NOOSA EVENTS STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK, POLICY, AND GOVERNANCE · Report

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING                                                           6 OCTOBER 2026


REPORT
Background

Events are an important contributor to Noosa's community, economy and identity. They support
community participation, local business activity, volunteering, cultural expression and destination
experiences across the Shire. These outcomes support the objectives of Council's Corporate Plan
and several adopted strategies, including the Destination Management Plan, Economic
Development Strategy, Cultural Plan, Social Strategy and Environment Strategy.

In addition, Council assumed responsibility for the sponsorship and strategic management of major
destination events from July 2025, following the transition of these functions from Tourism Noosa.
The development of the Noosa Events Strategic Framework responds to this change by providing
Council with a clear strategic framework for event funding, portfolio management, governance and
investment decisions into the future.

In 2024/25, approximately 451 permitted events, functions and weddings were conducted on
Council-controlled land. These activities contributed to community wellbeing, local business activity
and visitation outcomes while also increasing pressure on public spaces, infrastructure and
community amenity.

Community and stakeholder engagement identified support for events that align with Noosa's values
and deliver meaningful community benefit. Consultation also identified opportunities to improve
governance, planning certainty, communication, event assessment processes and industry
engagement.

The Noosa Events Strategic Framework was identified as an action within the Destination
Management Plan and has been developed to provide a consistent framework for future event
planning, funding, governance and assessment across Council.

Noosa Events Strategic Framework 2026-2031

The Noosa Events Strategic Framework provides Council's long-term strategic direction for events
across the Shire. It establishes a Vision, Values, Guiding Principles, Strategic Priorities, Action Plan
and performance measures that guide future decision-making and investment.

The Framework integrates and supports the objectives of Council's Corporate Plan, Destination
Management Plan, Economic Development Strategy, Environment Strategy, Social Strategy,
Cultural Plan and Sport & Active Recreation Plan.

The Framework establishes five Strategic Priorities:
   1. Improve the Shared Event Experience.
   2. Maximise the Benefit of Events for the Noosa Community.
   3. Actively Manage Event Impacts.
   4. Shape a Balanced and Noosa-Appropriate Events Portfolio.
   5. Leverage Major Opportunities for Long-Term Benefit.
These priorities are supported by a five-year Action Plan, including outcomes, measures and targets
to guide implementation and accountability.

Noosa Events Executive Group (EEG)

A new Noosa Events Executive Group is proposed to be established as Council's primary event
governance and strategic oversight body.