1. Protecting the Regional Inter-urban Break

The Regional Inter-urban Break is often referred to as the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. The 'green space' that separates us from the Greater Brisbane area.

This important green space extends from the hinterland and rural areas surrounding the iconic Glass House Mountains in the west to the Pumicestone Passage and coastline in the east.

It contributes significantly to our natural environment and unique landscapes, which are the foundations of our Sunshine Cost way of life.

We're committed to securing this green space for future generations. 

To do this, we are:

• learning more about the values and activities in the Regional Inter-urban Break
• promoting the ongoing protection of the area as it exists today
• investigating potential legislation to protect the area
• partnering to prepare a plan to enable appropriate outdoor recreation activities to continue
• securing and protecting land for conservation and recreation purposes
• planning for its future as a productive and highly valued space.

We’re advocating for residential development to occur outside this major green space. We want to ensure the Regional Inter-urban Break continues to meet the recreation needs of a growing population and significant environments are protected in perpetuity - contributing to our region's identity and liveability. 

Council strongly supports the enhanced recognition of the Northern Inter-urban Break in the Draft ‘Shaping SEQ’ South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 Update which has been reflected in Council’s submission on this policy.  Council has recommended further strengthening and refinement of identified draft measures to ensure successful implementation of the state’s policy intent for this important regional space.

We are aware of, and are responding to the Commonwealth’s Environment and Protection Biodiversity Conservation legislative planning process in relation to Stockland’s Aura South Self-contained Master-planned Community. 

Two submissions have been made for the Commonwealth’s consideration in relation to:

1. Whether the proposed residential development should be considered a controlled action – read here
2. The draft guidelines for the preparation of a Public Environment Report – read here .

We will continue to monitor the process and respond as required to continue our advocacy efforts for the protection of this important green space.