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The State Government has announced legislation enabling the handover of state land upon which Sunshine Coast Airport stands, to Sunshine Coast Council. Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has unveiled the Queensland Government Airport Directions Statement, which outlines the future for airports throughout the state, and which will enable Sunshine Coast Airport to more easily attract investment. This announcement acts as an enabler for council to seek financial investment capital to fund the construction of the new runway, and backs up what is already designated a State Significant Project. Council will also be able to execute leases to tenants which will encourage further jobs growth in the important high-quality aviation sector. Benefits flowing from the new runway include: Additional passenger capacity Access to growing markets and new domestic and international destinations Increased freight capacity Stimulus to the Sunshine Coast’s tourist and commercial base Diversification ...

The Sunshine Coast would live up to its name by tapping into the energy of the sun. The Sunshine Coast Council would be the first council to build a solar farm at utility scale in Australia. It would be potentially the largest in the nation. Council is currently calling for expressions of interest, to confirm cost and benefit estimates. While there are many challenges to be met, council is on track to begin construction in 2014. Benefits The solar farm will deliver a multi-million-dollar saving for ratepayers. The solar farm will help develop the ‘cleantech’ industry hub on the Coast. Skills developed during construction can be exported to similar projects within and outside Queensland. This will further diversify the local economy. Location The solar farm is to be built at Valdora near Coolum and would meet half of council’s electricity needs for at least the next 30 years.

Important changes will be made to the Sunshine Coast bus network in late 2013. Of the 27 existing bus routes, 25 will change. Visit the  TransLink  for more information. From 19 to 30 August 2013, TransLink staff will be holding information sessions at Sunshine Plaza, Kawana Shoppingworld and the University of the Sunshine Coast. You will be able to speak to the project team, view route maps and get to know your new bus network. If you’re unable to visit a session, find out what your  new bus service  will look like. More information will be coming soon so please keep an eye out in your letterbox, local newspaper or visit  Translink  . Or you can phone 13 12 30   anytime.

The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s most popular tourism destinations and its economy is strongly dependent on the tourism industry. The region is experiencing national and international competition in attracting visitors and council, the tourism industry and other key stakeholders have identified major events as a driver to capitalise on existing and emerging tourism opportunities. The  Sunshine Coast Major and Regional Events Strategy 2013-2017 [PDF 2.5MB], adopted by Council on 20 June 2013, will help guide council and the new Sunshine Coast Events Board to leverage and grow existing events, develop the region’s capability to retain these events and enable it to attract new events. Major and regional events help boost the region’s economy and promote social inclusion, wellbeing and cultural benefits. The Major and Regional Events Strategy will focus on attracting and retaining events that take advantage of our natural assets. Sunshine Coast Events Board The Suns...

The April Business Confidence Survey report is now available. The latest Sunshine Coast Business Confidence Survey results show business confidence in 2013 has increased by 8% against 2012 and 2011. There’s also been a 5% jump in businesses saying they will increase their spending significantly over the next six months. Visit  council's website  to download a copy of the survey results report.

The month-long Green June festival includes a range of events focused on empowering and encouraging the community to live more sustainably. Green June is a great opportunity for residents to learn how they can reduce their environmental footprint while also contributing towards a more sustainable future. The word sustainable captures everything we want to do — it means working towards protecting the environment, strengthening the economy, and cherishing the character of our communities. With more than 20 events, activities and festivals across the region, including the biennial and inspiring Floating Land Festival, the Sunshine Coast World Environment Day Festival, the Living Smart ‘Glossies’ Awards, EcoFlicks, the Noosa Festival of Water and a myriad of practical workshops and forums on food, backyard biodiversity and energy, there’s something for the entire family. Discover the latest in green technologies, learn practical hands-on solutions, enjoy the ‘green art’ talent of local...

Attempting to nearly triple Sunshine Coast economy in just 20 years is one of the aims of the Draft Sunshine Coast Economic Development Strategy, which is now available for community review. The strategy has been developed by the Sunshine Coast Economic Development Taskforce, which includes business, industry and Council representatives from across the region. Clear goals were set; a $33 billion economy by 2033, household incomes above the state average, and 20% of goods and services produced for export.  These goals are ambitious but achievable – and this document proposes some of the actions needed to transform to a strong, new economy. The draft strategy proposes a number of pathways and priorities for long-term sustainable economic growth on the Sunshine   Coast   – while maintaining the authenticity of the region. Its 20-year outlook identifies an approach needed to take in order to become more competitive, demand-driven and responsive to national and g...