Sunshine Coast “Healthy. Smart. Creative.”

The Sunshine Coast is home to a flourishing innovation ecosystem built on networks and collaboration, which is a magnet for big thinkers, experienced leaders and world class talent.

An exciting future for the Sunshine Coast is being developed on the back of strong economic foundations, valuable capital assets including award-winning health, education and aviation infrastructure, and a culture of innovation.

Our innovation ecosystem expanded 65% between 2016-2019, reflecting the dynamic network of education programs, business incubators, co-working spaces, advocacy events and meet-ups which provide an ideal location for startups, entrepreneurial talent, new ideas and creativity.

Our priority is to continue to position the Sunshine Coast as a leading location for innovation, entrepreneurialism and creativity, underpinned by its connectivity with the global economy and supported by a community which can experience an array of opportunities locally.

The region is also driving the development of seven high-value industries identified as having the greatest potential for success and being well placed to service demand from domestic and global markets.

As one of the most biodiverse locations in Australia, the Sunshine Coast boasts many natural assets including beautiful beaches, freshwater rivers and lakes, subtropical forests, national parks, abundant wildlife and a subtropical climate:

• 52.3km of open coastline
• 13,000 km of watercourses
• More than 39,835 hectares of national parks, state forests and reserves
• Food and wine festivals
• More than 1800 events every year, including the Curated Plate Culinary festival, Caloundra Music Festival and Mooloolaba Triathlon.

Economy

A clear economic blueprint for the transformation of the regional economy over 20 years has been developed by Sunshine Coast Council and leading business, industry and university representatives. The Regional Economic Development Strategy 2013-2033 outlines a comprehensive agenda to improve the resilience and strength of the regional economy and position the Sunshine Coast as one of Australia’s leading city regions.
Our economy continues to evolve into a modern, smart economy based on sound growth across numerous high value and knowledge-based industries including professional business services, innovative manufacturing and numerous high-tech startups.
The strength of the regional economy is based in its diversity and strength across a number of key sectors including healthcare, education, finance and professional business services.

Major regional projects

• Development of Australia's only greenfield city centre within an existing urban area at Maroochydore.
• Expansion of Sunshine Coast Airport to deliver direct access from more Australian and international destinations.
• One of the largest health infrastructure precincts being developed in Australia at the 17 hectare Health Precinct adjacent to a new A$1.8 billion tertiary teaching hospital campus.
• Major new residential and commercial developments and precincts across the region.
• A business, technology and retail precinct adjacent to the University of the Sunshine Coast, one of Australia's top-ranking universities.
• Delivery of international broadband submarine cable infrastructure to provide the east coast of Australia with an alternative entry point for its international data connectivity.

Awards
The Sunshine Coast has been named a global Top7 Intelligent Community in 2019 and 2020, and a Smart21 community seven times.
The international awards program recognises the accomplishments of communities in developing inclusive prosperity on a foundation of information and communications technology based on six key indicators: Broadband, knowledge workforce, innovation, digital inclusion, engagement and sustainability.