Maroochydore Archives - Buderim Today

Buderim home with farming history sells for $2.85 million

A Buderim home with links to one of the Sunshine Coast’s long-standing farming families has sold at auction for $2.85 million.

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom property, at Residence Six, 21 Clearview Court, went under the hammer at a recent Avani in-room auction event.

The home was built by the late Peter Wise, an eighth-generation Maroochydore farmer, who died in 2024.

Family connection to the land

Mr Wise custom-built the home in 2010, with the design prepared by architects Blackburn and Jackson.

The property sits on a 3005sqm allotment on Buderim’s north-eastern escarpment, with views across the coast from Alexandra Headland to Mount Ninderry.

His daughters, Amanda and Kylie Wise, said their father had a strong connection to the land.

They said he was so devoted to his property that it was often difficult to convince him to stop for a break, even for a quick smoko.

The home was positioned so Mr Wise could look out over his farm from the property.

Local buyers secure the home

Ray White Mooloolaba sales agent Jacob Hussey said the auction attracted two registered bidders, with several conditional buyers also following the sale.

He said the property was bought by a Buderim-based couple with farming backgrounds.

Mr Hussey said the buyers were not actively looking for another home but became interested after seeing the property during the campaign.

He said they planned to enjoy the home and may move into it in the future.

Space for extended family

The property includes a self-contained lower level with its own driveway, single garage, kitchen and living area.

The space could suit multi-generational living or potential rental use.

The block also has drivable access to the lower section, with potential for a future subdivision or secondary dwelling, subject to council approval.

Family prepares to downsize

The sale comes as Mr Wise’s widow, Ivy, prepares to downsize from the property.

Mr Hussey said the result was a significant moment for the Wise family as they prepared to move on from the Buderim home.

Published 8-July-2026

First Sunshine Coast AI Data Centre Takes Shape in Maroochydore CBD

Photo Credit: Data Center Gallery

Large concrete pillars are now pushing skyward along South Sea Islander Way — the unmistakeable early signs of the Sunshine Coast’s first dedicated AI data centre in the heart of Maroochydore, and what Sunshine Coast Council has called the region’s biggest-ever private commercial investment.

The $200 million facility, known as SC2, is being built by data centre operator NextDC at 10 South Sea Islander Way in the Maroochydore CBD. It is designed as a five-storey structure with a capacity of 6 megawatts, on a 3,710 square metre plot. The site sits alongside NextDC’s existing SC1 centre, which has been operational since 2021 and already serves as host to the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network cable landing station.

Council has described SC2 as an “AI factory” — purpose-built infrastructure aimed at expanding digital capability across sectors including aerospace, geospatial intelligence and biomedical research. For locals watching the Maroochydore CBD rapidly evolve from a former golf course site into a full-scale urban centre, the development marks another striking chapter in the area’s transformation.

Water-wise by design

One of the most talked-about aspects of SC2 is its approach to cooling — a critical issue given how much water traditional AI data centres consume. According to an Environmental and Energy Study Institute article cited in reporting on the project, a large AI facility can use up to nearly 19 million litres of water per day, while even a medium-sized centre may consume the equivalent of what roughly 1,000 households use in a year.

SC2 will take a markedly different path. NextDC CEO Craig Scroggie has explained that the new centre will use closed-loop, liquid direct-to-chip cooling, where water is sealed within the system, circulates directly over computer chips to draw away heat, and is then recirculated rather than lost to evaporation. Any water top-ups required will draw from recycled sources rather than the region’s drinking water supply — a significant departure from conventional data centre practice.

NextDC’s SC1 centre has already earned recognition as one of the most water-efficient data facilities in the country, thanks to its use of rainwater-fed cooling towers and high-efficiency chillers. Scroggie has indicated that the AI workloads SC2 is designed to handle demand a more advanced approach still, and that the sealed system will result in minimal ongoing water consumption.

Jobs and opportunity

Beyond the physical infrastructure, SC2 is expected to generate lasting employment on the Sunshine Coast once operational. Scroggie has pointed to direct roles for engineers, technicians and operations staff, as well as broader knock-on opportunities for cloud providers, network operators, cybersecurity businesses, software firms and start-ups drawn to the region by the availability of world-class digital infrastructure.

NextDC has committed $200 million to expand its digital footprint in Queensland with SC2, and the CEO has said the facility will help local and national organisations make the most of AI and further strengthen the Sunshine Coast’s standing as a key hub for Australia’s digital economy.

A rapidly changing neighbourhood

The SC2 site is not the only thing reshaping this stretch of Maroochydore. The surrounding CBD precinct is in the midst of a broader transformation, with an $82.9 million state government funding commitment aimed at unlocking the development of more than 1,800 apartments in the eastern precinct of the Maroochydore City Centre, as part of the $142.7 million project to support ongoing CBD development.

That kind of residential growth — alongside commercial towers, hospitality venues and transport planning — means SC2 is being built into a neighbourhood that will look considerably different again by the time it opens its doors.For a region that has quietly been positioning itself as a serious player in digital connectivity — with international submarine cables already landing at Maroochydore, and Google using the SC1 facility to support the Tabua trans-Pacific cable landing expected in 2026 — the arrival of a dedicated AI data centre feels less like a surprise and more like the next logical step.

Published 21-April-2026

Surf Lifesaving Pushes for Olympic Inclusion, Maroochydore Among Top Venue Choices

Surf lifesaving could soon make history as an Olympic sport at the Brisbane 2032 Games, and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast is emerging as a prime location to host the event.

Read: Georgia Bartlett: The Sunshine Coast Star’s Fast-Track to the Brisbane Broncos

If successful, this would mark the first time the sport is included in the Olympics, further cementing Australia’s deep connection with surf lifesaving.

Photo credit: Surf Life Saving Australia/Facebook

John Baker, President of Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA), recently received a positive response to the bid, strengthening hopes for its inclusion. The push is being led by SLSA in partnership with the International Life Saving Federation (ILSF), working closely with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Alongside Maroochydore, other beaches such as Broadbeach and Coolangatta are also being considered to host the competition. However, Maroochydore’s strong surf lifesaving culture and well-established infrastructure make it a standout choice.

The Olympic Surf Lifesaving Format

The proposed competition format includes individual oceanman and oceanwoman events, as well as a mixed-gender ocean relay.

In the individual events, athletes will compete in a 1200-metre race that features four challenging segments: a swim leg, a board leg, a surf ski leg, and a beach sprint finish. To be eligible, all competitors must have fulfilled their duties as patrolling lifeguards or lifesavers at a national or international level.

The mixed-gender relay will consist of teams of four—two men and two women—each completing a swim, a board paddle, a surf ski paddle, and a run.

A Sport with Global Reach

Baker emphasised that surf lifesaving is an iconic part of Australian culture and an ideal addition to a home Olympics. He also pointed out that the sport is more globally competitive than many realise, with strong participation across Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Read: Kids in Action 2025: Inspiring Young Australians to Walk Gently on Country

Although discussions on including surf lifesaving in Brisbane 2032 have been ongoing since at least 2023, the final decision on the bid is not expected until 2028. If approved, it will provide a unique opportunity to showcase the best of Australia’s lifesaving athletes to the world, with Maroochydore playing a central role in this historic moment.

Published 26-February-2025

Mother Calls for Tougher E-Scooter Regulations After Daughter’s Near-Fatal Accident in Maroochydore

In the wake of a harrowing incident involving her 12-year-old daughter, a mother is urgently calling for stricter regulations on e-scooter safety in Australia. The accident, which occurred in Maroochydore, has sparked a renewed debate on the safety of these increasingly popular vehicles, especially when used by young riders.

Read: From Alexandra Headland to Kings Beach: Sunshine Coast’s Pathway Gets a Boost

Rebecca Cronan’s daughter, Ruby, was riding her e-scooter on the footpath to school when tragedy struck. It’s believed she was hit by a car reversing out of a driveway, leaving her trapped underneath the vehicle. Quick-thinking bystanders rushed to her aid, potentially saving her life.

Ruby is currently recovering at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, having suffered a brain injury and collapsed lungs. Despite the severity of her injuries, she is now talking and walking, showing promising signs of recovery.

A Mother’s Regret and Call to Action

Mrs Cronan revealed that she had purchased the e-scooter for Ruby after months of persistent requests. Now, filled with regret, she’s urging other parents not to make the same mistake.

The concerned mother is now advocating for significant changes to e-scooter regulations. While current Queensland state regulations allow children aged 12-16 to ride e-scooters under adult supervision without a licence, Mrs Cronan believes this age range is far too young. She’s suggesting that the minimum age should be raised to between 16 and 18, with the addition of a mandatory educational day course for riders.

One crucial factor that may have prevented an even worse outcome was Ruby’s use of a helmet. The headgear was significantly damaged in the accident, underscoring its vital role in protecting riders.

A Growing Concern

This incident is not isolated. Data from the Sunshine Coast Health Trauma Service reveals an alarming trend in e-scooter-related emergencies.

Over a 12-month period from January 2023 to January 2024, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department saw 118 presentations related to e-scooter incidents – equivalent to one every three days.

Dr Andrew Hobbins-King, Medical Director of the Trauma Service, highlighted that adolescents make up the largest group of e-scooter incident victims, with many sustaining significant injuries:

56.8% of presentations were patients under 18 years old
72.9% of overall presentations were male
61% of patients had at least one fractured bone
Injuries ranged from mild abrasions to fractures, collapsed lungs, and brain bleeds

Read: Help Save Lives By Being A Blood Donor Today At The Maroochydore Donor Centre

Call for Safer E-Scooting

In light of these statistics, Sunshine Coast Health is urging the community to prioritise safety when using e-scooters.

The incident involving Ruby serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with these vehicles, especially for young riders.

Published 2-September-2024

New Luxury Apartment Avalon Coming to Sunshine Coast

Maroochydore’s Avalon of the Mosaic Property Group has won UDIA-Queensland’s Design Excellence Award. Avalon is an innovative up and coming luxury apartment at Sunshine Coast.

2018 Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland Excellence Awards

Since 1994, it has been an annual tradition for the the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA)-Queensland to acknowledge the state’s best property developments through a thorough full-site inspection and exhibition of nominated projects to an independent panel of judges.

The awards given celebrate the outstanding achievements of different properties in various categories that foster thriving and carefree communities.

Winners of the Mitchell Brandtman Awards for Excellence are highly praised and recognised by the entire property development industry. Being an awardee can raise the brand’s profile by earning a valuable endorsement in order to support and boost the sales and marketing efforts of the property.

Winners of each category are then considered as finalists for the UDIA National Award for Excellence, regarded as top-most award for “the best of the best” in the industry.

UDIA Qld 2018 — Photo credit: UDIA Qld/ Facebook

The 2018 UDIA-Queensland Mitchell Brandtman Awards for Excellence luncheon was held last November at the Brisbane City Hall. About 750 property developers and experts were present at this feast, and everyone was excited for the outcome of the awards. More importantly, the attendees were all looking forward to know what is up and coming with the property development industry of Queensland.

Included in the list of 19 Excellence awardees for 2018 was Maroochydore’s Avalon of the Mosaic Property Group. Avalon, a new luxury apartment that is currently being built on Sunshine Coast, received the Design Excellence award from the UDIA.

Sophisticated Living at Sunshine Coast

Located at the side of the beautiful Maroochy River, Avalon is expected to bring a revitalised and more sophisticated lifestyle in Sunshine Coast.

Developers agree that Avalon’s elegantly designed towers are groundbreaking in the property development industry. Diligently and creatively designed to work with its coastal surroundings, Avalon’s design innovations set the stage for the future of an emerging Maroochydore central business district.

Avalon is strategically located and residents will enjoy first class amenities such as a spacious, 2-bedroom apartment with open plan layout, plus high quality and customised appliances.

Avalon by Mosaic offers a total of 92 luxury apartments that are up for lease. The site is still currently under construction until May of 2020.