Sunshine Coast First Nations Action Plan 2025–2032

TRC Tourism was engaged to develop the Sunshine Coast First Nations Tourism Action Plan 2025–2032 in collaboration with Visit Sunshine Coast, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Traditional Owner groups, First Nations tourism operators, and stakeholders. The Plan aims to grow First Nations participation in the region’s visitor economy and position the Sunshine Coast as a destination rich in authentic, culturally meaningful and sustainable Indigenous tourism experiences. The project embraces the Larrakia Principles and aligns with the Queensland First Nations Tourism Plan 2026–2032, championing local cultural authority and self-determination as the foundation of First Nations tourism growth.

A key challenge was ensuring that Traditional Owners have the time, resources and support to establish their own tourism vision and protocols while managing broader responsibilities as native title holders. Many emerging operators face structural barriers such as limited access to infrastructure, business development pathways and promotional platforms. TRC’s solution involved engagement with Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Corporations and the broader tourism sector to ensure cultural integrity, support governance pathways, and identify practical actions to enable growth through genuine partnerships. A place-based, strengths-led approach grounded the Plan in local aspirations.

Key outcomes include:

• Clear goals across leadership, product development, marketing, partnerships and workforce development

• A coordinated implementation framework with defined roles for state and local government, industry and Traditional Owners

• A suite of actions to strengthen capacity, visibility and cultural protection across the region

TRC recommended establishing a First Nations Tourism Advisory Group, supporting youth pathways into tourism, and prioritising protocols for cultural storytelling—ensuring future tourism is community-led, culturally safe and economically empowering.