Sunshine Coast Council is committed to ongoing engagement with residents, community members and visitors to help inform the master planning process for the new Sunshine Coast Ecological Park.

In April 2022, Council will appoint a Community Reference Group as part of a broader engagement approach to inform and refine a master planning process for the new park. Members of the Community Reference Group will be invited to attend meetings, share their ideas, provide feedback, identify opportunities and represent the community’s interests.

Between Monday, 7 March 2022 to Monday, 21 March 2022, council ran an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identity suitable members for the Community Reference Group.

The Community Reference is a forum for selected community representatives to receive detailed information on the project, provide feedback on proposed engagement activities and discuss the planning and design of the new park. The group will make communication and design suggestions and raise any potential concerns or opportunities directly with the project team. The Community Reference Group will work in an advisory capacity and will:

• Inform the planning of the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park
• Consider and share feedback on design opportunities for the park
• Ensure sunshine coast knowledge and perspectives inform the planning process
• Assist Council in connecting with the sunshine coast community and stakeholders to circulate project information
• Build community advocacy, awareness and understanding of project
• Assist in effective communication and engagement with the broader public

You can read more about the role in the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Expression of Interest and the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Community Reference Group Terms of Reference.

The EOI application period closed on Monday, 22 March 2022.

The Sunshine Coast Ecological Park project team will review the EOIs and select candidates based on their:

• Understanding of the sunshine coast values especially in relation to parks, environment reserves and places.
• Previous experience, skills and background to represent the community’s interests.
• Willingness to openly share ideas, feedback and identify opportunities for the park planning
• Availability and commitment to participate in discussions and meetings

There will be no interview process. Successful applicants will be selected based on the content of the EOI application. Successful candidates will be informed by Friday, 15 April 2022.

Sunshine Coast Council is establishing a significant ecological park on approximately 65 hectares of land adjacent to Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny. The project provides an opportunity to create a unique parkland, inspired by the beautiful natural environment and strengthen and expand accessible green space on the Sunshine Coast.

Council’s vision for the park is to create a place of cherished nature and ecological wonder for generations to discover and enjoy. The park will celebrate and offer a variety of spaces for play and activity, relaxation and enjoyment, recreation and respite.

You can read more about the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park in the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park Fact Sheet.

For more information, please contact the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park project team via email:

SunshineCoastEcologicalPark@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au