Business expansion in three Sunshine Coast industrial land estates has created more than 140 new jobs in the past year.
The industrial estates are located in Caloundra, Coolum and Yandina, and are managed by the state through Economic Development Queensland (EDQ).
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said the strong appetite from businesses to secure industrial land has provided a shot in the arm for jobs growth on the coast.
“From Caloundra to Coolum, industrial land on the Sunshine Coast is in demand and enabling local business to relocate and expand, creating the right conditions for growth,” Mr Dick said.
“Businesses are making a strong investment in industrial land on the Sunshine Coast, which is telling us the location and supply is right.
“Sunshine Coast Industrial Park (SCIP) only has ten lots remaining, Coolum currently has four lots under contract and three under negotiation, while there’s only one lot available for sale at Yandina.
“Rowcon Recycling, King Truss, Wagners and Cordwell Resources have all recently purchased land at SCIP, and with planning approved and a development application underway for Stage 2 we’re ensuring high demand will continue to be met.”
Rowcon Recycling Head of Sales Lauren Gray said the purchase of lot 45 at SCIP has helped their family-owned business grow.
“We now employ 12 full time staff and since January 2019 we have invested over $2.5 million in plant and equipment to expand the business,” Ms Gray said.
“We are currently working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads testing recycled road base materials as well as the Sunshine Coast Regional Council for the use of recycled materials and the feedback so far has been fantastic.”
South-east Queensland prefabricated timber frame and roof truss specialist King Truss is one business that has moved into the industrial park.
King Truss owner and Manager Jamie Fresser said the company had spent a lot of time researching before moving to the SCIP.
“Securing a site at SCIP is enabling us to build capacity, grow our customer base and expand our 40-strong team, creating more jobs for locals.,” Mr Fresser said.
“Our new factory will be more than twice the size of our current site and will feature new technology and methods that will streamline production.”
SCIP is located three kilometres from the Bruce Highway, Caloundra, and 85 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD.
It is the largest of EDQ’s three Sunshine Coast estates, featuring 73 established lots across 78 hectares of developed industrial land.
