Catalysing Regional Potential at University of the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast, one hour or 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, is one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, with a population across four shires of around 250 000, and projected to double over the next 15–20 years. It is a region dominated by a fragile small business environment, a low skills workforce and higher than the State average unemployment rate. It is a beautiful physical environment with huge potential as a sub-tropical location with attractive life-style opportunities. In order to catalyse its potential as an environment where promising new small businesses can thrive and generate employment, the USC has partnered with the Department of Employment Workplace Relations and Small Business (DEWRSB), State Development, Maroochy Shire Council (MSC) and Sunshine Coast Business Development Corporation (SCBDC) to fund and operate a new architect-designed ‘Innovation Centre’ which is nearing completion in the University grounds near its entrance. It is the first stage of an integrated incubator/technology park project in the new planned Sippy Downs township around the University