The Sunshine Coast’s 7 Key Industries
While many people may think the Sunshine Coast is purely a tourism-based economy, for a number of years it’s been establishing a diverse economic base that will continue to expand and underpin its resilience moving forward.
The strength of the Sunshine Coast economy is built on the foundation of a strategic plan to grow key industries in the region that will continue to inspire diversity, create jobs, attract new investment and drive population growth:
Aviation & Aerospace - Already home to a thriving aviation industry, the Sunshine Coast has two key aviation and aerospace precincts with an expanded domestic and international terminal that provide prime airside and landside development opportunities, new freight facilities for Sunshine Coast agribusinesses and producers domestic, and increased connectivity to domestic and international destinations.
Cleantech - Clean technology, or cleantech, has been gaining momentum and the Coast is the perfect place to grow this industry with the region’s strong focus on sustainability, with numerous initiatives and programs aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy sources. The local government has established partnerships with organisations to drive innovation in sustainable industries, such as the Cleantech Industries Sunshine Coast which have had a positive impact on the environment, but have also stimulated economic growth and created new job opportunities in the cleantech sector.
Education & Research - The Sunshine Coast boasts a world-class education sector with leading research facilities, and an award-winning university, a growing international education market, extensive vocational education and training facilities and a high performing school system. With demand for this industry to double by 2033, the education and research sector is predicted to become the region’s second largest employer by 2033 and is a key driver of economic growth.
Food & Agri-business - With its favourable sub-tropical climate, rich soils, clean water and some of the world’s highest food safety and security standards, the Sunshine Coast provides the ideal ingredients for agribusiness and food businesses. With increasing demand from Asian markets for local niche artisan produce, particularly with the advent of Free Trade Agreements with Japan, China and Korea, and greater connectivity and export opportunities with the expanded airport, this industry is on an incredible growth path.
Health & Wellbeing - Catapulted by the $5 billion Sunshine Coast Health Precinct, which is Australia’s largest health infrastructure project (and the largest precinct of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere), the health and wellbeing industry is thriving on the Sunshine Coast and is the region’s largest employer. With world-leading research facilities, ground breaking technology, teaching
Knowledge Industries & Professional Services - Tech-savvy, connected, and with a reputation for innovation, the Sunshine Coast is a haven for entrepreneurs and home to a wide range of knowledge-based businesses. The region fosters a culture of collaboration, entrepreneurialism and digital innovation, supporting strong growth in this sector. Currently providing approximately 21,400 jobs, the employment growth in managerial and professional services is expected to exceed 135% over the next 20 years.
Tourism, Sport & Leisure - Recognised as the #3rd most loved destination in the world according to the tourism sentiment index, and confirmed as one of the hosts of the 2032 Olympic Games, significant infrastructure investment is underway to further boost this sector on the Coast. Due to its perfect natural and economic conditions the region plays host to many national and international events and is home to world-class tourist attractions and sporting venues.
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