2018-05-08 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                       8 MAY 2018


2.   Purpose

The Noosa Cultural Plan 2018 – 2023 will be a key Council planning document aligning with, and
supporting, Council’s Corporate Plan and our vision “Noosa Shire – Different by Nature”.

The Cultural Plan recognises the value of arts, culture and heritage to the Noosa community, and
to Council itself, and aims to secure a healthy future for the cultural sector based on shared
aspirations and priorities. It outlines a range of goals and actions across the coming five years to
2023 to build on existing strengths, address essential gaps and take advantage of emerging
opportunities.

Importantly it articulates the role of Council in the delivery of the Cultural Plan and seeks to
harness and direct available resources and stakeholder support to achieve a healthy future for
the cultural sector.

3.   Methodology

The development of the draft Cultural Plan has largely been undertaken in-house through the
Community Services Department.

A Cultural Plan Reference Group was established in 2017 to provide advice and guiding support
for the duration of the development of the Cultural Plan. In addition, the Heritage Reference
Group has provided advice regarding the heritage aspects of the Plan. Both Reference Groups
are chaired by a Councillor and contain a mix of external stakeholders and key internal officers.

As a starting point for the planning process, Cathy Hunt of Positive Solutions, was contracted to
research and write a paper exploring some of the significant factors which should be considered
in the development of a local Noosa cultural strategy.

The research phase of the planning process also included:
• An audit of existing and proposed arts, culture and heritage activities, facilities and
   organisations in Noosa Shire;
• A literature review of the regional, state and national arts, culture and heritage sectors;
• Examination of arts, culture and heritage trends and their implications for the Noosa region;
• Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the local arts, culture and heritage sectors; and
• Identification of arts, cultural and heritage opportunities through events, services,
   partnerships and infrastructure.

Broad community and stakeholder engagements was undertaken through:
• Community workshops;
• Forums and focus groups;
• Specific arts and cultural events such as Floating Land;
• YourSayNoosa online portal and forum;
• Targeted consultation with key internal and external stakeholders;
• Social media; and
• Email consultation with registered people of interest.

The draft Cultural Plan has been considered by both Reference Groups and internal stakeholders
and is now at the appropriate stage for widespread community consultation.




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