2021-06-16 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                                   16 JUNE 2021


Submission Topic   Detail
                   Submission 63
                   Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the 2021-22 Noosa Council
                   Budget. My concern is around tourism and the funding of Tourism Noosa ($2.52m) and
                   the activities of Tourism Noosa.

                   It is my opinion that the marketing of Noosa has been to the detriment of permanent
                   residents, that we are now in a phase of over-tourism and Noosa being “loved to death”.
                   The constant promotion of Noosa has contributed to the increase in Short Term Letting
                   to the detriment of residents in low and medium density areas and to providers of
                   “legitimate” Holiday Accommodation including hotels, motels and registered B&Bs.
                   Tourism Noosa’s promotions feel like advertising for the sake of justifying their
                   organisation and spending their budget.

                   I would like to see the funding of Tourism Noosa reduced in this budget and in
                   subsequent budgets to the point that they are self-funding. Funds no longer paid to
                   Tourism Noosa could be allocated to transport improvements including a permanent
                   free bus service like that provided in tourist towns like Santa Barbara, USA. The holiday
                   bus service in Noosa over the past couple of years has been excellent but would be
                   even better if offered year-round. Thank you for your consideration.

                   Submission 64
                   RE: Proposed budget changes to the Tourism & Economic Development Levy
                   distribution

                   Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the budget review to the Tourism
                   & Economic Development levy distribution. Our members are the largest collective
                   contributor (42%) towards this levy therefore the Hastings Street Association place
                   significant importance on the distribution of these funds, so they are used specifically
                   for the tourism industry, from whom it is collected.

                   The Hastings Street Association will oppose the proposed amendments until such time
                   that Noosa Council can guarantee that tourism is clearly stated in budget
                   documentation and these funds are set aside from general rates. The management of
                   these funds must be fully transparent through Council’s monthly reporting cycle to
                   ensure Noosa Council remains accountable to the tourism sector. We acknowledge
                   Noosa Council’s view that tourism is a key economic driver for Noosa however until the
                   guarantees outlined above are received the Hastings Street Association will remain
                   opposed to the proposed changes.




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