South East Queensland — Council Development Profile

Sunshine Coast Regional Council

Master-planned greenfield scale plus a brand-new CBD at Maroochydore

The Sunshine Coast combines large master-planned greenfield supply with a brand-new greenfield CBD at Maroochydore and a series of State-led Priority Development Areas. It is one of the few SEQ markets offering both greenfield scale and city-shaping infill, supported by new heavy rail, airport expansion and 2032 Olympic exposure.

Mooloolaba Beach, Sunshine Coast

Photo: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Development Snapshot

Population
~360,000 (ERP, 2024)
Projected Population 2046
~565,700
Dwelling Target to 2046
+84,800 new dwellings (ShapingSEQ 2023)
Planning Scheme
Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (new scheme in progress)
Land Area
~2,291 km²
Median House Price
~$1.08M (CoreLogic, 2025)

ShapingSEQ 2023; QGSO 2023; EDQ; CoreLogic 2025; Sunshine Coast Council. Figures are indicative and should be verified before any transaction.

Planning & Zoning

Development is currently governed by the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014, with a new scheme through public consultation in 2025. State Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) schemes drive the major fronts:

  • Caloundra South PDA (Aura) — ~2,324 ha, ~20,000 dwellings and ~15,000 jobs at build-out
  • Maroochydore City Centre PDA — Australia's newest greenfield CBD
  • Sunshine Coast Airport PDA and the emerging Beerwah East growth front
  • Harmony (Palmview) master-planned community

Growth & Demographics

The region's population is around 360,000 and is projected toward ~565,700 by 2046 — an increase of roughly 219,000 residents. The ShapingSEQ 2023 target of +84,800 dwellings reflects a mix of significant master-planned greenfield expansion (Aura, Harmony, Beerwah East) and infill, with the diversity target gradually shifting toward attached housing.

Development Pipeline & Approvals

Key projects include:

  • Maroochydore City Centre — Australia's newest greenfield CBD
  • Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (Beerwah–Caloundra–Birtinya), linked to 2032 delivery
  • Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and the Birtinya health precinct

Greenfield DA volumes at Aura and Harmony are strong, alongside PDA development under State EDQ schemes.

Investment Angle

The Sunshine Coast offers a rare combination of master-planned greenfield scale (Aura, Harmony, Beerwah East) and a brand-new CBD at Maroochydore delivered under State EDQ schemes. New heavy rail, airport expansion and 2032 Olympic exposure are major demand drivers, and an +84,800 dwelling target to 2046 signals a long development runway.

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