The Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) hosted its 10th annual Combined Government & Business Forum on Friday, bringing together federal, state and local government leaders with business representatives to discuss the region’s economic growth, investment opportunities and major upcoming projects.
Chair of the SCBC 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 & 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.
“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.”
The Forum opened with a video address from Andrew Wallace MP, Shadow Attorney-General and Federal Member for Fisher, who praised the SCBC for once again creating a platform for meaningful discussion between government and business.
Following the opening, key speakers provided insights into the Sunshine Coast’s economic outlook and investment trends. Director at Lucid Economics Michael Campbell highlighted Queensland’s strong economy over the past year and the growing investor confidence driven by government infrastructure investment.
Kris Krpan, Partner at Urbis, presented data 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. He noted that the investment pipeline was projected to rise to $3.53 billion annually over 2025-2030, with transport being the largest driver estimated at $11.2b, followed by master-planned communities including in the Maroochydore City Centre and a significant increase in investment in tourism-related infrastructure.
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.”
Professor Ross Young, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) at the University of the Sunshine Coast, outlined emerging industries and the skills required to support the region’s future growth before the Forum’s two interactive panel discussions.
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.
Andrew Powell MP said the discussions at this 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,” Mr Powell said.
“And 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 Glen Hartwig (Gympie), Rosanna Natoli (Sunshine Coast), and Frank Wilkie (Noosa), 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.”
The Combined Government & Business Forum was attended by 90-plus guests at the Innovation Centre on Friday, 28 November.
