
2 minute read
This region holds its own


HINTERLAND mortgage holders are getting on the front foot to counter rising interest rates with a new year surge in enquiries on variable options.





It comes as Bank of Queensland (BoQ) Chief Economist, Peter Munckton, who will be speaking on the Sunshine Coast this week, told GC&M News that the region was better placed to ride economic fluctuations due to strong population growth and diversified economy. He anticipated the country would avoid a recession. Full story p5
JENNIFER KENT jennifer@gcnews.com.au
SONIA ISAACS sonia@gcnews.com.au
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From The Editor
THERE is a strong level of positivity across the hinterland as households and business start to crank into gear for 2023.
We spoke to Bank of Queensland chief economist Peter Munckton this week ahead of his visit to the coast to get his thoughts on the region’s ‘state of play’.

Mr Munckton signs off his analysis with “we are living in interesting times”, and that seems truer than ever. On a positive note he anticipates the country will avoid a recession and specifically on the coast made the point we are much more resilient community these days with a broader economy and population growth that exceeds the national average (p5).
Of course that population growth brings its own challenges and he was adamant that congestion-busting mass transit systems such as the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail link must happen.
TINA GRIEVE tina@gcnews.com.au
SEE
It’s all quiet on the western front with this project, but we live in hope.
Glasshouse Country Chamber held its first meeting of the year as well and with a bunch of new members on board and a new premium sponsorship drive it will be great to see the chamber in an even better position to advocate for the
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small businesses that keep the hinterland humming (p9).
Likewise Maleny Chamber is holding its AGM next week ahead of another big year for the tourist town. Maleny and Montville were once again named as two of the country’s ‘most welcoming towns’ in a big tick to its tourism economy (p4).

Congratulations to both for an award that can be attributed to the owneroperators and small businesses who go out of their way to make tourists want keep returning. And if you feel the entertainment calendar is starting to fill up you would be right. From the stylish Curated Plate which will feature the hinterland via Spicers Asian food fest, to the Maleny Music Festival, Queensland Music Trails, a bunch of individual artists touring, not to mention local talent via Maleny Players (What’s On, Culture Club p14-15), the sense that 2023 is building into something big.
Happy reading.
Foodie fest heads to hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival is set to return to Spicers Tamarind in Maleny as part of The Curated Plate 2023. The Maleny restaurant will present the festival, taking place from July 28 to August 6, and host popular Sunshine Coast restaurants Sum Yang Guys, Spirit House and Rice Boi. Spicers general manager Ryan Dillion said the restaurant was thrilled to be showcasing the region’s best local produce. “We’re excited to ... show why Asian food works so well with our sub-tropical climate,” Mr Dillon said.
The festival is one of three immersive foodie events that make up The Curated Plate, including MooloolaBARS, a one-day beer and beverage experience. It also offers collaboration opportunities with other businesses, including local producers, restaurants, cafes and tourism operators. thecuratedplate.com.au