President of the Pomona and District Chamber of Commerce (PDCC), Phil Moran, looks forward to joining other community representatives in discussing issues affecting the hinterland with new Noosa Council CEO.
Scott Waters takes up his appointment officially in late February.
“The Chamber welcomes Mr Waters’ enthusiasm to get about and understand his new patch,” Mr Moran said.
“Noosa is very different to Mackay and Darwin where he has served in senior local government roles. We are a shire of distinct villages and communities, but we can have similar problems.
“In 2022, the PDCC wants to explore the feasibility of developing new businesses, such as a bike shop, boutique accommodation and sustainable tourism ventures to diversify the hinterland economy under the umbrella of the shire’s new Economic Development Strategy, dubbed the Smart Biosphere. This is a good fit for the hinterland and Pomona’s status as the ‘hub town’ for the trails network. The Chamber wishes to be part of determining the Action Plan priorities underpinning the economic strategy objectives.
“New blood and new money is coming to Pomona and district at a time when the real estate market is hot, supporting a population growth across the hinterland estimated at 1.7 per cent annually and surpassing the shire average of 0.7 per cent. This is putting a strain on ageing facilities.
“The council has been successful in attracting state and federal funding for much-needed smaller projects in Pomona and other towns without having to spend much of its own money. The PDCC would like councillors and the council staff to listen to local voices – across a variety of perspectives, no doubt – and to arrive at an overarching strategy that sets the standard. It should not be an aspirational vision, but binding.
“The Noosa Trails Masterplan is the model. It was based on sound research, it explored possibilities in conjunction with stakeholders and it set priorities that could be evaluated with other levels of government for joint funding.”
Mr Moran pointed to a tired streetscape at Pomona and civic facilities below the standard the community desired.
“We will see the new Noosa Biosphere trailhead facilities rolled out at Cooran and Pomona this year, and that is very much appreciated, but the momentum must be maintained. Shovel-ready projects should be designed to start when money becomes available, not just from the council coffers, but elsewhere.
Possible use of the railway land off Factory Street for parking and kerb and channelling with additional formal parking spaces along Station Street between the art gallery and Subway Avenue were on the discussion agenda, he said.
“The PDCC is determined to provide honest feedback from members to all levels of government, including the council, and to amass data that proves the case for more resources being directed to the hinterland. Remember, this was a big policy motivation for councillors at the last council election and we will be reminding them respectfully of their obligations,” Mr Moran said.
