The health and wellbeing industry is the Sunshine Coast’s largest employer. Around 2,000 healthcare businesses (.id, 2016) currently employ more than 20,000 people, providing an experienced workforce for this growing industry.
The health and wellbeing industry is also one of the largest generators of economic activity on the Sunshine Coast and is in a strong position for growth and investment. The industry is predicted to double its share of the employment market by 2033.
Underpinning the growth and future investment in the health and wellbeing industry is the development of the Sunshine Coast Health Precinct. At the heart of the new health precinct is the incorporating A$1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH) and the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) - (a specialist skills, academic and research centre), as well as a co-located private hospital. This is the first new tertiary hospital development in Australia in more than 25 years that is not replacing an existing facility.
The investment in the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, coupled with the development and investment in an extensive health and medical precinct adjacent to the university hospital site, will continue to provide a major stimulant for growth and development of the health and wellbeing industry on the Sunshine Coast.
Key health and wellbeing industry participants on the Sunshine Coast include:
Why establish a health-related business on the Sunshine Coast?
- The region is home to one of Australia's largest investments in new health care infrastructure, including the new A$1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the A$150 million Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and a A$60.8 million Sunshine Coast Health Institute.
- High demand already exists for healthcare services on the Sunshine Coast with approximately 20% of the region’s population aged over 65 (Queensland Regional Profile, 2016). The average age of people on the Sunshine Coast is 43 compared to 37 in Queensland (ABS 2016 Census Quickstats) and the number of persons aged 65 years and over on the Sunshine Coast is projected to increase by 67,000 between 2011 and 2036 (QLD Government Population Projections 2015).
- Adjacent to the co-located hospitals, the Health Hub provides multiple investment opportunities for specialist and ancillary health businesses.
To find out more information about the industry, please download the Health and Wellbeing brochure.[4635KB]
To view the strategic direction for each of the seven High-Value Industries, please visit the Industry Investment Plans.
Australian Health Accelerator (AHx) Program
AHx program is a catalyst for validating and commercialising new, innovative health related products and services with access to state-of-the-art facilities, simulation suites and laboratories. If you are a MedTech, Health and Wellbeing entrepreneur, please visit the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast Health Accelerator website.
Case Studies
Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, Ramsay Health Care[289KB]
The Sunshine Coast was a great destination for our multi-million dollar development. A motivated and quality workforce matched by a great place to live and work – it’s hard to beat.
Oliver Steele | CEO, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital
Suncare Community Service Ltd[317KB]
We maintain confidence in the Sunshine Coast as our centre of operations, with our head office strategically located adjacent to the new Sunshine Coast Health Precinct. Supported by rapid population increase, business and workforce opportunities, and local partners, the Sunshine Coast remains pivotal to Suncare’s future growth, investment and service delivery.
Iain Green | Chairman, Suncare Community Services Ltd
There are so many benefits to running a business on the Sunshine Coast for an employer - lifestyle, lower wage costs, a strong and developing health precinct and a sense of positivity and business growth.
Debbie Neame | SEQ Regional Manager, Westfund Health