The ELS’s “Environment we Create” section remains critical as we respond to affordable housing, cost of living pressures, the health and wellbeing of our community, and accessibility for all as we deliver a liveable Sunshine Coast.

Currently 70% of our residents live along the coastline putting significant pressure on the built and natural environment in this location, however, it also presents both challenges and opportunities as we seek to maintain the relaxed lifestyle, protect assets from coastal hazards and retain the connection with the natural environment that is so highly valued.

It is anticipated that the future growth will predominately be located in the coastal area with an emphasis on transitioning to a more consolidated urban form supported by appropriate infrastructure, such as a mass transit system, facilities and services - whereby creating a new way of living and minimising impacts on our natural environment.

Future development will be modelled on the principles of self-containment and sustainability encouraging walking, cycling and access to employment, transport, open space and services.

Proposed Change

It is proposed that a refreshed strategy will strengthen language where relevant to continue to recognise the important role our built form plays in a sustainable Sunshine Coast and in particular as it relates to greening of our neighbourhoods, community connectedness, affordable housing and liveability, active transport and mobility, accessibility for all and community health and wellbeing.

Specifically the Implementation Plan proposes some reworked Transformational Actions and tasks to support the delivery of this outcome – see Transformational Actions 2: A better built environment through sustainable design, 3: Sustainable and affordable living through urban transformation and 5: Greening our neighbourhoods.