Sustainability’s sphere of influence spreads across Coast

Almost half of Sunshine Coast residents are aware of the region’s Biosphere, three years after its UNESCO designation.

The latest Living on the Sunshine Coast survey included questions on the reserve, in addition to general lifestyle questions.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez said the survey data showed 49 percent of residents reported some level of awareness of the Biosphere designation.

Cr Suarez said nine percent stated they knew a lot about it, 24 percent knew a little, and 16 percent had heard the term Biosphere Reserves, which were designated by UNESCO as learning places for sustainable development, with strong connections within communities and with nature.

She said regardless of how much residents knew about the Sunshine Coast Biosphere, around 80 percent agreed they had a responsibility to contribute to sustainable practices within it.

“Our Sunshine Coast Biosphere is a daily reminder we live in an incredible place. More than that, it’s a call to action to contribute in any small ways we can,” Cr Suarez said.

“Now we see that even for those who have little or no knowledge of our Biosphere status, there is still a strong sense that we can all play a part in a sustainable future. To me, that’s incredibly encouraging.”

She said the survey which ran during March and April for its fifth year, provided a range of insights into the factors and priorities that were most important to quality of life for Sunshine Coast communities.

“It’s a vital tool to help measure the current quality of life for people in our communities, while also identifying emerging issues.”

Cr Suarez said insights from the survey complemented Council’s various consultation activities to help inform Council strategies, policies and plans.

In this year’s survey, the top five themes of importance for liveability were:

1. Feeling safe.
2. Access to the natural environment.
3. A lack of road congestion.
4. High quality health services.
5. Affordable decent housing.

The top five themes the community identified they had the best experience with were:

1. Access to the natural environment.
2. High quality health services.
3. Feeling safe.
4. High-quality education opportunities.
5. The ability to view and participate in sports and recreation.

Learn more about the 2025 Living on the Sunshine Coast survey.