As someone who has lived on the Sunshine Coast for over thirty years and owned and operated my own business here for more than twenty five years, I have always known what an incredible place it is. But the secret is out and not only are people moving to region for lifestyle reasons but also relocating businesses here.

There is no doubt COVID-19 has had a part to play but I think the coming tsunami of people and investment has been slowly gaining momentum for some time. Not only is the interest from other parts of Australia but our migration and investment services have seen a significant increase from overseas.

Statistics are showing that people moving to the region are made up of 46% from within Queensland, 28% from interstate and 26% from overseas.

The Sunshine Coast Council has acknowledged that the population growth will require a rethinking of how we live, work and play. The prediction is that by 2041 the region’s population will exceed 500,000 people from just over 350,000 currently. The Sunshine Coast Council’s vision is to create a new 10 year planning scheme for the region.

The property market is incredibly hot with properties been snatched up before even going onto the market and rentals almost non-existent. These are certainly unprecedented times.

The Sunshine Coast Council has put out an eBook which can be found here.

What are the benefits of living and working on the Sunshine Coast?

Financial benefits

Business owners benefit from the low cost of doing business in Queensland, compared with other states. When you move office to Queensland you can take advantage of:

• The lowest basic flat payroll tax rate of any Australian state or territory
• The lowest average workers compensation premiums across Australia’s eastern states
• Commercial property is almost 50% lower than Brisbane CBD
• Industrial land prices 36% – 84% lower than east coast capital cities
• A number of grants and incentives.

Growing economy

The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions and has a strong economy supported by a diverse range of high-value industries including aviation, clean technology, education, health, retail, transport property and professional services.

There is a $12.5 billion in infrastructure investment underway to support commercial, retail, and residential growth there are many reasons to relocate corporate offices to the Sunshine Coast.

The region is home to a wide range of businesses which are leaders in their field.

Skilled workforce

Companies that relocate business to the Sunshine Coast can tap into the region’s highly skilled and educated workforce as well as the next wave of emerging innovators.

A strong focus on STEM across all levels of education will equip the emerging workforce with the knowledge and experience needed to compete in a global marketplace.

In addition to the award winning universities, there are more than 100 registered training organisations and 80 schools on the Sunshine Coast supporting 83,500 students.

A $300 million investment in education will support the growing demand for knowledge based services and accommodate the 30,000 additional students expected to enrol over the next three years.

Leading innovation

Technology based organisations looking to relocate business to Queensland will benefit from the innovative, collaborative, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists on the Sunshine Coast.

As a Top 7 Intelligent Community and award-winning Smart City the Sunshine Coast is a world recognised innovation hub.

The Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast in Sippy Downs is a major information and networking base that allows technology and knowledge-based businesses to collaborate and learn.

It is also home to the International Broadband Submarine Cable, which delivers high speed data to the region and provides the fastest east coast connection to Asia. The investment reduced international communications costs for businesses and consumers.

Relocation support and incentives

For business owners who are thinking “I want to move my business to Queensland” but unsure where to start there are many specialists available to assist you with site selection and relocation advice. We have assisted numerous businesses and individuals with their move.

When you decide to move office to QLD you can ask for connections with government bodies, access international market information. Additionally, the Sunshine Coast Council has information about the options for financial assistance that will help offset establishment costs when you relocate business to QLD.

Sunshine Coast Council welcomes and supports the growth of local businesses and the establishment of new ones in the region.

How can we help?

We have an expert team who are well connected throughout the community and know the regional. We can assist you with all your business, corporate, migration and property requirements.

Contact us to discuss your needs as our team is ready, willing, and able to assist you.