Commercial Precincts Activation Program
Commercial precinct activation, within the Sunshine Coast context, is undertaken to strengthen the collective resilience of the business community; as well as strengthen the destination appeal of the precinct.
In 2011, Sunshine Coast Council (Council) resolved (OM11/264) that any annual operating surplus from the Caloundra Central Business District Regulated Parking be utilised for projects, facilities and other services for the benefit of the Caloundra Central Business District. From 2014, funding from this source has been applied to a range of targeted economic development activities that address the economic challenges faced in the Caloundra central business precinct.
Council has led a range of economic development initiatives, including the engagement of a Business Development Facilitator for Downtown Caloundra and the establishment of a leadership Downtown Caloundra Taskforce comprising representatives from the local business community. Taskforce activities are supported, developed and implemented by the Business Development Facilitator. Separate to economic activation, Council also delivers Place Making projects in activity centres across the Sunshine Coast that enable the community to provide input, discuss ideas and essentially guide the development of a vision and future plan for their town. The Business Development Facilitator works closely with business and industry groups in town notably The Caloundra Business Alliance and The Caloundra Chamber of Commerce.
A diverse range of projects have been initiated to deliver outcomes for Caloundra and the collective impact of these projects include increased footfall, better connectivity between the main street and feeder streets, elevation of the digital footprint of Downtown Caloundra and increased engagement between business and community.
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Highlights of 2017 Projects funded through the CBD Regulated Parking Fund.
| Event | Project Initiation | Description / Team |
| Buskers on Stage | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Ignite Chilli Festival | Caloundra Chamber of Commerce | |
| Art in Construction | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Christmas in Caloundra | Caloundra Business Alliance | |
| Incorporation of Caloundra Business Alliance | Caloundra Business Alliance | |
| Talk Like a Pirate Day | Caloundra Business Alliance | |
| End of Summer Sidewalk Sale | Caloundra Business Alliance |
Highlights of 2018 Projects funded through the CBD Regulated Parking Fund.
| Event | Project Initiation | Description / Team |
| Shop to Win MixFM campaign | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Shop Caloundra Brand/Loyalty Card | Caloundra Business Alliance | With My Weekly Preview |
| My Style Fashion Show | Caloundra Business Alliance | With My Weekly Preview |
| Street Banner Program | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Caloundra Greeters | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | With Rotary Club Caloundra Pacific |
| Looking Glass Fish in the Deep Hue Sea Mural | Sunshine Coast Council – Public Arts Team | |
| Ignite Chilli Festival | Caloundra Chamber of Commerce | |
| Sunshine Coast Film Festivals | Caloundra Film Festival | |
| Christmas In Caloundra | Caloundra Business Alliance | |
| New Year’s Eve at Kings Beach | Creative Events | |
Highlights of 2019 Projects funded through the CBD Regulated Parking Fund.
| Event | Project Initiation | Description / Team |
| Holiday bus services for Caloundra Music Festival | Sunshine Coast Council | |
| Discover Caloundra | Caloundra Chamber of Commerce | Caloundra Tourism Sub Committee |
| Shop Improvement Incentive Program | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Skyline Ferris Wheel | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | With Skyline Attractions |
| Fairy Lights in Bulcock Street | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Festoon Lighting Village Laneway | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Fishing Australia TV Episodes | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| The Strand Party | Caloundra Chamber of Commerce | |
| Late Night Shopping | Caloundra Business Alliance | With My Weekly Preview |
| Shop Caloundra Magazine Insert | Caloundra Business Alliance | With My Weekly Preview |
Highlights of 2020 Projects funded through the CBD Regulated Parking Fund.
| Event | Project Initiation | Description / Team |
| Street Banner Program | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Shop Improvement Incentive Program | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | |
| Skyline Ferris Wheel | Downtown Caloundra Taskforce | With Skyline Attractions |
| Hot 91 Smarty Pants | Caloundra Business Alliance |