Regional Economic Development Strategy

Sunshine Coast Council worked with leading businesses, industry and the Queensland Government to develop the Sunshine Coast – The Natural Advantage: Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 [5.95MB].

The strategy was designed to provide a 20-year vision and blueprint for sustainable economic growth to 2033. The aim is to ensure the region actively participates in the global economy and delivers the best possible lifestyle and opportunities for both residents and businesses.

Our seven high value industries:

1. 1. Aviation and aerospace
   2. Health and wellbeing
   3. Clean technologies
   4. Food and agribusiness
   5. Tourism, sport and leisure
   6. Knowledge industries and professional services
   7. Education and research

Fundamentally, the REDS provides a clearly articulated strategy for the transformation of the region’s economy over 20 years, focussing on the following objectives.

• • Lift the identity of the Sunshine Coast as an ideal investment and business location
  • Deliver significant capital investment in region shaping infrastructure projects
  • Expanding and growing the mix of enduring employment opportunities in high-value industries
  • Drive greater connectivity between the Sunshine Coast economy and business community with national and global markets
  • Strengthen the ongoing investment and focus on talent and skills to provide the labour force pipeline that the region’s new economy will require

The REDS Implementation Report Card [9.6MB] was produced to highlight achievements in the first five year implementation plan as of 2017.

Building on the success of Implementation Actions commenced since 2013, the following priorities are set for delivery by 2023 under the REDS Implementation Plan 2019-2023 [5.85MB].

• • Strong economic leadership and collaboration between government at all levels, industry and the community
  • A recognised, competitive regional identity
  • Secure investment in the region’s infrastructure and other project priorities
  • Support high value industries to expand activities, job opportunities and connectivity to markets and supply chains
  • Promoting cross-sector collaboration and engagement on key initiatives and projects
  • Promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, research and digital connectivity
  • Positioning the Sunshine Coast in key national and global markets
  • Supporting local businesses to respond and adapt to market change and opportunity
  • Developing, attracting and retaining a suitably skilled workforce
  • A regional education and training offering that aligns to the demands of the changing economy

A summary of the implementation plan is also available: REDS Implementation Plan 2019-2023 SUMMARY [5856KB].

The REDS Annual Report highlights the program of activities delivered during 2021-2022 against the strategy’s five critical pathways and their respective priorities.

The REDS Annual Report 2020-21 [4778KB] draws together a range of data, information and insights to identify and demonstrate the valuable work achieved over the past year in delivering on the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Strategy, in collaboration with our signatories and partners.

The REDS Annual Report highlights the program of activities delivered during 2021-2022 against the strategy’s five critical pathways and their respective priorities.

The REDS Annual Report 2021-22 [2715KB] draws together a range of data, information and insights to identify and demonstrate the valuable work achieved over the past year in delivering on the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Strategy, in collaboration with our signatories and partners.

The REDS Annual Report highlights the program of activities delivered during 2022-2023 against the strategy’s five critical pathways and their respective priorities.

The REDS Annual Report 2022-23 [PDF, 3MB] draws together a range of data, information and insights to identify and demonstrate the valuable work achieved over the past year in delivering on the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Strategy, in collaboration with our signatories and partners.

The REDS Annual Report highlights the program of activities delivered during 2023-2024 against the strategy’s five critical pathways and their respective priorities.

The REDS Annual Report 2023-24 [PDF, 3MB] draws together a range of data, information and insights to identify and demonstrate the valuable work achieved over the past year in delivering on the priorities of the Regional Economic Development Strategy, in collaboration with our signatories and partners.