Maroochydore City Centre Wins Excellence in Strategic Planning at 2024 Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence

The Maroochydore City Centre project has been awarded the Strategic Planning Project Award for Excellence at the 2024 Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence, hosted by the Planning Institute of Australia (PIA). A landmark in urban planning and design, this project exemplifies the transformative potential of public and private collaboration to create a vibrant, future-ready city centre within an existing urban landscape.

Led by Walker Corporation, Sunshine Coast Council, and SunCentral Maroochydore, the Maroochydore City Centre project showcases an impressive master plan that aligns economic growth with sustainability, liveability, and technological advancement. The judges praised the project's vision to establish a dynamic hub of commercial, residential, and cultural activity in a region historically characterised by suburban growth.

The judges praised the Maroochydore City Centre for positioning local government as a catalyst for innovation and progress, providing essential economic stimulus and introducing cutting-edge infrastructure that supports this transformative city development. They commended the initiative for redefining what a modern city centre can achieve, with its focus on liveability, advanced technology, and sustainable growth.

The PIA Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence, held in Brisbane on Friday 8 November 2024, gathered over 300 industry leaders to celebrate the remarkable achievements of planners, consultants, and local governments across Queensland. This year's awards highlighted projects that enhance the state's communities, setting new standards for strategic and sustainable development. The Maroochydore City Centre stood out for its forward-thinking approach and impact on regional development.

PIA Queensland President Sean Cullen PIA praised the calibre of submissions, stating, "These awards highlight the critical role planners play in building thriving, resilient communities. The Maroochydore City Centre project exemplifies the innovation, collaboration, and long-term thinking key to good planning and creating great places for people."

Congratulations to Walker Corporation, Sunshine Coast Council, and Sun Central Maroochydore for their outstanding achievement.

For more information on the winners and their projects, visit the PIA website at Awards website which will go live at 9:30pm AEST on 8 November.

About the Planning Institute of Australia

The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the national body representing planning professionals across Australia, dedicated to enhancing the quality of planning and the impact of planners nationwide.