2021-06-16 Special Meeting Agenda

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA                                                                      16 JUNE 2021


                                                                                          ATTACHMENT 1
Summary of Your Say Noosa Draft Budget Ideas

 No.   Contribution
 1*    RE: Noosa Council Draft Budget 2021-22

       I strongly object to proposed changes to the Tourism Levy, as outlined in draft Budget papers, and
       disagree with the statement that "Tourism promotion has evolved into core Council business".
       Tourism promotion has sat with Tourism Noosa for 20 years, an organisation that professionally,
       transparently and strategically promotes the destination, with great success. Our increasing visitor
       spend (reaching a record $1.2 billion in the months before Covid) and the recent Queensland's Top
       Tourism Town Award (Tourism Noosa's submission) are 2 recent examples. I urge you to maintain
       the current Tourism Levy structure and continue to fund Tourism Noosa's operations well into the
       future.

 2*    RE: Noosa Council Draft Budget 2021-22

       The proposal to bring the Tourism and Economic Development Levy under General Rates is
       alarming for the tourism industry. Where will we see the current transparency around how our
       Tourism Levy funds are used, as we do in Tourism Noosa's Annual Reports? With protection
       removed, there is no guarantee that Council or future Councils will continue to use the funds for
       their purpose, or will even fund Tourism Noosa for the purpose of tourism promotion. In this
       uncertain Covid world, now more than ever before our tourism industry needs security and the work
       of Tourism Noosa.

 3     Rate increase for short term stays

       Surely it must get to a point for some people renting a unit or flat or room, that it is no longer
       financially viable. With levies, rate increases and now having to pay a local agent, the costs
       associated are prohibitive to short term letting for some. Less accom options = less tourists = less
       dollars!

 4*    Re. proposed changes to the Tourism Levy

       I strongly object to proposed changes to the Tourism Levy, as outlined in draft Budget papers, and
       disagree with the statement that "Tourism promotion has evolved into core Council business".
       Tourism promotion has sat with Tourism Noosa for 20 years, an organisation that professionally,
       transparently and strategically promotes the destination, with great success. Our increasing visitor
       spend (reaching a record $1.2 billion in the months before Covid) and the recent Queensland's Top
       Tourism Town Award (Tourism Noosa's submission) are 2 recent examples. I urge you to maintain
       the current Tourism Levy structure and continue to fund Tourism Noosa's operations well into the
       future.

 5*    Protect Tourism!!

       I strongly object to proposed changes to the Tourism Levy, as outlined in draft Budget papers, and
       disagree with the statement that "Tourism promotion has evolved into core Council business".
       Tourism promotion has sat with Tourism Noosa for 20 years, an organisation that professionally,
       transparently and strategically promotes the destination, with great success. Our increasing visitor
       spend (reaching a record $1.2 billion in the months before Covid) and the recent Queensland's Top
       Tourism Town Award (Tourism Noosa's submission) are 2 recent examples. I urge you to maintain
       the current Tourism Levy structure and continue to fund Tourism Noosa's operations well into the
       future.

 6     re proposed changes to the Tourism Levy, I disagree with the statement that "Tourism
       promotion has evolved into core Council business"




                                                                                               Page 9 of 47