The Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS) 2013 – 2033 was developed via a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council, State Government and local business and industry partners to guide and facilitate economic development in the region. Since its adoption by Council in 2013, the REDS has been providing a 20-year vision and blueprint for sustainable economic growth for the Sunshine Coast.

The REDS Refresh and five-year implementation plan (2023 Refresh) is the culmination of a comprehensive review and update of the original REDS. This refresh at the current 10-year midpoint assesses the progress made towards achieving the goals set, considers numerous important developments since the REDS was adopted and provides an updated framework to continue the transformative journey to 2033.The review thus far has included detailed economic research, thorough analysis, benchmarking against key indicators and extensive engagement with various business and industry stakeholders across the region.

Following Stage 2 Consultation, Council will review the feedback received and finalise the refresh document accordingly.

The final REDS Refresh will then be presented to Council for consideration at the October 2023 Ordinary Meeting.

Since the development of the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033, the Sunshine Coast economy has undergone a period of noticeable growth and change. The REDS was initially developed in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, the State Government and eight other industry partners to guide and facilitate economic development and activities in the region.

At its commencement, the REDS committed to the delivery of five-yearly action plans and strategic reviews aligned with those periods. Accordingly, in November 2017, Council commenced a process of evaluating the success of the first five-year implementation period and shaping the next five-year cycle. This work resulted in the current REDS 2019-2023 Implementation Plan. Given the expiration of that Implementation Plan period, a similar review process was commenced in early 2023 with the aim of delivering a revised REDS and Implementation plan prior to the end of the calendar year.

Most of the feedback to date from the current review process indicates strong ongoing support for the REDS, particularly the collaboration between business, industry and Council. This includes maintaining the 20-year vision and blueprint for long term sustainable economic growth, the four aspirational goals, five pathways and seven high value industries, albeit amended and updated to reflect new opportunities and challenges and creating an agile strategy that can adapt to a changing environment.

Substantial internal and external consultation has been conducted to date encompassing:

• Large scale Town Hall session
• Comprehensive business survey
• Targeted stakeholder group workshops
• Targeted external individual interview sessions
• Internal workshop session
• Targeted internal interview sessions