2021-10-12 Planning & Environment Committee Meeting Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   12 OCTOBER 2021


The total SROI value of the Digital Hub – inclusive of the above and other benefits - is calculated to
be: $4.8m for 2020/21.
This is calculated on a conservative basis, meaning the true value is likely to be under-valued. This
does not include the value of capital grants awarded through the Digital Hub (Firetech). This does
not allow for COVID-19 impacts, as these were unable to be accurately estimated, although
stakeholders explained impaired trading conditions.
The digital community is accessing broad markets from their base in the Noosa locality. Trade is
taking place with clients across SEQ, Queensland, Australia and international markets. The digital
community is also confident they can continue to work and grow their business from Noosa.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Acting Director Environment and Sustainable Development, to
the Planning & Environment Committee meeting dated 12 October 2021 providing a full year report
on the performance and activities of The Hub for the period 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 and a Social
Return on Investment evaluation.

REPORT
This report provides an update and review of the performance and activities at the Peregian Digital
Hub (The Digital Hub), for the 12 months to 30 June 2021. The impact of the COVID pandemic has
made it a challenging operating period with lockdowns, event restrictions and social distancing
making it difficult at times to have the Hub providing its full suite of services.
Pleasingly, a loyal base of members, tenants, industry partners, staff, parents and students have
remained committed to the project and maintained its vibrant and positive culture through uncertain
times during the year.
The report timeframe covers the third year of operation and recognising the increasing maturity of
the Digital Hub a full and independent assessment of the value of this ratepayer investment has
been completed. The full report is attached and Key highlights included within the body of this report.
The Digital Hub is a purpose-built facility designed to house multiple digital companies and
professional in an open, modern environment suited to collaboration and co-working. The Digital
Hub’s cutting-edge architecture accommodates a mix of established technology enterprises in
private office spaces as well as individual entrepreneurs, digital specialists and technologists
operating in an open, collaborative environment.
The Digital Hub’s Co-Lab space hosts an exciting program of events and activities. It features a
creative studio and makerspace, presentation space with grandstand and a modular classroom for
mentoring and skills development. An on-site barista and reception service (Barception) operates
from The Digital Hub’s canteen.
“The Digital Hub vision is to help make Noosa the best community on earth for people who want to
work in the digital economy, play by the ocean and raise a family.
Our mission is to foster a digital ecosystem which attracts entrepreneurs, talent and clientele from
around the world and provides meaningful employment for thousands of residents.
We will achieve this by attracting, supporting and developing the talent that make this possible”

1.    FINANCE
The commercial viability of the Digital Hub remains tightly coupled to the health of Noosa’s emerging
digital ecosystem. Without a strong base of technology entrepreneurs and digital businesses, there
will be insufficient demand to sustain the Hub’s facilities and services.
The objective of the Hub is therefore to operate a commercially sustainable digital collaboration
facility whilst delivering public service outcomes that build the digital industry and assist Council to
meet the objectives of its Economic Development Strategy.

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