2015-03-03 Infrastructure & Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                               3 MARCH 2015


Cooroy Lower Mill Board Proposal

Under this proposal the Cooroy Lower Mill Board would lease and manage the Butter Factory. It
would develop and coordinate programs and activities in partnership with other groups as well as
hiring out spaces. This would enable the visual arts and pottery aspects to continue, as well as
expand activities to incorporate a number of the ideas that have been identified in the community
consultation process.
The Cooroy Lower Mill Board is a not for profit community based organisation with a long
standing association with the Lower Mill site and strong links to the Cooroy and hinterland
community.
The Cooroy Lower Mill Board’s proposal would require Council to continue to maintain the
building and also requires an initial subsidy for start-up expenses and a project officer to
coordinate and promote activities at the Butter Factory. The Mill Board believe that in the medium
to long term (three plus years) they can reduce the subsidy requirement for the project officer.

Centre for Ceramic Excellence Proposal

This proposal sees the Butter Factory develop as a Centre for Ceramic Excellence. Current
pottery activities would be expanded to form a cultural centre focussed on ceramics. Activities
would include industry support, exhibitions, festivals, master classes and accredited training in
ceramics.
This idea has been developed by local professional practicing ceramicists and artists who have
now formed an incorporated association.
This proposal would require Council to continue to maintain the building and would require
Council subsidy to establish the Centre. To be fully realised the Centre for Ceramic Excellence
would need a partnership with a Registered Training Organisation or University and/or ongoing
government subsidy.

Biosphere Interpretation Centre Proposal

This proposal sees the Butter Factory and broader precinct being developed as an interpretative
centre for the Noosa Biosphere Reserve and becoming a major tourist attraction. It would extend
the existing arts focus by adding new technology and collection based exhibits featuring the
environment, community and indigenous and heritage culture.
This proposal was developed and put forward by a group of local residents associated with the
Noosa Museum.
This proposal would require the agreement of the new Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation
and significant financial support in the establishment phase to deliver the exhibition quality
necessary for a major tourist attraction.

6.    Assessment of Community Proposals

To assist with evaluating the proposals for the Butter Factory, d-sipher developed an assessment
model comprising six main areas of review:

   The concept;
   Organisation and governance;
   Resources required;
   Council policy priorities;
   Community outcomes ; and
   Comparative assessment.


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