2021-12-13 GC Agenda - Item 9 - Attachment 1 - Draft Economic Development Strategy 2021-2030

2. Introduction & Background

This Economic Development Strategy clarifies the aims, objectives and outcomes
sought locally within the context of environmental stewardship. It will guide the effort
of Council and particularly the Economic Development team whose work seeks to
heighten the profile of economic issues, support appropriate business growth, scope
out sustainable development opportunities, and nurture conditions conducive to
business success in Noosa Shire

Noosa Council’s vision is “Noosa: different by nature”.

Historically, the Noosa community has chosen a different path too many other areas from an
environmental conservation and management perspective and today we are realising the
benefits.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recognised
Noosa’s values and approach to sustainability, when it designated the Shire and our coastal
waters as a Biosphere® Reserve under the Man and the Biosphere Program in 2007. Noosa
Council has strategic oversight of the Biosphere and supports the Noosa Biosphere
Reserve® Foundation in its undertaking of significant innovative conservation and economic
sustainability projects.

These strengths also form the basis of our economy as people travel from all over the world
to enjoy Noosa’s natural, urban and hinterland environments. Many business owners and
skilled and talented people have moved to Noosa after experiencing the area as a visitor.

Previous Economic Development Strategies have pursued economic diversification to build
a more resilient economy that looks beyond tourism and population driven economic growth.
This approach continues to resonate with the community and this strategy builds on the
success of the previous Local Economic Plan. This strategy focuses on the next evolution of
economic development in Noosa and provides a greater concentration on areas where we
have a distinct competitive advantage, to embrace innovation, accelerate industry
development and benefit from potential opportunities.



"If you don't have a competitive advantage, don't compete." Jack Welsh former CEO of
General Electric.
(Note: Competitive Advantage - a competitive advantage is the attribute that allows an organization to
outperform its competitors




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