Extraordinary Natural Landscapes
The Sunshine Coast is defined by its extraordinary natural landscapes. At SCEC, we work to protect, restore, and reconnect these ecosystems so that, even as development increases across the Coast, the region’s natural environment can continue to support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and sustain the wellbeing of our community. You can find out more about some of our current projects and campaigns below:
Protect the Inter-Urban Break
The inter-urban break is the vital green buffer separating Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region from the Sunshine Coast. Without it, south-east Queensland would become a continuous urban corridor from the Gold Coast to the Sunshine Coast. The NIUB is critical to protecting the Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage, which supports more than 45,000 migratory and resident shorebirds and plays a key role in the health of Moreton Bay. This nationally significant landscape is under increasing threat from inappropriate development, including a proposed tourist park and festival site that have bypassed standard planning pathways through ministerial ‘call-in’ decisions, and the Stockland's Hall's Creek housing development. SCEC is working with ten partner organisations and the wider community to protect the NIUB’s ecological integrity, safeguard water quality and habitat, and preserve the livability of the region. It is vitally important for an environmentally healthy future for the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay. Learn more and take action.
Protect Beautiful Queensland
Queensland has the lowest % of protected area in the nation at only around 8%. SCEC is part of the Protect Beautiful Queensland Alliance's Forests for Everyone campaign, we aim to see key State Forests in our region permanently protected from logging and transferred to conservation estate. Find out more.
Replace Shark Nets with Effective Non-Lethal Technologies
SCEC advocates to replace outdated shark nets and drum lines with more modern non-lethal methods that keep both swimmers and marine life safe. Shark nets entangle whales, kill dolphins, turtles and many other non-target species.
SCEC is collaborating with Ocean's for All is a member of the Nets Out Now Coalition and a strong advocate for replacing shark nets . Find out more and what you can do
Better Marine Protections
SCEC advocates for better protections for Sunshine Coast's amazing reefs and other special marine places.
Habitat Connectivity
The habitat 2027 project seeks to build on the legacy of SCEC’s landmark Habitat 2000 report, which mapped habitat connectivity across the Sunshine Coast. The original report assessed the risk of vegetation loss within critical wildlife corridors and identified priority areas where strategic action would deliver the greatest biodiversity gains. Habitat 2027 aims to renew this work for today’s landscape, providing a contemporary evidence base to protect and strengthen ecological connectivity, guide conservation investment, and target on-ground actions where they will be most effective for nature. This connectivity also underpins climate resilience, enabling species to move and adapt in response to climate change and natural disasters. SCEC is currently seeking partners and sponsors for this project. Get in touch for further information.