Buderim Archives - Buderim Today

Queensland Garden Show Celebrates 42 Years with Biggest Names in Gardening

The Queensland Garden Show is celebrating its 42nd year at Nambour Showgrounds with more than 90 free talks across five live stages, 360-plus exhibitors and a speaker program featuring Tammy Huynh alongside some of the country’s best-known horticultural experts.

The event runs from 10 to 12 July 2026 and is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors. For Buderim residents, Nambour Showgrounds is just a 15-minute drive north-west along the range, making it one of Queensland’s most accessible major gardening events. Around 65 per cent of attendees travel from outside the Sunshine Coast region, highlighting the show’s statewide appeal.

The 2026 program spans seven hectares and includes more than 55 nurseries selling 60,000 plants each day, a Giant Kitchen Garden, a Plant Clinic for one-on-one advice, hands-on workshops and a packed schedule of talks and demonstrations. It is the kind of event where visitors can easily spend a full day exploring, which is why two-day and three-day passes remain popular.

Tammy Huynh makes her Queensland debut

The headline addition to the 2026 speaker programme is Tammy Huynh, who joins the show for the first time. A presenter on ABC’s Gardening Australia, author of The Plant Book and 2021 Horticulturist of the Year, Huynh brings a focus on indoor plant care that reflects how much gardening culture has shifted in recent years toward balcony gardens, apartment growing and houseplant collections.

“One of the things I love most about gardening events is the opportunity to connect with other plant enthusiasts, share knowledge and learn something new,” Huynh said ahead of her Queensland debut. “My sessions will explore indoor plant care, common problems and some of the biggest myths surrounding houseplants, with plenty of practical tips to help people grow with confidence.”

Her sessions sit alongside returning horticultural heavyweights Graham Ross AM, Sophie Thomson, Jerry Coleby-Williams and Phil Dudman, who between them represent decades of practical growing knowledge. New speaker Robert “The Mountain Man” Wilson also joins the programme, bringing his perspective on legacy horticulture to the lineup.

From the vegie patch to the chef’s stage

The Cooks Garden Stage adds a food angle that makes the show genuinely useful for home growers who want to know what to actually do with what they harvest. Head Chef Mal Meiers from ēthos at Alsahwa Estate appears alongside Kenji Hiroto from SOKA, crowd favourite Matt Golinski, and Robert Cauilan, Executive Chef at Aussie World and the Banana Bender Pub, whose cooking draws on Filipino flavours applied to modern Australian cuisine.

“Whether you’re interested in rare, unusual and ornamental plants, new plant releases, growing your own food at home, creating a more sustainable garden or simply learning from some of the best minds in horticulture, there is something in the program for every gardener,” said Colin Fruk, Chief Executive Officer of Greenlife Industry QLD.

A rooster crow and 60,000 plants

Beyond the speaker stages and the nurseries, the show runs a Plant Clinic where visitors can bring their gardening problems directly to experts, workshops for those who want to get their hands in the soil, and the returning Rooster Crowing Competition as part of the Poultry Spectacular.

Adults and children both compete, and it has become one of the more genuinely unexpected highlights of the weekend.

The economic reach of the Queensland Garden Show is considerable. Over more than four decades, the event has injected over $200 million into the local economy, with a visitor base that extends well beyond the Sunshine Coast into Brisbane, regional Queensland and interstate.

Tickets and getting there

The Queensland Garden Show runs Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July 2026 at Nambour Showgrounds. Gates open at 8am and close at 4pm each day.

Ticket prices are as follows:

Adult entry – $26.50 (online) / $29 (gate price)
Pensioner concession – $23.50 (online) / $25 (gate price)
Locals entry – $21.20 (online) / $22.50 (gate)
Children 15 years and under – Free
Groups of 10 or more – $20 each
Two-day weekend pass (Saturday and Sunday) – $45
Three-day pass – $65
Parking: $10 per car

The showgrounds offer excellent disability access including on-site disabled parking, ground-level exhibits and accessible toilet facilities. Guide dogs are welcome.

Tickets are available online, where the full speaker programme and session times are also listed.

Published 25-June-2026

Buderim Macadamias Set to Take Centre Stage at Brisbane 2032 Games

Photo Credit: Food and Beverage Accelerator

Buderim-grown macadamias will be showcased as a premier Australian superfood to millions of global spectators following a University of Queensland report that positions Sunshine Coast produce as a cornerstone of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A Home-Grown Legacy

Released on 30 April 2026, the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper suggests that the upcoming Games offer a unique chance to support local growers and strengthen regional food systems. Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy, who led the research through the University of Queensland’s Business School, explained that the event is more than a simple catering task.

Instead, it serves as a platform to present the world with nutritious and high-quality food that is unique to the region. The report highlights the historical and cultural importance of macadamia, which is the only Australian native plant to become a major international food crop. Originally known as “Kindal Kindal” by Indigenous Australians, these nuts have been a treasured delicacy in the region for thousands of generations.

Boosting the Local Economy

The University of Queensland report aims to help local businesses benefit from the massive number of visitors expected for the Games. Research shows that during the Paris 2024 Games, more than 700,000 people attended events on a single day. By making local items like macadamias, Mooloolaba prawns, and Granite Belt olive oil the stars of the menu, the Games can create long-term value for the Sunshine Coast.

Professor McColl-Kennedy noted that today’s consumers want to know exactly where their food comes from and prefer healthy options. She suggested that serving fresh, local ingredients can create memorable, personalised experiences for visitors, such as enjoying local seafood while watching a sunset.

Supporting Innovation and Sustainability

The plan goes beyond just serving food; it focuses on solving modern challenges like worker shortages and rising costs. The report includes 57 recommendations for policymakers, including using new technology like artificial intelligence and digital tracking to reduce food waste.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry stated that making the right choices now will lead to a more resilient food industry that lasts well beyond 2032. The research also encourages working closely with Indigenous communities to grow native produce, ensuring the environmental and cultural heritage of the macadamia is preserved. By planning early, the organisers hope to build a system that supports farmers and provides fresh food for the community for decades to come.

Published Date 30-April-2026. Updated 19-June-2026.

Buderim Retirement Village Joins Food Waste Recycling Trial

Residents at a Buderim retirement village will be among the first on the Sunshine Coast to take part in a new food waste recycling trial aimed at reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfill.

The pilot program, led by the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and funded by the Queensland Government, will test a range of food recycling solutions across South East Queensland over the next two-and-a-half years.

One of the first participating sites is IRT The Palms Retirement Village in Buderim, where food scraps collected from residents will be processed using technologies designed to turn waste into useful resources such as compost, mulch and renewable energy. Based on the media release provided by the Council of Mayors (SEQ).

The broader trial will also include holiday accommodation in Noosa, residential towers on the Gold Coast and future projects in Brisbane. Organisers say more than 530 tonnes of food waste could be diverted from landfill during the program.

Researchers from Central Queensland University will work alongside participating councils to assess which recycling methods are most effective in high-density living environments. Technologies being tested include food dehydrators, anaerobic digestion systems and on-site composting solutions.

The initiative comes as South East Queensland continues to grow rapidly, with population forecasts predicting the region will be home to around six million people by 2046. According to the Council of Mayors, organic waste currently makes up more than one-third of household general waste.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said reducing landfill remained a priority for the region and that community participation would play an important role in the trial’s success. According to the media release, the project is intended to identify practical ways for residents to reduce food waste and support a more circular approach to waste management.

If successful, the findings could help shape future food waste recycling programs for apartments, retirement communities and other multi-unit developments across South East Queensland.

Published 11-June-2026

Buderim Resale Result Shows Changing Trends In Over-50s Communities

A Buderim home resale has highlighted how one over-50s couple achieved a significant gain within a land lease community before moving to another development in the region.

From Buderim Purchase To Resale Gain

A Sunshine Coast couple who purchased a home at B by Halcyon in Buderim in December 2023 later sold the property and reported an increase of about 35 per cent.

The resale was completed within six weeks, allowing them to transition to a different community at Halcyon Coves in Aura. The move enabled them to take up a slightly larger home while retaining the uplift from the sale.

Sunshine Coast property — Photo Credit: Supplied

How The Housing Model Works

The Buderim transaction reflects the structure of land lease communities, where residents own their home but lease the land beneath it.

Under this model, homeowners retain capital gains when they sell. The arrangement outlined in the release also states that there are no deferred management or exit fees, which can apply in traditional retirement villages and reduce final returns.

This difference in structure has been identified as a factor in resale outcomes for some homeowners in the over-50s sector.

land lease communities — Photo Credit: Supplied

Repeat Moves Within The Same Sector

The couple’s move from Buderim to another Halcyon community aligns with a broader pattern of repeat buying within similar developments.

Some homeowners are selling in established communities and purchasing again in newer locations, using resale outcomes to upgrade their homes or adjust their living arrangements.

This behaviour reflects how certain buyers are approaching over-50s housing with both lifestyle and financial considerations in mind.

Market Conditions Behind The Resale

Conditions across South East Queensland have also been linked to resale outcomes in this segment.

Housing supply in the region continues to lag behind demand, supporting price growth across different parts of the market. Within land lease communities, the limited number of homes available for resale has also been identified as a factor influencing value.

As resale activity increases, there is growing attention on how these transactions are tracked compared to traditional housing sales.

Buderim resale gain — Photo Credit: Supplied

What The Buderim Example Shows

The Buderim resale highlights how some over-50s homeowners are navigating housing decisions within land lease communities.

The ability to sell, retain gains, and move into another property within the same sector is emerging as a pathway for those seeking flexibility in later-life housing.

Published 26-Mar-2026

New Festival Site Approved for Coochin Creek Near Caloundra

Comiskey Group

A 150-hectare outdoor music festival and exhibition site at Coochin Creek, located approximately 25 minutes south of Buderim via the Bruce Highway, has received approval to host year-round events for up to 35,000 attendees, marking the Sunshine Coast’s first large-scale dedicated music venue.

The Coochin Fields site is expected to support more than 680 jobs and generate over $70 million in annual economic activity for the Sunshine Coast region. Developers the Comiskey Group plan to bring 250,000 visitor nights per year to the area, with 70,000 visitors and approximately $100 million in expenditure to the region.

Director David Comiskey said the development would be a major drawcard for the state, with 61 hectares of the site remaining undeveloped and tens of thousands of trees to be planted to create comfortable spaces for events. The site will host festivals and exhibitions throughout the year rather than seasonal events only.

Music Industry Welcomes New Venue

QMusic Chief Executive Officer Kris Stewart said the approval represents a huge step forward for the Queensland music industry, which has long called for more large-scale dedicated music venues. Having this kind of investment in a festival and music venue will benefit both Queensland audiences and artists.

Coochin Creek festival site — Photo Credit: Comiskey Group

The site fills a gap in the Sunshine Coast’s entertainment infrastructure, providing a purpose-built facility for major acts and events that previously had limited options in the region. Stewart noted that as Queensland faces the 2032 Olympics, the state needs platforms for the music industry to succeed and venues that can host world-class entertainment.

Environmental Safeguards and Community Concerns

The approval includes 100 conditions following extensive consultation, with requirements for wildlife-friendly fencing, stormwater management and operational plans to prevent neighboring national park and state forest from being affected. The site previously operated as a turf farm and strawberry farm.

However, environmental groups including the Sunshine Coast Environment Council have expressed concerns about the decision. Narelle McCarthy from the organization described it as ignoring environmental and safety risks, with 7,000 signatures collected against the development and a separate 150-site tourist park also approved at Coochin Creek.

Ten community groups petitioned against the application citing concerns over bushfire risk and environmental damage to the area bordering Pumicestone Passage, part of the Ramsar-listed Moreton Bay Marine Park. McCarthy said the conditions may not be strong enough to ensure no impacts on the significant environmental value of the area.

Local Music Community Divided

Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Emma Bosworth questioned whether the development prioritizes tourism over sustainability, noting that Woodfordia and the Big Pineapple have already hosted festivals in the area. She emphasized concerns about losing special natural places to urban sprawl and questioned whether First Nations people were consulted and if legislation exists regarding programming of local songwriters at festivals.

The festival site approval follows the separate approval of a 150-site tourist park at Coochin Creek, which is expected to boost accommodation supply for visitors attending events and exploring the Sunshine Coast. The combined developments aim to position the region as a destination for world-class events and increase tourism infrastructure in the area.

Located six kilometres east of the Bruce Highway (Exit 179), south of Caloundra, the site sits an easy 30km drive for Buderim locals. Authorities have mandated traffic management plans to ensure major event days do not bottleneck the highway commute for Sunshine Coast residents.

Published 17-February-2026.

Buderim Community Warned After Two E-Bike Deaths Linked To Illegal High-Powered Models

Photo Credit: Lusien Hurg/Facebook

A safety warning in Buderim has intensified community concern after authorities linked two recent deaths to illegal high powered e-bikes and a growing number of risky devices used by young riders.

Rising Concern After Local Tragedies

In late October, 8 year old Zeke Hondow died after a head on crash with a 15 year old rider on a bike path at Mountain Creek near Buderim. Police said the older boy’s e-bike did not meet public use standards and reached speeds far beyond legal limits.

Two days later, a separate crash on the Gold Coast claimed the life of another 15 year old whose electric dirt bike reached about ninety five kilometres per hour. Both incidents raised questions about how many young riders use powerful bikes that fall outside current rules.

Government Response Focused On Safety

Queensland’s Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg spoke in Buderim and urged parents to think carefully before buying expensive e-bikes or e-scooters that do not meet legal requirements. He said police already face challenges enforcing current laws because many riders ignore them, and he stressed the need for clearer rules that officers can enforce.

*Photo Credit:* *Brent Mickelberg MP*/Facebook

He also pointed to a parliamentary inquiry into e mobility safety, which is due to deliver findings by March 2026. He said the state will not rush new regulations before the inquiry reports and added that enforcement of existing laws will continue through summer.

Legal Action Following Mountain Creek Crash

Police charged the 15 year old involved in the Mountain Creek crash with dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death, unlicensed driving and operating an unregistered and uninsured vehicle. Detectives said this is the first known case where the dangerous operation charge has been applied to an e mobility device.

Investigators noted that Zeke was riding a far less powerful bike under supervision and confirmed that the older teen’s device did not comply with legal public use limits. They also pointed to rising injury numbers among young riders on the Sunshine Coast.

Schools And Agencies Introduce New Measures

Several Sunshine Coast schools have decided to ban e-bikes and e-scooters next year because of ongoing safety concerns. The Queensland Police Service launched Operation X ray Surety to check bikes for compliance with motor wattage and speed cut out rules.

The Office of Fair Trading also advised suppliers to follow their legal obligations and sell only devices that meet Australian standards. Local cycling groups supported these steps and encouraged families across the region to stay informed about the rules for public use.

Published 19-November-2025

Intersection Upgrade Progresses in Buderim as Major Works Begin

A major upgrade has begun in Buderim to improve the Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection, a location used by about 20,000 motorists daily.

Background And Project Context In Buderim

Work has commenced on the long-awaited upgrade of the Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection in Buderim. The project spans the section between Syd Lingard Drive and Tantula Road West, an area known for congestion and a high crash rate.

Earlier plans for improvements at this intersection did not proceed, with the current works moving forward as part of broader efforts to support the Sunshine Coast’s growing transport needs ahead of the 2032 Games. Early works, including vegetation clearing, have already started and will continue over the coming months. The full project is expected to be completed next year.

Buderim intersection upgrade — Photo Credit: BrentMickelbergMP/Facebook

Scope Of Works And Planned Improvements

The upgrade includes several design changes intended to improve traffic flow and safety. Road widening will provide additional westbound capacity from Sugar Road, while modified right-turn lanes will be constructed eastbound on the Mooloolaba Road overpass. Two dedicated left-turn lanes from Sugar Road to Mooloolaba Road are also planned.

Further improvements include realigning the slip lane at the motorway’s southbound exit ramp, providing new on-road bike lanes, constructing off-road paths, adding signalised pedestrian crossings, and installing upgraded lighting.

Sunshine Coast upgrade — Photo Credit: BrentMickelbergMP/Facebook

Community Sentiment And Local Impact

The intersection is widely regarded as a bottleneck, particularly during morning and afternoon peak periods. With about 20,000 daily vehicle movements, the upgrade is expected to improve travel reliability and safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians throughout Buderim and nearby suburbs.

Mooloolaba Road — Photo Credit: BrentMickelbergMP/Facebook

Next Steps

Construction activity will continue across the area as works progress into next year. Once completed, the upgrade is expected to reduce congestion, increase traffic capacity, and strengthen connections to key destinations on the Sunshine Coast.

Published 19-Nov-2025

Subsea Cable Landing Expands Digital Capacity in Buderim

Photo Credit: Subsea Cables

A major digital infrastructure milestone has been reached near Buderim with the Tabua subsea cable landing at Maroochydore, delivering a new international connection that links Queensland through the Pacific and the United States.

Regional Investment in Connectivity

The Tabua subsea cable reached the Sunshine Coast shoreline on 11 November 2025, forming a major part of ongoing digital infrastructure upgrades for the region. The landing supports the wider Australia Connect initiative, designed to improve international data pathways linking Queensland with the Pacific and the United States.

The operation used a specialised vessel offshore, supported by excavators, winches, boats and divers to bring the cable ashore at Maroochydore. This installation aligns with earlier regional digital infrastructure planning and ongoing development of commercial data centres in the Maroochydore City Centre precinct.

Sunshine Coast connectivity — Photo Credit: Subsea Cables

Buderim’s Connection to a New International Route

The landing delivers the first direct subsea cable system linking Australia to the United States without routing through Sydney. The system also establishes connections to Sydney, Fiji, Hawaii and the United States, forming part of a broader Pacific network.

The development supports increasing demand for digital capacity and complements new regional data-centre investment designed to strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s digital capability.

Technical Features of the System

The Tabua system contains sixteen fibre pairs engineered to carry approximately 17 terabits per second per pair, creating a total capacity of 272 terabits per second. Its transpacific trunk spans more than 13,000 kilometres between the United States and Australia, with branching pathways to Oahu, Suva, Natadola and Queensland.

The system will operate as part of a larger South Pacific network that includes planned links through Hawaii and onward connections to Japan.

Benefits for Buderim and Surrounding Areas

The increased capacity supports more reliable cloud services, data movement and digital operations, including technologies relying on artificial intelligence. It provides additional bandwidth options for businesses requiring international connectivity and improves pathways for digital exports.

Residents in Buderim and nearby suburbs are expected to benefit from more dependable internet performance for everyday use such as remote work, online study, mapping services and streaming.

The system’s diverse landing points add resilience for Queensland and enhance opportunities for digital investment across the region.

Buderim subsea cable — Photo Credit: Subsea Cables

Regional Response and Outlook

Industry organisations involved in the system’s delivery have highlighted its role in strengthening international routes and improving data resilience across the Pacific. The cable links directly into a 50,000-kilometre national fibre network, expanding digital routing options throughout Australia.

Strengthening Future Infrastructure

With the arrival of the Tabua subsea cable, Buderim gains a direct connection to a wider international digital route. The system is expected to support long-term demand for data capacity, operational stability and future technology growth.

Published 18-Nov-2025

$170 Million Airport Redevelopment Near Buderim Targets 2027 Completion

Photo Credit: DEV2025/1675

A $170 million terminal redevelopment near Buderim is set to reshape Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola, nearly doubling its terminal footprint, tripling the departure lounge, and introducing sustainability-led features designed to accommodate strong passenger growth.

Expansion Underway

The Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Redevelopment Project began construction earlier this year, with the first stage—the new outbound baggage handling facility—scheduled for completion in early 2026. The full terminal expansion is expected to be finished by 2027. Once complete, the upgraded facility will expand the existing terminal from 6,100 square metres to 11,750 square metres, increase departure gates from five to seven, and triple the departure lounge space from 1,250 square metres to 3,750 square metres.

Queensland infrastructure — Photo Credit: DEV2025/1675

Design and Delivery

The project is being delivered by McNab, a local construction company, in partnership with global architectural firms Populous and Fentress Studios, with project management handled by Planned Performance. The redevelopment aims to modernise the passenger journey from check-in to boarding through the installation of new technology, including 18 self-service kiosks, 10 automatic bag drops, and upgraded security screening.

Design elements emphasise sustainability and comfort, incorporating mass timber, rainwater harvesting, expanded solar power systems, and energy-efficient HVAC. The design also prioritises natural light and open viewing areas of the runway to create a relaxed passenger experience reflective of the Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

terminal expansion — Photo Credit: DEV2025/1675

Local Jobs and Regional Growth

Around 2,000 workers will be engaged during construction, with 90 per cent of trades and subcontractors sourced locally. The expansion is forecast to support the region’s growing aviation sector, with passenger numbers expected to reach 1.8 million in FY26 and 2.4 million by 2030.

Gateway Precinct Master Plan

In addition to the terminal expansion, a 30-hectare Gateway Precinct Master Plan has been lodged within the Sunshine Coast Airport Priority Development Area. The proposal, submitted on 8 September 2025 under reference DEV2025/1675, outlines five sub-precincts dedicated to aviation, tourism, retail, commercial, and industry uses. It includes plans for a 250-bed transit hotel, retail hub, landscaped public spaces, and new intersection upgrades along David Low Way, with provision for future rail or metro integration.

Community Feedback and Future Outlook

Residents around Buderim and Marcoola have expressed both optimism and questions about the project, citing hopes for improved flight routes and local transport connections. Some also raised the absence of aerobridges, which remains unconfirmed in project details.

The redevelopment marks a key milestone in the Sunshine Coast’s long-term infrastructure planning, supporting tourism and regional business growth. Construction will continue throughout 2026, with the completed terminal expected to open in 2027, providing an expanded, sustainable, and community-driven gateway for the region.

Published 13-Oct-2025

Movement as Medicine: How a Buderim Dance Class is Supporting People with Parkinson’s

Photo Credit: Dance for Parkinson’s Australia/ Facebook

For residents in Buderim looking for a creative and joyful way to improve balance, flexibility, and social connection while living with Parkinson’s Disease, a new community dance programme is offering a free introductory class.

More Than Just a Dance Class

This special event is more than just a simple dance lesson; it is a research-supported approach to enhancing well-being for individuals living with Parkinson’s. The programme, an affiliate of an internationally recognised initiative from New York, is specifically designed to address the challenges of the condition.

According to Dance for Parkinson’s Australia, the classes focus on developing artistry and grace while helping with practical concerns like balance, coordination, flexibility, and walking gait. The sessions also aim to combat the effects of social isolation and depression that can accompany the disease.

The upcoming free “taster” class is being held as part of Queensland Seniors Month celebrations, thanks to a grant that supports community activities for older residents. The focus is on creating an enjoyable and stimulating experience where the joy of dancing takes centre stage.

BOOK HERE

A Chance to Connect and Celebrate

The event is built around the Seniors Month themes of “Connect and Celebrate.” It provides a welcoming and inclusive space for people with Parkinson’s, along with their partners, carers, and friends. Organisers state that the teaching artists create a fun environment, integrating a range of musical styles to inspire movement.

After the class, participants are invited to stay for a cup of tea and refreshments. This offers a chance to socialise, meet the teaching artists, and connect with others in the local Parkinson’s community in a safe and supportive setting.

Event Information

The free class will take place on Monday, 27 October 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Buderim War Memorial Hall. While the event is free of charge, organisers recommend booking to help manage numbers.

Published Date 09-October-2025