John Digby Lobb’s view from the gallery

By John Digby Lobb

Those who know me from my occasional disruptions to your life in the columns of the local media will understand that I live slightly outside the Noosa Council boundaries. But, because I feel this is my community (seven years in Sunrise Beach), I’m a regular attender at Council meetings – and have been for many years.

That said, I don’t believe I’m always a welcome observer and, from my point of view, I’m often thankful I’m not a Noosa ratepayer. But because of my long experience with this Council, I feel some confidence in reporting on its meetings, which I hope this column can do for you from time to time.

So let me run through the agenda items from Monday 18 June and provide you with my take on them.

1 – Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation – Proposed Funding Deed

After receiving Cr Ingrid Jackson’s proposed amendment to the recommended new three-year funding deed for NBRF, there appeared to have been collusion amongst councillors and senior staff to dismantle her suggested changes.

I don’t need to tell anyone who has lived in the shire for even a short period that there is considerable angst against NBRF – which has been a seriously troubled organisation since its inception some four years ago. Many residents consider there must be stricter controls and a restructure of this organisation which operates as a closed shop and is a bit of a mystery to most ratepayers.

Some people believe NBRF was illegally established and that, surrounding its formation, there were  conflicts  that favoured vested interests. They further believe that its predecessor organisation, Noosa Biosphere Limited, was wrongly disbanded because, unlike its replacement, it had a close relationship with the community through democratic management and sector boards that were open in their operation.

Anyway, Cr Jackson’s proposals didn’t survive the vote but the lukewarm news was that there were signs the Council has taken some baby steps to rein in some of NBRF’s excesses.

2 – Development Application – Material change of use for entertainment & dining business type 1 (food & beverage), 56 Main Street, Kin Kin

My interest was piqued and concern was raised by several references by Councillors praising this establishment and suggesting need for special dispensation. Why, I thought, should this material change of use receive discounts?

I have my suspicions but, for public consumption, I could only conclude it was because of some misguided need to promote this area, perhaps with regard to the rarely used Noosa Country Drive.

Longer term residents may recall that many ratepayers were amazed and confused when Dr Pages Road and Kinmond Road were upgraded. They could not understand the urgent need, particularly when there were (and remain) many other infrastructure demands in the hinterland. Could it be there were vested interests promoting this link road?

3 – Tree Management on Public Land Policy

Won’t say much about this except it seemed that the amendment was unnecessary.

4 – Council Committee Meetings

All things considered, particularly, given Cr Jackson’s excellent submission to support her amendment that minutes be taken and made publicly available at general meetings, I consider it extraordinary that Noosa Council won’t allow the compilation and publication of complete and detailed minutes at its public meetings.

What’s the problem with transparency? After all, it’s increasingly becoming the norm at councils throughout Australia, including our beloved Queensland.

I can only assume it’s a continuation of what many people considered the dictatorial Playford regime when the then newly de-amalgamated council did not want too much oversight of its activities. Perhaps this archaic policy is designed to stop criticism and even to deceive ratepayers.

5 – Update on Lifesaving Services at Peregian Beach

Why after years of inaction is there renewed interest? This was never made clear n the discussion. But thankfully there is reinvigorated community purpose here and a restructure of the existing site is back in favour. My analysis is that the de-amalgamated Noosa Council with a lack of resources has been neglectful in not brokering an effective solution for a viable surf life-saving club.

6 – Further Report on Kin Kin General Store material change of use.

See (2) above.

7 – Coal Mining and Coal Seam Gas Extraction.

Unanimously and firmly opposed by all councillors in a welcome and logical determination.

Footnote for this column

As a long-time observer of public council meetings, I think there have been many instances where Councillors appear to be deceptive in their determination to avoid publicity being given to poor performance reports. Cr Jackson’s ultimately unsuccessful ‘transparency’ amendment clearly explained why complete minutes of all meetings are required. Full communication with the community is essential. If Noosa Council doesn’t want to publish a full account of proceedings then surely we can assume there is something to hide.