Meeting papers

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING                                         9 SEPTEMBER 2025


7.3          NOOSA CULTURAL PLAN 2025-2030 ADOPTION


Author             Arts and Culture Manager, Paul Brinkman
                   Community Services Department
Index              ECM/Subject/3.10 Arts & Cultural Services/Policy & Planning
                   Document set ID 24060820
Attachments        1.   ATTACHMENT 1_NC_Cultural Plan_final


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this report is to present the final draft of the Noosa Cultural Plan 2025-30 for Council's
consideration and endorsement. The Cultural Plan 2025-30 continues the achievements of
Noosa's Cultural Plan 2019-2023 and provides direction for Council's support of the diverse arts and
cultural sector for the next 5-years.

After extensive consultation with the arts and cultural sector, research into contemporary cultural
development and consideration of current and future Council resourcing, the Noosa Cultural Plan
2025-30 is ready for implementation.

Taking into account the recommendations of the 2023 evaluation report of the previous Cultural Plan,
Council's overall corporate strategy, national level arts and cultural strategies, resourcing parameters
and the outcomes of various sector engagements, the Cultural Plan 2025-2030 is an aspirational
document that seeks to see a cultural landscape in Noosa that is inclusive, connected, accessible,
thriving and engaging.

It is centered around five themes:
1. Valuing our history and heritage
2. Enabling inclusion and access
3. Championing our creative community
4. Activating our places and spaces
5. Engaging our community and visitors

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Arts & Cultural Manager to the Services & Organisation
Committee dated 9 September 2025 regarding the Noosa Council Cultural Plan 2025-2030 and:

A. Adopt the final Noosa Cultural Plan 2025-30 provided as Attachment 1;
B. Authorise the CEO to make any necessary minor changes to the Cultural Plan, if required; and
C. Authorise the CEO to implement the Cultural Plan subject to available resourcing.


REPORT
The Noosa Cultural Plan 2019–2023 provided a strong strategic foundation for Council’s arts and
cultural initiatives during a period of significant challenge and transformation. By the end of 2023,
over 92% of the Plan’s actions were either completed or underway—an outstanding achievement
made possible by the dedication of Council’s Arts & Cultural team, the many volunteers who support
cultural services, and the community groups that partner with Council to deliver meaningful cultural
experiences.

Building on this success, the Noosa Cultural Plan 2025–2030 (Cultural Plan) has been developed
over the past 12 months to reflect the evolving needs of Noosa’s arts and cultural sector. Recognising



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