Young voices shape Sunshine Coast’s future plan
More than 1,000 young people across the Sunshine Coast have already played a role in shaping our future and now it’s time to check back in.
The Thriving Futures draft Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026–2031, has been shaped by the voices of over 1,000 young people aged 12–24, who shared their ideas and aspirations during the initial engagement period that concluded in July.
Through online surveys, pop-ups across the region and a Youth Forum, young people told us they want to be heard on big issues like housing affordability, cost of living, transport and the environment. They also called for more activities, safe and welcoming places to connect and stronger support for mental health challenges.
This feedback is guiding the development of a draft plan that reflects what matters most to our young people and their ideas to make the Sunshine Coast a better place to live.
Sunshine Coast Council now invites the community to review the draft Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026–2031.
The draft plan outlines key actions Council, together with young people and community partners can take to support youth wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.
Council’s Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said the draft plan reflected what young people said mattered most to them.
“This plan is powered by youth voices,” Cr Bunnag said.
“We’re asking young people and the wider community to take a look and tell us if we’ve captured their vision for the future and to help us prioritise actions.”
Share your feedback
The draft plan is now open to the community to provide feedback on the proposed actions and Council especially wants to hear from young people aged 12–24 years, whose voices are central to the plan.
As an added incentive, young people who complete the survey will go into the draw to win one of two $250 gift cards.
Visit Council’s Have your Say Sunshine Coast webpage to:
- complete a survey
- take part in the online youth focus group session.
To ensure young people feel safe and supported when sharing their views, Council will host an online focus group exclusively for young people aged 12–24.
The online focus group offers a flexible and inclusive way for young people to participate from wherever they feel most comfortable.
Additional focus groups will be organised through community organisations to hear directly from young people.
Get involved
The Youth Plan will guide Council’s approach to youth support and development over the coming years.
To get involved, visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au for more information.
Parents, carers and teachers are encouraged to support young people to participate and have their say.
“Young people are not just our future, they’re our present,” Cr Bunnag said.
“Let’s make sure their voices continue to shape the decisions that affect them.”
