Noosa Council assures its number one industry there will be great transparency on tourism funding

Noosa Council has made a decision on its funding for a key tourism body ahead of its upcoming budget.

Noosa Council says proposed changes to the tourism levy will not affect its $2.52 million funding of Tourism Noosa in the coming financial year.

Councillors last week unanimously decided to drop the tourism and economic development levy that was collected from 6000 property owners deemed to benefit from the industry.

It instead wants to fund the shire’s key promotional body through general rates.

Councillor Amelia Lorentson, who is a delegated council observer at Tourism Noosa meetings, said the funding to Tourism Noosa was locked in for the coming financial year ahead of next Wednesday’s budget meeting.

“However we acknowledge that there has been some criticism for a lack of transparency and lack of consultation over the changes we are making to the tourism and economic levy,” Ms Lorentson said.

“So in good faith to the industry, it’s important we take 12 months to review and ensure what we are implementing provides the necessary transparency and level of comfort to the industry,” Cr Lorentson said.

Tourism Noosa chair Richard Stephens welcomed the review and the council’s commitment to better engage with the tourism community.

“We have had some very robust, honest discussions with council and as a result, progress has been made regarding the need for more openness and transparency of reporting from council,” Mr Stephens said.

“The question still remains as to why scrap a successful and transparent funding model in the tourism and economic levy?”

He said Tourism Noosa would be seeking a number of assurances from the council.

“We will continue to insist on an increased level of accountability to our community and stakeholders,” he said.

Mayor Clare Stewart said all councillors were fully committed to providing a level of transparency and trust to support the partnership.

“We are Australia’s top tourism town, largely due to the work of Tourism Noosa and its members,” Ms Stewart said