Before the first item ¶
00:00:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: We pay our respects to the thousands of years of leadership of the elders in the past, in the present, and those emerging who are always keen to work with Council to look after and care for Country. We don't have any apologies, but we do have a set of minutes from last month's General Committee meeting, meeting tool, moved by Councillor Wilkie, seconded by Councillor Finzel, presuming there's no discussion. All in favour? That's unanimous. There's no presentation, no deputations, no matters referred from Committee, so we move on straight to Section 8. And the first item in that section is a General Committee meeting schedule of Chairperson. And we have the Executive Officer, Yanchi, to come and give us an outline.
3 ATTENDANCE & APOLOGIES ¶
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2 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ¶
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4 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ¶
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4.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 16 MARCH 2026 ¶
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5 PRESENTATIONS ¶
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6 DEPUTATIONS ¶
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7 ITEMS REFERRED FROM COMMITTEES ¶
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8 REPORTS DIRECT TO GENERAL COMMITTEE ¶
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8.1 GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING - SCHEDULE OF CHAIRPERSON ¶
00:01:00 Good afternoon, Councillors. Speaker 2: On 19 March 2026, Council resolved to amend its meeting structure, reducing formal meetings to one General Committee meeting and one Ordinary meeting, effective from the 1st of May 2026. As part of the change to the meeting structure, Council endorsed the implementation of a rotating schedule for the Chairperson of the General Committee meeting, basically to provide all Councillors the opportunity to act as a Chairperson. Participation is not mandatory, and rotations were assigned by random draw. This report before you presents the schedule of Chairperson, as agreed by Councillors, for the period 1 May 2026 to 28 February 2028, when the next Liberal Government election is anticipated to occur. It is therefore recommended that Councillors note this report and adopt the schedule of Chairperson
00:02:00 for the General Committee meeting as provided in the report for the period 1 May 2026 to 28 February 2028. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Very good. Councillors, we will be involved. Does anyone have any questions? Ansel Larson. Councillor Lorentson: Just a question in terms of clarification. Are you happy that Section 8 has been removed from the General Committee meeting? 6.2 of the standing orders, which states if the chairperson of a standing committee is absent or unavailable to preside, a councillor chosen by the councillor's present will preside over the standing committee meeting. Are you happy that that cause doesn't need to be, I don't know, doesn't need to be stated as part of this recommendation? My concern is John C's, for instance, idea of if I'm going to take holidays in 2028 and when that period happens, just do we need any clarity around that situation in terms of leave, absence or illness?
00:03:00 Or are you confident that section 36.2 of the standing orders covers that situation? Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm very confident that that section covers that point because it's based on the policy it provides that if a chairperson is unavailable or absent, which obviously is very, very broad and can cover quite a few different scenarios, including private arrangements, so that section probably covers for the appointment of proxy as outlined, that all remaining councillors present in the meeting can nominate a chairperson as a proxy in that instance. Councillor Lorentson: Thank you very much. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Any others? Would someone like to move? I'm happy to move. Chabby is second. Moved by Councillor Whoopi. Seconded by Councillor Finzel. We have the floor, Councillor Whoopi. Thank you. Mayor Wilkie: As discussed last month, this change to the two-meeting schedule is intended to be a more efficient form of decision-making for the community and also this council.
00:04:00 And the rotating chair idea was something that has been discussed and will give all councillors an opportunity to hone their skills of chairing in the more robust forum, which is the General Committee. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else wish to speak? No? I'm presuming you don't want to argue with Selkirk. No, thank you, Mr Chairman. I'll put them over to those in favour. They can't stay. That's unanimous. Thank you, Mr Chairman. We then move on to the second item in Section 8, which is the Tourism Noosa funding at Palmerstead from 2026 to 2029. And we welcome Kim Rawlings, the Director of Sustainability and Environment, to the chair. And Kim, if you can give us an overview, please. Director Rawlings: Thanks, councillors, and good afternoon. The council report follows the council meeting and decision in December, 18th of December,
8.2 TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AND PERFORMANCE DEED 2026–2029 ¶
00:05:00 where council adopted the Tourism Noosa roadmap. It endorsed what was known as Option 2 to evolve Tourism Noosa to align with the Destination Management Plan. Also in December, council adopted its Destination Management Plan. So this report, sorry, that resolution required the CEO to bring a report back to council with the final terms for the multi-year funding deed and to ensure that there was procurement guidance and support of the development of that process. This report responds to that resolution and brings back to you for consideration. The detailed Tourism Noosa funding and performance deed. The adopted DMP in December requires a shift towards destination stewardship, embedding community values, sustainability, behaviour change, and measurable outcomes across the services that Tourism Noosa deliver, including marketing, visitor services and industry capability. The funding deed, as attached, gives effect to this shift.
00:06:00 It seeks to preserve their service life. It preserves, seeks to preserve their service life. It provides continuity, but strengthens accountability, aligns programs and reporting to the DMP, and clarifies roles and governance between council and TN. The deed introduces a ranked KPI framework supported by a points-based performance adjustment methodology, enabling council to assess performance against KPIs and importance of. The deed was developed through a joint council and Tourism Noosa working group. It was guided by and reviewed by the council's internal legal counsel. It also has undergone independent external legal review, and as per council resolution, council procurement has advised on compliance with the local government framework and the principles. Councillors have been briefed on a number of occasions and received drafts, and have provided valuable input into the development of the process. So the report.
00:07:00 The report recommends the funding deed, as attached, for council consideration with Tourism Noosa for a term of three years, commencing on the 1st of July, 2026, and ending on 30th of June, 2029. There is provision for the KPIs to be reviewed on an annual basis, and it seeks authorisation for the CEO to finalise and execute the deed, and administer the deed in accordance with the group's terms. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. Do we have any questions? Councillor Wilkie. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you for the report, Kim. Could you tell us a bit more about the external legal review, what they were looking at and checking for? Director Rawlings: Sure. We had, after the December meeting, we engaged with procurement immediately, and said, provide procurement, all of the documentation. Procurement recommended an external legal firm to get involved. I can't think of the name, but I've been working with it, it doesn't matter.
00:08:00 And they have been involved right through the process. So they firstly reviewed the deed before the KPIs were developed, and provided some great feedback, which has all been incorporated. I think they did that maybe twice, possibly three times. And then as the KPIs were being developed, versions of those were sent also to the legal firm to see that they were measurable, that they aligned, and feedback was also given from that perspective. Noting that they didn't provide feedback really on content, more structure, alignment, drafting, those sorts of things, in relation to the KPIs. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. Okay. Any other questions? Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Lorentson: Can you confirm whether Council is legally committed to the three-year funding arrangement, is already legally committed, or is the funding still subject to Council endorsement of this
00:09:00 report, and the attached funding deed? Speaker 2: Can you answer? Speaker 3: I'm happy to answer that. My understanding is that we've agreed to a three-year funding agreement. This deed is pursuant to how that funding is allocated in terms of KPIs and all over the term. So we are, in December this year, or last year, we agreed a three-year funding agreement. For Tewas and Noosa with the terms to be agreed, and this is what the terms are for the program. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Do you have a question, Councillor Lorentson? Councillor Wilson: There's the deferred advice from Governments on that. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: You haven't got a question? Councillor Lorentson: Can I rephrase the question? Can we perhaps, on notice, can you please say a few words?
00:10:00 Sure. Speaker 3: Sure. I'm happy to come back on that. My information differs as well. I haven't seen any information this morning, so. Councillor Lorentson: Thank you very much. Speaker 3: And as I said, that's my understanding, Councillor. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. Okay. Any other questions, Councillor? Councillor Phillips: I have a question. Okay, I can ask it. I wasn't here on the 18th of December at the ordinary meeting. I had leave planned four months prior. Question to the CEO around that coming to the December meeting. Could you maybe explain to me, because I felt like I would have really liked to have been able to vote on that. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor, I'm not going to allow the question. It doesn't relate to the matter in front of us. It relates to history. Okay. Councillor Phillips: Can I rephrase the question? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: If it relates to this report and what we're dealing with today. Councillor Phillips: Oh, okay. Thanks. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Lorentson? Councillor Lorentson: I have a few questions that were sent to me by residents.
00:11:00 One was in reference to the Council resolution in 2025, which required consultation with industry stakeholders and residents before any future funding decisions. My question is, how does the proposed three-by-two-minute consultation with industry stakeholders and residents comply with that resolution? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Who are you? We'll take it from the CEO. Speaker 3: I'm going to have to take that question on notice. Sorry. I'm not aware of that. Councillor Lorentson: It's part of the report. I'll just pull out the report. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: The CEO said he's taking it on notice. Sure. Councillor Lorentson: Any questions? No. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Other questions? Councillor Finzel: Yeah. Sure. Thank you for the report. Firstly, on page 3 of 12, TN is Council's long-standing LTO and key delivery partner.
00:12:00 I've raised this in the past around the funding. We've talked about evolving tourism Moosa. I feel like I haven't got an explicit answer in terms of- Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I have a question. Councillor Finzel: Please. The question is- Is Tourism Noosa continuing to operate as an LTO? Director Rawlings: Tourism Noosa is a local tourism organisation. Yes. In the hierarchy of tourism organisations, there is a regional tourism organisation, which is Visit Sunshine Coast. Visit Sunshine Coast covers Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Council and Gympie Council. Okay. And then there are local tourism organisations. Not all destinations have local tourism organisations, but destinations like ours that have a strong tourism industry do tend to have local tourism organisations, and that's what Tourism Noosa
00:13:00 is. So in terms of structure and governance, yes, they are a local tourism organisation. If you were asking whether they operate as a local tourism organisation, I would say they operate from an influence perspective. They definitely have impact beyond a local tourism organisation, but in terms of governance and structure and hierarchy, they are an LTO. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: And then the question, Councillor Finzel? Councillor Finzel: Yes, certainly. Sorry, it's on notice. Are you able to tell me the LTOs? What sort of funding amounts do they receive? Director Rawlings: I don't know. So I don't have that at hand, but Council have been provided that previously. As part of the benchmarking that was done for the roadmap in December, we provided that information to Council. So happy to recirculate that.
00:14:00 Thank you. But it does, it varies. You know, most LTOs have a level of funding provided from their local council, local governments. LTOs do not tend to get state funding. State fund the RTO bodies. LTOs get funding from their local governments and also their membership base. But in terms of what each of them get, yeah, there was a schedule and a benchmarking process done and provided to Council in December. So happy to recirculate that. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Any other questions? Councillor Finzel: Just from memory, was that confidential or open to the public? Director Rawlings: That's a great question, Councillor Finzel. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Can you take that on notice? I can. It's not really related to the matter in practice. It's related to history once again. Director Rawlings: I think there was a version that we made public, but I'm happy to check that.
00:15:00 Thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Any other questions? Speaker 2: No? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'll move to staff recommendation. Speaker 2: I'll second it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So, Councillors, we have agreed to enter into this agreement through the roadmap process and the staff have actioned the motion from December to produce a deed that has been negotiated both with Councillors and involvement of Councillors and with the relevant working group of Tourism Noosa. The deed does reflect what was expected from the roadmap and what was adopted as actions in the Destination Management Plan. It sets out the transition to an organisation that is a partner in delivering the Destination Management Plan with enhanced accountability measures, enhanced key performance indicators
00:16:00 and a change payment plan. It is the same structure that overtly includes a payment in second and third year related to the satisfactory completion of the previous year's work. So, in that regard, the agreement before us is completely consistent with the adopted position of Council and therefore I urge your support. Others wish to talk? Councillor Wilson? If you'd like to read out what the change is. Councillor Wilson: Yeah, so it's clause 4.3 in the deed and I assume you want to delete some of the content there.
00:17:00 So it would just read, as the parties may review and adjust the funding, whether an increase or decrease in the next general event because of the results of the NRC and its potential sustainable alternative sources of funding. Any adjustment to the funding under this clause must be reasonably proportionate to the financial impact of the alternative funding source and must be agreed in writing by the parties that have set it back in its path. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: We have a seconder. Seconded Councillor Phillips. Talk to your amendment please. Councillor Wilson: This agreement is between Council and TN with a commitment to fund TN for three years via general rates collected through differential rate purchases. We've talked about how that applies to the general rates many times over this process. At this point we do not expect this to change. TN needs certainty and we need to be able to commit to using general rates to fund this agreement.
00:18:00 If Council finds a new income source, it's not relevant to this agreement. If TN finds a new income source, it's meeting its revenue diversification goal and of course we would have a discussion about that source if it happens. Having said that, we shouldn't reference a bed tax. It doesn't exist in Queensland. It is pre-empting a Council position that we haven't reached yet, or may never reach. If the source of income becomes so great that the TN isn't reliant on Council anymore, then both parties have the option to end the agreement. But we should not pre-empt the types of income that may occur to a third party, particularly when they are not currently legal, as there is no Council position to refer to. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I was wishing to talk to the billers. Councillor Phillips: I will. I'll just give you some more. I'm happy to support the amendment. Bed tax is not currently lawful for local government in Queensland to implement, either directly or indirectly, and the Local Government Act does not expressly authorise a bed tax.
00:19:00 General powers under the LG Act are unlikely to support the creation of a new tax already. And so my thoughts are that this takes some time. Thank you. I was taking away some risk that I believed that would be included if we had it. So I'm looking to support the amendment and the changes. Mayor Wilkie: Chair. Councillor Woolley. The Council is quite right. There is no bed tax in Queensland currently. There are other Councils that are working in collaboration with each other and the State Government to bring one in as an option for Councils. I don't think there are any other Councils to consider. But my understanding is that was only introduced in this clause as an example of something that may happen. I don't think it substantially changes the intent of this clause.
00:20:00 And as Councillor Nicola Wilson said that we do need to give TM some certainty and removal of this clause in here in no, in my opinion, in no way affects the intent of this clause or the certainty that the funding deed will deliver to tourism. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: All those wish to talk? Just a question to staff. You've had this in advance. Are you happy that it doesn't materially affect the agreement? Director Rawlings: Yeah, absolutely. It's just an example. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else wish to talk? No? Councillor Wilson used to close. Okay, I'll put the motion, or the amendment. They're unanimous, so the amendment becomes part of the substantive motion.
00:21:00 Councillor Lorentson: I'd like to move an amendment, please, through the Chair. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Lorentson: That clause 4 be amended to include a new provision requiring that the funding deed and associated deliverables may be reviewed and adjusted where a material external shock occurs that significantly impacts the visitor economy, including but not limited to sustained increases in fuel costs, significant changes to aviation capacity or routes, natural disasters or a sustained downturn in tourism demand. Any such review must allow Council and the parties to jointly consider whether funding levels, priorities, KPIs or delivery expectations require adjustment to ensure the agreement remains realistic, fair and aligned with prevailing economic, aviation and market conditions
00:22:00 and continues to deliver value for money and effective outcomes under changed circumstances. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Do we have a seconder for that? Councillor Wilson. Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Lorentson: The amendment ensures that the funding deed remains flexible, practical and responsive to changing economic and global conditions that are outside the control of either party. The tourism industry is highly sensitive to external factors such as fuel prices, aviation capacity, route availability, natural disasters and broader global economic conditions as we're currently seeing. These factors directly influence visitor demand, market access and the effectiveness of destination marketing investment. In periods of significant change, including sustained downturns in demand or reduced aviation capacity, it's important that our funding arrangements remain aligned
00:23:00 with what is realistic and effective in prevailing conditions so that rate-paced funds continue to deliver genuine value for money and measurable outcomes. This amendment ensures that there's a clear and transparent mechanism for Council and the parties to jointly review whether there's adjustments needed in response to materially changed circumstances. Basically, threw it in there to strengthen the deed by ensuring that the agreement remains adaptable, accountable and capable of delivering effective results for the community over the term of the agreement. Even in periods of significant external disruption. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else wish to talk to the amendment? Councillor Wegener. Councillor Wegener: Question. So what I worry about is if all of a sudden, TN has contracts, has employees, has their budgets set,
00:24:00 and if some downturn happens, would we consider lowering what we're paying tourism dues and therefore they have to pass that on to their employees? Councillor Lorentson: That is the intent of the cause, that we have the agility and flexibility to consider how much we're funding, to review KPIs, to review our performance measurements to align. So yes, that's the intent. Councillor Wegener: I'll speak to it. When we first became councillors, six years ago, Noosa was facing the pandemic. And one of the most heartening things I ever felt from Noosa Council was when Brenda Chastel says, we will not fire anybody. Everybody's on our team and never are we going to buckle and worry and panic and cut employees.
00:25:00 I thought that was a really proud moment. You know, I just thought I'm joining a good team. This is so solid. So I worry about the legalities, first off, of this cause, whether it's legal or enforceable. And two, I like to, you know, we make a strong decision on something. We commit to it. We've committed to so many things. We commit to this. So I'm not sure if I'll support it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Question. Chancellor Loopy. Mayor Wilkie: The intention of this, is the intention of this amendment, that is, there being capacity to review the defunding deed if there is an external shock already catered for in the wording of the defunding deed? Director Rawlings: Not really.
00:26:00 So there's a clause for, which is the clause that councillors just sort of an amendment for, which does talk about an opportunity to review based on an external event that relates to revenue. More broadly, no. So Councillor Lorentson did circulate this, and I did provide some initial feedback, but I've since got some feedback from our legal counsel, and apologies to Councillor Lorentson, only just recently. But essentially, she has advised that potentially what this could be, is a force majeure clause, which would be a standard clause, to go into a deed. Councillor Lorentson: Which I did request during the workshops, Kim. Director Rawlings: Okay. Yeah. So. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor, the director's got the floor. There's no communication. Director Rawlings: We can draft a force majeure clause and bring that back, maybe. And for inclusion, that would be a standard process. But that's essentially what this is about. If there are external events that are outside the control of parties,
00:27:00 that affect, like pandemic, like war, like shortage of supplies, essential, you know, natural disasters, that there is a clause by parties to be able to review cause. So yeah, that would probably be the better way to do this, which would pick up all the things that you're looking to achieve. Councillor Lorentson: So through the chair, in that case, I'd like to withdraw this amendment, and then come back on at the ordinary meeting with a, the clause that was recommended, the force majeure clause, recommended by our in-house council. I'm happy with that. It achieves the same result. Thank you. Director Rawlings: She has drafted something, and I'll circulate that to councillors. Councillor Lorentson: Thank you very much. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So councillors up to, the whole council to agree to withdraw a motion. We'll do it by show of hands. Those in favour of withdrawing the motion.
00:28:00 That's unanimous. Okay. We have only had councillor Stockwell talk to this. Have we got anyone else who wished to talk to the motion? Councillor Wilson: Councillor Wilson. In May last year, council was presented with a report at a special meeting. Councilors had signalled they were not comfortable extending the existing agreement with TN for over two years. The report at the special meeting presented the option of a 12-month agreement. In that 12 months, council would determine the future of the relationship with TN. However, the recommendation also included an instruction from the council, to co-create a roadmap for TN, detailing council's future expectations of TN's role, structure, future focus and actions, and further funding arrangements. TN's second payment within the 12-month agreement was conditional on delivering this roadmap.
00:29:00 This course gave us no opportunity to end the agreement after 12 months. It pre-empted an ongoing relationship. Having TN involved in writing the roadmap, the roadmap did not allow us to objectively review council's needs and alignment with TN's services. It was just a tweak to the status quo. Notably, while council was to co-create the roadmap, councilors were not involved. That 12-month agreement has turned into a four-year commitment by SELF. The decision should have only been on the 12-month agreement. That meeting was made- Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor, I'm pulling you up. You made accusations that something was done in stealth, which is an accusation of impropriety. I thought that was drawn. Thank you. Councillor Phillips: Okay. Councillor Wilson: The meeting was made also committed council to consult with industry stakeholders and residents, regarding any proposed funding decisions for TN. That never happened. Councillor Phillips: Suggesting that consultation with D&G cover this specifically, industry stakeholders and
00:30:00 Councillor Wilson: residents need to be specifically consulted about the dollar amount, the length of agreement, and its value for our community. The questions in the D&P survey were not enough to get a reliable response, with questions about funding being mixed in with questions about the types or levels of marketing. However, we did get some level of sentiment towards destination marketing in the community insights report. 55% wanted to review public funding of tourism. 47% to implement values-based marketing. 35% to diversify destination marketing. At least 7% wanted to maintain the current level of public funding for tourism marketing. 31% wanted to stop public funding. And 35% wanted to stop promoting new Shire to visitors altogether. How does this see reflected to the community switches? The ordinary meeting of December 25 asked council to approve the roadmap in accordance with the requirements of the current 12 month deed, prior to us ever receiving these insights, and with no specific community or industry engagement. The 12 month deed should never have committed us to anything beyond our 12 months.
00:31:00 When councils only have two days to prepare for these meetings, it is not always clear that the support is made up of unintended consequences. At the December meeting, I repeatedly asked what we were committed to, whether it was a preferred option, roadmap, the $2 million per year, or the three years, and could not get a straight answer. Councillor Phillips: I am going to request a legal process review to examine this process. Councillor Wilson: The process leading to last May was delayed due to significant delays in producing the TMP. The preferred option was for the tourism news to evolve and align with the TMP. Therefore, we would expect the goals and KPIs in this document to align with the TMP, Councillor Phillips: but there are no clear KPIs in the TMP to align to. Councillor Wilson: The priorities, KPIs, and metrics referred to in Title 1 are not KPIs, and I have made this clear many times, and even offered to run a training session on KPIs since I used the TTP list for forms. Seemingly, KPIs must meet the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
00:32:00 They are aligned to strategic goals, not everyday tasks. KPIs are numerical measures, and you set improvement targets year-on-year or quarter-by-quarter. The completion of routine tasks is not a KPI, nor should it fall past an incentive program for financial reward. Delivering four marketing campaigns a year should be core business, but the performance aspect is the success of both campaigns. The performance adjustment at $350,000 means that TMP can achieve fewer of these qualifications and still receive $1.65 million in ratepayer funds. Revenue diversification. TMP can meet the KPI that defines $1 a year revenue. It does not have to achieve a particular figure only to report on it. Business cases must be presented. There is no requirement for them to be implemented or anything about the quality, just deliver the report. The website must be refreshed, but there are no metrics on how it performs. Deliver five quotes for the corporate events, but there are no metrics on whether those events go ahead or their success. None of these KPIs are based on the TMP performance in its core business for any stretch to
00:33:00 deliver aspects of the TMP. The TMP does not specify that the TMP will receive funding to deliver any specific initiatives. If the TMP is our guiding policy on tourism, it is lacking on its fee relationship. I can't support a TMP that is lacking in accountability to our community and does not have the required consultation. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. I just wish to talk to the motion. Councillor Phillips: I'll speak to it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips: Thank you. My concern with the deed is governance. It's not the intent, not effort. It's just governance. Because the deed does more than allocate funding. It embeds the DMP into how funding is being delivered. How performance is being delivered. How success is measured. And how success is reported. And it does that before the strategy itself has been properly tested.
00:34:00 And that's where the problem starts for me. Because once you link funding to a strategy in this way, you're no longer just supporting it. You're locking it in. When we're being asked to commit $2 million per year of rate pay and money, that comes with an obligation to be certain, not hopeful, that the strategy we are funding will deliver a net benefit across the entire community. And at this point, for me, that doesn't exist. There has been no demonstrated modelling that shows the economic impact across the Shire. There is no clear evidence of how this will affect different sectors, including the small and local businesses. And for me, there's been no meaningful assessment of unintended consequences. In a community as diverse as ours, that matters. Because what benefits one part of the economy does not automatically benefit all. And that needs to be tested, not assumed. Instead, the framework does is... What it does is measure alignment to the DMP, not outcomes, not impact alignment.
00:35:00 And that has created a structural problem, in my opinion. Because once alignment becomes the measure of success, the success of the DMP becomes the direction the system begins to reinforce it. The DMP sets the direction, the D requires alignment, and the KPIs measure alignment, and the reporting confirms the alignment. But nowhere in that process is a clear, independent mechanism that asks, is the strategy actually working? So for me, it's a closed governance loop. And a closed loop carries risk. It creates a situation where funding can continue regardless of outcomes, where strategies can continue without being affected. And where issues are identified too late, not early enough, to correct the course. The consequence of this doesn't sit in this room. It will actually sit in the community. And there is also a second layer for me that relates to Tourism Noosa. They are being funded to deliver council-aligned outcomes while also operating with constraints
00:36:00 that limit public criticism of council. And that matters because it affects independence. If the organisation responsible for delivering a strategy, is not in a position to openly challenge it, then one of the key safeguards in good governance is weakened. Effective governance relies on independent challenge. It relies on the ability to test assumptions, to raise issues early, and question direction when needed. This structure will reduce that. I've also been told that the DMP can evolve over time. But when funding, KPIs, and reporting are going to be built around alignment to a strategy, that becomes a challenge. It becomes difficult in practice. You're not just updating a document. You're then trying to shift an entire performance and funding framework. That's not flexible. It's going to be constrained. So when you step back and look at this as a whole, the issue has become clear to me. We're being asked to commit significant ongoing public funding to a strategy that has not
00:37:00 been independently tested within a structure that reinforces alignment rather than outcomes. And that limits the mechanisms that would normally challenge to improve it. This is not whether tourism is important, because it is, and this is not to me whether Tourism Noosa is capable, because I believe they are a professional, experienced, and credible organisation. This is where we are as Council. I have met the standard required to allocate public funds in the best interest of this whole community. And that standard for me is very clear. Decisions must be made. They must be evidence based. They must be transparent. And they must be accountable. And right now that threshold has not been met. Because without clear evidence of whole of Shire benefit, without understanding sector impacts, and without testing unintended consequences, this is not evidence based decision making. It's assumption. I do not support walking in ongoing funding based on assumption.
00:38:00 So the position is straightforward for me. The deed funds the implementation of a strategy. And the question is not whether Tourism Noosa can deliver it. The question is whether there is sufficient evidence that the strategy they are being asked to deliver will benefit the entire community. And at this point, that has not been demonstrated. Without that, it is not appropriate to link ongoing rate payer funding to its success. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. Anyone else like to talk to the motion? No. Okay. Councillor Wegener: Thank you. With just to answer my take on that is we voted the DMP in. And so that status quo that we have. And the DMP absolutely depends on Tourism Noosa for its success. So they're one and the same in a way.
00:39:00 They actually need to work on each other. This is my understanding of Tourism Noosa. Because in order to achieve that, they need to work on each other. They need to meet the goals of the DMP. We can't do it. Council can't do it. Council press can't do it. We know we can't do it. We actually need the groups around us marching shoulder to shoulder as it is. It's almost like we're coming out of the trenches shoulder to shoulder, ready to face the future that seems pretty dim in this world. So I kind of go back and step back and say, the DMP is here. We have a new vision. This Tourism Noosa has fantastically done a great job over the past 20 years. Overall, they do a really good job. This is the deed here, is the deed which changes the direction, changes how Tourism Noosa is going to work in order to supplement. Implement the DMP. Because without it, we're not going to go anywhere with the DMP.
00:40:00 And that's why I support it. We've made a decision. We've set our end. We've taken off. We have to follow through. And it's a good vision. The DMP is a positive vision for the future. And that's what this Council has committed to. So I think I'm going to follow through with our commitment to implement the ideas and the thoughts before the DMP, because they are genuinely good. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Do you wish to talk? No? Mayor Wilkie: May I wish to close, Mr Chair? I would like to talk. Councillor Lorentson: Thank you. Today, the question for me is, how do you see the future? Not whether we can enter into this funding arrangement, but whether we should commit to it in its current form. We've been asked to commit $2 million of public funds per year for three years.
00:41:00 A total of $6 million of ratepayer money. This is a significant long-term commitment that demands the very highest standards of clarity. Certainty and assurance around outcomes. The key issue for me is the KPIs. KPIs must be strong enough, measurable enough and enforceable enough to justify this level of public investment. I have concerns that they are not sufficiently outcome-focused and may not provide a clear or objective basis to assess the value of the money over time. Further, funding is largely guaranteed with only a small amount of money. There is a limited performance adjustment mechanism. Year one is paid in full, regardless of performance. And KPIs can be reviewed and amended annually by mutual agreement. This raises a fundamental concern as to whether we're dealing with a fixed accountability
00:42:00 framework or a shifting set of measures over time. That matters because this is public funding. Regardless of its source, once it's committed through Council, it becomes public money. And the community expects transparency, accountability and clear, measurable outcomes. I have also concerns around the consultation. And I'm going to reference, I think it's page six of the report in front of us. G. Ensure any future proposed funding decisions for tourism NUSA include consultation with industry stakeholders and residents. Ensure transparency and input into strategic investment in NUSA tourism's future. I'm not convinced that this has occurred in a meaningful way for this specific three-year funding commitment.
00:43:00 While there has been broader consultation through DMP process, that's not the same as the community being asked to consider a clear and explicit $6 million funding decision over three years. That distinction matters because it goes directly to public trust and confidence in how Council makes decisions of this scale. We're also operating in a period of global uncertainty with rising fuel costs, aviation volatility and shifting demand continuing to impact local businesses. In that environment, Council needs funding arrangements that are robust, flexible and capable of responding to change. The funding agreement. Locks Council into a fixed three-year commitment without, in my opinion, adequate safeguards for changing conditions. Without sufficiently strong performance measures and without the level of consultation, I would expect for a decision of this magnitude. This is not about intent and it's not about any organisation.
00:44:00 It's about whether this deed as a governance instrument meets the standard I require as a councillor when committing to a three-year commitment. The question to me again is not whether the arrangement is possible. It's whether it's responsible. Good governance requires confidence in the detail, clarity on performance, meaningful consultation and a clear demonstration that public funds deliver value for money over time. The KPIs are not strong enough. The accountability framework is not clear enough. And we do not have the level of certainty required for a commitment of this scale. When there is that level of uncertainty around performance measures and governance settings, it is appropriate and it is responsible to pause and reconsider whether the current framework is the right one going forward.
00:45:00 In that context, in my opinion, the best course may be to step back and reset to ensure that we get the governance framework. The performance measures and the accountability settings right from the outset. If today the decision is not to approve the funding deed, then that is what it is. That is part of responsible decision making. Arrangements evolve when they are no longer the right fit. And sometimes the most responsible path forward is not refinement of what exists, but the opportunity to design something clearer, stronger and more sustainable. That is the purpose for the future and one that truly meets the expectations of our residents and our local businesses. I therefore cannot, in good faith, support the report and the deed in front of us. Mayor Wilkie: Councilors, what we have before us is following through on the commitment to deliver on the
00:46:00 outcomes of the destination management plan, which was a ratified decision of the Noosa Council. This local government has endorsed the destination management plan. This tourism funding and performance deed is a key part to delivering on some of the key actions and outcomes of the destination management plan, as promised to this community by the decision we made as a local government last year. It is easy enough to say, to express opinion on whether or not the KPIs are adequate. Or the process has been robust. Or the governance has been sufficient. That is one thing. It is another thing entirely to read this report and be assured about the governance and the reviews and the partnership and the integrity that has gone into putting this funding deed together. I hear a lot of people say that they support evidence based decision making.
00:47:00 The evidence before us is that the process that has gone into getting us to where we are has been robust. We've had internal legal review. We've had external legal review. We've had procurement support the whole process and assess this deed in terms of its relevance to the Local Government Act and specifically in relation to transparency and good governance. There is more than enough opportunity to amend and review this funding deed as we progress through the three years. Councillors, do not gamble with the future of this community. This funding deed is integral to ensuring that the things we love about Noosa withstand the pressures that we're going to be facing through increased massive population growth
00:48:00 in South East Queensland, influx of visitation in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics. To say we need to delay and rebuild from ground up, in my opinion, is obstructionist and irresponsible and doesn't give the community and the industry the certainty that they deserve. We're here to make decisions. We've got, I don't recall any instance where there's been so much governance, internal and external legal review, procurement involved around any funding deed that Council has entered into before. Councillors, you've had your input into this. You've attended workshops on this. Yes, just because our input during those workshops, all of it isn't reflected in the documents that come before this Council, does not in any way diminish their value or the integrity of the process. We have excellent staff.
00:49:00 We have staff who are community members who are just as invested in this working as we are, as the industry is, as the residents are. Councillors, don't gamble with the future of this community. Let's not delay anymore. Let's not give anyone cause to think that there's an obstructionist game being played here. Let's just get on with this, make the decision that the community expect us to make, endorse this, because we've endorsed the Destination Management Plan, and this is integral to the delivery of the Destination Management Plan. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Finzel: I just have a question. Given the uncertainty around the table and comments and questions that have come to the table. This process has been increasingly categorised and characterised by complexity and rapid change
00:50:00 externally and locally and abroad. So my question is, to address that changing landscape and uncertainty around future at so many levels of which we're all aware, is there an opportunity to provide some assurity of being able to progress this forward and perhaps instead of, can we amend it instead of for three years, could we make it for one year? Can we test an amendment on that? No. Speaker 3: Are you making an amendment? No. Councillor Finzel: So number A, like could we explore or debate the idea of approve it for one year as opposed to three years?
00:51:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Is that Luke's question? It's Luke's question too, it's Councillor Finzel. Councillor Finzel: Through the Chair and the CEO. Speaker 3: I think we have to look back on, through the Chair, I think we have to look back on why the decision was taken for a three-year agreement. It's to give certainty to the organisations, both organisations. So to take it back to one year, and we have, I've looked at the documentation, we have in December last year we made a commitment for a three-year funding agreement with the intent then to work through and develop a deed, which is then before you decide today. So it's based on, and we based it on a three-year agreement. Again, to take it back to one year, I'm not sure that that would be acceptable to Tewars and Noosa
00:52:00 because they are reliant on funding, as we know, for their ongoing business operations. So I just think that to go, to take it back to one year at this point, would be quite, quite regressive and difficult and would take some time for us to go back. And I'm not sure that we would get to a point where we're able to provide certainty for any organisation going forward. Councillor Wegener: Thanks, we've talked about the abomination that Councillor Wegener went through the CEO. Okay. I was just checking to see. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Finzel. Councillor Finzel: A question then to Councillor Wegener. Would you like to make a comment around the idea of making an amendment on item number A as per your previous question? Councillor Wegener: We, one of our things that we did was we hung the Tewars and Noosa and other groups out so badly at one time
00:53:00 in our term that we need that, the security. I think that they really need that security in order to do what they need to do or else we're right back to where we are. Councillor Lorentson: Point of order. Councillor Wegener: Yes, what's your point of order? Councillor Lorentson: Point of order is there's commentary, not a question being asked and Councillor Wegener's already spoken. I'm confused as to this process. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yes, it is difficult, but he was asked a question and his response related to that question is unusual, but. So it did take the form of an additional argument, but it was a question and he did answer it. So I think that it is within keeping with the 10-year rules. Councillor Phillips, I saw your hand up. Was that? Councillor Phillips: I think it was just a question for the CEO around if it was, goes to one year, the KPIs tied to DMP would be, would it be tricky because DMP is meant to be a 10-year ongoing.
00:54:00 Absolutely. So. Speaker 3: Yeah. We'll have to see if they can readjust and re-look at all of that. Councillor Lorentson: And I would also, through the CEO, would a one-year amendment also possibly be ultra-virus, or not ultra-virus, but would it be not in keeping with the intent of the report in front of us, which is tied to three years. Absolutely. That's fine. That's fine. But we needed to move an alternative motion. That was the intent one there, the changes. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: That would be my comment. Okay. So I think you've got several questions to your question Councillor Finzel. Thank you. Would you like to talk to the motion? Councillor Finzel: No, thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Okay. So I'll close. So Councillors, there's been a range of matters raised which only marginally related to the
00:55:00 decision in front of us. The assertion that we need more information is highly contestable, never in the history of Noosa and probably in Australia has as much research been done on the local tourism industry as what we've done since we started the destination management plan process. The information that Councillor Phillips seeks is very well covered within the first draft paper that went out to the community and had huge response, which gave Council a very clear idea of where to go. We have a concept that strategies shouldn't lead agreements with co-deliverers, which is the opposite of the real world. I can recommend a very good book called Network. And that's what we're doing here.
00:56:00 We recognise that to do the destination management plan, we have to have a network of co-deliverers. With any complex sustainability problem, if you don't bring the key stakeholders and the key industry along with you, you are doomed to failure. Now, it's not a surprise to me that three councillors who didn't vote for the destination management plan have talked about this notion. But that's not the... That's not the decision in front of us. The decision in front of us is, are we agreeing to the deed that complies with what was requested by us in the road map? And the answer is yes. We've had talks about KPIs and what KPIs should be and what Councillor Wilson pointed out as what, in her world of financial management and business, what KPIs are, it may be perfectly legitimate. In different worlds, key performance indicators mean different things. And as a person who teaches at university level and has paid his consultant to do these things, they can be very widely interpretive.
00:57:00 Yes, we can look at the KPIs in this agreement and say, there's not a whole lot of outcomes specified. But that is, once again, linked back to the point that we're looking at Tourism Noosa to collaborate with council and their industry and our community to drive forward to achieve these outcomes that can't be done by one individual organisation on its own. To suggest that we don't, as councillors, have enough knowledge of what the community and stakeholders desire and don't desire to achieve. To say that you don't have enough knowledge of what the community and stakeholders desire and this means you haven't been doing your job. There has been no other issue prosecuted as much as this one and we know there are upsides. But what we're certain of is that this organisation historically funded by a specific levy which was transferred into a rate on the dollar for businesses and tourism enterprises is still funded by businesses and tourism enterprises.
00:58:00 Okay, so councillors, to me this is a really straightforward suggestion. We have had a subcommittee of Tourism NERCA working with our staff and their expertise, but we as councillors have been involved in numerous workshops in every step of the way. Our access to these reports and providing input is unmatched in Queensland. Unmatched. The level of consultation that staff have with councillors. So don't use that as an argument because it's a fallacious one. Councillors, it's very simple. Improve the roadmap and honour the agreements that we've made over time. Or, if you don't support the roadmap, you don't support the roadmap.
00:59:00 If you support it, it brings council's reputation into disrepute. I put the motion. Those in favour? That's councillors Wilkie, Wegener and Stockwell. Those against? It's councillors Wilson, Phillips, Lorentson and Finzel. The motion's lost. We move on. Do we have an alternative motion that someone wishes to move? Councillor Wegener: Sorry, alternative motion to... I'll move it. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: That the matter of the Tourism NERCA funding agreement be referred to the ordinary meeting on Thursday of this week. I'll second it. Does anyone wish to discuss? It's just a deferral motion. Mayor Wilkie: I support the motion because I think it gives this local government an opportunity to have an internal workshop
01:00:00 on the repercussions of not approving the Tourism NERCA funding deed and what that means for the industry and the future of this community. Councillor Wilson: Point of order. This sounds like you're trying to influence our votes. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: That motion's been lost. There has to be a motion on the item. This is a new motion. The motion is a procedural one to refer it to the ordinary meeting. Councillor Lorentson: Can I seek, please, some governance advice on that? Sure. And can we maybe adjourn until we get that advice, please? Sure. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'm happy to be adjourned without a... Councillor Lorentson: Yeah, happy to move for it to adjourn after Councillor Finzel's question. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Don't have to move it. I'm happy as a chair. The Chair's going to adjourn it? Yeah. Speaker 1: We'll do all that, Chair.
01:17:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Okay. Welcome back. During the adjournment, the CEO had a chance to discuss the matter with Governance and the question was whether the motion to... procedural motion to defer to the ordinary meeting was in accordance with standing orders. So, Mr CEO, do you have a view on that now? Speaker 3: So, the process, and we've just had an ajabba to discuss this with our Governance team
01:18:00 and to look at the standing orders. The process is that the motion went forward, it was lost, so therefore there's still nothing to take forward in terms of going, so we need to have another motion. Now, whether that's a procedural motion or an alternate motion is by far acceptable in my understanding. And the Chair has put up a procedural motion as the first. Now, has it been? Has it been? Second. Second? Second? Yes, it has. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yes. Speaker 3: Before we then went into adjournment. So, that's the position currently, is because it was lost, it then goes into a... we still need a motion that's to take forward to an ordinary meeting because it's a general meeting. Remember, this is not the final deciding board decision meeting. Councillor Lorentson: Through the CEO, just for clarity, what section in the standing orders states that
01:19:00 a procedural motion can be moved after a decision's made? My understanding, it has to be done during the debate before a decision's made. Can you just state what section in the standing order you're referring to? Speaker 3: Yeah. Because there was no decision taken, that's the advice I've been given. There's no decision taken. So, the procedural motion is 31. But there's no decision taken, so it's open to... Councillor Lorentson: Can I have a reference, please? What section in the standing orders states that a procedural motion can be moved once a decision has been made? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: So, I'll answer it as the Chair, and this will be my ruling. And you can vary from it to... My ruling is the decision hasn't been made. A motion was put up which was lost, so there is no decision on the books in regard to the item in front of us.
01:20:00 Mayor Wilkie: If there was a motion that Council not approved the tourism, noose of funding and performance deed as read, that would be considered a motion? Yes. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yeah. So, the Council could have considered any motion. I agree with that. I put it around. There was no one at hand, so I did the ecological thing. So, at the moment, we are proceeding on the basis that the motion to defer to the ordinary meeting is a legitimate motion. It is at the... It's open to the meeting to either vote it for it or against it. Mayor Wilkie: But the point is you're making, Mr Chair, is that whether it's this one or another motion, some sort of motion needs to be... Ratified by this... A majority of these councillors to go to the ordinary meeting and appear on the ordinary meeting agenda. That's correct. Councillor Wegener: Sorry.
01:21:00 Question. Yes. So, could it be that to say we say that nothing was decided, we were not going to fund that, we don't want to pursue the deed, and would that be the motion that people would be, okay, that's it? Like, is that an example of a motion that would be made that confirms... Basically, you have to confirm that you did not vote for the deed. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: That would be an option if the current procedural motion falls. Councillor Lorentson: I'm not going to support the procedural motion in front of us, because I have an alternative motion that I would like to test, and I've circulated it to all the councillors some time ago. Thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else? I just... The... I'll get... I don't... I'm sorry.
01:22:00 It is a procedural motion. We all can talk to it. Anyone else wish to talk to the procedural motion? Councillor Phillips: I'll speak to it. I won't support this, because I would prefer to see if there's an alternative motion. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Sure. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Finzel: Thank you. Well, just to clarify, we're voting now on the procedural motion to take it to... Sure. I have a question, just for clarification, through the Chair to the CEO. In terms of the standing orders, can you confirm that we are unable to pull it out of the ordinary meeting? If it just moves forward today without the motion? Speaker 3: We need to have... My understanding, and this is with the governance, sorry, through the Chair, is we still need to have something that we take to ordinary. So, whether that's the procedural motion or whether it's an alternate motion, that then goes to ordinary. At ordinary, we've got the ability then, you've got the ability, to pull it back out and
01:23:00 really go to discuss. Councillor Lorentson: Yeah, that's fine. Thank you. Speaker 3: Okay? But we need to have something to take forward. The standing orders are quite silent on this, but because there's nothing on the books, it's open to a motion. And whether that's a procedural motion or an alternate is available to us, is my advice that I'm going to provide. Councillor Wilson: Question. Speaker 3: Who's the person in council? Councillor Wilson: Just a correction. It says general committee. To vote to the general committee. Oh, sorry. It's the ordinary meeting. And we don't need to update that one. That was done in a bit of a hurry. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Sorry. And it's April 16th? Councillor Lowentzen? Councillor Lorentson: I have section 31.1 of our standing orders in front of me. It states very clearly, 31.1 procedural motions, a councillor at a meeting of council may vote during the debate of a matter at the meeting. Move as a procedural motion following motions.
01:24:00 I think it's very clear that, you know, I'm still challenging whether a procedural motion can be moved after the debate. It says very clearly, during the debate of a matter. Okay. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I'll take that as a point of order. And I've given my ruling on it before, which I disagree with that view. Okay. So I'm just going to put the motion. Those in favour? Councillor Wilkie. Councillor Finzel: Do we get to have another? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Wegener. Councillor Stockwell. So that we still have not got the resolution. Against. Against. Oh, yes. Sorry. Better not put my hand up both ways. Councillor Wilson. Councillor Phillips. Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Finzel. And do we have a further motion? Councillor Lorentson: I'd like to move an alternative motion. Thank you. That Council 8. That Council 8 notes the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa.
01:25:00 The. Director Rawlings: Can you just give me a moment to catch up? Councillor Lorentson: Sure. It's. I've sent it in an email. Ten minutes ago. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: Let's see if there's anything else. Council A notes the report regarding the proposed funding arrangement with Tourism Noosa. Council B does not adopt the proposed deed in its current form. Council C requests that the Chief Executive Officer prepare an interim funding arrangement for Tourism Noosa to ensure continuity of core destination marketing services.
01:26:00 And Council F notes that the intent of this resolution is to ensure continuity of tourism promotion services while Council undertakes a full review of governance, funding arrangements and community consultation. I just think this is the correct way forward. It acknowledges the decision that's been made around the table today and also ensures that there's some continuity while full review is undertaken. I'm surprised that a default position for funding for Tourism Noosa or a contingency planning hadn't been put to us in case this didn't go through.
01:27:00 So I think this gives us the opportunity to provide some continuity, ensure that there is continued core destination marketing services delivered and that we have the opportunity to review the agreement, the funding arrangements and most importantly ensure that we deliver on our May 2025 resolution which was to consult with community in terms of tourism investment. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Others wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Wegener. Councillor Wegener: Just my thoughts, sorry. The axe has fallen. I think that we have voted to not support Tourism Noosa deed. It just, to continue on, I just don't support this. This, say that we're going to, including community consultation and a floor review of governance,
01:28:00 we've been doing that for two years now. Kind of over it. Like, cut the head off the snake, we did it. So I don't want to support it. Mayor Wilkie: Look, I'm really surprised that a plan B for something that has been in the making for such a long time, that is inextricably linked to delivery of the destination management plan has just been conjured up in the last ten minutes. Certainly, we need something to go forward, but I don't think we're going to be able to do that. We may have some legal advice about what Tourism Noosa may do with their next step, and how we've left them exposed.
01:29:00 Look, I'll probably be in a minority, and this, we'll have something to go to Thursday's meeting, but I can't support this resolution because it's a hastily cobbled together plan B, that pales in my favour. I think it's going to go into insignificance when compared against the rigour and the governance and the partnership and the good faith that has gone into preparing the deed, which as we know, internal, external funding, external, internal legal advice, procurement advice, clear KPIs, and part D is a full review of governance, funding arrangements, community consultation. It's so broad. Council's governance, council's funding arrangements, community consultation.
01:30:00 Look, I can't support it in principle, but at least we'll have something on the books to go forward to Thursday's meeting. I wish time were, I hope all councillors will be fully aware. The implications of their decision. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Others wish to talk? Councillor Finzel: Yeah, I'd like to. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor Finzel? Councillor Finzel: Yeah, just in response to the no plan B, I mean this was discussed very early on, around if this came to the vote to councillors, it would fall either way. So, you know, it's nothing new. It just is. We didn't have, through the negotiations and everyone working hard for the partnership, we never found agreement in my opinion and this is where it's landed.
01:31:00 So I just put that comment forward in terms of rebutting what the Mayor said with regards to that because there has been discussion along the journey around that potential to happen. Councillor Lorentson: Others wish to talk? Councillor Launcey wish to close. I will. I'm just going to just draw everyone's attention to the 18th of December 2025 decision where there were only six councillors and it was a split vote and the decision was made with a casting. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor, you're raising new matters. When you close, you are not allowed to do that under the standing orders.
01:32:00 Councillor Lorentson: I will close by acknowledging what Councillor Finzel said in terms of this should come as no surprise. There has been discussions during the workshop and a split decision made on the 18th of December 2025 split 3-3. One councillor was away. This to me should not be a surprise and if anything we should have had some contingency planning in place. Understanding that this was very contentious both around this table and also in community. I think this is a responsible way forward. We have also the opportunity between now and Thursday to understand what the legal, financial and operational consequences of this decision are and once again possibly would have been great to have this information knowing that it was going to be contentious before it came to a meeting today.
01:33:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Okay, I put the motion. Those in favour? That's Councillor Lorentson and Phillips. Those against? That's Councillor Wilson, Wilkie, Finzel, Wegener and Stockwell. So we have yet to have a successful motion on this item. Thank you. Does anyone else have an alternative motion they wish to move? Councillor Wilson. Councillor Wilson: Is it the same as what Councillor Lorentson had just raised but without part C and D? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yes. Councillor Finzel: A and B? Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Yes.
01:34:00 So councillors, are you clear about this one? It is, while it's waiting, it'll say that Council notes the report regarding the proposed funding agreement arranged over the Tourism Noosa and V does not support the proposed deed in its current form. Now have we got a second? We've got a seconder for that. I think she's second. Councillor Lorentson and Councillor Wilson, you have the floor. Councillor Wilson: I think this is a position that we've arrived at through the vote of the previous motion, but to put it into, turn it around into an action that we can take forward to the ordinary meeting. Also, I think maintaining that the deed in its current form still is potentially the option open to amend the deed. Thank you. All right. Thank you. Mayor Wilkie: I'll support that, Mr Chair. It's a sensible way forward.
01:35:00 It gives us opportunity to actually get an understanding of how the deed can be amended to take on board concerns that councillors do have and even, dare I hope, for a consensus. I've been called an optimist. I hope that we can reach a consensus. But it at least leaves that door open. Thank you, Councillor Wilson. Councillor Lorentson. Councillor Lorentson: I'm also happy to support it. I think it's, again, one of our obligations that we come to meetings with open minds and final decisions made at an ordinary meeting. I think removing A and B was the correct way to go ahead. So thank you, Councillor Wilson. And I'm happy to support the amendment. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Finzel? Councillor Finzel: Yes. I'm happy to support the amendment. I do believe we need to leave it open to move through this, because this is a partnership
01:36:00 involving not only Tewans and Noosa. This is a partnership between the organisation and our community. It's a partnership between councillors and our community and the people we live and work amongst every day. This is a really major decision. This came up in our previous election campaign. In my opinion, communities strongly raised their concerns around continued funding in its current form around tourism. And we're all aware of that. We've read the reports. We've discussed it around the table, at workshops. And we have actually done our jobs, I might add. And we have worked diligently. And we've worked diligently. We represent a modern day leadership group with diversity around the table, understanding that we need to respond to changing expectations in our community and abroad, given the
01:37:00 current circumstances that are beyond our control. What is within our control today is to continue this debate, to try and reach a consensus that actually gives fair and equal representation. It is with diligence and with a code of conduct that we, as councillors, move to this position. And I do take a front at being told or insinuating that we have not done our jobs. The councillors have worked hard. The staff has worked hard. External community has worked hard. The voices of our people have clearly been indicated to each of us. And we have worked with us as councillors within our areas of influence. We have respected Tewarizum Noosa, their Board, and what they've come to the table with in good faith. So I'm happy to support this, because we need the rise of we leaders.
01:38:00 That we come together with diversity, but collectively, we make those decisions for the best outcome at that given time, for all the people that I've just mentioned. So I'm happy to support this. I believe that successful leaders are able to move forward and take on board the ever-changing environment, the diversity and the complexities, just as we did in COVID. So I'm confident that this going forward gives us opportunity to further give extra time and expertise, rather than just being admonished for being told we had heard enough, we have been given enough. Clearly the outcome here today supports that that is not necessarily the case. So in closing, I would like to thank each and every person that has worked on this in good faith.
01:39:00 And to try and achieve a fair and equitable outcome for everyone that we represent in this community. Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: Through the Chair, I think the amendment's not correct. It's CND that was... Deputy Mayor Stockwell: That's what you were intending to do? Councillor Wilson: Yeah. Oh, so not A&D, remove A&D? Councillor Lorentson: No, no. Councillor Wilson: Oh, that's good. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I think Councillor Lorentson is misunderstood. Councillor Lorentson: He does not adopt the proposed rule. Oh, okay. Councillor Phillips: I'll speak to her. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Sure. Councillor Phillips: I've been talking to my kids a lot about integrity and honesty lately. And for me, it just circles back to the way we make really good decisions is by being really honest at the table and in workshops. And when I sat with the Tourism Nursing Board, which was two years into my term, or not quite, but I was surprised that that would take so long when we were in partnership with an organisation to try and be on the...
01:40:00 Or gain an understanding. As to where they were at and where we were at as a new council. I think the community expect us to be honest with them. And honest about the fact that they are scrutinising more than ever where we spend money. And so for me, it's just bringing back some true, honest conversation that has no bias or no... Already... Decision made. And just really rip the bandaid off and say, you know, what, what is this, what do we want? And it, it just fit to me, it's become so complex, um, from different opinions and we should just really go back to, I know that the Mayor is not impressed with my wording of evidence-based decision making. But for me, I think that speaks the truth, and I think that's what the community are asking for us.
01:41:00 So I'll support the amendment, because I do think, um, it's not surprising to me that we're sitting here today, um, with this in front of us. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Wilson. Councillor Wilson: Um, so this is just the, as I said before, the previous motion. This is, as the motion was lost, this is the, the outcome of that. I'm not getting any more, um, I'm not trying to add anything else in at this, um, late stage, um, but I, it is leaving the door open, just saying in its current form, so it doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of our relationship with Tourism Noosa, it just means that we don't support the deed in its current form. Um, there have been comments today, which I'm quite offended by, about councillors not doing their, their job, or councillors wanting more information, or councillors not understanding the consequences of their actions, and I'm just going to raise... Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Councillor, I'm going to pull you up. Um, that is not a close. That was regarding to the previous debate.
01:42:00 When you were closing, you were debating... Councillor Wilson: Um, so I'm just saying I'm quite happy that I've done plenty of work on this motion, uh, or the previous motion, which resulted in this motion. Um, I can do my job, I have done all my research, I sought advice, and I don't need to be pressured in the next three days about changing my vote. Um, that's it, thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's Councillor Wilson, Wilkie, Phillips, Lorentson, and Finzel, and Wegener. And against would be Councillor Stockwell. And I will apologise if, if in the last debate I did, um, sound like I was admonishing. Um, I, it wasn't my intent, my intent was to say that I think that if we didn't have a clear understanding, but I'll accept the, the clear understanding.
01:43:00 Okay, we'll move on now which the next session is a confidential session. We're going to deal with these items two separately. So we're going to, if I can have a motion just to go in for item one in confidential session, section nine, please. Councillor Lorentson: I'm happy to move that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to section 254J3G of the local government regulation 2012 for the purpose of discussing a contract proposed to be made by council in particular potential commercial negotiations in relation to the contracts for item 9.1 confidential contract award, contract number CN26032.
9 CONFIDENTIAL SESSION ¶
01:44:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I second it. Council Wilkie, all in favour? I think we're down to all staff in the room now. So who was going to talk?
9.1 CONFIDENTIAL - Contract Award - Contract No. CN26032 - Noosa Aquatic Centre 50M Pool Water Treatment Plant Filtration Upgrade Works ¶
01:57:00 Okay, so welcome back. We're considering item 9.1 for a contract award for the Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre pool water treatment plant infiltration upgrade works. Do we have a mover for the, we're moving the staff recommendation. Councillor Phillips. I think I saw Councillor Finzel's hand, seconded.
01:58:00 Councillor Phillips: Yes, thank you Mr Chair. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Do you wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Phillips. Councillor Phillips: Yes, thank you for the report. This is one of my favourite places in Noosa. I will be a little bit sad for 12 weeks, but I think the community should be really pleased to know that a much loved Noosa, you know, place to take kids and lap swimmers and sport swimmers and the likes and all the other matters. So I'm just very pleased to support our sport and active lifestyle in Noosa and I think that it should be celebrated with our community that we're making sure that we've got some really good equipment. Obviously filtration to me is something that would be pretty important at a pool. So I'm glad to see, and I may have dived under the kids pool the other day playing a game. And I'm just really glad there's going to be some new filtration systems.
01:59:00 Thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thanks. The CO has pointed out that as this was a confidential item, it might be beneficial for the motion to be read out. So I'll do that. Note the report by the sport and active lifestyle managers general committee dated 13th April 2026 regarding the outcome of the tender process for the Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre full water treatment plant filtration upgrade works and award contract numbers CN26032. For Noosa Aquatic Centre 50 metre water treatment filtration upgrade works to CMP Corporate Pty Ltd under a lump sum contract for a total contract value of $1,210,780.40 GST inclusive. And see delegate to the Chief Executive Officer to negotiate, finalise and execute and do all things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. Is there anyone else who wishes to talk to the motion? No.
02:00:00 Are you happy not to close, Councillor Phillips? Put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. Okay. So we move on to the next item, which is a contract reward report for the Cooroy Gymnasium upgrade extension. And Councillor Phillips, you have a declaration. I do. Councillor Phillips: In accordance with Chapter 5B of the Local Government Act 2009, I inform the meeting that I have a prescribed conflict of interest in relation to item 9.2, confidential contract award report contract number CN25048, Cooroy Gymnasium upgrade and extension on this agenda, because I am working 10 hours per week as the general manager and coach of the Cooroy Gymnasium Club, and as a result of my conflict of interest, I will now leave the meeting room while the matter is considered. Thank you. Thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: I just waited for Councillor Hood to leave the meeting room.
02:01:00 And, Councillors, could I have a motion to go into confidential session, please. Sorry. Councillor Finzel, I think, had her hand up first. I'll say it. I hope it's in here. And, Councillor Wegener, we're happy that it's a standard wording. We don't need to read that out. All in favour? That's unanimous. Speaker 1: We'll just wait for the live stream to be turned up.
9.2 CONFIDENTIAL - CONTRACT AWARD REPORT – CONTRACT NO. CN25048 – COOROY GYMNASIUM UPGRADE AND EXTENSION ¶
02:15:00 Deputy Mayor Stockwell: All right, so welcome back. We've only got the final item. Happy to move. And moved by Councillor Lorentson, seconded by Councillor Finzel. Councillor Lorentson, do you wish to talk to the motion? Councillor Lorentson: I'll read the motion firstly. But Council, I note the report by the project manager and graduate engineer to the General Committee meeting dated 13 April 2026. The award contract number CN25048 for Cooroy Gymnastic Upgrade and Extension to Murphy Builders, Queensland Proprietary Limited, under a lump sum design and construct contract for an estimated total contract value of $3,692,575.40,
02:16:00 GST excluded as follows. One, the lump sum amount of $3,218,467.73. Two, the provision of additional scope for the removal of value management options for an amount of $251,607.67. Three, a provisional item sum amount of $222,500. And C. Delegate authority to the CEO to negotiate, finalise, execute and do all the things necessary to administer and vary the contract on behalf of Council. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you. Do you wish to now speak to that, Councillor Lorentson? Councillor Lorentson: Just to firstly acknowledge the report, graduate engineer and Jasper,
02:17:00 just noting it was really well done. And also to make note, the Cooroy Gymnastics, it's the only competitive gymnasium facility we've got in the Shire. It's well used, well loved, and we have excellent staff there, including our own counsellor who works there as a coach. I'd also note, I think it's the first time in a long time that they actually had gymnasts attending state event down in Brisbane. Again, anything, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us. I think it's a really important thing to do with sport and our community, bring it on. We need to be upgrading, extending and providing opportunities for all our sporting groups, membership and growing needs in the Shire. To help keep our youth active and out of their screens, again, we cannot support enough as a council
02:18:00 and also as a group of counsellors. So, thank you for the report in front of us, and, yep, happy to support. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Anyone else wish to speak to the motion? Councillor Finzel. Councillor Finzel: Just quickly, it's all been said, thank you for the report. I'd like to also acknowledge the stakeholders and the ongoing community engagement that had the privilege to go along to that, and that was a quite extensive work, and everyone did a great job, so thank you. Everyone has been involved. And providing a facility that, you know, is at that standard that we can find and train young people to a standard where, you know, perhaps we wouldn't find a few Olympians in the Shire. So, thank you. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Okay. Councillor Lorentson, you wish to close? No, thank you. I'll put the motion. Those in favour? That's unanimous. That brings us to the meeting closed, but we should give the opportunity.
02:19:00 Thank you. We should give the opportunity to Councillor Phillips, if she's still in attendance, to rejoin the meeting. So, we can close it. Mayor Wilkie: Thank you. Councillor Lorentson: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, guys. Deputy Mayor Stockwell: Thank you.
10 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.