Two of the region’s main industrial complexes are about to expand, creating a financial boost and hundreds of jobs.
Ground levelling is already underway for the next stage of development at the Coolum Eco Industrial Park, while lots will soon go to the market at the Sunshine Coast Industrial Park at Corbould Park.
A Department of State Development and Infrastructure spokesperson said the growth of the precincts, on state-owned land, was sorely needed to cater for high demand in a fast-growing region.
“The Coolum Eco Industrial Park and the Sunshine Coast Industrial Park are being developed by the state government to help alleviate the limited and decreasing supply of local industrial land suitable for general and high impact industrial users,” they said.
About 35 businesses were established during Stage 1 at Coolum. Stage 2 is on the way and will feature 32 lots over 52.5 hectares.
Groundwork has started on the first 10 lots (Stage 2A), with subdivision works to begin within a few months and be completed by mid-2025. One of the lots will be leased to the Coolum Men’s Shed, which has been there for almost a decade.
The spokesperson said Stage 2A alone would provide a financial boost to the region and bolster employment opportunities.
“EDQ (Economic Development Queensland) commissioned independent economic analysis of the potential catalytic benefits associated with the delivery of Stage 2A,” they said.
“The estimated annual economic benefit (value added to gross regional product) is $65.1 million with potential employment of 440 full-time equivalent jobs.”
The spokesperson said Stage 2 was required as soon as possible to meet the need for industrial land and the demands of industrial users.
“This project will go a long way to help alleviate the shortage,” they said.
“A range of larger lot sizes up to 2.4 hectares will also be provided in Stage 2.
“There are very few other developments of large industrial allotments planned or occurring in the northern part of the Sunshine Coast.”
The land is zoned high-impact industry, allowing for general and heavy industrial uses.
It was part of a pine forest plantation of 430ha that was operated by the state government.
When it closed in 2002, about 309ha was incorporated into the Noosa National Park.
The balance of land, which was already disturbed, was set aside for industrial development and is now a base for businesses involving manufacturing, transport, trade hire and construction materials.
The Suncoast Junior Motorcycle Club had a lease within the land for years but was told by the state government that it must make way for industry when the lease expired late last year.
The club’s track was set to be ripped up and club members were left searching for a new base.
Meanwhile, lots will soon become available within the expanding Sunshine Coast Industrial Park on the southern Sunshine Coast.
Stage 2 will go to the market soon, with 29 lots ranging in size from about 4000sqm to about 14,000sqm.
Stage 1 of the development, which included 71 lots over 215 hectares, was sold out, highlighting the high demand for such sites on the Sunshine Coast.
There are other industrial parks within the region, including the relatively new Aura Business Park developed by Stockland.
“Industrial parks of significant size are major drivers of economic growth that have the potential to expand and provide for industry and business activity clusters of regional and state significance,” the spokesperson said.
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