2015-09-15 Infrastructure and Services Committee Att 1 to Item 4 The J Business Plan 2015-18

Our future
The next three years present an opportunity to position The J for the longer term as the
environment changes.

Council plans and policies
As Noosa Council develops plans and policies for community, cultural, economic and educational
outcomes, The J will need to position itself to support the goals of Council and the Noosa
community. Current work on a social strategy and planned work on a cultural plan may highlight
opportunities for The J to further develop its contribution to community life.



Lease and MOU changes
At the time of developing this plan Council was finalising MOUs and lease agreements with three
significant users:

        University of Sunshine Coast has flagged its intention to continue to lease The J for a further
         ten years
        Sunshine Coast Radio has indicated it intends to remain in the premises for the foreseeable
         future
        Hillsong Church has indicated willingness to sign a three-year MOU to continue its extensive
         usage of the facility for services and activities.

These arrangements offer The J a buffer against financial uncertainty, and help to activate the
venue and increase its profile. During the period of this plan, The J will need to develop plans to
replace any one of these users if they do not continue the current arrangements. In particular, any
exit by Sunshine Coast Radio would offer an opportunity to increase revenue through a lease on a
commercial basis.



Proposals to redevelop The J and/ or develop alternative venues
Since The J was built, stakeholders have suggested alterations to increase its seating capacity and
improve aspects of its functionality including acoustics. The Service Review included an option to
modify The J to seat 450 (an increase of 110) at an estimated cost of $5 to $6 million.

Meanwhile, the local Chamber of Commerce is seeking support for a feasibility study to develop a
conference facility in the carpark of The J. Sunshine Coast Council continues to support a proposal
to develop a large convention and exhibition centre at Maroochydore (as yet unfunded). Sunshine
Coast Council continues to review the future of the Nambour Civic Centre as the lease for that
facility approaches its end point.

Council will need to consider future development of The J, and expansion of its facilities, in the
context of venue provision on the whole Sunshine Coast.




The J Business Plan 2015-2018                                                                 31