Preferred international relations service model decided

A new concept model for the delivery of international relations will focus on a better alignment with the Sunshine Coast Council Corporate Plan to achieve better economic development outcomes in the region.

At today’s Ordinary Meeting of council, it was agreed to develop clearer objectives for international relations and to establish an International Relations Panel to support the achievement of the corporate plan’s strategies.

Community Policy and Programs Portfolio Councillor Jenny McKay said the new model would enable council to better contribute to the outcomes of the corporate plan, specifically in the area of cultural exchanges and economic development.

"Following a lengthy period of review, consultation and discussion with key stakeholders, council has today decided a new model which will provide a more effective platform to proactively leverage various opportunities supporting the corporate plan," Cr McKay said.

"The role of the new panel will be to provide strategic guidance and support to activities being undertaken individually which contribute to one or more of the strategies and provide input and explore opportunities for leveraging and adding value to the activities of others."

The new panel will consist of external membership from the education, economic development, government, business, sports and tourism sectors, along with nominated councillors Cr McKay and Economic Development and Council Entrepreneurship Portfolio Councillor Lew Brennan.

Cr McKay said today’s decision signals a movement away from the current traditional government to government agreement formalised through sister city relationships which does not include clear objectives to be achieved through the relationship.

She said that it will also bring to a close the way in which council supports the Sunshine Coast Sister Cities Community Association Inc (SCSCCA).

"The new panel will benefit from its members’ international relationships, expertise and knowledge when providing recommendations on decisions impacting various sectors across the region.

"However, it will also expand the focus from a cultural and arts based relationship, which is where are international relations currently sit, to one which has the potential to bring more economic benefits to the region."

Cr McKay said council would like to acknowledge the SCSCCA for the association’s passion, effort and commitment to international relationships to date.

"We would like to thank the SCSCCA for their valuable contributions. We will now be inviting them to apply for funding under council’s community partnerships funding program – a different model of funding – to help them continue their more cultural and friendship based relationships," Cr McKay said.

"We will also be inviting them to become a member of the new panel."

Council will extend membership of the International Relations Panel to:

• Regional universities, including Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland
• Sunshine Coast Destination Limited
• Regional education providers
• State – Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) and Department of sport and Recreation
• Queensland Education/TAFE
• Sunshine Coast Sister Cities Association Incorporated
• Sunshine Coast Business Council/Chambers of Commerce
• Others as considered appropriate.