2017-12-18 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                              18 DECEMBER 2017


REPORT
The content of this report and Implementation Plan (attached) builds on industry benchmarking
and engagement and previous Council workshops, discussions and feedback. The
Implementation Plan reflects a balanced and measured approach to the establishment and start-
up phase for the Peregian Beach Digital Hub.
The initial concept of a Technology Cluster (referred to as Silicon Beach) originated from a local
group of technology businesses in 2014-15 coinciding with Council’s land purchase and plans to
reinvigorate the Rufous Street Precinct. From the initial concept of a building where technology
and digital businesses co-locate, the vision and opportunity has evolved to take-on a more
strategic catalyst role, with the potential for the Peregian Beach Digital Hub to generate
significant employment growth in our knowledge economy and accelerate Noosa Shire’s
economic diversification aspirations.
A tendering process for the provision of external management and accelerator services was
undertaken in mid-2017, resulting in the receipt of high quality responses that reflected a range of
management options, potential costs and value outcomes. All tenderers indicated management
services costs well in excess of Council’s original expectations, contributing to a Council decision
to cease the Tender process, and undertake a review of the business model and management
options.
The review of the business model, conducted over a three-month period, included an updated
market assessment and engagement with various experts and other Councils with experience in
co-work and incubator space management.
This report seeks Council’s approval for the Peregian Beach Digital Hub Establishment Phase
Implementation Plan – December 2017 (attached).

1) Strategic Context
The Digital Hub concept was finalised just prior to the adoption by Council of the Local Economic
Plan in December 2015.
In the Corporate Plan 2017-2037, Theme 3 refers to the Noosa economy and the vision “our
economy is diverse and resilient”. Noosa Council’s Operational Plan 2017/18 includes a
reference to the “…adoption of hub operating model” as a key objective for this financial year.
The Noosa Local Economic Plan refers to a vision of “a dynamic and resilient economy for
generations to come” and includes a particular focus on priority industry sectors including Digital,
Professional Services, and Creative Industries.

2) Vision for the Peregian Beach Digital Hub
The vision and potential impact of the Digital Hub has evolved. The following set of statements
continues to guide Noosa Council’s aspirations for and investment in the Digital Hub:
The Digital Hub will be a curated space primarily focusing on established and emerging
technology enterprises with an emphasis on accelerating business and employment growth.
The Digital Hub will be:
    a major Council investment in infrastructure to accelerate economic and employment
      growth in the technology sector;
    a location where technology enterprises can benefit from a curated and collaborative
      environment;
    an entry point for technology enterprises with a plan to grow and successfully transition into
      larger commercial premises locally e.g. Shire Business Centre, Noosa Junction;
    a host location for innovation and entrepreneurial education, attracting funded programs to
      advance the business innovation capacity throughout the Shire ;

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