Agenda of Ordinary Meeting - Thursday, 21 August 2025

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.1 Quarterly Progress Report, Quarter 4 2024-25

File No: Council Meetings

Author: Manager Strategy and Policy

Business Transformation and Performance

Appendices: App a - Chief Executive Officer’s Quarterly Progress Report - Quarter 4, 2024-25... 13 ⇩

purpose

This report presents the Chief Executive Officer’s Progress Report for Quarter 4, 2024-25 (Report) which covers the period from 1 April to 30 June 2025. The Report provides Council and the community with an update on progress of the implementation of the 86 activities in Council’s Operational Plan 2024-25.

Under section 174(3) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the Chief Executive Officer is required to provide a regular report to Council at intervals of not more than 3 months, outlining progress in delivering its annual operational plan activities.

Executive Summary

At the end of Quarter 4, 2024-25, 87 per cent (75) of operational plan activities were successfully delivered, with 11 activities not meeting expected timeframes or budget requirements.

Chart 1 below provides a snapshot of progress of operational activities by Corporate Plan goal.

Chart 1:

Key highlights from Quarter 4 2024-25 include:

· $968,000 was awarded to 287 not-for-profit community organisations.

· Kabi Kabi Peoples Aboriginal Corporation (KKPAC) joined Sunshine Coast Council, Unitywater and the Queensland Government in May 2025 to become an official partner in the Blue Heart Sunshine Coast Project.

· The major construction contract for the Central Meeting Place and Southern Parklands Seawall (Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation) was awarded to enable the commencement of major construction in July 2025.

· Artificial intelligence tools were introduced to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of our customer service operations.

· The Corporate Plan 2025-30 (effective from July 2025) informed the development of the Operational Plan 2025-26 and 2025-26 budget and sets our vision, goals and priorities for the next 5 years.

The list below provides an exception-based report of the 11 activities that did not meet expected timeframes or budget requirements.

· The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games venue planning was impacted due to the Queensland Government’s 100-day review of all new, upgraded and temporary venues. Planning for delivery will recommence in the 2025-26 financial year.

· Wet weather has impacted progress of the Honey Farm Road Sports Complex civil and wetlands works. The Project is still on track to meet agreed sports activation time frames.

· The final draft Shorebird Conservation Plan and is progressing with the view to present it to Council for consideration in late 2025.

· Due to difficulties in finding suitable locations, the implementation of large-scale battery energy storage was not finalised and ongoing investigations for potential locations are continuing.

· The finalisation of the Strategic Asset Management Plan to prioritise the development of individual Asset Management Plans and is expected to be completed in the 2025-26 financial year.

· The Service Review Program has focussed on the analysis of the service architecture with the two active service reviews now anticipated for completion in Quarter 1, 2025-26.

· The final Organisational Excellence Strategy was delayed so that it could capture employee survey feedback (released in July 2025), and input from the new Executive Leadership Team (formed in July 2025). It is anticipated to be completed in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year.

· The Long-Term Financial Plan has identified budget challenges that are not able to be resolved by 30 June 2025. An independent review was commissioned in June 2025 to support the development of the 2025-26 Budget, with recommendations accepted for implementation over the next 6-12 months.

· The review of Council’s approach to procurement had minor delays to confirm the scope and resourcing, the review is now anticipated for completion in Quarter 1, 2025-26.

· The Depot and Satellite Sites Strategy refresh was paused through Quarter 4 and will remain paused pending future organisation and service review planning.

· The 2024-25 Internal Audit Program of Work was 80 per cent complete at the end of Quarter 4, with items carried forward into the 2025-26 work program for completion.

The Chief Executive Officer progress report (Appendix A) provides details of all 86 activities and their update for the quarter, under each of the Corporate Plan goals.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Quarterly Progress Report, Quarter 4 2024-25” and

(b) endorse the Chief Executive Officer’s Quarterly Progress Report - Quarter 4, 2024-25 (Appendix A).

Finance and Resourcing

Quarterly reports are developed and funded within the current operational budget and using existing resources.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Organisational excellence

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Operational Activity: S30 - Corporate Governance - Provision of corporate governance, legal, audit and risk management services that builds adaptation, resilience and supports transparent, ethical and informed decision making.

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

This report has been discussed with Councillor E Hungerford and Councillor J Broderick as Portfolio Councillors for Organisational Excellence.

Internal Consultation

All Groups across Council have been consulted on progress of their Operational Plan activities and Group Executives have approved the content which has informed the development of this report.

External Consultation

This is a statutory reporting requirement and does not require external consultation.

Community Engagement

This is a statutory reporting requirement, and no community engagement is required, although community engagement is an inherent part of progressing many of the activities in this report.

Legal

This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of section 174 (3) of the Local Government Regulation 2012.

Policy

There is no policy associated with the presentation of a quarterly progress report.

Previous Council Resolution

Ordinary Meeting 21 May 2025 (OM25/37)

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Quarterly Progress Report - Quarter 3, 2024-25” and

(b) endorse the Chief Executive Officer’s Quarterly Progress Report - Quarter 3, 2024-25 (Appendix A).

Related Documentation

· Corporate Plan 2024-2028

· Operational Plan 2024-25

Critical Dates

The Local Government Regulation 2012 requires progress reports to be presented to Council at intervals of not more than three months. Council meets these requirements by providing quarterly progress reports that are usually presented to Council within eight weeks of the end of the calendar quarter, subject to the scheduled Council meeting cycle.

Implementation

The Report will be published and accessible via Council’s website and a digital copy will be provided to the State Library of Queensland as required by legislation.

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.2 Other Change to a Preliminary Approval (including a Variation Request) - Mons Rd, Grammar School Way and Village Centre Way, Forest Glen

File No: MCU19/0141.05

Author: Principal Development Planner

Sustainable Growth and Planning

Appendices: App a - Recommended Changes to Conditions............................................ 55 ⇩

Attachments: Att 1 - Detailed Officer Report.......... 57 ⇩

Att 2 - Amended Plan of Development Document............................................ 81 ⇩

Att 3 - Proposed Precinct Plan........... 99 ⇩

Att 4 - Infrastructure Agreement.... 101 ⇩

Att 5 - Concurrence Agency Response 133 ⇩

Att 6 - Submissions Map.................. 141 ⇩

Link to Development.i - MCU19/0141.05

purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s determination for a Development Application for Other Change to the Preliminary Approval (including a Variation Request) for a Material Change of Use to establish the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development.

The application is before Council as the application involves an Other Change to a Variation Request.

Executive Summary

The application seeks an Other Change to the Preliminary Approval (including a Variation Request) for a Material Change of Use to establish the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development including amendments to the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development regarding precincts (including removal of a pedestrian link through the site), gross floor area changes and land uses.

The specific changes involve slight adjustments to the precinct boundaries and the removal of the pedestrian route from Village Centre Way to Grammar School Way. As an alternative, the applicant has committed to constructing a pedestrian pathway and raised crossing along Grammar School Way via an Infrastructure Agreement and a new performance outcome in the Plan of Development to secure delivery of this infrastructure.

The applicant’s Economic Impact Assessment, supported by a peer review, confirms strong demand for childcare and educational services due to full occupancy at nearby centres and ongoing enrolment growth at Sunshine Coast Grammar School. These proposed uses and others align with the planning intent and Local Centre zoning.

The application is recommended for approval.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Other Change to a Preliminary Approval (including a Variation Request) - Mons Rd, Grammar School Way and Village Centre Way, Forest Glen” and

(b) APPROVE an Other Change to the Preliminary Approval (including a Variation Request) for a Material Change of Use to establish the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development in relation to Application No. MCU19/0141.05 situated at 22 Village Centre Way, 354 Mons Road, 7 Grammar School Way, 1 Village Centre Way and 5 Grammar School Way, Forest Glen, in accordance with amendments to the Decision Notice identified in Appendix A.

Finance and Resourcing

There are no current financial implications associated with the application. Future Material Change of Use, Building Work and Reconfiguring a Lot applications will be subject to infrastructure charges under the resolution at the time of lodgement (currently, Infrastructure Charges Resolution (No. 9) 2022 that commenced on 28 March 2022).

The applicant has entered into an Infrastructure Agreement to either construct a footpath and raised pedestrian crossing on Grammar School Way or reimburse Council for these costs (up to a maximum of $250,000 including Goods and Services Tax). This Infrastructure Agreement has been signed by the applicant/landowner (refer to Attachment 4) and should the Council resolution support the request at this Council Ordinary Meeting, the agreement can be signed by the delegated Council officer to be included as part of the decision package.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Managing for growth

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Operational Activity: S19 - Urban Planning and Development assessment - Providing strategic and statutory urban planning, infrastructure planning and charges, development assessment and compliance services.

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

Councillor E Hungerford as the Divisional Councillor has been briefed throughout the assessment of the application.

The Managing for Growth Portfolio Councillors, Councillor W Johnston and Councillor C Dickson have been consulted during the assessment process.

All Councillors were advised of the application at the time of lodgement.

Internal Consultation

The application was referred to and/or discussed with the following internal Council specialists and their assessment forms part of this report:

· Development Engineer - Hydraulics, Specialist Services Team, Development Services

· Senior Environmental Management Officer - Specialist Services Team, Development Services

· Landscape Officer - Specialist Services Team, Development Services

· Senior Architect - Urban Design and Architecture

· Senior Solicitor Dispute Resolution & Advisory - Legal Services.

External Consultation

The application was referred to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning as a Referral Agency in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and the Planning Regulation 2017 for State controlled road matters. The Department responded by letter dated 7 May 2025 stating that conditions are to be applied regarding stormwater management. Their response is included as Attachment 5.

Community Engagement

The application was publicly notified for 30 days between 14 April 2025 and 30 May 2025 in accordance with the requirements of the Planning Act 2016. A total of 6 submissions were received, of which 6 were determined to be properly made in accordance with the Planning Act 2016. All submissions were in support of the changes proposed.

A summary of the issues raised by submitters together with a response is provided in the detailed assessment report as Attachment 1 of this report.

A map identifying the locations of where the submissions were received from is provided in Attachment 6.

Proposal

At the Council Ordinary Meeting held on 12 November 2020, Council approved a Variation Approval, to vary the effect of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. The approval introduced a new regulating document, entitled ‘Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development’, to guide the future assessment and levels of assessment of subsequent applications for development permits lodged over the site.

The applicant seeks to make an Other Change to Existing Approval, proposing amendments to gross floor area limits and land use allocations, precinct boundaries, and pedestrian access routes from Village Centre Way to Grammar School Way through Lot 22 on SP335028.

The proposed Plan of Development and new Precinct Plan are provided as Attachment 2 and 3 to this report.

The detailed assessment report included in Attachment 1 to this report contains all the specific assessment details under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 considered in Council’s assessment of this application. Below is a summary of the specific assessment requirements.

Changes to gross floor areas and proposed new land uses

The requested changes to the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development includes:

· Performance Outcome PO5 – increase maximum gross floor area allowance for Precinct F from 2,500m² to 4,500m².

· Performance Outcome PO5 – reduce maximum gross floor area allowance for Precinct C from 3,840m² to 2,840m².

· Amend Precinct D consistent uses to include Health Care Services and Veterinary Services.

· Amend Precinct F consistent land uses to include a range of business uses, including Food and drink outlet, Garden centre, Health care services, Office, Sales office and Veterinary services and include community activities including Educational establishment (e.g. a tutoring business, expansion of adjoining school services etc) and Childcare centre.

· Amend level of assessment for Multiple dwelling to be Code Assessable in Precinct D.

· Amend level of assessment for Health care services to be Code Assessable in Precincts D and F.

· Amend level of assessment for a Food and drink outlet, Garden centre, Office, Veterinary services, Educational establishment and Childcare centre to be Code Assessable in Precinct F.

In relation to the proposed increased gross floor area in Precinct F, this results in the Forest Glen Village Centre comprising up to 20,290m²of gross floor area overall, with 12,090m² being permitted on Lot 22 on SP335028 split across Precincts D and F. A previous version of the Preliminary Approval (Minor Change approved 07 June 2022) permitted 20,290m² of gross floor area in the Forest Glen Village Centre overall and 12,090m² on Lot 22 on SP335028. The 1,000m² reduction was only applied under the development approval (MCU19/0141.03 approved 10 January 2024) and the reason for this reduction under that Minor Change approval is unclear. As such, this gross floor area is updated to reflect the original approved gross floor area.

The applicant supplied an Economic Impact Assessment in support of the child care centre and educational establishment components. This report was peer reviewed, which concludes that there is a strong level of economic and planning need noting:

· Full occupancy and waitlist at the existing Grammar Early Learning Centre.

· Continued enrolment growth at Sunshine Coast Grammar School.

· High occupancy rates in surrounding childcare centres.

· Projected population growth sustaining long-term demand.

This peer review supports the proposed development and concludes that the applicant’s Childcare & Educational Needs Assessment has reached reliable conclusions and can be relied upon by Council in the assessment of this application.

The proposal also seeks to amend Precinct D consistent uses to include Health care services and Veterinary services; and amending Precinct F consistent land uses to include a range of business uses, including Food and drink outlet, Garden centre, Health care services, Office, Sales office and Veterinary services.

It is noted that all of the above business uses, except for Garden centre, are already permitted land uses in Precinct E (closest to residences to the east). All of these uses are fundamentally business activities, consistent with development in a Local Centre as the Preliminary Approval intends. As such, there is no additional impacts for the residences to the east, which cannot be suitably addressed by the submission of specialist reporting for future Material Change of Use development application over the site.

Consideration of changes to Precinct Areas

The proposed changes to the precincts include removal of Precinct C from Lot 22 on SP335028, increase the size of Precinct F from 3,085m²to 6,029m² and decrease the size of Precinct D from 6,952m² to 6,480m². The precinct boundaries are similar to that previously approved, with the exception of Precinct C being absorbed into Precinct D. There are no planning reasons to object to this change.

Removal of Pedestrian Access Route from Village Centre Way to Grammar School Way

The pedestrian route from Village Centre Way to Grammar School Way is proposed for removal. It currently lacks connectivity to footpaths or the school. An alternative pedestrian pathway and raised crossing along Grammar School Way are proposed, supported by an Infrastructure Agreement (refer to Attachment 4). As part of this agreement, the applicant has committed up to $250,000 towards construction costs.

Conclusion

The proposed changes to the existing development comply with the current Planning Scheme provisions. The proposed changes do not raise any issues that cannot be addressed by new and/or modified conditions. The change application is therefore recommended for approval.

Legal

There are currently no legal implications relevant to this report, however Council’s decision can be appealed to the Planning and Environment Court by the applicant and any properly made submitter to the application. Council will proceed with any required actions resulting from any legal action.

The Infrastructure Agreement has been reviewed by Legal Services Branch.

Policy

The application has been assessed against the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 and all relevant Council policies.

Risk

This matter can be appealed to the Planning and Environment Court by the applicant or any properly made submitters to the application. Council will proceed with any required actions resulting from any legal action.

Previous Council Resolution

Ordinary Meeting 12 November 2020 (OM20/118)

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Development Application (including a Variation Request) to establish the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development”

(b) APPROVE application nos. MCU19/0141 and OPW19/0317, and grant:

(i) a Preliminary Approval (including a Variation Request) for a Material Change of Use to establish the Forest Glen Village Centre Plan of Development

(ii) a Development Permit for Material Change of Use of Premises to Establish a Shopping Centre, Shop and Health Care Services

(iii) a Development Permit for Operational Work (Earthworks) at 354 & 370 Mons Road and 15 Grammar School Way, Forest Glen subject to reasonable and relevant conditions (Appendix A) and

(c) delegate authority to the Chief Executive Officer to determine all future requests for a negotiated decision notice and requested changes to the approval where the changes would not have a material impact on the outcome of the original decision.

Related Documentation

A copy of the officer’s full and detailed assessment report is included as Attachment 1 to this report. The detailed assessment report contains all the specific assessment details under the planning scheme considered in Council’s assessment of this application.

A copy of the proposed Plan of Development and new Precinct Plan are provided as Attachment 2 and 3 to this report.

A copy of the Infrastructure Agreement executed by the applicant is provided as Attachment 4.

A copy of the State Government Concurrence Agency Response is provided as Attachment 5 to this report.

A Map identifying the locations of where the submissions were received from is provided in Attachment 6 to this report.

Critical Dates

The decision due date was 4 August 2025 in accordance with the provisions of the Planning Act 2016. However, it should be noted that there is minimal risk associated with this ‘impact assessment’ development application not being decided within the statutory timeframes.

Implementation

Should the recommendation be approved by Council, Council officers will execute the Infrastructure Agreement in accordance with the statutory delegations and communicate the outcome of Council’s resolutions to the applicant and submitters as appropriate.

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.3 July 2025 Financial Performance Report

File No: Council Meetings

Author: Coordinator Financial Services

Finance and Commercial Partnerships

Attachments: Att 1 - July 2025 Financial Performance Report................................................. 147 ⇩

Att 2 - July 2025 Capital Grant Funded Project Report................................... 159 ⇩

purpose

To meet Council’s legislative obligations, a monthly report must be presented to Council on its financial performance and investments.

Executive Summary

This monthly financial performance report provides Council with a summary of performance against budget as at 31 July 2025, in terms of the operating result and delivery of the capital program.

Operating Performance

Table 1: Operating Budget as at 31 July 2025

	Original Budget $000	Current Budget $000
Total Operating Revenue	711,026	711,026
Total Operating Expenses	710,315	710,315
Operating Result	711	711

	Year to Date Budget July 2025 $’000	Year to Date Actuals July 2025 $’000
Total Operating Revenue	256,234	257,000
Total Operating Expenses	52,915	49,533
Operating Result	203,319	207,466

Total Cash Balance	193,186	201,243

Details of the monthly financial report are contained in Attachment 1.

Officer Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report titled “July 2025 Financial Performance Report”.

Finance and Resourcing

This report sets out the details of Council’s financial performance and investments for the month ending 31 July 2025 and meets Council’s legislative reporting requirements.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Organisational excellence

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Operational Activity: S31 - Financial Management - Strategic management of Council's finances, assets, procurement and contracts that support effective supplier relationship, resource allocation and financial sustainability.

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

Consultation has been undertaken with the Organisational Excellence Portfolio Councillors, E Hungerford and J Broderick.

Internal Consultation

This report has been written in conjunction with advice from:

· Chief Financial Officer

· Executive Leadership Team.

External Consultation

No external consultation is required for this report.

Community Engagement

No community engagement is required for this report.

Legal

This report ensures that Council complies with its legislative obligations with respect to financial reporting in accordance with Section 204 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.

Investment of funds is in accordance with the provisions of the Statutory Bodies Financial Arrangements Act 1982 and the associated Regulations and the Local Government Act 2009.

Policy

Sunshine Coast Council’s 2025-26 Investment Policy, and

Sunshine Coast Council’s 2025-26 Debt Policy.

Risk

The 2025-26 budget has been developed to ensure long term financial sustainability for the Sunshine Coast region. A key element to long term financial sustainability is achieving the targeted operating result.

The following key elements of the 2025-26 budget are based on management estimates and assumptions:

· Rates and charges revenue includes population and property growth forecasts

· Interest revenue and Finance costs includes interest rate forecasts

· Depreciation includes asset valuation, useful life and asset condition estimates and,

· Recurrent capital expenditure includes capitalisation estimates.

Management has used its best endeavours and judgment to determine suitable estimates and assumptions based on the available data, with reference to independent sources and relevant historic information where possible. There is a risk that the actual results may vary from the estimates. Material variances will be monitored and reported to Council through the Monthly Financial Performance Report and periodic budget reviews.

Council’s operating result includes savings initiatives of $13.0 million, with $7.5 million attributed to the Employee Vacancy Rate. Failure to achieve the budgeted operating result will negatively impact Council’s financial sustainability both in the short term and long term.

Continued monitoring of the delivery of the capital works program within budgeted scope and cost.

Previous Council Resolution

Special Meeting 7 July 2025 (SM25/4) in part

1. STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED FINANCIAL POSITION

That Council receive and note the statement of estimated financial operations and financial position of the Council in respect to the 2024-25 financial year as set out in Attachment 1 pursuant to section 205 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.

10. ADOPTION OF BUDGET

That Council adopt Appendix A as tabled, pursuant to sections 169 and 170 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, as Council’s budget for 2025-26 financial year incorporating:

i. the statement of income and expenditure

ii. the statement of financial position

iii. the statement of changes in equity

iv. the statement of cash flow

v. the relevant measures of financial sustainability

vi. the significant business activity statement

vii. the long-term financial forecast, as detailed in items 10(i) to 10(iv) above

viii. the Revenue Policy (adopted by Council resolution on 21 May 2025)

ix. the total value of the change, expressed as a percentage, in the rates and utility charges levied for the financial year compared with the rates and utility charges levied in the previous budget

x. the Revenue Statement for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026

xi. Council’s 2025-26 Capital Works Program, endorsing the indicative four-year program for the period 2027 to 2030, and noting the five-year program for the period 2031 to 2035

xii. the rates and charges to be levied for the 2025-26 financial year and other matters as detailed above in clauses 2 to 9; and

xiii. the 2025-26 Minor Capital Works Program.

Related Documentation

2025-26 Adopted Budget

Critical Dates

There are no critical dates for this report.

Implementation

There are no implementation details to include in this report.

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.4 Queensland Audit Office: Second Interim Management Report for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2025

File No: Council Meetings

Author: Coordinator Financial Accounting

Finance and Commercial Partnerships

Attachments: Att 1 - Queensland Audit Office 2025 2nd Interim Report................................... 167 ⇩

purpose

This report provides for the information of Councillors the results of the second interim audit for 2024-25 by the Queensland Audit Office, which was conducted in June this year.

Section 213(3) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 requires that the report be presented at the next Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Executive Summary

Council has a statutory obligation to prepare general purpose financial statements on an annual basis, culminating in audit certification in October, before publication in Council’s annual report.

The Queensland Audit Office performs audits on Council’s annual financial statements to ensure the statements give a true and fair view of Council’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows for the relevant year, and that the financial statements comply with the Local Government Act 2009, the Local Government Regulation 2012 and the Australian Accounting Standards.

The annual audit process for the 2024-25 financial year consists of 4 parts as follows:

· Planning Audit (January 2025)

o Confirmation of deliverables and timelines for the audit process

· First Interim Audit (March 2025)

o Includes assessment of the control environment to determine whether it supports an audit strategy that can rely on Council’s controls relevant to the financial statements

· Second Interim Audit (June 2025)

o Further testing of Council’s control environment

· Final Audit of financial statements (September 2025)

Following the final audit, Queensland Audit Office provide their Closing Report, Audit Report and Final Management Report in October 2025, which includes their audit opinion as well as a summary and status of any issues identified during the audit.

Council has consistently received an unmodified audit opinion meaning the annual financial statements, in all material aspects, give a true and fair view of Council’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows for the relevant year, and that they comply with the applicable legislation and Australian Accounting Standards.

The results of all Queensland local government audits are included in the Auditor General’s annual report to Parliament on the results of local government audits.

Second Interim Audit

The Queensland Audit Office performed a second interim audit of Council’s systems and processes during June 2025. The design and implementation of Council’s internal controls relevant to the financial statements were assessed to determine whether they are operating effectively. The auditors assessed the key controls they intend to rely on in auditing Council’s financial statements.

Based on the results of testing completed to date and the resolution of prior year issues, the Queensland Audit Office have determined Council’s internal control environment supports an audit strategy where they can rely upon Council’s controls.

Six (6) new deficiencies and one (1) Other Matter relating to information technology controls were identified during this audit. In addition, one (1) current year deficiency is now resolved to Queensland Audit Office satisfaction.

A summary of all outstanding issues and their status is below.

Item	Status
Significant deficiencies	1 prior year in progress
Deficiencies	1 current year resolved 1 current year resolved pending audit clearance 5 current year in progress 2 prior year resolved pending audit clearance 6 prior year in progress
Financial reporting matters	1 (medium) prior year resolved pending audit clearance
Other matters	1 current year in progress
Milestones	On track
Audit fees	On track

Officer Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report titled "Queensland Audit Office: Second Interim Management Report for the Financial Year ended 30 June 2025".

Finance and Resourcing

Queensland Audit Office proposed audit fee for 2024-25 is $357,500 and sufficient budget is available.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Organisational excellence

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

Councillor E Hungerford and Councillor J Broderick have received advice of this report through the Audit Committee process.

Internal Consultation

The following branches were involved in the Second Interim Audit.

· Finance

· Governance and Executive Services

· Audit, Assurance & Risk Advisory Services

· Asset Management

· Digital and Information Services

· People and Culture

· Internal Audit

· Waste and Resource Management

· Strategic Planning

· Business and Innovation

· Sport and Community Venues

· Customer Response

External Consultation

Queensland Audit Office

Community Engagement

There is no community engagement required for this report.

Proposal

This report details the outcome of the Second Interim Audit for the 2024-25 financial year.

The Second Interim Audit involves assessment of the design and implementation of Council’s internal controls that the Queensland Audit Office intend to rely on in auditing Council’s financial statements.

Seven (7) new issues have been identified during the audit relating to information technology controls.

The Queensland Audit Office categorise internal control issues as either

· Significant Deficiencies - requiring immediate management action to resolve

· Deficiencies - expecting management action will be taken in a timely manner

· Other Matters - action taken at management’s discretion.

Financial Reporting matters are categorised as either:

· High - requiring immediate management action to resolve

· Medium - expecting management action will be taken in a timely manner

· Low - action taken at management’s discretion.

In total, Council has one deficiency that is now resolved for the current year along with 1 outstanding significant deficiency, 14 outstanding deficiencies, 1 outstanding moderate financial reporting issue and 1 outstanding other matter.

A summary of all outstanding issues and their status is below.

Rating legend

S = significant deficiency

D = deficiency / M = moderate financial reporting issue

O = other matter

Ref	Rating	Issue	Status	Action Date
25IR2-1	D	Users with passwords set to never expire	Resolved pending audit clearance	31 July 2025
25IR2-2	D	Inappropriate domain level administrator access	Work in progress	31 July 2025
25IR2-3	D	Lack of manual and automated disabling of inactive users	Work in progress	31 August 2025
25IR2-4	D	Lack of regular user access reviews performed	Work in progress	31 July 2025
25IR2-5	D	Lack of segregation of duties over developers and migrators of setting changes	Work in progress	31 July 2025
25IR2-6	D	Access changes performed not aligned with ticket requests	Work in progress	31 July 2025
25IR2-7	O	Policy, procedure and process guideline documentation are missing controls and pending review	Work in progress	31 July 2025
25IR-1	D	Payroll officers’ system access allows them to manually update employee pay rates and hours worked, without initiating an approval workflow in the system	Resolved
24CR-1	D	Comprehensive Property Plant & Equipment revaluations and techniques adopted to estimate fair value	a) Work in progress b) Resolved pending audit clearance	a) Adjusted to 30 June 2028 b) 30 June 2025
24CR-2	D	Adoption of unit rates provided by engaged external expert	Resolved pending audit clearance	30 June 2025
24IR-1	D	Unknown reason for parking revenue reconciliation discrepancies between parking meter management system and TechOne general ledger	Work in progress	31 July 2025
24IR-3	D	Controls and processes to mitigate risks arising from incomplete/inaccurate data in Corporate Asset Management Systems	Work in progress	Revised to 30 June 2026
23CR-1	S	Comprehensive valuation process	Work in progress	31 August 2025
23CR-2	D	Delays in recognising contributed assets	Work in progress	Revised to 30 September 2026
23CR-3	D	Assets not previously recognised	Work in progress	Revised to 30 September 2026
23CR-4	D	Delays in classifying project costs to operating expense	Resolved pending audit clearance	Revised to 31 July 2025
22IR-8	D	Other infrastructure asset class - comprehensive	Work in progress	31 August 2025
22FR-1	M	Formal review of remaining useful lives for assets is required	Resolved pending audit clearance	31 August 2025

Legal

Section 213(3) of the Local Government Regulation 2012 requires the Queensland Audit Office 2^nd Interim Report 2025 to be presented at the next Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Policy

There are no internal policy documents relating to this report.

Risk

Queensland Audit Office have identified items presenting the greatest risk of material misstatement to the financial statements with valuation of infrastructure assets topping the list. This is due to the adoption of certain key assumptions and application of significant judgement required in developing the fair value of infrastructure assets in the absence of directly observable market transactions of comparable assets.

There is also estimation uncertainty when estimating the expected utility and service potential embodied in long-lived infrastructure and assigning these assets useful lives.

Previous Council Resolution

Ordinary Meeting 21 May 2025 (OM25/43)

That Council receive and note the report titled “Queensland Audit Office: Second Interim Management Report for the Financial Year Ended 30 June 2025”.

Related Documentation

There is no related documentation to this report.

Critical Dates

As per s212(4) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, audit of the financial statements is to be completed by 31 October each year.

Implementation

Finance Branch will coordinate the implementation of the activities and actions relating to this report. Any identified audit issues requiring resolution will be recorded in Council’s Corporate Reporting system and monitored by the Audit Committee.

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.5 Disposal (Easement) Council Freehold Land within Meridan Plains and Coolum Beach

File No: F2025/48484

Author: Senior Property Officer

Finance and Commercial Partnerships

Attachments: Att 1 - Easement Survey Plan (Meridan Plains)................................................. 195 ⇩

Att 2 - Easement Survey Plan (Coolum Beach)................................................. 199 ⇩

Att 3 - Aerial Map of Localities........ 201 ⇩

purpose

This report seeks a resolution from Council to grant an exception under Section 236 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to dispose of an interest in land to Unitywater (via easement) without the need to undertake a tender or auction process as they are a government agency. The easements are for ‘sewerage’ purposes over various portions of Council-owned freehold land at:

· Lot 2, 4 and 5 on RP97720 Meridan Plains - Duplication of a Sewer Main and Sewer Pump Station Upgrade, and

· Lot 17 on RP198758 Coolum Beach - Sewer Pump Station Upgrade.

Executive Summary

There is a requirement for the registration of sewerage easements, in favour of Unitywater, for two projects within Council Land. The below information is related to each location’s easement requirements.

Lot 2, 4 and 5 on RP97720 Meridan Plains - Duplication of a Sewer Main and Sewer Pump Station Upgrade

A private developer is required to upgrade the sewage capacity for the Harmony development which is a duplication of an existing main and upgrade to the pumping station. The new pipe will run parallel to an existing main and easement within Council Land at Lot 2, 4 and 5 on RP97720 and it is proposed that the total width of the easement is to increase to 10.0m, requiring new easements to be approved to a width of 4.0m.

Lot 17 on RP198758, Coolum Beach - Sewer Pump Station Upgrade

Unitywater currently owns a sewage pump station within Council land at 265-279 Yandina Coolum Road, legally described as Lot 17 on RP198758 Coolum Beach which has been identified in Unitywater’s 2020 Coolum Sewage Network Master Plan as having a capacity deficiency from 2021 onwards and is not meeting its Desired Service Standard (DSS).

An upgrade to the sewerage pump station is necessary which will require a larger easement area. Unitywater is proposing to surrender the existing easement and the registration of a new easement over the existing facility to capsulate the location and increased size of the new assets.

General - Easement

Local Government Regulation 2012 stipulates that Council may, by resolution, dispose of an interest in land (easement), other than by tender or auction, if an exception applies. Section 236(1)(b)(i) provides for an exception if the disposal is to a government agency and in this instance, Unitywater is considered a government agency. Section 236(2) provides that a local government must decide by resolution that an exception may apply. This report seeks an exception for the purpose of granting a sewerage easement in favour of Unitywater over Council owned land.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Disposal (Easement) Council Freehold Land within Meridan Plains and Coolum Beach”

(b) resolve, to dispose of an interest in land by way of easement (for sewerage infrastructure) over Lot 2, 4 and 5 on RP97720 and Lot 17 on RP198758 and

(c) resolve, pursuant to section 236(2) of the Local Government Regulation 2012, that an exception to dispose of an interest in the land other than by tender or auction applies, as Unitywater is a government agency.

Finance and Resourcing

Unitywater and the private developers will be responsible for all costs associated with facilitating the easement which include compensation, preparation of the easement documentation, survey plans, the preparation of compensation assessments and Titles Queensland registration fees to register the dealings. Unitywater will also be fully responsible for maintaining its infrastructure once installed.

The compensation for providing an easement over Council’s land will be equal to or above that of the market value of the interest in land and will be undertaken by an independent registered valuer pursuant to Section 236(3) and 236(5) of the Local Government Regulation 2012. In the event an exemption to the disposal is granted, officers will commission an independent compensation assessment for the diminished value of the encumbered land.

There are no direct or ongoing costs to Council in relation to the proposal.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Organisational excellence

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Operational Activity: S32 - Council Land, Property and Leasing - Provision of strategic property, leasing, property and facility management for Council's land and buildings.

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

· Councillor T Burns - Division 3 Divisional Councillor

· Councillor M Suarez - Division 9 Divisional Councillor

· Councillor J Broderick - Organisational Excellence Portfolio Councillor

· Councillor E Hungerford - Organisational Excellence Portfolio Councillor

Internal Consultation

· Manager Leasing and Land Management, Property Management

· Senior Property Officer, Property Management

· Senior Property Officer, Strategic Property

· Project Officer, Environmental Operations

· Senior Policy and Research Officer, Environment and Sustainability Policy

· Senior Open Space & Recreation Planner, Project Delivery

· Parks Technical Officer, Parks and Gardens

· Strategic Planner, Strategic Planning

· Planning and Assessment Officer, Development Services

· Urban Program Delivery Manager, Project Delivery

· Transport Infrastructure Assets Manager, Transport Network Management

External Consultation

Council’s Property Management Branch has liaised with Unitywater’s Project Manager and Property Officer in relation to the requirement for sewerage easements as part of the Aura Sewer Rising Main project.

Community Engagement

Due to the administrative nature of this report, no community engagement has been undertaken or is required.

Proposal

There is a requirement for the registration of a sewerage easements, in favour of Unitywater, for multiple projects within Council Land. The proposed easement requirements are outlined in the section below.

110 Rainforest Dr and 201 Meridan Way Meridan Plains - Duplication of Sewer Main and Sewer Pump Station Upgrade

A private developer is undertaking the development of the Harmony Development outlined within the Palmview Infrastructure Agreement held with Council. The private developer is required to ensure that suitable public infrastructure is provided to support the increased development in the area.

Council owns Lots 2, 4 and 5 on RP97720 more commonly referred to as 110 Rainforest Drive and 201 Meridan Way, Meridan Plains in freehold. The land is zoned Rural under Council’s current Planning Scheme and the land is held for development of a future Sports and Recreation Trails area.

To facilitate development in the area, the private developer is required to upgrade the sewage capacity to accommodate the new residential precincts. The infrastructure to be installed is a duplication of an existing sewer main and upgrade of the existing sewer pumping station.

The existing sewer main and sewer pumping station are owned and maintained by Unitywater. Easements between Council and Unitywater are currently in place to protect the existing sewer main infrastructure.

The new duplicated sewer main will run parallel to an existing sewer main and easement within the Council freehold Land at Lot 2, 4 and 5 on RP97720. To facilitate the duplication, the current easement will require widening from 6 meters to 10 meters. An upgrade to the existing sewer pumping station installed in circa 2017 will also be required, however the sewer pump station is not located within Council’s land.

The infrastructure will be owned by UnityWater once completed and UnityWater will be responsible for all costs associated with the ongoing management and maintenance of the developed infrastructure.

The proposed new easements have a total easement area of 17,038m² (across three easements). The locations of the easements are shown in Attachment 1 - Easement Survey Plan (Meridan Plains).

Granting an easement in this instance has been broadly supported by Council officers as the most suitable option for the private development to meet its condition of planning approval.

Lot 17 on RP198758, Coolum Beach - Sewer Pump Station Upgrade and Expansion

Unitywater currently operates and owns a sewage pump station within Lot 17 on RP198758 more commonly referred to as 265-279 Yandina Coolum Road, Coolum Beach.

Council owns the above land in freehold under a nomination of trust with the land being zoned for public open space under Council’s current Planning Scheme. The existing sewer pump station within this land is currently managed under an existing easement between Council and Unitywater.

Unitywater have advised Council that they will be undertaking an upgrade to the existing sewer pump station to increase its efficiency and capacity at this location. The upgrade has been identified in Unitywater’s 2020 Coolum Sewage Network Master Plan as having a Peak Wet Weather Flow (PWWF) pump capacity deficiency from 2021 onwards therefore not meeting its Desired Service Standard (DSS). This capacity deficiency is a result of additional growth predominately coming from upstream catchments. The deficiency was confirmed through various checks and an upgrade to the capacity of the sewer pump station is required.

As part of the upgrade, a larger easement area will be required to ensure that any installed infrastructure falls within the easement area. Unitywater has requested Council surrender existing easement and replace the existing easement with the registration of a new easement over the increased land area to encapsulate the newly installed assets.

The infrastructure will be owned by UnityWater once completed and UnityWater will be responsible for all costs associated with the ongoing management and maintenance of the developed infrastructure.

The proposed new easement will be 1093m² in area and with the location being shown in Attachment 2 - Easement Survey Plan (Coolum Beach).

Granting an easement in this instance is considered appropriate given the sewer pumping station will ensure the provision of sewer to the Collum Sewer Network is effectively managed.

All Easements

To facilitate the registration of the sewerage easements over Council’s land, Council is required to grant an exception under Section 236(2) of the Local Government Regulation 2012. The Regulation stipulates that Council may, by resolution, dispose of an interest in land (including by way of easement), other than by tender or auction, if an exception applies. An exception is permitted as it relates to this application as the land is being disposed to a government agency as outlined in Section 236(1)(b)(i) of the Regulation.

The applicant will be required to pay compensation to Council for encumbering Council’s land with an easement. If an exception is granted, officers will commission an independent compensation assessment to determine the diminished value of the encumbered land. This will ensure the disposal complies with Sections 236(3) and (5) of the Regulation as:-

· Compensation will be assessed by a registered valuer who is not an employee of the local government) registered under the Valuers Registration Act 1992 and

· Compensation will be set at or above the market valuation as determined by the registered valuer.

Legal

There are no legal implications relevant to this report. Standard Terms of Easement have been reviewed and validated by Council’s Legal Services team.

Policy

This report has been prepared in accordance with Council’s Procurement Policy relating to the disposal of Council assets.

Risk

The risk associated with this matter is that Council would not have a registered record of infrastructure within the various Lots. Further to this, Unitywater would not have legal rights to access the infrastructure under the protection of the South East Queensland Water (Restructuring) Act 2007.

Previous Council Resolution

There are no previous Council resolutions relevant to this report.

Related Documentation

Council’s Standard Terms Document dealing number 714904857 for easements in favour of Unitywater on Council owned land will be registered in accordance with the easement documentation.

Critical Dates

There are no critical dates relevant to this report, however, Unitywater have requested that the matter be finalised as soon as possible.

Implementation

Should the recommendation be accepted by Council, it is noted that the Chief Executive Officer will note that an exception under Section 236 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 applies and the survey plan and easement documentation will be executed by Council’s Delegated Officer and registered with Titles Queensland.

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.6 Invasive Plant Surveillance Program - Biosecurity Act 2014

File No: F2018/30481

Author: Coordinator Healthy Places

Community Strengthening

Appendices: App a - 12 September 2025 to 11 September 2029 Surveillance Program for Sunshine Coast Council under the Biosecurity Act 2014......................... 211 ⇩

purpose

This report seeks Council endorsement to conduct the biosecurity surveillance program for the management of regulated invasive plants. The program is required to be endorsed by Council before implementation in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2014, section 235. The proposed program is scheduled to commence on 12 September 2025 and conclude on 11 September 2029.

Executive Summary

Regulatory Response Services propose to implement a Biosecurity Surveillance Program (the Program) for the management of regulated invasive plants for the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area commencing the 12 September 2025 and concluding on 11 September 2029 (refer to Appendix A). The Program requires authorisation from Council under section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) to allow officers to lawfully undertake the management of regulated invasive plants.

Council is required to undertake certain activities to meet its biosecurity obligations and commitments under the Act and the Sunshine Coast Biosecurity Plan 2024. The Program has been developed in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries.

The Program is designed to reduce the human health, social amenity, economic and environmental impacts associated with invasive plants that are listed as prohibited, restricted or locally significant in the Biosecurity Plan.

Council aims to inspect all properties within the program area for invasive plants, regardless of whether the property is private or publicly managed. Inspections assist Council in understanding the extent of targeted invasive plants and then take the appropriate actions:

· providing education, guidance, tools, and direction to landholders/occupiers on preventing or controlling regulated invasive plants,

· partnering with other government bodies to address the regulated invasive plants, and

· planning and undertaking work on Council-controlled or managed land.

Council’s focus with the Program is to educate and empower landholders/occupiers to understand and manage invasive plants on their property. This educational approach has had a high level of success with less than 1% requiring Council’s intervention to manage the regulated invasive plants.

In addition to the proactive program, Council officers respond to around 400 service requests each year from members of the community reporting or seeking assistance in relation to infestations. The Program supports Council’s response to these requests and is complimented by a range of educational programs including:

· providing one-on-one training, advice, and on-the-ground support to landholders/occupiers

· partnering with non-government organisations (including non-for-profit community groups such as Landcare) to share educational material, and

· education promotions at community events such as regional shows.

The Program is funded from a combination of the environmental levy and operational budget for the Regulatory Response Services Branch.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Invasive Plant Surveillance Program - Biosecurity Act 2014” and

(b) authorise the carrying out of the 12 September 2025 to 11 September 2029 Surveillance Program for Sunshine Coast Council (Appendix A) in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Finance and Resourcing

The Program is delivered by officers (3.5 FTE) in the Vector and Pest Plant Education and Control Team within the Regulatory Response Services.

The current annual budget allocated to address invasive plant issues through the biosecurity surveillance program is $584,353 allocated as follows:

2025/2026 Budget
Employee Costs	$403,158
Materials and Cervices	$81,657
Internal Materials and Services	$67,461
Other Expenses	$32,077
Total program budget allocation	$584,353

2025/2026 Budget Funding Sources

Operational Budget - $404,533

Environment Levy Budget - $179,820

Finance considerations for future years

The proposed program does not commit Council to set requirements for resourcing or expenditure. The resourcing and budget allocations will be considered each year as part of Council’s normal budget process.

The delivery and implementation of the program will be adjusted each year to align with the allocated budget and resourcing.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Environment and liveability

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Operational Activity: S14 - Biosecurity and Natural Areas Land Management - Protecting and enhancing the environmental reserve network, habitats and biodiversity, and protecting public health through management of biosecurity.

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

· Councillor M Suarez - Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor

· Councillor T Burns - Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor

Internal Consultation

The following internal stakeholders contributed to the development of this report:

· Manager Environmental Operations

· Community Catchment Partnerships Manager, Environmental Operations

· Natural Areas Management Team, Environmental Operations

· Coastal Lakes and Wetlands, Environmental Operations

· Pest Plant and Vector Education and Control Team, Regulatory Response Services.

External Consultation

External stakeholder consultation was undertaken with the Deputy Director-General and Chief Biosecurity Officer of the Department of Primary Industries in accordance with the requirements of the Act. The stakeholders were in support of the program.

Community Engagement

Council undertakes several proactive education programs, including information displays at agricultural shows and other community events throughout the year to educate the community on invasive plants and Council’s programs. During these interactions the community provide feedback on the program to Council which is taken into consideration.

Proposal

The Vector and Pest Plant Education and Control Team support the community and Council in managing biosecurity matters within the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area. Council is required to undertake certain activities to meet its biosecurity obligations and commitments under the Act and Sunshine Coast Biosecurity Plan 2024. Through the Program officers target specific invasive plants listed in the Act such as Groundsel bush, Cat’s claw creeper, Fireweed, Giant rat’s tail grasses and Salvinia.

Council has been managing invasive plants in our community since the mid-1980s. The Biosecurity Act 2014 introduced the requirement for Council to authorise programs which allow Council to enter private property to undertake control work. The proposed Program, designed in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2014 and developed in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries must be authorised by Council to allow the carrying out of the following activities:

· monitoring compliance with the Biosecurity Act 2014

· confirming the presence, absence, and/or the extent of invasive biosecurity matter (invasive plants)

· monitoring the effectiveness of measures taken in response to a biosecurity risk

· monitoring compliance with requirements about prohibited matter or restricted matter (as defined in the Act), and

· monitoring levels of biosecurity matter (invasive plants), including a carrier (e.g., feed contaminated with invasive plants).

Council officers always make efforts to locate the landholder or occupier. An information leaflet is sent in the weeks prior to inspections to notify them of the Program and encourage a productive pre-inspection discussion. Officers provide information and education to assist with management options during and after the inspections.

Part of this education process includes assisting them in understanding their “general biosecurity obligation”, noting that the person who is in control of the property has an obligation to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risk (section 23(2) of the Act).

Council also offers access to free weed control equipment to assist them to comply with their requirements. The Program is a necessary initial step before compliance work under the Act can occur such as issuing a Biosecurity Order.

Council’s endorsement of the Program gives authorised persons (Council officers) power to enter property without consent in rare cases where a landholder or occupier does not voluntary cooperate with Council to manage invasive plants (this occurs in less than 1% of cases). Based on the inspections completed in the 2024/2025 biosecurity surveillance program:

· 69% of properties proactively inspected through the current Program contained invasive plants

· 55% of properties were proactively managing invasive plants (meeting their general biosecurity obligation), many with the assistance of Council’s free weed hire equipment

· 8% of landholders received a notice requesting further control actions to meet their general biosecurity obligations

· less than 0.2% (2 properties) of properties inspected resulted in Council engaging a contractor to enter and clear the property

· 31% of properties were found to be free of invasive plants.

Legal

Authorisation of the Program by a resolution of the local government is required in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act). Section 236 of the Act outlines what must be stated in the program authorisation for a biosecurity program. Section 36 of the Act allows a program to operate for a period that is reasonably necessary to achieve the objectives of the program. Given the ongoing nature of the Program a four-year Program is reasonable to capture the long-term outcomes of the program.

The authorisation enables specific powers under the Act including:

· Section 261: Power to enter place under biosecurity program.

· Section 262: Power to enter place to check compliance with biosecurity order.

· Section 270: Entry of place under sections 261 and 262.

Council’s Vector and Pest Plant Control Officers will seek voluntary compliance and collaborate with landholders and land managers to control of invasive plants. The Program will:

· Confirm the presence of invasive plants on a property.

· Allow Council to communicate and inform individuals about their general biosecurity obligation.

· Assess whether to issue a Biosecurity Order for failure to meet biosecurity obligations, which may require management actions such as prevention or control.

If the responsible person fails to comply with formal notices, the authorised Program allows Council to enter the property and undertake the necessary work (section 263). The costs associated with this work can be recovered from the responsible person. Based on the history of the program, this intervention is expected in less than 1% of cases.

While these powers are in place, Council officers will continue to work closely with landholders to seek their support and voluntary participation in the Program as their primary approach.

Policy

Local governments in Queensland have a biosecurity obligation to control invasive biosecurity matter within their local government area in compliance with the Biosecurity Act 2014 (section 48). The Program contributes to the outcomes of the Sunshine Coast Council Biosecurity Plan 2024.

Risk

Invasive plants have the potential to present a problem on large and small acreage as well as urban fringe areas. Failure to endorse the Program for Sunshine Coast Council may mean that:

· Council is not meeting its obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014

· it may lead to the potential loss of agricultural productivity and community amenity

· the risks associated with not controlling invasive plants throughout the region are increased

· it may lead to potential significant longer-term environmental damage and the resulting loss or reduction of biodiversity, and

· stock and domestic animals are exposed to threats.

Under section 50 of the Act the State Government minister responsible for biosecurity may direct (by issue of a formal notice) the Local Government to perform a biosecurity function or obligation. The Local Government must comply with this notice.

Previous Council Resolution

Ordinary Meeting 25 August 2022 (OM22/65)

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Invasive Plant Surveillance Program - Biosecurity Act 2014”

(b) adopt the 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2025 Surveillance Program (Appendix A for Sunshine Coast Council in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014

(c) authorise the carrying out of the 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2025 Surveillance Program for Sunshine Coast Council (Appendix A) in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 and

(d) note the following details of the 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2025 Surveillance Program for Sunshine Coast Council (which are required to be specified in this authorisation under Section 236 Biosecurity Act 2014):

(i.) relates to invasive biosecurity matter – invasive plants that are prohibited or restricted matter as defined in the Biosecurity Act 2014

(ii.) purpose is to monitor for compliance with the Biosecurity Act 2014 and monitor the presence and extent of invasive biosecurity matter – invasive plants that are prohibited or restricted matter as defined in the Biosecurity Act 2014

(iii.) the period over which the Program is carried out is from 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2025

(iv.) is for monitoring compliance with the Biosecurity Act 2014 and places that will be entered and inspected are land within the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area that are Council assets or properties with land size equal to, or greater than, 4,000m²

(v.) is for determining the presence or extent of the spread of specific invasive biosecurity matter – invasive plants that are prohibited or restricted matter as defined in the Biosecurity Act 2014 and applies to land within the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area that are Council assets or properties with land size equal to, or greater than, 4,000m²

(vi.) surveillance in the localities of Balmoral Ridge, Beerwah, Belli Park, Bells Creek, Crohamhurst, Diamond Valley, Doonan, Dulong, Eerwah Vale, Eumundi, Flaxton, Kureelpa, Maleny, Mapleton, Montville, Mt Mellum, North Maleny, Obi Obi, Peachester, Reesville and Verrierdale and

(vii.) individual properties also previously known to harbour invasive biosecurity matter may be surveyed for ongoing compliance.

Related Documentation

· Biosecurity Act 2014

· Local Government Act 2009

· Queensland Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy 2025–2030

· Sunshine Coast Council Compliance and Enforcement Policy 2021

· Sunshine Coast Council Corporate Plan 2025-30

· Sunshine Coast Council Biosecurity Plan 2024

· Sunshine Coast Council Operational Plan 2025-2026

· Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Critical Dates

The Program has been scheduled to commence monitoring activities from 12 September 2025 to 11 September 2029. Notice of the Program must be given at least 14 days prior to the commencement of the program. The notification would be raised no later than 26 August 2025.

Implementation

The Program will be available for customers and the public to inspect or obtain a copy at all Customer Contact Centres and will be published on the Council website at least 14 days before commencement. The Program is a necessary initial step before Council can undertake compliance and enforcement work to prevent and control invasive plants.

The Program will be implemented by Council’s Vector and Pest Plant Education and Control Team in correlation with Council land management schedules. This ensures an efficient delivery for maximum benefit to both community and Council’s assets. Council has several tools to be used in the education, surveillance, compliance, and enforcement work including an entry notice and fact sheet that will be supplied to the occupier outlining the requirements of the legislation and their options.

Several resources including educational booklets, a smartphone application, fact sheets and public notices will be provided to occupiers of a property via social media, mail outs and surveys. Information is also available online at Council’s website and Biosecurity Queensland’s website.

Should the recommendation be accepted by Council, it is noted that the Chief Executive Officer will ensure the Program is undertaken in line with the specified requirements.

Ordinary Meeting Agenda 21 August 2025

8.7 Invasive Animal Prevention and Control Program - Biosecurity Act 2014

File No: F2018/30481

Author: Coordinator Healthy Places

Community Strengthening

Appendices: App a - 12 September 2025 to 11 September 2029 Prevention and Control Program for invasive animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014 for the Sunshine Coast Council area............................. 225 ⇩

purpose

This report seeks Council endorsement to conduct an invasive animal prevention and control program. The program is required to be endorsed by Council before implementation in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2014, section 235. The proposed program is scheduled to commence on 12 September 2025 and conclude on 11 September 2029.

Executive Summary

This Program seeks to provide the community with invasive animal services to manage and minimise their spread and impacts of biosecurity risks on human health, social amenity, the economy and the environment (each a biosecurity consideration).

Regulatory Response Services propose to implement the Invasive Animal Prevention and Control Program (refer to Appendix A) (the Program) under the Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act) for the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area commencing the 12 September 2025 and concluding on 11 September 2029. Prior to commencement, the Program requires endorsement from Council under section 235 of the Act to allow officers to lawfully undertake the management of invasive animals.

Council is required to undertake certain activities to meet its biosecurity obligations and commitments under the Act and Sunshine Coast Biosecurity Plan 2024. The Program has been developed in consultation with the Department of Primary Industries.

The Program is designed to target specific invasive animals throughout the Sunshine Coast Council area namely wild dogs (dogs other than domestic dogs), dingos, feral pigs, feral goats, feral cats, feral deer, European foxes, and European rabbits. Work under the Program covers all tenures within the local government area.

Whilst most of the Program is conducted on private land, it is also carried out on Council owned and managed land to ensure Council meets its general biosecurity obligations under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Council works closely with other levels of government and land managers to provide a seamless response to invasive animal management across the region. The proactive, strategic control efforts play an integral role in the region to protect high risk native species including endangered, vulnerable and near threated species (EVNT).

When addressing invasive animal populations on private property Council officers will contact the landholder, provide them with education, and obtain their consent to allow Council to manage invasive animals in their area. In the unlikely event that the landholder refuses to work with Council, the Program gives authorised persons (Council officers) power to enter private property without consent for the purposes outlined under the program. However, landholders in the vast majority of occasions contact Council to seek assistance and invite officers onto their property. Council works with landholders and promotes the building of partnerships to maximise the outcomes for the community.

In addition to proactively locating and removing invasive animals, Council officers respond to over 600 requests for service each year from community members seeking support in dealing with invasive animals. The Program supports Council’s response to these requests and is complimented by a range of educational programs including:

· providing one-on-one training, advice, and on-the-ground support to property land managers

· Community Wild Dog Baiting Programs

· engaging with neighbouring Councils to coordinate control activities and training programs, and

· education promotions at community events such as the regional shows and schools.

The Program is funded from a combination of the Environmental Levy and operational budget for the Regulatory Response Services Branch.

As an additional measure Council also has a community partnership program in place to manage Indian Myna birds. This program supports around 200 customers per year.

The Biosecurity Act 2014 does not include invasive pest bird species as an invasive biosecurity matter. This means that these species such as Indian Myna birds cannot currently be included in an Invasive Animal Prevention and Control Program authorised through the Biosecurity Act 2014. Due to the significant impacts on our local community to address human health, environmental and amenity issues Council relies on volunteer community partners to help manage this species.

Officer Recommendation

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Invasive Animal Prevention and Control Program - Biosecurity Act 2014”, and

(b) authorise the 12 September 2025 to 11 September 2029 Prevention and Control Program for invasive animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014 for the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area (Appendix A) in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Finance and Resourcing

The Program is delivered by officers (9 FTE) in the Feral Animal Education and Control Team of the Regulatory Response Services Branch.

The current budget allocated to address invasive animal issues through the Program is $1,535,122 allocated as follows:

2025/2026 Budget
Employee Costs	$1,000,347
Materials and Services	$322,712
Internal Materials and Services	$170,124
Other Expenses	$41,939
Total program budget allocation	$1,535,122

2025/2026 Budget Funding Sources

Operational Budget - $1,225,512

Environment Levy Budget - $309,610

Finance considerations for future years

The delivery and implementation of the program will be adjusted each year to align with the allocated budget and resourcing.

Corporate Plan

Corporate Plan Goal: Environment and liveability

Strategic Pathway: We serve our community by providing this great service

Consultation

Councillor Consultation

· Councillor M Suarez - Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor

· Councillor T Burns - Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor

Internal Consultation

The following internal stakeholders contributed to the development of this report:

· Manager Environmental Operations

· Community Catchment Partnerships Manager, Environmental Operations

· Natural Areas Management Team, Environmental Operations

· Coastal Lakes and Wetlands Team, Environmental Operations

· Pest Plant and Vector Education and Control Team, Regulatory Response Services.

External Consultation

Community Engagement

There has been no community engagement undertaken in relation to this report. However, Council undertakes several proactive education programs, including information displays at agricultural shows and other community events throughout the year to educate the community on invasive animals and Council’s programs.

Proposal

The Feral Animal Education and Control Team support the community and Council in managing biosecurity matters within the Sunshine Coast Council Local Government Area. Council is required to undertake certain activities to meet its biosecurity obligations and commitments under the Act and Sunshine Coast Biosecurity Plan 2024. The team are specifically responsible for targeting the control of invasive animals including wild dogs (dogs other than domestic dogs), dingoes, feral pigs, feral goats, feral cats, feral deer, European foxes, and European rabbits. The officers respond to more than 600 requests for service each year regarding invasive animals and the proposed Program compliments and supports these requests.

Council has been managing invasive animals in our community since 2002. The Biosecurity Act 2014 introduced the requirement for Council to authorise programs which allow Council to enter private property to undertake control work. The proposed Program, designed in accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2014 and developed in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, must be authorised by Council to allow the carrying out of the following activities:

1. Provide information and education to an occupier of a place.

2. Undertake property assessments to determine the travel routes or harbourage areas of the invasive animals being targeted in the Program.

3. Collect information from occupiers of properties to inform the Program to maximise its functioning.

4. Establish monitoring cameras, sand pads or other animal detection devices on a property to determine the presence of roaming domestic animals or invasive animals.

5. Undertake surveillance by visual, photographic, or electronic observations of a place which may include the use of piloted aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

6. Undertake regular monitoring programs to inform the distribution, habitat use and populations of specific invasive animal species within the region.

7. Install traps and/or deploy poisons in line with regulatory controls.

8. Install warning signage to alert the public to the actions being conducted.

9. Visit the property at varying hours to attend to traps or other devices.

10. Visit the property at varying hours to undertake removal/destruction of invasive animals in line with regulatory controls.

11. Control invasive animals using approved methods.

As part of being a landholder or occupier, the responsible person who is in control of the property has an obligation to take all reasonable and practical measures to prevent or minimise the biosecurity risk (section 23(2) of the Act). The Program allows Council to both meet its own obligations, and support community members in managing invasive animals on their property. As an extension to the control work outlined in the Program Council offers access to free training and invasive animal control equipment to assist the responsible person to comply with their obligations.

When undertaking the Program on private property Council officers contact the responsible person to provide them with information on the Program. This includes information on their general biosecurity obligation, the impacts of invasive animals and control options before obtaining their consent to implement various management and control options.

The Program is complimented by a range of proactive control and education programs focussed on partnering with the community to address invasive animals:

· Biosecurity Education Program – Providing community education and engagement to improve knowledge and understanding which can result in people managing invasive animals on their properties.

· Community led Wild Dog Partnership Program – Supporting landholders in a coordinated manner to address wild dog impacts through trapping with associated support services.

· Community Wild Dog Baiting Program – Supporting landholders in a coordinated manner to address wild dog impacts through chemical controls (baiting) with associated support services.

· Feral Deer Program – Supporting landholders in reducing feral deer impacts on their primary production and amenity. It is imperative that the feral deer are controlled to avoid range extension before it reaches high speed roadways leading to vehicle collisions experienced in other regions along the eastern seaboard of Australia.

· Mary River Turtle Protection Program - Native species protection and direct agricultural asset protection as an indirect benefit of the control. As of 4 September 2024, the Mary River Turtle has been declared “critically endangered” by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

· Coastal Fox Control Program – Reducing fox numbers to alleviate pressure on native animals (e.gs. spotted-tail quoll, water mouse, ground parrot, green and loggerhead turtle eggs and hatchlings) and other impacts in the local area.

As an additional measure Council also has a community partnership program in place to manage Indian Myna birds. This program supports around 200 customers per year.

Control techniques

Council’s response to Invasive animals is informed by long term monitoring programs and data collection. This approach allows for informed decision making in the design and delivery of efficient Invasive animal control programs.

As a lead agency, Council uses innovative control techniques. Older practices are being slowly replaced with new technologies. The use of artificial intelligence technology monitoring projects continues to grow driving innovation and efficiency in data gathering leaving officers to concentrate on service delivery.

Legal

Authorisation of the Program by a resolution of the local government is required in accordance with section 235 of the Act. The Chief Executive Officer as the relevant person for section 235 is satisfied that a prevention and control program is warranted. Section 236 of the Act outlines what must be stated in the program authorisation for a biosecurity program. Section 36 of the Act allows a program to operate for a period that is reasonably necessary to achieve the objectives of the program. As the delivery of the Program is an ongoing obligation for Council, a four-year Program is reasonable to capture the long-term outcomes of the program.

The authorisation of the Program enables specific powers under the Act including section 261 (Power to enter place under biosecurity program), section 262 (Power to enter place to check compliance with biosecurity order) and section 270 (Entry of place under sections 261 and 262).

While these powers are in place, Council officers will continue to work closely with responsible persons to seek their support and voluntary participation in the Program as their primary approach. Council rarely, if ever, exercises powers of entry as landholders/occupiers are pleased to have the service available to assist in the control of Invasive animals considering the specialist techniques and training requirements. Where Council is required to exercise the full powers afforded under the program officers work closely with the relevant partnering agencies such as Biosecurity Queensland.

Policy

Risk

The activities conducted to address Invasive animals include several risks and can be categorised in the broader areas detailed below:

Risk	Mitigation
Firearms	The use of firearms is undertaken in accordance with the Queensland legislation and internal policies and procedures. Regular audits conducted.
Animal welfare	Throughout the capture and management of animals, procedures are followed in accordance with Queensland legislation, codes of practice for humane outcomes and internal policies and procedures.
Best practice	Routine training adhered to, to ensure appropriate methodology applied to invasive animal control and the early adoption of technology and advancements across the industry.
Workplace Health and Safety	Safe Work Method Statements and documented processes adhered to, to prevent risk to officers and the community.
Poisons	Use of poisons (including 1080) undertaken in line with Queensland legislation and officers undertake relevant training approved by Queensland Health.

With the control of invasive animals comes the use of tools, techniques, and chemicals that many are unfamiliar with. These items are seen as high-risk, and their misuse could cause great harm to the operators. These high-risk items are heavily regulated by legislation and supported by significant training and proficiency testing. In addition, Council procedures provide governance in the use of firearms and chemicals and are reviewed on a regular basis to ensure compliance with legislative and technical changes. These activities are also listed and regularly reviewed on Council’s Corporate Risk Register.

Previous Council Resolution

Ordinary Meeting 25 August 2022 (OM22/66)

That Council:

(a) receive and note the report titled “Feral Animal Prevention and Control Program - Biosecurity Act 2014”

(b) adopt the 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2025 Prevention and Control Program for feral animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014 for the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area (Appendix A) in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014 and

(c) authorise the carrying out of the 12 September 2022 to 11 September 2025 Prevention and Control Program for feral animals under the Biosecurity Act 2014 for the Sunshine Coast Council area in accordance with section 235 of the Biosecurity Act 2014.

Related Documentation

· Biosecurity Act 2014

· Local Government Act 2009

· Medicines and Poisons Act 2019

· Queensland Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy 2025–2030

· Sunshine Coast Council Compliance and Enforcement Policy 2021

· Sunshine Coast Council Corporate Plan 2025-30

· Sunshine Coast Council Biosecurity Plan 2024

· Sunshine Coast Council Operational Plan 2025-2026

· Work Health and Safety Act 2011

Critical Dates

Implementation

The Program will be implemented by Council’s Feral Animal Education and Control Team in correlation with Council land management schedules. This ensures an efficient delivery for maximum benefit to both community and Council’s assets. Council has several tools to be used in the education, surveillance, compliance, and enforcement work including an entry notice and fact sheet that will be supplied to the landholder/occupier outlining the requirements of the legislation and their options.

Several resources including educational booklets, a smartphone application, fact sheets and public notices will be provided to landholder/occupier of a property via social media, mail outs and surveys. Information is also available online at Council’s website and Biosecurity Queensland’s website.

Should the recommendation be accepted by Council, it is noted that the Chief Executive Officer will ensure the program is implemented as detailed in this report.