Economic development
18 initiatives across 3 years
Underway this year
5
1 with disruption at end of March 2026
Completed this year
1
Delivery record
5 of 13
past initiatives completed · 5 on track, not yet complete
2025–264 initiatives
3.1.1 Sustainable procurementQ3 · Minor Disruption · Draft action plan has been finalised however working group is on hold until May/June due to competing priorities. SPP initiatives continues to be progressed where possible including exploring PPA's for electricity.
3.1.2 Smart BiosphereQ3 · On Track · Priority projects progressing include: Noosa DMP creative design of final document and portal developed for soft launch in late Q3 early Q4 Agri Hub Consultancy (Food Connect) on track for delivery of initial feasibility study in Q4 Education-to-industry pathways being developed via consolidated learning opportunities in partnership with RDA and Regional Jobs Committee who have been granted funding to include Noosa in regional initiatives. Tourism Noosa Roadmap funding deed under development to be presented to General Meeting for consideration in April. Renewable Energy Hub and activation of Circularity Precinct ongoing - with focus on securing grant funding for compost site ($27M). Holiday Park Strategic Plan to be finalised mid 2026.
3.4.1 Food and Agribusiness HubQ3 · On Track · Agribusiness Hub (Food Connect, Brisbane) on track to deliver feasibility study in Q4. In collaboration with Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) delivered "Harvest to Plate" working with Chef Matt Golinski to introduce Noosa's food producers and products to fourteen of Noosa's most prominent chefs to create more effective distribution channels for producers. Sponsored "Regenerative Farming Event" hosted by Eastwell Farms scheduled for Q4. Next "Green Drinks" networking forum (scheduled for Q4) to feature Regenerative Farming.
3.8.1 Living LabQ3 · Completed
2024–256 initiatives · 1 finished on time
3.1.1 Sustainable procurement · ended the year with minor disruption
Sustainable Procurement (SP) Matrix review underway and SP 'Pillars' have been included on Contract Number Request Forms to commence capturing some data/information.
3.4.1 Food and Agribusiness Hub · ended the year with minor disruption
Minor delay due to competing priorities - Initial scoping and project plan scheduled for completion Q1 FY25/26.
3.1.2 Smart BiosphereQ4 · On Track · Ongoing delivery of Noosa Smart Biosphere Economic Development (Action) Plan and priorities including: • Development of Destination Management Plan (November 2025 adoption anticipated) • Gold Eco-Destination Accreditation (Ongoing) • Development of Noosa Council Events Strategy (First draft moved to Q2 FY25/26) • Implementation of Green Economy Plan, including activation of Circularity Precinct in collaboration with Waste Management, building capacity in green businesses and auditing Noosa's Electric Vehicle capacity and enabling infrastructure needs in collaboration with Waste Management Branch (Circularity Precinct Ongoing/EV Infrastructure Audit Q1 FY25/26) • Industry Development Plans - including Food & Beverage and Education (Ongoing) • Food and Agribusiness Hub Proof of Concept scheduled for Q1 FY25/26 • Business Support Programs (Business Boost/ECDEV Grant/Capability Workshops and Industry Communications completed for FY24/25
3.1.3 Sustainable procurementQ4 · Completed
3.3.1 Food and Agribusiness industry developmentQ4 · On Track · Industry Development Plan (Scheduled for completion in Q1 FY25/26). Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) Partnership Agreement completed and signed.
3.8.1 Living LabQ4 · On Track · The grant application for Cities Deal funding to create a smart mobility lab in the Peregian Digital Hub precinct was unsuccessful. Council continues to work with the adjacent landowner within the innovation precinct about synergies with the proposed development of that site. The scope and opportunity for advancing Living Lab is progressing through the development of the investment Road Map to Net Zero Emissions and implementation of Smart Biosphere Strategy priorities. Formalising this program will require further consideration.
2023–245 initiatives · 2 finished on time
3.1.5 Sustainable procurement · ended the year with minor disruption
Sustainable Procurement has been included in Council's Procurement Policy endorsed by Council on 28 June 2024. Workshops to be held with Council to further develop the operational application of the policy, in Q1/Q2 24/25. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
3.1.1 Smart BiosphereQ4 · On Track · Priority projects at varying stages of advancement and ongoing. Future Skills Learning Hub Business Case ITQ has gone to market. Council Events Strategy ITQ has gone to market. Note-relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
3.1.2 Green EconomyQ4 · On Track · Final draft completed and under final review by the Director and approval prior to presentation to Council for approval. Note- relisted in the new 24/25 Operational Plan
3.1.3 Business supportQ4 · Completed · 8 x ECDEV Grants supported during FY an increase of 62% on previous year.
3.5.1 Peregian Digital HubQ4 · Completed · Stage 2 of the Peregian Digital Hub has been completed and is now fully operational. The new facilities have contributed to a major growth in memberships and revenue. Industry development work is ongoing, to build Noosa's profile as an attractive location for building tech startups and working in the digital sector.
2023–242 initiatives · 2 finished on time
4.7.4 Food and Agribusiness industry developmentQ4 · Completed · Completed Plan informs ongoing partnership and collaboration with Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN).
4.7.5 Green EconomyQ4 · Completed · Completed Plan informs ongoing activities including the Brownee Sustainability Pilot with 20 x Green Businesses.
2025–261 initiative
5.3.3 Council operations improvementQ3 · On Track · Key departments have engaged Business Improvement Officers to work with the ICT counterparts in identifying efficiencies, potential system upgrades, and new system requirements. The rollout of system enhancements across the organisation is progressing well, with ongoing improvements being implemented across departments. Implementation of EftSure as a fraud reduction measure has been initiated during the reporting period. Negotiations with Council's main technology provider continue to ensure that services meet Council demands.