One vision, three strategies: our region’s progress

From bustling community spaces and major projects to taking strides in our sustainability journey, Sunshine Coast Council has been at the forefront of transformative change.

The region’s progress and the diversity and multitude of Council’s projects have been showcased through annual reports on three key regional strategies:

• the Environment and Liveability Strategy
• the Community Strategy
• the Regional Economic Development Strategy.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said these strategies, developed in close consultation with our community, were the backbone of the Council’s long-term vision for a thriving, sustainable and liveable region.

“By integrating our community, environmental and economic objectives, we are committed to delivering on the success, sustainability and liveability for all,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Outcomes delivered through each of the strategies support the day-to-day lives for everyone in our region.

“Through the Regional Economic Development Strategy, we are committed to building an innovative, adaptive, resilient and climate ready economy that strengthens our region now and into the future.

“Through our Environment and Liveability Strategy, we nurture our natural spaces we all enjoy, strike the balance between the natural and built environments and maintain our quality of life.

“And through the Community Strategy, we forge stronger, more connected and resilient communities, with opportunities for all to participate.”

Mayor Natoli said the reports measured progress on Council’s targets, but many achievements were only possible through strong partnerships with community groups, industry groups and dedicated volunteers.

“In our Sunshine Coast Biosphere, everyone can make a difference in creating stronger communities, a more innovative economy, and a healthier environment.

“These annual reports show Council’s achievements and also the ways our community continues to get involved, from our library volunteers and Land for Wildlife partners to our community groups and industry leaders innovating for inclusive and sustainable solutions.

“Maintaining our credential as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is our region’s commitment to a sustainable future, and implementing our regional strategies is Council’s contribution to that promise.”

Spotlight on outcomes

A selection of highlights from the Environment and Liveability Strategy Annual Report includes:

• securing close to 500 hectares of land for conservation and recreation purposes
• a reduction in organisational greenhouse gas emissions of 4.7 per cent, with a 6.9 per cent reduction on waste emissions thanks to increased landfill gas capture
• endorsing the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Master Plan and beginning early restoration works, site investigations and detailed design planning
• releasing the inaugural Coastal Health Report
• starting implementation of our Sunshine Coast Marine Turtle Conservation Plan
• opening the new Material Recovery Facility in Nambour, reducing waste to landfill and increasing circular economy opportunities.

A selection of highlights from the Community Strategy Annual Report includes:

• adopting and implementing the All Abilities Action Plan, the Housing and Homelessness Action Plan, and the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan
• delivering the Lived Experience Inclusion Project, elevating the voices of people with lived experience of homelessness in decisions, responses, and solutions that impact them
• opening Altitude Nine and Community Co-Lab, our new community spaces for hire in Sunshine Coast City Hall
• awarding more than $5 million across 1071 grants to continue enabling and supporting our community groups to deliver community-led initiatives
• delivering the Rewired Youth Mental Health Summit, led by young people for young people, and commencing the inaugural Young Leaders Academy
• delivering the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2021-22 and commencing development of a Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan
• providing active and vibrant public spaces, including 1.3 million visitors to Council aquatic centres, 930,000 visitors to our libraries and 223,000 visitors to Sunshine Coast Stadium and Caloundra Indoor Stadium.

A selection of highlights from the Regional Economic Development Strategy Annual Report includes:

• gross Regional Product reaching $23.73 billion, on track to reaching our goal of creating a $33 billion economy by 2033
• high-value industries now providing 107,283 employment opportunities
• the ASPIRE Circular Economy platform achieving more than 500 registered users, with more than $2.5 million in savings delivered to local businesses and organisations
• the Local Business Support Program delivering specialist advice to more than 1200 small businesses across the region
• five gold awards in 2023 and 2024 from the International Economic Development Council for innovative marketing campaigns to attract investment and growth.

Annual reports for each strategy were endorsed by Council at its October 2024 Ordinary Meeting.