TOURISM NOOSA FUNDING AGREEMENT · Report

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                                11 APRIL 2023


Currently NSC provides funding to TN through a historic MOU, that is limited in it’s ability to be legally
binding and does not provide TN with clear direction as to NSC requirements for expenditure. The
funding of TN occurs through the General Rate, with 5.8% of the annual general rate committed
towards tourism and economic development. The current funding quantum for TN is $2.252M, this
is exclusive of GST and has been static through the life of the previous agreement with the exception
of grant or specific project funding from time to time. It is recommended that funding is not increased
for the life of the new agreement and that internal business efficiencies and the exploration of new
revenue streams drive funding growth. NSC has advised that funding increases must be achieved
through an internal efficiency dividend and that NSC will assist, by ceasing the pass through of
overhead charges.

The attached funding and performance deed recommended for execution is a significant “step up”
from the previous MOU and clearly sets NSC’s expectation of TN as a primary funder. Key elements
of the deed are as per the below:

   ▪   Industry Stakeholder Collaboration
Demonstrated linkages with industry bodies such as Visit Sunshine Coast and Tourism & Events
Queensland through various marketing and industry development opportunities.

   ▪   Marketing
An annual marketing plan for destination marketing activities is to be developed to attract high value
travellers from intrastate, interstate and international markets. The plan will detail marketing
activations, TN member co-operative opportunities, market segments, expenditure and anticipated
return on investment.

   •   Regional dispersal throughout the Shire
A regional dispersal strategy for high value travellers is to continue and progress to be reported.

   •   Business Events
Meeting Incentives Conventions Exhibitions (MICE) market program or equivalent program to be
developed, that includes NSC facilities, demonstrating high value, low volume corporate visitors with
a focus on non peak days of the week and/or non peak seasons.

   •   Events
Both parties agree to avoid any duplication of funding or expenditure in relation to “Events”
(management, assessment, advisory etc) within Noosa. To avoid duplication NSC and TN will
continue discussions as to the framework and appropriate event funding mechanism and this will
become an Appendix to the Agreement with a focus on TN’s role in attracting high value visitors to
the region. To build on the current TN event support policy, an event attraction, retention, and
delivery strategy will be developed should TN’s funding of events continue whether in kind or via a
grant process.

   •   Visitor Information Centre
VIC activities to be enhanced and the implementation of Hinterland VICs is to be explored on a
partnership basis with existing Hinterland businesses, along with further and diversified revenue
streams.



   •   Sustainability