Minister cuts ribbon at new Sunshine Coast convention centre

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has today opened the $10 million Sunshine Coast Convention Centre at Novotel Twin Waters Resort.

Ms Jones said the project would create up to 100 jobs on the Sunshine Coast in the future.

“Conferences and business events are a multi-million-dollar global industry. This new centre allows the Sunshine Coast to tap into this rapidly growing sub-sector of the tourism market,” she said.

“This industry is a perfect fit for the Sunny Coast. Delegates can come for work and once their conference is over, enjoy the world-class tourism experiences the Coast has to offer.

“New tourism infrastructure helps to attract more visitors and support local jobs. That’s what makes projects like this so important.

“We’ll continue to partner with the private sector to grow the tourism industry on the Sunshine Coast.”

Ms Jones said the new 3300 square metre convention centre, capable of hosting more than 1000 delegates, would be a game-changer for the region.

“This centre has enough capacity to house 200 trade stands at once. It will be instrumental in securing events the Sunshine Coast has never been able to host in the past,” she said.

“With the expansion of the Sunshine Coast airport and millions of dollars in new tourism infrastructure developments under way, the local tourism industry is booming.”

Positioned in the grounds of the Novotel Twin Waters Resort, the convention centre gives delegates access to the natural bushland and surrounding ocean, river and lagoon water features accessing playing fields and two premium golf courses.

The Minyama and Wandiny function rooms acknowledge the local Indigenous Gubbi Gubbi people.

Ms Jones said the owners of the convention centre and the 361-room resort, Shakespeare Property Group, set the ambitious goal of increasing delegate numbers by 30 per cent within two years.

“More delegates mean more jobs for locals – that’s why we’re getting behind this campaign,” she said.

“I look forward to coming back in November this year when the convention centre will come alive for Queensland’s leading tourism industry event, the DestinationQ Forum, which will again be held alongside the Queensland Tourism Awards.”

Shakespeare Property Group managing director Yak Yong Quek said the company was proud to expand its operation on the Sunshine Coast.

“Shakespeare prides itself on being a proactive investor. Our style is to invest, improve and evolve product to ensure we are leading the market,” he said.

“To complement the delivery of this state-of-the-art convention centre we have also committed to extensive upgrading of the hotel lobby, food and beverage facilities. These works will commence imminently and will be completed by October 2019.

“The additional investment will dramatically enhance the guest experience and provide exciting new dining options for our guests and surrounding residents.

“This upgrade will not only benefit our guests to the resort, but will create opportunities for the local economy and the community through employment and superior facilities to be enjoyed by all.

“This next phase continues to be supportive of our broader vision to create fresh opportunities for the economic and cultural growth of the community and our partnership with Accor will ensure the delivery of this vision.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the new facility would reinforce the region’s growing reputation as a destination of choice for business and leisure.

“This facility will certainly play a key role in helping our Sunshine Coast continue on its upward trajectory as one of the nation’s highest performing regional economies and leading visitor destinations,” he said.

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