they've made this judgement call, that we will probably have a capacity of 40 members, because that is what we can see feasibly working out of this site.
01:52:00 In terms of changing practices, something like the Outriggers Club had a general understanding within the culture of that sport, that if you turn up, whenever you turn up, you're going to have a seat on the craft. So rather than, one of the suggestions was particularly, perhaps we could have an understanding that you must attend 15 minutes prior to craft launching, that you attend the club 15 minutes beforehand, so they know what the numbers are that they're moving forward, rather than five seconds prior. Councillor Jurisevic: And this doesn't preclude, if another opportunity comes up, somewhere on the river of a facility, that there's going to be an outriggers club. Is that being considered in the future? Speaker 7: Definitely not. And this is our recommendation, based on the information that we have to date, that this is the best, most feasible location.
01:53:00 Thank you. Any other questions, councillors? Councillor Lorentson: So do these clubs need to be located with river access? You know, car parks, the tennis courts, do they need to be located with river access? Thinking, again, outside the box, are the locations sort of considered? Speaker 7: No, they were not considered as part of this, because the need for these sports to operate rely heavily on storage and water access, immediate access. Remembering that some of these crafts are in excess of 10 metres long, so in terms of transporting them to the site is actually quite logistically difficult. Councillor Jurisevic: I know that some of those zoo scales don't actually have immediate access, but they've got close proximity access. They're close. That's right. By a pathway and a gateway. Yeah. Speaker 7: And the consultations that they gave us said that they didn't need immediate access and storage on site. Councillor Jurisevic: I've seen that they've been operating across from Stockwell, mate. They've been operating for 30 years in that location.
01:54:00 How long ago? Long ago. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So 1950. Speaker 1: Maybe 74? 74. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: No. Anyway, long gone. 70th anniversary we had recently. Councillor Jurisevic: I was going to say, this doesn't trigger anything for you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: No. No. I've got to stop being a leader effectively during COVID. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor, is there any other questions for staff? If not, can we get a mover? I'll do that. Thank you. Councillor Wegener on me. Councillor Stewart, can you speak? Councillor Wegener, would you like to speak to us? Councillor Wegener: I would like to say that I feel that that's a very courageous plan. That you had to make some hard decisions concerning, you know, the limiting of people that are going to be able to be involved in these things. And you made a very strong decision for what you, putting it behind the Yacht and Rowing Club and then allowing some of the longboats to still be in the park but not a permanent
01:55:00 structure there. All those are really hard decisions. And deciding where to go. And also, on page 273, I'm just very excited about how many young people under zero to 14. There are one quarter of the participants are under 14 years old. So that's really exciting as well. So thank you. Mayor Stewart: I want to thank Amanda. I don't know how much work you've given in this. And it really has served me well. All our staff are wonderful. And you're a super staff. So thank you very much for all your hard work. I know how much all the clubs and the sporting community mean to you. And I know how much they rely upon you and all the hard work that you do. So I acknowledge that. And thank you. And Brad, of course, thank you so much as well. Kerri, you've got a great team. You're the best of the best there. So thank you. I think there's a lot of good stuff in this space. I think this gives us the blueprint now to move forward, especially when it comes to the social management plan.
01:56:00 I think it's really worth it. It's a lot of work going in tail. And I think there'll be some great outcomes for the community in regard to this. Thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I think it's good that this body of work's being done. I think the biggest benefit will come once the infrastructure's in there and the different organisations start seeing the benefit of collaboration. I think the overarching constraint is so many people wanting to get access to the river for so many different purposes. That's right. And lots of our residents do enjoy non-powered water sports. And this provides a mechanism that allows some groups to have facilities that are sadly lacking at the moment. But it also hopefully will lead to better interrelationships between the groups so that overall, all the infrastructure there on the foreshore can be used by a range of
01:57:00 different water sport groups. Councillor Jurisevic: Looks like we're good. I said thank you for the body of work that's involved here. I think the locality is well chosen, well thought out locality. I think you've followed through all the due process to source this as the ideal locality. And looking at what infrastructure needs to be implemented. And so like Councillor Stockwell, I think once this is in place, once all the infrastructure is in place, and the opportunities for social gatherings at the Yacht and Roaming Club, which is right alongside, as well as, you know, toilet facilities and showers and the like, that a number of these don't currently enjoy, makes it a fairly common sense sort of an option in Lake Elly. Also looking at other needs and future needs. Being facilitated, I think this is a well thought out and well considered option. And I'm sure all the clubs will in the long run, once the infrastructure is in place,
01:58:00 be able to enjoy the benefits of their sport in far more safely than they currently are. Councillor Lorentson: I think challenging too, Amanda, and respect the work that you do in this space because, you know, as a member of sports clubs. We all want stand-alone facilities and clubhouses. And it's challenging. Someone for four years that's been, you know, driving you nuts about clubhouses, but it's challenging because it's not as simple as let's use this open space near a toilet facilities. There are conflicting uses. And there's processes as well. So thank you for the challenging and great work that you yourself and your team do. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wilkie, anything?
01:59:00 Councillor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, thank you, Amanda. I especially want to acknowledge the respect for our precious open spaces that you've shown in this report. Councillor Jurisevic: Is that it? Give me more. Sorry, you're getting muted there, Frank. I'm finished. Okay, thank you. Councillor Wegener, would you like to close? Councillor Wegener: I'd just like to add, Ross Planting seems to have read a good report. Councillor Lorentson: It was really good. I agree. Councillor Jurisevic: Okay, Councillor, we'll put the matter to a vote. All in favour? In favour. Carried unanimously. Thank you. Well done. Thank you. I acknowledge the work done by the property team as well in supporting this. Speaker 7: And the environment. Councillor Jurisevic: And planning. All the planning and all the stuff that would involve in the report.
02:00:00 Moving on to item 6.8, fire tech service provider panel review. Is that alright? Yes. Yep. Can you have a look, Chris? Speaker 10: No, not. Councillor Jurisevic: Well, can you have a look? I'm not sure if you can see it. I think you're going to ... I am. I'm not sure if there are any ... I just checked. There's no conflicts on this. Is this better? Over here, Kim, can you please give us an overview on the report from the Director of Digital Hub and Innovation? Speaker 10: Yeah, sure. Apologies. Chris isn't here today. He's got commitments down at the hub today. Councillor, this report provides an update on our registered pre-qualified providers, which we call ROPS, which is like a panel of providers, for the fire tech program. We have an existing pre-qualified suppliers list in place. This was a refresh process to extend it for another year. So we advised all of those suppliers who are existing on the existing one. They didn't need to reapply, but would continue to be on the panel, but also advertised it
6.8 FIRETECH SERVICE PROVIDER PANEL (ROPS) REFRESH ¶
02:01:00 publicly to invite any others who would like to join. We had three responses. To that, the panel assessed those, and I'm recommending the addition of two. So this is just for a year extension of that panel of providers and pre-qualified suppliers. Councillor Jurisevic: Are these providers new to the region, or new facilitators, or ... I knew you were going to ask me ... I knew you were going to ask me a question you couldn't answer. Speaker 10: One of them is a military robotics provider, and the other one is a data analytics provider. Yes, which is a data analytics provider. Councillor Jurisevic: Can you switch from that? Thank you. Speaker 10: So they're new for us in terms of pre-qualified. Yeah. Councillor Jurisevic: Just wondering why they haven't come up before. Yeah. Speaker 10: Emerging technology, emerging companies. There's a lot happening in this space. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor, any questions? Speaker 10: I'm happy to move it. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Stewart, I'll move it.
02:02:00 I'll second it, sorry. Mayor Stewart: No, thanks, Kim. No, no, no. Please thank Chris for his ... I think the reason why we're doing this is because we're doing a biotech program, and what you're doing down there is literally world class. So this is just a great addition to the supplies there and shows that we're just ... And I've always been here, especially down there, Chris and the team always have been in innovation and have progressed. So especially going into disaster season, we have our launch of our emergency action guide tomorrow. So I think this will be timely. So thank you. And please take up ... Councillor Jurisevic: Do those thoughts. Thank Chris and the team down there. I believe we may even get down there and get a bit of an update and see how it's progressed. Absolutely. In about two weeks. I'm looking forward to it. Thank you. Anything further, councillors? I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? All in favour? All in favour? Motion carries unanimously. Thank you. Moving on to item 6.9, the Tourism Noosa Strategy 2023-2027. I believe we have some declarations of conflicts.
02:03:00 Councillor Stewart. Mayor Stewart: I, Councillor Stewart, declare, inform the meeting that I have declared my conflict of interest in this matter as a ruling decree that the director of the Tourism Noosa is a personal friend who has resolved my conflict of interest. I now leave the meeting when more of the matter is considered and voted on. Thank you. Is there a check? Councillor Jurisevic: Next declaration, Councillor Stockwell. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yes, I will declare my stem declaration as has been put before you before, in regard to Lee McCritty, who is a director of Tourism Noosa, and I will choose to remain in the meeting room however I'll respect the decision of the meeting on whether I can remain and participate in the decision. Councillor Jurisevic: I move that the council add the next declarable conflict of interest by Councillor Stockwell on determinants in a public business to the council's decision to remove an independent Councillor McFadden, as Councillor believes that a reasonable person could not have a perception of bias, it would be I seeking a review with an advisory service, not a statutory service, and Councillor Stockwell agrees that I'm within the public interest, and neither he nor Mr Friedrichs would personally gain or lose from that advice, and therefore a reasonable person would trust a final decision is made in the public interest.
6.9 TOURISM NOOSA STRATEGY 2023-2027 ¶
02:04:00 I have a seconder, Councillor Wignard. I do say on the grounds of consistency with how we've dealt with this matter in the past. Any other councillors have any questions or anything to add? I'll put it to the vote. Those in favour? Councillor Corky? Councillor Wilkie? You're muted. Okay, so councillors Wignard, Wilkie, Jurisdict and Lorentson voted in favour. Councillor Stockwell did not vote on the matter. Is that the end? That's the end of the declarations. Thank you. Kim, would you like to give us a bit of an overview on the Tourism Noosa strategy going forward? Speaker 10: Sure. Councillors, this report presents to you Tourism Noosa's four-year strategic plan for 2023 to 2027.
02:05:00 Councillors, in April this year, Council endorsed a new funding and performance deed with Tourism Noosa for a two-year period through to June 2025. That deed is attached to the report for your information. Under the funding and performance deed, there are a number of requirements and KPIs for Tourism Noosa to achieve over this period of the funding deed agreement with Council. A key one of those is for Tourism Noosa to prepare a strategic plan to guide the organisation and reflect the priorities of the funding deed in this strategy. And for this document, the Tourism Noosa strategy to be reported to Council by 31 December 2023. So that's what this report does. It reports to you Tourism Noosa's strategic plan that they have developed and delivered to us in accordance with the funding deed with Council. Importantly, as I mentioned, there's a requirement and Tourism Noosa is aware and have acknowledged that once Council's destination management plan is prepared,
02:06:00 the Tourism Noosa strategy will most likely need to be reviewed to align with the destination management plan. But as we have not yet completed the destination management plan, Tourism Noosa are required to have a strategic plan to guide their organisation and that's what this document is. It's important to understand and clarify that this document is not the DMP. This document is Tourism Noosa's document, not Council's. It's prepared by Tourism Noosa to guide their operations and is done as a requirement of the funding deed. In developing the Tourism Noosa strategy, they sought feedback from Council officers and took feedback on board. They also presented a draft of the strategy to Councillors and sought Councillors' feedback prior to submitting it to Council. So it's here for your consideration. Councillor Lorentson: Question, and I know this is the DMP.
02:07:00 Once that's complete, it's going to help guide or guide and drive. And maybe introduce different KPIs with Tourism Noosa. My question is, where are we up to with the DMP and when are we anticipating completion? Speaker 10: We have just completed consultation with hundreds and hundreds of responses and thousands and thousands of ideas. And I'm not exaggerating with thousands and thousands of ideas. So we are in the process of collating all of that information. And we will present the outcomes and overview of that to you later this week. And then subject to the discussion with Councillors, how we move forward based on all of that information following the conversation we have this week. But great feedback, really pleased with the process and the level of engagement.
02:08:00 But there's, as you can imagine, there's lots of ideas and lots of feelings and lots of thoughts about this issue. And so there's going to be a lot for Council to get their head around and through. Councillor Lorentson: Fantastic. And how fantastic that this is, you know, the more feedback we get, the more a community document it becomes. Absolutely. So that excites me. Yeah. In terms of the strategy, Tourism Noosa strategy, how do you think they've gone? Are you encouraged, inspired by the document in front of you? Yeah. Speaker 10: Look, absolutely. You know, we've worked closely with them on getting this document to be, you know, visionary and aligned to the principles that Council have put out around the destination management plan process and moving towards a more regenerative approach to tourism. You know, tourism for good, leaving the place better than you found it, you know, those sorts of things. Tourism Noosa has very much embraced that. And you'll see that in the document. They talk about a journey towards regenerative tourism and tourism for good is one of their pillars.
02:09:00 Embedding sustainability more in everything that we do with our visitors. So yes, it's a journey. You know, we're all on a journey, the Council and Tourism Noosa, towards where we want to be in terms of the destination and what that looks like. And until the destination management plan is developed and in place, I think this document takes, for Tourism Noosa, a step towards that. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Any questions, Council? No. Council? Council? Council, do you have any questions? Council, wait a minute. Councillor Wegener: Brand management. In the last document that's nicely, they put brand, Noosa brand management right at the top, but it's not mentioned. Councillor Lorentson: No, it is. Is it mentioned in the mail? I'm pretty sure it is. Sure it is, yes. Councillor Wegener: It was front and centre before, it seems so. Councillor Lorentson: Page seven. Councillor Wegener: Drifted to page seven. Councillor Lorentson: Our story, Noosa's brand story.
02:10:00 So, I think it's important to understand who we are. Councillor Wegener: Yeah. Before with you, it said that managing the Noosa brand is the key, the most important thing that Tewart's and Noosa does and I actually really agree with that. And that was, anyway, this is my little input, I'd love to see that creep back closer to page one. Speaker 10: Yeah, and look, you know, the document is built around a number of pillars, five key pillars and which, you know, I don't think the page numbering indicates level of importance. They're all equal and all important. Councillor Jurisevic: Not everything will be on page one. Yeah. That's right. That's right. Speaker 10: And, you know, I think that up in the start of the document capturing things around, you know, the journey to destination regeneration and then the values, you know, they're really important pieces to have in the front of these documents. Okay. Councillor Jurisevic: Ms. Walker, do you have a question? Yeah. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I know there's one mention in terms of in the future the Noosa Shire collectively works
02:11:00 towards carbon neutrality. Tourism Noosa will first support industry visitors to give back. That appears to be the only mention in terms of any action with regard to industry development to help the transition to zero, is that correct? Speaker 10: Yes, that's mentioned in the strategy from conversations, Tourism Noosa will also be developing an operational plan, a new operational plan that actually then operationalises some of these higher level strategic directions. So anything around key actions or tasks in that space would be captured in their operational plan as opposed to here. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: And just one, I know you must be nearly towards the end of your input analysis, did the aspiration towards being carbon neutral feature highly in the output? Did you have feedback on the destination management plan?
02:12:00 Speaker 10: Oh, I'd be pre-empting, but there's lots of feedback around climate, eco-anxiety in our young people, definitely moving towards that way, but we are still going through hundreds and thousands of information, so I wouldn't want to be categoric about where that sits in terms of the number of issues, but it was definitely part of the conversation. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: And the effort to do that? I think it does prove that that is a key element of the destination management plan, and this plan could be, in its next iteration, reflect that more broadly with, say, a dedicated industry development program around the transition. Speaker 10: Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. Tourism Noosa will review this document in line with what the DMP priorities are to ensure it aligns. Councillor Jurisevic: I'm sure we're getting a bit of feedback. Councillor Wilkie is muted. Councillor Lorentson: I'm happy to move the recommendation. Councillor Jurisevic: Would you like to speak to that?
02:13:00 Councillor Lorentson: I will. I think it's clear from the Tourism Noosa strategy in front of us that there's a genuine desire and commitment for the TN to align closely with Council's destination management thinking and approach. In fact, it can be argued that TN is, in some aspects, already leading the way and has for years taken actions towards better tourism and building a more sustainable future. As the chair of the Tourism Noosa board said in her opening statement of the strategy, quote, our responsibility goes well beyond economics. We enhance community wellbeing and preserve our environment. The strategy highlights Noosa's long history of environmental protection and preservation, its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and designation as a World Surfing Reserve. The strategy has been intentionally developed to respond to the values of not only the tourism
02:14:00 industry and tourism key partners, but also respond to the values of environmental groups, our residents, and Noosa Council. TN values on page 314 of the report their pursuit of excellence and innovation. Natural harmony and stewardship, cultural respect and preservation, enriching experiences, travel for good, authentic community engagement and accountability and transparency. More importantly, the document also recognises that our community is at the heart of TN's success and that we have a shared responsibility for maintaining Noosa's character and also environmental legacy. And that TN is committed to genuine engagement with businesses, community organisation, residents and visitors. Tourism is big business, bringing $1.7 billion in visitor spend to our region.
02:15:00 We are fortunate to have TN managing our brand and protecting our backyard. I sit on the board and I've sat on the board now for four years, and I say that with conviction. We need to deliver to our visitor, a clear message about who we are and what we value. And that is to enjoy and respect Noosa, our environment and the people who live here. I want to take this opportunity to thank TN, its amazing staff, 65 volunteers and the TN board. They are all locals who are passionate and committed to protecting this incredible, mind-blowing, beautiful place that we are all lucky to call home.
02:16:00 Councillor Jurisevic: I'm delighted there's one particular passage in here that excites me about what tourism needs to do and what tourism can, I know a lot of people feel, be impacted by the the elements of tourism, but a lot of good can come out of it as well. To see tourism for good, an interesting title, but to see the elements that they are bringing to the community, the way they're bringing the business and tourism community on board with understanding their role and their impact and the programs that they have implemented to try and offset some of that impact as well as
02:17:00 active participants in the reduction of single-use plastics and the like is commendable. I think this is a great, probably one of my favourite elements of what tourism does and brings to this community, as well as events that not only bring an economic benefit, but a community benefit and a charity benefit, such as the Noosa Triathlon, $1 million in charity and $50,000 to the local community. There are elements that they do, and again, the programs within that tourism for good program are ones that I commend, and I note that the new CEO actually got to attend Trees for Tourism within her first week and was excellently blown away by the program, which I think is great to see. I'm pleased with the direction they're taking. I'm seeing the opportunity to align with the DMP as we go forward, and I think we're heading in the right direction.
02:18:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Tourism News has always been very good at what they do and we've seen over recent years with different CEOs and different boards that perhaps direction going either side of where Council's going. What I read of this document is a genuine attempt to align with community values as expressed through Council and the destination management process. I see there's a lot of good new initiatives built in there and I suppose that when the rubber hits the road what you know the return on investment from Council's perspective will be how that is divvied up in terms of the overall budget but as you say that's an operational matter. I have obviously highlighted one area where I would have liked to see a specific action but that as I said I'm happy to wait for the results of destination management to come out and say well is this where Noosa thinks it should go?
02:19:00 I would certainly like to see that be part of being a destination that embodies stewardship that we fulfill our global responsibilities in terms of reducing our pollution of the atmosphere. I think it's essential as part of the brand and an area that there's a lot more work to be done with both our organisations. So other than that, as Councillor Druzik has pointed out there are lots of good new concepts in here. There is and it is a very important one. We are stewards of a place for both residents and for visitors. The better we can look after it, the more beneficial it will be from a range of different attributes, one of them being economic return and the other being social and lifestyle. Councillor Jurisevic: Any other councillors have anything to add? Councillor Lorentson, would you like to go?
02:20:00 Councillor Lorentson: No, everything's said. Just shout out to the team. The strategy is really well done. Councillor Jurisevic: I'll put the matter to a vote. All in favour? In favour. Carried unanimously. Thank you, Kim. Thanks, Tim. Thanks to Tourism Lucid for the hard work they've done in producing it. Report. Councillor Jurisevic: Item 16. The next item on the agenda is the Financial Performance Report. Speaker 11: Are we calling clearing? Oh my gosh. Speaker 12: My moustache is all forward cause. Councillor Jurisevic: It's coming on well. You'll have to send us a link for some fundraising. Speaker 12: Certainly can. I think we're fundraising for my wife. Councillor Jurisevic: I've been removed on the first of
6.10 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT – OCTOBER 2023 ¶
02:21:00 the month. The best mow wins. Mayor Stewart: Pauline, welcome back. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Nice to see you. Nice to see the smiley faces on the table. Mayor Stewart: Thanks, Jeff. Councillor Jurisevic: Pauline, would you like to give us an overview on our current financial performance for October 2023? Speaker 6: Absolutely. So financial performance year to date to October continues to be positive with operating revenues outperforming our forecast and operating expenditures slightly under forecast. Operating revenue is $2.2 million above budget, which comprises the majority of this comprises $1.3 million relating to interest revenue, which is resulting from the investment in term deposits at about 5%. $700,000 relates to the sale of goods and services for holiday parks, waste and council facilities, and $327,000 relates to operational grants. This has been offset by low budget fees and charges. Some of this is timing and some issues in terms of getting some invoicing into the system as well,
02:22:00 but there are some areas that are down year to date. Operational expenditure is $925,000 underspent with employee costs $901,000 under budget, and materials and services $55,000 under budget. Overall council's year to date operating position at October is $3.1 million above budget. Of this, $2.9 million of these funds are currently unconstrained, and $2.5 million coming from general council pop-up operations, and $4.4 million or $400,000 from holiday parks and waste. This surplus will be utilised to offset the forecast deficit that we adopted at Budget Review 1, and will fund operations and emerging works during the remainder of this financial year. Capital revenue is above budget with a receipt of grants, from QRA and other programs, and expenditure is also slightly above budget year to date due to the timing of delivery. Council is currently holding $126 million in cash reserves with $40
02:23:00 million invested in internal deposits. This position will degrade through to 30 June 2024 as business as usual operations occur in capital and grant programs, including the QRA funded projects either within. Just for councils to note, just for councils to note, while council's cash cover is currently equivalent to 13.8 months, if we removed externally restricted funds, which is grants, levies, and developer contributions, this would reduce cash cover to 9.7 months. And if we were to reduce internally restricted funds, which is disaster recovery provisions, fleet replacement, and landfill provision, that would reduce to $7.6 million. So we would usually aim to three to six months coverage, so we are above that, but also we need to take into account that we still need about $40 million to deliver our capital project. It looks good, but there's a reason. There's a reason why we're holding so much cash. So with one third of the financial year complete, council's financial performance continues to be
02:24:00 Councillor Jurisevic: strong. Question to the council. I'll get us off the mark, there's no one else. I said when I see capital revenue 327 percent above variance, I sit there and go whoop. I noticed that we have a grant. It probably wasn't a capital grant of 6.3 million. It probably wasn't expected. Can you just believe what the grants are? Speaker 6: Many of the grants relate to the QRA disaster funding, so as the submissions are approved and come through, we get a different funding for various projects as well. Councillor Jurisevic: That's all right. But given that we've received a significant amount of funding from QRA at this point, is it only 6.3, the current balance? Speaker 6: 6.3 relates to this current financial year. So we've received funding in prior years as well, Councillor Jurisevic: which obviously aren't worth it. Okay, so it's stone's own down timing as to what's in this one.
02:25:00 Speaker 6: Yeah. We will be looking at addressing that in budget review too, to accommodate the funding for both the capital program and revenue. Councillor Jurisevic: I was expecting more, but you were right, it was in the previous way. Yeah. Hence the bank balance being where it is. Mayor Stewart: Yeah. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you. Mayor Stewart: Paul, any more questions? I think you answered or you mentioned certainly there's such a high operating surplus ratio and high cash expense cover. Do you want to elaborate any more on that? Speaker 6: Because we are in the early stage of the year, we still have obviously quite a few months before the next round of rates, we'll be degrading our operating profit is high at this time of the year. It's particularly higher with interest revenue that we've been able to generate off the cash flow. So that will degrade over time as we go through the year and as we hit through to 30 June, it'll come down quite a lot, which is generally the trend. What was the other one that you mentioned? Yeah, the cash expense cover. The cash expense cover. Mayor Stewart: No, the operating surplus ratio, sorry, we're at 30.3% in the target. Speaker 6: Yeah, so that relates to our operating profit in terms of as that comes down, Mayor Stewart: that will reduce down as well.
02:26:00 Yeah, and then the cash expense cover, but there is 20. Speaker 6: So the cash cover is what we were talking about before in terms of it holding. Mayor Stewart: We're calculating that on our full cash cover and includes restricted balances as well. Okay. Because they're a bit, I mean, that looks really like it looks like we're being overly cautious, but we're not really. Speaker 6: No, the operating one is generally more of a timing in terms of where we are in the year and as we progress and deliver programs and operation. The cash cover is also similar in that regard, but there is an over inflation at the moment. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: In terms of risk that might impact Council's operational performance, you haven't noted cyber attacks. Is there any reason? My understanding, it's still right up the top as one of the risks. Speaker 12: Through the Chair, so obviously in addition to the risk at the end of the report, Council does have a strategic risk register and obviously below that we have operational
02:27:00 risk in the business area. So cyber risk is identified as one of our top strategic risks and that does identify obviously the impacts to a range of matters, both financial and non-financial from in terms of service delivery data, et cetera. I guess with what you see in the report here, it focuses purely on financial operations and the risk around that. But certainly from any cyber event, should anything serious occur to the operations of Council's networks, the impacts will be significant across a range of areas. Councillor Lorentson: And what keeps you up at night other than your child? Speaker 12: Financially? Financially? Financially? The last two years financially has been the challenge of cost escalation on our capital works program. I've been doing a lot of work on that, infrastructure services team over the last 12 months. So it's not keeping me as much up overnight this financial year. We're seeing that
02:28:00 in terms of our year-to-date performance on our capital. So that will be the biggest financial challenge we face this year. The other one is the smoothing off as we come off the back end of the major capital works over this year and next. And our long-term forecasting of our cash and liquidity once we settle back into the AU in 18 months' time will be a big discussion. Councillor Lorentson: Now that's interesting. So once the works are done, then it's the whole-of-life costs that have got to be somehow built into... Speaker 12: Whole-of-life costs, but also our 10-year forecast for what future major works are in the pipeline. Okay. Thank you. Councillor Jurisevic: Following on from that question, we obviously had an impact of Optus on the organisation when they shut down for the day. How did that impact operations and was our business continuity plan able to be put into place? And did it have an impact on Council's operations?
02:29:00 Speaker 12: Sure. Again, through the Chair. Yes, it did. Our main customer service phone line is an Optus phone line, so obviously it had an impact primarily on our connectivity to our community. Obviously, through our BCP, we ensured that we, the best we could, communicated out to the public through various media channels that we had impacts of service delivery. But in terms of the impact, in under one day's worth of interruption, I think our operation has accommodated quite well. Councillor Jurisevic: Does that cause us to maybe do a rethink on only having one service provider? Speaker 12: One of the things we do every year is review our business continuity plans. Our audit committee requires us to ensure that all our BCPs are up-to-date. We are actually due for that PIS worker on our IT BCP over the next few months, so it'll be a conversation we'll definitely
02:30:00 incorporate into... Councillor Jurisevic: What I was hoping to hear. Thank you. Anything further? Questions? Yeah. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: It might be more to the CEO, but I note both planning and building and development, planning applications below budget, and that's sort of consistent with what we're seeing coming through with new applications and the delegate decisions that we look to be on a bit of a downward trend. Is there, and I think the CEO, because Richard's not here. No. Have we got, are we looking at that, and are we looking at, now, are our timeframes coming down? Are we reallocating staff into areas where there's a bit of backlog, that sort of thing? Are we looking at how to respond to that yet? Speaker 6: Well, I was going to say, we have seen a decline, obviously, in VA, but we also are aware of several other developments out in the ether, and whether they eventuate or not will impact where we end up. In terms of where we are for the current year, dare I say, the development assessment area
02:31:00 has actually, is quite underspent in some of the areas, as well, so that kind of offsets that deficit in revenue, so you wouldn't necessarily expect us to have a bottom line of financial, huge financial impact from the VA point of view. The same with building and plumbing. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: There's more, as I said, understand that there'll be swings and roundabouts, staff won't be, but have we looked, is there an opportunity now to make hay while the sun shines and then try and get those timeframes back, try and get all those outstanding short-stay leading type Speaker 10: issues, et cetera? In terms of resource and delivery? Apologies, it's not in my area, it's Richard's area, but it's hard to let go of some things. Yeah, pretty much. What I will say is, it would be lovely to be in that space, but the reality is we're not there. There are vacancies in our planning department, and our files are currently at 50 files per planner. Now, we usually work on 25 to 30 files
02:32:00 per planner, so even though we've seen a dip in revenue, we haven't seen a dip in the workload yet. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: And that's linked to not being able to fill positions. That's right. Speaker 6: Which is driving a lot of employee cost variances. Speaker 10: Yeah, we haven't seen that flow on, yeah, benefit, unfortunately. So it's in our planning department. Councillor Jurisevic: We've got a question from the councillor. Councillor Wilkie, any questions? Councillor Wilkie: Thank you, Mr Chair. Look, that leads on to a question I was going to ask about the 1.5 million underspend in staff vacancies. So obviously, we're missing a few planners. But I mean, it's a question to the CEO. Is it possible to quantify in FTE terms, the number of staff that we're down, which departments are particularly affected, and what we're doing to mitigate this? Speaker 11: I don't have the exact numbers.
02:33:00 Speaker 6: I don't have FTE available to me, but I do have the particular, I won't give you the amounts, but I will tell you that it's development assessment. There are vacancies in works, civil ops. There's some, a couple in corporate services, some in strategic planning. Some of those are new positions that have yet to be finalised and recruited, that were endorsed in the budget. But there's certainly those particular areas, and a couple in infrastructure as well, that are driving that variance. Just in terms of your 1.5 million, there are several positions being funded via labour hire, which offsets that. Councillor Jurisevic: About 500,000 in temporary positions. Speaker 12: Correct, yes. If I remember my figures correctly? Yes. And through the Chair, that also excludes where we might outsource to specialist positions, where if we don't have the expertise in-house, we're also outsourcing to a firm or a consultancy to help fill the gap. Example might be where we've got a gap in our ICT manager, and we need some strategic ICT support.
02:34:00 In the interim, we don't have the capacity and capability. Cyber security and IT is a critical issue, as we talked about. So we engage a CIO on demand to assist with that in the interim. Councillor Wilkie: Do we have a full complement of customer service staff? Speaker 12: We have to take that one on notice, Councillor Wilkie. In my understanding, yes, we do. Speaker 6: I'm not aware of significant vacancies in that area. Speaker 11: No, but there's no question, Councillor, that we're still on the hamster wheel. As are many employees. Absolutely. We're not alone on this, but we've slowed things down, but there is still constant movement. So we're constantly dealing with that and trying to make sure we cover where we can. Councillor Jurisevic: Any other questions, Councillor Wilkie? No, thank you, Mr Chair. Any more from the floor? Can I have a mover? Recommendation, Councillor Stockwell. Seconder, Councillor Stewart.
02:35:00 Councillor Stockwell, would you like to talk to it? No. Any discussion, Councillors? No. Councillor Wilkie, anything to add? No, thank you. I'll put it to vote. All in favour? Speaker 2: Thank you. Welcome back. Councillor Wilkie. Councillor Jurisevic: In favour? It's carried unanimously. Thank you, guys. Thank you for all the hard work you do. We'll move on to item 611. This is the new City Council Annual Report. As I like to call it, the Year in the View. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I've been here a while, guys. Councillor Jurisevic: I'm sorry. I can't imagine there's any confidence in you before this, Matt. Welcome to the table, our Government Manager, Diana Stewart. Diana, would you like to give us a bit of a summary of our Annual Report? Speaker 9: Yes, not a problem.
6.11 NOOSA COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023 ¶
02:36:00 So, as you know, Councillors, each year, in accordance with Section 182 of the Local Government Regulations, Council must prepare a new report. The purpose of the report in front of you today is to inform our community of Council Council's activities and financial performance throughout the last financial year. There is, I note, there's a minimum standard of regulatory reporting that must be included within the report, primarily relating to accountability, governance and financial matters. As per previous years, Council has addressed that standard, as outlined in the legislative compliance section of the appendices at the back, if you're interested in having a look. However, as per previous years, we are about further increasing transparency and improving our reporting. So, each year, Council goes above and beyond the minimum regulatory reporting standard by including additional information in our Annual Report. And as you will see this year, a substantial amount of new content has been included,
02:37:00 ranging from outlining Council's various roles and responsibilities with the community to showcasing our new values, our new corporate values, procurement deliverables, and even our numerous completed infrastructure projects across our Shire have been highlighted. So, each year, essentially, we continue to build on our stories so that we achieve greater transparency and alignment to the Australasian reporting standard that we're aiming for. And finally, on a lighter note, I'd like to thank all the staff, stakeholders and teams that work with us to deliver this Annual Report. As it was certainly a team effort, and hopefully a report that Council is proud to adopt. And finally, on that note, I would like to state that I have picked up one content error on page 224, which will be amended. We just missed the pages in that content schedule, but that will be definitely included
02:38:00 by the time the final report is published. Councillor Jurisevic: Questions, councillors? No questions. We've got a mover. Councillor Schell, do I have a seconder? Second. Mayor Stewart: Well, I've done the whole thing here. It is a delight to present out there. I won't read my message. Councillor Jurisevic: I was reading the report. Mayor Stewart: I was doing notes. Not that this happens at all. Thank you, Di. It's a huge amount of body of work, and it really marries the big parts to the staff. There is, I think when we counted, there was five, when I looked at it, there was 527 employees. So this is very much a team effort. We have 174 voluntary workers. You know, we've had the largest ever capital works program at 43 million. We've yielded a host of projects, or that has certainly. Completion of the first phase of the Tewantin Bypass. Revitalisation of our bridges. Rapunga Lane Bridge and Cooroy-Bella Creek Road Bridge.
02:39:00 Completion of this parade upgrade, which is helping to realise our cycling and walking strategy objectives. Dedicated bike lanes. Expanded pathways. Completion of the 1.68 million Cooroora Trail upgrade. Continued hazard reduction burns. Launched the continuation of our World Class 5 Tech Connect program. We completed the housing strategy, the corporate plan. The library service, which is, we've got a lot more of an outreach service. The housing strategy, as I said, was a huge one. Environmental, we have more land under conservation than ever before. And, I mean, I could go on and on. And our waste is incredibly exciting. I'm having trouble reading all of this. So I want to continue on. But I think it's all there to be read. But thank you. And as I said, Larry, this is very much a team effort. But I want to thank you too, Larry, for your leadership and stepping in. You've been terrific. And to all the executive team. Absolutely. Councillor Jurisevic: Any other councillors? Councillor Lorentson: I'll speak to it just really quickly.
02:40:00 You asked whether we would be proud to adopt the report. Absolutely, Diana. To me, the report speaks volumes of the people and the team in council. It speaks of long hours, hard work, passion, sweat. Blood. Commitment to service. And commitment to community. You know, local governments, not for the faint-hearted or thin-skinned. And I just would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank your team and all the executive staff, acting CEO. This is big business. But big business need great people to operate big business. So thank you. Councillor Wegener: Any other councillors? Just here, here. Fantastic words. Just nice to be a part of this incredible team. Councillor Jurisevic: Councillor Wilkie? Thank you, Mr. Chair. Councillor Wilkie: Look, every annual report makes for exhausting reading, reflecting on the achievements of each year.
02:41:00 And this council, which is a relatively small council, is an incredibly ambitious one in its undertakings. And it achieves so much every year. And as has already been said, that's down largely to the commitment and work ethic of the staff. So really, this is a tribute to them, really. So thank you, Diana. Thank you, Larry. Please pass on our thanks to the staff. Absolutely. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I've just got stopped on the page that said supporting our community highlights. And there's probably a lot we do that isn't controversial, isn't hard work, but is really meaningful. You know, you saw at the bottom, you know, 33,000, over 33,000 members of our libraries, you know. 71 referrals to our community service department. 71 referrals for community usage, such as homes for salary, mental health, domestic and family violence.
02:42:00 You know, we've looked at alliance grants with 15 different community groups and, you know, eight community halls. So these are all the things that happen that don't often get to this place. In terms of debate, but which are really critical to achieving that cohesiveness and resilient community. And I think that's really important to acknowledge that throughout our organisation, we have a whole lot of committed and valuable staff who really take the role of working with our community seriously. And I think it's one of the great strengths of this community is that the relationship between Council and our community groups and our community more generally. I certainly agree. Councillor Jurisevic: Yeah. I'm delighted to hear the Mayor excited about our waste. But as I say that, I realise it probably doesn't sound right. No, it sounded great. Sorry. Thank you. I'm delighted in this. And I, to all those that are no sayers of anything that Council, Council undertakes, have a read of this document.
02:43:00 Get an idea and an understanding of what actually goes on in this place and the amount of work that this organisation undertakes in a year. I just shared the Noosa Shire quick facts. One page out of this and the amount of interest it got online and social media was incredible. Imagine what if they saw the other, in the other pages, the other 300 pages of information and data and what goes on in this organisation. So tremendous amount of work, a tremendous summary of a very challenging year, another very challenging year. I commend, I commend it as a reading to everybody in our community to understand more thoroughly and more closely what your Council undertakes and the amount of effort that goes into that work. I'd like to acknowledge our Acting CEO, all the senior staff and all the staff across every element of Council that puts in day in, day out for our community that this report clearly articulates.
02:44:00 Thank you. That workload and that commitment to this community. I'd like to thank you all so much for the time, the effort, for all the challenge that we present you and the professional way in which you bring those results back into the organisation. That's it from me. Nothing further? Can I just make one point? Speaker 11: You can make, please do. The staff are doing an amazing amount of work and you can see that. We need to thank everybody for the continued support of the organisation, of the community, of the work that they do and their dedication. Also I wanted to make the point of young Diana here who has done a massive amount of work just to pull this together. I mean you look at the volume of work, that all has to get compiled into a readable document. Well done.
02:45:00 On top of everything else she does. Speaker 5: That's a team effort. Speaker 11: Absolutely, we all need team efforts but this is a great thing that all comes together. It's great to be able to get it, we get all the finance stuff, all comes in together, comes together in this one document and Wales are able to present it. Mayor Stewart: Well done, Diana. Well done, Diana. Diana, the staff and Mary, please pass it on. I know the execs are here to hear it but please pass it on. Our thanks to the 527 people who really, this report's all out there. Councillor Jurisevic: And now the few staff online that have been watching. Fantastic. Councillor Lorentson: Fantastic. And can you call me young Amelia? She's young to me. She's not so young. Councillor Jurisevic: That was my voice. That was your voice? Yeah. Well done. I'll put the dual vote. All in favour? In favour? Carried unanimously. Thank you, Diana. Thank you. We'll move on to the next item which is, we're coming up to a confidential session.
02:46:00 The next item, the next three items. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'll move that we go into a confidential session for the reasons outlined in the agenda. Mayor Stewart: I'll second it. For the three items? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: For the three items, yes. Item 7.1, 7.3. Councillor Jurisevic: I'll move that we close the public review of the section 245J3 on the Labor Government Regulation for the purpose of discussing the three items. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: That's it. That we've got on there. Councillor Jurisevic: That we've got on there. All in favour? Councillor Wilkie: All against? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'm sure there'll be thousands of people waiting for the paper press. OK. Councillor Jurisevic: Back out? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yeah. Councillor Jurisevic: Thank you. We're back out of the conference session. I'll need a mover for item 7.1. There's only one material processing option in MIRV, MIRV Council Stockwell, seconded by Councillor Stewart.
7 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION ¶
02:47:00 Any discussion councillors? There's no discussion, I'll put it to the vote. All in favour? In favour. Thank you Councillor Wilkie, very unanimously. We've gone to item 7.2, the Indian Mountain Shared Roadway. Happy to second. Moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Lorentson. Any discussion councillors? There's been no discussion, I'll put it to the vote. All in favour? In favour. Carried unanimously. We'll move on to item 7.3, Monterey Flood Recovery Property Acquisition. I'll move this one. I'll second it. Councillor Wegener seconded. There's been no discussion from me. I'll put it to the vote. All councillors in favour? In favour. Thank you Councillor Wilkie, carried unanimously. That is the final item on the agenda. That brings the meeting to a close at 4.01pm. Thank you all for your time.
8 MEETING CLOSURE ¶
Council's recording ends before this item. Where a meeting resolved to close its doors, that is what the end of the recording means — see what council discussed in private.