Eco online

The resounding victory by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council's new Mayor, Bob Abbot indicated a strong mood for change, which was also reflected in the vote for councillors.  This gives the Mayor not just a mandate but also the clear numbers on council to make the changes and implement his policies. There is now a high community expectation that regional sustainability will be at the heart of any decision making.

Continued rapid population growth and the call for a population cap was a popular theme from many of the elected candidates. The people have sent a clear message that they have had enough of their environment and lifestyle being destroyed for short-term profits.

The challenge to prepare a combined plan for the new council area, which reflects the community's wishes, is potentially going to set the new Council on a collision course with the pro-development State Government.

Eco is calling on the new Council to use technologies, such as three-dimensional modelling, which can demonstrate what the Sunshine Coast will look like in 2026 and beyond, if the predicted population of 500,000 is reached.

Residents could view images that clearly show what areas like Sippy Downs, Palmview and Caloundra South will look like. Maroochy spent over $1 million on their Local Growth Management Strategy and Caloundra over $3 million, so surely a tool like this is an important and smart planning device.

If we want to be the most sustainable region in Australia we will need to truly diversify our economy. The Coast must move towards smart development, which enhances and protects our unique environment.  The new councillors will clearly have a tough challenge ahead of them.

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3. Council avoids wasted future
4. The Caloundra South Development
5. Population: looking at the numbers with Bob Abbot