2020-01-13 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                 13 JANUARY 2020


site and a lack of consistency between the models and the application documentation raise
concerns.
Given that insufficient detail has been provided to determine how the modelled strategies will fit
on site and no resolution of the inconsistencies, there is a risk that the strategies will not be able
to be successfully delivered within the current development layout.
3.4. Local Economic Plan
The Local Economic Plan (LEP) indicates a ‘focus of actions’ which provides an overview of the
intent of the LEP which is provided below.
Focus of Actions
    replace population growth with growth in industry sectors that have high economic value,
      particularly those that have a low environmental impact and export products and/or
      services outside of the Noosa Shire
    diversify the structure of the local economy and grow smart, high value industry sectors
      particularly those that export products and/or services outside of the Noosa Shire to limit
      exposure to sudden and/or unexpected negative changes in key industries
    encourage business growth in sectors that provide a wider range of employment options
      and pay scales
    utilise the strong Noosa brand to grow nominated priority industry sectors
    leverage local expertise to support the diversification of the local economy
    explore collaborative industry-driven models to deliver local economic development
    explore new models to fund local economic development
    Establish and/or strengthen existing alliances with stakeholder organisations and
      institutions, and governments to leverage resources and share information and
      connections.
In regard to retail the LEP states:
‘The construction, tourism and retail sectors have been, and will continue to be, key contributors
to Noosa Shire’s gross regional product and thus provide a significant number of jobs. It is the
intention of this Plan to recognise the contribution of these established industries and at the same
time focus on broadening Noosa Shire’s economic structure.’
Similar to and supporting The Noosa Plan’s Strategic Outcomes, the LEP sets out priority sectors
which are:
Item 6 - Priority Sectors:
•     Health and wellness
•     Digital economy
•     Rural enterprise
•     Environmental industries
•     Education and training
•     Tourism
•     Creative industries
•     Professional services
The proposal includes a range of uses which offer economic benefits across a number of
employment sectors and broadly align with the ‘Focus of Actions’. However, the proposed large-
scale retail also fundamentally conflicts with the LEP as it is not advancing the priority sectors
identified under Item 6 to diversify and broaden the economy.




                                                                                     Page 86 of 172