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Held at Maroochydore RSL, the Plan Sunshine Coast event brought together stakeholders across government, development, and economics to discuss the challenges and opportunities tied to the newly released Town Plan, set to guide the region’s growth through to 2041. The event was hosted by Ray White Maroochydore, Ray White Buderim, Ray White Mooloolaba, Ray White Kawana Waters, Ray White Nambour, in conjunction with RWC Northern Corridor Group and Project Urban.
Among the key speakers was Nerida Conisbee, Chief Economist for the Ray White Group, who presented a sharp economic outlook for the Sunshine Coast and the nation at large.
“We are in a housing super cycle,” said Ms Conisbee. “Australia’s housing markets have proven remarkably resilient, historically, the largest drop we’ve seen in 20 years is just 5 per cent. Interest rate cuts are now being priced in, with three already implemented this year and more expected.”
She also underscored the Sunshine Coast’s fast-paced transformation:
The population is on track to hit 500,000 by 2041
The local economy is shifting away from traditional sectors toward knowledge-based industries, clean tech, health and education
Infill development is expected to dominate new housing supply
While house and unit prices continue to climb, rental growth is now stabilising
Despite this growth, Ms Conisbee highlighted a critical and growing issue: the shortage of affordable housing.
“The last time we built enough homes to meet demand was in 2007,” she said. “Since then, the availability of affordable homes has dropped dramatically, pushing many buyers out of the market entirely.”
She revealed that while some suburbs still offer relative affordability, others are seeing premium prices well above $3 million:
Suburbs with the most houses selling under $750,000: Nambour, Nirimba, Caloundra West, Baringa, Palmview
Suburbs with the most houses selling over $3 million: Noosaville, Noosa Heads, Peregian Beach, Minyama, Sunshine Beach
“We are seeing an increasingly polarised market,” Ms Conisbee said. “This contrast between affordability and exclusivity creates both a challenge and an opportunity for planners and developers.”
The Plan Sunshine Coast event also featured key commentary from Andrew Stevens, director at Project Urban, and Chris Graham, senior development manager at Walker Corporation, both of whom examined how the new Town Plan will impact the delivery of housing and infrastructure.
The Town Plan, unveiled amidst a $9-$10 billion infrastructure pipeline leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games, lays out a vision for managing growth, increasing density, and improving livability. However, speakers warned that the plan may fall short of enabling sufficient housing supply unless major planning reforms are introduced.
“It’s encouraging to see strategic thinking, but the Town Plan doubles the assessment criteria for applications and imposes rigid diversity requirements. These add unnecessary cost and complexity for developers, which inevitably flows on to buyers,” said Mr Stevens.
“We are at a defining moment for the Sunshine Coast,” said Dan Sowden, principal of Ray White Maroochydore. “Our region is growing faster than almost anywhere else in Australia, but we face some of the toughest housing and planning challenges. This Town Plan gives us the framework, but it’s up to us to shape it into something that actually delivers for the next generation.”
Mr Sowden called on business leaders, local government, and the broader community to engage with the Town Plan consultation process to ensure practical outcomes and livable communities.
The event concluded with a clear message about collaboration being critical. While the plan sets a vision, only united, transparent, and forward-thinking action will turn that vision into reality.
