2021-12-13 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                  13 DECEMBER 2021


9     DRAFT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2021 - 2030

Author            Carolyn Bullen, Economic Development Advisor,
                  Environment & Sustainable Development

Index             ECM/ Economic Development/Local Economic Plan 102.06 & 102.07

Attachments       1.    Draft Economic Development Strategy 2021-2030 (38 page attachment
                        provided separately to this agenda)
                  2.    Noosa Economic Plan Review Update Report 2021 (46 page attachment
                        provided separately to this agenda)


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Local Economic Plan (LEP) adopted by Council in 2016 had a five year life span. Given this
timeframe, a review process has been undertaken to refresh and refocus the Council’s Economic
Development Strategy (the strategy).
Following internal and external consultation as noted below, the draft strategy has been developed,
and this report is seeking Council endorsement of this draft strategy. Once adopted, the draft strategy
will be refined (appropriately branded) for publication.
This Economic Development Strategy clarifies the aims, objectives and outcomes sought locally
within the context of environmental stewardship. It will guide the effort of Council and particularly the
Economic Development team whose work seeks to heighten the profile of economic issues, support
appropriate business growth, scope out development opportunities, and nurture conditions
conducive to business success in Noosa Shire
The aim of the strategy is to continue to pursue diversification of the local economy to build resilience,
increased employment opportunities in higher value industry sectors and continued economic
growth.
Council is committed to pursuing a robust and resilient local economy that recognises the importance
of skilled and talented people; has the necessary infrastructure to accelerate employment growth;
supports the sustainability of businesses, industries and technologies; and creates a business
environment that provides a range of diverse employment opportunities.
Our new economic vision seeks to transition to “a Smart biosphere”.
A Smart biosphere connects the strong environmental societal values of our community to future
focused, technology and data driven actions to find creative and resourceful solutions to economic
challenges.
Traditional Economic Development Strategies outline a sector-based approach to delivering
economic growth and specific industry development. This strategy takes a different approach. The
focus is on economic growth enablers and the philosophy that bold leadership, strong business
ecosystems, investment in enabling infrastructure and a culture of entrepreneurship are the very
foundation of a strong, healthy and resilient local economy.
This strategy has a clear expectation of outcomes that will drive everything Council does in pursuit
of our Vision and goals. These include:
•     A diverse & resilient local economy less reliant on volatile industries
•     Increased number of high value jobs that retain local talent
•     A skilled and talented workforce driving innovation
•     Infrastructure that accelerates industry development and smart precincts
•     Businesses maximising global opportunities and selling to the world
•     Successful home-based businesses and remote workers
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