A range of largely “behind the scenes” initiatives have helped boost economic activity that has improved the livelihoods of residents across the region.
The initiatives introduced by Sunshine Coast Council over the past decade has seen it repeatedly place in the Top 21 of the ICF Intelligent Communities, and this year, for the third year running, it has again achieved one better by placing in the Top 7.
VIDEO: Watch Sunshine Coast Council’s video on the ICF website
“As a result of this investment in our region, the Sunshine Coast economy has grown from a $13.8 billion economy in 2013 to an economy worth $21.4 billion in 2022*,” Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said.
“Household incomes on the Sunshine Coast have improved significantly over the past decade, from being 22 per cent below the state average to approximately 4.7 per cent below the state average, thanks to our economic development strategy attracting higher paying industries.”
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ICF stands for the Intelligent Community Forum, which recognises communities around the world for utilising “smart” technologies to achieve high-level “economic and social transformation”.
“They are not the most advanced technology centres, the most-wired cities or the fastest growing economies … instead, each exemplifies best practices in broadband deployment and use, workforce development, innovation, digital inclusion and advocacy that offer lessons to regions, cities, towns and villages around the world,” the ICF website explains.
“They are charting new paths to lasting prosperity for their citizens, businesses and institutions.”
The ICF global award winner will be chosen from the Top 7 and announced on October 27.
“Being recognised … for the third year in a row reinforces the impact and value of Sunshine Coast Council’s regional economic, environment and community strategies,” Cr O’Pray said of the Top 7 placing.
“And (it also) reflects the strength of partnerships with community, education and industry leaders in the Sunshine Coast region.”
“While Council cannot confidently say that any one investor has chosen the Sunshine Coast directly due to the ICF award, over the past 10 years our region has delivered the right ingredients for economic and business growth, through long-term planning and support for small and medium sized business and larger corporates.
“Participating in these awards has once again given us an opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Coast and everything it has to offer to a global audience.”
VIDEO: Learn more about 2022 ICF Top 7Â Â
Council has also introduced its Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 (REDS), which provided a 20-year vision and blueprint for sustained economic growth in the region.
“This strategy has helped Council expand employment opportunities, drive infrastructure investment, urban development, population growth, innovation, grow the value of exports and nurture high value industries within our region,” Mr O’Pray said.
“All these high value industries have the potential to generate higher-paying, enduring employment opportunities on the back of the region’s game changer infrastructure projects, which include the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the new Maroochydore City Centre, the Bruce Highway upgrade, the University of the Sunshine Coast expansion, Sunshine Coast Airport expansion, and the only Australian east coast landed international broadband submarine cable outside of Sydney.”
Council also launched the Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance and NEXTDC SC1 Data Centre to foster higher income jobs and a wider range of enduring, high-value employment opportunities, particularly in IT.
Read a recent related story: Economic engines: seven industries that helped the Coast build a $18.5b economy
The Sunshine Coast region has also been recognised by UNESCO as a site of excellence, known as a biosphere.
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