Ec Board Meeting Outcomes 2006-08-09

Section 2

APPOINTMENT (Cont’d):
     Seb Vecchio – Deputy Chair, Cooroy Lower Mill Site
     In October 1999 two saw mills in Cooroy were closed down and as a consequence over 80 staff
     were made redundant. In January 2005 a taskforce was made which teamed up with the NSC
     and managed to obtain back the Lower Mill Site, between Jan – April 05 the board developed a
     criteria and methodology of a strategic marketing plan. In April 06 an Urban Planner was
     appointed and in June members of the public could comment. The Urban Planner gave feedback
     and was very supportive of the plan. Board meetings are now held every month and some very
     good decisions have been made.


     A new branch library has been planned for the constructed Southern end of the Lower Mill Site
     within close proximity to the Butter Factory. Kerri Contini has prepared a submission to the
     QLD Government 150th Legacy Infrastructure program for funding of the library and other
     Lower Mill Site components, this will incorporate the new boiler as a heritage aspect of the site
     and an all abilities play ground.


     Seb thanked the Council and the Community Representatives of the Board. Peter Burke, Project
     Officer, has been employed to help the Council push this process forward.


PRINCIPAL ITEM OF BUSINESS:


5.   Fiona Wilson - First consultation on the 2006/07 Noosa Business Survey
     The Business Survey was developed in 2003 to gather local up-to-date information on the local
     economy and to inform Noosa’s economic strategies. As a result of the survey’s success it has
     now been developed as a three-yearly business ‘census’ and is planned to run again in late 2006.
     An 18% return to the postal survey was achieved in 2003/04, with 25% targeted as the return
     figure at next run.


     Fiona is about to go to tender for the new survey and will hold a separate meeting with the
     successful company with members of the Board. Fiona will also send targeted questions via email
     to members during the course of the survey.


7.   Population Cap (Discussion following Combined Sector Board Meeting – 25th July)
     The Board discussed Kim Houghton’s requests on Scenarios that were derived from the
     Combined Sector Board Meeting.


     Bernd advised the Board on some key points and thoughts on Kim Houghton’s research to date.
     These key points were highlighted at the Combined Sector Board meetings and include:


     Positives
         •   How do we ensure the Noosa Shire goes ahead economically?
         •   Productivity Growth;
         •   Focus on evaluating both from the perspective of our Tourism; on helping and promoting
             exports; not only overseas, but exports to Brisbane, Sydney, New Zealand etc. Selling
             our services and products outside of the Shire; and
         •   Innovation and Entrepreneurship.




Outcomes – Economic Board – 9th August, 2006                                               Page 2.

Section 3

7.   Population Cap (Cont’d)


     Negatives
         •   A number of the other Boards seem to think this was a mandate to provide input and
             comment on areas beyond their normal brief. This will need to be kept under check.
         •   Some quality control on the ‘Noosa Brand’, and
         •   Keeping a track on whether Kim is getting bogged down with too much detail.
     Bruce Davidson’s Email on Kim Houghton’s Report – Population Cap
     As mentioned in Bruce’s email, Kim’s scenarios proposed were not to be read as ‘forecasts’ but
     were merely produced to provoke further thought on some areas, which had not previously been
     explored. Kim is suggesting that each Board finalise the substantial work they have already
     undertaken, and in addition, provide responses to the scenarios and other questions raised. He
     will then use this data to pull the four reports together as a final combined report.


     Provide Responses
     George asked everybody to read the scenarios. It is clear why Kim has put together these
     scenarios; if it makes you get your hackles up then get your hackles up! Just ensure you have a
     good reason and write them down.


     Bernd made further comments of what the Boards need to be focussing on:
     ‘What can we as a group’ and ‘What can Council influence’, there is no point in putting together a
     wish list of initiatives and actions unless it is connected to real influences that at least the
     Council can have. Transport is a classic example.


     Action: The Working Group planned a meeting within two weeks to review the scenarios. All
     Board members were asked to provide Fiona Wilson with any input, questions, and advice on Kim’s
     scenarios as quickly as possible.                                     Pop Cap Working Group


8.   MEMBERSHIP
     After a 3yr term, George will not be nominating for a further term.
     The Board will appoint their chair.
     The Board discussed the process for obtaining a Chair. Some of the questions raised were:-
     What is the role of the Chair?
     What skills does the Chair need?
     What is the Board’s relationship with the ES&I Unit?
     Where has the Board been and where is the Board going? and
     therefore what Commitment is required?
     It was decided that George, Helen, Bruce Davidson, and Fiona have a meeting to discuss the
     criteria needs.

     Action: Helen/Ursula to schedule meeting before the next Board Meeting (George would like to
     obtain Helen’s view on interviewing processes).                                    HG/UK




Outcomes – Economic Board – 9th August, 2006                                                Page 3.

Section 4

9.   ECONOMIC STRATEGIES & INNOVATIONS UNIT
     The contents of the July 06 ESI Report and additional comments from the Manager - Economic
     Strategies & Innovations and Project Support Officer were noted.
     Activity for the six months ending July 2006 is reported under key areas of focus, which largely
     reflect the 05/06 budget allocations for the ES&I Unit. Fiona and Vanessa reported to the
     board on the following areas:


     •    Broadband
          No money has exchanged hands. NSC will go out to tender with the outcome to hopefully
          go into partnership and obtain an alliance with three private sector companies. Preferred
          suppliers have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the SunROC Councils and
          are set to roll-out new services in the Noosa Shire over the coming 6-12 months.
          Action:
          Fiona to organise a separate meeting with the Board and successful company, in terms of
          targeting issues that need to be addressed.                                        FW


     •     Supporting a Knowledge Economy


     Ensis/USC/NSC Smart State Research Application
     The University of Sunshine Coast wants to build up particular areas of interest; tropical forestry
     and forest products for research and development. A draft Agreement for Collaboration has
     been prepared between the three parties, which will be presented to NSC as a separate report.


     •    Clever Noosa Strategy
     Fiona outlined the approach proposed with the 'Clever Noosa' Strategy which was presented to
     Council as a 'Not for public release' report last month.


     •     Targeted Industry Support – The Noosa Retail/Commercial Precincts Strategy
     The next six months the continued work of facilitator, Carolyn Bullen will be working with the
     five precincts; Peregian Beach, Noosa Junction, Noosaville, Tewantin & Pomona, which will be part
     of the initial pilot. Primarily this is a Retail Commercial Working Group whereby precincts can
     choose to work closely with Carolyn in support of other projects that would like to be developed.


     •     Supporting Sustainable Rural Industries
     This project is funded through the Australian Government and aims to identify ways to build
     more profitable and sustainable businesses for rural landholders. The project is research-based
     and outcome-focused. Study areas are currently being identified to give good representation of
     Noosa’s rural area. It is proposed that this project should continue to be taken forward through
     this approach in order that all Division One Councillors and Council are fully informed and to seek
     approval for the proposed study areas.
     -     EcoBiz
     The Noosa ‘EcoBiz’ pilot program is operating in conjunction with the Environmental Protection
     Agency and involves up to 15 companies with 9 local businesses already committed to the
     program. To save money on resources, the EPA is offering a rebate on memberships. A launch of
     EcoBiz is planned to be in six weeks or so.




Outcomes – Economic Board – 9th August, 2006                                                 Page 4.

Section 5

      •     Economic Information
      Distribution of information about the local and regional economy such as contribution to content
      of the quarterly economic report; ATO/ABN records, data collection of specific sector/project
      areas and the Noosa Business Assistance Reference Guide.


      •     Connecting Businesses
      The ES&I unit has put together a chart to show how the Business Noosa Networking Events have
      progressed since 2004. Information shows that generally about a third of people registered
      have consistently been to a previous event. Of those who had been to a previous event, around
      70% consistently report making ‘new business contacts’. Both Caloundra and Maroochy are
      following with this networking model. It was considered appropriate to reduce the number of
      Business Noosa networking events to two per year, with the third Business Noosa event for the
      year       to       be      introduced       as       the      Noosa        Big       Breakfast
      at the Australis, 22 November 06 (possibly to be held at the ‘J’ if complete) for Business. Top
      speakers will be attending the Brekkie and NSC hopes to profit from the event. Overall great
      feedback has been received and more information will come out of the de-briefing to be held.


      •     Professional Development
      Seminars and Events for Professional Development are supported by Noosa Council. The seminars
      cover a range of topical issues for small-medium businesses and through this support; delivery to
      Noosa has increased four fold since 2003. Noosa Council’s direct funding contribution to these
      events totaled in the order of $6K through the Small Business Practical Assistance Program.


      •     Strategic Research and Regional Collaboration
      The ES&I unit has commenced research into the ‘Economic Implications of the Population Cap’.
      While the population cap research is occurring, and the Regional Diversification Strategy
      emerging, there will be more work required in this field.


10.   SUGGESTED PROJECTS AND TIMEFRAMES FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE ECONOMIC
      BOARD
      Members agreed that the following principal items of business would constitute the work of the
      Board for the remainder of 2006:
      1.    20th September – Level 3 Committee Room
            Principal Item of Business:
            •   Outcomes of Population Cap Research Study


      2.    1st November – commencing at 2 p.m. - Level 3 Committee Room
            Principal Item of Business:
            •   Review of Economic Strategies 2007 – 2011, incorporating
                •     Economic Board strategy development
                •     Business Diversification Program


      3.    13th December – Level 3 Committee Room
            Principal Item of Business:
            •   Review of Board activities over the past 12 months and projects for consideration in
                2007.




Outcomes – Economic Board – 9th August, 2006                                                Page 5.

Section 6

      Combined Sector Board Meetings:
      1.   24th Oct – 10 am       Level 3 Committee Room – Population Cap - outcomes of the
                                  Research Study by ESI/Kim Houghton


11.   NEXT MEETING 20 September – Level 3, Committee Room, Noosa Council 2006

The meeting closed at 7:15 p.m.

12. PENDING:
1.    Appointment – Drew Pearson re: Backpacker Industry – date?
2.    Board Meeting to be held at the Noosa Junction – date?
3.    Timing for Economic Board involvement in LGMS




Outcomes – Economic Board – 9th August, 2006                                      Page 6.