looking forward to 2030

Draft for comment introduction

The Sunshine Coast’s first community plan October 2010, which was attended by a wide documents our community’s vision, values range of community representatives and and aspirations for the next 20 years. stakeholders. It recognises that we are community of What emerged from this process was an communities and acknowledges and respects agreement to the Sunshine Coast becoming our unique environment, our rich heritage, Australia’s most sustainable region. Along our diverse people and our shared values. with the realisation that to become more sustainable we must protect our precious The plan is a strategic document that sets the natural assets and lifestyle, build our context for the development and growth of economy, create a fairer society and seize our region, the protection of our ecosystems, new opportunities as they arise. improvements to our infrastructure and supports the wellbeing of our people. The community appreciates that there are difficult choices and major debates ahead as This plan has been facilitated by the Sunshine we try and balance economic development, Coast Council. It details elements of our environmental protection and a more lifestyle that the community wants to see equitable society. Crucially our community preserved and the big issues which need to has also made it clear that it wants to be addressed going forward. As such its key participate and its voice to be heard in these messages need to be carefully considered by future debates. all decision makers across the region in the development of their strategic plans. Council would like to thank everyone who has participated in the development of this plan. Preparing the plan has involved reviewing We look forward to continuing community regional issues and input from local residents. input and engagement in the development of All consultation has been undertaken in line the region. with council’s community engagement policy. It began with an extensive analysis Images and captions in this plan have been of feedback obtained over the last five years contributed by local people through the from previous research and community Zooming into 2030 photographic project consultation activities. and as feedback on the draft plan. Further information was derived from an independent survey of 800 people and a two day community conference held in

Image from Community Conference October 2010. “I hope in 2030 we still have a place to play in our neighbourhood”

Contents Indigenous history 2 Changing our thinking 15

The early Europeans 3 Retaining our lifestyle 16

The 20th century 4 Managing growth 17

Becoming the Sunshine Coast 5 Becoming ecologically sustainable 18

Recent developments 6 Developing our economy 19

Lessons from the past 7 Ensuring social cohesion 20

The region today 8 Being connected 21

Big issues for the future 10 Tapping into our creativity 22

Our vision 11 Sustainability indicators 23

A community of communities 12 Areas for improvement 24

Our values 13 Next steps 25

Our principles 14 Council’s response 27

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 1

Image courtesy of Megan Gill Indigenous history

Our region’s development and industry are The coming of Europeans changed the relatively recent but our Aboriginal history lives of the traditional owners forever. dates back many thousands of years and Following the establishment of the penal evidence of that time remains with us today. colony in Redcliffe in 1824 it is estimated that up to 3,000 Aboriginal people died as a The Sunshine Coast is rich in Indigenous result of the expansion of white settlement heritage, with numerous sites steeped in into the region. cultural significance and a long oral history which is still very much alive today. Today the Indigenous community on the Sunshine Coast includes Traditional Owners, The Gubbi Gubbi people lived along the coast South Sea Islanders and historical Aboriginal and inland on the adjacent ranges while the peoples. The South Sea Islanders were Jinibara people lived in the south western brought here in the early days of European parts of the region. settlement and forced to work on farms. These people had an excellent knowledge of Most of the historical Aboriginal peoples the land, and they hunted the ranges, fished have moved into the area since 1965 when the rivers and lakes, and gathered seafood the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander from the ocean for many thousands of years. Act repealed previous laws dating from 1897 which had restricted Indigenous people’s The Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara walked the rights to own land, travel and vote. country in family groups coming together when food was plentiful. Probably the most significant and largest of these social gatherings were the Bunya festivals in the Blackall Ranges where people from all over the region and beyond gathered to sing and dance, exchange the news, settle “In 2030 disputes, arrange marriages and undertake I hope that initiation ceremonies. we celebrate our rich and diverse Tribal boundaries were marked by rivers and mountain ranges and a number of major cultures.” trading routes past though the Sunshine Coast. Today many Aboriginal words are still used to describe parts of our region’s geography and landscape. These include Cooroy, place of the grey forest possum, which comes from the Gubbi Gubbi name for the red flowering grevillea, Beerwah which means eagle, and Bli Bli which refers to the flying fox.

2 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Corrie Wright. the early Europeans

Lieutenant James Cook observed the peaks His nephew, novelist Vance Palmer, wrote of the from his ship of the early days of settlement in his classic The Endeavour in 1770. He named them after novel The Passage. the furnace cones of the glass factories in his Signs of the region’s agricultural potential native Yorkshire, which they resembled. began to emerge in the late 1860s, and in Some 29 years later, Matthew Flinders 1876 the first sugar mill was established conducted a survey of the Glass House in . In the decades that followed, Mountains from the summit of Mt Buderim farmers turned to large-scale Beerburrum. fruit production. The first Europeans to live on the Sunshine To the north, the discovery of gold in Coast were drawn to the region’s abundant in 1867 provided a significant catalyst for timber and grazing potential. By the mid 19th the development of and Noosa. Century, almost all the land in the vicinity The road connecting to Gympie of the Eumundi district formed part of three was completed in 1868 and by November of cattle runs. that year, Cobb & Co. coaches were carrying passengers, mail, goods and gold between the The mouth and harbour two centres. were surveyed and charted in 1861 and Tom Petrie explored the region in the early 1860s. a heritage residence set in The first settlers came to Landsborough a the Glass House Mountains, and now owned decade later. In 1875, the first house was by Council was built as an accommodation constructed at by Robert Bulcock. stop for coaches travelling the old Gympie Road.

“In 2030 I hope that there is still a viable, commercial fishing fleet operating from Harbour.”

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 3

Image courtesy of Bill Sanderson. Caption courtesy of Joanne Henebery. the 20th century

The development of the Brisbane to Gympie The region’s population grew throughout the railway in the late 1800s had a significant 1930s as roads improved and automobiles impact on development and settlement became more reliable and affordable. patterns. It opened up the hinterland and There has always been a strong nature spawned the railway towns of Beerburrum, preservation and conservation movement Beerwah, Mooloolah, Nambour, Yandina, in the region advocating the protection Cooroy, Pomona and Cooran. of natural areas and the enlargement of The establishment of the Moreton Central conservation tenures. The original rainforest Sugar Mill in 1897 saw Nambour emerge as a areas of the were centre of industry and business. gazetted in 1930 and since then other national parks have been established in the Around the turn of the century the dairy region including Kondallilla Falls in 1945, industry became dominant in the Kenilworth the Mooloolah River National Park in 1960, and Belli areas and agriculture had begun the Great Sandy Park in 1971 and the Glass to thrive on the . Mapleton House Mountains in 1994. had become a leading citrus producing area by the early 1900s and citrus orchards and World War Two brought an influx of pineapple farms covered the plateau at Australian and American armed services Montville. In the decades that followed, this personnel to Caloundra and , while the beaches from Noosa to Caloundra area became known for macadamia nuts and hosted a series of military camps to guard avocados as well as its dairy industry. our coastline from attack. On the coast, the sale of residential After the war there was a building boom allotments in 1908 marked the beginning on the coast, with the well-heeled from of the development of as a surrounding areas building fibro shacks in seaside resort. prime beachfront positions to use as holiday Coolum had also become home to a number homes. The real breakthrough for tourism of settlers and between 1922 and 1925, the however arrived with the completion of the first genuinely trafficable road providing from Maroochydore to Noosa vehicle access from Coolum to Yandina was in 1959. constructed. Cane farming provided the main The opening of the Maroochy Airport in 1961 source of financial stability in this area until marked another major milestone for the the advent of tourism in the 1960s. region. This facility has undergone significant Before the first bridges over Doonella Lake expansion since and almost half a century and Weyba Creek were built in 1929, Gympie on, the renamed had Terrace and Noosa Heads could only be nearly a million passengers pass through reached by boat. Once Noosaville and Noosa its gates. Heads became accessible by motor car, the The 1960s marked the start of a new era local tourism industry began to expand. for the region with major social changes resulting from the movement away from a hinterland based rural farming economy to a new focus on coastal development accompanied by the growth of the tourism industry.

4 Sunshine Coast Community Plan Sunshine Coast Community Plan becoming the Sunshine Coast

The name ‘Sunshine Coast’ was launched In 1976, the combined population of the in December 1958 at the inaugural dinner Noosa, Maroochydore and Caloundra shires of the Sunshine Coast branch of the Real totalled 62,673. Just 15 years later, that Estate Institute of . The institute figure had grown to more than 167,000. By was arguing to replace the term ‘Near 2010 that number had almost doubled again, North Coast’, which the Branch considered with an estimated 330,000 residents calling was not sufficiently distinctive and had ‘no the region home. significance for southerners’. The name The Coast’s own daily newspaper, the was officially adopted in November Sunshine Coast Daily, began rolling off the 1966 to cover the Maroochy, Noosa and presses in 1980, coinciding with a surge in Landsborough Shires. the region’s growth and development. During the 1960s the Sunshine Coast’s While the David Low Way had opened up surfing culture started to flourish, as a the ribbon of coastal subdivisions, further growing number of board riders discovered urbanisation led to the construction of the the region’s pristine coastline and beach Sunshine Coast motorway. The first section breaks. Elsewhere in the region, pockets of between the and Nicklin the hinterland were becoming a haven for Way opened in 1988, followed by the stretch people seeking an alternative lifestyle as a from to David Low Way two growing number of people turned their backs years later. on the city and moved to the country. “In 2030 I hope that our beaches are still world class.”

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 5

Image courtesy of Andrew Cook. recent developments

The Sunshine Coast University College was Passage was included in the declaration of the founded at Sippy Downs in 1994. The college Marine Park and later that year achieved full university status in 1998. The the Park was recognised as an internationally Sunshine Coast University now creates new significant wetland and bird habitat under opportunities for the region’s residents and the RAMSAR convention. the local economy. Fourteen years later Noosa Shire was Population growth also led to the declared Queensland’s first UNESCO development of new shopping centres across Biosphere reserve in recognition of the the Coast and the region’s largest, Sunshine area’s biodiversity and the local community’s Plaza at Maroochydore, opened in 1995. efforts to combine economic and social development with environmental protection. Starting in the 1980s, local architects and designers had begun to experiment with In March 2008, almost sixty years from environmentally sensitive designs. By the the Real Estate Institute of Queensland’s 1990s they had earned a national reputation proposal calling for the region to be renamed for their innovative buildings which were the Sunshine Coast, the Sunshine Coast helping to define the character of the coast. Regional Council was created following the State Government’s Local Government The significance of our regional ecosystems reform process which merged Caloundra and the efforts our community has put into City with the former shires of Maroochy preserving these systems has received and Noosa to form a single local significant international recognition in the government. last two decades. In 1993 the Pumicestone

“In 2030 I don’t want to live in a place that resembles a sardine can!”

6 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Taylah Hughes. lessons from the past

To effectively plan for a strong and resilient harness ‘people energy’ to help address the future we must understand our history. Our major environmental and social challenges past is important – we need to respect it, we face in the decades ahead. learn from it and conserve what is important At the same time we also need to broaden our to us about it. economic base from the current reliance on Our cultural heritage is woven into the fabric tourism, retail and construction industries, of our everyday life. It has determined the so that we have jobs for our expanding look and feel of the landscape we live in and population and our young people are not left us with an environmental legacy that forced to leave the Coast looking for work. includes significant areas of land preserved To do this we need to look at ways in which as national parks but other areas that are we can attract new investment to the region highly degraded. There is much we can learn by drawing on the creativity and innovation about sustainability from Aboriginal culture. of our entrepreneurs and investing in smart sustainable industries and securing our The townships and urban areas peppered digital future. Similarly we need to find ways throughout the Sunshine Coast are historic to reinvigorate our rural sector which for so places with their own distinct features, long was the backbone of our economy. architecture and sense of identity. We need to nurture these places and recognise their While being conscious of our historical legacy unique heritage. We also need to clearly we must also be aware of new and emerging define how we are going to do this and who is challenges such as climate change and peak responsible for conserving our heritage. oil. Recent studies by the International Panel on Climate Change show that the Sunshine The challenge of getting around the region is Coast is one of the most vulnerable areas in still with us and in the decades ahead we will Australia to the impacts of climate change. need to improve our public transport linkages Community adaption strategies will become and overcome our reliance on the motor car. increasingly important for our region in the People have been talking about having a rail century ahead. line linking the coastal areas to the Brisbane railway line since the 1890s! This Community Plan will help us build on our past, encourage us to embrace our Many of the environmental, economic and potential so we can look to the decades ahead social challenges the region faces are the with optimism and a clear sense of who we result of the last four decades of exponential are, where we have come from and where we population growth and associated are going. development. This has seen the region’s essential and social infrastructure stretched almost to breaking point and housing becoming less affordable. Managing the impact of growth remains one of our biggest challenges going forward to 2030. On the positive side we have a strong history of community activism and social enterprise across the region. We need to celebrate our community heroes and find new ways to

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 7

Image courtesy of Olivia Baberowski. the

The Sunshine Coast region covers an area Despite the common belief that the Sunshine of more than 3,000 square kilometres, Coast is an affluent community, analysis of including 113 square kilometres of waterways. the latest census data shows that we have It has more than 200 kilometres of coastline, a smaller proportion of people earning over over 4,000 kilometres of roads, nearly 800 $1000 per week and a larger proportion kilometres of bikeways and over 13,000 of people earning less than $400 per week hectares of parks and bushland. than the Queensland average. These figures reinforce the importance creating new With its diverse geographical, geological and job opportunities and addressing topographical features and conservation affordability issues. ethic the Sunshine Coast is increasingly being recognised for its rich biodiversity. Also, like many so called sea change communities around Australia our Approximately one third of the total demographic profile shows a lower proportion Sunshine Coast region consists of native of families and a higher proportion of people vegetation, with around half of this over 50 than the Queensland average. This vegetation on private land. reflects our popularity as a place for people The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest to retire. This ageing of the population brings growing regions in Australia, with people with it both opportunities but also a number from other parts of Queensland, interstate of challenges in terms of service provision and overseas drawn to our wonderful climate, and economic vitality over the next 20 years. enviable lifestyle, natural attributes and It also raises the question of how we ensure obvious potential. that the Sunshine Coast remains a vibrant The region is home to more than 300,000 place for families and young people to live. people and it is anticipated that at least 200,000 additional residents will settle on the Sunshine Coast in the next 20 years.

“In 2030 I want to see the best and brightest young people staying on the coast”

8 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Ben Everingham. “In 2030 I hope that the Biodiversity Strategy being implemented now will have stopped our wildlife from being hung out to dry.”

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 9

Image courtesy of Rebecca Hoge. b i f

It is an enormous challenge to retain the Investment in education and training are best of what we have now, while embracing significant issues for the future, as well as the change and opportunity as our region ability to move around the region safely and continues to grow. easily, with quality public transport systems in place. The region’s liveability, its strong sense of community, its character and environment Residents the length and breadth of the are central to our future success and these Sunshine Coast are united in their support elements must be protected and maintained. for development that creates a sustainable region. In this regard, how well we manage The community understands that an our projected future growth will be the key expanding population will increase demand issue. Decision makers need to recognise that for services and infrastructure — particularly the majority of Sunshine Coasters are not those that provide for our health and convinced that the region can easily sustain wellbeing. The challenge for all levels of the Regional Plan’s government is to provide essential services projected population target of about half a and infrastructure in a timely manner. million people by 2031. At the same time we need to be creative Clearly, there is much work to be done. and broaden the economy by attracting Success will require strong leadership, investment and generating jobs in sectors better collaboration between all levels that complement our lifestyle and of government, service providers, the environment. community and business to deliver the best possible outcomes for our region.

The big issues for our community include: • Providing essential services and • Protecting our waterways and infrastructure to meet current and future coastal foreshores. population needs. • Enhancing our natural environment • Access to excellent educational and its biodiversity. opportunities. • Ensuring public areas are accessible for • Living in a safe community. older people and those with a disability. • Increased and better coordinated public • Keeping government and utility fees transport services. and charges as low as possible. • Adopting sustainable technologies like solar • Affordable living power, collecting rain water and recycling. • Maintaining our active and • Providing facilities for sporting, recreation vibrant lifestyle. and community activities. • Supporting families. • Diversifying the economy, supporting existing businesses and creating employment opportunities.

10 Sunshine Coast Community Plan ourvision

At the Community Conference in October 2010 delegates endorsed a vision of the Sunshine Coast becoming Australia’s most sustainable region. By deliberately aligning the community plan and council’s corporate plan, delegates were seeking to unify the region behind a common strategy and provide a strong basis for us to grow. to be Australia’s most sustainable region

vibrant green diverse

We have adopted the following definition of sustainability which states: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Brundtland Commission – Report to the World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987.

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 11

Image courtesy of Tasha Carthy. a community of communities

Sustainability cannot be developed externally We love our environment and recognise that and imposed on a community from outside we are lucky to live in a biodiversity hot spot or by government. To be successful, it must where there are many different species of be embraced at the local level and adapted to animals and plants. reflect the community’s history, values, and Local entrepreneurs and small businesses are aspirations. the economic backbone of our communities Our region has developed as a community of and we will support them to prosper and communities. It is part of our character and grow so we can retain local knowledge and one of our points of difference from other build skills and employment in the region. regions in South East Queensland. We also recognise the great benefits that flow The development of specific place making from the positive interaction of different strategies which focus on each town and generations. We will work hard to provide village’s history, unique identity and opportunities for mentoring and the character will ensure that our centresZooming exchangeinto 2030 of ideas between young and old. continue to be vibrant, friendly and safe. As As caring communities, we will work together they grow and continue to develop, each of to find local solutions to social problems such these places will contribute in their own way Tina Freeman as affordability, poverty and mental illness. to the essence and strength of the region. We will work hard to ensure that our towns and villages do not dominate or destroy the natural environment. Our urban areas will be surrounded by open space and “In 2030 I hope that productive farmland. there is lots of green space both rural and natural remaining in our landscape”

12 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Tina Freeman.

In 2030 I hope that there is still plenty of green to be seen. I hope that there is lots of green space both rural and natural remaining in our landscape. our values

The values we as a community have identified to achieve our vision are: • Integrity, honesty and openness. By adopting these values we aim to create a • Fairness and equity. place where people have a sense of identity and belonging to their community and where • Generosity of spirit. everyone takes responsibility for their own • Acceptance and respect for others. actions and gives others a fair go. • Courage to make the difficult decisions. We hope these values will inspire our leaders to support the building of a caring, ethical and resilient society where we live in harmony with each other and the environment.

“In 2030 I hope that every child on the Sunshine Coast will be able to experience what it is like to grow their own food by having access to a garden.”

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 13

Image courtesy of Sandy Johnson. our principles

The following principles will help guide our journey towards sustainability and ensure the identity and character of the region is retained;

• We are committed to understanding our • We will live within our means and seek to history and not repeating past mistakes. minimise our environmental footprint. • We will make informed decisions for • We will build upon the individuality and the benefit of all, based upon research, character of our communities. community deliberation and • We recognise the value of partnerships to common sense. help us achieve our common goals. • We will act dynamically to improve In short: ‘we won’t do things today that stuff the future. things up for others in the future!’ • We will preserve our unique biodiversity and seek to restore the productivity of degraded landscapes. • We will achieve long term economic sustainability based upon environmentally “In 2030 sound development. I hope that these seeds will have grown into big gum trees to give us clean air and homes and food for wildlife.”

14 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Thomas McCoombes. changing our thinking

“In 2030 I hope that people can still have fun when hanging around the Sunshine Coast.”

In order to achieve our vision we, individually To do this we need to be well informed, and collectively, will need to change the way have access to the latest knowledge and be we think, act and do business. prepared to share our learnings. We need to strive to live more sustainably. In some areas we will need to make This will require us to walk or catch the incremental change while in others we need bus more often, get better at recycling our to make substantial improvements through organic waste, install solar panels and the implementation of innovative programs embrace new and better designed buildings. and technologies. As a community we need to agree on To manage these changes we will need to those things that are important, what we clearly define the actions that are needed want to retain from our past and areas for to achieve our aspirations, identify the improvement. Most importantly we need to major risks, develop relevant indicators debate what we want to see in the future, be and targets, and ensure transparency and prepared to make the hard decisions and then openness across all of our government, agree how we will go about making change. business and community organisations.

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 15

Image courtesy of Jessica Biddle. retaining our lifestyle

One of the key elements that people living in encompasses preventative, and alternative our region wish to retain into the future is practices alongside traditional health care our relaxed lifestyle and sense of wellbeing. facilities and services. There are many factors that contribute to our Recognising that physical activity, recreation quality of life. These include our health, living and our beach culture are all important in a safe community, having good friends and components of our current lifestyle and a safety net if we fall on hard times. Access contribute to our physical and mental health, to open space, the provision of essential we will retain and enhance our network of infrastructure and the quality of our local open space and protect our waterways and environment also contribute to our wellbeing beach foreshores. as does the opportunity to participate in In the future we will strive to ensure that our community life and decisions that affect urban environments are vibrant, safe and our lives. built to withstand severe weather and the Improving our health and wellbeing is an impacts of potential climate change. issue of primary concern to Sunshine We will also ensure our lifestyle continues Coast residents. to encourage social interaction, caring for By 2030 our region will have become a leader one another and artistic and cultural in the provision of health services, medical practices that will improve our overall research, teaching and training. We will have health and wellbeing. a diverse and holistic health care system that

“This is me in 2030, I hope that we have great skate parks where we can hang out.”

“In 2030 I hope we have responsible development built in harmony with our environment.”

16 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Birgit Kehr. managing growth

Managing growth has consistently been business district in Maroochydore and the ranked as a key issue of concern to Sunshine creation of new communities at Palmview Coast residents and is recognised as being and Caloundra South. critical to achieving our vision of becoming Future generations will judge how successful Australia’s most sustainable region. these developments are in terms of reflecting There are strong links between the built a Sunshine Coast character, developing long environment, health and wellbeing, economic term job opportunities and preserving the investment, and ecological sustainability. region’s ecological diversity, particularly in the highly sensitive RAMSAR listed The key challenge in managing growth is Pumicestone Passage. to ensure our new planning scheme makes provision for the necessary infrastructure, Well before 2030, we must have the essential suitable housing, community facilities, infrastructure in place to support the needs investment and employment growth to of our expanded population. We will also allow communities to flourish, without work hard with our neighbours to retain the compromising our natural, social and inter-urban break between Brisbane and the cultural environments. Sunshine Coast and the green spaces between our towns and villages. There are a number of unique development opportunities on the Coast in the next We need to be innovative in our thinking and 20 years which are an ideal catalyst for planning so that young people and families best practice in sustainable development remain in, and are attracted to our region. and urban design. The most significant of these are the development of a new central

“In 2030 I hope we have responsible development built in harmony with our environment.”

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 17

Image courtesy of James Drew. becoming ecologically sustainable

“In 2030 I hope that there will be abundant housing options for our wildlife.”

As humans we have the ability to alter the We will have successfully preserved our natural habitat and even make other species natural environment and maintained and extinct. We can also act as custodians of the enhanced the region’s biodiversity values land and protect and restore biodiversity so with no net loss of habitat. that our environment is preserved for future By using alternative and renewable energy generations. sources at every opportunity, we will Achieving ecological sustainability involves be well on our way to a carbon-neutral integrating environmental considerations future and meeting the challenge posed by into all of our decision making. The climate change. challenges are significant. We not only need Our environmentally-friendly to change our lives to live more sustainably infrastructure and excellence in urban but at a time of rapid population growth in design will be recognised internationally. the region we also need to deliver appropriate new development outcomes that retain our We will recycle our resources including ecological integrity. water and waste, and wherever possible, recycled material will be incorporated into The natural environment is regarded by building design. residents as one of the region’s primary assets and there is a clear community Our community will be actively involved expectation that all levels of government in natural resource management and and business will ensure the ecological protecting our region’s biodiversity. sustainability of the region as our population We will rehabilitate our waterways continues to grow. and using the best science available to In 2030, ecological sustainability will maintain a healthy river, coastal and underpin our reputation as a desirable place marine ecology. This in turn will support to live, learn, work and play, and is seen as sustainable recreational and commercial essential for our current and future success. fisheries for the long term.

18 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Rebecca Hoge. developing our economy

“In 2030 I hope that small business is still the backbone of community.”

Developing a robust and resilient economy is We will continue to offer a broad range essential for the Sunshine Coast. Providing of tourism experiences including major better targeted education and training sporting, recreational and cultural events. opportunities and supporting existing local The Sunshine Coast Airport precinct will businesses, including rural industries, is vital have expanded and there will be regular to help the region thrive. commuter air services to key Australian destinations. We need to attract new industries to diversify the economy, generate a wider range of We will have a strong, local food production secure jobs, and to facilitate sustainable industry supplying the local population and economic growth. The task for government tourism with high value quality produce. is to put the right policy settings, programs We will encourage sustainable production and infrastructure in place to encourage techniques and provide opportunities to the private sector to invest in the region and showcase local production. drive economic development. As the century progresses, we will build new Innovation and entrepreneurship will be service industries that reflect our positioning critical to the development of our economy. as a lifestyle region. Also vital will be the upskilling of our We will embrace new ways of doing business workforce to meet the needs of the new and be viewed as a leader in our use of knowledge and service based industries that emerging technologies. There will be a we are seeking to attract to the region. We high take up and strong competition in our need to provide our young people with viable broadband market. We will also seek to employment opportunities locally so they establish digital and clean tech businesses don’t need to leave the region to find a job. across the region. By 2030, our thriving economy will be acknowledged as the means to deliver our priorities and a critical component of the region reaching its potential.

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 19

Image courtesy of Trudie Simpson. ensuring social cohesion

Communities across the Sunshine Coast in community life. We will not forget the have been built on the three pillars of disadvantaged or those isolated from the rest individual responsibility, family values and of our community. community enterprise. We want to ‘close the gap’ for our Indigenous We have a strong tradition of volunteerism people, in terms of their health, educational and community activism and have invested and employment opportunities. significant social capital in our sporting By 2030 there will be a wide range of groups, churches, community and housing choice suitable for different ages not-for-profit organisations. and incomes. Our young people attach great importance to The not for profit sector will continue to living in a place where they feel a sense flourish across the Sunshine Coast and there of belonging. will be high levels of volunteerism. One of the biggest challenges facing our At the local level there will be a diverse region is ensuring that the Sunshine Coast calendar of festivals and events that remains an affordable place to live, and celebrate our history, achievements this will only happen if we can diversify and identity. Neighbourhoods will have the economy and generate significant established many new community gardens employment opportunities for our and will be actively safeguarding their local young people. flora and fauna. There will also be many Moving forward we want to build upon the opportunities for social interaction and strengths of our communities and give sharing. All of which will contribute to our everyone a fair go. We will support the most sense of belonging. disenfranchised and vulnerable through education and encourage their involvement “In 2030 I hope that there are even more free community festivals which everyone can enjoy.”

20 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Elliot Peters being connected

Our community wants reliable, accessible and Public transport will be an attractive affordable public transport that will enable alternative to private motor vehicles for all and encourage Coast residents and visitors to Sunshine Coast residents and we will have leave the car at home. reclaimed our villages from cars. We need improved public transport and rail Visitors will be able to lock their cars on services as soon as possible to make it safer arrival and get around on foot, on a bike or on and easier to move around the region and public transport. reduce our dependency on cars. Over the next two decades we will develop a We must ensure that public areas are system of connected path and cycle ways that accessible for older people and those with allow us to travel smarter, reduce our carbon a disability. footprint and develop a walking culture. In 2030, our transport options will be tailored to the geography of our region. The Coast will be easily accessible by air, road or rail and there will be quality transport links internally within the region.

“In 2030 I hope I can catch public transport - anywhere, anytime!”

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 21

Image courtesy of Kari Porter. tapping into our creativity

“In 2030 I hope to see the

dawn of a new era where we share of ourselves by moving into community and connecting.”

Innovation and creativity assist in developing We will be known for our entrepreneurial a robust economy, ensuring our ecological approach and will have developed a series of sustainability and managing future innovation hubs to foster and fund ideas that population growth. Furthermore a dynamic benefit our region. artistic and cultural sector is indicative of We will support research and development a progressive community that has a strong across all industry sectors. local identity and a sense of its place in the world. Our libraries will become centres of information and creativity blending both By 2030, our educational institutions will technological innovation and traditional have blossomed and we will be renowned as services. a smart region where innovation is a major catalyst for business development. Creative and artistic endeavours will be held in high regard and will be well supported on Sippy Downs will have developed as one of the Sunshine Coast. Australia’s foremost university towns and there will continue to be large numbers of overseas students studying on the Coast. As the University grows it will begin to generate larger numbers of research jobs in areas such as health, engineering and applied science.

22 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Hannah Coyle. sustainability indicators

As a community we need to measure our There are many potential sustainability progress to ensure we are on track to indicators which the Sunshine Coast might achieving our vision to be Australia’s most use. However, it is important that these sustainable region. indicators can be benchmarked with other regions and verified by independent sources. The use of sustainability indicators will help us understand where we are, the direction For this reason we have decided to adopt the in which we are travelling, and how far suite of fifteen indicators that the Australian we are from attaining our goals. They will Conservation Foundation (ACF) developed also help us identify problems and possible for its 2010 sustainable cities index with the solutions, by highlighting our strengths addition of five community indicators that and weaknesses. relate specifically to the Sunshine Coast.

These indicators measure: Environmental Performance Resilience • Air Quality • Climate Change • Ecological Footprint • Public Participation • Green Building • Education • Water Use • Household Repayments • Biodiversity • Food Production Quality of Life Community Indicators • Health • Economic diversification • Density • Energy supply • Wellbeing • Waste disposal • Transport • Community Engagement • Employment • Fish stocks

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 23 areas for improvement

In 2010 our region ranked second on the ACF However, we performed poorly in the area Australian Sustainable City Index, which of household repayments (18th), and below measured the comparative performance of average in density (14th), employment Australia’s 20 largest cities, and we would (13th), education (12th) green buildings like to improve our position relative to other (11th), and transport (10th). Australian Cities over the next five years. Over the next five years we would like to The Sunshine Coast performed very well in significantly improve our performance in the categories of air quality and wellbeing, the areas of household repayments, density, taking out the top spot in both. We also did employment and transport by a minimum well in food production and health, where we of 20%. were ranked second and third respectively. Improvements in these areas will require Over the next five years we would like the development and implementation of to continue to perform highly in these specific strategies and action plans by four areas. council and other government agencies The Sunshine Coast region performed targeting amongst other areas affordable creditably in the categories of Climate Change living, economic development, community (6th), Public Participation (7th), Water Use transport and the implementation of a new (7th), Biodiversity (7th), and Ecological planning scheme. footprint (9th). Over the next five years we would like to improve our performance in each of these areas.

“In 2030 I hope that I have somewhere to sleep.”

24 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Sophie McGeorge. next steps

No one organisation or institution has the This partnership will be tasked with capacity to deliver all of the aspirations the development and coordination of contained within this plan. Achieving comprehensive strategies and actions our aspirations will require a rock solid to enable the delivery of the aspirations commitment and partnership between the outlined in this plan. As the partnership community, business and government. develops all members will be required to Our collective efforts must now be focused outline how they will contribute to the on how best to implement our community implementation of this plan. plan. To realise a sustainable and successful The partnership will challenge us to future for the region, it is vital that all levels put our big ideas into action, support of government work together. This will innovation, bring people together, monitor require continuing community engagement the sustainability indicators, and provide a and consultation, policy coordination, the united voice on important issues. provision of essential infrastructure in a The partnership will set annual priorities, timely fashion and more efficient delivery of advocacy targets and seek to actively services. promote cooperation and collaboration To coordinate the delivery of this community between government, business, education plan the Sunshine Coast Council is proposing providers and the community to ensure to facilitate a Sunshine Coast Community that the Sunshine Coast becomes the most Partnership comprising local businesses, sustainable region in Australia. not–for–profit organisations, community Responsibility for the success of this plan groups, resident’s associations and all levels rests with everyone in our community. of government.

“In 2030 I hope that the Sunshine Coast will blossom.”continue to

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 25

Image courtesy of Bailey Jeffs. 26 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image from Community Conference October 2010. council’s response

The Sunshine Coast Council and the Council encourages its other partners in community share the same vision of the region to also develop a comprehensive becoming Australia’s most sustainable response to the aspirations and issues raised region – vibrant, green, and diverse. in the community plan in order to ensure that we are all working together to achieve In order to achieve this vision, council has our vision. already produced a number of significant strategies and detailed action plans to It is important to understand that council enhance the future of our region and ensure views the development of this plan as we achieve our aims. These strategies are a beginning and not an end in itself. To identified and explained in the be successful this plan needs to be a diagram below. living document and council commits to undertaking a major review of this plan Council will assume a leadership position in every five years as well as more regular responding to the community plan and will community conferences and meetings to facilitate and resource the development of track the plan’s progress. the Sunshine Coast Community Partnership.

The community plan sets the vision and outlines the community’s aspirations.

Council’s corporate plan describes how council will contribute to achieving the vision.

The council’s corporate plan has 8 themes.

Accessibilty Robust Health and Social and Ecological Great Managing Innovation & Economy Wellbeing Cohesion Connectedness Sustainability Governance Growth Creativity

Strategies and Action Plans

Economic Open Space Strategy Biodiversity Strategy 10 year Planning Sustainability Development Youth Strategy Pest Management Plan Financial Plan Scheme Policy Sustainable Health and Wellbeing Charter Climate Change and Peak Asset Structure Creative Centres Oil Strategy Management Plans Communities Reconciliation Action Plan Plans Strategy Rural Carbon Neutral Plan Priority Futures Sport and Active Recreation Strategy Internal Infrastructure Innovative Affordable Living Strategy Energy Transition Plan Policies and Plans Programs Social Infrastructure Strategy Waterways and Coastal Procedures Foreshores Management Aquatic Strategy Flooding and Stormwater Social Planning Management Strategy Cultural Heritage Plan Waste Minimisation Sustainable Transport Strategy Strategy Active Transport Support Total Water Cycle Strategy

Outcome a sustainable region vibrant green diverse

Sunshine Coast Community Plan 27 “In 2030 I hope that the Sunshine Coast is clean and green when these turtles mature and return to lay eggs on the same beach.”

28 Sunshine Coast Community Plan

Image courtesy of Mandy Hoge.