SCBC Symposium to address societal inequalities
As a region we talk a lot about prosperity which requires not only strong economic structures and performance but also strong environmental and social structures. While SCBC usually focuses on the economy – particularly investment, infrastructure and employment – we are also interested in the health of our environment and society.
This symposium is about raising awareness of important social issues that will, and do, have an impact on our economy. “We view this symposium as an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the importance of diversity as well as some of the issues that still impact women in succeeding, participating and contributing fully in the workplace,” Ms Zubrinich said.
The Human Rights Equals Prosperity Symposium, sponsored by TAFE East Coast, RDA Sunshine Coast and McCullough Robertson will take place on Thursday, 5 November at TAFE Queensland East Coast and include the following sessions:
• Business Luncheon 11.45-2.00pm
“Unconscious bias in the workplace and the importance of strong leadership”
• Conference 2.00pm-5.30pm
“Five decades of women’s careers — what has changed?”
• Public Lecture 5.30-6.30pm
“Questions for Australia in the modern refugee debate”
Packages are also available for attending multiple events within the symposium program. To secure your seat, use the book now button or visit the website for further information. We hope you will support this event and help make it a terrific success.
Need more information – click here
Dialogue towards a better future for the Sunshine Coast
The first series of think-tank sessions organised by the Sunshine Coast Business Council -Protecting the diversity and richness of the Sunshine Coast Region beyond its economic value: Balancing Growth, Development and the Environment.
Institute of Architects Sunshine Coast chair Phil Smith said “I’ve been on the Coast for 25 years and this is the first time that I’m aware that all the sectors of the community have come together and we’ve talked about what we have in common and not our differences.” The think tanks were also endorsed by Ms Narelle McCarthy from SCEC and Mr John Hare from Development Watch who were keen supporters of running more sessions. There were four agreed outcomes from the first series:
Outcome 1
That interest groups such as SCEC and Development Watch will continue ongoing dialogue with Property Council and other industry groups with the aim of improving communications between the groups around development and environmental issues. It is now up to these groups to initiate further discussions.
Outcome 2
The Sustainability Research Centre (SRC) of the University of the Sunshine Coast agreed to continue its work on a set of 20 indicators of sustainability which were originally reported in 2012 in response to the Community Plan. The 2012 report was commissioned by the Sunshine Coast.
The SRC will continue to undertake the monitoring and reporting of the regional sustainability indicators with the original 20 sustainability indicators retained as a baseline, subject to data availability, for the next report due in the March quarter 2016. However, the basket of sustainability indicators may be adjusted over time. The ‘traffic light’ reporting system to evaluate the status of the sustainability indicators (red – action required, amber – of concern or green – positive) will also be retained, but for future reports, recommended actions will be identified for all indicators reported as amber or red.
The SRC work will be supported and sponsored by both Sunshine Coast and Noosa councils (subject to agreement on cost which has yet to be finalised and endorsed by either council) and will be overseen by a small working parting that will comprise a representative from both councils, USC, SCBC and SCEC. The SRC to outline the reporting timeline for each of the sustainability indicators, method and data source and cost by the end of the December quarter 2015 to the working party which will be convened over the next month.
Outcome 3
Property Council of Australia (Qld Division) has agreed to take leadership with its Regional Sunshine Coast Chapter, to work with key stakeholders (governments, local councils, rating agencies PCA members, industry and interest groups), toward broadening the use of rating tools, initially for community developments, and effect better outcomes for the communities and the developer.
PCA (Qld Division) will collaborate with key stakeholders to:
• develop a pathway (covering benefits, impediments, actions, timing and targets) with the to increase the use of rating tools over time
• work with Councils to identify and agree incentives to encourage developers to use a rating tool of their choice
• work with Councils to consider the use of rating tools as part of the DA process to build community confidence in the development and community engagement strategies.
PCA (Qld Division) will present its draft plan of action to SCBC before the end of the calendar year 2015.
Outcome 4
That SCC and Noosa councils should seek bi-partisan support at state and federal levels for the Sunshine Coast Regional Transport Plan, in terms of agreeing a delivery timeline and funding strategy. It is up to both councils to work together to seek state and federal support and to give this community a plan that all tiers of government are committed to.
In summarising the success of the think tank, Institute of Architects Sunshine Coast Chair Phil Smith said “I’ve been on the Coast for 25 years and this is the first time that I’m aware that all the sectors of the community have come together and we’ve talked about what we have in common and not our differences.”
A second think tank series will begin in the first quarter of 2016 and the topic – Building shared benefit/value from effective community engagement. If you have any interest in being involved in that topic please advise Kerrie Bryant-Adams at info@scbusinesscouncil.com.au.
SCBC Welcomes New Sunshine Coast Regional Council CEO
The Sunshine Coast Business Council formally welcomes Mr Michael Whittaker to the CEO role of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council. Michael brings to the position more than 20 years’ experience in senior and chief executive level roles in state and local government, along with a track record for driving performance and delivering results.
He has been a CEO of four councils in New South Wales and Western Australia, including most recently at Wyong Shire Council on the New South Wales Central Coast. We look forward to working with Michael and wish him the best in his new role.
SCBC AGM and Christmas Function
The SCBC AGM and Christmas function is probably the most important event on our calendar. It is the main opportunity for the Board to talk directly with our members and: Overview what the business council has achieved in 2015,
• Outline the aspirations for 2016,
• Reflect on the key opportunities and challenges facing the region, and
• Importantly, socialize and hear what is happening in our members’ businesses.
For some, this is the only time we have an opportunity to chew the fat and we hope you will set the time aside to come along.
Date: Thursday 26 November 2015
Time: 4:00– 5:00pm AGM for members only
5:00- 6:30pm Christmas Function members & guests
Venue: Dunes/Spinnaker Rooms
Surfair Beach Hotel, Marcoola
Membership Renewals
Membership renewals have been issued for the 2016 Financial Year but we are still looking for new members. It has been a big year for the Sunshine Coast Business Council and your support is paramount for us to continue advocating for the economic betterment of our region and most importantly, for our members.
Our commitment is to provide a transparent, inclusive and formal environment to enable your organisation to play an effective role in the decision making and advocacy processes that drive the development and profitable growth of sustainable business on the Sunshine Coast.
We always look forward to your contribution and input and hope that you will recommend other organisations to join with us and contribute to the work of the SCBC.
For additional details on ways to get involved within the Business Council or to discuss increased sponsorship, please click through on the following link https://scbusinesscouncil.com.au/contact/