Ec Board Meeting Outcomes 2006-08-09

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.