Innovation and Tourism Minister Kate Jones dropped into the Peregian Beach Digital Hub on Tuesday to hear from local leaders on their innovative approach to solving the issue of local youth unemployment.
In a pilot project local leaders were brought together by Noosa MP Sandy Bolton to develop their ideas in a one-day workshop and forum during which they were tasked with designing solutions to the issue and pitching a solution to the Minister later the same day.
“This pilot is about the process of designing solutions, and delivering on them. I am honoured to have so many ‘game changers’ from Noosa and the wider region come together and give of their time and knowledge to utilize this process to help us solve a critical issue – ensuring our youth have clear pathways and future job and career prospects in our major and emerging industries,” Ms Bolton said.
She said the complex issue required multiple contributors and solution would require multiple components.
“This pilot and the ensuing actions will provide a working template for Noosa to tackle other issues as well as the opportunity to refine the process along the way,” she said.
“By having the Minister for Innovation and Tourism present we can demonstrate first-hand how innovation is much broader than often perceived. ‘Outside the box’ thinking and human-centred design processes can connect the dots to deliver real outcomes for communities, as well as government.”
The Minister offered feedback on the outcome of the workshop and potential funding. Ms Jones also spent her visit testing a solar powered bike with local business Ecotekk and lunch where Tourism Noosa executives and Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington discussed future tourism events.
