Noosa shares the bigger picture

Noosa Council CEO Brett de Chastel, Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Janelle Menzies, Noosa mayor Tony Wellington, Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Edward Naterra and Noosa deputy mayor Frank Wilkie. Picture: CONTRIBUTED

THE Noosa Council hosted chief executive officers from two Far North Queensland councils this week. They were in town for a look at how Noosa Council operates and to talk with staff.
Edward Naterra, CEO of Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council, and Janelle Menzies, CEO of Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council, visited Noosa as part of a South East Queensland CEO Forum knowledge-sharing initiative.
They met with Noosa mayor Tony Wellington, deputy mayor Frank Wilkie, council CEO Brett de Chastel and staff from various departments.
Both visiting CEOs said they enjoyed meeting, and learning from, Noosa Council staff.
“It’s been interesting visiting a council that is bigger than ours and seeing how differently it operates – we have 4000 residents and 120 staff. Having more specialised staff means Noosa can dedicate more time to planning, whereas in Yarrabah we tend to have to be more reactive to issues as they arise,” Ms Menzies said.
Mr de Chastel said the Noosa Council was pleased to offer Mr Naterra and Ms Menzies advice and to answer questions, as well as help with documents and forms.
“It’s great to be able to help out where we can and share our knowledge with other councils,” Mr de Chastel said.
“Last year we were pleased to welcome the CEO of Quilpie Council in the south-west Queensland Channel Country and we look forward to working with other remote Queensland councils through the South East Queensland CEO Forum.”