2015-03-31 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 31 MARCH 2015


Council’s previous economic strategies for the Noosa region looked to support established
industries such as tourism and retail and grow emerging industries in knowledge, health &
lifestyle, creative and rural sectors, recognising that high value low impact businesses were best
suited to the Noosa economy. These strategies also recognised that the economy, environment
and social aspects of our community are interdependent. It was also recognised that economic
strategies were best developed and delivered in partnership with business and industry. These
themes remain relevant and set the scene for developing a Local Economic Plan for the Noosa
Shire.

2.     Council’s Role

Business and Industry drive economic development. Councils and other organisations and
agencies make a significant contribution to local economic development by influencing the ‘pre
conditions’ for a prosperous community.       A local government’s capacity to stimulate the
economy occurs through:
   Advocacy and leadership;
   Direct spending on infrastructure to enhance competitive advantage;
   Planning instruments, regulations and procurement policies;
   Economic programs; and
   The provision of objective and accurate information related to investment planning that allows
     business opportunities and risks to be more accurately assessed.

3.     A Local Economic Plan For Noosa Shire

Councillor Workshops identified the need for a Local Economic Plan for Noosa Shire to broaden
the economic base of the local economy, achieve growth in smart industry sectors, demonstrate
best use of available Council resources, adopt a smart approach to planning and recognise the
interdependence of the economy with the environment and community.

It should also:
 Provide a policy statement that is easily understood and clearly explains the philosophy
     behind why we are doing what we do;
 Be a plan capable of evolving and span a 5 year time frame;
 Be market driven;
 Clearly express Council’s roles which may include facilitating, enabling, connecting,
     partnering and direct delivery;
 Recognise innovation as a key driver of business growth;
 Value education and a skilled and talented workforce and business community;
 Be realistic, achievable and sufficiently resourced;
 Recognise and leverage the Noosa Biosphere status; and
 Be developed through consultation and engagement with the community.

4.     Establishing a Project Focus Group

Part of the engagement process to develop a Noosa Shire Local Economic Plan includes the
establishment of a Project Focus Group.      The Project Focus Group should consist of
approximately 10 members.




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