By Sonia Isaacs
Community members from the Glass House Mountains area were recently invited to provide insight into what qualities, challenges, and vision they held for their township. The survey formed part of The Sunshine Coast Community Co-Lab pilot project, a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council and UniSC, that will see UniSC students out and about in the Glass House Mountains village from Monday November 21 until Friday November 25.
UniSC Program Coordinator Nicholas Stevens said the community survey garnered a terrific response with over 190 participants providing feedback. Dr Stevens said on initial analysis of the survey results he could see some strong local themes identified.
Recipients were asked to outline the key qualities that made the Glass House Mountains community unique, Dr Stevens said central to this response was the community itself, and secondly the beautiful and culturally significant mountains and landscape.
“People really cherish the space, country feel and the quietness, including the continued connection to agriculture. Glasshouse is recognised as offering a unique lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast, but with great access to a range of facilities, the hinterland, and outdoor activities, all wrapped up with an important sense of community connectedness,” said Dr Stevens.
The issue of transport and access featured strongly in residents’ responses to what they would like changed. The survey showed people would like to see better pedestrian and cycling access, as well as foot paths, better lighting, and town centre design to support that.
Many people also highlighted that the town centre could be more inviting and allow for more community meeting places, and perhaps cafes and opportunities to capture the large numbers of tourist and visitors that simply pass-through town.
In terms of future vision, Dr Stevens said it emerged that many would like to be able to retain the strong sense of community and the country feel.
Also acknowledging that in the future that any housing development will be sympathetic to that.
“People also envisage walking and cycling links within the town and to other centres along the rail, meaning it is a well-connected centre,” he said.
“The community would like to see a safe and social place with cafes, places to meet, opportunities for tourists and a friendly atmosphere.”
There will be further opportunities to get involved, with a community lunchtime workshop on at the Glass House Mountains Community Hall on Wednesday November 23, and the student’s final presentation and afternoon tea event on Friday November 25. For catering purposes please contact engagement@usc.edu.au to register.
Glass House residents are being asked what makes their community special.