Audit & Risk Committee

The primary objective of the Audit and Risk Committee is to assist Council in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to accounting and reporting requirements imposed under the Local Government Act 2009 and other relevant legislation. The Audit and Risk Committee Charter sets the principles and standards for the Audit and Risk Committee and explains the role of the Committee within Council.

The members of Council’s Audit & Risk Committee are:

  • Cr Stewart
  • Cr Wegener
  • Tim Cronin (Chairperson)
  • Ian Rushworth

Internal Audit & Risk and Opportunity Management

The Local Government Act 2009 requires Noosa Council to establish an effective and efficient internal audit function that that will provide independent, objective assurance and appropriate services designed to add value and improve Council’s operations. Noosa Council’s Internal Audit policy provides the framework for the conduct of the internal audit function in Council and has been endorsed by the Audit and Risk Committee. This Policy incorporates the internal audit duty requirements of the Local Government Act 2009 and relevant legislation, to ensure the effective and regular review of all operational, financial and related activities.

Equally, an important component of Council’s culture is that risks and opportunities are considered a part of normal business activity and that risks are managed consistently and systematically within a context of regulatory obligations, competing resources, financial and community priorities. As such, Council has adopted an Enterprise Risk and Opportunity Management Policy to ensure Council applies a systemic approach to the identification, management, mitigation and monitoring of risks and opportunities in alignment with Council’s strategic objectives and the Australian Standard AS/NZS ISO 31000.

Notice of Injury, Loss or Damage

If you have suffered damage, loss or injury and you believe your loss or damage to be from Council’s wrongdoing, you can apply to seek compensation from Council. Provision of this claims process is not an admission of liability on Council’s part.

Council treats all claims seriously and the circumstances of each claim are investigated on a case-by-case basis before making a fully informed decision.

Council is not automatically liable for a claim simply because it owns an asset and/or is responsible for the land the asset is located on (i.e. potholes, trees etc.) or when the damages are the direct result of a storm event (including rain and/or wind events), or other matters outside of Council’s control.

Council recommends that you seek professional legal advice if you are unsure about whether you are able to claim for your loss or damage.

Making a claim

If you wish to make a claim, there are two options:

  1. Make a claim against your own insurance policy – for a property or motor vehicle claim

Your insurer may consider seeking compensation against Noosa Council. Please note that this option may result in an initial upfront payment to your insurer for the applicable excess. In general, insurance companies will pursue Council for reimbursement where they consider Council to be liable. In such cases, the excess amount may be waived. You should discuss this with your insurer prior to lodging a claim with Council.

  1. Make a claim directly to Noosa Council – for a personal injury, property or motor Vehicle Claim

If you are seeking compensation directly from Noosa Council for injury, loss or damage arising from an incident, please complete the Claim Form and provide supporting documentation, quotes and images, as required. It is your responsibility to provide as much information and evidence substantiating your claim.

Assessing a claim

Council is required to follow due process when assessing any claim for compensation to ensure all claimants are treated equitably. Council will review the information you provide us and Council may also review its own records and take other investigative steps. If required, you may be contacted to provide further information. Council may consider its liability for the claim and may seek its own legal advice. Timeframes can vary due to factors outside of Council’s control, including delays in obtaining information and the complexity of the claim. Acceptance of a completed Claim form is not an automatic acceptance of liability.

Contact Us

Should you experience difficulty in completing the Claim Form or if you require further information, please contact:

Governance Branch
Noosa Shire Council
PO Box 141
Tewantin QLD 4565

Email: governance@noosa.qld.gov.au
Ph: (07) 5329 6500