The Sunshine Coast’s investment pipeline is projected to rise to $3.53 billion annually up to 2030, with transport, master-planned communities and tourism projects leading the way.
That insight from Urbis partner Kris Krpan was just one of the key takeaways from the Sunshine Coast Business Council’s hosted 10th annual Combined Government and Business Forum.
Mr Krpan presented data at the forum showing private and public sector infrastructure investment averaged $1.59 billion per year between 2019 and 2024, driven by large-scale residential investment, transport and mixed-use precincts.
But he said he expected that investment to almost double from 2025 to 2030, with transport being the largest driver at an estimated at $11.2 billion, followed by master-planned communities such as the Maroochydore city centre and tourism-related infrastructure.
The forum brings together federal, state and local government leaders with business representatives to discuss the region’s economic growth, investment opportunities and major upcoming projects.
SCBC chair Sandy Zubrinich said the forum, held at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre, demonstrated the continued commitment of government and industry to work together to support the Sunshine Coast’s long-term prosperity.
“The Combined Government and Business Forum is a unique opportunity for the region’s leaders to come together, discuss the investment pipeline and identify opportunities for collaboration,” Ms Zubrinich said.
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“This year’s forum highlighted the incredible momentum our region is currently enjoying, particularly with the major funding commitments being made by the state government and the opportunities created by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“But it also served as a reminder that we cannot afford to work in silos. The Brisbane 2032 Games, our rapidly growing population and the huge potential for private investment demand that government and business collaborate to capitalise on the opportunities.
“If we don’t act together, we risk leaving these opportunities on the table, falling behind on critical infrastructure and failing to meet the needs of our growing region. This forum is about ensuring that doesn’t happen – bringing leaders together to talk, plan and ultimately deliver for the Sunshine Coast’s future.”
Ms Zubrinich said it was important to heed Mr Krpan’s insights into the following five years, between 2031 and 2036.
“Kris highlighted that while investment is expected to remain high for the first two years, there is a real risk of a decline in the following three years, unless new major projects are brought forward,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“Without strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, the annual investment levels could fall. However, this period also presents a huge opportunity for the private sector to build on the government’s previous five years of funding, delivering new infrastructure and industries to meet the demands of our rapidly growing region.”
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The state government panel, including Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie, Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg, and Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Minister for Science and Innovation and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell, explored the opportunities and challenges of delivering infrastructure ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.
Mr Powell said the discussions at the forum were essential to foster greater collaboration between the private and public sectors.
“It’s really important for us to be in the room today. It’s essential for all levels of government to work with the business community and the broader Sunshine Coast community to deliver for the region,” he said.
“That’s what this forum has done successfully over many years. It’s produced results like The Wave, with the first stage between Beerburrum and Beerwah now underway, and has helped deliver great outcomes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I have no doubt discussions today will lead to positive outcomes for the Sunshine Coast moving into the future.”
The local government panel, featuring mayors Rosanna Natoli (Sunshine Coast), Frank Wilkie (Noosa) and Glen Hartwig (Gympie), discussed the region’s growing confidence in government investment, particularly in transport and infrastructure projects, and highlighted improved co-operation between state and local government.
“The engagement and energy from both panels was very encouraging,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“It is clear that strong collaboration across government levels, together with the private sector, is essential to deliver the infrastructure and opportunities our region needs to thrive.
“The forum once again provided a critical platform for dialogue between government, industry and the community to drive regional growth, innovation and investment, and we’d like to thank everyone for contributing to this important conversation.”
