Top 10 Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Developments (2020-2032): A Buyer’s Agent Guide
December 27, 2024 | Purchasing
The Sunshine Coast is experiencing unprecedented growth with major infrastructure projects reshaping the region. These developments are creating exceptional opportunities for property investors and homebuyers alike. As specialist buyer’s agents on the Sunshine Coast, we’ve compiled this essential guide to the top infrastructure projects influencing property values.
1. Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion
The $334 million airport expansion has transformed regional connectivity with international capabilities. The new runway now accommodates larger aircraft and expanded flight routes to Asia and beyond.
Passenger numbers continue to grow, with Jetstar adding 34,000 additional seats in early 2025. The airport’s aerospace precinct is also expanding with a 2.5-hectare development currently underway.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Properties in Marcoola, Twin Waters, and Pacific Paradise benefit from improved accessibility without excessive aircraft noise. Rental demand near the airport continues to strengthen as tourism and business travel increases.
2. Maroochydore City Centre Development
This $2.5 billion project is creating a vibrant CBD with commercial, residential, and retail spaces. Walker Corporation received approval for twin residential towers in 2025, adding 251 new premium homes.
Construction has begun on SOL, a 19-storey tower with 112 luxury residences offering sweeping coastal views. The Horizon Centre, a proposed $1 billion civic and cultural precinct, will serve as a key 2032 Olympic legacy site.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Early investors in Maroochydore are already seeing capital growth as the CBD develops. The area offers strong rental yields with growing demand from professionals seeking urban coastal living.
3. Sunshine Coast University Hospital Expansion
The hospital continues to expand with a new $3.1 million Command Centre completed in 2023. Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital unveiled a multi-million-dollar redevelopment with three new operating theatres.
A new clinical trial facility announced in April 2025 will support 65 local jobs. The University of the Sunshine Coast plans to offer the region’s first local medical program by 2030.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Properties in Birtinya, Bokarina, and Kawana remain highly sought after by healthcare professionals and investors. Medical infrastructure creates stable rental demand and consistent capital growth.
4. Bruce Highway Upgrade (Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway)
This critical section of the Bruce Highway was completed in 2020, significantly improving connectivity. The broader Bruce Highway Safety Package continues with new construction commencing in 2025.
The upgrade has reduced congestion and improved safety along this vital corridor. Travel times between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast have decreased substantially since completion.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Areas with improved highway access have seen property value increases of 15-20%. Suburbs like Caloundra, Sippy Downs, and Mountain Creek benefit from reduced commute times to Brisbane.
5. Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade
This $550 million project will enhance rail capacity and reduce travel times. Major construction works are scheduled to begin in 2025 following contractor appointment in late 2024.
The upgrade covers approximately 40 kilometers of the North Coast Line. Recent updates confirm the project is progressing through detailed design phases.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Towns along the rail corridor offer excellent investment potential with improving accessibility. Beerwah, Glass House Mountains, and Nambour properties appeal to commuters seeking affordability with connectivity.
6. Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network
The region’s digital infrastructure received another boost with a new subsea cable landing announcement. This cable will connect to NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore by 2025.
Google and NEXTDC have partnered to build this subsea cable system from the US. The network positions the Sunshine Coast as a key digital hub for data-intensive businesses.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Commercial property in Maroochydore is attracting tech companies seeking high-speed connectivity. Residential areas with NBN and proximity to digital hubs command premium rental rates.
7. Aura Development (Caloundra South)
This $5 billion master-planned community continues to expand with new precincts. Stockland has proposed 2,829 additional homes across 74 hectares in the Gagalba expansion.
Construction on Aura’s third childcare centre will commence in mid-2025. The Caloundra South Priority Development Area scheme was amended in February 2025 to support ongoing growth.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Early-stage precincts offer excellent value with strong capital growth potential. Rental demand remains high as community facilities and retail precincts continue to develop.
8. The Wave (Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project)
The previously proposed light rail has evolved into “The Wave” – an integrated transport solution. The project includes heavy rail from Beerwah to Birtinya and metro-style buses to Maroochydore Airport.
Stage 1 construction is progressing with industry briefings held in May 2025. Stage 2 will extend seven kilometers from Caloundra to Birtinya with new stations at Aroona and Birtinya.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Properties within walking distance of planned stations typically increase 10-15% in value. Birtinya, Bokarina, and Caloundra are positioned for growth as transport connectivity improves.
9. Mooloolaba Foreshore Redevelopment
This $30 million transformation is creating enhanced beachfront parkland and community facilities. SEE Civil was appointed as the contractor in May 2025 with revised designs unveiled.
Early works will continue through June 2025 with beach nourishment already underway. The new seawall incorporates measures to prevent loss of usable beach area.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Mooloolaba apartments with ocean views continue to achieve premium prices. Short-term holiday accommodation in the area delivers strong returns as tourism amenities improve.
10. Sunshine Motorway Upgrade
Planning is underway to improve the 8km section between Mooloolah River and Maroochy River. TMR is evaluating plans to duplicate the motorway from David Low Way to Yandina-Coolum Road.
The Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade is progressing through detailed design. Community consultation has identified strong demand for additional lanes at key congestion points.
Buyer’s Agent Insight: Properties in Mountain Creek, Mooloolaba, and Coolum Beach benefit from improved motorway access. Areas with reduced congestion typically see stronger buyer interest and price growth.
Why Work with a Sunshine Coast Buyer’s Agent
These infrastructure projects are reshaping property values across the Sunshine Coast. A specialist buyer’s agent provides invaluable insights into which areas will benefit most from these developments.
We help clients identify high-growth suburbs before prices surge. Our local knowledge ensures you purchase in locations with the strongest infrastructure-driven growth potential.
As the Sunshine Coast continues its transformation, property selection becomes increasingly critical. Our buyer’s agents provide strategic guidance based on infrastructure timelines and impact analysis.
Contact our team today to discover how these infrastructure projects can inform your next property purchase. We’ll help you leverage these developments for maximum investment returns on the Sunshine Coast.
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