Setting the scene to ensure good growth
By Kirra Livingstone
THE hinterland is set to undergo significant economic development, with diverse industries ready to drive robust employment growth, according to Division 1 Councillor, Jenny Broderick,
Cr Broderick said the ongoing expansion of the industrial area throughout Glasshouse Country presents an exciting opportunity for the region.
“These businesses will provide a range of trade and retail opportunities, including manufacturing, fabrication, plumbing, electrical, automotive, and transport,” she said.
She added that this growth opened the door to numerous apprenticeships and traineeships, securing long-term employment for local residents.
Tourism, hospitality, agritourism, and creative industries are also poised for significant expansion.
However, Cr Broderick said that this potential can only be fully realised with support mechanisms.
“Convenient and consistent public transport, appropriately zoned spaces, and improved infrastructure are essential if we are to create an environment where these businesses thrive,” she said.
She added that challenges including a lack of housing for staff and fierce online competition needed to be addressed.
“We often hear calls for a more diverse range of essential retail to encourage local shopping, but rising commercial lease rates and higher living costs create real challenges,” Cr Broderick said.
She argued that without sustained community and government support, these challenges would only widen the gap between potential and actual growth.
Cr Broderick identified agritourism as experiencing a renaissance in the region and a way for local farmers to add value to their produce.
and transport infrastructure was critical.
She also said that larger businesses were increasingly attracted to the hinterland due to available space, affordability, lifestyle benefits, and easier access to both the coast and Brisbane without the traffic congestion common in urban centres.
Food manufacturer, Happy Snack Company, has been operating in the region since 1992.
are moving here because of the available industrial land and easy road access.”
Maleny Chamber of Commerce president, Spencer Shaw, said there was a widening of industries but that “Food and agribusiness will continue to play an important role and reflect our unique rural and environmental region”.
Say Maleny Cheese
By Kirra Livingstone
port, s n tual urism a he y the region Starting before Land ago, Agne com to
“It’s fantastic to see our farmers supplying local hospitality businesses,”
Cr Broderick said, adding that the integration of local produce into hospitality services underpinned a broader strategy for sustainable regional growth.
Cr Broderick said that the current pace of industry growth aligned with projected population increases, but warned that balancing employment opportunities with housing
Starting in Maleny before relocating to Landsborough 10 years ago, director Megan Agnew credited the company’s success to their “steady and consistent workforce”. She added the business had experienced positive growth through staying in the hinterland.
“We find our position in Landsborough as having good access for transport to bring our raw materials and required goods to us and then take our finished goods on to other locations in Australia or to the port to export markets,” she said.
“We are an established business, with most of the demand for our products being outside this region.
“I think more businesses
“IT industry will continue to grow as green changers retreat from urban centres for the unique urban culture/rural lifestyle that Maleny can offer,” he said.
Mr Shaw added the arts and culture industry also had the potential to thrive if the Sunshine Coast Council and State Government provided financial or planning assistance.
Glasshouse Chamber of Commerce President, Tamara Hazelden, also weighed in on the economic landscape. She said the region’s momentum was fuelled by strong local business development and ongoing infrastructure improvements, which created a fertile ground for further investment.
“We are seeing a clear demand for workforce development, especially in emerging sectors like agritourism, manufacturing, and creative industries,” Ms Hazelden said.
kirra@gcnews.com.au
RENOWNED for its boutique production, Maleny Cheese and Obi Obi Dairy stand as two long-standing food manufacturers in the hinterland, dedicated to sourcing local produce and bolstering community employment.
Founders Sara and Markus Bucher launched Maleny Cheese in 2004 and expanded their operation in 2014 with the acquisition of Obi Obi Dairy.
Together, the two businesses craft artisanal cheese and yoghurt, employing 38 staff and said they remained committed to catering to the hinterland’s needs.
“We offer direct employment opportunities for locals, ranging from specialised roles such as cheese and yoghurt makers to various food handling, office, café, and gardening
positions,” Mrs Bucher explained.
“Maleny Cheese supplies products to restaurants, cafés, and short-stay accommodations, further enhancing the hinterland’s reputation as a thriving ‘food bowl’.” Mrs Bucher further asserted that the hinterland is an ideal setting for growing businesses, particularly in the food sector. “The land is fertile and affordable compared to major cities, with a reliable water supply and a supportive community of like-minded business owners,” she said.
“The hinterland offers a distinct alternative to the crowded coast with its lower entry price and the opportunity to escape coastal congestion,” Mrs Bucher said. Maleny Cheese will continue to grow as they remain focused on customer feedback, sustainability and efficiency.
Commercial lots are giving hinterland an economic boost
By Kirra Livingstone
THE Sunshine Coast’s hinterland is witnessing a surge in commercial real estate, fuelling growth across a broad spectrum of industries.
Nigel Irving, Colliers Commercial Sales and Leasing executive, is currently marketing industrial estate lots in Beerwah and Landsborough, areas increasingly attracting both emerging enterprises and established corporates.
Mr Irving noted, “We are observing a diverse mix of industrial users, ranging from sole traders to larger corporate entities.
Investors are also drawn to the parks due to their future potential and the overall growth prospects of
the area.”
He highlighted that the Beerwah business park has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate a wide range of industries, including manufacturing and professional services.
“Key drivers include convenient access to the M1 via Roys Road and the affordability of industrial land and units,” he added.
The newly established business park in Landsborough off sheds for lease, with sizes varying from 199.5 to 399 m² and a starting price of $29,925pa. Meanwhile, industrial units on Creek Crescent in Beerwah are for sale, from $540,930 for a 148m² unit, with larger units up to 533m² priced in excess of $1.7 million.
that land sales in
have been robust, and he
opened his business in the Landsborough industrial
Mr Irving also observed
to his patrons.
“We prioritise purchasing from local businesses –for example, we source a significant portion of our produce from a local macadamia nut farmer. When money circulates within the local economy, it benefits everyone,” he explained.
Mr Jones said that operating in the hinterland comes with distinct advantages.
“Working in a beautiful part of the world with a welcoming community, great summers and cool winters, is a real benefit,” he said.
“The location is also ideal – it’s just a short distance from Brisbane, with easy access via the highway and proximity to the train line. Moreover, it is considerably
more affordable than many areas on the Sunshine Coast.”
In a recent transaction, Colliers facilitated the sale of lots 4, 5, 6, and 7/39 Coral Street in Maleny, securing high-profile tenancies at a total value of $3.7 million in February.
Millie Worcester, Colliers commercial sales and leasing executive said:
“We executed an intensive on-market campaign that showcased the properties both individually and collectively to maximise exposure and foster competitive bidding.
“This approach generated 71 enquiries, resulted in the issuance of 68 Information Memorandums and received four offers, ultimately achieving a strong outcome for the vendor,” she said.
Beerwah
The Rare Orchid Distilling Co owner, Jamie Jones,
serves wood-fired pizzas and curated cheese boards
The Rare Orchid Distilling Co owner, Jamie Jones.
Tourism – our secret weapon
20-year
plan to map out future of $34b industry set to take us to the next level
By Andrew Powell MP
TOURISM is our secret weapon. Queensland’s stunning and unique landscapes and high calibre experiences enables our state to thrive on tourism, boosting our economy by $95 million a day! The Crisafulli Government takes this seriously. It’s why we’ve been out and about across the entire state consulting on a 20year tourism plan known as Destination 2045. It’s why we’ve combined the environment and tourism portfolios - to reduce red tape and showcase our natural wonders. And, it’s why we absolutely have to make the most of the green and gold runway leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Our government established the Tourism Cabinet Committee to appropriately guide these pivotal two decades – it’s chaired by myself, but also includes the Deputy Premier to oversee state infrastructure and planning, the Transport and Main Roads Minister to pave access to our destinations,
the Local Government Minister to ensure all levels of government are working together, the Minister for Natural Resources to coordinate tenure for our brilliant landscapes as we set foot on a new era for ecotourism, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister to guide us to 2032. This is one of the biggest opportunities
to take this $34 billion-ayear industry to the next level, and get back on top as the number one tourism destination in Australia.
Tourism is a major wealth generator in Glass House. Whether it’s established
or our burgeoning agritourism ventures, we know people love to visit our area, and bring our small town economies. We are seeing a growth in “experience tourism” where visitors want to learn how their food is grown or immerse themselves in activities from bush walking to kayaking, and our backyard has even more potential in this space.
for growth Queensland has ever seen, capable of delivering legacy infrastructure right across the state.
Queensland’s tourism sector already supports one in 12 jobs, but it’s time
The Glass House hinterland is well positioned to capitalise on these trends. Moreton Bay, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast are some of the fastest growing regions in the state, and with a population set to grow by an extra 2.2 million people in the
next 25 years, there’ll be no shortage of visitors. But we need to be sensible about how we grow – gone are the days of approving hasty developments without ensuring there’s enough infrastructure to keep up with a rapidly expanding community.
Half of our Tourism Cabinet Committee members call the Sunshine Coast home –we’re committed to making sure this perfect part of the world excels.
Since October, we’ve
home buyers, we’ve made it possible to rent out a and we’ve put the B2N Rail Duplication Project back on track to ease congestion and increase access. We have a deep understanding of the challenges of overdevelopment, but also know how important it is to ensure the people who keep a roof over their heads and have a job just around the corner.
HQPlantations’ sustainable vision
Building Jobs, Homes, and a Sustainable Future for Queenslanders
By HQPlantations
AT HQPlantations,
we’re not just managing timber plantations – we’re building the future for Queenslanders. With over 310,000 hectares under our management area spanning from Passchendaele near the NSW border to Kuranda, northwest of Cairns, we’re committed to supplying sustainably grown plantation timber for the Queensland building industry, supporting the local economy and communities across the state. Plantation forests in the Beerburrum area alone cover 30,000 hectares, ensuring a steady supply of timber that helps build homes, create jobs, and sustain regional businesses.
Local Impact, National Reach
Our timber isn’t just grown locally—it’s processed locally. We primarily sell our timber domestically, with processing taking place at nearby facilities.
This approach maximises local and regional economic harvesting, to transporting and processing, ensuring that Queensland’s communities directly our work.
Supporting Queensland’s Economy, Workforce and Sustainable Future
HQPlantations employs a dedicated team across Queensland. Locally we employ people in Beerburrum, North Lakes, and the Sunshine Coast region.
We support thousands of local and regionally-based jobs in the timber industry. From contractors providing a range of professional and technical services to support our forest operations, to the mills, truss and frame manufacturers and others that process our timber into everyday products. Collectively, these
businesses provide work and prosperity to regional areas.
Each year, we provide the timber for the construction of over 25,000 house frames, helping build the homes that Queensland families need.
As our trees
grow, they take carbon out of the atmosphere, which remains stored
it is harvested, helping to address climate change. The trees are replaced with 8 million new seedlings every year, contributing to the circularity of the entire operation and making wood the ultimate
renewable!
For more information on our sustainable practices, information on visiting our plantation forests and the exciting career opportunities available with HQPlantations or our contract partners and customers, visit www. hqplantations.com.au.
Please come and meet the local team
at our HQPlantations Beerburrum Open Day to be held at our Beerburrum 2025. We will be sharing more information on the Beerburrum Open Day soon.
HQPlantations: Building jobs, homes, and a greener, more prosperous Queensland for all.
