Local governments play a vital role in promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. By implementing effective strategies to protect our natural values, they empower communities to confront climate and biodiversity-related challenges while providing clarity and assurance to developers. 

This proactive approach fosters an environment where nature and residents can thrive, enhancing community well-being.

In 2021, residents of Halfmoon Bay sought support and guidance from the SCCA regarding a proposed development in their area. A primary concern raised was the potential impact of land clearing on sensitive ecosystems and the community. We formed a small working group to assess these challenges and develop solutions. The Halfmoon Bay residents collaborated with their Community Association to establish the ‘Halfmoon Bay Community Development Forum (the Forum).’ The Forum’s primary focus is to address local land use issues and ensure that development aligns with the Halfmoon Bay Official Community Plan.

Understanding that private land development widely impacts ecological values on the Sunshine Coast, the SCCA invited the Forum to collaborate on a coast-wide campaign to help local governments address climate change and biodiversity loss.

In the fall of 2022, the Forum and the SCCA, with support from Organizing for Change, co-hosted a brainstorming workshop focused on revitalizing local environmental protection tools.

The workshop served as a platform for local organizations, government bodies, and experts to exchange ideas on strategies for regional environmental protection.

Subsequently, the SCCA and the Forum collaborated with the University of Victoria’s Environmental Law Centre (ELC) to examine the environmental protection tools available to local governments, highlighting the importance of supporting sustainable development while preserving sensitive ecosystems.

The ELC report "Green Bylaws for the Sunshine Coast," published in July 2024, addresses significant challenges such as population growth, climate impacts, and resource constraints. It underscores the concurrent review of Official Community Plans (OCPs) as a unique opportunity for regional cohesive planning.

The report includes five key recommendations:

1. Prioritize ecosystem connectivity.
2. Establish comprehensive, long-term ecosystem policies.
3. Create binding mechanisms to protect sensitive ecosystems from development.
4. Enhance the effectiveness of environmental impact assessment procedures.
5. Ensure planning decisions are grounded in robust scientific knowledge.

These recommendations offer straightforward solutions for local governments to achieve a sustainable balance between development and conservation. They emphasize the importance of active participation from all community members and stakeholders, acknowledging that community engagement is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for both the environment and its residents.