Meeting to look at future of Buderim

ACADEMIC experts in development and sustainability from the University of the Sunshine Coast will be among the guest speakers at a town hall-style meeting to discuss the future of Buderim tomorrow.

The free public gathering is being staged by the Buderim War Memorial Community Association ahead of the Sunshine Coast Futures Conference on Sustainable Villages at USC on Friday.

The USC speakers will include Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Professor of Property and Development, Mike Hefferan, and Adjunct Professor Dr Hugh Lavery, who is chairman of Australian Environment International.

Prof Hefferan said the meeting would provide an opportunity to discuss the direction of development on the Coast, particularly in Buderim.

"We have done a survey in Buderim to gauge what the priority needs are," Prof Hefferan said.

"There is concern that through development we will lose the character of those unique towns and villages on the Sunshine Coast, so we need to consider how we can keep these areas sustainable into the future - allowing them to grow and prosper - without turning the place into a museum."

Professor John Tomaney, of the Bartlett School of Planning at University College in the United Kingdom, will bring an international perspective to urban villages, while Dr Lavery will discuss community and environmental values.

"This meeting is a great opportunity for locals to learn about new ideas for the region and how they can play a role in a sustainable future," Professor Hefferan said.

"With the draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme released now for public comment, it is an important time to think about our urban centres."

The town hall meeting will be a preview of the Coast Futures Conference on Sustainable Villages, which will be held on Friday November 2, and will examine the challenges and opportunities that will impact on long-term planning, economic development and infrastructure investments in the region.

Speakers on Friday include Mayor Mark Jamieson, Steve Cooper of Sunshine Coast Destinations, Max Standage of Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Daily editor-in-chief Darren Burnett.

Go to sunshinecoastfutures.com.au.