Located in southeast Queensland, Sunshine Coast Council has moved to safeguard the region’s financial future through the introduction of a tourism and economic development levy on 1 July 2009.
The unanimous decision brings the central region into line with the northern and southern regions, where such a levy was already in existence.
Councillors agreed it was an essential element of its broader tourism reform process and would assist Sunshine Coast’s key economic driver to position itself in a very competitive and challenging market.
Mayor Bob Abbot said the levy is expected to raise $2.7 million this financial year – all of which will be spent to promote and support the central region.
“The money raised will be invested in tourism and destination marketing, on major events of economic significance, sponsorship, research and other key projects for the central region,” Councillor Abbot said.
“Council will allocate a portion of the funds in response to requests from external groups or boards.
“This is designed to help the tourism industry take control of its own future, to put the responsibility for marketing this region in the hands of the experts and allow the benefits to flow through our entire regional economy.
“The levy has proven its worth in the northern and southern areas and we know this will be the case in the central area too.”
Tourism leaders in Noosa and Caloundra strongly backed the introduction of a levy in the former Maroochy Shire, saying the move would support the industry and business in the central region and provide consistency across the Sunshine Coast.
A number of tourism operators and business groups in the area have also voiced their support.
Council’s Executive Director of Finance and Business, Greg Laverty, said the equivalent of a bed tax already existed in the central area, forcing residential property investors to foot the entire bill for tourism marketing, events and promotion.
He said the tourism and economic development levy applies to short term accommodation and commercial and industrial property, ensuring greater fairness and equity throughout the central area and across the region.
He said the levy system will also allow those contributing to clearly see how their money is being spent.
The owners of around 11,000 accommodation, commercial and industrial properties in the central region will now pay a minimum of $50 per annum under the new levy system.
The amount each pays will be calculated according to the property’s use, its location and unimproved capital value.
For further information contact Carolyn Tucker in Council’s Executive Office on 0437 336 424.
