Noosa VMU RFI Response Lodged 23.11.23 · MCU23/0078

     to locate in the NBC, so that it is able to fulfil its role as a vibrant business and employment
     centre, consistent with Noosa Plan’s policy objectives.


2.   The attached Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) prepared by Deep End reconfirms that there is
     an undisputable economic need for additional retail provision (well beyond what is proposed at
     the NBC in the combined VMU and Stage 2 of the Noosa Civic) to serve the needs of the local
     community and visitors, and that the combined proposals will not compromise the hierarchy of
     centres across the Noosa Shire.

     The EIA further concludes that the retail hierarchy planned for in the current Noosa Plan 2020
     does not allow for levels of retail floorspace provision that would be consistent with the intended
     strategic roles of centres within Noosa Shire, and in particular the designation of the NBC as a
     Major Regional Activity Centre. There is a need for additional floorspace to resolve the current
     inadequate provision, as well as additional floorspace development into the future to support
     ongoing growth. Refer to the detailed economic assessment in the attached EIA.

3.   Refer to our response to Item 1 above in relation to the estimated long term employment
     generation of the VMU, Stage 2 of Noosa Civic and across the balance of the NBC.

     We expect that Council’s concern that the VMU proposal may impact on the NBC’s long term
     ability to generate business and innovation employment is now alleviated given that the proposal
     has been amended so that proposed land uses are contained within the boundaries of the various
     Precincts identified for the NBC under the Noosa Plan wherever practically possible and the retail
     floorspace has been limited to the areas contemplated under the Noosa Plan.

4.   The EIA states that the retail hierarchy planned for in the current Noosa Plan 2020 does not allow
     for levels of retail floorspace provision that would be consistent with the intended strategic roles
     of centres within Noosa Shire, and in particular the designation of the NBC as a Major Regional
     Activity Centre. There is a need for additional floorspace to resolve the current inadequate
     provision, as well as additional floorspace development into the future to support ongoing
     growth.

     In any event, given that the VMU and Stage 2 Noosa Civic developments now limit the retail floor
     space proposed to that which is contemplated in the respective Precincts under the current
     provisions of the Noosa Plan, it no longer seems necessary to pursue/resolve this item in the
     assessment.

5.   Amended proposal plans are attached which amongst other things:

         •   respond to Council’s request to ensure Main Street is activated with a mix of shops, food
             and drink outlets, administrative and health care services proposed at street level;

         •   centres the development around a Village Green that is 3000m2 in area and provides the
             important function of connecting the existing Noosa Civic centre (from the pedestrian
             bridge proposed) through the VMU to Main Street, and beyond to the eastern residential

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