SCEC’s primary aim is to enhance the environment of the Sunshine Coast. SCEC has a small number of campaigns in progress at any time as well as a number of issues that are also being worked on. The issues are ‘championed’ by a group of interested members. These groups typically are formed from forum discussions and include anyone who is interested in taking part. The Sunshine Coast is a great place to live. It has a vast network of waterways. These lead into three separate and unique estuaries. Most residents live within easy-access distance to a waterbody of some kind. Sprinkled amongst this network of waterways are magnificent mountains and ranges that rise out of fertile floodplains.
It is the diversity of ecosystems and topography that leads residents to claim they are lucky to live in such a naturally beautiful area. But this is also one of its drawcards to others, leading to a rapid population growth rate. Projections indicate this growth rate will continue over the next 20 years. The high population growth rate on the Sunshine Coast means there are considerable infrastructure and service needs. These two factors – diversity of ecosystems and the high population growth rate – result in a broad range of environmental issues to consider and monitor. One of the main threats to the environment of the Sunshine Coast is population growth and the related stresses on the environment through new development, land clearing, loss of habitat, land degradation, increase resource use, increase waste, and increased need for nature based recreation. These issues are further compounded by a lack of awareness of the environment and how to live within environmental limits.