State of our Region

From boosting our economy to embracing a recycling revolution and preserving precious eco-systems… 2023 was certainly a ground-breaking year for the Sunshine Coast.

Our region saw the launch of an Action Plan to address and continue our response to Housing and Homelessness, a global business lured from New York and the starter’s gun fired on projects being created for our community from our involvement in the Olympic and Paralympic Games Brisbane 2032.

This year’s address features Mayor Mark Jamieson and many inspiring community and business champions including Smartline Medical’s chief executive Lachie Smart and Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast’s founding director Tim Kelly, who share their stories and aspirations for the future of our region.
Watch the State of our Region video
 

New era for parking

A new eight-storey public car park, offering almost 300 parking spaces has officially opened in Lightning Lane, Maroochydore CBD.

PARKnGO Lightening Lane also offers six accessible parking spaces and four EV charging stations supported by an 80Kwh rooftop solar system supplying green energy.

Businesses and visitors can enjoy the first hour of parking free with an introductory offer, capped at a daily rate of $6. From 1 April 2024, the first hour of parking will remain free and the maximum daily rate will increase to $12.50 9 (same daily rate as the PARKnGO Mooloolaba Central). 
Read More
 

BFX's global expansion

Congratulations to local business BFX Furniture on its $20 million expansion at a new state-of-the-art global distribution centre at Yandina.

BFX’s significant expansion means around 50 jobs will be up for grabs this summer, from machine operators, furniture assemblers, upholstery workers and more.

The expansion supports BFX’s continued growth nationally and internationally, and is projected to inject $39 million into our local economy, generating 160 new jobs directly and indirectly once the facility is fully operational.
Read more
 

Calling all screen creatives! 

Do you want to make award-winning film and TV on the Coast? Enter the Sunny Coast Showdown and you could win $1000 plus your project fully-funded and professionally produced.

The Sunny Coast Showdown 2024 launched this week and will accept entries from January 15 to February 12, with six winners to be announced on February 19, 2024.

Sunshine Coast Council is a proud sponsor of this not-for-profit talent incubator that provides funding, support and mentoring to produce local film and TV ideas. 
Read More
 

Future fast data

The Sunshine Coast is set to see the second-highest employment growth in Queensland over the next two years. By 2025-26, we're poised to become the state's third largest workforce.

With an eye on the future, Sunshine Coast Council has migrated digital services to the cutting-edge NEXTDC SC1 Data Centre, leveraging the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network for high-speed global connectivity.
Read More
 

Urban Robotics

As part of its business innovation agenda, Sunshine Coast Council has joined the Urban Robotics Foundation (URF), becoming its newest local government member.

URF reached out to Sunshine Coast Council after the region was recognised as a Global ICF Top7 Intelligent Community. Sunshine Coast Smart Cities Lead, Michael Whereat explains, "Our membership with URF underscores our commitment to exploring the implications of robotics and staying ahead of the curve."
Read More
 
Book your ticket

Business of Brewing Workshop

Are you a brewer or distiller looking for strategies to overcome excise, financing and compliance issues? 

Join this 90-minute workshop on 30 January at Blackflag Brewing Mooloolaba, facilitated by SRJ Walker Wayland Artisan Advisers, Shaun Reeves and Andrew Jago.
 
Apply here

Empower Program

Applications are now open for the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network Empower Program.

The Empower Program aims to support those within the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network who may be looking to undertake a course or initiative to further develop their skills but need financial aid to do so.
 
EOI close January 30

Grow National Program

FAN is calling for EOIs for its 'Grow National’ program.

The program offers startups and established businesses practical and actionable advice on supporting their growth towards scaling up, investment attraction, distribution and ability to access new markets.
 
Download the report

September Pulse Report

Business Chamber Queensland’s Pulse Survey of business conditions for the September 2023 is out now.

The report shows confidence in the future of the state and national economies remain weak ahead of the traditionally busy Christmas period.
 
 
 

Join the conversation #SunshineCoast #ThrivingThroughChange