SCEC works with our more than 50 member groups and our wider network to coordinate campaigns and collaborate on key issues affecting the Sunshine Coast. You can find out about SCEC's past campaigns and successes in caring for the Sunshine Coast's environment here. We also partner with Queensland Conservation Council and eight other Regional Conservation Councils across Queensland to address state-wide challenges and drive collective impact. 

Our current campaigns focus on ecosystem protection and restoration, climate resilience, and policy and planning. Member Group and community engagement is a keystone to everything SCEC does, you can read more below about our current campaigns and how to get involved. 

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Climate Resilience

Climate change is already reshaping our region. Through initiatives like Heat and Hazards, we drive community awareness, adaptation planning and stronger environmental protections that help the Sunshine Coast withstand extreme weather, rising temperatures and cumulative climate risks, and help keep Queenslanders safe. Find out more and what you can do. 

 

Ecosystem Protection and Restoration

The habitat 2026 project builds 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 2026 renews 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.

 

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. 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.

 

Queensland has the lowest % of protected area in the nation. SCEC is part of the Protect Beautiful Queensland Alliance's Forests for Everyone campaign to see key State Forests in our region permanently protected from logging and transferred to conservation estate. This will continue to protect them for conservation and continue to allow low-impact and well-managed recreation.

 

SCEC is a member of the Nets Out Now Coalition and a strong advocate for removing shark nets that kill many non-target species including threatened species, and entangle whales and calves. SCEC advocates for 'Nets Out Now' and the use of effective non-lethal methods of shark control that protect both people and marine life. SCEC also advocates for a Sunshine Coast Marine Park to protect some of our region's amazing reefs and special marine places.

 

Planning and Policy

SCEC prepares evidence-based submissions and advocates across all levels of Government on planning and policy instruments and decisions that will have impact on the greater Sunshine Coast region's environment. We also encourage and assist other groups and members of the community to engage and have their say too.  Find out more on currently open consultations and how you can have your say. 

 

Voice for Nature

SCEC participates in advisory groups, reference panels and consultation committees.  These roles aim to ensure that environmental considerations are embedded in decision-making. Currently SCEC provides a voice for nature on several groups including: Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Advisory Group, 3 Biospheres Group, Transport and Main Roads Stakeholder Reference Group, Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement Project, Borumba Pumped Hydro Project, South East Qld Catchment Management Authority, and Pumicestone Catchment Network.

 

Community Engagement 

SCEC convenes regional environmental round tables that bring member groups together to share knowledge, identify emerging issues, collaborate, and build collective priorities. These discussions inform discussions with local council and biannual ministerial round tables coordinated through the Queensland Conservation Council, ensuring regional environmental concerns are clearly represented and presented directly to State Ministers.

 

SCEC has information stalls and gives presentations at community events across the greater Sunshine Coast region. SCEC also hosts community events such as Green Drinks, and the ever popular WEDFEST which SCEC has been hosting since 1979. 

 

 

 

 

Awards

The Les Hall Young Conservationist Award recognises and celebrates young people who demonstrate outstanding commitment to protecting and caring for the natural environment of the Sunshine Coast. It honours the legacy of Les Hall by encouraging leadership, action, and lifelong stewardship for nature among emerging conservationists.

 

The Sunshine Coast Environment Council Froggie Award recognises outstanding environmental excellence across the region. From 2026, it will be awarded as part of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Awards, to a standout individual, community group or organisation selected from all Sunshine Coast Biosphere Award nominees, celebrating leadership in conservation and care for nature.

 

Information

SCEC provides a monthly EcoNews, with information on events and  environment matters across the greater Sunshine Coast Region. Subscribe here to the 'EcoNews' Newsletter. 

 

 

Together, we shape the future

Our work doesn’t just protect the environment — it protects the heart and identity of the Sunshine Coast. By supporting SCEC, you’re helping defend the landscapes, wildlife and waterways that define our region and sustain our way of life. Make a donation, or become a member of SCEC.