Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033

Sunshine Coast is taking bold steps with a clear plan for a new economy, mapped out in the Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033.

Council adopted the Sunshine Coast - Natural Advantage: Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 at its 19 September 2013 Ordinary Meeting.

The strategy provides a 20-year vision and blueprint for sustainable economic growth. It will help to ensure the region actively participates in the global economy and deliver the lifestyle and opportunities for local residents and businesses alike.

Working with leading business, industry and university representatives and the Queensland Government, the Sunshine Coast - the natural advantage: Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 outlines a comprehensive agenda to improve the resilience and strength of the regional economy and position the Sunshine Coast as one of Australia's leading city regions. View the strategy.

Business and Industry Survey Results

Almost 700 local businesses have shared their vision to drive opportunity and growth for the Sunshine Coast via a comprehensive survey conducted by Lucid Economics and supported by Council as part of the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy. 

The results were clear when it came to the Sunshine Coast’s key economic assets: lifestyle (83%), environment (75%) and tourism attractions (44%). Meanwhile the three key barriers to growing our local economy were labour shortages (54%), rising interest rates (52%) and lack of economic diversity (37%). 

Top 3 ways to grow the economy: 

  • Grow existing businesses
  • Focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
  • Focus on workforce, skills and talent

Most important economic development outcome for the region:

  • A larger, more diverse economy (32%)
  • Increased sustainability (21%)
  • Increased wellbeing for residents (13%)
  • More jobs in the economy (13%)

A large proposition (96%) of businesses feel that Council has a role to play in economic development while 66% of businesses feel like the REDS provided at least some value to the economy. 

Thank you to all that participated. The survey results will be used to shape the direction of the REDS with the anticipated project completion date September 2023.

For more information, please email [email protected]. 

To learn more about how we are working with businesses to grow the region, subscribe to business news for fortnightly updates. 

Current documents

REDS Implementation Plan 2019-2023

The updated strategy provides a program of action over the next 5-year block of implementation (2019-2023) to drive further progress towards the delivery of a continued strong, new economy for the Sunshine Coast region to 2033. View the plan.

REDS 2021-22 annual report

The REDS Annual Report highlights the program of activities delivered during 2021-2022 against the strategy’s five critical pathways and their respective priorities.

The REDS Annual Report 2021-22 (PDF, 2715KB) draws together a range of data, information and insights to identify and demonstrate the valuable work achieved over the past year in delivering on the priorities of the regional economic development strategy, in collaboration with our signatories and partners.

Previous documents

REDS strategy 

REDS implementation plan

REDS pathway plans

REDS reports 

Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Sunshine Coast Country, home of the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples, the Traditional Custodians, whose lands and waters we all now share.
We commit to working in partnership with the Traditional Custodians and the broader First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) community to support self-determination through economic and community development.
Council officesGeneral contactsCouncillor contactsDevelopment contacts
Site help & accessibility
Website supportAccessibilitySCC App
Sign-up for our newsletter
Follow us
Version 1.2.15.1 Terms of use and privacy
© Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2008 - 2023