Annual Report 2021-22

          Noosa Shire Council



     • Through
       	       the Hub’s Firetech Connect program, Council has entered a collaborative partnership
       with QFES to deliver a series of technology trials to build bushfire resilience in Noosa and other
       bushfire affected LGA’s. This includes prediction, detection, aerial intelligence support and
       uncrewed firefighting.
     • The
       	   Hub continues to collaborate with Stockwell Group to develop a compelling vision for an
       Industry 4.0 precinct in the Noosa Shire Business Centre’s innovation zone and, to generate
       interest from potential anchor tenants. An investment attraction prospectus is planned in next
       financial year.
     • Through
       	      its ongoing collaboration with Advance Queensland and the Cherbourg Aboriginal
       Shire Council, the Hub has continued to support the creation of opportunities for young
       indigenous people in Cherbourg via workshops and mentoring.
     Peregian Digital Hub Events
     • In
       	 September 2021, the Digital Hub in collaboration with Noosa technology companies
       Meshed and TechnologyOne (and Local Governments across Australia) hosted a showcase of
       innovative uses for Internet of Things (IoT) as part of technologies in Smart Cities and local
       governments.
     • The
       	  showcase was attended by 50 delegates and 100 online delegates. Themes included: Smart
       Places & Precincts, Connected Cities - City Wide, Connected Regions, and Collaborative IoT.
     • 	In June 2022, in collaboration with state government, the Hub secured hosting rights for
       Australia’s leading Venture Capital event - Venture Down Under, to be held in Noosa.
     • 	The week-long event attracted 147 attendees, including 112 investors from over 90 investment
       firms. The event stimulated the Queensland’s venture capital sector and placed Noosa’s digital/
       tech ecosystem on the national map.
     • Council
       	       invested $20,000 (Economic Development funding) to secure the event, with $60,000
       from DTIS and generated approximately $400,000 in tourism and hospitality expenditure for the
       region’s economy.
     School and Tertiary Learning
     •	The Digital Cadetship Program for students in Grades 10/11 continued into a third year, teaching
        40 students (across 11 schools) digital design and web development over two school terms.
     •	The School Holiday Workshop Program continued through this financial year, with 57
        workshops held over the last 12 months. Created for young people with a passion for learning
        and creating through technology (e.g., coding, robotics, digital design, music production, game
        design), these workshops are taught by talented local teenagers from the Peregian Digital Hub’s
        Cadet programs.
     • The
       	   Peregian Digital Hub’s other after-school program, the Young Inventor Club currently led
       and coordinated by the fourth ‘generation’ of young leaders in Grades 8-10 also continued.
       Projects completed in the last 12 months include designing and building a prototype hovercraft
       (with remote controller), learning Blender (3D modelling software), 3D design and printing and
       assembly of a remote-controlled race car using electronics.
     Green Industry Development Plan
     •	Noosa’s Green Industry Development Plan is well underway. In late June, a final Green
        Industry Research Report, considering feedback on the highest-value ideas, activities and
        programs relating to a green economy in Noosa, was completed having undertaken 10
        stakeholder interviews and 3 meetings.


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