Ec Board Meeting Outcomes 2006-08-09

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.