Brian O'Connor

BRIAN O'CONNOR 19 MARCH 2026 QUESTION 1 What is an Agricultural Hub, what is its purpose, how would it operate in practical terms, what are the outcomes such an initiative would achieve and what role does Noosa Council believe it has in constructing the core infrastructure and creating ongoing operational settings for such a facility? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment. An Agricultural Hub is an emerging concept that Council is currently exploring through a initial scoping and feasibility investigation to understand its potential role in supporting Noosa’s rural and hinterland communities. The study is assessing a range of domestic and international models to determine what a fit-for-purpose hub could look like, and whether it could strengthen rural, rural production, regenerative farming, artisan, and creative industries while building long-term community and economic resilience. The study is examining how such a hub might operate, including potential functions, services, and a range of potential benefits and considerations. Should a viable model be identified, detailed financial and operational modelling would occur in a subsequent phases, should Council choose to progress to ‘Business Case’. The Phase One Feasibility Study is being progressed in 2026. QUESTION 2 What scoping studies have occurred to establish an Agricultural Hub in Noosa Shire, will they be made public? Has a business case been prepared and will the feasibility of such a venture rely upon funding from state and federal government sources - at the start-up stage and ongoing? What economic benefit would the hub generate? What is the timeframe that Noosa Council is working towards getting such a project up and running? Response provided by Kim Rawlings, Director Strategy & Environment. Council is currently undertaking the Phase One Feasibility Study, which is the first formal piece of work examining the potential around the concept of an Agricultural Hub in Noosa Shire. Outcomes of this phase will be reported to Council for consideration prior to any future work. As this is just a scoping study, it has not yet been determined what any future approach or model could be and how it might be financed. The scoping phase will identify initial range of benefits and considerations. 9 19 MARCH 2026 MAYORAL MINUTES