Go for Gold: Maroochydore City Centre and the Sunshine Coast’s 2032 Opportunity
The Sunshine Coast is entering a period of unprecedented growth, with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games helping to fast-track a vision that has been years in the making. This was the key message shared at our recent Go for Gold Breakfast, where business leaders, athletes, project partners and community representatives gathered to discuss the opportunities the next six years could bring.
Central to the discussion was the ongoing transformation of Maroochydore City Centre. As Australia’s largest greenfield CBD, the precinct is being developed into a vibrant mixed-use destination featuring residential, commercial, retail, dining and community spaces, complemented by extensive parks and waterways. What was once a long-term vision is now taking shape before the eyes of residents and businesses.
The growth is already visible across the region. New residents are moving into the city centre, businesses are establishing themselves and investment continues to flow. Walker Corporation, which took the lead on the next phase of development in partnership with Sunshine Coast Council, is driving a project representing up to $2.5 billion in private sector investment.
A major focus of the development is creating a true city rather than simply a collection of buildings. The vision is for a connected community where people can live, work, shop, dine, access services and enjoy public spaces all within the heart of Maroochydore.
Walker Corporation’s investment continues to gather momentum through projects such as SOL by Walker, while plans for the proposed Horizon Centre could further elevate the city centre’s profile. The Horizon Centre concept includes an athlete village, accommodation and a multi-purpose arena designed not only for the Games, but also as a long-term venue for concerts, conventions, exhibitions and community events long after 2032.
Maroochydore has already been identified as the Sunshine Coast’s satellite athletes village, with capacity to accommodate up to 1,400 athletes during the Games. While aspects of the Sunshine Coast’s Olympic and Paralympic role are still being finalised, the focus remains on ensuring any infrastructure delivered provides lasting value for the community beyond the event itself.
Transport will play a critical role in supporting this growth. Key projects such as The Wave, which will connect the region through rail and metro-style transport services, are expected to improve accessibility, reduce reliance on private vehicles and strengthen links between Maroochydore, surrounding communities and the Sunshine Coast Airport.
Of course, transformation on this scale comes with challenges. Ongoing construction, roadworks and increased activity will create short-term disruption for residents and businesses. However, speakers at the breakfast highlighted that these growing pains are part of a broader regional transformation designed to deliver long-term benefits.
The opportunity extends far beyond construction. Local businesses across sectors including hospitality, tourism, technology, logistics, professional services and events are encouraged to prepare now for opportunities linked to the Brisbane 2032 supply chain and the region’s continuing growth. The expansion of Maroochydore City Centre will create increased demand for goods, services and experiences across the Sunshine Coast.
While infrastructure dominated much of the discussion, the event also recognised the importance of supporting local athletes. Representatives highlighted the financial and personal challenges faced by elite competitors and the role initiatives such as the Aussie Athlete Fund can play in helping Sunshine Coast athletes pursue their Olympic and Paralympic ambitions.
Perhaps the strongest message from the Go for Gold Breakfast was that 2032 should be viewed as a milestone rather than the finish line. The Games are accelerating projects that were already needed to support a growing region. For Maroochydore and the broader Sunshine Coast, the real goal is creating a more connected, prosperous and vibrant community that will continue to thrive well beyond the Olympic and Paralympic spotlight.
