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CEO'S YEAR IN REVIEW

Chief Executive Officer, Larry Sengstock · CEO's Office | Office of the CEO & Mayor

Executive summary

• The CEO's 'Year in Review' reflects on Council’s progress and performance over the past year 2024-2025 in line with the agreed objectives set out in Council's Corporate Plan 2023– 2028. • This review outlines Council's achievements, challenges, and the impact of our initiatives on the Noosa community, guided by a commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. • The report is presented to Council prior to it being included in the Annual Report that will be ratified and published at a later date. • This report differs from the Quarter 4 Operational Plan reported previously in that it relates the annual achievements to the 5-year Corporate Plan objectives. • It is understood that a number of the actions in this annual report are multi-year in nature and as such may not be due to be completed in this financial year. • This report details the broad scope of actions and achievements undertaken by Council staff who are to be congratulated for the outstanding service provided to the community of Noosa. • The year has not been without its challenges as the organisation navigated the negotiation of a new 3-year Certified Agreement that saw unprecedented protected industrial action taking place affecting the normal delivery of services for an extended period. That said, staff have worked hard to ensure the activities and services have returned to agreed levels since that period. • The organisation has maintained strong financial sustainability ratios and is one of only 20 out of 77 Local Government authorities to deliver a surplus budget. • Attraction and retention of staff in certain areas of Council have continued to be a challenge however the new Certified Agreement and a number of other initiatives have shown a positive outlook for the future. • Once again it has been a very successful year for Noosa Shire Council.

Recommendation

That Council:

  1. Note the report by the Chief Executive Officer to the General Committee dated 13 October 2025 regarding the Year in Review; and
  2. Celebrate the dedication and hard work of all staff in delivering high service levels for our community.

Report

Strategic Overview Council’s Corporate Plan 2023–2028 sets the vision and strategic direction for the Shire, while the Operational Plan 2024–2025 details the significant initiatives undertaken during the period. Throughout the year, quarterly reports have been provided to Council, tracking progress against Key Performance Measures (KPMs) and ensuring public accountability.

Performance Summary The Operational Plan 2024–25 was ambitious, encompassing a broad suite of strategic initiatives. I am pleased to report that: • 71% of initiatives (76 out of 107) are either completed or on track. • 23% (25 initiatives) experienced minor disruptions. • 6% (6 initiatives) faced major disruptions, primarily due to resourcing constraints, competing priorities, and external factors.

Key Achievements • Noosaville Foreshore Infrastructure Management Plan: A 20-year strategy for sustainable upgrades and climate resilience. • Pomona Place Plan: A roadmap to ensure Pomona remains a unique, vibrant, and liveable town, reflecting the collective vision and aspirations of the Pomona community. • NAC Upgrade Plan: A long-term plan to guide the thoughtful transformation of the Noosa Aquatic Centre, ensuring it continues to meet future community needs and standards. • Waste & Resource Recovery: Progress on green waste composting, solar farm feasibility, and transfer station redesign. • Disaster Recovery: Reconstruction of Back Mountain Road post-landslide, restoring access and resilience for the community. • Yurol Ringtail State Forest Transition: A milestone securing permanent protection of the vital corridor between Tewantin and Cooloola National Parks, safeguarding habitat for koalas and other threatened species. • Floating Land 2025 Biennale: All preparations completed for this major cultural event. • Surfing Heritage: Comprehensive documentation of Noosa’s surfing story, preserving its cultural identity. • Stage 3 Regional Art Gallery Feasibility Project: A strategic phase shaping the vision for a future regional cultural and creative hub. • Housing Monitoring Program: A coordinated approach to collecting and analysing housing data to inform evidence-based planning and policy development. • Policies: Public Art Policy, Community Grants Policy, Compliance & Enforcement Policy, Privacy Policy. • Engagement with Traditional Owners: Kabi Kabi Commitment and 41 formal engagements with Kabi Kabi People’s Aboriginal Corporation and Land & Sea Rangers. • Customer Care: Community satisfaction survey completed, identifying opportunities for service improvement.

Challenges and Delays Several key initiatives experienced delays, including the Noosa River Catchment Management Plan, Destination Management Plan, Community Strategy, and Financial Strategy. These disruptions were due to resource constraints, shifting priorities, and increased community engagement demands. All delayed initiatives are under close review, with enhanced project planning and risk management in place. The extended period of negotiation for the 2025-28 Certified Agreement (CA) unfortunately caused delays to the delivery of normal services during a 10-week period of protected industrial action by union members. Since the endorsement of the CA by the relevant unions, staff have worked extremely hard to clear the back log of work and have resumed normal service levels.

Thematic Highlights

Environment • Yurol-Ringtail State Forest Conservation Project: Completed. • Noosa River Plan: 50% complete, with funding secured for further action. • Coastal Hazard Adaptation Plan: Ongoing, with multiple projects underway. • Heritage Program: Ongoing delivery and growth of the heritage portal. • Capital Infrastructure: $30 million delivered, despite weather and resource challenges.

Liveability • Floating Land 2025 Biennale: Preparations complete. • Pathways & Cycleways: Renewal and expansion across the Shire. • Housing Strategy: Progressing, with partnerships for affordable housing. • Community Facilities: Upgrades and needs assessments ongoing. • Short Stay Letting Law: Operational review and stakeholder engagement completed. • NAC Upgrade Plan: Long-term plan guiding NAC transformation

Prosperity • Sustainable Procurement: Policy embedded. • Waste & Resource Recovery: Major projects underway, including composting and solar feasibility. • Regional Art Gallery: Feasibility and business case completed. • Digital Hub: Ongoing support for technology and innovation. • Strategic Land Review: Actions implemented.

Future • Traditional Owner Engagement: 41 formal engagements; training programme finalised. • Tourism Noosa: Revised agreement and roadmap for future collaboration. • Disaster Recovery: Major infrastructure restored post-landslide. • Climate Action: Regional Climate Action Roadmap completed. • Revenue Diversification: Ongoing development of innovative funding streams. • Pomona Place Plan: Shaping Pomona’s future, guided by the community

Excellence • Customer Care: Community satisfaction survey and service improvements. • Policy & Compliance: Integrated Compliance and Enforcement Policy endorsed. • Safety: New WHS Management System Plan. • Contract Management: Framework completed. • Digital Transformation: Website upgrade and new performance reporting system implemented. • Policy & Compliance: Integrated Compliance and Enforcement Policy, Public Art Policy, Community Grants Policy, Privacy Policy endorsed.

Infrastructure Spotlight Significant infrastructure projects delivered this year include: • Claude Batten Dr Plumbing Renewal: $185,000 • Peregian Beach Skate Park Upgrade: $495,000 • Noosaville Apex Park Fitness Equipment: $126,000 • Sunrise Beach Retaining Wall & Pathway: $1.08M • Noosa Shire Reseal Program: $5.5M • Disaster Recovery Works: Black Mountain Road ($50.1M), Black Pinch Road ($12.2M), Upper Pinbarren Creek Road ($14.2M), Schreibers Road Bridge ($6.8M), Musa Vale Road ($2.16M).

Conclusion Council has made significant progress towards its strategic objectives, delivering tangible outcomes for the community while navigating challenges with resilience and adaptability. I thank Councillors, staff, and our community partners for their dedication and support throughout the year. We remain committed to continuous improvement and to delivering on the vision set out in our Corporate Plan.

Report details

Index: ECM \ CEO \ Corporate Plan