Planning Scheme looks to diversify economy

The New Noosa Plan strives to be a catalyst to further diversify the local economy through its flexible approach to industrial areas.

That’s one of a number of significant changes made to the draft plan, which is now out for community feedback until November 11. 

Environment and Sustainable Planning Director Kim Rawlings said the changes aim to accommodate the different and contemporary nature of business and enterprise.

“Business models are changing and we have made these adjustments to help facilitate greater expansion and diversification of our economy,” she said.

The New Noosa Plan provides more flexibility in the Venture Drive Enterprise Precinct for those new and emerging business models.

This means an existing industrial enterprise can now add a further 10 percent of complimentary use on top of the 30 per cent currently permitted.

“For example a skincare manufacturer who develops and sells their product on site could potentially include a beauty therapist to expand or add value to the business,” Ms Rawlings said.

Another change is the introduction of the Gateway West Makers Precinct, which seeks to support and enable the creative and small scale development that is starting to occur in the Noosaville industrial area as well as provide for small business start-ups.

“This essentially helps enable what the market is calling for in our industry areas and provides certainty for those type of businesses on the western side of Gateway Drive,” Ms Rawlings said.

“Business in the Venture Drive Precinct also have the ability to include increased floor space for complimentary activities that support and value add to their core industrial use.

“For example an artist working on site can now display and sell their works and operate similar to a mini-gallery within that designated area.”

Ms Rawlings encouraged business operators to review the revised draft planning scheme and talk to a planner to fully understand how the changes can benefit their business.

Have your say on the significant changes before November 11 via yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au

24 September 2019