2019-05-07 P&E Agenda - Item 3 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Sustainability Institute - Concepts and Options Report

Another common opinion was that research outcomes should be of use to a broader area than just
the Noosa Shire. Also, it is important that the research is not just for the coastal areas but engage
and be a benefit for the entire Shire. Worth considering is the increasing movement of semi-retirees
to farmland. Can the Institute set the Noosa region as a “Noosa Demonstration Area” using the
research to form a version of an Urban Living Lab.
It was commonly noted that funding was an important issue that needed to be resolved. It was felt
that the more complex initial Institute concepts provided would need to ensure that there was another
source of funding outside of that provided by Council to (1) to provide a secure financial basis, and
(2) to enable an institute to seek funding (such as philanthropic funding) that can provide tax benefits
for the donors.


Some other areas identified as pertinent for consideration for study by the community stakeholders
included:
 A systems approach is important
 Investigating liveability issues
 Transport
 Social research
 Affordable housing
 Sustainable construction
 Circular economy
 Energy
 Jobs, especially for the young



3.3         Summary of factors most important or useful for the Noosa
            Institute

3.3.1       What’s in a name?
The use of an appropriate name is important for setting the expectations of what an entity such as
the Noosa Institute of Sustainability can and will do. In addition, the name needs to be able to
distinguish the Institute from other groups and activities in the local area.
The discussions with the Council staff and the local community members indicated that the term
“Sustainability Institute” was not well received. No suggestions are provided in this Stage 1 report
for an alternative name, however, it is apparent that an alternative, appropriate name will be
important and it must be one that clearly defines the purpose and intent of the Institute. Should this
research proceed to Stage 2 which involves community and stakeholder engagement, potential
names can be canvassed as part of this stage in the process. The important consideration at this
stage in the investigation is ensuring the ‘idea’ and concept of an institute are sound and to provide
an initial indication of what it could be and do that has merit for further consideration.




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