New look masterplan fuels coastal super economy 

Fuelled by major infrastructure investments and an optimised Maroochydore City Centre masterplan, the Sunshine Coast shines as a leading hub for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

Since 2019, and with the advent of the new Maroochydore City Centre, the Sunshine Coast has seen a 35% increase in companies employing more than 20 workers, overtaking major hubs such as the Gold Coast, Geelong, Newcastle and the Hunter Regions. Local businesses with annual turnovers in excess of $10 million or more have increased by 38%, reinforcing the region’s transition into an economic powerhouse.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli praised her council’s decision to transform the Maroochydore City Centre.

“Sunshine Coast Council foresaw a futuristic city which we’re now seeing come to life all around us with cranes in the sky and construction well underway. I am excited to dive into our next chapter, which brings unlimited opportunities for families and enterprise to grow,” Mayor Natoli said.

Walker Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer David Gallant said the new Maroochydore City Centre is leading the country with 23,000m² of commercial space currently under construction, bringing the total delivered so far in the Priority Development Area (PDA) close to 40,000m².

“This new ABS data confirms Lang Walker’s strategy when he outlined his vision for the Maroochydore City Centre with an unlimited opportunity for businesses and government to expand against a coastal backdrop offering an unrivalled lifestyle for their workforce,” Mr Gallant said.

“The newly reconfigured Maroochydore City Centre masterplan takes advantage of a more flexible and functional layout combining premium office towers like 50 First Avenue by Walker, world-class healthcare and tertiary education connected by new technology and Smart City infrastructure. With improved open spaces and Australia’s fastest and most secure broadband network, it is easy to see why businesses and SMEs in particular are looking to make the Sunshine Coast their new home."

SunCentral Maroochydore Chief Executive Officer Amanda Yeates said the Coast has become a magnet for talent and innovation contributing to a culture of entrepreneurship.

“We are welcoming an increase in skilled professionals from across Australia who are drawn to the lifestyle, strong community fabric and strategic location, enhancing the region as a hotspot for tech companies, startups and knowledge-based industries,” Ms Yeates said.

A $100 million commitment from Barwon Investment Partners to deliver the Maroochy Private Hospital, an innovative healthcare hub for the Sunshine Coast community, further solidifies confidence in the region.

Barwon Investment Partners Director Tom Patrick said the hospital specialises in cutting-edge healthcare, surgical services, pain management and sports medicine.

“Great healthcare is the cornerstone of the best communities and we are proud to contribute to Maroochydore City Centre’s recognition as a leading health precinct in Australia, underpinned by technology and sustainability excellence,” Mr Patrick said.

Targeting completion in late 2025, Maroochy Private Hospital will bring an influx of skilled health professionals and students together in a research and innovation hub, with the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) and Medacta, a leading international orthopaedic company.

The new Maroochydore City Centre is being delivered as a partnership between Sunshine Coast Council, Walker Corporation and SunCentral Maroochydore.

The revised masterplan responds to the region's rapid growth to deliver a vision that will unlock thousands of new homes and jobs while creating more opportunities for local families to live, work, study and socialise on their doorstep. Approximately 10,000 residents will eventually call Maroochydore City Centre home with 25,000 workers commuting to the CBD daily.