Economic Needs Analysis Report · MCU15/0122

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1       BACKGROUND

Urban Economics was commissioned by Medicentre Properties to prepare this Economic
Needs Analysis for a proposed medical centre at Noosaville. Although opposite the Noosa
Hospital, the proposed medical centre is within the Detached Housing Zone under the Noosa
Shire Plan 2006 and is impact assessable.

This Economic Needs Analysis examines the need for and potential impact of the proposed
medical centre development, and will accompany an Impact Assessable Material Change of
Use Application to be assessed by Noosa Shire Council.

Urban Economics is an experienced economic and market research consultancy based in
South East Queensland, having considerable experience in providing advice to the property
sector, including retailing, commercial, industrial, health, tourism and residential projects.

1.2       STUDY OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY

The overall objective of this Analysis is to examine need for the proposed Medical Centre on
the subject site. It is noted that the proposed development concept seeks to include a range
of health services, and related tenancies as well as supporting uses including a café. Need for
the proposed development examine demand for additional health care services, the location
and mix of existing health care services and the capacity for existing activity centres to
accommodate additional demand, relative to the subject site. In examining need for the
proposed Medical Centre, Urban Economics has:

         Inspected the site, noting surrounding land uses and facilities
         Reviewed the plans for the proposed development
         Identified and located the mix of existing health care facilities within the Noosa Shire,
          identifying potential gaps in the mix of health care services available
         Defined a potential Catchment Area for the proposed Medical Centre
         Estimated the population living within the Catchment Area and the projected growth
          of the population
         Examined the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population of
          the Catchment Area, including key changes over time
         Identified and critiqued other key activities eg. schools, hospitals, recreational
          facilities and employment precincts that may also represent potential target markets
          for presentations at the Medical Centre
         Examined trends in the utilisation of health care services and practices
         Assessed the demand for health care services
         Critiqued the capacity for existing centres such as the Noosaville Medical and
          Professional Centre and the Noosaville Business Centre to accommodate the
          proposed development

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