While it noted all three were "functioning councils with moderate to strong financial performance", it argued that they covered a self-contained region in a geographic, social and economic sense and that the advantages of coordinated planning in a high-growth area and the avoidance of duplication of facilities were arguments in favour of amalgamation.

The councils opposed the amalgamation, and the Commission itself noted that the bulk of statewide individual submissions came from this region reflecting a "depth of feeling" regarding the issue.

[10] On 18 March 2013, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council decided its new planning scheme should not apply to those areas that were part of the former Noosa Shire (different attitudes to planning and developments having been a major objection by residents of Noosa Shire to the amalgamation).

The Sunshine Coast economy is dominated by two sectors – Healthcare (including age-care) and Retail, which provide 30% of the regional employment.

[17] Local educational institutions, government and community groups have funded a number of initiatives to encourage entrepreneurial and innovative businesses to the area.

[18] The University of the Sunshine Coast's Innovation Centre acts as an incubator startup companies, as does the Spark Bureau.

The University site at Sippy Downs is designated as a 'Knowledge Hub' as part of the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Regional Infrastructure Plan and is master planned as Australia's first university town based on the UK models with the potential for over 6,000 workers in knowledge-based businesses.

The Lexis English group, providing English classes to international students, has a campus in Maroochydore, while Lexis TESOL Training Centres provides teacher training programs such as the Cambridge CELTA and TESOL.

[21] The Sunshine Coast Regional Council operates libraries at Beerwah, Buddina (Kawana), Caloundra, Coolum Beach, Kenilworth, Maleny, Maroochydore and Nambour.

[22] It also operates a mobile library service visiting Beerburrum, Bli Bli, Buderim, Caloundra West (Bellvista), Conondale, Eudlo, Eumundi, Glass House Mountains, Little Mountain, Montville, Mooloolah Valley, Mooloolaba (Parkhaven), Mount Coolum, Mountain Creek, Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Parklands, Peachester, Pelican Waters, Peregian Springs, Sippy Downs (Chancellor Park) and Yandina.

The car is the predominant mode of transport for Sunshine Coast residents, with the region connected to Brisbane via the Bruce Highway.

However, in recent years the local council has been looking at more reliant, high quality public transport options to create a 'transport spin' on the Sunshine Coast with the Maroochydore railway line and Sunshine Coast Light Rail proposed.

The train lines run through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, with buses connecting to the coastal strip.

Landsborough and Nambour railway stations also serve as a gateway to Queensland's network of long-distance trains, providing access to destinations including Rockhampton, Townsville and Cairns.

Sunshine Coast Stadium is located at Kawana Waters and is home to the region's sporting teams in statewide competitions.

The Sunshine Coast Falcons compete in the Queensland Cup rugby league competition while the Sunshine Coast Fire FC compete in the National Premier Leagues Queensland Football competition.

Seven's bulletin is produced and broadcast from studios in Maroochydore, from where six sister local news programs for regional Queensland also originate.