Caloundra
To sun-drenched Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. With beautiful, unspoilt beaches, crystal-clear waters and a friendly, laid-back lifestyle, it's the perfect place to indulge, explore or simply unwind. Whatever you come for, you'll find it's all within your reach...
Thinking of living in Caloundra?
Education
Caloundra offers schooling for all ages beginning with kindergarten and preschool and continuing on through local primary and high schools through to tertiary education facilities. Across the entire Sunshine Coast there are over 80 public and private schools. Search for schools at www.australianschoolsdirectory.com.au .The Sunshine Coast TAFE - www.sunshinecoast.tafe.qld.gov.au has five separate campuses (one in Caloundra) while the University of the Sunshine Coast - www.usc.edu.au now offers over 150 degree programs. USC is located just approx 20 minutes from Caloundra at Sippy Downs. More information on Caloundra schools can be found at www.myschool.edu.au
Real Estate
The wider Caloundra area is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and occupies a highly favoured location in the richly productive and progressive south-east corner of Queensland. The area includes residential suburbs on the coast, in towns situated on the railway line connecting to Brisbane and in the mountains to the west of the highway. The region offers a diverse variety of real estate including apartments, duplexes, houses, units and townhouses with more large acreage offering in the hinterland. The beachside towns include Kings Beach, Golden Beach, Shelley Beach, Moffat Beach and Dicky Beach. Pelican Waters offers more exclusive homes with many on the estuary with jetty access. To search for real estate to buy or rent, please visit www.realestate.com.au
Employment
Currently the regional economy is dependent on small businesses with around 85% of all businesses employing less than 5 people. The top 100 businesses, by employee size, represent 1% of the total number of businesses, but represent 44% of turnover and 24% of the total workforce. Caloundra offers a mixed based of employment with the top employment industries being tourism, construction, health care, manufacturing and retail trade. To look for employment agencies based in the region that can assist with a job search visit www.sunshinecoastcis.qld.gov.au
Business Opportunities
Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast have one of the fastest growing populations in Australia which create business opportunities. In June 2007, the population of the Sunshine Coast was 304,070 a 2.9% increase from the census recording done in 2006 (Source: ABS 3218.0). It is forecast that the population of the sunshine Coast will be 381,458 by 2016 which is a projected increase of 26%. This represents an average annual increase of 8,359 persons or 2.3% pa (Source PIFU QLD Future Population 2008 edition Medium Series). There is a wealth of information about business opportunities online at www.scenterprises.com.au or economic development at www.business.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/
Health Services
Public hospitals are located at Caloundra, Maleny, Nambour, Noosa and Gympie. Private hospitals are located at Caloundra, Buderim, Nambour, Noosa and Gympie. Medical centres are located across the coast. Emergency services are contacted by dialing 000. Search for hospitals and other health services online at www.sunshinecoastcis.qld.gov.au
Clubs To Join
There’s clubs and organizations for all kinds of sports, hobbies, special interests and community service in Caloundra and/or nearby on the Sunshine Coast. Caloundra has a wealth of local sports venues and facilities and there’s every reason to stay active no matter your age or situation. It’s not all sports though with cultural pursuits also well catered for in Caloundra. To find a club or organization search the database at www.sunshinecoastcis.qld.gov.au
Retirement
Caloundra is the perfect place for retirement with easily accessible beaches, pathways and shopping centers. The relaxed and laid-back atmosphere of this coastal town is also appealing for retirees. Hospitals are also close by and there is a wide range of retirement villages to suit every need. To search for services for retirees and retirement villages visit www.sunshinecoastcis.qld.gov.au
Local Government
The local council covering the Caloundra area is the Sunshine Coast Regional Council which has a branch office in Caloundra. The Council has an extensive website with comphrensive information about a diverse range of subjects such as pets, parks, rubbish, rates, libraries etc. You can subscribe to receive Council’s regular newsletter and keep abreast of Council’s news and information. Go to www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au
News
The Sunshine Coast Daily is the major regional newspaper and covers local, national and international news. The Caloundra Weekly and Caloundra City News are also free home delivered newspapers specializing in the local area. There are also local papers for the Sunshine Coast hinterland and Glass House Mountains areas. Each weeknight, WIN Television and Seven Sunshine Coast provide half-hour coverage of local news and sport. There are also several local radio stations on the coast including 92.7 Mix FM, Hot FM 91.1 and 91.9 Sea FM. To see what’s making news on the Sunshine Coast and what people are saying about the major stories each day go to www.thedaily.com.au
Our Climate
With an average of 7 hours sunshine a day, Caloundra offers a sub tropical climate. Winter temperatures range from an average low of 10°C to an average high of 20°C. In summer, the temperatures range from 20°C - 30°C and there is generally high humidity. The average wardrobe on the coast has only a small section of warm winter woolies and loads of casual light clothing for our long hot summers.