By JONATHON HOWARD
DOZENS of ideas to create a more sustainable model for the Cooroy Butter Factory were added to the melting pot during a public workshop at the iconic Maple Street factory on Wednesday, 27 August.
More than 110 Cooroy and Noosa Shire residents attended the workshop and while no idea was off the table, several are starting to make clear inroads.
Among those was an idea to hand management of the Butter Factory to a Cooroy community group, although determining which group and how the handover would take place were yet to be determined.
But before a final decision can be made, Noosa Council is seeking further community input from those unable to attend the workshop.
Noosa Council’s Director of Community Services, Alan (Fox) Rogers said what was needed now was to hear from those groups who could not attend the workshop.
“Students, teachers, mums and dads, other arts, craft, heritage, music groups and community groups and other social enterprises – all those who may benefit in the future from having a wonderful venue and facility that the Cooroy Butter Factory could become with the right operational model,” Mr Rogers said.
“No ideas are off the table.”
During the workshop, councillor Tony Wellington and Mr Rogers dispelled any myths and clarified council’s position – which is not to close the Butter Factory but instead develop a better operating model that will create a more vibrant asset for the community.
Both Cr Wellington and Mr Rogers extended their gratitude to those who took part.
“We really appreciate the time, energy and ideas that people contributed at the workshop,” Mr Rogers said.
“We were encouraged to think big and heard ideas about creating: a multi-use facility for arts and music; a place where local heritage is preserved; a ceramic centre of excellence and modelling the Butter Factory on other successful regional venues and more.
“This is an important community asset. Once we have gathered as many ideas as possible, we will evaluate and consider the options.
You can have your say by going to council’s new www.noosa.qld.gov.au
