The Sunshine Coast local government area boasts a population of approximately 285,000 people spread over 2291 square kilometres. The Sunshine Coast is embarking on a period of significant change and rapid population growth, with an expected increase of over 185,000 new residents by 2036.

The Sunshine Coast Council have begun thinking differently about how to make their community stronger. They aim to create a generative society that is economically and ecologically sustainable while forging beneficial outcomes for all members of the community. The Social Strategy 2015 responds to the corporate goal of “a strong community” and articulates targets, outcomes and initiatives towards their social vision.

The Social Strategy 2015 was developed to provide a vision and a strategic framework which articulates council’s role in contributing to stronger communities. Working towards this vision requires responses to community need in collaboration with community partners. It also requires the support and continued development of social capital and a deep understanding of the social issues that arise in a changing population, dealing with growth, ageing, employment and lifestyle pursuits. The Social Strategy identifies long and short term initiatives for responding to the social needs of the region and further developing the community strengths.

The Strategy has already resulted in a number of important outcomes. The most significant of these outcomes has been strong leadership throughout the events on the social messaging calendar, increases in youth employment, an increase in the number of community organisations that benefit from community grant funding, healthier lifestyles and recruitment of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander advisor.