A Growth Economy Message from the Mayor
Our Sunshine Coast is becoming one of Australia’s leading city regions for the 21st century. We are experiencing a time of growing prosperity as the region’s economic growth, led by the implementation of our game-changing projects, continues to impress everyone I speak to locally and overseas. One of this council’s priorities when it was first elected in 2012 was to work with industry to develop a clear 20-year economic plan, which supports a strong, new economy. So, in 2013 the Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 was introduced, the first truly regional strategy developed and delivered in collaboration by council, business, industry leaders and the community. Our goals were ambitious but with a great deal of effort, we have made significant gains.
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Implementation Report Card 2013 – 2018
In fact, according to an independent KPMG review of the REDS first five-year action plan, we are well on our way to achieving our 20-year goal to grow Gross Regional Product, accompanied by an increase in high-value employment, exports and household income. Our bold thinking and real action has seen us put significant runs on the board, making us one of the strongest regional economies in Queensland. Our region has also become a leader in renewables with Sunshine Coast Council being the first local government in Australia to offset 100% of our electricity consumption with energy from a purposebuilt solar farm. The region’s new $1.8 billion tertiary teaching hospital is now one year old. An $81 million expansion of the University of the Sunshine Coast has been completed and work is well and truly underway
