Launch of 2024 Sunshine Coast Open House

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Councillor Rosanna Natoli; Noosa Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Frank Wilkie and Councillors; Sunshine Coast Open House Chair, Mr Ian Diamond and Ambassador, Dr Noel Robinson OAM; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by thanking Mr Brian Warner for welcoming us so warmly to the Kabi Kabi lands on which we are gathered this morning. I acknowledge and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people who join us today.

My husband, Graeme, and I were delighted to accept joint patronage of this marvellous annual community event shortly after I was appointed as Governor, nearly three years ago, and we both extend our congratulations to everyone involved in curating this year’s Sunshine Coast Open House program.

Governors of Queensland have supported the Open House concept since it was first introduced to our State in 2010, and it’s been a great pleasure for me to continue their advocacy as patron of both the Brisbane and Gold Coast Open House programs as well as the Sunshine Coast event.

As the youngest of the three siblings, Sunshine Coast Open House has quickly caught up over the past seven years, taking full advantage of the enormous diversity of the natural environment of this region and the equally diverse architectural response to that environment.

The coastal settlements of the early twentieth century have given way to vast housing developments; the population grown has from just 10 thousand in 1950 to 370,000 today; and tourism now means a lot more than just a few families camping on the beach – it’s a major industry worth 2.6 billion dollars annually to the economy of this region.

From the Kabi Kabi who lived here sustainably for thousands of years through the successive waves of timbergetters, farmers and holidaymakers, this region has experienced a unique trajectory that has produced a rich built environment that few other regions can emulate – including its wonderful collection of heritage hotels.

That richness and variety in the history of architecture, engineering and building in this region is also due in no small part to the environment itself – the beaches, the mountains, the forests, the waterways, and an enviable climate combine here in a way that encourages innovative and sustainable designs that utilise natural light and ventilation, and prompts the creation of walkable, friendly green spaces.

The Sunshine Coast's commitment to preserving its unique character while embracing sustainable growth makes it a model for coastal urban development and I congratulate and thank Sunshine Coast Open House, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils, and the Queensland chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, as well as the generous sponsors and the staff and volunteers for making this event possible.

Now, as I officially launch the 2024 Sunshine Coast Open House program, I wish you every success when 30 of the region’s new and favourite places unlock their doors in October.