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Federal support crucial for Sunshine Coast growth
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With the Federal election approaching, Sunshine Coast Council is calling on political parties to support funding and policy initiatives which deliver critical region-shaping infrastructure.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said 365,000 people call the Sunshine Coast home and by 2041, another 153,000 would live in the region taking the population to 518,000.
What Council wants from the next Australian Government:
Transport and infrastructure:
Extend the Direct Sunshine Coast rail line to Maroochydore by 2032.
Implement the findings of the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Detailed Business Case.
Fund and deliver the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade.
Co-fund the development of Sunshine Coast Airport international terminal expansion.
Fund a new business case for the Sunshine Coast Performing Arts and Convention Centre.
Climate ready:
Coastal hazard protection: Commit to continuing the Disaster Ready Funding program until at least 2029-30 and to increase the existing $200 million funding pool to $300 million.
Policy and statutory:
New housing: Commit to fast tracking the Housing Australia Future Fund for social and affordable housing on Sunshine Coast.
Fairer funding: Commit to restoring the value of the Australian Government Financial Assistant Grants to Local Government to the equivalent of 1 per cent of total Australian Taxation Revenue.
Supporting our industry:
Commit $27.5 million to deliver significant innovation outcomes on the Sunshine Coast.
Commit $5.2 million to support the advancement of manufacturing in the Sunshine Coast region.
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Innovation Hub in Maroochydore Survey
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Sunshine Coast Council is working with Lucid Economics to further understand the key capabilities required within a proposed Sunshine Coast Innovation Hub in the Maroochydore City Centre.
The Hub was a key project identified as an advocacy priority for the region, stemming from the Sunshine Coast Innovation Mapping Project and the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Strategy (2023 refresh).
We invite you to complete this short demand survey which will gather more detail about the service requirements that will inform the operation of the hub.
The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete and closes February 20.
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Housing boost for Birtinya
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Sunshine Coast Council will progress the making of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) which will now be forwarded to the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations for consideration.
The proposed TLPI looks to amend the planning framework to allow for more residential development in the town centre, to meet the growing needs of our community and in response to the continuing housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast.
Birtinya Town Centre has always been planned as a Major Regional Activity Centre with retailing, offices and high-density residential development.
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Got unused tiles, surplus timber, stack of pallets?
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List your unwanted materials on the ASPIRE marketplace and connect with businesses that can put them to good use.
Whether it's regular occurring waste like sawdust, bubble wrap, or food waste, or one-off items like an office desk, ASPIRE is the place to share.
Benefits? Save on disposal costs, reduce waste and meet like-minded businesses committed to sustainability.
There are now over 520 businesses and organisations registered within the Sunshine Coast. Plus, with no trading boundaries, the network extends even further, supported by neighbouring LGAs.
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Space to Sea Accelerator Program
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Would you like to shape the next wave of innovation? Join the Space to Sea Accelerator to rapidly advance your venture in just six months.
This equity free program is open to all startups across Australia. Participants will receive individual support tailored to the needs of their company's stage of growth.
Key themes: AgTech, Blue Economy, Geospatial Data, Disaster Preparedness, Environmental Monitoring, Robotics & Drones, Defence, Critical Infrastructure & Sustainability.
You will be able to present to potential investors and industry leaders.
Applications close on March 20.
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This is your time to shine at FWDFest 2025!
Proudly presented by Sunshine Coast Council and Advance Queensland, EOIs now open to participate in the Innovation Showcase at FWD>>>Fest
on 7 May 2025.
FWDFest presents the opportunity for selected innovators to showcase their products and services to investors, public and private organisations from around Queensland and Australia; network with Sunshine Coast, SEQ, national and international decision makers; plus more!
See all of the information as it unfolds at https://fwdfest.co/
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Self-Employment Assistance Program
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Get 12 months of free mentoring, training and support through the Australian Government-funded Self-Employment Assistance Program.
The program helps people start, develop and grow a small or micro-business through 12 months of free mentoring, workshops, accredited training and financial support.
This is a free Australian Government initiative and is funded by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
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Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program
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Get up to $2,500 in rebates, plus free support to improve your digital capabilities.
The Tourism Business Digital Adaption Program unlocks powerful tools to help your business thrive in today’s digital world.
Whether it’s improving your website, simplifying online bookings, upgrading payment systems, or boosting your social media management, this program is your fast track to delivering standout visitor experiences and reaching more customers.
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Biosphere Business of the Year
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Nominations are open for the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Community Awards.
The annual awards bring our most inspirational people together to celebrate our community, support innovation and honour their time and participation.
By nominating an individual, community group or business, you provide recognition for their efforts, a platform for promotion, shine a spotlight on their cause and maybe even launch a career.
Submit a nomination in minutes at sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/communityawards
Nominations close April 30.
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Upcoming Government workshops
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The Department of State Development is delivering workshops to support businesses keen to work with government.
Check out the following online workshops covering writing a capability statement, developing an ESG strategy and tendering.
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Regional Development Australia sessions
February 12
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You're invited to Regional Development Australia's series of in-person sessions to connect with stakeholders across the region.
Whether you are from the private sector, government, or a passionate advocate for our region, they want to hear from you.
These sessions will dive into regional economic trends and insights, collaborative opportunities to achieve shared goals, pathways to a prosperous and thriving future for our communities.
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From Space to Sea
February 20
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Join this event to explore how cutting-edge satellite and ocean data, combined with high-speed connectivity, is transforming agriculture and aquaculture.
Hear from guest speakers including Dr Mick Schaefer CEO of Food Agility CRC – an organisation which drives data-driven innovation for sustainable food production, fostering connections between research, industry, and stakeholders to advance the Agrifood sector.
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PCB Connect Forum & Expo
February 26
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This exclusive event is dedicated to advancing Australia’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) supply chain and showcasing the region's critical role in the national manufacturing strategy.
The event aims to engage key industry and government stakeholders to develop a proposal that draws a national conversation to the region.
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March 7-9
March 8-9
March 22
March 23
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Sunshine Coast scores new basketball Trans-Tasman Throwdown
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Basketball fans are in for an unforgettable showcase as the Trans-Tasman Throwdown makes its debut, pitting Australia against New Zealand in an electrifying new series.
The Boomers will take on the Tall Blacks whilst the Seven Consulting Opals will go up against the 2degrees Tall Ferns across three games in both countries.
The series will see Australia and New Zealand’s national basketball sides descend on Adelaide on Wednesday, May 7, before heading northeast to the Sunshine Coast on Friday, May 9 culminating in the final game across the Tasman in Kirikiriroa (Hamilton) on Sunday, May 11.
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