OPINION PIECE: Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair, Sandy Zubrinich
“While national headlines continue to focus on economic uncertainty, the Sunshine Coast is telling a very different story.
“Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows the total value of building approvals across the Sunshine Coast increased by almost 25 per cent over the past year to more than $3.26 billion, driven by a near doubling in non-residential investment.[1] It’s tangible evidence of the confidence businesses and investors continue to have in the future of our region.
“Investment is the ultimate vote of confidence in a region’s future. Businesses don’t commit millions of dollars to major developments unless they believe in the long-term prospects of a region, and governments don’t invest in critical infrastructure unless they see the opportunity for communities and economies to grow.
“That’s why it’s important to recognise what’s happening on the Sunshine Coast. After years of planning, investment and collaboration between the private sector and all levels of government, we’re now seeing a pipeline of projects move from planning to delivery. Collectively, these investments represent billions of dollars flowing into our region, creating jobs, attracting visitors, improving services and strengthening confidence in the Sunshine Coast’s future.
“More importantly, these aren’t isolated projects. Together they tell the story of a region entering a new phase of economic maturity, where investment is creating more investment, attracting new businesses, supporting more jobs and driving momentum across almost every sector of the Sunshine Coast economy.
“In tourism, construction is underway on a new Comiskey hotel at Aura, while the State Government has approved a 150-site tourist park and separate music festival and events precinct at Coochin Creek. The opening of KPAT’s Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is also helping address one of the region’s biggest challenges – increasing the supply of quality visitor accommodation while supporting tourism growth.
“The aviation sector continues its transformation through Sunshine Coast Airport’s $170-million domestic terminal redevelopment, being built by McNab, together with the progression of key development opportunities within the Gateway Precinct including hotel, retail, commercial and industrial precincts. Reflecting the region’s growing appeal and connectivity, passenger numbers reached 1.8 million in FY26 an increase of 9.7 per cent on the previous financial year, providing a strong foundation for continued investment and growth.
“Healthcare has also taken a significant step forward with the opening of Fortius Healthcare’s $100-million Maroochy Private Hospital in the heart of the Maroochydore City Centre, providing world-class facilities and creating highly skilled local jobs. Nearby, Walker Corporation’s premium 50 First Avenue commercial office tower, the first of several Walker developments that will be completed by 2032, has marked another milestone in the evolution of Australia’s largest greenfield CBD.
“Housing supply has received a major boost, with Stockland’s Aura South development progressing following Commonwealth environmental approval and the Queensland Government’s declaration of the Halls Creek Priority Development Area, unlocking the potential for up to 12,000 new homes.
“Investment in skills is equally encouraging, with the Crisafulli Government securing land for a new $78-million TAFE Centre of Excellence in Caloundra. Training the next generation of construction and allied trades professionals will be essential if we are to build the homes, infrastructure, amenities and communities our growing region requires.
“The confidence of national investors is equally evident in the retail sector with Canberra-based Capital Property Group opening its $80-million Aura Home + Life precinct, fully leased to an impressive line-up of national brands.
“Alongside these projects, work continues on the long-awaited Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade and delivery of The Wave public transport project, with Stage 1 well underway. The Queensland Government has committed funding for Stages 2 and 3, and the Sunshine Coast now looks to the Federal Government to match that commitment so the full project can be delivered by 2032.
“Many of these projects involve Sunshine Coast Business Council members, but together they represent something much bigger than individual developments. They demonstrate growing confidence in the Sunshine Coast as a place to invest, employ people, build businesses and create long-term prosperity.
“Just as importantly, they demonstrate what’s possible when governments work constructively with industry to remove barriers, accelerate approvals, invest in enabling infrastructure and create the conditions for private investment.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Council has long advocated for the infrastructure, policy settings and investment needed to support a growing regional economy. It’s encouraging to see so many of those long-term aspirations now becoming reality, but our focus remains firmly on what’s next, as none of this means our work is done. We remain concerned about the high closure rate of small businesses and the tax and cost pressures that continue to pose threats to their ongoing viability.
“Housing affordability, productivity, workforce shortages and the delivery of enabling infrastructure remain significant challenges that will require continued collaboration between industry and all levels of government.
“But it’s equally important to recognise genuine progress. For too long, the Sunshine Coast has been described as a region of potential. Today, we’re increasingly becoming a region of delivery – and that is something worth celebrating.”
Media contact: Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing, 0410 109 102, maya@freshprm.com.au
About the Sunshine Coast Business Council
Sunshine Coast Business Council remains the peak business advocacy body on the Sunshine Coast, with membership spanning key national and regional industry groups and major private-sector employers across tourism, property, construction, retail, finance, telecommunications and professional services. Through this network the Sunshine Coast Business Council touches approximately 10,000 businesses.
[1] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/industry/building-and-construction/building-approvals-australia/may-2026
