2019-03-12 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   12 MARCH 2019


Storage issues continue at The J and have been exacerbated by USC recently identifying a
storage room utilised by The J is in fact part of the USC lease area. As a result, The J has lost
access to this room and materials previously stored in it are being temporarily housed throughout
the venue. Management have identified possible storage solutions and will seek capital funding
to activate them as a high priority. As an added bonus, some proposed solutions will also
improve WHS practices within the facility.

A majority of The J’s AV equipment is now over a decade old and much of it is nearing end of life.
With technology in this space advancing rapidly and customer expectations increasing in line with
this, The J will need to continue to renew AV equipment on a regular basis. Council’s recent
provision of capital funding for some renewal has been appreciated and a similar provision for
2019/20 will be sought. In addition, The J’s major PA system has recently experienced faults and
required repair, with technicians recommending full replacement in the near future. This will be a
large expense for the facility and again capital funding will be sought.

As agreement has been reached around the reduction of box office hours and other measures
designed to encourage a greater proportion of online ticket sales, the functionality of The J’s
current ticketing system takes on an even greater importance. As such, staff have commenced
consideration of the performance of the current system and will soon look to compare its
offerings to alternative systems with the view to ensuring the best possible customer experience.

FUTURE DIRECTION

The J
 The J will continue to operate as a multipurpose community venue that caters for a wide
   range of events, users and activities. It is envisaged that the increase in activity will continue,
   however theatre/auditorium availability is becoming more limited, particularly between July
   and December due mostly to popular events being held during this period (Noosa Alive, film
   festivals, end of year/season performances, and Christmas events).
 Development of an updated business plan.
 Consideration of the best ticketing system for The J moving forward.
 Continue to foster a positive relationship with USC and welcome the new International
   Development Department in February 2019.
 Ongoing liaison with Noosa FM Community Radio to finalise their new lease (as per Council
   agreement late in 2018) and monitor their ability to meet the lease requirements.
 Continued refinement of The J’s digital marketing initiatives, to build on an already very
   strong platform.
 Further consideration of future capital works funding, including the provision of additional
   storage, remedial deck works, improved loading dock area and AV equipment renewals.
 Ongoing consideration of energy efficiency initiatives, including additional LED lighting, in
   consultation with the ZEN team.

BCC
 Continue to support our tenants within BCC.
 Negotiate lease agreement of the Annexe building with Montessori Noosa, commencing
   2020.

Previous Council Consideration

Nil.



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