Sunshine Coast leads national conversation on coastal sustainability

The Sunshine Coast will become a hub for coastal resilience collaboration, as it welcomes leaders from across Australia for the 2025 Australian Coastal Councils Conference.

The event, convened by the Australian Coastal Councils Association, will bring together local government leaders, researchers and policy makers to share insights and strategies for managing Australia’s diverse and dynamic coastal regions.

Sunshine Coast Council will host the conference in Mooloolaba from July 31 to August 1.

Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the conference would allow Council to showcase its proactive approach to climate resilience and environmental stewardship in projects working with the community.

“Our coastal areas are vital to our way of life, supporting our biodiversity, our lifestyle and wellbeing, our communities, and our local businesses and economy,” Cr Suarez said.

“That’s why we’re proud to host the Australian Coastal Councils Conference, as we share our learnings and also learn from other councils from across the nation to maintain a healthy coast.”

Cr Suarez said Council was preparing for the impacts of climate change on coastal areas through implementation of the Climate Hazard Adaptation Strategy.

“We are also carefully investigating how to better protect important areas through Coastal Hazard Adaptation Precinct Planning, working closely with those communities.

“We are seeing major changes to parts of our coastline, including the Bribie Island breakthrough, that demonstrate the importance of being climate ready and ensuring our environment, assets and communities are prepared for the changing climate.

“Now is the time for collaboration and learning – drawing on the breadth of experience, research and forward-thinking ideas from across Australia – to responsibly manage these coastal spaces we love.”