In 2015 Sunshine Coast Council adopted the Sunshine Coast Social Strategy. Council was the first Queensland local government organisation to develop a Strategy of tis kind, outlining our commitment to contribute to a strong community.
Following extensive engagement with our community and stakeholders, council has now developed the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041, which supersedes the Social Strategy 2015. Council adopted the Community Strategy at its Ordinary Meeting on 14 November 2019.
Purpose
The Community Strategy provides a long-term framework for how council and our community will work together to advance our shared goal of a strong community to 2041.
The purpose of the Community Strategy is to achieve five outcomes:
- Empower our community to live healthy and active lifestyles
- Focus on ensuring community places and spaces are vibrant, inclusive, accessible, adaptable and meet the needs of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds
- Strengthen connection, inclusion and opportunity for all people in our community
- Build capacity in our communities to be connected, resilient and to respond to local issues
- Nurture creative and innovative approaches to building a strong community.
Past community engagement
The community were invited to have their say on the Community Strategy through two phases of engagement. This has ensured that the Community Strategy is shaped by, and reflective of, the diverse voices of our region.
Phase 1
In late 2018, we asked people what a strong community means for our region and what some of the key social challenges and opportunities are. You told us that you envision the Sunshine Coast as a place of connection, inclusion and collaboration, where our people and communities are welcoming and opportunities are available for all. The Community Engagement Fact Sheet gives an overview of the community feedback received in the first phase of engagement.
We also engaged with a wide range of stakeholders and partners to generate conversations and ideas that have informed the development of the Community Strategy. A stakeholder forum was held in November 2018, bringing together a diverse range of participants with interest or influence across a range of issues relevant to enhancing a strong Sunshine Coast community. The Stakeholder Event Engagement Summary Report gives an outline of the key findings.
The feedback received from this first phase of community engagement was central in informing and shaping the draft Community Strategy, including the shared vision, outcomes and priorities.
Phase 2
In June and July 2019, the community were invited to take a look at the draft Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041 and contribute their ideas to the formation of the Strategy’s action plan. Submissions closed 19 July 2019.
A second stakeholder forum was hosted in July 2019 to inform the development of the Strategy’s key priorities and action planning, and identify partnership opportunities. A total of 125 stakeholders took part in the forum, representing a broad range of sectors including but not limited to housing, health and well-being, youth, multicultural, access and inclusion, First Nations, social enterprise, religious and faith groups, and private business.
The Community Engagement Program Fact Sheet provides an overview of what we heard over the two phases of engagement from both the broader community and our stakeholders.
Where to from here
Visit council’s website to view:
- The Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041 which sets a vision, five outcome areas, guiding principles and methods for how the goal of a strong community will be achieved, and
- The Sunshine Coast Community Strategy Action Plan 2019-2024 which outlines the key priorities in order to achieve our five desired outcomes. It also provides a clear approach to regular measuring and reporting our progress towards achieving these outcomes.
Contact
For more information, contact Council's Community Development and Engagement Team on (07) 5475 7272 or email commdevelopment@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
