Noosa councillors on Monday voted unanimously to enter a three year partnership with Zero Emissions Noosa (ZEN) Inc, providing them funding of $65,000 per year for the next three years to assist them achieve their aim of zero net emissions in the Noosa Shire.
Since 2016 ZEN Inc group of highly professional and dedicated volunteers have undertaken data driven on-ground projects, advocacy and education of the Noosa community to reduce electricity and transport driven emissions across the shire with activities in line with council’s Corporate and Climate Change response plans.
The council meeting heard each year ZEN Inc run a very popular and successful EV expo that has brought significant benefits to the Noosa community, and through 79,000 annual volunteers hours of in-kind time provide about $350,000 annually to the community.
The partnership funding will enable ZEN Inc to employ a coordinator whose role is intended to encompass an array of responsibilities including administrative oversight, governance support, member recruitment and assistance with grant application procedures.
For the purposes of this agreement, Council will work with ZEN Inc on activities and projects towards zero emissions for Noosa Shire that align with Council plans and provide access, as determined reasonable, to staff resources, expertise and data.
In accordance with its Strategic Plan, ZEN Inc will fund the majority of its projects through grants, donations and diversified funding sources and work with Council and the community to assist the implementation of Council’s Climate Change Response Plan and achieve net zero emissions for the Noosa Shire.
A final decision on the partnership will be made at Council’s ordinary meeting on Thursday evening.
