2021-05-11 Services & Organisation Committee Meeting Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                          11 MAY 2021


      A Management Committee will be established to nurture the working relationship with that
       Committee to be to be co-chaired by the Noosa Council CEO and the University Pro Vice-
       Chancellor (Engagement).
      The Council can have an additional member of the Management Committee and the
       recommendation proposes that the additional member from Noosa Council be a Councillor and
       the Council will need to select one of the Councillors to represent it on that Committee.
      Sitting beneath the Engagement Committee, both Council and the University will establish a
       joint MOU Working Group comprising relevant operational staff. This group will focus on
       identifying specific projects that their respective organisations can consider. From Council’s
       perspective, at staff level this will be led by our Economic Development team (Carolyn Bullen)
       who also has carriage of the Noosa Education and Training Alliance (NETA Group).
      The intent of the MOU is for Council and USC to work through a process to identify specific
       projects will that we can work on together to give effect to the MOU. The types of projects that
       could be developed could include:
       o      Research Projects – Noosa Council may be able to identify particular subjects/areas that
              it wishes to have researched while at the same time, USC has PhD and other students
              looking to undertake real-life research projects. This MOU provides an opportunity for
              collaboration in that regard to ensure that research undertaken has a real life application
              and would create benefits for the Noosa community.
       o      Student and Education development - opportunities for USC to undertake student
              placements at Noosa Council and for Noosa Council to consider student graduate
              programs to provide real life learning opportunities to support student studies. Similarly,
              USC may be able to provide training programs for Council staff to support ongoing
              professional development.
       o      Engagement – working together on events and symposiums to increase opportunities
              for education in the Noosa area.
       o      Other projects such as opportunities for Council to link up innovative businesses based
              in Noosa with University researchers to continue to develop new products and services
              that may have commercial value.

Previous Council Consideration
Nil.

Finance
There are no financial implications in signing the MOU. There may be a financial cost to Council in
entering into any detailed subsequent agreements for the University to undertake research or other
activities on Council’s behalf. This will be determined as we develop further detailed projects for
consideration.

Risks & Opportunities
Establishing this Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Sunshine Coast will
provide opportunities for both the University and Council to develop their ongoing relationship. There
are some specific opportunities to develop projects that focus on research, student and education
opportunities and supporting engagement of education opportunities in the Noosa Shire.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Vice Chancellor of USC
Pro Vice Chancellor (Engagement) of USC



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