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A land of opportunity

The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s most dynamic locations for new food and agribusiness investment opportunities.

Located just over one hour’s drive from Brisbane, the region has easy access to ports, airports, major road networks and rail.

Demand from Asian markets for local niche artisan produce continues to grow, particularly with our continued free trade agreements which include Singapore, Korea, Japan, and China.

Why the Sunshine Coast?

The Sunshine Coast offers favourable sub-tropical climate, rich soils, clean water and some of the world’s highest food safety and security standards, ideal ingredients for innovators seeking investment opportunities in agribusiness and food.

A winning combination of location advantages, lower cost of doing business, economic resources and government support makes it a prime location for agribusiness in Australia, home to a growing number of food and agribusiness innovators and entrepreneurs.

Sun, soil and a subtropical climate

The Sunshine Coast is home to more than 900 agribusinesses producing a wide range of products, from seafood and strawberries to plant nurseries and dairy.

Other major commodities include poultry, cultivated turf, dairy milk, cattle and outdoor nurseries.

Areas of significant growth include strawberries, macadamias, pineapples and tomatoes.

The $796 million industry is being strengthened by the emerging opportunities and resilience of the Sunshine Coast processing sector, which contributes $390 million and provides valuable linkages to manufacturing, education, retail and tourism.

Image: Maleny Dairies

Opportunities

Industry connections

Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN)

The Sunshine Coast boasts Australia’s fastest growing food industry group, the Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN). FAN is a not-for-profit food and agribusiness community that supports collaboration and empowers members and industry to grow by accelerating innovation and driving trade locally and globally.

Research facility

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Maroochy Research Facility on the Sunshine Coast services Queensland’s and Australia’s nut, tropical and subtropical fruit industries.

It is a global leader in applied research, development and extension and staff work collaboratively with regional, state and international organisations and communities. The facility also services the greater South-East Queensland region as an administrative, managerial and regulatory hub.

Advanced Manufacturing Hub

The Turbine Precinct will provide Australia’s first purpose built, end-to-end food and beverage manufacturing and education precinct, unlocking growth, accelerating innovation and creating a blueprint for collaborative manufacturing.

Fast facts

Star performer

Walker Seafoods

Image: Pavo from Walker Seafoods

Walker Seafoods Australia is a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified tuna company that supplies to some of the most prestigious restaurants in the country.

2021 State Winner, Delicious Produce Awards for MSC Certified Bigeye Tuna.

2019 and 2018 Gold Medals, Delicious Produce Awards for MSC Certified Swordfish.

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