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Click here to send to our news team becoming the third venue for a group that was founded by a trio of local mates The Coolum Beach Bar is promising a laid-back atmosphere that’s in keeping with its location just steps from the surf The Beach Bars group was founded by Jonny Giles who also operate Kings Beach Bar (opened in 2017) and Cotton Tree Beach Bar (2022) “We couldn’t be more excited to plant our feet in Coolum,” Mr Giles said “This community is at the heart of what makes the Sunshine Coast special and we’re stoked to be part of it “We’ve designed Coolum Beach Bar to feel like an extension of the beach itself – where the sand meets good vibes and everyone’s welcome to kick back and stay a while.” Coolum Beach Bar will offer menus featuring classic staples and some more unusual surprises It has gluten-free options at no extra charge and showcases products from Sunshine Coast suppliers The Beach Bars are also proud partners of Cerge and sponsor multiple local organisations and sports clubs across the Sunshine Coast “We’ve always been about more than just great food and drinks,” Mr Giles said “Coolum Beach Bar is a space where memories are made where locals and visitors alike can share stories laughter and that unbeatable Coolum sunset.” The Beach Bars were finalists in the 2024 Sunshine Coast Business Awards and have received recognition in the Australian Good Food Guide and Urban List. They have also hosted two sold-out events for The Curated Plate Coolum Beach Bar is under the Coolum Baywatch Apartments at 1768 David Low Way. For more details click here Get the latest news to your email inbox FREE A vibrant coastal eatery bringing the flavours of the Mediterranean to Coolum Beach was officially opened by Maeva Hospitality on Wednesday 25 September Maeva Hospitality director Scott Armstrong said the opening of Rosa Italian was a significant milestone for the group following the remarkable success of the recently-opened Bli Bli Hotel which secured three major accolades at the 2024 Queensland Hotels Association Awards “Coolum has always been a place we’ve admired for its vibrant community and stunning coastal environment so to have a presence here feels like a perfect fit for our vision,“ Scott said “We want Rosa Italian to be a place where locals and visitors alike can come together highlighted the thoughtfully curated menu as a cornerstone of the Rosa Italian experience perfect for sharing and enjoying with the people you love,“ she said “Guests can look forward to a delicious variety of options from wood-fired pizzas to share plates like arancini with tomato and basil aioli or local prawns with garlic and hearty mains like pappardelle with wood-roasted lamb And of course we’ve put together a fantastic drinks menu.” The pair shared how the success of Bli Bli Hotel has fueled the team’s spirit for creating exceptional dining experiences “The success we’ve seen with the Bli Bli Hotel has been incredible and it’s only ignited our passion to continue delivering outstanding venues we’re bringing a slice of Italy to Coolum Beach and we’re very excited for everyone to come and experience it,” Scott said For more information, visit rosaitalian.com.au or find them at 13/7-13 Beach Road Get ready for a morning filled with delicious treats and good company at Sunshine Beach Real Estate’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Thursday 22 May from 9.30am-11.30am Don’t miss the 22nd year of the event at Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club’s Ocean View Room Whether you’re a local or just passing through this event is a great way to support a worthy cause and connect with the community Tickets for the morning tea will be sold in advance and not on the day with half of the ticket sale proceeds going to the Cancer Council and Organic Tea Shop Noosa teas will be on offer Each year there’s a huge raffle with so many amazing prizes donated by local businesses Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5 (please bring cash) and may be purchased at their office at 5/48-54 Duke Street Sunshine Beach in the lead up to the event Tickets are limited so get in quick to avoid missing out Phone (07) 5447 2999 or email info@sunshinebeachrealestate.com.au for more information If you are unable to attend but would still like to donate, head to www.biggestmorningtea.com.au/fundraisers/SunshineBeachRealEstate Sunshine Coast Council has revealed a draft plan for the region’s network of dog exercise areas with some significant changes proposed for several popular areas The draft Dog Exercise Area Plan and Network Blueprint has been released for community feedback with 81,000 pooches expected to call the region home by 2041 there could be 17 new dog parks but significantly less access to beaches The beach provision includes more prohibited areas (from 8.3km to 13.7km) less off-leash space (from 17km to 15.3km) and less on-leash space (from 21.6km to 18.6km) a 1km section at Stumers Creek at Coolum Beach would transition from off-leash to on-leash Dogs would be prohibited in sections of Point Perry Point Cartwright was the scene of much controversy after dog access was restricted in 2023 and adjusted last year But there would be a new 700m off-leash section at Mudjimba South and a 100m expansion of off-leash space at Town of Seaside Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the council was committed to creating spaces that supported an active “This plan is about shaping a future network of dog exercise areas across the entire Sunshine Coast that meet the needs of dog owners while respecting our region’s environmental and community values,” she said Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au Locals took to social media to express their opinions Over 50 per cent of households have a dog … it’s about time the council gets on board to realise dogs are family,” Kate Gazzard said “The Stumers Creek change is going to ruffle a lot of feathers But I think the changes (at North Shore) are fine We can sacrifice a tiny section over summer,” Tash Cassidy said What blows my mind is the fact council ever allowed dogs north of Stumers Creek … that’s a full stretch of national park backed beach Dogs shouldn’t be allowed near it,” Miles Livingstone said Jenny Ivancic lamented the plan after previously “living through a huge fight to save Point Cartwright” I can walk on the beach again without being hit by a ball or bowled over by a dog or snarled at by an aggressive dog,” Aishah Macgill said it’s become a dog poo farm,” Warrick Maher said to help protect natural assets and to promote responsible dog ownership Cr Natoli said residents were now able to have their say on the draft plan “Your feedback will help ensure we strike the right balance between creating safe recreational spaces for dog owners and non-dog owners alike while maintaining the natural beauty of our region,” she said Councillor Maria Suarez said the plan was developed to reflect the values of the community while providing a balanced approach to recreation and environmental protection “This plan carefully considers a balanced network of spaces that works for everyone whether you’re a dog owner or someone who simply enjoys our beaches “The plan’s recommendations are based on data industry research and consultation with our community.” She said there was plenty of space for dogs on the coastline “Our region offers more than 15km of off-leash and 18km of on-leash dog exercise areas along our beaches and foreshores significantly more than other regions in South-East Queensland MP for Caloundra Kendall Morton said she could understand council’s decision but she also understood the frustrations of dog owners who wanted more beach space “Sunshine Coast Council has undertaken the consultation process due to the difficult nature of the issues involved,” she said “I’m a dog owner but I can appreciate both sides of the complicated and emotive issue “I accept that council have a responsibility to provide ‘open spaces which are safe and enjoyable for all residents’ and hope that at the conclusion of the consultation process a good mix of areas Coolum Residents Association president Ray Barber said the group was impressed that council had a draft plan that was supported by demographic information and took account of assumed growth The group said the draft plan recognised various interests in outdoor spaces and Mr Barber said it was crucial to protect the environment the plan should respect two things – the neighbouring beach uses in the Noosa Plan and the environmental values of the Noosa National Park Peregian section,” he said “Additional dog exercise areas for Coolum district (at Town of Seaside) are mooted and this is welcome.” The draft plan is open for feedback until February 28 with final recommendations set to be presented to council later this year The proposed 17 new dog parks could be located at Pelican Waters Caloundra South x 2 (developer contributed) The existing dog parks that could be fenced are at Coochin Park Petrie Park and Meridan Downs Park (fence playground) Sunshine Coast News has reached out to other community groups and state MPs for comment The MP for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson and MP for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie stated that it was a council matter Website Feedback OnlyPlease leave your website feedback comments below kindly provide the steps you took so we can replicate the issue For general council inquiries, please see Council Contact page You can use CTR+V to paste a screenshot from your clipboard directly into the textarea above Otherwise you can upload a file from your computer below well known for its local character and charm has been revamped following three rounds of community engagement and a community-led new landscape plan Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez was thrilled the first stage of works was completed in time for the school holidays which was designed with and for our people now brought to life with these improvements that enhance all those things we already love about the park,” Cr Suarez said “I’m grateful to those in our community who gave feedback over the past seven years to help inform the final landscape plan “It’s another great example of how we’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.” This first stage of works for the Landscape Plan for Lions and Norrie Job Park included replacing the existing shelter “This has revitalised this popular outdoor space and made it more welcoming and accessible for everyone in our community,” Cr Suarez said “What you don’t see above ground is that to facilitate the park upgrade we had to install about 70 metres of culverts under the park “Historically they were divided by an open drain that traversed the site and a significant amount of design and planning went into connecting the parcels to provide more open space for recreation and the public amenities block is also open to use during daytime hours.” State Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP said the reinvigoration of this parkland was welcomed by local families and visitors “When the upgrades are finished the park will be a terrific community asset,” Mr Purdie said “This project is a great example of how all three levels of government have come together to meet the needs of our growing and vibrant community.” Sunshine Coast Council provided funding of more than $1 million and proudly partnered with the Australian Government which contributed $250,000 through its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program which provided $250,000 through its Minor Infrastructure Program towards improvements to Lions Park and Norrie Job Park This joint partnership between all levels of government will enable Queenslanders to participate in sport and recreation activities on the Sunshine Coast The timing of future stages two and three is still to be confirmed As part of the future stages and as one of the standout ideas from the landscape plan Council is planning a pump track for the park and we’ve drafted a concept plan for the pump track,” Cr Suarez said “It will be a fantastic addition to Lions and Norrie Job Park for our community to enjoy.” You still have time to view the draft concept plan for the pump track online and share your feedback by filling out a quick survey on Council’s Have Your Say website before 5pm Friday The pump track is set to kick off construction in mid to late 2025 Experience Sunshine Coast Living and community Environment Business Development Council Pay and apply © Sunshine Coast Regional Council 2008–2025 will be replaced with a new set of robust timber and marine aluminium stairs – similar to others in the area A Coolum beach access will soon be upgraded to make it safer for the community The existing stairs at beach access 83 at Second Bay The project is due to begin in September to avoid the summer storm season Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said Council worked to keep beach accesses in good condition “The old stone steps were slippery and had reached the end of their life,” Cr Suarez said “Council has also had requests from the community for them to be replaced last a long time and require minimal maintenance they will make it a much safer walk down to the beach “The stairs will have timber treads and balustrades to keep that coastal texture and feel similar to beach access 84 at Third Bay “The beach is an important part of our Sunshine Coast lifestyle and these designated entry points help to protect the dunes and coastal foreshore areas from erosion and damage “We thank our community for your patience while we work to restore safe access.” Construction is scheduled to start in September and will be completed in approximately four to five weeks For community safety and the safety of our construction workers the beach access and associated carpark will be closed while the work takes place please use beach access 82 which is 300m to the north or beach access 84 The old rock stairs will remain in place under the new staircase so the construction process doesn’t destabilise the hillside An aluminium frame will be constructed above the old stairs Three more trees will be replanted in its place Safety fencing will be placed around the work however the main coastal pathway will be left open There may be some temporary diversions in place Please follow the traffic control onsite for your own safety The recovery phase is underway along Sunshine Coast beaches smashed by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred Kilometres of coastline were pounded by a storm surge The event caused significant erosion at several locations Kings Beach and along the exposed Kawana stretch There are concerns that access to lifesaving towers could be compromised while a seawall at Moffat Beach is showing signs of movement with the threat of falling rocks A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the wild weather had reshaped many local beaches “Erosion caused by ex-TC Alfred has weakened the dunes at numerous locations along our shoreline Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email “A lot of debris and fallen trees have ended up over pathways “There has also been some landslips and minor damage to boat ramps “There is also a significant amount of debris in our waterways.” “We are prioritising clearing access at surf lifesaving towers to ensure emergency vehicles can get through,” the spokesperson said we’ll check other vehicle access points along the coastline for emergency use if needed.” Five beach access points that were closed as a result of the wild weather have been reopened “(But) significant erosion and continued scarping at BA150 is hindering efforts to maintain access for lifeguard services,” the spokesperson said “We are working with them to attempt to gain safe access however high tides are impeding effectiveness of work.” Meanwhile, the seawall at Moffat Beach has been walloped “It is showing signs of movement due to the large swells impacting the wall,” the spokesperson said “There is a significant risk of the wall deteriorating further and if that occurs rock falls and movements are highly likely.” There were also impacts at low-lying Golden Beach and Pelican Waters, after there were serious concerns about flooding “Increased water levels during the event overtopped some seawalls,” the spokesperson said “Impacts were generally along the southern foreshore areas and caused some damage “There is minor erosion in front of the car park at the Power Boat Club boat ramp and sand accumulation under the pontoon at that location “Erosion was evident on the foreshore adjacent to Fraser Park (and) debris (has been) removed from coastal infrastructure like boat ramps The spokesperson said council was monitoring debris on beaches “It is illegal to remove organic debris from beaches foreshores and waterways unless it creates an immediate public safety hazard We encourage the community to report any waste that has washed ashore,” they said “If you see any large items that need to be removed please lodge a request via the Sunshine Coast app.” Locals will also be able to help clean up local beaches with local community groups The spokesperson also urged people to be wary of adversely affected water “Heavy rainfall and floodwater can also wash disease-causing microorganisms (germs) and pollutants into waterways “Please avoid dangerous areas and follow the direction of lifeguards and any onsite signage.” The spokesperson said the beaches “will eventually repair themselves” they could take some time to return to their pre-Alfred beach profiles,” they said “No emergency nourishment is planned at this stage “We ask the community to stay off the dunes to allow this natural regeneration process to occur These dunes may look stable but they can collapse suddenly The expansion comes as the Sunshine Coast was recently identified as one of the ten hottest housing markets globally in the Knight Frank Wealth Report who joined McGrath in 2013 when they opened the Buderim office and later expanded to Mooloolaba in 2016 will now lead their third office in the region said the expansion was timely and reflected the principals’ focus and success in an important lifestyle and growth market “Importantly we have seen how both Chris and Damien have expanded their business footprint and continue to immerse themselves and invest in the local community,” Mr Mourd said “They are well-liked and respected and have built a wonderful culture within their operation We are proud to have them as franchise partners and have watched them build great businesses with integrity during their 12 years at McGrath.” The new McGrath Coolum office will service the area from Coolum Beach in the north to Twin Waters in the south and to Yandina and Maroochy River in the west Mr Pace said that the market has witnessed strong price growth in recent times “Coolum Beach and its neighbouring suburbs continue to experience strong growth in population and property values,” Mr Pace said “The area’s appealing coastal lifestyle combined with proximity to the Sunshine Coast airport and South-East Queensland’s significant growth post-Covid positions it as an attractive location for residents and investors alike.” the area has seen price growth of 7.2 per cent in the 12 months to November 2024 with a median house sale price of $1.37 million Mr Michael highlighted the area’s impressive growth trajectory over recent years “The Coolum region is renowned for its stretch of patrolled beaches ideal for swimming and surfing not to mention one of the Sunshine Coast’s greatest icons – Mt Coolum,” Mr Michael said “The area has also seen significant spikes in property values with the median price of homes rising from $950,000 in 2020 to now be sitting at almost $1,365,000 the local unit market has also risen sharply from $600,000 to $965,000 in the past 5 years.” will lead a local sales team of four: Daniel Powers boosting the group’s sales team to 29 across their three-office network Both Mr Pace and Mr Michael have strong family ties and share a deep passion for supporting local community initiatives Headland Golf Club and the Maroochydore Roos AFL club Highly respected within the McGrath network the pair were recipients of the Outstanding Sales Leadership Award in 2024 and together bring over 40 years’ experience with deep knowledge of the local property market McGrath Coolum is located at 1810 David Low Way News Sitemap Lions and Norrie Job Park in Coolum Beach is set to undergo a $1.6 million transformation Following three rounds of community engagement and a community-led new landscape plan a popular seaside park is about to undergo a $1.6 million transformation Much-loved and exuding ‘classic’ local character Lions and Norrie Job Park in Coolum Beach is located between an iconic surf beach and a bustling entertainment strip Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez welcomed the start of the first stage of works which would enhance what locals already love about the park “We’re starting the staged works and I am looking forward to seeing the landscape plan brought to life designed with and for our people,” Cr Suarez said “A huge thank you to all those in our community who gave extensive feedback over the past seven years to help inform the final landscape plan “It’s a standout example of how we’re connecting and engaging with our communities to build a better future for everyone.” The first stage of works is scheduled to start at the beginning of June and expected to be completed by end of September 2024 “We’re starting the staged construction for the landscape plan upgrades with stages 1A and 1B of the landscaping works,” Cr Suarez said “This will revitalise this popular outdoor space and make it more welcoming and accessible for everyone in our community.” Stage one works will include replacing the existing shelter including new barbecues and furniture electrical infrastructure and drainage works State Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP welcomed the investment which he said would help breathe new life into a key community resource Norrie Job Park is a well-loved community space and I hope these upgrades will really enhance this popular location and encourage even more locals and visitors to get out and enjoy it,” Mr Purdie said The section of the park receiving upgrades will be closed during construction Last updated :  06:00 AM, Fri 04 Apr 2025   built using cutting-edge carbon fibre and 3D printing technologies Built entirely at Cure Marine’s Coolum Beach headquarters the lightweight high-performance vessel was designed by renowned Australian naval architect Paul Bury and crafted by Cure Marine’s skilled team will soon set sail from Mooloolaba to her Gold Coast owners and make her international debut at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show in May Cure Marine is rapidly expanding its global footprint with five Cure 55 catamarans already in construction and orders received from Australia Using the largest 3D printer in the southern hemisphere each catamaran will feature over 1,000 3D printed parts and extensive use of carbon fibre setting a new global standard for lightweight performance cruising catamarans The firm’s success follows last year’s launch of the 'Cure Custom 70' the largest sailing vessel ever unveiled by Cure Marine Cure Marine has received steadfast support from Sunshine Coast Council ranging from guidance in town planning and development assessment to ongoing business development and export support Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Cure Marine was redefining Australia’s boat building industry creating a world-class product that is both engineered and manufactured locally “Congratulations to the entire team at Cure Marine for delivering to the world this exemplary high-performance vessel,” Mayor Natoli said “We’re proud to see Sunshine Coast businesses like Cure Marine leading the way in high-tech manufacturing and global innovation "It's impressive to see this level of production stem from the Sunshine Coast is anticipated to realise a total economic impact in the region of $63.06 million and 215 local jobs (direct and indirect)* Cure Marine co founder Dave Biggar and Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli Cure Marine co founder Dave Biggar said the team was proud to launch a vessel that pushed the industry forward to a new standard of excellence “Our team has worked tirelessly to push the industry forward and to create a world-class product during the development and manufacture of this boat,” Mr Biggar said “Sunshine Coast Council’s Investment Attraction team has been instrumental in helping us establish and expand Cure Marine so we can continue to manufacture and grow right here on the Sunshine Coast.” The name Miyu holds special meaning for a couple from the Gold Coast Miyu reflects the elegance of sailing and the art of navigation capturing the couple’s vision of shared adventures on the open water *Source National Economics (NIEIR) modelled by economy.ID Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Sunshine Coast Country home of the Kabi Kabi peoples and the Jinibara peoples We wish to pay respect to their Elders – past and acknowledge the important role First Nations people continue to play within the Sunshine Coast community Our Sunshine Coast is a free community website proudly produced by Sunshine Coast Council A seaside park has received a $1.6 million makeover in time for the school holidays Lions and Norrie Job Park at Coolum Beach has been revamped following three rounds of community engagement and a locals-led new landscape plan This stage has included replacing the existing shelter Sunshine Coast councillor Maria Suarez said she was delighted the first stage of works was completed now brought to life with these improvements that enhance all those things we already love about the park,” she said “This has revitalised this popular outdoor space and made it more welcoming and accessible for everyone in our community “What you don’t see above ground is that to facilitate the park upgrade we had to install about 70m of culverts under the park to improve the site’s functionality.” they were divided by an open drain that traversed the site and a significant amount of design and planning went into connecting the parcels to provide more open space for recreation,” Cr Suarez said State Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie welcomed the new-look park “When the upgrades are finished the park will be a terrific community asset,” he said Sunshine Coast Council provided funding of more than $1 million and partnered with the Australian Government which provided $250,000 through its Minor Infrastructure Program The timing of stages two and three is still to be confirmed “We listened to what our community wanted and we’ve drafted a concept plan for the pump track,” Cr Suarez said A mysterious home which has been under construction for nearly 40 years is set to be completed by new owners has become the subject of much speculation over the years Real estate agent Daniel Powers discovered the truth about the building after a chance meeting in August with the then-owners “I was at Mora Court doing a letterbox drop and speaking to some people when a car pulled up and some people got out,” he said a concrete structure of Tuscan or Mediterranean influence was well-known in Coolum and a topic of conversation People talk about it being an environmental conservatory,” he said began building what seemed to be his dream house in 1984 Following the owner-builder’s death in 2017 the unfinished house passed to a work colleague “They didn’t have the resources or the time to see it completed ‘I’m pretty sure I know some people who would have an interest in possibly being able to try and finish it’,” Mr Powers said The McGrath Real Estate Coolum specialist began speaking to potential buyers who he thought might have the interest capability or resources to do something with the incomplete but solidly built house “We also had a meeting with the partner of the builder and got to know the stories of the place and the history We’ve also uncovered more and more and more of the original drawings,” he said He said they had also been able to piece together more of the owner-builder’s vision on every visit to the property “I think he was a person who had really compelling ideas and he wanted to do something there that was going to stand the test of time He was going to make sure the house didn’t go anywhere,” he said “I think that’s what he was trying to do: build a dream home for himself.” Among the discoveries was the provision for a lift to nowhere – beyond the upper floor – just to enjoy the view “We feel like the top level would have been living and kitchen the second level down would have been three bedrooms “One of the interesting things about the property as the owner-builder had designed it was going to have a garage that was probably going to be the killer of all garages in Coolum “Another one of the interesting finds in the place was that there was going to be a fish tank headboard behind the bed.” Mr Powers said the owner-builder had also planned to have an adjustable fibre-glass floor inside the pool shell so it could transform from paddle pool to deep water although the method of operation remained unclear “We have more questions than answers with the house but we can see a bit of the owner’s vision and have an appreciation of the ideas there,” he said “There’s some very good ideas there that certainly with all parties requesting their details remain private Mr Powers said the new owners wanted to honour the original owner’s vision yet breathe new life and modern-day functionality into the property He said they intended to incorporate some of the items found in the house in its completion “to tell the story of the home” The original builder’s partner was happy to know the home was to be finished said he was pleased to have played a part in moving the landmark home towards completion iconic properties in the area,” he said This will be a bit of a change for some of them but it will bring a little bit of closure.” Join an independent local news revolution by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed at the bottom of this article Relax and unwind with the whole family this Saturday (November 9) as the Sunshine Coast celebrates inclusivity and accessibility with the free All Access Day at Dicky Beach Set to be full of fun and community spirit Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said All Access Day at Dicky Beach was designed for everyone to enjoy “People of all abilities on our Sunshine Coast deserve to experience the beauty and benefits our beaches have to offer and during the day there will be all-abilities activities including access mats and beach wheelchairs,” Cr Landsberg said a sensory tent for those with sensory sensitivities service provider stalls and a classic beach barbecue to keep everyone well-fed “One of the most exciting parts of the day will be the talent competition where you can sign-up on the day to show off your skills or cheer others on.” On the Sunshine Coast people of all ages can use beach matting Strong Community Portfolio Councillor Cr Taylor Bunnag said select surf life saving clubs provided the equipment on weekends and public holidays between September and May with other arrangements sometimes available “Council is prioritising accessibility improvements at beaches and we’re proud to have developed our Accessible Beach Program in collaboration with our community partners,” Cr Bunnag said “The All Access Day at Dicky Beach and the Accessible Beach Program are outcomes of Council’s All Abilities Action Plan 2024-2028 working towards a more inclusive Sunshine Coast for people with disability.” The Accessible Beach program is available through the Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club Mooloolaba Surf Life Saving Club and Dicky Beach Surf Life Saving A beach wheelchair and a beach walker are also available for hire from Compass Institute To book and for all the details, visit Council’s website Disability Action Week 2024 will be held from November 24 to December 1 Images from previous All Access Day at the Beach event As the first turtle hatchlings prepare to break free from their sandy nests it's that time of the year when we all come together to clean up our beaches to help protect these tiny creatures To do this, Sunshine Coast Council invites the community to participate in the 11th annual Clean up for the Hatchlings event on Saturday Sunshine Coast Council is proud to host this event in collaboration with Reef Check Australia Locations: Various beach locations between Noosa and Caloundra How to register: Volunteers can register now to help collect marine debris at designated beach locations at 6am participants are invited to Coopers Lookout Park interactive displays and other fun activities The collected marine debris will be weighed and sorted to highlight the impact of our efforts This event will be single-use plastic-free Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns invited the community to come together to help protect our turtle hatchlings “We are a turtle-friendly community on the Sunshine Coast and this event is a wonderful opportunity to make a positive impact for our turtle hatchlings,” Cr Burns said we’ve had around 30 turtle nests with more coming everyday Cleaning up the beaches will give these little guys the best start in life.” which offers breathtaking 360-degree scenic views on a clear day The walk to one of our coastline’s best-kept secrets is now safer and even more scenic thanks to the completion of a brand-new trail Perched atop a hill about 750m west of the Point Perry Reserve this lookout is the perfect spot to take in an evening sunset or enjoy a picnic with panoramic vistas Sunshine Coast Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez thanked the Coolum Residents Association for bringing the idea to Council “The Coolum Residents Association identified the opportunity to make the walk to the lookout safer by moving part of the path into the road reserve,” Cr Suarez said “The newly constructed section is 74m long and extends from the pathway at the top of Scrub Road through steep terrain to the first Grandview Drive residence providing a safe and scenic route to and from Lows Lookout you’ll also learn that the hill was once called Toboggan Hill as it was used for tobogganing down in the 1920s “And about some local indigenous history regarding The Belly Stone – which was used for healing stomach aches this new trail is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Coolum.” resident and member of the Coolum Residents Association praised Council for delivering the new pedestrian walkway and stairs at Grandview Drive which is part one of the Lows Lookout Trail sits well in this rare piece of urban but natural landscape,” Mr Fuller said “There is an amazing strangler fig wrapped around a Brushbox tree that I never knew existed until I walked along the path “It's added to the list of natural tunnels that are around Coolum the Third Bay path and the tunnel that used to exist down the stairs at Second Bay “Walking the path almost makes you think you may come across a small artist's cabin or the like!” Walk to the starting point at Scrub Road directly opposite Point Perry and Wilkinson Park and take the right-hand side pathway up the hill towards Grandview Drive you can use the new trail until the first residence You’ll need to walk the last section along the road to the lookout at the top Awaiting you at the top is a picnic table with a spectacular northerly view of the coastline and wide sweeping views of the hinterland to the west The ultimate bachelor pad has been listed for offers over $2 million basketball court and showroom warehouse to display the toys Located in a council-approved live-in warehouse shared with pool suppliers and a home improvement store, 8/17 Lomandra Place at Coolum Beach might seem an odd place to find a luxe Mediterranean-inspired four bedroom retreat with 508sq m of living space From the outside it does not look like much more than a concrete box “The home’s bespoke Mediterranean styling showcases high-end finishes from waterproof micro cement to lime plaster walls to custom-built furniture and designer accents,” the listing by Town Sunshine Coast agents Craig Morrison and Zach Favell says MORE: Celebrities selling their homes Australia’s top 10 regional hotspots for home buyers Revealed: Jaw-dropping transformation of $1.4m wreck “Every room is a masterpiece of craftsmanship featuring curated elements like Rachel Donath chairs and a one-of-a-kind 385-bottle wine cellar with heated electric doors “With a full kitchen outfitted in custom micro-cemented fixtures this space is designed for both beauty and practicality.” You could practically hose this bad boy out after a wild party The residence comes fully furnished including appliances such as the refrigerator There is also a 5kw solar power system with a 16kw backup battery full ducted air-conditioning upstairs and split-systems below “The ground floor features a vast warehouse space storage or a range of other uses,” the listing says this space can accommodate everything from private collections to business equipment.” third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. 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The brakes have been put on motorists along several well-used Sunshine Coast roads Reduced speed limits have been introduced at locations around the region – including stretches of busy David Low Way and on Bradman Avenue – during the past few months A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the changes were implemented after thorough reviews “Speed limits are set following a detailed engineering assessment that considers a range of factors including the function of the road prevailing traffic speeds and crash history,” they said “When a review of a posted speed limit is undertaken the recommendations are tabled at a meeting of the Speed Management Committee for deliberation and endorsement.” That committee includes representatives from Sunshine Coast Council the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads The speed has been reduced from 60kmh to 50kmh at the following locations: Speed limit changes can be made in response to requests for speed limit reviews Those requests can be made by local government authorities The reduced speed limit on a section of David Low Way at Bli Bli, where a 12-year-old-boy was fatally struck by a vehicle last year was implemented in response to a request for a speed limit review Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team. A high-quality AFL ground and clubhouse could be established in a beachside town. The LNP has committed $5 million towards building the facilities at Coolum State High School at Coolum Beach, if elected this month. Future stages could include netball hardcourts and a senior cricket oval. The funding announcement came ahead of Labor’s $300,000 commitment to improve lighting at the Noosa Tigers’ AFL ground at Noosaville. The Coolum High project involves AFL Queensland, Coolum State High School and Sunshine Coast Council. The planned playing field and multi-use clubhouse would accommodate the Coolum Beach Breakers junior AFL club. Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said there was plenty to look forward to. “I’ve been working closely with the club for some time now to progress these plans as part of an MoU with Coolum SHS, council, AFL Queensland and Cricket Queensland, and this funding will allow us to deliver the first stage (the field and clubhouse),” he said. “This is a major step forward that will not only allow the club to continue to grow, but also benefit the school and the wider community. “Locals have told me we need more and better sports facilities to cater for the growing demand in our community, and that is exactly what we are delivering.” Breakers president Tyson Smalley welcomed the LNP funding commitment. “This is exciting news that really tops off a successful year for the club,” he said. “Not only have our player numbers increased, this year the club has also received national recognition through the AFL, and we’ve secured much-needed funding for new changerooms to better accommodate our female players.” Coolum SHS P&C president Nicole Sklenars said the funding pledge was promising news for students, who would have access to top-class training and playing fields. The state government has said it is also committed to fostering school and sport opportunities at Coolum and around the Sunshine Coast. It outlined the millions of dollars it had spent, and will spend, on infrastructure in the region. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said it was committed to ensuring students have access to facilities. “Since 2019-20, the department has invested $33.5 million in building and maintaining education infrastructure at Coolum State High School, including a planned investment of $2.2 million in 2024-25,” they said. “The department works in close partnership with sporting groups to maximise the use of school facilities under the Community Use of State School Facilities Policy and plans to invest more than $10 million in sports-related projects at state schools within the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area in 2024-25. The spokesperson said AFL was a popular sport among students. More than 560 students on the Sunshine Coast, aged 10 to 15, took part in AFL district trials last year. A Department of Tourism and Sport spokesperson said the department was committed to bolstering local AFL. “Since 2020, $1.7 million has been approved for the activity of AFL within the Sunshine Coast,” they said. “This includes $350,000 to the Coolum Beach Junior AFL Club under the Minor Infrastructure and Inclusive Facilities Fund to construct amenities at Coolum State High School.” Meanwhile, Labor’s $300,000 pledge to Noosa Tigers would see the main field lighting enhanced. Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said the club deserved it. “I’d like to acknowledge the Tigers for playing a pivotal role in assisting young people to get involved in competitive sport, that helps them make new friends, get fit and build their self-esteem,” she said. “The new upgraded lights will be a game changer for the Tigers and their fans and will help flick the switch on a club that is already a great champion for building and fostering community spirit.” Enjoy 360 degree views of Peregian and Coolum surrounds from this 71 metre peak This 1.4km adventure is easy to do with kids and also a good route for people who want to have a run or a ride exploring multiple trails Dogs are not permitted in this national park (Noosa National Park) You’ll find Emu Mountain just south of Peregian Beach It’s more of a hill and sadly emus no longer roam the top at just over 70m elevation it provides a surprisingly a sensational view mainly due to so few trees and the compact mountain top allowing 360 degree uninterrupted views of the coast and hinterland It’s a much less strenuous and pedestrian busy option than the Mt Coolum summit walk and the views are equally impressive Absorb the vista and don’t overlook the interesting rock outcrops and vegetation on the mountain itself The coastal heathland plants flower in spring take the western track (Hakea) and use the linking trail some people refer to this hill as Mt Peregian The mountain’s name is actually derived from the local Aboriginal word 'peregian' which means emu – because once there were emus on these slopes You can make this a longer adventure by heading down the mountain via the Hakea route and following that south till its end where it hits Tritonia Dr Once you hit David Low Way there is a cement cycle/walking path that runs beside it Head north and it will bring you back to Havana Rd East There are various tracks that can you can take to the top of Emu Mountain cycling or walking you can access the route from side roads off David Low Way (namely Tritonia Dr/ climb from the end of Havana Rd on the northside which is what is marked with the accompany red trail There are two trails on this side: the Emu Mountain Summit Walk and the Hakea Walk which has a side Summit Link Trail that takes you to the summit For more than 250 walking, running, paddling, cycling, mountain-biking and horse-riding trails on the Sunshine Coast #chooseyournextadventure with Adventure Sunshine Coast at https://adventure.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/  It’s a suburb most people have never even heard of but Yaroomba has been an unexpected gold mine for investors Andrew and Kristen Cornale who moved from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast after the pandemic make as much as $30,000 a month through the short-term rental market from their beach house at 5 Maracas Bay Close Kristen and Andrew Cornale at their designer beach house in Yaroomba that is returning $14,000 to $30,000 a month through short-term rental but the four-bedroom house has already been appraised at a price $500,000 more than what they paid for it With an increase in interstate visitors post-Covid the property has been booked for 91 per cent of the current winter season “It’s a really beautiful suburb at the foot of Mount Coolum,” Mr Cornale said it’s going to be the next suburb that goes off “We get a lot of tourists — interstate and also international usually a family with kids who want to stay together because we’re only 10 minutes from the airport But while the house has undoubtedly been a good investment the Cornales have a hankering for acreage and have listed the property for sale This Yaroomba beach house earns $30,000 a month when rented short-term in the summer months but we’re actually looking to purchase farmland and raise cattle,” Mr Cornale said “Even to foot a deposit on another property so if someone came along with the right offer features high-end finishes and integrated appliances and is in a gated community with private beach access “I really think Queensland’s an amazing market,” Mr Cornale said “The Sunny Coast in general is seeing a lot of growth outside of Noosa Mr Cornale said he planned to keep their current permanent place of residence in Coolum and eventually rent it out They pair also own an investment property in Lake Macquarie on the NSW central coast The Yaroomba house is modern and in a gated estate near the beach “We want to hold the one in NSW for a bit longer because it hasn’t yet returned enough capital growth,” he said Daniel Powers of McGrath Estate Agents said the Cornales were smart in buying a property that was well-built and in a great location they aren’t familiar with these pocket suburbs,” Mr Powers said “These guys recognised there’s a scarcity of land in the area and a high demand to want to be here Yaroomba’s just this little special pocket and they’ve marketed it well as a short-term rental Mr Power said he was starting to see more investors back in the market — particularly young families willing to renovate “I think people recognise there’s a big opportunity if you have the hands-on skills to find that renovator and make it special,” he said A large section of foreshore ravaged by the elements will be rebuilt in coming months A 3220sqm area at First Bay at Coolum Beach will be rehabilitated from November until May after a significant landslip took place there in early 2022 It was the largest landslip among 15 landslips that occurred on the Sunshine Coast during a severe storm event The slip was triggered by heavy rain causing excessive surface water runoff weakening the road and drainage substructures A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said works would start soon on the site “It is considered a complex construction given the proximity to the main road and impact on the public the steepness of the cliff and the sensitive coastal environment,” they said “The site has been assessed as a non-marine coastal zone and consists of a foredune sea cliff host to medium-sparse woody vegetation coverage of low-moderate level weed presence with areas of Asparagus aethiopicus (asparagus fern) and Macroptilium atropurpureium (Siratro).” The spokesperson said the landslip did not impact residents as it happened in a section of unused land But precautions were taken to restrict walkers and cyclists from going into the area council erected fencing to restrict public access and to prevent pedestrian access into the landslip area while still enabling residents to enjoy the outlook,” they said A tender process is underway to award the reconstruction works Council has conducted engineering designs and site vegetation rehabilitation assessments The works are part of a $40.8 million program of works that council is undertaking to restore essential public assets within the region Sunshine Coast Council was provided with Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements which is run by the Australian and Queensland governments and provides assistance to eligible councils and local communities with their disaster recovery Council has been working with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority on eligible DRFA recovery projects to strengthen the disaster resilience for the Sunshine Coast The spokesperson detailed the work that would be done at First Bay “The scope will include internal and external structural surveys and dilapidation reports; general earthwork site preparation demolition and stripping; construction of shear pile wall; installation of barriers and line marking; (and) installation of pavement and rehabilitation of vegetation,” they said “Council’s priority is to deliver the works on time through implementing a clearly staged works methodology that ensures safety and protection of the community and local ecology “The project will ensure the safety and stability of the road path and vegetated foredune sea cliff face and ensure ongoing access to the bay.” The works are set to start in two months and should be finished by the end of May a traffic management plan will be implemented Some parking spaces and pedestrian access to the footpath will not be available subject to construction staging and safety assessments The landslip is not the first at First Bay A “small slip” occurred at the southern end of the bay about 12 years ago It was repaired with rock fill remediation replacement “The threat to the public from further events is considered low,” the spokesperson said The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap The company provides government organisations instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning monitoring and development projects in Australia All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article Our coastline remains a favourite for beachgoers with more than seven million visitations each year and conditions can be deadly if swimmers stray from patrolled areas Sunshine Coast beaches are patrolled by thousands of volunteer lifesavers and Council also funds a team of professional lifeguards who work to achieve the aim of zero preventable deaths on our beaches The 2024-2025 season begins this weekend (September 14) and will run until early next May 7,256,261 people visited Sunshine Coast beaches with lifeguards and lifesavers performing 666 rescues 92,547 preventative actions and 5,289 first aid treatments five lives were lost: three men and two women Lifeguards and lifesavers have renewed their call for everyone to swim between the famous red and yellow flags Council’s $6.7 million contribution towards lifeguarding services ensures year-round patrol services and vital rescue equipment for our community and visitors to the region More than 120 professional lifeguards are employed across permanent part-time and casual positions to cover 21 patrolled beach locations Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council’s continued support for lifeguard services operated by Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) across the region “Our funding helps to provide our lifeguards and lifesavers with vital equipment they need to perform their duties first aid kits and portable surveillance cameras for high-risk locations,” Mayor Natoli said A number of improvements will be made to lifeguard services between Caloundra and Coolum to ensure Sunshine Coast beaches are even safer under the Surf Life Saving Queensland – Sunshine Coast Council Lifeguard Service Plan 2023-2028 Surf Life Saving Queensland Sunshine Coast Regional Operations Manager Aaron Purchase said Surf Life Saving Queensland was appreciative of the ongoing support from Sunshine Coast Council to keep the public safe when visiting Sunshine Coast beaches volunteer patrols will begin across the region as the weather warms and we head into the busy summer period,” Mr Purchase said “With one in three beach drowning deaths last year occurring due to rip currents it has never been more important to have regular and frequent patrols for safe swimming between the red and yellow flags.” For more information on patrolled beach locations, times and conditions visit www.beachsafe.org.au Sunshine Coast areas patrolled by lifeguards include: school and public holidays from September to May Top Tips from Surf Life Saving Australia     As well, to ensure everyone can enjoy the fun at our beaches, you can book free beach matting, wheelchairs and life jackets at participating locations through Council’s Accessible Beaches Program It could be enough to prompt the theme music from Jaws: a shadow and then fins just metres from the shoreline at a Sunshine Coast beach A shark was sighted cruising north along Sunshine Beach late last year capturing the attention of people in the area A video of it emerged as unprecedented numbers of sharks were caught in nets and on drumlines on the Sunshine Coast There were 162 sharks snared in the region in 2024: the most in a calendar year since records started in 2001 Footage of the shark was captured by Isabella Clancy during the middle of the day I swim there: this is scary,’” she said There were plenty of people and pets in the vicinity: an off-leash beach between Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the southern headland of Noosa National Park “Everyone was surfing and swimming,” Ms Clancy said She estimated it could have been between 3m to 4m long “I’m not sure what it was doing there,” she said “The surf lifesavers followed it for about 20 minutes along the coastline.” Bond University Associate Professor of Environmental Science Daryl McPhee was unsure what species it was but he estimated He explained why it was likely so close to dry land “Various shark species come right into the shoreline as it is part of their natural habitat,” he said “The presence of schooling fish possibly attracted the animal in close to the shore “Periods after rainfall are often the times when some species of sharks spend more time inshore due to increased fish present This is particularly the case at beaches adjacent to river mouths.” He said beachgoers should be vigilant when sharks are on the shoreline “Water users should exit the water when a shark is present and obey the direction of lifesavers,” he said “While the presence of a shark does not mean that a bite will occur More shark catches were recorded on the Sunshine Coast than ever before in 2024 There were 104 catches on the northern Sunshine Coast and 42 catches on the southern Sunshine Coast where tiger sharks and long nose whalers were evident But Prof McPhee said the region’s waters were unremarkable when it came to shark numbers “Sunshine Coast waters have no more or less sharks than other locations,” he said A prominent animal welfare group last year condemned Queensland’s Shark Control Program, after dozens of non-targeted animals died after being caught by nets and drumlines off Sunshine Coast beaches in 2023. There are 22 shark nets and 60 drumlines between Noosa and Caloundra, while studies are underway on electronic warning devices and drones. A Fisheries Queensland spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News last year that the government was determined to lessen the effects of control measures on non-targeted shark species and other sea life, and several initiatives were being implemented and/or trialled to achieve this. They include using drumlines instead of nets where possible, using electronic warning devices to deter whales and dolphins from swimming near nets and drumlines, using alternative baits or apparatus configurations to reduce the incidences of dolphins and turtles being caught on drumlines or in nets, and conducting a comparative trial of circle hooks and J hooks to assess the effect on catches of target sharks, non-target sharks and other marine animals. This festive season you'll be able to enjoy 25 decorated trees If you’re looking for a festive event or want to list yours, check out the Sunshine Coast Events site With 36 community groups already successful in receiving multi-year funding to support their festive and commemorative events And, there’s still time! If you’re thinking of delivering a community event to celebrate Christmas, New Year or Australia Day, you can apply for a Festive and Commemorative Event grant Single-year funding of up to $15,000 for regional events and up to $3000 for local events is available to support costs associated with delivering these events Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2024 To find out more about this and Council’s other funding opportunities, including Anzac and Remembrance Day events, search Grants programs on Council’s website Get into the spirit with 25 decorated trees in Alexandra Headland To make sure we’re getting it right for you, make sure you have your say in early November, when we’ll be asking you how you celebrate the festive season and what you would like to see.Stay tuned to the Have Your Say page on Council’s website Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most picturesque and laidback towns where life moves at a slower pace and nature often takes center stage For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle these nine small towns give you a chance to unwind without losing out on things to do Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along Rainbow Beach or wandering through Maleny's artisan market these towns balance relaxation with activities that make the most of their beautiful surroundings Tucked away on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Noosa Heads is a laidback coastal town known for its natural environment blending beachside relaxation with natural beauty people come here to enjoy slow mornings by the beach or wander through the local markets A favorite leisurely activity is taking a morning stroll along Noosa Main Beach, where the gentle waves and soft sand set a calm tone for the day. Another peaceful option is kayaking down the Noosa River, where the calm waters and surrounding mangroves make for a serene experience where you can relax by the water in a setting far removed from the bustle of town Maleny’s quiet environment makes it a favorite escape for those looking to step back from a fast-paced life this small town is cradled in the hinterland where rolling hills and farmlands stretch as far as the eye can see Unlike other destinations, Maleny draws in people seeking the simple pleasure of walking through Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve, a rainforest filled with towering trees and native wildlife Spend the afternoon visiting Maleny Handmade & Artisan Market where visitors can casually browse through stalls of handmade crafts The area’s slower rhythm extends to Baroon Pocket Dam where a gentle paddle in a canoe can turn into an afternoon of lakeside relaxation it is a place where the day begins with browsing the local Eumundi Markets a bi-weekly event where you can take your time walking through stalls filled with local crafts spend a relaxed afternoon in one of Eumundi’s small cafés known for its local flair and quiet corners the Eumundi Heritage Walk guides tourists through the town’s historic sites at a pace that lets you fully appreciate the town’s past and the charm of its streets Tewantin is the kind of place where the days feel longer with most days spent along the banks of the Noosa River where the waters are calm and inviting for a slow paddle or a riverside picnic If you’re looking for something more active but still relaxing the Tewantin National Park is an easy walk that brings you through a mix of forest trails with occasional lookouts over the coast ideal for a day to clear your mind along the calming waters of Australia Another laidback activity is catching the Noosa Ferry from Tewantin and going to other parts of the region Take in the scenic waterways without any rush Coolum Beach’s chill vibe comes from its mix of nature and calm beachside energy It’s not a place for crowded shores or hurried days the mornings often start with a stroll along the Coolum Beach boardwalk where the ocean breeze and endless views keep things relaxed For those who prefer being slightly more active a visit to Mount Coolum National Park has a gradual ascent to the summit Another calming way to spend the day is by heading to the Coolum Surf Club adventurers can watch surfers take on the waves while others sit back with a cold drink and enjoy the town's rhythm Cooktown is a town where history and nature blend into a laidback atmosphere. The town's relaxed energy comes from its rich past. Cooktown Museum offers a chill and educational way to spend an afternoon learning about the region’s connection to Captain Cook while wandering through its well-preserved colonial architecture For a nature experience, head up to Grassy Hill Lookout, where you can take in panoramic views of the Coral Sea and the surrounding landscape Another calming way to pass the time is by walking along the Cooktown Botanic Gardens an abode of tropical plants and native wildlife that features a beautiful and tranquil environment Surrounded by rainforest and rolling farmland Malanda has a small-town feel that makes it an escape from busy city life especially when visiting the Malanda Falls where the gentle cascade is a backdrop for swimming or picnicking by the water’s edge where you can take your time learning about the region’s dairy history and sample locally produced goods Another laidback activity is a drive through the Atherton Tablelands Those interested can take the scenic routes that wind through green hills and past farms Rainbow Beach is known for its colorful coastal cliffs—hence the name Life here is centered around the enjoyment of natural surroundings You can spend hours driving along the Rainbow Beach beachfront in a 4WD moving slowly along the sand as the colored cliffs rise up beside you Another option is Carlo Sand Blow. It is a peaceful walking trail that opens up to expansive sand dunes where you can watch the sunset over the horizon in silence A leisurely day can also be spent out on the water with a paddleboarding session in the quiet bay retreat to the Rainbow Beach Hotel for some food Queensland’s laidback towns are the perfect antidote to the fast pace of everyday life There’s something calming about spending time in these communities where nature many offer a chance for eccentric fun as well so visitors can choose how they want to spend their town in these lovely Queensland towns photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com A Tesla driver has died at Coolum Beach after a head-on collision on the Sunshine Motorway on Monday 7 October a Toyota Hilux and Tesla Model 3 collided while travelling in opposite directions on the Sunshine Motorway was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries The Sunshine Coast Forensic Crash Unit are appealing to witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam vision to come forward Forensic Crash Unit investigations remain ongoing The Sunshine Coast could be part an exclusive real estate corridor in 2025 The region has experienced remarkable growth with median house values soaring 76 per cent to $1.14 million during the past five years Price rises are expected to slow somewhat this year but Ray White senior data analyst Atom Go Tian said the Sunshine Coast would still be a property powerhouse “The Australian housing market is witnessing a fundamental restructuring characterised by the emergence of distinct price bands and the formation of what could be termed the ‘Golden Arc’,” he said “The Golden Arc is likely to emerge with Brisbane joining the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast as premium markets “The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have established themselves as Australia’s second and third most expensive housing markets (behind Sydney).” followed by the Sunshine Coast surpassing Melbourne in 2023 “Brisbane is also showing signs of joining its coastal counterparts The city has the second-highest five-year growth rate Mr Go Tian explained why the Sunshine Coast property market was so strong “The performance likely reflects several factors including continued interstate migration to Queensland’s lifestyle regions limited housing supply in a geographically constrained coastal market relative affordability compared to Sydney while offering similar lifestyle benefits and strong local economy and infrastructure development,” he said Ray White data showed the strongest growth areas on the Sunshine Coast last year included: Meridan Plains-Little Mountain north (11 per cent); Sippy Downs (10 per cent); Caloundra West-Baringa (10 per cent; Mountain Creek) 9 percent; Aroona-Currimundi (9 per cent); and Beerwah (9 per cent) “Common factors driving growth in these areas were the more affordable entry points,” Mr Go Tian said “Most were under the $1 million median … and infrastructure development and accessibility new housing developments meet market demand.” Slower growth areas included Noosa Heads (4 per cent); Sunshine Beach (4 per cent); Peregian Beach-Marcus Beach (5 per cent); and Mooloolaba-Alexandra Headland (5 per cent) “These premium markets showed slower growth likely due to already-high price points above $1.6 million and interest rate impacts on luxury market segments,” Mr Go Tian said Homes in many Sunshine Coast towns and suburbs are now worth more than $1 million “Regional Australia’s million-dollar club has undergone a dramatic expansion growing from just two areas five years ago to encompass 20 locations today,” Mr Go Tian said “The concentration of $1 million areas in Queensland’s coastal regions is unsurprising with the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast collectively accounting for 14 of the 20 million-dollar areas.” The Sunshine Coast hinterland and Nambour are tipped to be among the next five locations in regional Australia to breach the mark CoreLogic executive research director Tim Lawless said a “levelling out in the market” could be expected in 2025 He said Sunshine Coast property prices had increased by about 6.7 per cent last year but there was a noticeable “slowdown” “Growth in home values has clearly peaked,” he said “The trends are pointing towards a levelling out in the market with value growth losing steam since April.” “Housing affordability is approaching new record highs across the Sunshine Coast with the dwelling value to household income ratio reaching 11.5 in September.” “This means a household on the median income would be spending 11.5 times their annual gross income to purchase the median priced dwelling on the Sunshine Coast “With affordability this stretched it simply becomes harder for buyers to enter the market and demonstrate an ability to service their mortgage.” Mr Lawless said interstate migration had also waned But he still expected the region to boast relatively high property prices “It’s unlikely we will see any material fall in Sunshine Coast home values next year given low levels of newly built supply and persistently low advertised supply as well,” he said interstate migration looks to be holding above average which is likely to provide some support for housing demand the large amount of infrastructure investment underway across the South-East Queensland should help to support demand and improve liveability across the region.” Mr Lawless said it was still a sellers’ market but properties were staying on the market for longer “With listings holding quite low relative to historic levels buyers still don’t have a great deal of choice in the market and arguably vendors still have the upper hand,” he said “But we are seeing the median number of days it takes to sell gradually rise (32 days).” He said there was significant interest in units from buyers “The local unit market recorded a slightly stronger growth rate than houses up 7.3 percent in value over the past 12 months,” he said “The trend towards a larger rise in unit values over houses has been evident across most of the capital cities as well and can probably be attributed to affordability constraints becoming more prolific across the market deflecting more demand towards the lower priced unit sector.” REA Group figures showed that apartments at Coolum Beach Sippy Downs and Twin Waters all had price increases of more than 14 percent in 2024 Mr Lawless said that interest rates “will influence the market” in 2025 The cash rate has been at 4.35 per cent since November expect to see a further boost to confidence and a rise in borrowing capacity,” he said “Watch for stronger growth conditions across the more affordable suburbs of the Coast that might be more responsive to lower interest rates when they finally start to come down.” REA Group senior economist Anne Flaherty also said interest rates would be telling “Home price growth is expected to continue in the Sunshine Coast over 2025 though the rate of growth is likely to be determined by interest rate settings,” she said price growth has slowed on the Sunshine Coast “This trend is expected to continue into 2025 however a reduction in interest rates could reverse this trend.” Director of Ray White Maroochydore and Buderim Dan Sowden expected the 2025 property market to be “much the same” as 2024 “In certain pockets there will be continued growth but in other areas there will be opportunities for buyers,” he said He believed luxury properties would continue to attract top dollar “I think that market will perform very well,” he said “It’s dominated by the baby boomer demographic buyers.” “There are lots of buyers with the capacity to purchase at strong prices.” The Sunshine Coast has experienced considerable growth in luxury real estate with a 49 per cent price increase during the past five years Prices jumped from $1.34 million to $2.37 million Meanwhile Mr Sowden said there would be opportunity for buyers in “typical family suburbs” where he said more homes were coming on to the market “There are more choices there … but buyers in these areas are budget sensitive so interest rates and cost of living will play a role,” he said