2018-19 A Year in Review

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
 The Peregian Beach Digital Hub was officially
   opened on 12 September 2018. In its first year of
   operation, it has exceeded the proposed budget
   performance and has a solid tenant and co-worker
   base. Council has an excellent Digital Hub Director
   who has curated an interesting and industry relevant
   series of programs to grow the digital sector in
   Noosa. Council has also received a $75,000 State
   Government Grant to continue to grow the program
   component at the Hub.

   Council continued to successfully implement its
    Local Economic Plan. Unemployment rates in Noosa continue to be below other areas – Noosa 5.7%,
    compared to the balance of the Sunshine Coast, 6.3% and Queensland, 6.1%. Over 80% of the
    initiatives in the Local Economic Plan adopted in 2015 have been implemented or are substantially
    underway.

   Council and Tourism Noosa worked together on the Sustainable Tourism Stakeholder Reference
    Group. This brings together approximately 15 different groups from the business, community and
    environmental sectors to consider challenges associated with how Noosa can manage the success it
    has achieved in becoming a premier tourism destination with increased visitation. The Sustainable
    Tourism Stakeholder Reference Group is continuing to meet to work towards an Accord and Action
    Plan.

Other Initiatives to enable Council to achieve its goal for this theme
 Council continued to work closely with                    Council introduced improved CCTV cameras
   Regional Development Australia (Sunshine                     in Hastings Street to ensure that our premier
   Coast) on a range of projects including the                  commercial precinct remains a safe and
   successful SCRIPT program to develop                         welcoming area. The CCTV system included
   innovation on the Sunshine Coast.                            high definition cameras and number plate
 Council facilitated the establishment of the                  recognition technology.
   Noosa Education and Training Alliance – an               Council continued an audit of business
   alliance with representatives from all of the                signage across the shire and also provided
   schools, universities and training providers in              information to the operators while the audit
   Noosa working collaboratively to advance                     was being undertaken. Council has also
   education and training opportunities and                     undertaken community consultation on
   pathways for the Noosa community.                            proposed new signage laws.
 Council has been negotiating with the State               Council invested in our Noosa River Holiday
   government regarding the acquisition of the                  Park by replacing both the large and small
   former TAFE site at Tewantin. These                          amenity buildings. This continues to make
   negotiations include Council making an offer                 this holiday park a highly attractive
   to the State government to purchase the site                 destination with almost 96% occupancy rates
   but no contract has yet been signed.                         for 2018/19.