The Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions can be transformed beyond their national reputation as a tourism drawcard by harnessing their strengths to develop a technology-driven economy, a new report has found.
Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast (RDAMBSC) will this week unveil a blueprint for growth after analysis of the region’s economic drivers and the learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic.
RDAMBSC – one of 50 RDAs funded by the Federal Government around the nation – represents a voice for investment, impact and inclusion through region-led partnerships that will sustain the Moreton Bay-Sunshine Coast-Noosa economic growth corridor. RDAMBSC, formed in April 2024, does not award grants but instead works with stakeholders to drive economic growth.
RDAMBSC will unveil the findings of the detailed independent review by the highly regarded University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Centre for Local Government at information and consultation sessions next week.
The Shaping the Future report by UTS, commissioned by RDAMBSC, considered the following factors of the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast regions:
• The region is substantially outstripping the government’s growth projections, changing communities in terms of size, demographics and how people live and work in an increasingly connected and digital economy
• This unprecedented population and economic growth puts considerable strain on local infrastructure, creating the need for a recalibration of federal, state, and local government investment to safeguard the region’s enviable lifestyle
• The region has significant potential with its varied regions: Moreton Bay has a median age of 39, proximity to Brisbane and demonstrates strength in advanced manufacturing; Sunshine Coast has a median age of 43 and is a leader in health innovation and
sustainability initiatives; Noosa has a median age of 50 and pioneers eco-innovation and sustainable development practices along with emerging strengths in its technology precinct
• This region has the highest internal migration flows to a regional area in Australia, with latest data showing nearly one in five house relocations to regional Australia come to this region
The UTS review found that the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast region “stands poised to evolve from a tourism-dependent economy to a diversified, future-ready, tech-enabled regional leader”.
“Tourism has long been a cornerstone of the region’s economy … however the sector’s vulnerability to external shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the need for economic diversification,” the report stated.
“The transition from ‘Tourism to Tech’ encapsulates the region’s emerging opportunity to cultivate a technology-driven economy. Leveraging its existing strengths — natural assets, quality of life and community engagement — RDAMBSC can create a more resilient economic future through strategic investments in technology, innovation and industry diversification.
“This requires a multifaceted strategy. Building an innovation ecosystem, including tech incubators and research partnerships, is essential, as is developing a skilled workforce with a focus on digital, advanced manufacturing and healthcare technology capabilities. Investment in digital infrastructure, particularly high-speed internet and 5G, will ensure the region remains competitive in the global digital economy.”
RDAMBSC Chair Gavin Keeley said the independent review could help stakeholders in Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast to work together for better economic outcomes.
“This is a critical time to invest in bringing together the insights and evidence base that informs our longer-term view of our region’s strategic investment needs and gives us the tools and partnerships to start activating and advocating for these opportunities,” Mr Keeley said.
“Through collaboration we’re looking to amplify and, where possible, accelerate quality region- led initiatives and opportunities that align with our Vision Statement and that will drive positive economic development outcomes for our region. We’re eager to support initiatives which show momentum, focus on economic opportunities, amplify reach and impact and align with our vision.
“The RDAMBSC case demonstrates how regions can pursue knowledge-intensive growth while maintaining their distinctive character and environmental values. Success requires sustained collaboration between government, industry, and education providers, supported by substantial strategic infrastructure investment and careful attention to skills development.
“This region has so much promise for Queensland and beyond and it’s primed for the next step.”
RDAMBSC invites stakeholders to join the discussions on the Shaping the Future report at one of the following sessions on Wednesday 12 February:
• Noosa, 8-10am, Peregian Digital Hub
• Sunshine Coast, 11.30am-1.30pm, Altitude Nine
• Moreton Bay, 3-5pm, UniSC Petrie Campus
Registration is essential and can be made at events.humanitix.com/rdambsc-information-and-consultation-sessions?_gl=1*u8rni1*_gcl_au*MzYzMjA2MjEzLjE3MzM4MDgxNjg.*_ga*MjA1MzQ5ODkwNy4xNzI1NDg5NjE5*_ga_LHKW5FR9N6*MTczNzA4MjIxNi44OC4xLjE3MzcwODMxMjcuNTkuMC4w
