Coast growth coaxes Kangaroo to hop on board

High business confidence, expanding tourism markets and an exciting events schedule have made the Sunshine Coast an attractive region for Kangaroo Bus Lines to expand its business.

General Manager Darren Webster said the company had recently established a new depot at Kunda Park.

“Our new depot will have 10 staff and we’re hopeful this expansion will also create more employment opportunities in the future,” Mr Webster said.

“Kangaroo Bus Lines is a family owned company that has operated since 1978, providing charter services throughout South East Queensland and beyond. The company was originally established in the Moreton Bay Shire and currently boasts a fleet of more than 100 vehicles and 150 staff.

“We saw an opportunity to bring a real service experience to the Sunshine Coast. We see this as a very exciting region and a very exciting time for us.

“Over the past six months, Kangaroo Bus Lines has had a strong presence on the Coast, servicing major events like the Caloundra Music Festival and the Tag World Cup as well as providing touring services for the Mooloolaba cruise ship visits.

“I think we’ve hit a niche market here in the events space.

“The Sunshine Coast really is the major events capital of regional Australia and we’re excited to help facilitate that through our new Maroochy depot that will enable us to better service our Coast clients, including local schools, tourism groups and business and major events.”

Sunshine Coast Council Economic Development Manager Paul Martins said Kangaroo Bus Lines were among a diverse list of businesses recognising the investment opportunities in our region.

“Over the past 12 months alone, major companies like Youi, Auto & General and Country Chef have chosen the Sunshine Coast to expand their businesses and in Youi’s case establish their global headquarters,” Mr Martins said.

“Kangaroo Bus Lines’ investment at Kunda Park further highlights the Sunshine Coast’s strong vision for the future growth of the local economy and employment through the Regional Economic Development Strategy (REDS).

“Tourism, Sport and Leisure is one of the seven high value industries within REDS and to have a company like Kangaroo Bus Lines servicing the region, particularly when major events and their guests come to town, can only strengthen our reputation.

“Having 10 staff operating from this new depot will create an economic impact of more than $1 million and this will hopefully increase in the future as the company’s operations at Kunda Park grow.”

Visit Sunshine Coast Marketing Manager Simon Latchford said Kangaroo Bus Lines’ expansion was particularly exciting given the calibre of major events being staged within the region this year.

“The World is coming to the Sunshine Coast in 2016 and it’s terrific to have a long established company with a great reputation like Kangaroo Bus Lines able to provide high quality service to the many thousands of guests who will visit our region this year,” he said.