NATURAL ADVANTAGES An increasing migration of businesses and professional services to the Sunshine Coast brings passion, experience, innovative ideas, new networks and a dynamic business environment. With its wonderful sub-tropical climate, major roads, domestic and international airport access, sophisticated telecommunication networks, world standard educational facilities, competitive housing costs and expanding economy, Australia’s Sunshine Coast offers a remarkable location to live, learn, work and play. The Sunshine Coast had one of Australia’s highest rates of population and employment growth over the last census period from 2001 to 2006. Its Gross Regional Product has grown at 12.7% per annum over the past five years - more than double that of Queensland, itself a rapidly growing state. Growth is set to continue with major project expenditure (investment) forecast to reach record levels over the next five years, notably higher on a per capita basis than the Brisbane region, South East Queensland, and Queensland as a whole. The business environment on the Sunshine Coast is extremely favourable compared to other regional locations around Australia.
The region has the advantage of relatively low labour costs and payroll tax rates and work cover premiums are the lowest in the nation. Property prices across the Sunshine Coast offer excellent value and are on average below prices on the Gold Coast, in Brisbane and other capitals, and in many region interstate. The Sunshine Coast’s enviable lifestyle offers a healthy, natural, and safe place for individuals and businesses to prosper. The region offers excellent medical services and facilities. It has more than twice as much coastline as the Gold Coast and a high proportion of its land has been protected for future generations. The Sunshine Coast’s climate is a major drawcard with daytime temperatures ranging from 22-28 degrees celsius throughout the year. This naturally beautiful, green, dynamic and diverse destination, is rapidly realising its vision to become Australia’s most sustainable region.
(Source: Urbis - Sunshine Coast Business and Technology Precinct, January 2009)
