The Sunshine Coast region is located in South East Queensland, about 100 km north of Brisbane. The region is bounded by the Gympie region in the north and west, the Moreton Bay region in the south, and the Somerset region in the south-west. The Sunshine Coast is a diverse region with over 200 km of coastline,picturesque hinterland towns, coastal urban centres,waterways, national parks, state forests, bushland,rural areas and scenic mountains.

The Sunshine Coast is recognised as one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, with an increasing number of people choosing to move here from within Queensland, interstate and overseas. The population in the region has grown from 202,845 in 1996 to 276,266 in 2006, at a rate of 3.6% (ABS 1996 and 2006 based on usual residents profile). The Sunshine Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia, making the local tourism industry a major economic driver. Other key industry sectors include production, construction, arine, knowledge-based, food and environmental industries. Attracted to the region’s access to world-class services and facilities and desirable lifestyle, numerous businesses and professional services have chosen to establish themselves or relocate to the region over recent years.

With a diverse range of geographical, geological and topographical features, the Sunshine Coast is becoming increasingly renowned as a centre of biodiversity richness. This has been recognised in the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognised conservation area. Approximately one third of the total Sunshine Coast regional area consists of native vegetation, with around half of this vegetation on private land. Council has purchased over 3,000 ha of this land for conservation purposes.

The region is fast becoming a cultural centre, with artists from various disciplines and backgrounds creating a diverse cultural and artistic community. Art and performance spaces and venues are located across the region, with a variety of shows and performances held regularly. The Sunshine Coast also plays host to events of all shapes and sizes throughout the year.

Click below for more information about the Sunshine Coast:
Sunshine Coast Regional Profile
Community Profile
Community Planning Sheets