As Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Council, I believe we are entering a period of unprecedented investment that will change the economic profile of our region.
The Coast has long been a desirable destination for visitors and new residents seeking to soak up its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle.
However, with some major projects already underway and others on the horizon, it will soon evolve and mature into a region offering far greater opportunities business and for skilled workers.
Our role as the Coast’s peak business group and thought leaders is to contribute to the regional macro-economic and business debate by undertaking research, holding forums to keep our members and stakeholders engaged and informed and meeting with representatives from government and industry to ensure we are all focused on making the most of the opportunities coming our way.
Earlier this year, we released the results of research which identified key economic and demographic trends and we set a target of 250,000 jobs on the Coast by 2031 to support the anticipated population growth over the next 20 years. Mayor Jamieson accepted those targets and drew on our research during his election.
With projects such as the $2+ billion university hospital and health precinct at Kawana, the planned airport expansion, the new PAC at Maroochydore, and the technology hub at Sippy Downs, I believe that these figures are realistic.
This year the business council held a forum to examine the ripple effect of the hospital and health precinct, where participants identified six industry sectors that were poised to benefit from this game-changing project.
Representatives of the business council also took part in a business mission to Sydney in October to promote local investment opportunities to the city’s health and medical services sector.
The planned Sunshine Coast Airport expansion will also be critical for our region and is essential to support economic growth and we are encouraging all levels of government to examine every available option to secure the funding and make it happen.
The economic benefit for the Sunshine Coast is estimated to be up to $3.50 for every dollar invested – more than double the $1.70 estimated to flow from the new university hospital.
These are exciting times and I look forward to continuing to make a constructive contribution to debate about the region’s economic development and the actions required to ensure long-term prosperity.