Sunshine Coast Referendum Guide: What Proposed Ballot Measures Mean for Local Jobs and Infrastructure

Sunshine Coast residents face several important ballot measures in the upcoming referendum that relate directly to local jobs, public services and infrastructure. These include questions on funding for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital expansion, the Maroochydore airport international route upgrade, light rail feasibility studies, and rules governing coastal development and short-term rentals. The outcome will shape key sectors of the region's economy and urban environment.

The timing of these ballot measures coincides with ongoing growth on the Sunshine Coast, where population gains and tourism demand have put pressure on health, transport and housing services. Recent state government budget papers allocated $310 million towards expanding hospital facilities at Kawana, and $95 million for preliminary works on light rail options connecting Maroochydore to Caloundra. Alongside this, the Sunshine Coast Council’s updated coastal management plan, subject to community vote, aims to balance protection of vulnerable shorelines while supporting infrastructure projects.

Impact on Jobs, Health, and Transport Services

Local hospital expansion on the ballot is expected to add 250 full-time health sector jobs over five years, according to state Health Department projections. The upgrade includes 120 new beds and expanded emergency and surgical capacity at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. This measure’s passage is likely to influence the availability and quality of health services for residents across the region.

The airport upgrade proposal centres on establishing regular international flights from Maroochydore, projected to boost tourism and create an estimated 300 new jobs in airline operations, hospitality and airport services. This ties into growing interest in direct global access for business and leisure travellers, which stakeholders say supports local economic diversification beyond traditional sectors.

Infrastructure and Development Controls Under the Microscope

Residents will also vote on measures regarding light rail feasibility. The feasibility study funding, set at $95 million from the 2026-27 state budget, is expected to clarify route options and cost estimates for a light rail connection to ease road congestion. The government says this could eventually reduce travel times for thousands of daily commuters and improve connectivity between key commercial hubs.

Meanwhile, the coastal development control ballot addresses rules around short-term rental properties and building near sensitive shoreline areas. With Sunshine Coast Council citing increased erosion risks and community concerns about housing affordability, the new regulations are designed to enforce stricter permitting and environmental safeguards. Local housing advocates warn this could affect the holiday rental market and property owner costs.

Official ballot papers and policy documents emphasise that these measures will impact rates, service taxes, and public funding priorities. The Queensland Electoral Commission advises all eligible Sunshine Coast voters to review the full explanations provided in the official voter guide, available both online and at local council offices.

The referendum results are expected to be announced within two weeks of voting closing on 27 August 2026. Depending on the scope of approvals, affected projects and policies may begin implementation in late 2026 or early 2027, shaping the region’s infrastructure planning and services for the next decade.