policy
Sunshine Coast Council’s New Jobs and Infrastructure Plan to Boost Local Services
New local government policies aim to create jobs and expand services through targeted infrastructure projects, with effects expected across the Sunshine Coast community.
How we reported this
The Sunshine Coast Council has rolled out a significant update to its local policy framework focusing on job creation, service delivery, and infrastructure development. The policy changes target boosting employment opportunities while supporting growth in public amenities and transport links for residents across the region.
The timing of this policy update aligns with ongoing population growth and the region’s expanding economy. According to Queensland’s Office of Economic and Statistical Research, the Sunshine Coast population is projected to exceed 460,000 by 2031, escalating demand for jobs, healthcare, transport and housing. Local government authorities have emphasised the need to plan infrastructure and employment strategies accordingly, particularly given the Sunshine Coast University Hospital expansion and the Maroochydore airport international route developments.
How the Changes Affect Jobs and Services
The new policies set out specific approaches to encourage job creation in health, transport and local business sectors. For example, investment in health infrastructure at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital is expected to support up to 1,200 new jobs over the next five years, including roles in nursing, allied health, and hospital administration, according to state health department projections.
Meanwhile, the council plans to enhance public transport facilities to improve connectivity, with feasibility studies underway for light rail services connecting Kawana and Maroochydore. This project aims to ease commute times for workers and expand access to employment hubs. Short-term rental housing regulations have also been tightened to balance tourism-driven income with longer term affordable housing for local workers, which community advocates note could impact rental availability and costs.
Budget Figures and Future Developments
The 2026-27 local budget allocates $85 million towards transport upgrades and $120 million for healthcare infrastructure enhancements. Infrastructure works at the hospital site, including new wards and diagnostic units, are scheduled to begin in late 2026. Public consultation on the light rail proposals will open in the coming months, with completion not expected before 2030.
The policies also include commitments to better coastal development controls aimed at managing growth sustainably while protecting public spaces and natural habitats, reflecting community feedback gathered during 2025 consultations.
The council expects these initiatives to improve the standard of living by ensuring that as the Sunshine Coast grows, so too do the employment prospects and public services that residents rely on daily. Policy analysts suggest monitoring implementation closely, noting that the success will depend on efficient coordination between local and state governments, especially for transport and health sectors.