The Coast hinterland: where to from here?
One of the most endearing qualities of the Sunshine Coast is the vibrancy and diversity of its hinterland.
One of the most endearing qualities of the Sunshine Coast is the vibrancy and diversity of its hinterland.
Sunshine Coast Council wants to make sure the hinterland remains that way into the future – so it wants your ideas, input and creative thinking to prepare a strategy which does just that!
Economic Development and Council Entrepreneurship portfolio councillor Lew Brennan said the hinterland was a key element in the Coast’s diversity in terms of economic activity.
"There are so many facets of economic activity in country towns and villages, which are just as sensitive to the variances of economic cycles as the rest of the Coast," he said.
"It is important that we understand fully how they interlink and what we can do to make them as sustainable as possible, as well as look at opportunities for their economic growth.
"I encourage everyone to contribute to the website forum or attend one of the workshops."
Glasshouse Mountains pineapple farmer Murray Pike said food security "will be a major issue inside 20 years" and also believes more industrial land for hinterland towns is needed. He also said friction between operating farms and urban areas was increasing.
Maleny IGA supermarket owner Rob Outridge said tourism was a major economic driver for the hinterland.
"We are an alternative to the Gold Coast and the hinterland has to offer something different – country towns need to retain their country feel," he said.
Cooran resident Julie-Anne Flynn said she was concerned about future employment but did not think the solution was "more shopping centres". She said more tourism through cottage industries was a key ingredient, along with more tourism-friendly road surfaces.
The issues are clearly as numerous and diverse as the hinterland population itself. That’s why council wants to hear from as many people as possible.
Council is conducting an open, online community forum as well as holding workshops around the Coast.
You can answer questions listed as well as link to a variety of information sources – and you will be able to read contributions by others and continue the conversation.
When all the feedback is in, Council will identify the strongest issues which will feed into a draft Rural Futures Strategy.