The Property Council of Australia only recently announced the members of its Sunshine Coast Committee for the 2019–2020 term, but the group is already taking proactive action to connect with regional stakeholders to establish stronger lines of communication.
RPS general manager Brad Williams is the new Sunshine Coast chair and says the committee’s priorities will be to ensure that the Sunshine Coast is best positioned to manage our future growth while safeguarding our region’s affordability and lifestyle.
“We’re keen to continue to work with policymakers to advocate on key infrastructure priorities for the region and remove red tape hurdles for the local industry,” he says.
This was seconded by deputy chair Anthony Demiris from AVID Property Group, who says the committee is working towards having a stronger voice when it comes to advocating for the residential, industrial and commercial property industries with the Sunshine Coast Council.
The property sector accounts for nearly 17 per cent of all full-time jobs in the Sunshine Coast local government area. While in the Noosa Shire, it accounts for 18 per cent.
Across the two local government areas, the property sector directly contributes $1.2 billion in wages annually.
“The industry represents a significant component of the region’s GDP and employment base,” Mr Demiris says.
“There is a heavy investment in infrastructure projects on the Sunshine Coast and when you combine that with organic interstate and international migration, the region is at a point now where we need to start focusing our efforts in making sure we create ongoing and sustainable jobs and the dwellings to match.
“Historically, the Coast has been more tourism-based and that’s evolving. The Coast is becoming more sophisticated through the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, increased access through the airport expansion, the submarine cable and the Maroochydore CBD and as these evolve, we have to ensure we continue to deliver housing to support the anticipated growth in jobs and population.”
Mr Demiris says prior to the SCUH project and large investment in the Bruce Highway upgrade, the region hadn’t seen substantial investment for some time.
“Of course, the region is not sustained by these catalytic infrastructure investments alone, it is and needs to continue to be, supported by local industries and with the amount of development that is to go on at Harmony and also down at Aura, the residential construction industry is positioned to continue to enjoy a period of sustained prosperity,” he says.
Mr Demiris says the PCA committee has already reached out to engage with the council and SunCentral to understand more about the vision and potential opportunities within the CBD development.
“We are keen to look at other components of the Sunshine Coast property industry to gain a greater understanding of the risks and opportunities both current and future planning schemes offer and make ourselves available to consult on the key potential opportunities for future sustained growth on the Coast – one of our primary focuses will be on growth management,” he says.
This will be in addition to the traditional role of Property Council members to invest in, design, build and manage places that matter from homes to retirement villages, shopping centres, office buildings, industrial areas, education, research and health precincts, tourism and hospitality venues and more.
The Property Council of Australia 2019–2020 Sunshine Coast Committee
- Chair: Brad Williams – RPS
- Deputy Chair: Anthony Demiris – AVID Property Group
- Michael Bissett – Pensar
- Peter Capps – Savills
- Frances Cayley – Sunshine Coast Council
- Warren Denny – K & L Gates
- Jason Dixon – WT Partnership
- Elli Fisher – Tract Consultants Pty Ltd
- Damian Gilmore – Rider Levett Bucknall
- Lauri Hitzke – Kane Constructions Pty Ltd
- Hannah Madill – Stockland
- Garry McLean – McLean Yeoh Pty Ltd
- Todd Mumberson – Lendlease
- Emily Pendleton – Ray White Commercial
- Brendan Robins – CBRE
- Caitlin Sewell – ANZ Banking Group
- Michael Sheppard – Project Urban Pty Ltd
- Mellissa Zulpo – SMEC Australia
- Nic Marie – nbn
