Our Community Plan outlines the community’s aspirations and long-term vision for Sutherland Shire.

We prepare it in collaboration with, and on behalf of our community, other levels of government and agencies. Every four years, after we elect a new Council, we review the Plan, ask for community feedback and update it according to our community's priorities.

Responsibility for meeting the long-term community vision and desired outcomes rests with everyone.

Our vision

A connected and safe community that respects people and nature, enjoying active lives in a strong local economy.

Our community priorities

2023 Tourism Photoshoot Bundeena Jibbon walk
Natural and sustainable
Protecting our natural environment by developing and implementing new strategies that care for our natural assets, restore ecosystems, assist in reaching net zero emissions by 2050, protect waterways and deliver environmental waste management services such as FOGO.
2023 Tourism Photoshoot Excercises on Esplanade Oak Park Cronulla
Active and vibrant
Creating welcoming and accessible places and spaces that meet community needs, advocating for active transport links, including strategies to promote cycling, and building improved road and footpath infrastructure.
2023 SSLC Shoot Birthday Party Group of Children 2
Prosperous and connected
Fostering community safety and wellbeing, enhance community resilience, building inclusivity and advocating for better health services to support vulnerable groups.
2022 Strategic Planning Shoot Corner Kingsway and President Traffic
Planned and liveable
Addressing emerging issues of housing affordability, traffic congestion and parking availability to support our quality of life.
2025 Council chamber meeting mayor exec
Trusted leadership
Supporting community aspirations and priorities requires Council to continue building community trust and confidence.
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Read more about our shared vision for the future of Sutherland Shire - towards 2035

Download our Community Plan (PDF) View a summary of the Community Plan (PDF)

Our Demographics

In 2025, an estimated 235,029 people call Sutherland Shire home.

In our population, 24.3% are over 60  and 21.7% of us are under 17.

We're a community of families, 47% of households were made up of couples with children.

We contribute substantially to NSW’s economy: Our Gross Regional Product is estimated at $14.18 billion.

In 2021/22, the health care and social assistance sector was the largest local employer (13.4%).

We have much higher car ownership than Greater Sydney with 58% of households owning two cars or more (46% in Greater Sydney).