MCU14/0106 Appendix J - Retail Needs Assessment

5.2.3       POPULATION FORECASTS
Going forward, it is expected that the population within the Noosa Civic trade area will be driven by short
term broadhectare land releases in the secondary south east and secondary south sectors, but also
ongoing infill and higher density developments.

By 2021, it is expected that population growth within the main trade area would reach almost 90,000
people representing a growth rate of approximately 1.5% from the estimated resident population in 2013.
This is expected to continue to be driven by growth in the secondary south east and secondary south
sectors which contain the broadhectare land to be developed in the short term. These sectors are
expected to increase, on average, by approximately 1.8% and 3.4% per annum respectively during this
time period.

As outlined in the previous section there is only small amount of long term broadhectare land designated
within the trade area. This, together with broader trends and changes to the region’s economic drivers,
has been reflected in a decrease in the level of population growth post 2021 with the primary, north east,
south east and north west sectors all experiencing population growth less than 1% per annum. The
secondary south sector is expected to witness average growth of 1.7% per annum. In total the main trade
area is forecast to increase by around 10,000 people between 2013-2021, and by a further 6,000 people
between 2021-31.

The additional population growth within the Noosa Civic trade area is expected to drive additional demand
for the benefit of local businesses and retail facilities within the Noosa area, although population growth
will not be the main consideration relating to future needs.




URBIS
NOOSA CIVIC - RETAIL NEEDS ASSESSMENT DEC 2014 MASTER - FINAL                        NOOSA CIVIC MARKET ANALYSIS   73