planning · Sunshine Coast Council
Sunshine Coast backs youth plan for 2026 to 2031
A new youth policy framework was endorsed at Thursday’s council meeting, alongside progress on a proposed Dark Sky Reserve and referrals for Golden Beach and Maroochydore petitions.
Sunshine Coast Council has endorsed the Thriving Futures: Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026-2031, setting its youth policy framework for the next five years across the region.
At its ordinary meeting on 26 March, councillors unanimously backed the plan after receiving a report on the document. The public minutes show council also adopted the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve Lighting Management Plan 2026, endorsed a reserve application for submission to DarkSky International, and noted its February 2026 Financial Performance Report.
For residents, the youth plan is the clearest long-term policy decision from the meeting. It gives council an endorsed framework for youth-focused planning and priorities on the Sunshine Coast, with relevance for young people, families, schools and community organisations.
Council also advanced its proposed Dark Sky Reserve. Along with adopting the lighting management plan, councillors authorised the Chief Executive Officer to make minor changes to the application if needed during DarkSky International's assessment process.
Two local petitions were referred for further action rather than decided on at the meeting itself. One seeks a speed limit review for The Esplanade and sections of Landsborough Parade at Golden Beach. The other raises parking concerns on School Road, Maroochydore. Both were received and referred to the Chief Executive Officer to determine appropriate action.
The meeting minutes also record that a proposed sale of land in Nambour was withdrawn by the Chief Executive Officer before a decision was made.
Next, the Dark Sky Reserve application can be submitted for external assessment, while follow-up on the Golden Beach and Maroochydore petitions will sit with the Chief Executive Officer. The next ordinary meeting is scheduled for 23 April 2026 in the Sunshine Coast City Hall Chamber, Maroochydore.
Reference minutes
Source: Sunshine Coast Council ordinary meeting minutes, 26 March 2026.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council endorsed the Thriving Futures: Sunshine Coast Youth Plan 2026-2031 at its 26 March 2026 ordinary meeting.
- The decision on the youth plan was carried unanimously.
- Council adopted the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve Lighting Management Plan 2026.
- Council endorsed the Sunshine Coast Dark Sky Reserve Application for submission to DarkSky International.
- The Chief Executive Officer was delegated authority to make minor changes to the Dark Sky Reserve application during assessment.
- Council received and noted the February 2026 Financial Performance Report.
- A petition seeking a speed limit review for The Esplanade and sections of Landsborough Parade, Golden Beach, was referred to the Chief Executive Officer.
- A petition about parking concerns at School Road, Maroochydore, was referred to the Chief Executive Officer.
Why it matters
- The endorsed youth plan sets council's policy direction for young people across the Sunshine Coast through 2031, while the petition referrals could lead to further action on traffic and parking concerns in Golden Beach and Maroochydore.