Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Transformation
A centrepiece of the Coast’s infrastructure evolution is the $170 million Sunshine Coast Airport redevelopment, one of the region’s most significant capital works to date.
The project will:
- Expand the terminal footprint from 6,100 m² to 11,750 m²
- Triple the size of the departure lounge
- Add seven departure gates, 18 self-service kiosks and 10 automated bag drops
- Create around 2,000 local jobs, with 90% sourced from regional contractors
Designed by Populous | Fentress Studios, the terminal will showcase mass timber architecture, solar generation, and water recycling, reinforcing the airport’s position as Australia’s first carbon-neutral airport.
Construction will be staged through 2026–2027, ensuring operations continue uninterrupted while delivering a modern, efficient and climate-conscious gateway to the Sunshine Coast.
The Terminal Redevelopment Project will be delivered in stages to minimise disruption to passengers and ensure continuity of operations. The first stage is already underway, with the new outbound checked baggage handling facility scheduled for completion in early 2026, and the full domestic terminal expansion to be completed by 2027. By 2030, Sunshine Coast Airport is forecast to welcome 2.4 million passengers annually.
Sunshine Coast Airport have also introduced new ramps for boarding and disembarking aircraft, delivering step free access for passengers and marking a major milestone in the airport’s commitment to inclusivity and customer experience.
The Maroochydore CBD and Horizon Centre
At the heart of the Coast’s urban transformation lies the new Maroochydore City Centre, a 21st-century CBD built from the ground up.
Among its most ambitious developments is the $1 billion Horizon Centre, a proposed multi-use precinct featuring:
- A 7,000-seat indoor arena
- A 1,400-bed athlete village
- A five-star hotel and cultural events hub
The site will accommodate Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2032 and transform post-Games into a legacy venue for concerts, exhibitions, and community events.
It’s a development designed not just to meet the needs of the Games, but to establish Maroochydore as the Sunshine Coast’s cultural and commercial anchor for decades ahead.
Stadiums, Villages and the “Wave” Transport Project
The Sunshine Coast will play a major role in the 2032 Games, with several venues and precincts receiving substantial upgrades.
Key projects include:
- Expansion of Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana to over 10,000 seats
- Upgrades to the Mountain Bike Centre at Parklands to meet international standards
- The Beerwah–Birtinya–Maroochydore transport corridor, also known as The Wave, improving connectivity and reducing travel times. Program includes the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line Stage 1 and 2 Projects (Beerwah to Caloundra – 19km and Caloundra to Birtinya – 7km). A final public transport link from Birtinya to Maroochydore and on to the Sunshine Coast Airport to be delivered by 2032.
- Infrastructure around the Maroochydore City Centre to support the athlete village and new arena precinct
These projects are designed to serve the community long after the Games, strengthening mobility, accessibility and economic resilience across the region.
ESG at the Heart of Regional Growth
Brisbane 2032 is being delivered under one of the most sustainability-focused infrastructure programs in Australian history.
Environmental
- Commitment to carbon neutrality across major builds
- Integration of renewable energy, recycled materials and biodiversity protections
- Expansion of public transport to reduce emissions and congestion
Social
- Prioritising local employment and small business participation
- Designing with community input to ensure accessible, inclusive outcomes
- Delivering facilities that remain in community use beyond the Games
Governance
- Transparent procurement processes with ESG reporting requirements
- Oversight to ensure accountability, cost management and long-term legacy
Together, these initiatives position the Sunshine Coast as a national leader in ESG-aligned regional development, where progress is measured not only by growth, but by its lasting community value.
Opportunities for Local Business
The Brisbane 2032 procurement program is set to launch soon, outlining opportunities for Queensland businesses to engage in the next wave of projects.
Local companies in construction, civil works, sustainability, logistics, architecture, design, and professional services will all have pathways to participate.
Preparing now, by embedding ESG strategies, building local partnerships and demonstrating capability in sustainable delivery, will be key to securing contracts and contributing to the region’s transformation.
This isn’t just an infrastructure pipeline; it’s a platform for innovation, employment and economic diversification across the Sunshine Coast.
How Infrastructure Investment Will Impact the Property Market
The Sunshine Coast property market is already one of the strongest in the country, and the decade ahead is set to reinforce that position. Major infrastructure and employment investment typically lead to long-term capital growth, and the Coast is now entering that cycle.
- Sustained Demand Growth
Improved connectivity and new economic opportunities will attract more residents and businesses. Migration from southern states, already strong, is expected to accelerate as accessibility and amenity increase.
- Rising Land and Property Values
Suburbs positioned near major projects, Maroochydore, Birtinya, Bokarina, Mountain Creek, Mooloolaba and Twin Waters, are likely to experience above-average capital growth. Hinterland areas such as Palmwoods, Yandina and Nambour may also see uplift as buyers seek value and proximity to new transport infrastructure.
- Short-Term Rental Tightness
With major construction underway, rental demand is expected to increase as project workers and professionals move to the region. While this may tighten the market temporarily, new supply and urban renewal projects will help balance it over time.
- Expanding Commercial and Industrial Markets
The airport expansion will attract freight, logistics and aviation-linked industries, while the new CBD and arena precinct will drive demand for office, retail and hospitality space, boosting employment and business confidence.
- ESG-Driven Buyer and Investor Appeal
Properties built to ESG standards, energy-efficient homes, solar-integrated designs, low-impact materials, will become increasingly desirable. Investors are recognising that sustainability credentials now contribute directly to long-term value and tenant demand.
- Balancing Growth and Affordability
While growth is positive, maintaining housing diversity and affordability will remain a key challenge. The long-term legacy of 2032 must deliver a balanced housing market that serves both residents and investors.
Looking Ahead: Building for 2032 and Beyond
By 2040, the Sunshine Coast will be a more connected, dynamic and globally recognised region. The airport will handle over 2.4 million passengers annually, the Maroochydore CBD will be thriving, and new transport links will tie together a region built for the future.
But the real legacy of this transformation lies not just in what’s built, it’s in how it’s built: responsibly, sustainably, and with a clear commitment to community benefit.
For homeowners, investors and business owners alike, the message is clear, the Sunshine Coast’s next decade is one of unprecedented opportunity.
Thinking about buying or investing on the Sunshine Coast?
Now is the time to understand which areas are best positioned to benefit from the region’s next wave of infrastructure and growth.
Contact PMC Property Buyers for independent, local advice and a clear strategy to secure the right property ahead of Brisbane 2032.