2016-02-02 Planning & Organisation Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                            2 FEBRUARY 2016


The LEP Implementation Plan recognises that there are already a number of specific
projects currently underway across the organisation:

   regional projects
     -     business awards & expo;
     -     digital Sunshine Coast, infrastructure and skills development;
     -     agribusiness connections/networks;
   agribusiness sector profile;
   agriculture land use study; and
   advocating for improved internet and mobile connectivity.

It should be noted that the funding referred to in Attachment 1 only relates to specific
projects through the Economic Development Budget. Land use planning, infrastructure
projects, projects such as Rufous Street etc, are accounted for within other relevant
department budgets.

An allocation of $60,000 was made within the Economic Development budget to commence
implementation of the LEP in the 2015-16 financial year. There was also an amount left
over from the LEP development budget. This funding is proposed to be directed to the
following projects identified as priority 1 in the LEP:

   business assistance toolkit;
   business networking event;
   economic prospectus;
   industry sector economic profiles; and
   project management resources to commence planning on 2016-17 financial year
     projects to:
     -     explore establishment of an economic group;
     -     establish a business development grant fund; and
     -     establish a digital economy group.

Remaining priority 1 projects identified the LEP will be submitted by Economic Development
for consideration by Council as a part of the 2016-17 budget process. These include:

   maintaining up-to-date economic data and information for monitoring and tracking;
   establishing a single point of contact within Council for business;
   establishing a local economic group;
   establishing a business development program;
   establishing a business development grant fund;
   establishing a digital economy reference group;
   developing local food systems and establishing Noosa food and beverage branding;
   creative industries skills and industry development;
   supporting regional projects; and
   project management/assistance.

The LEP Implementation Plan has not assigned budget estimates to projects identified as
priority 2 and 3 because of the extended 5 year time frame of the LEP, and due to the review
and reporting process noted in the LEP where an annual review will be undertaken and the
plan updated if necessary. Therefore, future budget allocations will be considered as a part
of the annual LEP implementation planning and Council’s annual budget process.




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