Ec Board Meeting Outcomes 2006-08-09

      •     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.