THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GRANTS POLICY REVIEW · Report

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING                                         8 AUGUST 2023


Theme No. 3 - Prosperity
Focus areas include economic development, local business, innovation, arts & culture, waste and a
circular economy.
The Economic Development Grants Policy has the potential to support all objectives via funding
through the Grants Program



Previous Council Consideration
Ordinary Meeting Minutes 16 November 2017 – Economic Development Grants Policy was
endorsed.
Finance
$40,000 has been allocated to this program in the 2023/24 budget. Council determines the total
allocation of funds to the Economic Development Grants Program through its annual budget
process.

Risk & Opportunities
   •   Continued lack of                 •   Develop supportive media plan to relaunch program
       engagement from business              and highlight changes.
       community
                                         •   One on one meetings with Chamber Representatives
                                             to discuss potential eligible projects.
                                         •   Utilise Business Roundtable channels to encourage
                                             greater engagement in program.

                                         •   Program will be monitored and reviewed after
                                             2023/2024.
   •   Negative feedback on the
                                         •   Further revisions may be applied.
       new program
                                         •   Council may choose to cease program due to lack of
                                             demand.



Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
Consultation was conducted with one-on-one interviews with the Chambers, and former applicants,
including:

   •   Noosa Chamber of Commerce
   •   Noosaville Business Association
   •   Noosa Junction Association
   •   Zero Emissions Noosa
   •   Hastings St Association
   •   Landcare Noosa
   •   Cooroy Chamber of Commerce
Internal Consultation