A leader behind the rapid transformation of the Maroochydore city centre has announced her departure, after a three-year period marked by landmark developments.
Amanda Yeates confirmed via a statement that she was stepping down as CEO of SunCentral, which was established in 2015 to oversee the design and delivery of the precinct.
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She said she relished “three incredible years leading SunCentral during a time of growth, transformation and delivery”.
“When I joined SunCentral in July 2022, the board laid down a challenge: define and drive a focused infrastructure strategy, pursue targeted planning amendments and maximise partnerships to unlock the full potential of the new Maroochydore city centre,” she said.
“The SunCentral team and I accepted that challenge and we delivered.
“I’m very proud that during a period of intense difficulty for the construction sector nationally we built momentum and delivered major projects here at the Maroochydore city centre.
“Both the $100 million Maroochy Private Hospital and Walker Corporation’s 50 First Avenue have more than 10,000 square metres in commercial floorspace – the first such scale on the Sunshine Coast since 2017. And it’s important to also mention Sol, another Walker Corporation housing project, that’s gone from concept to construction in just three years.
“Together, we’ve transformed ambition into action. We’ve secured the 15,000-seat Sunshine Coast Arena, fast-tracked public transport connections – including connecting Brisbane to the south and the Sunshine Coast Airport to the north – and ensured Maroochydore gets real legacy benefits from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and I’ll always carry a fondness for Maroochydore as I watch it continue to evolve into Australia’s newest and brightest city centre.
“I’d like to thank the SunCentral board, the Sunshine Coast Council along with our development partners Walker Corporation, Evans Long, Habitat and Fortius. I also need to pay tribute to my amazing team – thank you for all your incredible hard work and tenacity and you should all be very proud of the critical role you have played in shaping this new city.”
Ms Yeates said she will take a “short break before seeking other opportunities”.
Sunshine Coast News has contacted SunCentral for comment.
