2021-08-16 General Committee Meeting Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                      16 AUGUST 2021


1.3     Corporate Plan Theme 3: The Noosa Economy
“Our economy is diverse and resilient”

Key achievements as we work towards our long term goal include:

Specific Operational Plan Priorities
     Council continued to successfully implement its Local Economic Plan (LEP) in partnership with
      local businesses, government agencies and key industry groups. The sharp downturn in the
      economy following the onset of COVID in 2020 was followed by a steady recovery, particularly
      for the tourism accommodation sector as Australians holidayed at home due to the absence of
      international travel. However, not all sectors of the economy shared in that recovery with many
      businesses continuing to face difficult trading conditions.
     The Local Economic Plan review is well underway with background research complete and
      consultation with the Business Roundtable. An Economic Strategy 2021 Discussion Paper has
      been released for comment and the new Economic Strategy will be finalised in late 2021. This
      is an important strategic directions policy that will help guide the development of the Noosa
      economy in the post-COVID environment.
     Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of the Sunshine Coast.
      This provides the Council and USC with a framework to work on projects, undertake joint
      research and provide work experience for University students.
     The Peregian Digital Hub, in its third year of operation, is now home to more than 50 technology
      specialists and is building a strong network of digital sector sub-groups, with membership
      exceeding 1,000 digital marketers, coders, screen and music producers. The Digital Hub is using
      more than $2M in government grants to establish the FireTech Living Lab program which will
      establish Noosa as the centre of excellence for fire technology development and testing.
     The Noosa Education and Training Alliance (NETA) has expanded and is progressing projects
      that include education & industry pathways and the establishment of a Future Skills Learning
      Hub.
     Plans have been finalised to remodel the existing Peregian Community House as the next stage
      of the Digital Hub. Funding from the FireTech grant will support additional high tech fitout of that
      area. Construction will commence in 2021/22.

Other Initiatives to enable Council to achieve its goal for this theme
     Noosa Council worked with local businesses through the Business Roundtable to provide
      targeted economic development support through the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the response
      and recovery phases. This was a major focus in the 12 month period.
     Council COVID-19 support for the local economy and businesses included:
      o Working with the Business Roundtable with representatives from local business associations,
         State and Federal Government agencies and other key stakeholders. The group provided a
         forum for business support, advocacy and the distribution of COVID safe information for local
         businesses.
      o Providing a subsidised Business Support Panel which offered mentoring and free specialist
         business advice to affected businesses.
      o Implementing a 9-point Business Recovery Framework to drive the post COVID economic
         recovery.
      o Providing fee relief to businesses and organisations and reducing payment terms to 7 days
         for local suppliers.


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