‘Positive start’: luxury hotel gains approval

A bold initiative by Sunshine Coast Council to attract more luxury hotels to the region has made a successful start with the approval of an exciting hotel project - complete with rooftop bar - in the heart of Caloundra.

The project is intended to comprise of shops and cafes at Ground Level, restaurant and hotel amenities on Level 1, 160 suites over Levels 2-10 and a rooftop restaurant and bar with outdoor dining and function rooms on Level 11.

Located at 51-55 Bulcock Street, it is the first development application approved under the Sunshine Coast Accommodation Hotel Incentives Package.

This includes incentives through the Queensland Government-backed Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI), to attract upscale international-branded hotels and is aimed at boosting the region’s economy.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the approval was a significant step in the right direction.

“It’s exactly the kind of outcome we had hoped for when we introduced the Accommodation Hotel Incentives Package,” Mayor Natoli said.

“It’s a positive start – a new wave of upper market investment, jobs and opportunity for our region. We’ve listened to the business community, we have acted, and now we’re seeing the results.”

It is estimated that just one upscale hotel will provide $29.5 million in annual visitor spend, 422 jobs during construction and 165 ongoing roles once operational.

Mayor Natoli said the project would help meet the growing demand for high-quality accommodation, while also boosting demand for local experiences – from dining to tourism.

“We know we’re missing out on high-value visitors because we simply don’t have enough upscale hotel rooms,” she said.

“This approval shows that with the right initiatives in place, we can unlock the kind of development that benefits our whole community, from local businesses to hospitality workers and beyond.”

“We’re building momentum, and the future is looking bright for the Sunshine Coast.”

Encouraging more investment in our region

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie said he had promised to deliver a Fresh Start for Queensland.

“This includes encouraging more investment across the State,” the Deputy Premier said.

“The Sunshine Coast needs more hotel beds, and I was pleased to support the Council’s Hotel package in Caloundra and Maroochydore.

“Delivering more hotel rooms like this will support the Sunshine Coast as it hosts multiple Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games events.”