Oceanside Health Hub ahead of economic forecasts

The Oceanside Health Hub at Kawana is five years ahead of forecasts in terms of employment generation and economic growth, figures released today show.

Mayor Mark Jamieson and Stockland Residential Queensland General Manager Kingsley Andrew joined industry leaders from across the region at Oceanside Kawana this morning for a special update on the precinct.

The 17 hectare, purpose-built Health Hub is part of the Kawana Health Precinct, one of Australia's largest development projects and the nation's largest investment in health infrastructure, with $3.2 billion being invested into the precinct.

About 50 people attended today's briefing, including Opal Aged Care General Manager Commercial Sean Bilton, who outlined plans for a ground-breaking $36 million vertical aged health care project due to start construction at the precinct, just to the south of the Sunshine Coast University Public Hospital, next month.

Mr Andrew said the Oceanside Health Hub was an outstanding success story for the entire Sunshine Coast region, with new figures showing the precinct was already a key economic driver and employment generator.

"Project commitments at the Oceanside Health Hub so far are expected to generate more than 1360 direct and indirect jobs during the development stage, on top of more than 550 direct jobs for the local area," Mr Andrew said.

"The region is also expected to directly benefit from $582 million in development expenditure and an anticipated 1580 new long-term jobs from the ongoing activities within the precinct.

"Importantly, these benefits are being realised more than five years ahead of our original forecasts."

Mayor Jamieson welcomed the new employment forecasts, saying the Oceanside Health Huib was a game changer for the Sunshine Coast.

"The Oceanside Health Hub is already seeing strong demand from investors and with its enviable location next to the hospitals, it's no wonder that the precinct is such a success."

Stockland has received commitments for 70% of the 17 commercial sites within the Health Hub since the first contract was signed in April 2013.

Projects currently under construction include the $15 million Best Western Plus Oceanside Kawana Hotel, the $21 million Pulse Oceanside medical complex, a $15 million multi-deck carpark with ground floor retail space and the $3 million Oceanside Early Learning Centre.

Work will begin soon on the final 325 residential lots of Birtinya Island.

On completion, Oceanside Kawana will provide around 12,000 ongoing jobs and contribute $828 million annually to the economy.

Picture: Mayor Mark Jamieson with Opal Aged Care General Manager Commercial Sean Bilton (left) and Stockland Residential Queensland General Manager Kingsley Andrew