Sunshine Coast Council and community members have teamed up to make a difference in the lives of thousands through a range of important initiatives in the past year.
This includes more than $4 million invested in 875 community grants for projects, events and partnerships providing direct community benefits that align with the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.
Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the council had worked with the local community to achieve “incredible results”.
“We are proud to present the Sunshine Coast Community Strategy Annual Report for 2021/22 which summarises the key achievements during the latest financial year,” Cr Law said.
“It exemplifies the practical work being undertaken to achieve our collective long-term goals of achieving a strong community with opportunities for everyone to participate and contribute to community life.”
He said one major example was the work undertaken with Briometrix for a pilot project to create an online mobility map, tracking the accessibility of routes from Maroochydore to Mooloolaba.
“The team was able to work in collaboration with local people with disability to co-design the map and is now a useful resource enabling people to plan their trips and get around more easily,” Cr Law said.
“The mobility map identifies footpaths, shared pathways and trails accessible for people of all abilities, from mums and dads with toddlers, to elderly with walkers, people using mobility aides and anyone with wheels on pathways.”
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The council continues to progress implementation of the third Reconciliation Action Plan to further embed reconciliation commitments, foster meaningful partnerships and support social and economic opportunities for the First Nations community.
A number of successful initiatives also has been delivered with community partners, including the candlelight vigil at Cotton Tree Park to raise awareness and prevent domestic and family violence and initiatives to support people experiencing homelessness.
Cr Law said the council had co-designed the powerful Shine a Light on Racism campaign, the Migrant Work Ready Program to help new migrants prepare for work and build connections, and an All Access Day at the Beach by partnering with Mooloolaba Surf Club to celebrate International Day of People with Disability.
Council launched the new Have Your Say online platform to enhance community projects and provide creative ways to engage with the community.
“Our Youth Council helped us engage with more than 600 young people aged 12-24 to gain an understanding of what this age group loves about the Sunshine Coast, what is important to them, and areas of concern,” Cr Law said of other initiatives.
“We successfully delivered a range of programs and events to support healthy and active lifestyles, including active transport programs with schools, volunteer beach cleanups and programs, activities and events within our community and sporting venues, libraries, galleries and heritage museums.
“Great new infrastructure such as the Mooloolaba Northern Parkland and Adventure Playground, Nambour Aquatic Splash Park, Dicky Beach Skate Park and Beerwah Community Meeting Place provide opportunities for active recreation and places for the community to come together.”
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The Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041 was adopted in November 2019. It provides long-term direction on how the council and the public will work together to advance a shared goal of achieving a strong community through to 2041.
Cr Law said the 20-year strategy helped to build on values and shape a community which was, healthy and active, vibrant, inclusive, connected and resilient, and creative and innovative.
To view council’s Community Strategy Annual Report, visit the council’s website.
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