Development Assessment Report · MCU18/0019

PROJECT URBAN – 17365                                                                       January 2018

Summary

This needs analysis confirms that there exists strong demand for further aged care facilities in
Noosa Shire, with Noosa aging at a faster rate than the rest of Queensland. Projections estimate
a shortfall of 251 beds by 2026. The proposed 90 bed facility fits well within this projected
demand.

The applicant has demonstrated at a Federal level that the facility will meet the needs of the aged
community, having achieved the necessary bed licence.

Limited land availability, particularly suitably zoned sites exist. The proposed site location
provides a suitable alternative achieving the desired locational distribution of facilities and co-
location opportunity with the Noosa Hospital and other nearby medical/community facilities.


7.8.2      ECONOMIC BENEFIT

A preliminary Economic Impact Assessment has been undertaken by Sister City Partners and is
attached. The economic impact assessment considers the overall context of the aged care sector
and trends in Australian aged care; Noosa’s Economic Development Plan; and the estimated
impacts on economic output and employment during both the construction phase and the
subsequent operational phase of the facility.

The economic impact assessment provides the following key conclusions:
   The project contributes to Noosa closing the gap in the provision of aged care beds, which is
    recognized in the Noosa Shire Economic Plan as being below the appropriate beds-to-
    population ratio.
   The project has clear economic benefits in both direct and flow-on employment terms.
    a. This is the case during the initial 16 months of construction in which 158 full time
        equivalent jobs across diverse sectors and roles can be expected to be supported.
    b. Furthermore, the economic impact modelling estimates that a further 178 full time
        equivalent jobs across diverse sectors and occupations will be supported annually as a
        result of the ongoing operations of the proposed aged care facility.
   The project is consistent with the strategic aspirations articulated in the Noosa Shire
    Economic Plan to diversify Noosa’s economic base by supporting the development of smart
    industries that leverage off the region’s competitive advantages in sectors like aged care,
    health and wellness.
   The project reinforces the direction articulated in the Economic Plan and associated Action
    Plan to drive industry collaboration and clustering, with the possibility of establishing a centre
    of aged care excellence in Noosa.
   The project contributes to the building of critical mass in the aged care sector that would
    contribute to the creation of centre of excellence and reinforce of Noosa as desirable
    destination for retirement living.
   The location of the project contributes to the Noosa Hospital and Central Queensland
    University Noosa Campus precinct as a locus of activity in the provision of aged care facilities
    and services, further contributing to the development of clustering critical mass.

DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT REPORT                                                              Page 31 of 34
Material Change of Use – Aged Care Facility
52 - 62 Goodchap Street and 3 - 11 Val Crescent
Noosaville Qld 4566