in this issue - Sunshine Coast Council

Smart
management
reduces bushfire risk
Council will shortly resume its proactive fire
management program, aimed at reducing
bushfire threat to homes.
Each year council conducts planned prioritised
burns in bushland conservation reserves to
reduce the fuels surrounding residential areas.
Council works closely with Queensland Fire
and Rescue Services (QFRS) and Queensland
Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) to deliver
the program, which focuses on planned burns,
fire trails and training of council staff.
Service Delivery Portfolio holder, Paul Tatton,
said the fire program meets strict QFRS
guidelines for responsible land management.
“Planned burning is essential in protecting
community and private assets and promoting
fire regimes that our native vegetation has
adapted to,” Cr Tatton said.
In 2009, council completed 14 planned burns
in urban and rural areas covering around 350
hectares. This year’s planned burn program is
scheduled to start in March/April depending on
weather conditions.
“An additional five kilometres of trails were
added in 2009 to the existing 50 kilometre
network. The trail program offers a fuel-free
break between bushland and properties as
well as providing emergency vehicle access,”
Cr Tatton said.
“Council has 35 staff trained in fire fighting
operations and seven light attack vehicles ready
to be deployed in the event of a bush fire.
“Providing training to council staff is an
important part of the fire protection program.
“When bush fires break out, the state fire
service needs all hands on deck and they
can rely on council crews and fire fighting
machinery to be ready.”
For more information on council’s fire
protection program, call the customer service
centre on 5475 7272 or vist council’s website.
Affordable
living
options for all
The Draft Sunshine Coast Affordable Living
Strategy is currently being finalised by
council.
The draft strategy identifies ways to match
housing type to household size, improve housing
choice, design accessible and resource-efficient
neighbourhoods and improve access to essential
facilities and services.
Council’s Social Strategy Portfolio holder and Housing
Affordability Task Force Chair, Anna Grosskreutz, said
that community feedback on the discussion paper was
very positive and supported the affordable approach.
“Late last year we invited the community to comment
on the Affordable Living Discussion Paper, which gave
the community insight into where council is heading,”
Cr Grosskruetz said.
“Community feedback confirmed council is on the right
track and made it clear the residents understand that
affordable living goes hand-in-hand with sustainability
of our region.
“There were strong views in support of higher
density living, good housing design and well located
communities with adequate infrastructure and
services, along with acknowledgement that cultural
change is needed before people embrace higher
density living.
“Council has incorporated this feedback into the Draft
Sunshine Coast Affordable Living Strategy.
“The draft strategy examines diversity of housing
choice, ensuring that housing is looked at alongside
access to services, employment and transport, as well
as getting smaller houses on the market.
“With the community’s feedback and detailed
discussion with key stakeholders, the final strategy will
become council’s position on affordable living on the
Sunshine Coast and guide council’s future operations
on this issue.
“I invite the community to check the website for the
draft strategy and have their say on the future look
and feel of the Sunshine Coast.”
Visit council’s website in April for more
information or to have your say.
Encompass March 2010
Sunshine Coast Council 21