The Economic Sector Board

Population capacity of our region

The previous Noosa Council had enshrined what has affectionately become known as the ‘population cap’ in past Council documentation and the Noosa Plan. This is a world leading example of sustainability thinking in action.

The Economic Sector Board sought to better understand these sustainable development limits and determine the implications for an ongoing vibrant economy. The board, in partnership with Council’s economic development unit commissioned a study to highlight opportunities and strategies within a population-constrained community.

The Board determined that strategies are available to ensure that a vibrant and growing economy is achievable in conjunction with the population capacity limits that are so important to the Noosa community. The Board then engaged with local businesses to discuss the Report and its implications and will continue with its Business Roundtable events in future. This engagement assisted the Board prioritise its activities.

Population Capacity Report - executive summary

06-Nov-2009 (204 KB)

Population Capacity Report - full

06-Nov-2009 (1250 KB)

World Biosphere Education & Research Facility

The Board is developing a draft background paper to this substantial multi-year, multi-partner project. Here is a brief overview of the current outline, which is subject to change as partners deliberate and develop the final approach.

UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program holds strong hopes that Noosa Biosphere can develop an environment where NB functions as a ‘learning laboratory’, with a focus on sustainability factors, tools and approaches. This requires clarity of objectives to become a leader in the field of how community-led biospheres engage and create programs and approaches that stimulate experimentation, attitudinal changes and create new employment opportunities. Core elements for focus include:

• Sustainable Technologies
• Building approaches and land-use
• Renewable Energy and ‘Smart-Grids’
• Food Production and Agricultural practices
• Waste Management
• Carbon Management and approaches

Some Key Concepts are being developed in concert with highly reputable and credible educational and research institutions, including virtual and place-based facilities.

Business improvement, diversification and innovation

One of our objectives is to provide on-the-ground support and assistance for both new (low-environmental-impact) industries and assist current businesses. This can be achieved by working in partnership with other business organisations and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, to:

• Develop a centre of excellence for Environmental Industries
• Promote innovation within businesses operating within the Noosa Biosphere Reserve region.
• Support current (& attract new) high-value, low-impact innovative business and industry to the Biosphere by showcasing the competitive advantages of our Noosa Biosphere
• Help businesses improve both their bottom line and their environmental impact by adopting the Ecobiz program.
• Provide support to the Knowledge and Creative industries.

Looking forward

The Economic Sector Board is providing business and community links alongside other committed volunteers within the Biosphere community.

We are proud to demonstrate our environmental credentials through active participation, and by showing that businesses can make a difference while still maintaining economic growth.

Join us in one of our roundtable events to part of the conversation on how we can all work together towards sustainable development!

Please feel very welcome to contact us.

Charter

Each sector board has a Board Charter which forms part of the Noosa Biosphere Plan of Management. These Board charters are ‘living’ documents which help guide Board activities and overall direction. The Charters are updated regularly in response to Board member and community feedback.

Economic Sector Board Charter

05-Nov-2009 (98 KB)