Landsborough Museum will be closed to the public until further notice due to building renovations the historians selected for 2024-2025 and past historians The Historians in Residence selected for 2024-2025 are Dr Martina Muller and Dr Kate Kirby Dr Martina Muller and Dr Kate Kirby present fascinating insights into Sunshine Coast history Both historians will present at each location Dr Martina Muller is a professional historian specialising in research and writing for heritage She has substantial experience in historical research and content development for various formats Martina is an accredited member (MPHA) of the Professional Historians Association (PHA) NSW & ACT and served two terms on its executive committee She is also a member of Australia ICOMOS and Interpretation Australia the peak bodies of heritage and interpretation Dr Muller’s first story will focus on those who pioneered the region’s hotel trade exploring what drove these early publicans and how successful they were with their ventures She will discuss the known establishments as well as shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked role of female publicans and members of publicans’ families The second story will investigate why pubs were established in the district and how the roles of these hotels gradually changed over time Dr Muller’s research will explore how hotels were built in strategic locations to cater for specific purposes and how they adapted to the changing environment shedding light on the diverse range of customers and patrons who frequented them The third story examines pubs rising from the ashes and adapting to change; exploring the challenges faced by hotel keepers and how they have adapted to adversity and ever-changing circumstances Research will include examining the original architecture and design of these historic hotels and the reasons why these hotels present themselves as they are today Dr Kate Kirby is a historian researching sport history and heritage often focusing on sporting narrative and memory in regional and rural areas Kate’s recently completed PhD utilised prosopography to explore the history of high-performance sport in regional Queensland Kate currently works as a casual academic teaching business at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) and history at the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) Kate was previously a Board Director of the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and is an advocate of the role libraries and museums play in supporting community connections Dr Kirby’s first story ‘Bounce' explores how Sunshine Coast locals have historically come together in teams for sporting glory across local fields and courts She will explore the emergence of team ball sports on the Sunshine Coast with the focus on six team ball sports Understanding team sports contributes to understanding of the historical character of the region particularly in relation to working together with our neighbours for a win The second story ‘Sprint’ will explore Sunshine Coast athletics in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries The third story ‘Spirit’ focuses on the history of sport for athletes with disability living on the Sunshine Coast 'Spirit in motion' is the motto of the Paralympic Games and this story brings together primary sources to begin to document a history of sport for athletes with disability living on the Sunshine Coast local inclusion initiatives to support children with disability to compete in sport the development of the Spartans Paralympic swimming squad and local athlete participation in key Games and competitions The Historian in Residence Program is now in its fourth year Two contract positions are offered each financial year for qualified and experienced historians or other relevant professionals This flexible program is linked to the following sites where historians can access council’s collections: The Program enables historians to immerse themselves in a project that will reveal To find out more about the program, download the guidelines This program is supported by the Arts and Heritage Levy Find out what our historians have been researching about the history of the Sunshine Coast Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE Two of Australia’s most successful production companies are set to skyrocket the careers of filmmakers on the Sunshine Coast Thou Shalt Not Steal) and WildBear Entertainment (Big Shark Energy Rise of the Dictators) have joined with ShowdownMAX to elevate local film and TV projects for the domestic and international market is a former Nambour High School student with a hugely successful international career and was eager to work closely with ShowdownMAX finalists “It would give me so much pleasure to see the industry thrive here,” she said “We’ll lead unscripted development with international markets in mind and help them to a stage where they can apply for development funding or move into production with ShowdownMAX.” ShowdownMAX is a not-for-profit program aiming to make the Sunshine Coast a major screen hub The event is calling for submissions from local filmmakers Four projects will be awarded $10,000 of professional input and the ultimate winner will receive more than $200,000 in production funding and support “As a team with strong connections to the Sunshine Coast we are delighted and proud to be part of this incredible opportunity for the Sunshine Coast filmmaking community “We’re passionate about working with the Sunshine Coast filmmakers to elevate their careers Working closely with the Showdown finalists we’ll offer development guidance on the scripted projects and help bring fresh said the partnerships with Ludo Studios and WildBear Entertainment are a huge boost for the Sunshine Coast “This is a premium upgrade for four projects from two of Australia’s best production companies What I call a ‘Best in Field’ punch up,” he said “We’ll end up with four really fine-tuned projects ready for market and get to produce one of them.” The Sunshine Coast Screen Collective’s Louise Hayse said the event has already made a huge difference to local filmmakers “We’ve seen firsthand how offerings like Showdown can change careers and build confidence It’s about creating real pathways for Sunshine Coast practitioners,” she said ShowdownMAX is a Sunshine Coast Screen Collective initiative proudly supported by major sponsor Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa-Cooroy-Marcoola with additional support from Screen Queensland August 4 – Pre-Production Commences September 1-12 – Production September 15 – Post-Production Commences November 28 – Final Delivery SRL West from Sunshine to Werribee will build on the major road and rail projects already being delivered in the west to deliver faster and more convenient travel and improve access to jobs and services in the middle suburbs SRL West will better connect people to key educational health and employment opportunities in Melbourne’s west Sunshine Hospital and the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital A significant infrastructure program of work is underway in Melbourne’s west. Together with SRL West, the Metro Tunnel and Sunbury Line Upgrade will transform train travel, making getting to work, school and health services quicker and easier. These projects will reduce congestion, cut travel times and provide more trains more often on every train line in the western suburbs. SRL Airport and SRL West will tap into and enhance the transport superhub at Sunshine. While SRL East (Cheltenham to Box Hill) is the immediate focus for delivery, early planning and development on SRL North and SRL West continues. CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) With Brisbane’s economy predicted to grow 34% from 2021 to 2031 the Queensland capital is a hub of investment and opportunity Sunshine and a subtropical lifestyle are part of Brisbane’s appeal That only happens in an environment primed for realising opportunity The 2024 State of the City report developed by the Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and Deloitte Access Economics details the nuts and bolts of the city’s key economic drivers “It’s the city’s capacity to commercialise emerging industries coupled with the nation’s fastest-growing working-age population growth that is spurring innovation and economic prosperity,” says a BEDA summary of the report Brisbane’s economy is forecast to grow by 34% by 2031 cafes and restaurants may be the most visible representation of the city’s growing economy and confidence but Brisbane’s economic success is also being fuelled by demand for exports and growth in property and construction Brisbane is a world leader in robotics skills and research has the highest density of hubs per capita in Australia The city’s support for emerging technologies and innovators makes it an attractive base for investors and new businesses Rino Recycling is a Brisbane-based company with big ambitions and cutting-edge automated facilities it wants to transform the recycling industry in Brisbane Rino takes construction waste and transforms it into useful products such as road base The company diverts from landfill 95-96% of waste that comes through its facility “I look at our facility as a manufacturing facility Rino Recycling is one of Brisbane’s booming businesses driving an expanding local economy through world-firsts in recycling Brisbane didn’t just offer the right site in the right location It provided advantages that other cities couldn’t “It has a significant infrastructure pipeline and it wants to become a net zero waste society,” Blaser says Like many of the businesses establishing themselves in Brisbane The company claims to be the first processing facility in the world to fully integrate wet and dry waste processing under one roof “When you take the lead and do something that hasn’t really been done before there’s a whole heap of challenges that you have to negotiate on the way through but it then paves the way for others to be able to do the same,” Blaser says “That’s benefiting every person in society The scope of innovation in Brisbane crosses many sectors is helping farmers adjust to the increasing demands for emissions reductions in global agricultural trade The startup uses enhanced weathering (in which finely ground silicate rock reacts with water and air to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere) to lower carbon emissions while helping to cut fertiliser costs and improve soils is a medical technology company developing a patch that could transform the delivery of vaccines It’s no accident that the business is based in Brisbane Needle-free vaccine pioneer Vaxxas is an example for Brisbane’s formula for commercial success “We have certainly benefited from the world-class research facilities we have in Brisbane and access to the pool of high-quality local STEM talent coming from Queensland’s academic institutions,” Hoey says compared with an average of 4% across other major cities It helps businesses with on- and off-market property site selection supports new and expanded aviation routes to Brisbane from key markets to bring more visitors and facilitate exports and helps create partnerships and build networks by facilitating introductions between industry stakeholders public and private businesses and state and federal government agencies “The BEDA team has been terrific in fostering valuable connections and programs for Brisbane’s biotech and medtech sector,” Hoey says “Programs such as the MedTech accelerator program supporting early-stage medtech companies and the Better Brisbane Alliance … provide companies like Vaxxas great access to industry connections and opportunities at both a local and global level.” says: “Brisbane stands out as one of the best cities in the world for businesses to expand and an unbeatable lifestyle that attracts and retains top talent Brisbane is now an economic powerhouse in the Asia Pacific.” The sunshine state capital is alive with opportunity. Choose Brisbane. Mission to evangelise: Stella Maris Catholic Parish’s Project 2000 aims to see their regular weekend Mass attendances grow to 2000 parishioners by the end of 2025 ONE of Queensland’s largest parishes has no intention of slowing down when it comes to evangelisation outreach and bringing more people to the faith More than 1800 parishioners regularly attend Mass each weekend across the four communities at Stella Maris Parish – Maroochydore the parish has a vision to see the community grow to 2000 people at weekend Mass Stella Maris associate pastor Fr Isaac Falzon says the heart behind Project 2000 is to “educate and inspire” both parishioners and the wider local community with the good work that God is doing within the parish “If the Eucharist is the source and summit of everything that we do as Catholics and Jesus Christ is truly made present at the Sacrifice of the Altar then what we do on Sunday needs to be taken seriously,” Fr Falzon said Fr Falzon says that well cared for parish ministries can transform all of us into “more intentional disciples.” “If we can show people how much the Sacraments mean to us and they are nourished then they might come back the next week and we can do something with them,” he said There are 60 parishioners under 25 gathering each Sunday to participate in various groups Fr Falzon says that parish ministries thrive when priests “know love and support the mission of the church” enthusiastic and faith-filled volunteers that we can collaborate well with and we are willing to try new things,” he said teach what we believe and practice what we teach then it will provide people with an experience that will make connections and foster community.” The parish is bringing 37 people through the Right of Christian Initiation for Adults and has another group of 20 people waiting to start the program Fr Falzon says the parish has welcomed more than 80 people to the faith since 2024 “We have people driving up to an hour every week just to be part of our community and the RCIA program,” Fr Falzon said RCIA catechumen Miah Knight says she initially decided to visit Maroochydore parish with her partner as one-time visitors going out of their way to welcome us,” Ms Knight said “We knew then that this would be our church despite the hour drive.” Ms Knight says the RCIA program has been a supportive and understanding environment everyone always has the time for you no matter what,” Ms Knight said “If I could recommend it (RCIA) to everyone Georgia Whiteley is a communications and journalism student and works in communications and digital management for Stella Maris Parish The Catholic Leader is an Australian award-winning Catholic newspaper that has been published by the Archdiocese of Brisbane since 1929 accurate and balanced Catholic perspective of local national and international news while upholding the dignity of the human person We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians who have walked upon and cared for this land for thousands of years We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation Copyright © All Rights Reserved The Catholic Leader Access 1000s of free eAudiobooks using your library membership Sunshine Coast Libraries are updating our membership requirements These changes affect online members who use the eLibrary To ensure you can continue enjoying the eLibrary, visit your local library and speak to staff about upgrading your online membership to a full library membership For help or assistance, contact libraries on 07 5475 8989 Looking for a specific title? Search the library catalogue Make sure that you have downloaded the apps on your device before attempting to borrow a title These platforms may contain content that is only suitable for mature audiences The supervision of children under the age of 18 accessing library material is the responsibility of parents and caregivers Browse the collection to find your next great eAudiobook. Interested in learning more about other eLibrary resources? Download the libraries app Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team Saturday’s poll will determine all 150 seats in the House of Representatives and 40 Senate places Anthony Albanese is looking to become the first prime minister since John Howard to win back-to-back elections while Peter Dutton will aim to lead the coalition back to power after one term in opposition Sunshine Coast News has asked the candidates for the Sunshine Coast electorates of Fairfax and Fisher to share no more than 100 words on three questions In today’s third and final part they were asked: What specific measures will you advocate for at the federal level to ensure the continued growth and development of the Sunshine Coast? You can also read parts one and two. Postal vote applications have now closed but some pre-poll stations will remain open on Friday. On Saturday polling stations will be open from 8am-6pm. Beatrice Marsh – Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Rhys Sanderson – Family First Party Australia Morrison Lakey – Australian Labor Party: If elected, I’ll fight for more investment in regional health services, including the delivery of a new Urgent Care Clinic at Caloundra, improved transport links, and federal programs that deliver affordable housing options in the places people already call home. I’ll work closely with all levels of government to ensure the Sunshine Coast gets its fair share of funding and attention. James Pidgeon – Gerard Rennick People First Bronwen Bolitho – Family First Party Australia Website Feedback OnlyPlease leave your website feedback comments below kindly provide the steps you took so we can replicate the issue For general council inquiries, please see Council Contact page You can use CTR+V to paste a screenshot from your clipboard directly into the textarea above Otherwise you can upload a file from your computer below Expressions of interest are now being invited for students in Years 8 to 10 across the Sunshine Coast to take part in the Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Masterclass Series Sunshine Coast Council has launched the new program in partnership with Telstra and Study Sunshine Coast The series builds on the success of the Mayor's Telstra Innovation Awards program and will provide even greater access and opportunities for local students Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli praised the initiative “The Mayor’s Telstra Innovation Masterclass Series is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to learn from the best and be inspired to achieve great things,” Mayor Natoli said “We are committed to investing in our youth and providing them with the tools they need to succeed “By supporting our students and connecting them with industry leaders we are not only helping them to achieve their dreams but also ensuring the continued growth and prosperity of the region “Supporting innovation is so important for the region and aligns with Council’s advocacy priorities to cement the Sunshine Coast as one of Australia’s most advanced economies Students will dive into essential topics like leadership critical and creative thinking and industry connections The masterclass will be delivered by Lachie Smart a world record pilot top Australian emerging leadership speaker and CEO of Smartline Medical he became the youngest person to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft Lachie said he had developed this masterclass specifically for young people to enable them to realise their potential “I’m super excited to bring the Future Leaders Workshop to the Sunshine Coast We have some exciting things in store,” Mr Smart said Telstra Regional Engagement Manager Matt Thornton said he was proud to support the program but also have them understand that world-class ideas and businesses don’t have to be based in major cities to be successful,” Mr Thornton said The Masterclass Series is open to Sunshine Coast students in Years 8 to 10 Places are limited and participation is by Expression of Interest (EOI) Interested students are encouraged to apply via www.studysunshinecoast.com.au or speak to their school coordinator Each selected participant will receive a certificate of participation Experience Sunshine Coast Living and community Environment Business Development Council Pay and apply © Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2008–2025 Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team. Anthony Albanese has won a second term as prime minister, with Coalition Leader Peter Dutton set to lose his seat in the federal election. While the vote count is still too early to determine how many seats Labor will pick up, it is the only party able to form a government, as the coalition’s vote plummets. With Saturday’s victory, Mr Albanese is the first prime minister to win two elections in a row since John Howard in 2004. On the Sunshine Coast, the contest in Fairfax was considered too close to call about 9pm, with sitting LNP member Ted O’Brien (50.68 per cent) being challenged by Labor candidate Naomi McQueen (49.32 per cent) in two-party preferred voting. On first preferences, Mr O’Brien had about 31 per cent of the vote and Ms McQueen had about 25 per cent, followed by independent Francine Wiig and the Greens’ Sue Etheridge, both on about 13 per cent. The LNP’s Andrew Wallace looked set for re-election to the seat of Fisher, leading Labor candidate Morrison Lakey by about 53 per cent to 47 per cent in two-party preferred voting. In Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien of the LNP had more than 56 per cent of the vote and was on track to retain his seat, ahead of Labor’s Elliott Chalmers. Mr Dutton’s Brisbane electorate of Dickson was projected to fall to Labor’s Ali France, after he suffered a swing of 9 per cent with a third of the vote counted. The opposition leader projected confidence as he voted in his electorate of Dickson earlier on Saturday. “I think a lot of quiet Australians would come out today to support the coalition and I’m looking forward to the outcome tonight,” Mr Dutton told reporters at Albany Creek State School in Brisbane’s north. But he was much less optimistic after early counting showed him trailing Labor’s Ali France in his own electorate of Dickson. “We believe in miracles. But it’s tough,” he told Channel Nine. Trailing in the polls going into the start of year, Labor regained ground on the coalition throughout 2025 following global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump and his tariffs on trading partners. Campaigning on reducing living costs, Mr Albanese made health a focal point during the election, frequently brandishing his Medicare card and pledging to expand access to bulk billing and urgent cares clinics. Mr Dutton urged voters throughout the election to ask themselves if they were better off now compared to three years ago, but the public has opted for a second term of the status quo. The election was dominated by issues on the cost of living, following several interest rate rises and high inflation, with the prime minister also going on the attack of Mr Dutton’s record as health minister during the previous coalition government. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said voters had comprehensively rejected the policies of the coalition under Mr Dutton’s leadership. “The nuclear stuff was bad for Peter Dutton. He made an egregious error on the Sunday night of the final week, saying he would be comfortable having a nuclear reactor in his suburb,” he told ABC. Despite being ahead throughout the campaign, Mr Albanese still sought to play the underdog card, with Labor still scarred by its 2019 election loss which polls predicted it would win easily. But with Saturday’s win, Labor has exorcised its demons of the electoral past and will look to implement its second-term agenda. Expectations of a coalition victory were already low after opinion polls showed a dive in support over the campaign. But the mood in Liberal HQ at the W Hotel in Brisbane turned definitively dour as the first numbers began to trickle in on Saturday night. Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE! Sunshine Butterflies celebrated its sixth annual triathlon in the Noosa countryside on Thursday 1 May. This inclusive Tri began in 2020 as a creative response to the cancellation of local sporting events due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sunshine Butterflies founder and chief executive officer Leanne Walsh said, “We are so proud that we can continue to host this amazing event at ‘Our Backyard’ and even more of the community are getting involved every year.” “We are so grateful to the June Canavan Foundation for making this day possible again. We couldn’t do this without them,” Leanne said. What started as a small initiative to bring the community together has since grown into a highlight on the Sunshine Butterflies calendar, eagerly anticipated by members, families, and supporters alike. Sunshine Butterflies Triathlon is based on the traditional triathlon format, but with a twist. Participants took part in three inclusive events throughout the day: a running race, a bike ride with wheelchairs, and a water-based relay. The day was filled with excitement, friendly competition, and beaming smiles from every corner of ‘Our Backyard’. The event was hosted by Sunshine Butterflies’ very own MC dream team, Pittsy and Liam, who kept the crowd laughing and cheering with their infectious energy. The local charity was supported by many individuals and groups on the day including: Woolworths Tewantin, Noosaville & Noosa Civic who generously donated food for the day. Sunshine Butterflies Partners and supporters Team Body Corporate, Ethical Brand co, Sunshine Coast Lightning players The Noosa Tri Club, Good Shepherd Lutheran College and St Andrews Anglican College, Wise Employment 91.1 Hot FM, Channel 10, and a host of volunteers helped to make the event truly special. The day was described by Sunshine Butterflies staff members as “one of those days that make you proud to be a part of such a special community”. © 2025 Star News Group Pty Ltd. All rights reserved Just make sure you check operating hours for Council services over Easter and Anzac Day public holidays before visiting Thinking of having a staycation this school holidays There are plenty of free and inexpensive options to keep you and the kids busy Just make sure you check the operating hours for Council services during the upcoming Easter long weekend and Anzac Day public holiday before visiting Council’s after-hours emergency call centre operates 24-hours a day via the customer service number 5475 7272 as well as reception and service counters at Sunshine Coast City Hall in Maroochydore Nambour and Caloundra will be closed Good Friday April 18 Easter Monday April 21 and Anzac Day Friday April 25 Council’s eLibrary is accessible 365 days a year and has thousands of online resources for the whole family Sunshine Coast Libraries will be closed over Easter from Good Friday April 18 and will reopen on Tuesday April 22 Libraries will be closed on Anzac Day Friday April 25 The Sunshine Coast Mobile Library service will also close for the public holidays Find a list of library activities on offer over the school holidays on Council’s website Council Aquatic Centres will be closed on public holidays. Residents are encouraged to check their local pool’s webpage or social media page for opening hours across the Easter Long Weekend Professional lifeguards patrol major beach locations Monday to Friday and a number of other beaches on weekends, throughout the year. To check local patrol times head to the Beach Safe website and search for your favourite beach Add a whole lot of colour to your Easter at the family Colour Frenzy fun run at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Sunday 27 April This year they’re adding a foam/bubble machine to the obstacles and colour stations Caloundra Indoor Stadium courts and equipment can be hired casually so shoot hoops or try something new like pickleball or badminton over the holidays Bankfoot House in the Glass House Mountains will close from Friday April 18 and reopen on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 It will also be closed for Anzac Day on Friday April 25 Landsborough Museum is currently closed as it's being renovated Find a full list of museums and holiday activities on Council’s website Council’s Caloundra Regional Gallery will close for the four days over the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day Residents are encouraged to check the gallery website or social media for current exhibitions on offer over the holidays Altitude Nine, Venue 114 and community spaces will close for the public holidays on Good Friday April 18 Easter Monday April 21 and Anzac Day on Friday April 25 The rainforest tracks and picnic grounds are accessible daily between 7am-6pm The Mountain View Café will operate as usual over Easter The Sippy Creek Animal Pound will be closed on Good Friday and reopen on Saturday April 19 from 9am until midday The Pound will be closed Easter Sunday and Monday Council’s emergency services will continue to be provided throughout these times and can be contacted 24 hours a day via the customer service phone number 5475 7272 Sunshine Coast Council’s waste and recycling roadside collection will continue to be collected from your house as per usual opening hours of Council’s resource recovery centres and transfer stations will remain the same Recycle markets will be closed on Good Friday and Anzac Day If there’s a wild weather event or emergency over the Easter long weekend or Anzac Day, Council’s Disaster Hub will continue to provide Sunshine Coast residents with up-to-date alerts The Queensland Government has today announced funding for a new integrated Athlete Village arena and cultural precinct in the Maroochydore City Centre and a new public transport solution from Beerwah to the Sunshine Coast Airport Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was incredibly grateful for the announcement of two new region-shaping projects for the community along with the confirmation of the Sunshine Coast Stadium expansion and the progress of the Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre represents a significant milestone and marks the delivery of great benefits for our community,” Mayor Natoli said Council is thrilled about the opportunity to bring this kind of arts and culture infrastructure to fruition “We are now looking forward to being involved in more detailed planning of the integrated Athletes Village arena and cultural precinct to better understand the proposal and significance for the Maroochydore CBD Mayor Natoli welcomed today’s announcement of a seamless public transport solution all the way to Sunshine Coast Airport in time for the Games saying it would support the sustainable growth of the region “We know that the delivery of a world-class transport solution by 2032 is intrinsically linked to our Olympic venues and the role we will play in hosting the Games,” Mayor Natoli said “This is a great day for the Sunshine Coast and we look forward to getting back to work on delivering this important legacy infrastructure for our community.” Delivery of a new direct heavy rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya linking with a state-of-the-art metro hub will connect to the Sunshine Coast Airport through Maroochydore The Program includes the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line Stage 1 and 2 Projects (Beerwah to Caloundra – 19km and Caloundra to Birtinya – 7km) with a final public transport link from Birtinya to Maroochydore and on to the Sunshine Coast Airport to be delivered by 2032 With damaging wind gusts and intense rainfall expected residents are reminded to keep sandbags in place until the threat has passed Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred remains off the coast near Bribie Island and continues to move slowly A forecast change in wind direction and strength is expected and could lead to potentially damaging wind gusts and heavy rain later tonight and into tomorrow Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group Chair Mayor Rosanna Natoli said residents and businesses should keep their sandbags in place until this threat has passed “In preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred the Sunshine Coast community made use of 190,000 sandbags across the Sunshine Coast region,” Mayor Natoli said “Council is requesting that with rain still to come residents and businesses keep sandbags in place until this threat has passed “When the time comes to dispose of sandbags Place the bag in your general waste bin or keep it handy for future use Mayor Natoli said at this stage residential bin collection services were expected to resume Monday 10 March “When residential services do recommence as per their normal schedule please understand Council rubbish truck drivers can only collect the bins and will not be exiting their vehicles to collect extra items,” Mayor Natoli said “Due to continuing rainfall and safety issues around access all of Council’s Resource Recovery Centres remain closed We will re-assess the situation tomorrow and decide if it is safe to open sites on Monday 10 March.” Sunshine Coast Council’s rubbish tips will be free for your storm-damaged household general waste and green waste disposal until COB Sunday 16 March for properties directly impacted by Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred It is critical that the Sunshine Coast community stay off the dunes and seawalls for their safety “Erosion from the large swells is very evident along our coastline,” Mayor Natoli said “Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has created cliff drops up to three metres along some dunes including Kawana and Mudjimba “Now is not the time to head to the beach for a look “Thank you to everyone who has been working tirelessly over the past five days and to the residents of the Sunshine Coast for your willingness to prepare your homes - the way you have helped each other makes me proud.” Mayor Natoli said Keep up to date by visiting Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast Help us Stand Up for women and children on the Sunshine Coast on May 7 as we march together for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is encouraging the community to stand up and join the Sunshine Coast March and Candlelight Vigil at Cotton Tree Park to remember those who have lost their lives to domestic and family violence Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said this year’s theme was ‘Don’t Stand By “Help us send a clear message that violence is never okay - everyone has a right to feel safe in their homes and in our community,” Cr Law said “Show your support this Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month by joining our candlelight vigil and wearing purple “Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of domestic and family violence and coercive control and highlight the support and help available we can make a difference by standing up to show that all forms of domestic and family violence will not be tolerated on the Sunshine Coast.” Centacare Sunshine Coast Area Manager Adam Beck said the march and vigil was an act of remembrance for the lives lost to domestic and family violence across Australia over the past year “This is an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to break the cycle of violence through collective action “Women and children have the inalienable right to live free of fear and violence in their own homes with people who profess to love and care for them coercive control will be a criminal offence in Queensland so it is important the community understands that domestic violence is not only physical abuse but can also be a form of social entrapment “Understanding the dynamics of coercive control helps people appreciate the complexities and challenges associated with trying to leave an abusive relationship as well as the severe long-term impacts for victim survivors exposed to this form of abuse.” Cr Law said the Sunshine Coast Council team would be at Sunshine Coast Lightning’s game when they played the Queensland Firebirds on Saturday “Come and see the team to collect a purple ribbon and show your support for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month,” he said Buy your tickets to the Sunshine Coast Lightning game online The candlelight vigil will be held at Cotton Tree Park the community is invited to join the march to the vigil site The march will start at the corner of Cornmeal Parade and Horton Parade Place: Corner of Cornmeal Parade and Horton Parade Vigil starts at 5.30pm at Cotton Tree Park DV Safe Phone will attend the vigil and residents are encouraged to bring and donate any spare or unused phones they have lying around at home repurposes and gifts mobile phones to victims of domestic violence These 'Safe Phones' provide a lifeline to call for help when it is needed most Visit Council’s website for more information If you suspect that someone you know is being abused That’s a lot of wagging tails and active paws exploring our parks With so many furry companions living in our region Sunshine Coast Council has prepared a draft plan on how we can create a balanced network of dog exercise areas that meet the needs of all residents while protecting our region’s natural beauty Council’s draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint is now open for community feedback and this is your chance to help shape the future of how we share our region’s open spaces with our dogs Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the draft plan reflected Council’s commitment to creating spaces that supported an active “This plan is about shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast — whether that’s parks beaches or recreation reserves — that meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region’s environmental and community values,” Mayor Natoli said “Your feedback will help ensure we strike the right balance between creating safe recreational spaces for dog owners and non-dog owners alike while maintaining the natural beauty of our region.” Everyone is encouraged to participate in the online survey or attend one of several pop-up sessions being held across the region Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the draft plan had been carefully developed to reflect the values of the Sunshine Coast community while providing a balanced approach to recreation and environmental protection “This plan carefully considers a balanced network of spaces that works for everyone whether you’re a dog owner or someone who simply enjoys our beaches “The plan’s recommendations are based on data industry research and consultation with our community “Our region offers more than 15km of off-leash and 18km of on-leash dog exercise areas along our beaches and foreshores — significantly more than other regions in south-east Queensland These areas are part of 65 proposed formal off-leash locations outlined in this plan which aims to balance the needs of our growing and diverse community.” Dog exercise areas are activity spaces provided by Council that promote social and physical health for dogs and their owners you can bring your furry friend with you as long as it is on a leash Currently, there are 47 formal off leash dog exercise areas across the region It’s also important to understand Council has a number of prohibited areas that are signed informing community members that dogs are not permitted in this area The draft plan is open for feedback until February 28 with final recommendations set to be presented to Council later this year Visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to find more information or find a pop-up session near you Woman and man walking on beach with two small fogs off-leash People and dogs using agility equipment at dog park Small group of people walking dogs at Palmwoods park Sunshine Coast expected to be one of the hardest hit areas as TC Alfred heads our way Flood mapping shows potential impact on your property The Sunshine Coast community is urged to prepare and take notice of severe weather warnings as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches and is predicted to make landfall on the Sunshine Coast late Thursday night and Friday morning Sunshine Coast Council Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Rosanna Natoli said now was the time for the community to prepare themselves “Please review our flood mapping on Council’s website to understand the potential impacts on your property,” Mayor Natoli said “Flooding will be caused by the storm surge that comes as the cyclone approaches the coast in addition to destructive and damaging winds “It may be fine outside at the moment - but this is definitely the calm before the storm “The Bureau of Meteorology is warning that TC Alfred will make landfall on the south-east coast later this week - with predictions Sunshine Coast will be one of the hardest hit areas “We are expecting damaging gusts up to 130 km/h along the southeast Queensland and north eastern New South Wales coastal areas from Wednesday “Heavy to intense rainfall leading to dangerous flash flooding is expected from Wednesday “Abnormally high tides will cause flooding and there is likely to be damaging surf “Council’s Disaster Management team is working with our lead emergency agencies to prepare the region for the cyclone’s impact “We are currently finalising the locations of our refuge centres and will update our community as soon as we can “Keep checking Sunshine Coast Council’s Disaster Hub for up-to-date information “Queensland’s Department of Education is advising that Sunshine Coast schools will remain operational on Wednesday “Up-to-date information on school closures from then on will be available at closures.qld.edu.au “We are taking this weather event very seriously - and you need to do the same It’s business-as-usual today and Wednesday with all Council services There will be no residential bin collection services Thursday and Friday and we hope to resume normal services Monday We ask residents to remove all bins from their footpaths and secure them in a safe location on their property At this stage there is no planned follow-up collection service for missed bins as we won’t have the capability We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding Our resource recovery centres will also be closed to the public Thursday and Friday and a decision to open on Saturday will be based on weather conditions and accessibility Further updates to residential collection services and resource recovery centres will be available via Council’s website Council acknowledged the high demand for sandbags “The SES has so far distributed more than 40,000 sandbags to our community,” Mayor Natoli said “There is a supply of about 30,000 bags in the region and another 80,000 sandbags are on the way - with multiple operational sites actively distributing them “We thank you for your patience as we continue to top up resources at multiple locations “Please be assured we have trucks delivering sand throughout today and tomorrow “You can collect them or fill sandbags yourself Sandbags are a simple and effective way to help reduce the impact of flooding and protect your property.” If you require urgent SES assistance please contact SES at 132 500 or log a request for the SES App The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is launching a major digital transformation initiative beginning with a large-scale migration to Microsoft Azure The Queensland-based university plans to start moving its core infrastructure workloads out of two on-premises data centres by the second half of 2025 The initial phase will involve a lift-and-shift migration followed by a broader system rearchitecture focused on cloud-native serverless and platform-oriented service models “This will modernise infrastructure and transform capabilities and digital culture at UniSC,” CIO Niranjan Prabhu said “A robust architectural framework governs each migration phase to ensure alignment with strategic goals The current scope covers the migration of core infrastructure workloads including student-facing digital platforms enterprise applications and research computing environments The move to Azure’s infrastructure comes in tandem with a series of “complementary” digital programs within the university These include strengthening cyber security maturity and data governance; scaling intelligent automation and self-service tools; expanding digital learning platforms including AI-enabled student support; and enhancing research technology environments for agility and innovation “This migration is a core pillar of our university-wide strategy for accelerating digital transformation across education and operations that emphasise people-centric digital experiences strong digital governance and stewardship and modern resilient infrastructure,” Prabhu said kids’ activities and lifelong learning – these days Libraries have evolved a lot in the last 10 years and now Sunshine Coast Council wants to hear from you about how you use our libraries what services you use and what is important to you in the future Council is preparing the Sunshine Coast Library Services Plan 2025-2035—a new 10-year strategic plan that will guide our library service and ensure it continues to grow and evolve with our community and the world around us Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Taylor Bunnag said libraries were at the heart of our community “Our libraries are places for everyone - providing access to resources creativity and connection,” Cr Bunnag said “Council operates eight library branches across the region, plus a heritage library, two mobile libraries and eLibrary. Soon, we will also open the doors to the newly transformed Caloundra Library known as, Library+ Caloundra “We also have a team of specialists who design and implement a variety of library programs and services—ranging from our heritage library to initiatives focused on young people literacy programs and information technology “We want to continue offering our residents the services they love and evolve our services along with our growing community “I encourage everyone to share their ideas for the future of our library services.” Visit Council’s Have your Say website to share your thoughts on the Sunshine Coast Library Services Plan 2025-2035 before May 5 A severe weather warning remains in place for the Sunshine Coast Council is urging residents to remain vigilant until the threat passes Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was important for Sunshine Coast residents to remain vigilant until the threat of heavy rain had passed and thanked the community for their incredible preparation efforts “Council is asking that with rain still to come residents and businesses keep sandbags in place “When the time comes to dispose of your sandbags please use the sand to top dress your lawn All refuse tips will reopen tomorrow and for those residential properties directly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred disposal of your storm-damaged household general waste and green waste will be free until COB Sunday “Residential bin collections also resume tomorrow as normal “I want to thank those residents who did not get their bin collected on Thursday and Friday “For safety reasons Council is unable to operate our landfill at night so we cannot run a double shift for a make-up collection please understand Council rubbish truck drivers can only collect the bins and will not be exiting their vehicles to collect extra items.” It will be business-as-usual from tomorrow for all front-facing Council services such as Customer Contact Centres at Caloundra pending individual site impacts from poor weather overnight The Place of Refuge centre at Landsborough has closed Places of Refuge at Caloundra Indoor Stadium and Nambour Showgrounds will be reviewed on Monday in line with the current severe weather warning Council’s Customer service counters in Caloundra Maroochydore and Nambour will reopen on Monday 10 March There is a coastal hazard and marine wind warning in place and Sunshine Coast beaches remain closed Conditions will continue to be dangerous along the coastline and in waterways for several days Our community is urged to stay off coastal dunes and seawalls as shifting sands and rocks pose a serious risk of collapse and instability Erosion caused by TC Alfred has weakened the dunes at numerous locations along our shoreline Stay informed and prepared as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches Look out for seniors and ensure everyone has necessary supplies and assistance With Tropical Cyclone Alfred potentially heading towards the southern Queensland coast it's crucial to stay informed and prepared Now is the time for our community to look out for one another Let them know what's happening and ask if they need any supplies or assistance Movement: TC Alfred is forecast to move southwards roughly parallel to the Queensland coast today and expected to weaken before moving more to the southeast on Monday  It is expected to slow down and likely to turn westward from Tuesday moving back towards the southern Queensland coast powerful and potentially damaging easterly swell and abnormally high tides are forecast for exposed southern Queensland beaches possibly extending to northern New South Wales from Monday If you require urgent sandbag delivery assistance, please contact SES at 132 500 or log a request via the SES app Your unused sandbags can still be put to good use or you can return them to a disposal location Let’s talk about the thousands of sandbags that didn’t have their moment of glory Close to 200,000 sandbags were collected by residents from SES locations across the Sunshine Coast in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred Sunshine Coast Council and emergency services thank you We are now urging residents to put their unused SES sandbags to good use at home by topdressing your lawns taking them to a sandbag disposal location where they will be used around the region Sunshine Coast Local Disaster Management Group Chair and Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli commended the community for proactively preparing for Cyclone Alfred “Today we feel incredibly fortunate to be through the worst of the severe weather,” Mayor Natoli said “We know that many people have unused SES sandbags and we are calling on our community to put them to work please use the sand to top dress your lawn then place the bag in your general waste bin or keep it handy for future use “From 7am to 3pm each day until Friday March 14 residents can take their SES sandbags to a number of Council-staffed locations between Caloundra Nambour and Coolum so we can reuse the sand where it’s needed most which do not have weekend sporting activities Please ensure you bring appropriate tools to safely open your sandbags We are unable to take sandbags collected from outlets other than SES as the contents cannot be verified as safe to use across our fields Mayor Natoli also encouraged the community to keep an eye on community social media pages as there were many residents and businesses advising they would collect sandbags as well This is probably not the page you’re looking for Whether you have a toddler who’s a future slide enthusiast a teen looking to test their skateboard skills or a furry friend who needs a place to play - there’s a Sunshine Coast park waiting for you bridges and plenty for mini adventurers to do that spark little imaginations while keeping them safely contained For a different twist, Sugar Bag Road Mountain Bike Trails has a pump track Stay a little longer and enjoy the multiple playgrounds with a flying fox For those who love discovering lesser-known spots, Sunshine Coast has a few hidden gem playgrounds perfect for quiet days. Kingfisher Drive Park is connected by pathways and a nature trail The playground is set along the lake and includes a large open space to kick around a ball as well as an epic climbing structure known as the “beehive” Anzac memorial and Beerwah Heart Precinct and pack a picnic to enjoy in the shaded picnic areas Pioneer Park is a multi-award winning innovative all abilities play space which gives children the opportunity to play on equipment that is both fun and challenging spinning carousel with three harness seats ramp access to play equipment as well as a living sensory garden which is popular for all age groups Grahame Stewart Park is a family favourite with impressive learn-to-ride track open grassed area and home to a Changing Places public amenities block there’s a perfect park waiting for everyone on the Sunshine Coast grab the scooters and get ready to find your playground match Our Sunshine Coast community has access to: Introduces a new era of low latency connectivity speed and reliability to regional businesses This edge site facilitates the critical connectivity between people and businesses to the country’s major networks and digital services providers across Australia.With direct access to the JAS submarine cable Stay ahead of the game in the Sunshine Coast and Queensland region with our secure data centre services Experience the ultimate in power reliability and protection with NEXTDC's cutting-edge data centre solution With multiple power distribution units featuring N+N redundancy and a full N+1 main electrical infrastructure extending to N+N at power rail level our facility ensures continuous power supply to your critical business operations Our 2 x 500VA FG Wilson backup diesel generators with space for a third generator and minimum 18 hours onsite fuel supply guarantee 100% uptime even during power outages Experience exceptional performance and energy efficiency with our data centre solution featuring state-of-the-art cold aisle containment technology Our N+1 high efficiency roof mounted condenser and N+1 in row cooling systems with UPS redundancy ensure reliable and efficient cooling while our leak detection systems provide added protection to critical infrastructure With an average cold aisle temperature of 22 +/-5'C and relative humidity of 50% +/- 30% You can count on our 100% uptime guarantee and industry-leading PUE for maximum reliability NEXTDC's data centre offers seamless connectivity to 750+ partners With direct access to the JAS submarine cable As soon as you arrive at NEXTDC data centre you’ll notice our robust physical security measures in place Our state-of-the-art facilities feature anti-scale perimeter and ballistic rated security and extensive coverage by digital motion-sensitive CCTV cameras But our commitment to security doesn’t stop there. We also have stringent procedural and technological safeguards in place such as anti-cloning card encryption and two-factor biometric fingerprint access We understand that true security also requires discretion That’s why we’ve chosen to keep some of our most cutting-edge security practices under wraps – because your protection is our top priority Experience peace of mind with NEXTDC's world-class data centre certified to meet the highest standards for security and PCI DSS certifications ensure that your data is protected at all times And with our commitment to innovation and sustainability you can trust that our infrastructure and processes are continuously improving to meet your evolving needs Partner with us and join the growing community of organizations who have experienced unparalleled protection we're dedicated to providing exceptional data centre amenities that help you work smarter Our facilities are designed to ensure a seamless offer unparalleled access to a robust ecosystem of cloud providers enabling organisations to seamlessly connect and scale their operations with our colocation solutions An Edge Data centre is a decentralised facility located closer to end-users enabling faster and more reliable access to data and applications Benefits include faster application performance and compliance with data privacy regulations.​ and designed to handle large volumes of data traffic with lower latency than traditional data centres Organisations should consider using them to improve application performance and comply with data privacy regulations.​ NEXTDC offers a range of services at its Edge Data centres and network connectivity. Specialised services include IoT NEXTDC's Edge Data centres are strategically located closer to end-users reducing latency and improving application performance They are also designed with high-speed fiber links and redundant connectivity to ensure fast and secure access to data and applications.​ Factors to consider when choosing an Edge Data centre provider include proximity to end-users NEXTDC is the best choice due to its expertise in network engineering and commitment to delivering innovative and secure data centre solutions and it come with a 100% uptime guarantee.​ By providing your email address and clicking on the subscribe button, you consent to receiving communications from NEXTDC related to our products, services, and events and agree to the NEXTDC Privacy Statement the Sunshine Coast community has made use of close to 200,000 SES supplied sandbags residents and businesses are encouraged to keep their sandbags in place until the threat has passed if they are placed in suitable locations they can help reduce the amount of water that enters your property When the time comes to dispose of your sandbags the sand should never be emptied onto beaches it's the wrong type of sand for our delicate eco-system or to top dress your lawn and place the bag in your general waste bin or keep it handy for future use (bags may last up to 12 months) Please ensure you bring appropriate tools to safely open your sandbags Find out more about preparing for floods and understanding your flood risk by visiting Get Ready Queensland All SES and public sandbagging locations are closed Buy the items you need to make your own sandbags from participating local hardware stores and landscape supply businesses (see list below) For an online demonstration of how to make your own sandbags, see the SES YouTube video You will also need string if you are transporting the sandbags Not all hardware stores and landscape supply yards stock the items needed to make sandbags You should check with your local stockist or refer to participating hardware and landscape supply businesses This list of suppliers below will be updated from time to time Store sandbags in a dry place out of the weather *Emergency services may not always be able to get to you These businesses are partners in the Sandbag Supply and Education Project This project is to help you better prepare for the possibility of flooding investment and liveability through planning Underpinned by transport connections to Melbourne’s CBD the Suburban Rail Loop and regional rail network the Sunshine Precinct will leverage from the $20 billion investment in infrastructure in Melbourne’s West The Sunshine Precinct will build on the area’s existing strengths in healthcare education and manufacturing to develop a vibrant urban environment that provides high quality affordable housing and strong employment growth With Sunshine’s population expected to more than double over the next 30 years the Victorian Government released a Precinct Opportunity Statement for Sunshine to give government the community and investors the confidence about how the Sunshine Precinct will grow and develop over time Much of forecast growth and change in the Sunshine Precinct will be centred around three distinctive hubs - Sunshine Station The Victorian Government’s Sunshine Precinct Opportunity Statement informs how the Sunshine Precinct will grow and develop over time Register for project updates direct to your inbox. The Department of Transport and Planning and partner agencies formed a Community Reference Group (CRG) to provide a forum for consultation and information-sharing during the development of the Sunshine Precinct The CRG helps us to better understand how we can achieve the best outcomes for the Sunshine Precinct and their feedback will inform planning and development of the Precinct over time The group includes community and business members, key local stakeholders, Brimbank City Council representatives, local members of parliament, and representatives from Rail Projects Victoria and the Department of Transport and Planning. Find out more on our Engage Victoria website With TC Alfred causing erosion and large swells the community is urged to stay off the dunes and seawalls for their own safety The Sunshine Coast community is urged to stay off coastal dunes and seawalls as shifting sands and rocks pose a serious risk of collapse and instability creating steep drop-offs and increasing the danger of sand collapsing on top of children Council is also warning people to stay clear of the Moffat Beach seawall due to the risk of falling rocks and injury Both adults and children have been seen climbing over the Moffat Beach seawall The Moffat Beach seawall is showing signs of movement due to the large swells impacting the wall There is a significant risk of the wall deteriorating further and if that occurs rock falls and movements are highly likely The rocks can fall onto the beach at any time it will happen fairly quickly – within about 10-20 seconds – which means that anyone standing at the base of the rock wall will be injured we ask everyone to keep off the dunes and the Moffat Beach seawall Keep up to date by visiting Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast Tropical Cyclone Alfred is on track to cross the South East Queensland coast late Thursday or early Friday morning as a significant and high-impact weather event It is expected that winds will start to pick up and heavy coastal showers will start to push through from late Wednesday Sunshine Coast Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) Chair Rosanna Natoli said the community should expect gales and damaging wind gusts to develop overnight “We are expecting Alfred to be significant and high impact with dangerous storm surges “All this combined leads to potential danger and our community will feel the impact “There is a flood watch on Sunshine Coast rivers and creeks especially in the upper part of both the Mary and Stanley rivers.” Storm surge modelling shows almost 1600 Sunshine Coast properties could be affected if a storm surge reaches half a metre above Highest Astronomical Tide If the storm surge reaches a metre above Highest Astronomical Tide Please check Disaster Hub to keep updated with Places of Refuge “I would like to thank those members of our community who have been shovelling sand into sandbags checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and generally helping us prepare “Your efforts are recognised and deeply appreciated,” Mayor Natoli said Sunshine Coast Council is calling on political parties to support funding and policy initiatives which deliver critical region-shaping infrastructure Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said 365,000 people call the Sunshine Coast home and by 2041 another 153,000 would live in the region taking the population to 518,000 Sunshine Coast Council’s immediate priorities include providing the necessary transport solutions that connect major development areas business precincts and tourist hubs to Queensland’s existing passenger rail network,” Mayor Natoli said “The Sunshine Coast has a high dependence on car travel we need to provide safe and accessible transport options the heavy rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore and we are asking the political parties to commit to funding and delivering the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade “The Sunshine Coast deserves a transport system that works for locals now and leaves a legacy for future generations.” Mayor Natoli said an efficient international airport and a contemporary convention and performing arts facility were also high priorities “We also want to advance manufacturing and innovation and support growth in jobs and tourism,” she said “Urgent action is also required to increase affordable housing to enable more families to have a safe and secure place to call home “We are calling for fairer funding for Councils through the Australian Financial Assistance Grants which is desperately needed Restoring this to just 1 per cent of total Australian tax revenue would mean an additional $12million for the Sunshine Coast “Council also acknowledges the challenges posed by climate change and emphasises the need to protect coastlines from rising sea levels “A Coastal Hazard Management Strategy is in place with the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund providing a key funding pipeline to implementing coastal protection works “We are asking the political parties to commit to continuing this important funding until at least 2029-2030 and increasing the $200 million funding pool to $300 million are essential to the fabulous Sunshine Coast lifestyle and are key attractions that draw so many visitors each year.” The Sunshine Coast Council 2025 Federal Election Advocacy document is available on Council’s website *Image: (Left to right): Dan Knowles (LGAQ) This extension allows more time for the community to share their thoughts on how best to balance our vibrant recreational culture with the need to protect the Sunshine Coast’s unique ecosystems Sunshine Coast Council’s draft Dog Exercise Area Plan considers environmental impacts alongside community needs to ensure a sustainable future for all Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez emphasised the importance of protecting sensitive coastal environments while maintaining generous dog access “Our draft plan proposes more than 15km of off-leash and 18km of on-leash dog access along our beaches and foreshores—the largest offering of any council in south-east Queensland,” Cr Suarez said “We’re working to ensure our beaches remain accessible while protecting the critical habitats that make our region so special.” The rocky headlands along the Sunshine Coast are biodiversity hotspots These headlands also provide essential breeding and nursery grounds for many species that cannot survive elsewhere many of these species are territorial and sessile—they cannot simply move to another location,” Cr Suarez said “Protecting and preserving these habitats is vital for maintaining the health and biodiversity of our coastal ecosystems.” The intertidal zones of these rocky areas are especially sensitive Organisms here face constant stress from temperature fluctuations salinity changes and physical disturbance from wave action Additional stress from human and dog activity can have lasting impacts on these finely balanced ecosystems By reducing disturbances from dogs in sensitive areas which in turn helps to preserve these habitats for generations to come Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli highlighted Council’s ongoing effort to strike a balance between environmental conservation and important community recreation “Our beaches and foreshores are integral to our community’s lifestyle The draft Dog Exercise Area Plan recognises this and reflects our region’s shared values,” Mayor Natoli said “Council developed the plan using detailed assessment tools to evaluate factors such as environmental impact “We want the community to know that environmental values are just one of many considerations in our decision-making “We encourage everyone to share their feedback to help us get the balance right.” The draft Dog Exercise Area Plan community engagement period has been extended by one week to March 7 Council encourages residents to review the plan and participate in the community engagement process by attending a pop-up session or completing the online survey Visit haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to find more information and keep an eye on the additional pop-up sessions times and locations coming soon A range of flow-on benefits are on the horizon for the Sunshine Coast as the region looks to attract a new wave of luxury hotels infrastructure investment and economic growth are just some of the bonuses of a push to attract more upscale brands to encourage upscale accommodation hotels (TLPI) Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Sunshine Coast Council welcomed the Queensland Government’s approval of the TLPI “Council’s desire is to encourage luxury hotels in specific appropriate locations to foster our economic growth into the future,” Mayor Natoli said the tourism industry and business community have highlighted the urgent need for new The proposed TLPI provides for a targeted set of planning provisions to encourage the development of upscale hotels – four star and above – in key centre locations This would include a height allowance and reduced on-site car parking requirements The proposed TLPI complements an endorsed Strategic Policy that provides application fee relief and infrastructure charges discounts for accommodation hotel proposals This comprehensive incentive package to encourage upscale hotels to the Sunshine Coast is much needed - the last luxury hotel was completed more than 30 years ago about 70 per cent of visitor accommodation on the Sunshine Coast consists of self-catering Mayor Natoli said the Sunshine Coast was missing out on a variety of markets due to the limited upscale accommodation “We need a breadth of options to suit different visitor needs,” Mayor Natoli said “Upscale hotels will provide accommodation options for the high value and business markets “This type of visitor spends two-to-three times more “If we do not act now these visitors will continue to head – and spend their money – elsewhere “It’s estimated that just one upscale hotel will generate an additional spend of $29.5 million annually in our region providing approximately 422 jobs during construction and another 165 jobs ongoing “The Deputy Premier’s conditions reduce the area to which the TLPI applies specifically targeting Maroochydore and Caloundra This is a positive step towards attracting more hotel development in the two largest coastal centres in our region will only result in a small number of new hotels being developed however this outcome would have a big impact on the quality and depth of this region’s tourism accommodation offer.” Council must consider and comply with the conditions imposed by the Minister and publish a public notice about the commencement of the TLPI in accordance with the Planning Act 2016 and the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules No bin collections and tips closed Thursday and Friday Dump your green and general waste for free during clean up cyclonic winds on the Sunshine Coast are expected to be strong enough to blow bins over causing rubbish to go everywhere and making the bins dangerous if picked up by the wind It will also be very unsafe for our drivers to be on the roads in cyclonic conditions Sunshine Coast Council cannot collect kerbside bins on Thursday March 6 and Friday March 7 Residents do not need to report missed bins; we'll pick them up on your next collection day Please keep your bins somewhere safe and secured so they don't get blown over Council tips will not be open to the public on Thursday and Friday On Friday we'll decide if they can reopen on Saturday depending on the weather predictions and if it's safe to get to the sites there will be no collection fees when disposing your green or general waste when the tips reopen Keep up-to-date at Disaster Hub Sunshine Coast agendas and minutes of all council meetings All meetings are held in council chambers and open to the public as per Local Government Regulation 2012 See the upcoming Ordinary Meeting via YouTube video stream.  The timeframe for publishing council meeting documents is: If you need assistance using this page please visit the website accessibility help page for more information attachments and minutes for council meetings from 2020 onwards Use the following directory to find council's meeting agendas Find details on preparing and lodging a petition to council Access to records of Councillors' conflicts of interests at meetings There are specific rules and regulations that governs how Council makes decisions Thriving: community shapes region’s futureA new corporate plan has been adopted by Council and thriving—ensuring a people-centred approach to a bright future and building a resilient local economy are major focus areas for Sunshine Coast Council over the next five years Council adopted the Corporate Plan 2025-30 which sets the direction and guides priorities for the next five years liveable and thriving are the three powerful principles that underpin the plan and will propel the Sunshine Coast towards a united Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the plan reflected community feedback and provided a clear and steady focus on the challenges and opportunities ahead “Our new Corporate Plan is built around the bold vision of being Australia’s most sustainable region,” Mayor Natoli said “It’s a vision that is characterised by creating a balanced Sunshine Coast that honours our residents now and into the future “Our goal is to enable a community that is connected “The Sunshine Coast is home to 365,000 people and is expected to grow by another 153,000 by 2041 “We are committed to ensuring this growth is well managed for us all,” Mayor Natoli said “We have a shared passion and commitment to strengthen economic safe and efficient transport system that works for locals now and leaves a legacy for future generations liveable and thriving - holds diverse meaning ensuring an innovative and people-centred approach to a bright future.” Mayor Natoli said it was important that Council was transparent about how it worked with Community insights have been integral to shaping the Sunshine Coast Council Corporate Plan 2025-2030 Approximately 17,000 community responses were gathered through a range of engagement activities “We’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.” Feedback from community engagements has been grouped into key themes: community These themes have played an integral role in shaping the region’s vision and establishing the goals and supporting pathways to achieve Council’s aspirations The Corporate Plan will guide the development of Council’s 2025-26 Budget that will come into effect on 1 July 2025 The plan is available on Council’s website and a sign has now been put up as a warning The scenic Coolum coastline has been targeted by environmental vandals after native trees have been damaged at two separate locations Herbicide testing has confirmed poisoning of trees at First Bay Steps were taken to investigate the area after Council received reports of suspicious decline in health of the native plants in the area Independent testing confirmed the presence of three separate herbicides impacting vegetation next to beach access 82 in the Yaroomba Coolum Foreshore Reserve The second incident of vegetation damage was at Donegal Drive Environment Reserve Council successfully prosecuted a case of vegetation damage resulting in a $20,000 fine and an additional $14,452 in compensation A third location near the Coolum boardwalk is also under investigation due to suspicious damage from suspected poisoning Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Portfolio holder and Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said she was saddened by the situation "It is deeply troubling to see such deliberate damage to our precious native vegetation,” Cr Suarez said “Council is committed to preserving our natural environment and we will take all necessary steps to hold those responsible accountable "The destruction of vegetation not only harms the environment but also affects the entire community." four street trees are no longer present on the verge opposite beach access 82 as shown in the photo taken in October 2024 The aerial image below shows the indicative area of damaged vegetation as a red polygon and the missing street trees as red points Cr Suarez said Council remained committed to protecting and preserving the natural environment “We will continue to take strong action against those responsible for damaging vegetation and urge residents to report any suspicious activity and help us protect our beautiful coastal areas “Those found guilty of such offences can be fined up to $131,580 and anyone with information is urged to call Council on 5475 7272.” through its Sunshine Coast Environment and Liveability Strategy recognises the importance of protecting and enhancing our natural assets and takes a very strong stance when it comes to illegal damage of this nature Council receives regular complaints of illegal clearing and poisoning of native trees and is working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life We are grateful to those residents who report this to Council as without their information it is often difficult to find the culprits and prosecute them which in turn deters others from carrying out environmental vandalism If you notice suspicious vegetation damage occurring in Council-managed reserves or parks please contact Council’s customer services on 5475 7272 Poisonings at Peregian Springs and Marcoola are still being monitored closely by Council Limited recovery of vegetation has occurred to date due to the significant damage from the poison built using cutting-edge carbon fibre and 3D printing technologies Built entirely at Cure Marine’s Coolum Beach headquarters the lightweight high-performance vessel was designed by renowned Australian naval architect Paul Bury and crafted by Cure Marine’s skilled team will soon set sail from Mooloolaba to her Gold Coast owners and make her international debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May Cure Marine is rapidly expanding its global footprint with five Cure 55 catamarans already in construction and orders received from Australia Using the largest 3D printer in the southern hemisphere each catamaran will feature over 1,000 3D printed parts and extensive use of carbon fibre setting a new global standard for lightweight performance cruising catamarans The firm’s success follows last year’s launch of the 'Cure Custom 70' the largest sailing vessel ever unveiled by Cure Marine Cure Marine has received steadfast support from Sunshine Coast Council ranging from guidance in town planning and development assessment to ongoing business development and export support Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Cure Marine was redefining Australia’s boat building industry creating a world-class product that is both engineered and manufactured locally “Congratulations to the entire team at Cure Marine for delivering to the world this exemplary high-performance vessel,” Mayor Natoli said “We’re proud to see Sunshine Coast businesses like Cure Marine leading the way in high-tech manufacturing and global innovation "It's impressive to see this level of production stem from the Sunshine Coast is anticipated to realise a total economic impact in the region of $63.06 million and 215 local jobs (direct and indirect)* Cure Marine co founder Dave Biggar said the team was proud to launch a vessel that pushed the industry forward to a new standard of excellence “Our team has worked tirelessly to push the industry forward and to create a world-class product during the development and manufacture of this boat,” Mr Biggar said “Sunshine Coast Council’s Investment Attraction team has been instrumental in helping us establish and expand Cure Marine so we can continue to manufacture and grow right here on the Sunshine Coast.” The name Miyu holds special meaning for a couple from the Gold Coast Miyu reflects the elegance of sailing and the art of navigation capturing the couple’s vision of shared adventures on the open water *Source National Economics (NIEIR) modelled by economy.ID are expected to play a greater role as our region looks to accommodate the rising numbers of those who chose to call the Sunshine Coast home Sunshine Coast Council has launched a new Design Guide for apartments and townhouses aimed at encouraging climate-responsive design that reflects the region’s unique character ensuring our unique look and feel is maintained in the future The new guide includes tips and photos to support the design process with consideration of: Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the design guide demonstrated Council’s commitment to supporting and encouraging design quality in our built environment It requires thoughtful collaboration.” Cr Burns said promote an indoor-outdoor lifestyle and work with the climate especially as we live with the increasing impacts of climate change “Our new guide is a valuable tool for anyone involved in medium-density residential development “It even serves as an educational resource for buyers highlighting what makes an apartment or townhouse a great place to live.” Cr Burns said Council was working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and quality of life it is crucial that all new housing benefits residents “With an emphasis on creating homes that are functional and appealing and deeply connected to the Sunshine Coast’s environment and way of life the Design Guide for apartments and townhouses is a step forward in safeguarding the area’s natural and cultural heritage.” Coolum local Ben Nelson is a resident in an architecturally designed townhouse complex and said he valued the community and connection offered in a multi-unit dwelling complex “Our complex fits perfectly with the local coastal character and I’m proud to live in a beautifully designed complex,” Mr Nelson said “These townhouses have been sustainably designed capturing the sunlight and coastal breeze and truly embracing indoor-outdoor lifestyle for every season “Our complex has fostered a lovely sense of community – from shared barbecues to impromptu catch-ups there is always a feeling of connection and support among the residents.” For more information on the design guide and to download a copy located off to the side of the entrance to the Peregian Ridges Sports Complex field exercise area as well as a basketball court and a skate park Peregian Ridges Sports Complex offers a playground with multiple structures to keep children between 4-10 years entertained For the adults under plenty of natural shade the park provides an exercise equipment node with several options to provide a balanced workout Closer to the entrance to the sports field you'll discover a half basketball court with a netball hoop and post as well as a large skate park facility after the 10.9 hectare site at Tower Lane was purchased for $860,000 through the Environment Levy On a hinterland hilltop overlooking Beerwah and the coastline beyond a slender-leaved shrub blooms into bursts of yellow between the volcanic rocks The Critically Endangered Coochin Hills grevillea (Grevillea hodgei) is found in only two small pockets: the peaks of the Coochin Hills and this rocky outcrop known locally as Rupari Hill Rupari Hill is now part of Sunshine Coast Council’s protected estate Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns said the site was home to many locally significant plants and habitat for wildlife like the koala and powerful owl “This is a special ecosystem here on Rupari Hill with a unique assemblage of native species including several plants only known to occur in the Glasshouse Mountains,” Cr Burns said “The volcanic rock and soil here creates conditions that these plants rely on so it was a high priority site for Council to purchase and protect “It really is a showcase of the unique flora our Sunshine Coast Biosphere has to offer.” The purchase links environment reserves on either side of the site and the Coochin Hills section of Glass House Mountains National Park beyond The area is within a mapped biodiversity corridor where Council aims to establish protected natural connections and habitat across our Sunshine Coast Biosphere “Protecting habitat and building landscape connections are priorities for the Environment Levy land acquisition program,” Cr Burns said Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said the strategic acquisition of this important piece of land would enable Council to more effectively manage issues with any ongoing illegal dumping in the area “With the site now under Council ownership we can all  better protect this special place we know our locals love,” Cr Broderick said “Managing these issues will ensure Rupari Hill remains a beautiful and precious natural area for our own local species and all the benefits that it brings to our community.” Council identifies and acquires properties for conservation as it works to implement its Environment and Liveability Strategy contributing to a sustainable future in our Sunshine Coast Biosphere This acquisition also contributes towards meeting Council’s strategic biodiversity target, our region’s growing conservation estate and expanding habitat areas, identified in the Biodiversity Report 2024 paid through rates by every property owner in our region enables Council to invest in a range of environmental programs and projects to deliver a healthy natural environment your Environment Levy has supported the acquisition of more than 4,200 hectares of land for conservation All Environment Levy land acquisitions are mapped on Council’s website Locally significant plant species found on Rupari Hill which are largely restricted to the Glasshouse Mountains area include: Threatened plant species found or known to occur on the site include: Threatened animals found on the site include: NEXTDC and Google will partner on developing a new landing point in Australia In a major win for connectivity and economic growth Sunshine Coast Council will partner with Google reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in Australia and the Indo-Pacific Australia Connect will deliver new subsea cable systems and build on the Pacific Connect initiative NEXTDC and Google will partner on developing a new landing point in Australia for the Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable that will connect the United States and Australia to Fiji This is predicted to land at NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore and will offer enhanced cable connectivity with faster more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the initiative was an outstanding win for the region and the benefits extended far beyond just improved connectivity “Australia’s entire digital landscape is changing thanks to the vision of the Sunshine Coast community,” Mayor Natoli said “Creating a point of difference by investing in digital infrastructure is helping to develop a thriving “We are excited to partner with Google and NEXTDC on this project to help improve digital resilience across the country and the new Pacific “The additional cable complements a range of existing technology capabilities including WIFI 6 and will be strategically located in the 100 per cent uptime Tier III facility owned and operated by NEXTDC “This project builds on the significant progress being made to establish Maroochydore City Centre as one of Australia’s fastest growing innovation hubs.” Mayor Natoli said Maroochydore City Centre was an ideal investment destination for both international and Australian-based businesses “It offers excellent domestic and international connectivity through both the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane airports and premium A-grade offices being delivered as part of Sunshine Coast Council’s $2.5 billion agreement with Walker Corporation,” Mayor Natoli said “Maroochydore City Centre also offers a highly skilled workforce in key targeted economies such as the digital economy an enviable lifestyle and a Council committed to partnering with businesses to grow the regional economy “The initiative also cements the Sunshine Coast’s position as a prime location for technology-related investments in Australia following Council’s multiple Gold awards received from the International Economic Development Council in the United States “The Tabua subsea cable system will enhance our region’s already enviable digital infrastructure making it even more attractive to international businesses and investors who are already viewing the region with interest.” Mayor Natoli said the system was a welcome addition to the existing Sunshine Coast’s International Broadband Network which provides the fastest international connection point from Australia’s East Coast to Asia “For the Sunshine Coast to be chosen for this investment is clear evidence that we have a reputation as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific technology environment,” she said “The Tabua subsea cable system will play a crucial role in continuing to shape the Sunshine Coast’s future ensuring the region is a burgeoning investment destination of choice for technological connectivity NEXTDC Managing Director and CEO Craig Scroggie said NEXTDC was proud to be a longstanding partner with Sunshine Coast Council and Google collaborating to establish key cable landing facilities within our Sunshine Coast Data Centre and across Australia’s digital infrastructure “We’re thrilled to expand this strategic partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Google in support of the Australia Connect initiative enhancing Australia’s internet connectivity and delivering faster more secure and reliable digital services,” Mr Scroggie said “This initiative strengthens the Sunshine Coast’s position as a hub for investment and further fortifies Australia’s digital economy.” Google Cloud Global Network Infrastructure Vice-President Brian Quigley said Google was pleased to collaborate with Sunshine Coast Council to bring a new landing for the Tabua subsea cable in Eastern Australia “This project will help increase the reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by improving reliability adding capacity and reducing latency,” Mr Quigley said Queensland’s first direct international data and telecommunications connection to global markets is now in service the Sunshine Coast provides the fastest international connection point from Queensland and east Australia to Asia a significant step-change in the Sunshine Coast's attractiveness as an investment location The project will help stimulate local business generate new investment and improve telecommunications diversity to Australia’s east coast The cable plays an important role in future proofing the Sunshine Coast’s telecommunications capacity and increase the region’s smart city capability ensuring access to important data networks Council has facilitated the landing of an international submarine cable at Maroochydore following an international submarine cable contract agreed between Sunshine Coast Council and RTI Connectivity Pty Ltd (RTI-C) The project includes a 550km undersea fibre optic cable which connects the Sunshine Coast to the 7000km Japan-Guam-Australia South (JGA-S) submarine cable The cable is laid out or buried under the sea floor and connects to the NextDC SC1 Sunshine Coast data centre adjacent to the new Maroochydore City Centre The data centre houses the connection point for the international submarine cable with landside communication networks The project is forecast to deliver up to 864 new jobs and stimulate $927 million in new investment in Queensland the cable means more jobs and more business in our local economy - at a time when it's needed most be able to bypass Sydney and connect direct internationally This will provide business with a range of new opportunities that come with increased speed and diversity This connectivity will give major data-intensive companies such as Meta Amazon and Microsoft the opportunity to revisit the benefits of where they locate their Australian investments The cable places the Sunshine Coast on the international business map as a leading investment destination for commerce and industry for the world’s biggest data users and those looking for a location with superior telecommunications and data infrastructure more affordable broadband access and stimulate investment that will create hundreds of new jobs The Sunshine Coast international broadband network project well and truly marks us as Australia’s healthy For more information about investment opportunities, visit Invest Sunshine Coast website Read council's media release Watch a video about the project Read the frequently asked questions (PDF Read the fact sheet about the cable installation (DOCX For more information, please contact council’s International Broadband Submarine Cable Project team by emailing [email protected]