The Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) has welcomed the state government’s recent announcement that it is undertaking preliminary research to gauge interest in another regional integrated resort development in Queensland, labelling the move as a rare opportunity for economic growth on the Sunshine Coast.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said an integrated resort development would significantly enhance the region’s tourism offering, while also appealing to new markets visiting the area as a result of the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion.
“We strongly encourage Sunshine Coast Council in vigorously pursuing this opportunity and support Mayor Jamieson’s belief that the Maroochydore city centre is the most appropriate setting for a development of this nature on the Coast,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“An integrated resort development would likely include retail, dining and entertainment components, so basing it in the Sunshine Coast’s commercial centre is both logical and financially prudent, as well as the most family friendly option.”
“Having such a major development located in the heart of the CBD would also pose a number of positive flow-on effects for a range of local businesses across the region, in particular accommodation houses and eateries.”
Ms Zubrinich said with the Sunshine Coast population expected to grow to approximately 500,000 people by 2031, the region was a prime contender for one of the state’s coveted casino licences.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s fastest growing locales, and with the local airport having recently been awarded international status — one of the state government’s key considerations when assessing integrated resort development proposals — the region is well-placed to capitalise on this opportunity.”
The Sunshine Coast Business Council is the leading regional business advocacy group on the Sunshine Coast representing approximately 4,000 businesses through its membership, which includes key national and regional industry groups and their members as well as national and regional businesses.
For more information please visit www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au.
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