Joel Davis,
Strategic Director at Image Property.
Sunshine Coast major infrastructure projects soaring
By Joel Davis, Image Property
Hundreds of jobs will soon be up for grabs to deliver the $550 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade to better connect the Sunshine Coast with Brisbane, and divert drivers off the Bruce Highway.
According to the State Government, tenders will be sought in August for the design and construction of stage one of the upgrade, which is expected to create 333 jobs and is jointly funded by the State and Federal governments.
Early works to support the upgrade are expected to start in early 2021, with major construction to follow in 2022.
The rail upgrade is but one of a number of major infrastructure projects currently underway or planned on the Sunshine Coast.
Image Property’s Paul Blackledge says the significant infrastructure program was set to supercharge the Sunshine Coast in the years ahead.
“The Sunshine Coast has been going from strength to strength over recent years, which is a situation that is set to continue in coming years,” he says.
“The number of interstate migrants was already strong prior to the pandemic.”
“We believe that the number of people migrating here will soar even further as more people start prioritising lifestyle with their ability to work from home.”
In fact, of all regional areas across the country, the Sunshine Coast welcomed the most interstate migrants in the year ending June 2019.
Major infrastructure booming
The billions of dollars of major infrastructure projects underway or planned on the Sunshine Coast will positively impact the region forever.
Indeed, the timing of the program is perfect for life post-pandemic.
Here are some of the biggest game-changing projects on the coast:
Development of Australia’s only greenfield city centre within an existing urban area at Maroochydore is currently underway and is set to contribute $4.4 billion to the local economy over the next two decades.
The expansion of Sunshine Coast Airport to deliver direct access from more Australian and international destinations, including a second runway to accommodate larger aircraft which was recently opened.
One of the largest health infrastructure precincts being developed in Australia at a 17-hectare health precinct adjacent to a new tertiary teaching hospital campus.
New residential and commercial developments and precincts across the region including the Caloundra South Priority Development Area (Aura), which will house around 50,000 people and is valued at $7 billion.
A business, technology, and retail precinct adjacent to the University of the Sunshine Coast, which is one of Australia’s top-ranking universities.
The delivery of international broadband submarine cable infrastructure to provide the east coast of Australia with an alternative entry point for its international data connectivity, which is expected to contribute nearly $500 million to the local economy.
