Sunshine Coast Council’s UNESCO Biosphere bid cost revealed

After years of talks the Sunshine Coast recently gained official recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere. Now it can be revealed how much the nomination cost ratepayers.

Almost half a million dollars went into the Sunshine Coast Council’s bid for a biosphere designation over several years, it can be revealed.

The Sunshine Coast become one of more than 700 locations in 122 countries to receive the designation which the council said would it give a “competitive advantage” to facilitate sustainable growth.

A council spokesman said $470,000 in operational funding had been spent since 2017-18 on planning, investigations, community engagement, communications, project management and governance.

The formal process started in 2019 when the council supported a volunteer community reference group and community engagement.

A spokesman said it was a “community driven” project with the group members all volunteers.

An aerial image of Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast.

“Protecting and enhancing our region, communities, economy and our natural environment remains an important priority in all of council’s planning and decision making and this Biosphere recognition will further support these efforts,” the spokesman said.

“It also supports council and the community’s clear plan and vision to making sustainable, future-focused change.”

The spokesman said while the designation supported responsible development it did not override existing planning policies such as the planning scheme.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said in May that it was a prestigious designation that would help protect and enhance the region.

Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the announcement of the Sunshine Coast’s designation as a UNESCO Biosphere. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“A biosphere designation shows the world we are a community that wants to live in harmony with our environment, recognises the need for responsible development to cater for the people choosing to live on the Sunshine Coast while also recognising the importance of preserving our natural environment,” Mr Jamieson said.

Councillor Maria Suarez previously said joining the network of UNESCO Biosphere reserves could support a “Produced on the Sunshine Coast brand” which could help local tourism and agriculture industries.

Biosphere reserves have also been declared in Noosa, Fraser Island (K’gari), the Mornington Peninsula and Fitzgerald in Western Australia.

Community Reference Group chairman Will Shrapnel said the work would continue as the project moved into the implementation phase.

“With this official designation, nothing changes overnight in terms of how we go about our daily lives, however it provides great clarity around what our future looks like as a region with sustainability as a fundamental consideration in the choices we make going forward,” Mr Shrapnel said.