COOROY RAG
5472 0033
The Heart of the Hinterland
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Looking to our future
November 11, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE COOROY RAG TO GO FORTNIGHTLY Page 5
NDSHS Awards
Page 12
Sport Pages 34-35
Cr Sandy Bolton with the ‘nextgen’ in rural enterprise OVER the last year a number of concerns from residents regarding issues that traditionally fall outside local government, including the TAFE closure and youth unemployment, have been prominent. In response, an Unemployment and Training Roundtable was organised by Cr Sandy Bolton, which has resulted in recommendations to Council’s Local Economic and Social Plans, the formation of the Employment and Training Reference Group, and investigation into the funding of an Enterprise Project Manager. These combined are to resolve the main issues identified by the Roundtable in the lack of co-ordination of resources and programs, identification of appropriate training for local industries, and developing
product and jobs through social enterprise, community funding and incubators. A number of job creation projects through social enterprise are already in the initial ‘butchers paper’ culling stage, and expertise from our community in a number of areas including the trades, creative product design and distribution will be needed once they hit planning stage. On the topic of training, Sandy has been working with various industry sectors, and is especially excited by our youngsters that are the ‘nextgen’ in rural enterprise. “The passion and ideas of Stacey Breed, Sally Higgs, TeAna Riddell and the ‘A’ team will assist in developing relevant training for our future ‘foodies’, and they are brilliant ambassa-
dors for our local produce and ‘Noosa Made’ branding,” said Cr Bolton. With Dr Pages Road sealing scheduled to commence before Christmas, the release of the ‘Noosa Country Drive’ website and marketing in November, the RV stop open in time for the December holidays, and both the Social and Local Economic Plan drafts ready for feedback and ratification, 2016 is shaping up to be one full of opportunity. “The Country Drive initiative is a marketing tool for rural villages and enterprise, and is designed to promote the best kept secrets of Noosa. It is free to be included for the first year, so if you have not jumped on board, call Tourism Noosa to promote your community, sce-
nic ‘secret’ or service,” said Sandy. Residents have experienced some confusion regarding the commencement in developing Council’s new planning scheme next year. Sandy feels this was due to the current amendments to the existing Noosa Plan, and that there is no need for concern. “There is going to be plenty of time for the workshops, consultation, and multiple viewpoints to consider in 2016. Ultimately the end result will be your and your community’s plan, so take the time over the next 6 months to think about current needs, as well as those of your children, grandchildren and further generations,” she said. It has been very beneficial to have Council’s transport consultants review problematic in-
tersections throughout the Shire. Council staff and consultants are in the process of finishing the design drafts for the roundabout and pedestrian crossing issues on both the eastern and western side of the railway line. After so many years it is with thanks that we will see these issues improved in the near future. Sandy has been working with the Fusion committee and Noosa Community Biosphere Association to bring the RecycleExpo to Noosa with hosting in Cooroy . “This is an interactive event for the whole family that provides grass roots solutions to how to live creatively, economically and environmentally. It should prove to be a wonderful addition to the events calendar if we can secure.”
Pomona ............. 14-15 Classifieds Classifieds............ ........... 18 20 Xmas ... 21-23 19-21 DiningFeature .............. Dining 22-23 Health ............... .............. 24-26 Health ............... 24-25 Real Estate ..... 27-29 Trades & ........... 30-31 Pomona Services Trades & ...........26-27 Services .......... 32-33 Real Estate ........... 28 Next edition: December 2, 2015 Booking deadline: November 20 Copy deadline: November 23