To: Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Queensland Government, Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning

 
We, the undersigned, call for the recognition, protection, and responsible management of the coastal area extending from the Mooloolaba River to the Maroochydore River, encompassing all land from the ocean high tide line inland to a distance of 800 metres, and 500m of all other coastal high tide lines in the Sunshine Coast Council area. This zone includes critical coastal ecosystems, public recreation areas, and residential zones that are vital to the environmental health, cultural value, and community well-being of the Sunshine Coast.
 
Our Proposal
To ensure the long-term protection of the coastal environment, we propose the implementation of enduring land use protections and planning controls to limit increased development intensity and prevent changes to land use density regulations — including, but not limited to, building height limits, zoning classifications, and a 50% gross floor area (GFA) cap.

These controls should apply within a clearly defined coastal strip extending 800 metres inland from the high tide line, between the Mooloolaba River and the Maroochydore River, and 500m across the Sunshine Coast Council area

 
Why This Is Critical
This defined area — stretching from the Mooloolaba Spit and Wharf precinct across to Cotton Tree and the mouth of the Maroochy River — comprises a dynamic and vulnerable coastal corridor. It is increasingly under threat from:

Over development pressure
Coastal erosion
Climate change impacts (e.g. sea level rise, storm surges)
We believe that strong, proactive stewardship of this zone is essential to preserve:

Its natural beauty and ecological integrity
Community access and recreational space
The livability and identity of the Sunshine Coast for current and future generations
 
Legislative and Policy Support
Our proposal aligns with the objectives of the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Qld) and the State Planning Policy (SPP) – Coastal Environment, which aim to:

Conserve and manage coastal resources
Avoid intensification of development in coastal hazard areas
Protect community safety, property, and public access
Maintain the region’s scenic and environmental values
It also reflects the precautionary principle, ensuring that decisions made today do not compromise the coast’s ability to support biodiversity, tourism, or sustainable living into the future.

 
Concerns About the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project 2025
We are particularly concerned that the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme Project 2025 opens the door to inappropriate high-rise developments and land-use intensification within this coastal strip. If approved, these changes could:

Alter the coastal character and erode the community's connection to place
Overburden local infrastructure (roads, schools, hospitals, public transport)
Reduce tourism appeal, which is essential to the local economy
Jeopardize coastal ecosystems and increase vulnerability to erosion and flooding

The loss of the vibrant coastal communities and their unique character and lifestyle.   The increased density would mean a decline in livability, choking the roads with increased vehicles and pollution, straining the infrastructure and tax payer funds.   

A complete breakdown and loss of the appeal of the Sunshine Coast and all that makes it special.

 
There Are Better Options
We strongly urge authorities to redirect higher density developments to more suitable areas — such as those along the M1 growth corridor, which already feature:

Available land for development
Existing or planned transport infrastructure
Access to services like schools, hospitals, and employment hubs
This approach supports sustainable growth while safeguarding the coast.

 
A Global Responsibility
The Sunshine Coast is the only place in Australia where three UNESCO Biosphere Reserves sit side by side. This extraordinary recognition reinforces our responsibility to manage this region with the highest environmental and planning standards.

 
Our Call to Action
We, the undersigned, urge the Sunshine Coast Council and Queensland Government to:

Implement enduring land use protections and planning controls on any increases to land-use density within a coastal strip of 800-metre of the high tide line from Mooloolaba River to Maroochydore River, and 500 metres of the high tide line in all other Sunshine Coast Council areas — including, but not limited to, building height limits, zoning classifications, and a 50% gross floor area (GFA) cap.

Protect this zone through strengthened planning controls, public transparency, and community consultation
Relocate proposed high-density developments to infrastructure-ready areas inland (e.g. M1 corridor) to support balanced, sustainable growth.
 
Sign this petition to protect our coast.
Together, we can preserve the essence of our beloved Sunshine Coast — not just for ourselves, but for future generations of residents, visitors, and wildlife that call it home.