URGENT UPDATE: The Sunshine Coast Council has just unveiled a time capsule filled with aspirations for 2050, capturing the hopes and dreams of local leaders today. This significant event took place on December 2, 2025, along the picturesque Mooloolaba Esplanade and promises to offer a fascinating glimpse into the future when it is reopened in 25 years.
In a ceremony led by Mayor Rosanna Natoli, along with former Maroochy Shire Council Mayor Don Culley and business leader Graeme Juniper, personal letters were added to the capsule containing reflections on future life, questions about technology, and the anticipated impact of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. These insights will serve as a crucial snapshot of life on the Sunshine Coast in 2025.
Mayor Natoli expressed her excitement about the future, stating, “It’s so important to look back and also look forward.” She emphasized the rapid evolution of the region, highlighting that the Sunshine Coast is projected to host nearly 600,000 residents by 2050. She hopes the area remains a connected, vibrant community that embodies the spirit of the Sunshine Coast.
The time capsule, originally buried in 2000, was unearthed earlier this year, revealing a treasure trove of items that reflect the past, such as a Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper from January 1, 2000, and a bottle of Tyrell’s Toast to the Coast 2000 Fine Old Tawny Port. These artifacts provide a striking contrast to the current era, where a T-bone meal once cost just $3.95.
Among the new items added to this time capsule are a tourism brochure, a surf club menu, and even a bottle of locally distilled Beachtree Gin, showcasing the region’s commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. A USB drive containing photographs of the Sunshine Coast’s landscapes and communities has also been included, symbolizing the technological advancements of today.
Mayor Natoli’s heartfelt letter outlines her hopes for a thriving future, stating, “My great hope is we will have a world-class transport system,” and that “our beaches and waterways will still be pristine.” She urged the community to remain united and focused on building a supportive environment, where every resident feels valued.
As this time capsule awaits its reopening in 2050, it invites both current and future residents to reflect on the aspirations captured at this pivotal moment in time. The event serves as a reminder of how far the Sunshine Coast has come and the bright future it aims to create.
Stay tuned for updates as we approach the reopening date, and share your thoughts on what you hope to see in the Sunshine Coast’s future!