About the Sunshine Coast

Located north of Brisbane and incorporating beautiful beachside towns and lush hinterland retreats, the Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

With a population of approximately 413,000, the Sunshine Coast is a rapidly growing region, with a projected population of 611,513 by 2046. The Sunshine Coast spans 3,095.9 square kilometres and includes coastal urban centres and inland towns, along with significant beaches, coastline, waterways, national parks, state forests and bushland.

Well known for its rich and iconic agricultural industries, the Sunshine Coast has a proud history of producing award-winning seafood, dairy, fruit and so much more. Other major employers include health care and construction.

The Sunshine Coast is a diverse region, with 6.3 per cent of households speaking a language other than English, and 21 per cent of the community having been born overseas.

About the Sunshine Coast Community Forum program

In 2023 the Community Forum program expanded to include the Sunshine Coast. The first Sunshine Coast Community Forum was held at Caloundra West on Thursday 23 November 2023.

These forums support valuable conversations between the Queensland Government and local community representatives. Forum members will discuss local priorities and opportunities to strengthen the Sunshine Coast economy and services, and consider what outcomes are most important to the local community.

Hear from Forum members

Hear from members of the new Sunshine Coast Community Forum who are passionate about making a difference in their region.

Forum updates

Find out what has happened in Sunshine Coast Community Forums so far via the Forum updates.

Forum locations 2023-2025

23 November 2023 - Caloundra West

Find us in your community

The Office for Rural and Regional Queensland is a part of the Department of the Premier and Cabinet.

Our Sunshine Coast team is located at Maroochydore.

For more information contact the Office for Rural and Regional Queensland at orrq@premiers.qld.gov.au.

Chairs:

  • Jason Hunt MP
    Member for Caloundra
  • Rob Skelton MP
    Member for Nicklin

Sunshine Coast Community Forum Members

  • Martyn Baldwin - Mapleton
  • Christiaan Blignaut – Sunrise Beach
  • Maree Frampton – Maleny
  • Lauren Hignett - Parrearra
  • Prudence Oswin – Caloundra
  • Vivienne Roberts – West Woombye
  • Eva-Marie Seeto - Flaxton
  • Stephanie Shipman – Glasshouse Mountains
  • Mike  Smith – Caloundra West