Sunshine Coast Growth: Development and Infrastructure planned for our Region

Following a recent visit from a local councillor to our McGrath Coast & Hinterland office, our team gained valuable insight into the significant planning and infrastructure investment shaping the future of the Sunshine Coast. With the region preparing for continued population growth and the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, the next decade will see major transport upgrades, new housing opportunities and strategic planning changes across the Coast and Hinterland.

While growth always brings discussion within the community, the projects currently underway and proposed aim to support a more connected, sustainable and liveable region for locals, tenants and investors alike.

Major Transport Upgrades Across the Coast

One of the most significant projects planned for the region is The Wave public transport network, a multistage rail and metro system designed to transform how residents move around the Sunshine Coast.

The early stages include a rail line from Beerwah through to Caloundra and Birtinya, with stations connecting key growth areas including Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra and the health precinct. Once complete, this network is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve connectivity between the southern Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

This rail line forms part of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, with Federal and State Governments committing approximately $5.5 billion toward the first stage between Beerwah and Caloundra.

Complementing this will be upgrades to key road corridors including the Caloundra Transport Corridor upgrade, which will provide a new route into the Caloundra CBD and reduce congestion across Caloundra Road and surrounding arterial routes.

Together, these projects are designed to support the growing population while improving accessibility between coastal communities, the hinterland and major employment hubs.

Revitalisation of the Caloundra Town Centre

Alongside transport improvements, the Caloundra CBD is also undergoing planning for significant revitalisation.

Council’s Caloundra Centre Master Plan outlines long term improvements to enhance the town centre as a vibrant coastal hub for residents, businesses and visitors. Planned upgrades include improved streetscapes, pedestrian friendly connections, revitalised public spaces and opportunities for new mixed-use buildings combining residential, retail and hospitality.

Key areas such as Bulcock Street and the surrounding CBD precinct are expected to evolve over time with modern developments that bring additional housing and commercial opportunities closer to the waterfront and town centre amenities.

These upgrades aim to strengthen Caloundra’s position as one of the Sunshine Coast’s most desirable lifestyle destinations while supporting local businesses and creating a more connected community environment.

Preparing for Growth Through Planning Changes

Alongside infrastructure investment, the Sunshine Coast Council is progressing a new planning scheme designed to guide development through to 2046, ensuring housing supply, infrastructure and environmental protection remain balanced as the region grows.

A key focus of the updated planning framework is increasing housing diversity in well-connected areas while protecting the lifestyle and character that residents value across the region.

Several coastal corridors and town centres are being considered for increased density and mixed-use development, particularly in areas close to employment hubs, public transport and major road networks. Locations such as Caloundra, Maroochydore and parts of the Nicklin Way corridor including Buddina, Minyama and Warana have been identified as logical areas where additional housing and revitalisation may occur over time.

The proposed planning scheme also introduces new zoning categories designed to support a wider mix of housing and community uses. These include:

• Low to medium density residential zones, encouraging townhouses, duplexes and terrace style housing
• Mixed-use zones, where residential apartments can sit alongside retail, hospitality and office space
• Neighbourhood centre zones, supporting local hubs with shops, services and surrounding housing
• Innovation and industry zones, creating employment precincts connected to growing communities

In addition, planning changes may allow greater flexibility for dual occupancies and secondary dwellings, providing opportunities for properties to incorporate features such as granny flats or dual living arrangements where appropriate.

These changes are designed to respond to the Sunshine Coast’s growing population while ensuring that new housing is located in areas with access to transport, employment and essential services.

New Communities and Coastal Expansion

Several large master planned communities are also continuing to shape the future of the southern Sunshine Coast.

The Aura community at Caloundra South continues to expand, delivering new homes, schools, retail precincts and employment hubs. With infrastructure such as transport connections and community facilities already being developed, the area is quickly becoming one of the region’s most significant residential growth corridors.

Looking ahead, planning discussions have also highlighted the potential for future expansion south of Aura, which could further extend the coastal urban corridor over time as housing demand across the region continues to grow.

Further north, Beerwah East has been identified as a potential long term urban growth area of approximately 5,000 hectares. Its proximity to the Bruce Highway and future rail infrastructure makes it a strategic location for future housing, employment and supporting services if progressed.

Together, these areas represent a long-term strategy to accommodate population growth while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with demand.

A Decade of Investment

Across the Sunshine Coast, infrastructure spending connected to growth planning and Olympic preparation is expected to reach around $10 billion over the coming decade.

This investment spans major transport upgrades, civic infrastructure, tourism facilities, sporting venues and community projects designed to support both the local population and the region’s growing national profile.

While development will naturally bring change, these projects are intended to deliver long term benefits including improved connectivity, job creation and stronger economic opportunities across the Sunshine Coast.

What This Means for the Sunshine Coast Community

For locals, tenants and property owners, the coming years will likely bring visible changes across many parts of the region as infrastructure projects and new communities continue to take shape.

However, these developments also represent an exciting opportunity for the Sunshine Coast.

Improved transport networks, expanded housing options and investment in town centres will help support a thriving and sustainable region for generations to come.

For property investors and landlords, understanding how these projects influence population growth, rental demand and future infrastructure is an important part of making informed decisions.

Local Knowledge Makes the Difference

At McGrath Coast & Hinterland, our team remains committed to staying across the latest updates shaping the region we live and work in. From planning changes and infrastructure investment through to emerging growth corridors, having a local team with boots on the ground helps ensure our clients are always informed and well positioned.

Whether you are expanding your portfolio, considering an investment property or seeking expert property management advice, working with a local team who understands the evolving Sunshine Coast market can make a significant difference to long term outcomes.

If you would like to discuss the opportunities emerging across our region, our team would be more than happy to help.