Budget linked to Liveability Survey feedback to support business

Ensuring Noosa has a strong, diverse business community into the future is a key part of the Noosa Council 2022-23 budget. 

Ensuring Noosa has a strong, diverse business community into the future is a key part of the Noosa Council 2022-23 budget.

Supporting local business and protecting the natural environment are considered Noosa’s strengths and were highly valued by the community in the extensive Liveability Survey.

Council has shaped the 2022-23 Budget from much of the Liveability Survey results, with $24 million in new projects that align to the Liveability Survey priorities.

“I think this clearly demonstrates that we have listened to your concerns but we act and deliver on them,” Cr Stewart said.

“We have put the economy, community and environment at the forefront of all decisions."

$8.4 million in projects fit the category of Protecting the Natural Environment.

This includes the Dog Beach Shoreline Erosion Management Plan, implementation of Zero Emissions Noosa and upgrading the Noosaville Eumundi Road landfill.

A new Bushcare Officer will be employed and an additional $94,000 in funding has been allocated to the Environmental Grants program to fund the well-deserved projects.

“We provide almost $500,000 in environmental-related grants this year,” she said.

Tourism Noosa will receive a one-off 5 per cent increase in funding with an additional $125,000 on top of its annual allocation of $2.52 million.

“This is to fund a range of specific projects to revive parts of the international visitor market and tackle the critical shortage of workers in the hospitality sector,” Clare Stewart said.

A further $125,000 has been set aside for a series of economic development projects to boost local business and industry.

This includes an Adopt a Worker Pilot initiative called Noosa WorkStay to address the affordable rental housing challenge for workers.

“In partnership with the Noosa Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other business precincts, we are keen to see whether locals will provide a room for seasonal workers, so business can operate with staff and provide services Noosa is renowned for,” Mayor Clare Stewart said.

“This is a key initiative from the Business Roundtable and was part of a submission during the budget consultation.

It’s a project all councillors considered was vital to fund to ensure the business sector can thrive,” Cr Stewart said.

Council’s Community Grants program receives $1 million in 2022-23 to support the many deserving community activities.

$250,000 will go towards finalising a Destination Management Strategy for Noosa.

Cr Stewart said this was another key collaborative project.

“Our Economic Development team will work with all sectors of the community to identify key actions to build Noosa’s visitor economy and tourism opportunities for the future,” she said.