Introduction

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Executive Summary

MOST SUSTAINABLE REGION

Council’s vision, to be Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green and diverse, sets the agenda clearly for the development of the Sunshine Coast economy.

The importance of the economy to the Sunshine Coast community was reflected in the process of developing Council’s Corporate Plan 2009-2014, where the achievement of a robust economy was identified as being the highest priority for the region. The overall purpose of this Economic Development Strategy is to enable the creation of wealth, prosperity and jobs in line with the Council’s vision of being Australia’s most sustainable region.

Corporate Plan Priorities

Through its community endorsed Corporate Plan process, Council resolved that: Our quality of life is dependent on a strong economy and in planning for the future we need to be aware of the constraints and opportunities arising from global financial conditions.

To address the development of the local economic and business environment, five emerging priorities were agreed:

1.1 A broad economic base

Diversifying the economy to enable the creation of more jobs in a wider base of economic sectors, together with encouraging the growth in employment and output of individual businesses.

1.2. Support for local businesses

Training and development to enhance the capacity of small to medium sized businesses, providing the right framework and legislative environment that allows businesses to operate without the burden of over regulation.

1.3. Infrastructure for economic growth

Ensuring that the right infrastructure is in place through targeted development of land aimed at ensuring business growth, and improvements to soft infrastructure.

1.4. A sustainable tourism industry

As the main industry it is important that we continue to grow the volume and value of tourism, which also generates business for all the other sectors of the economy.

1.5. A strong rural sector

The retention of productive capacity is vital to the future sustainability of the region as well as contributing to the lifestyle and appearance of the region.

In addition, the Corporate Plan identifies a number of other emerging priorities with particular relevance to the Economic Development Strategy and they are addressed in the Action Plan. They include:

3.2. The education sector as a catalyst for business development

Supporting education, training and apprenticeship initiatives that help build skills within the region and retain young people, and encouraging international, national and local students to stay and study on the Sunshine Coast.

6.3. Affordable access to contemporary communication services

By facilitating access to affordable, high-speed communication networks for all residents and businesses, which will provide the new infrastructure for business growth. Also advocating for better telecommunications in rural areas to ensure that rural businesses have the same business opportunities.