After 10 years helping to shape one of Australia’s most ambitious urban developments, Morgan Parker OAM has stepped down from his role as Chair of SunCentral Maroochydore.

A vision brought to life

Established in 2015, SunCentral Maroochydore was born from a bold $4 billion vision to create a thriving, sustainable city centre on the Sunshine Coast. As a founding board member, Morgan Parker played a pivotal role in turning that vision into reality.

A Sunshine Coast local with decades of global experience in real estate investment, development, and banking, Mr Parker said his motivation to join SunCentral Maroochydore stemmed from a deep desire to give back to the region.

“The Sunshine Coast had given me so much, and when the opportunity to be part of SunCentral arose, I knew it was the right time to give back,” Mr Parker said.

Building a modern, sustainable city

Under Mr Parker’s remarkable leadership, the project has reached key milestones, including the delivery of Australia’s first underground waste collection station, the establishment of Foundation Place, and the arrival of the international undersea internet cable.

Sunshine Coast Council’s award-winning City Hall, located at the heart of the development, has also been a catalyst for further investment and confidence in the new city centre.

Mr Parker said Maroochydore City Centre’s success lay in its ability to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and a modern lifestyle offering.

“The uniqueness of Maroochydore City Centre is its ability to authentically balance catalytic economic growth with a modern interpretation of an attractive lifestyle and a genuine focus on sustainability,” he said.

A legacy of opportunity

Today, the Maroochydore City Centre is home to 775 residents, 310 homes, 1,100 workers, and more than 40 businesses. It is set to expand significantly, with the masterplan forecasting 10,000 residents, 20,000 permanent jobs, and 240,000 square metres of commercial and retail space over the coming years.

Mr Parker said the project’s broader purpose was about creating opportunity for future generations. “Maroochydore City Centre is more than a development, it’s an economic driver, creating jobs and career paths so young locals can build their futures here, without needing to leave for Brisbane,” he said.

A new chapter for SunCentral

Announcing his retirement from the board, Mr Parker reflected on the importance of fresh leadership as the project moves into its next phase, particularly with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon.

“Every multigenerational undertaking has to be treated like a relay race. We have a great deal of talent around us right now and it’s time for fresh leadership to carry the project forward,” he said.

The project has been delivered through a partnership between SunCentral, Sunshine Coast Council and Walker Corporation, a collaboration that has been crucial in driving investment and shaping the city’s success.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli paid tribute to Mr Parker’s decade of service, describing him as a key figure in Maroochydore’s transformation.

“His insights and expertise have contributed to the project’s progress over the past decade. We thank him for his remarkable service and commitment to this significant regional initiative,” Cr Natoli said. David Gallant, Managing Director and CEO of project partner Walker Corporation, also acknowledged Mr Parker’s contributions, stating his work had helped lay “the foundations for success”.

With a strong foundation in place, SunCentral Maroochydore enters its second decade poised for even greater growth and impact.

As Mr Parker steps away, he leaves behind a thriving, globally recognised project that has reshaped the economic and cultural landscape of the Sunshine Coast, and created a city centre for generations to come.