The Sunshine Coast has one of the most powerful economies in the nation as it goes from strength to strength. With key employment sectors including healthcare, education, tourism, finance and professional business services, the Sunshine Coast economy has outpaced most of the regional economies in the country over the past 15 years, according to the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research.

Its strong prospects for the future are being boosted by infrastructure developments such as the University Hospital, the Maroochydore CBD project, the airport expansion and an international broadband network that launched onto a global business platform.

There is:

• A new CBD is being established through a 20-year project in Maroochydore. It includes office towers, a Holiday Inn hotel and high-rise units.
• The $2 billion tertiary teaching hospital.
• The Sunshine Coast Airport has been expanded to create an international airport
• An upgrade to the Bruce Highway. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the infrastructure transforming the Coast:

Maroochydore cbd

A completely new city centre is being built from scratch. The 20-year Maroochydore City Centre project will bring over 4,000 homes, commercial office towers, retail, hospitality, and green spaces to the heart of the region. Already home to more than 40 businesses, it’s supported by innovations like Australia’s first underground waste system and a high-speed international broadband cable.

 

Sunshine coast university hospital

A $2 billion tertiary teaching hospital, now the anchor of a $5 billion Oceanside Health Hub. It’s one of the largest infrastructure investments in regional Queensland, creating thousands of jobs and ensuring access to world-class healthcare as the population grows.

 

Sunshine coast airport

Recently expanded into an international gateway, the upgraded Sunshine Coast Airport is welcoming flights from Asia and the Pacific. It’s a huge step forward for business, tourism, and accessibility — and it’s drawing new attention to the region.

 

International broadband network

The Sunshine Coast is now home to Australia’s fastest, most affordable international data connection to Asia. The 550km submarine cable lands directly in Maroochydore, giving the region a serious competitive advantage and turning it into a digital innovation hub.

 

Nextdc + Cooroy data centres

NEXTDC has lodged plans for a second data centre next to its existing SC1 facility in the CBD. Meanwhile, the Noosa Clever Networks project has delivered new fibre and wireless connectivity across the northern Coast, including a new data centre in Cooroy. Together, these projects are driving a shift toward a knowledge-based economy.

 

South east queensland regional plan

By 2046, the Sunshine Coast is expected to welcome nearly 200,000 new residents and require over 100,000 new homes. Rezoning is already underway in areas like Palmview, Yandina, Beerwah and Mapleton to meet this demand. It’s a massive opportunity for strategic buyers who understand where growth is heading.

 

Blue heart project

This 5,000ha floodplain restoration is helping the region adapt to rising sea levels while supporting biodiversity and launching Australia’s first registered blue carbon farming project. Located along the Maroochy River, the project blends conservation, sustainability, and future land-use strategy.

 

Nambour cultural precinct

The former council HQ in Nambour is being transformed into a new community precinct, featuring a major library, meeting facilities and creative spaces. It’s part of the wider Nambour Centre Activation Project, designed to re-energise the town as a local destination.

 

What this means for buyers

The Sunshine Coast isn’t just growing, it’s evolving. Infrastructure of this scale is rare for regional Australia, and it’s creating real, long-term opportunities for those ready to move before the market catches up.

If you’re thinking about buying on the Sunshine Coast, whether for lifestyle, relocation, or long-term investment, now’s the time to get strategic.

Book a discovery call today