Meeting papers

As regulator, Noosa Council supports sustainable event delivery by applying requirements proportionate to
event scale and risk, supporting event organisers to improve sustainability performance through the
Sustainable Event Guidelines and 50 Shades of Green, and encouraging continuous improvement in
environmental performance.


8.Event Support and Funding
8.1 Why Events Matter
Council supports events because they contribute to Noosa’s community, economy and identity. Events:
   • Bring people together and strengthen community life
   • Support local businesses and economic activity
   • Enhance Noosa’s appeal as a place to live and visit
At the same time, events rely on use of public spaces, infrastructure and a range of Council services. Council’s
role is to ensure that support is applied in a way that is balanced, appropriate and aligned with community
values and expectations and, within a reasonable carrying capacity of the place in which they are being held.

8.2 Funding and Investment
Noosa Council currently provides financial support to events through a range of funding and sponsorship
programs that support community, cultural, environmental, sporting and destination-related outcomes. These
programs have evolved over time to respond to different community needs, strategic priorities and event types.
Council's investment in events reflects the important contribution events make to community connection,
business activity, cultural expression, environmental stewardship and placemaking across Noosa. Funding
programs support a diverse range of activities, from locally led community events through to larger destination
events that deliver broader economic, visitation and destination outcomes.
This Strategic Framework does not replace existing funding programs, nor does it prescribe future funding
allocations or sponsorship levels. Rather, it provides the strategic context that will inform future consideration
of Council's event funding and investment approach.
As part of implementing this Framework, Council will review the alignment of event funding, sponsorship and
support programs to ensure they continue to reflect the Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic
Priorities outlined in this document. This review will be undertaken progressively through the implementation of
the Action Plan and associated policy framework.
A summary of Council's current event funding and sponsorship programs is provided in Appendix 3 –
Sponsorship and Funding Overview. Detailed program guidelines, eligibility criteria and funding arrangements
remain subject to separate Council policies, programs and annual budget processes.


8.3 Cost Recovery
Events create demand on public spaces, infrastructure and Council services, including staff time, site
preparation and compliance oversight. Cost recovery ensures these impacts are managed in a fair, transparent
and financially sustainable way.
Council’s approach is guided by its adopted Fees and Charges Schedule, which sets how fees are applied for
permits, approvals and use of public land, in line with legislative requirements.
Fees are applied on a proportionate basis, reflecting:
   • the type and purpose of the event (community, commercial or private)
   • the scale, complexity and impact of the event
   • the level of Council services and resources required
Under this approach:
   • Commercial or privately beneficial events contribute more toward the costs they generate
   • Community and not-for-profit events may receive reduced fees, recognising their social value
   • Higher-impact events contribute more toward management and restoration costs


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