PUPPET MASTERS: Full list of Coast’s 77 influencers
We’ve cast our minds over the region, and come up with a list of 77 of the Coast’s most influential people.
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IT'S been a year like no other, and many businesses have been forced to adapt to survive and thrive in this post-pandemic world.
We've cast our minds over the region, and come up with a list of 77 of the Coast's most influential people, the figures pulling the strings, or wielding the most sway.
ALL 77 NAMES BELOW:
1. Terri Irwin:
THE tourism icon has shown the political sway she wields in recent weeks, helping secure significant funds from both federal and state governments, to assist with the survival of Australia Zoo through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The matriarch of the region's most recognisable family, she's also amassed a significant property portfolio.
She's guided the zoo through the devastating pandemic, which had left her staring down the barrel of not being able to feed the animals with the loss of income, until a $95 million zoo rescue package was secured from the Federal Government.
She's also secured State Government funding as part of a $50 million recovery package, and another $8 million investment to develop Camp Croc Hunter, a glamping and camping experience tipped to lure 39,000 visitors a year to the destination.
2. Mark Jamieson:
THE third-term Sunshine Coast mayor has entrenched himself in positions of power.
The former media boss and prominent businessman is also president of the Local Government Association of Queensland, juggling those responsibilities with his mayoral duties.
His business background is extensive, as is his investment portfolio, which includes commercial holdings in Maroochydore and Mooloolaba.
Cr Jamieson has never been afraid of pursuing his agenda, and has been critical of both major parties previously, as he pursues his economic growth ambitions.
3. Craig Matheson:
MAYOR Mark Jamieson's right hand man, Mr Matheson is the current chief of staff in the Sunshine Coast Council's Office of the Mayor.
The former chief strategy officer is also a State Government whistleblower.
He served 20 years with the State Government, in roles as high as deputy director-general of a number of departments.
He returned to council to take up the chief of staff position, and is never too far from Mayor Jamieson's side as a trusted, strategic advisor.
4. Roz White:
THE Coast's very own supermarket queen, Ms White has built an empire of independent IGA stores and is also developing a new town centre in Bli Bli with husband Michael.
The Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network president is also a political player, having sought preselection for the federal seat of Fisher from the LNP in 2016, but was pipped by Andrew Wallace.
5. Paul Nogueira:
THE Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants partner and liquidator is a common name seen appointed when businesses hit hard times in the region.
His expertise and advice in assessing financial positions of businesses is renowned, and his firm is regularly appointed as administrators and liquidators, including high-profile appointments like the Ri-Con Contractors.
Mr Nogueira and his team are regularly tasked with trawling through the wreckage of a company to try and recover funds for creditors.
6. Clare Stewart:
THE new Noosa Mayor toppled Tony Wellington in March this year, to set in stone a period of transition for the world famous holiday destination.
A former barrister-at-law and small business owner, Ms Stewart's start to her tenure has been tumultuous, thanks to the effects of COVID-19 on what is traditionally one of the nation's most popular holiday destinations.
7. Andrew Stevens:
IF YOU'RE trying to get a development approved on the Coast, chances are you've heard of, or are even engaging Project Urban, based on the firm's prevalence on council's Developmenti website.
Mr Stevens, former president of the Urban Development Institute of Australia's Sunshine Coast branch, is managing director of Project Urban.
The planning and development consultants offer services covering everything from surveying to liquor licensing, forming in 2016 after KHA Development Managers and DFS Group merged.
8. Steve Padgett:
THE Alliance Airlines chairman is doing something of a support act for the state, stepping into the void left by Virgin Australia, opening up new domestic intrastate routes.
Among them, a long-awaited Sunshine Coast to Cairns flight which could prove critical to the region during the pandemic, and Brisbane to Whitsundays, while it was reported earlier this month the airline was preparing to buy 20 new aircraft to further pick up where Virgin left off.
He's secured State Government support to open the new routes up, and is positioning the company as the alternative to Qantas, given the demise of Virgin.
9. Evan Aldridge:
SEKISUI House's Yaroomba Beach project director has shown he can overcome adversity, steering the controversial project to approval, and through a Planning and Environment Court appeal.
A five-year battle ended in success for the Japanese development firm, and a construction start date on the $900 million project was set to be confirmed by the end of this year.
10. Naomi Dwyer:
SUNSHINE Coast Hospital and Health Service chief executive Adjunct Professor Naomi Dwyer has steered the region through what loomed as an unprecedented health disaster, when coronavirus broke out.
She took charge from long-serving former CEO Kevin Hegarty and so far in her tenure has managed the upscaling of the hospital services, as the new $1.8 billion facility proceeds to full capacity, while juggling the coronavirus pandemic.
Prof Dwyer has managed to steer the organisation through a health crisis which was expected to deliver waves of infections in the region, but ultimately was able to be controlled, with only one death to-date recorded in the region, a remarkable outcome.
11. Rod Forrester:
AN INVESTOR in the ARIA group, which is developing a $250 million project set to transform Mooloolaba, Mr Forrester has had a long involvement with the region.
He founded FKP Property Group before forming FKP, which was publicly listed on the ASX.
The prominent property developer remains active in the market with his brother, Des, the pair combining to develop Essence at Cotton Tree.
Mr Forrester was a founding chairman of Matthew Flinders Anglican College, among other appointments.
He and his family remain extremely well-connected and influential in the region.
12. Clayton Williams:
A PROMINENT publican and business partner of Mayor Mark Jamieson, Clayton Williams is one of the more influential hospitality industry figures in the region.
He's branched out as well, as a major investor in the new The Sports Hub Sunshine Coast facility at Lake Kawana.
Mr Williams has also helped build the Brothers Rugby Club out of Bokarina, having spent almost a decade establishing the organisation.
13. Heidi Walker:
ONE half of the Walker Seafoods Australia empire, Ms Walker has established herself as a powerful figure in the food and agribusiness sector, seafood industry and more broadly, as a business head in the region.
The Mooloolaba-based tuna and swordfish company produces high-grade tuna for export and has become a leader in the market.
The success of the business has led to Ms Walker being elevated onto Sunshine Coast Council's Economic Resurgence Taskforce created to help steer the region's recovery after the coronavirus pandemic.
14. Dirk Long:
THE Evans Long director was one of the main men responsible for the revival of the Mooloolaba Wharf.
The company has become a major developer of commercial property, and has taken the lead, delivering the first commercial building in the new Maroochydore CBD.
An offshoot, Evans Built, won the tender to build the $18 million Brisbane Road Carpark in Mooloolaba.
15. Travis Schultz:
HE'S one of the state's highest-rated compensation lawyers and serves on several boards ranging from charities to major private schools in the region.
His boutique law firm is currently under expansion, while Mr Schultz also doubles as the region's resident wine guru.
His wine symposium draws together the region's heavy-hitters of the business world, and Mr Schultz has become a vocal legal voice on a range of issues, including digital privacy.
16. Ashley Robinson:
ONE of the most popular public figures in the region, the Sunshine Coast Falcons chairman and Alex Surf Club general manager has been a campaigner for plenty over the years.
His work for charities has been enormous, while he's also been unafraid to wade into political issues, with his direct approach.
Whether he decided to take a shot at entering politics full-time remains to be seen, but plenty have pondered the prospect of Mr Robinson as a representative.
17. Caroline Hutchinson:
ONE of the most well-loved and recognisable voices on the Coast, the popular radio announcer is renowned for her work with the Give Me Five For Kids charity.
A former independent candidate in the seat of Fisher, she's seen by many as a sensible, voice of reason in the region.
18. Paul Skillen:
COUNCIL'S business development manager is the chief procurement officer, involved in negotiating some of the most important deals in the region.
He was even rumoured to be a potential CEO replacement in recent months, as attention turn to finding a permanent replacement for former council CEO Michael Whittaker.
The former Detective Senior Sergeant was in the Armed Robbery Unit of State Crime Command during his time in the force.
19. Ray Shadforth:
THE current Shadforth boss oversees the region's largest civil contracting firm.
The Shadforth name is synonymous with the Coast, and the company is a major winner of works contracts all over the region, wielding significant influence to go with it.
20. Jennifer Swaine:
AN EQUESTRIAN lover and marketing and communications business owner, Jennifer Swaine has established herself as a fixture in the region's business community.
She tells stories of local business owners, advocates for change and represents a number of high-profile clients.
She's also chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards.
21. Ken Guy:
THE long-time real estate identity has been doing deals for decades on the Coast.
A business partner of Mayor Mark Jamieson's, the duo teamed up in 2010 to create a franchising arm for Ken Guy Real Estate, in a bid to expand the respected agency.
He's also a partner in MKRD Projects Pty Ltd, directing the company alongside Mayor Mark Jamieson, which co-owns the Duporth Tavern in Maroochydore.
22. Brett Graham:
ONCE considered to the next mayor elect almost a decade ago, the Ray White boss remains one of the region's most influential business people.
His charity involvement is longstanding and his stable of Ray White offices in the region sell, on average, 70 properties a month and manage nearly 2000 investment properties worth almost $800 million.
23. Roy Henzell:
FEW have had more influence on the southern Sunshine Coast than Roy Henzell.
The family name is synonymous with the region and the mastermind behind the Pelican Waters development has been creating communities and facilities for decades around Caloundra.
24. Jeanette Allom-Hill:
THE former Sunshine Coast Council group executive of business performance is off to bend the ear of the nation's leader, consulting to the Prime Minister with the Australian Public Sector Reform office.
She'll remain based in the region where she recently won the 2020 Telstra Queensland Business Women's Awards Public Sector and Academia Award.
25. Tony Scanlon:
PUBLICAN, developer, and even a former major shareholder of the Brisbane Broncos. Tony Scanlon's CV is extensive.
The former Thoroughbreds member, who helped former Broncos transition to life after footy, has been a major player north of the Maroochy River.
His Surfair resort and tavern at Marcoola remain hugely popular, while he's also developed major shopping complexes at Peregian Beach and secured approvals for a new motel there too.
26. Harry Reed:
ANOTHER prolific property developer, Harry Reed's family business, built from the ground up, has delivered some of the most recognisable buildings in the region, including M1 at Maroochydore.
The Reed Charity Foundation also delivered major improvements for a range of Coast charities, and his family's businesses remain significant contributors to property development activities in the region.
27. Mal Pratt:
FEW have been as influential in shaping the Coast as Mal Pratt.
The long-time property developer and head of Pratt Property has played a significant part in the direction of the region.
He's also helped several lifesavers through his youth development program, is a stalwart of Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, and is an OAM recipient.
He also played a key role in the community's fight against a 200m rock wall to be built at the mouth of the Maroochy River, throwing his weight behind the grassroots campaign.
28. Graeme Juniper:
THE man who built most of Mooloolaba is a highly active figure in the tourist town.
He's the current president of the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce, and has his finger on the pulse of deals being made, and some still only being thought of, in Mooloolaba.
29. Will Shrapnel:
MANAGING director of growing aerospace business HeliMods, Will Shrapnel is one of the region's brightest stars at the moment.
His helicopter modification firm has received international recognition for its work, and he's started to pick up some serious government contracts, including a recent brief from Victoria Police to fit-out three of their new state-of-the-art helicopters.
He's also on the council's UNESCO Biosphere community reference group to help with the bid.
30. Bruce and Denise Morcombe:
THE Daniel Morcombe Foundation is showing no signs of slowing down in its relentless pursuit of child safety.
Driven by the inspirational parents of slain schoolboy Daniel Morcombe, the foundation has established Daniel House, with backing from the State Government, which is now the foundation's national office.
It also doubles as a counselling centre for young victims of crime.
31. Paula Williamson:
ANZ's senior private banker on the Sunshine Coast, the Adviser connects her group of high net worth clients with specialists, to help grow their wealth.
She's also the network development chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Women's Network.
32. Cameron Hall:
HALL Contracting CEO Cameron Hall has overseen a major expansion of the Coast-based dredging, civil and marine construction company.
The firm began in 1946, as a sand and gravel supply company, and now employed 300 staff.
Hall Contracting was another regular winner of major works contracts in the region.
33. Don Moffatt:
MR MOFFATT, AM, developed large swathes of Maroochydore, and is a prominent figure in both the property sector and was named a life member of the tourism board, Sunshine Coast Turf Club and LifeFlight.
He was also named Sunshine Coast senior citizen of the year in 2018.
34. Denis Moore:
THE business furniture giant grew a $70 million empire from a shed in the backyard.
The BFX Furniture founder and chairman has made significant investment, both in people and infrastructure on the Coast, particularly in recent years.
It was enough to draw Mayor Mark Jamieson to the launch of their new manufacturing facility in August, 2017.
35. Peter Boyce:
ANOTHER legal eagle, the Butler McDermott Solicitors boss is arguably the region's highest-profile lawyer, thanks in large to his work for the Morcombe family in their fight for justice.
Mr Boyce, OAM, has also played key roles in the Sunshine Coast Falcons (formerly Sea Eagles), and the club's survival, and is the current chair of the Reimagine Nambour project.
36. Walter Iezzi:
WHEN the mayor launches one of your developments before it's even been approved you know you've got a bit of pulling power.
Mr Iezzi has established himself as one of the most high profile property developers on the Coast, with his Walter Iezzi Property Group responsible for a number of high-end projects.
37. Kevin Covey:
THE Covey Associates boss established his private consulting engineering company on the Coast in 1990.
It's become one of the go-to businesses when it comes to all things planning and development, from small to large-scale projects.
Business expansions led to the group establishing offices in North Lakes and Papua New Guinea.
38. Ralph Devlin:
A FORMIDABLE QC, the barrister was heavily involved in the groundbreaking Fitzgerald Inquiry.
He's a hugely influential figure in the Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club and broader surf life saving movement.
39. Leisa Toomey:
REGARDED as one of the state's leading family law practitioners and an authority in the field.
The Toomey Family Law boss and co-owner of Cellar Door in Mooloolaba spent a few years working for high-profile developer Walter Iezzi's company.
She's spent more than two decades in her field, and her new boutique firm also partners with SunnyKids and Wishlist.
40. Matthew Byrne:
STOCKLAND'S senior economic development manager plays a lead role in the delivery of masterplanned communities at Aura (Caloundra South) and Oceanside Kawana.
He's also a lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, passing on his knowledge to business leaders of the future.
41. Craig Hawkins:
SUNSHINE Coast's new police Superintendent has made the move from the Wide Bay-Burnett district to one of the most coveted jobs in the service.
Supt Hawkins has had plenty on his plate, helping the region navigate the coronavirus pandemic, and he'll play a key role in the region's future, in charge of our law enforcers.
Supt Hawkins was heavily involved in the police response to outlaw motorcycle gangs in the early-mid 2000s, and was involved in the establishment of a number of key taskforces, including Taskforce Maxima.
42. Elizabeth Cannon:
THE chief financial officer of the University of the Sunshine Coast, Ms Cannon plays a critical role in the operation of the region's premier tertiary education facility.
USC is in the process of significant expansion, including with its new Petrie campus, and caters to about 13,500 students in total.
43. Mark Pico:
FEW have done as much as Mark Pico in putting the region on the map with a global audience.
His efforts as organiser of the Big Pineapple Music Festival have delivered headline acts and awards aplenty, and given a real legitimacy to the region's major entertainment and event industry.
44. Dennis Chant:
THE Sunshine Coast Airport chairman was appointed by Palisade Investment Partners to help transition the region's airport into private ownership, following the deal struck between Palisade and Sunshine Coast Council.
Mr Chant is the former CEO of Queensland Airports Limited, and had previously grown Gold Coast and Townsville airports.
He's steering the growth of the Sunshine Coast Airport alongside CEO Andrew Brodie.
45. Bill Darby:
THE former Rumba Beach Resort GM may have shifted his business interests, but he still has plenty of sway on the Coast.
He was influential in Brady Sullivan's ultimately unsuccessful bid to become Division 2 Councillor, and has been involved in politics on the Coast.
He was an Adviser to then-Premier Campbell Newman's business forum, and established himself as one of the more respected business and tourism figures in the region.
46. David Ryan:
THE Visit Sunshine Coast chair has taken over as the figurehead of the organisation following Simon Latchford's sudden departure recently.
Mr Ryan had previously operated with less of a profile than Mr Latchford, but had been a CEO in the investment banking sector and served on Virgin Group's Global Advisory Board.
47. Jim Costello:
THE Big Pineapple Renewal project director has managed to secure swathes of support from the State Government for the revitalisation of the iconic Coast venue.
A massive masterplanning process is underway to revitalise the attraction, and Mr Costello is leading the charge, having secured almost $7 million worth of State Government funding already.
48. Ted O'Brien:
THE Fairfax MP is current Chair of Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy and is also leading the Olympic charge for southeast Queensland.
The second-term MP was appointed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's representative on the SEQ Olympic campaign.
He's also playing a key role in driving a faster rail connection from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane.
49. Shane O'Brien:
THE well-connected Vantage Homes boss has overseen the growth of his company into one of the region's largest home builders.
He's also heavily involved in The Sports Hub development at Lake Kawana, and one of the main backers of the Sunshine Coast Falcons.
50. Bill Haddrill:
COUNCIL's chief strategy officer, Mr Haddrill leads the development of strategic policy frameworks, and provides tactical advice to advance the organisation's objectives.
He played a key role in the development of council's Blue Heart program.
51. Brent Mickelberg:
THE Buderim MP is part of a family which pulls plenty of strings within the LNP on the Coast.
The ex-soldier turned banker's father, Graeme, took over as the LNP's Sunshine Coast regional chair from long-time powerbroker Greg Newton.
Mr Mickelberg Snr had also run previously for preselection in the federal seat of Fisher.
Brent stood for the party after Steve Dickson's defection, and quickly restored the seat to the LNP's stable.
52. Jason Cronan:
FEW have a better understanding of the state of business in the region than Jason Cronan.
The bankruptcy and insolvency expert is part of the SV Partners team, whose quarterly report has long been a strong indicator of the state of the region's economy, and health of its small businesses.
53. Linda Delamotte:
THE current chair of the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance, the Alliance represents business interests across the region in key planning discussions.
The Alliance was formed in 2009 and its website launched in 2017.
54. Andrew Brodie:
THE Sunshine Coast Airport CEO has the task of guiding the organisation through coronavirus as well as a major masterplanning and redevelopment process.
The former Brisbane Airport Corporation senior executive took over from Peter Pallot, who retired on December 31, 2018.
55. Tony Kelly:
FEW hold as much sway in the hospitality industry as Tony Kelly.
The renowned chef and restaurateur has established himself as a central figure to the success of a precinct, first in Ocean Street, Maroochydore, and now at The Wharf in Mooloolaba.
56. Mark Stockwell:
THE managing director of Stockwell development firm and former Olympic swimmer is also a major commercial property mogul in the region, having bought the Noosa Civic shopping complex for about $250 million last year.
Mr Stockwell and his family's fortune was estimated to be more than $100 million back in 2014.
57. Sandy Zubrinich:
THE former private and public sector executive and chairwoman of the Sunshine Coast Business Council has the ears of elected representatives across all three tiers of government.
She's advocated for more than 4000 Coast businesses since she took on the role in 2012, and the organisation has started a regional 'cabinet' to assist with coronavirus recovery efforts.
58. Andrew Wallace:
THE former builder and construction law barrister is in his second term as the Federal Member for Fisher.
Mr Wallace spent nearly 30 years as a builder, and in his role as barrister, was engaged to undertake a review of the Building Act 1975, delivering the Wallace Report which delivered a range of recommendations to improve processes in the building and construction industry.
He is also an advocate for mental health and eating disorder support, playing a key role in the establishment of endED's Butterfly House, set to be the nation's first residential eating disorder support facility.
59. Dan Purdie:
THE former child protection Detective became Ninderry's first MP, winning the new seat for the LNP.
In his short tenure he has already been elevated to the role of Shadow Police Minister, and insiders have identified him as having future leadership material.
He is also connected in high places, having served as a police officer alongside Federal Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.
60. Gerry Price:
HEAD of Secondary at prestigious Matthew Flinders Anglican College, Mr Price has been shaping young minds in the region for many years.
The Flinders alumni is a lofty group, with plenty of the region's success stories in business and other sectors passing through the College.
61. Brad Williams:
THE RPS Sunshine Coast general manager is the current chair of the Property Council of Australia's Sunshine Coast Committee.
The surveying, town planning and urban design firm is involved in many major developments across the region.
62. Daren Edwards:
THE Coast's senior Detective is back nabbing crooks, after a bid to become a Sunshine Coast Councillor ended in a thrilling race to the finish.
Detective Senior-Sergeant Edwards shot to fame for a crash tackle on a rogue outside court, but has worked tirelessly for years putting criminals behind bars on the Coast.
63. Wagner family:
THE Toowoomba business and property magnates are rumoured to be setting their sights on the Coast.
Denis Wagner helped launch Mayor Mark Jamieson's campaign back in 2016, while KPAT Asset Management, directed by Denis' son, Kenneth, recently got the nod to purchase and develop the remaining half of the Brisbane Road carpark site.
64. Ian Macfarlane:
FORMER Federal Resources and Energy Minister and current Queensland Resources Council chief executive Ian Macfarlane is a man well-connected in the mining industry.
The Mooloolaba unit owner is also the chair of the Mooloolaba and Spit Association.
65. Noel Woodall:
A CRIMINAL defence lawyer and avid soccer fan, Mr Woodall is the man behind the Sunshine Coast Fire.
The Fire outfit was one of the heavyweights of the state's top tier of football in its heyday.
Mr Woodall maintains strong connections to Football Queensland, and has been a fixture of the region's legal scene since the 1970s.
66. Mark Hobbs:
ONE of the founders of the Beefy's empire, the pastry pro showed he also holds some political sway when Prime Minister Scott Morrison dropped in for a bite on the election campaign.
The award-winning bakery boasted almost 200 staff in 2017, and the business has continued to grow, starting from humble beginnings at Aussie World.
67. Lyndon Davis:
THE Gubbi Gubbi tribe member is involved in delivering cultural awareness to schools throughout the region and is one of the Coast's most respected indigenous leaders.
An artist with the Beulah Community, Mr Davis runs the successful Gubbi Gubbi Dance troupe and is a key figure at various major ceremonies in the region.
68. Maria Woods:
SINCE July, 2012 Maria Woods has been in charge of one of the Coast's highest-performing private schools.
The Sunshine Coast Grammar School principal is tasked with shaping the learning experiences of students at the elite Forest Glen campus.
She's also on the Sunshine Coast Committee for the Australian Institute of Company Directors and sits on the University of the Sunshine Coast Educational Academic Advisory Committee.
69. Ross Hopper:
MALENY Dairies boss Ross Hopper is in charge of one of the Coast's largest independent dairies, and he's not afraid to wade into a political fight.
The producer has amassed a huge following on social media, which was mobilised in a high profile spat with the State Government over the awarding of a hospital supply tender in January.
70. Emma Greenhatch:
THE Food and Agribusiness Network general manager is a key advocate for the growing sector.
With export opportunities tipped to open up with the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport, the industry, viewed as one of several high-value sectors to the region, will become more and more important to the region's overall domestic product.
71. Wayne Swan:
THE former Federal Treasurer and long-time Labor MP has strong ties to the Coast.
The current national president of the Labor Party and former Deputy PM was acknowledged for his role in steering Australia through the GFC.
He's a regular on the Coast, and has thrown his significant political weight behind community causes.
Most notably, he backed the Don't Rock The Maroochy group in its fight against a proposed rock wall at Cotton Tree, and more recently, he has backed a community campaign against a proposed cycleway along the foreshore at Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland.
72. Kevin Rudd:
THE Nambour-born former PM is still extremely active politically, weighing in on many issues, often involving foreign policy.
The president of the Asia Society Policy Institute is a former foreign minister and is fluent in Mandarin.
He's also published several books, including a tell-all on the infamous leadership spill that cut short his leadership.
He and wife Therese Rein splashed out $3.1 million on a Castaways Beach mansion about a decade ago.
73. Dr Roger Faint:
THE Sunshine Coast Local Medical Association president is the face of a large portion of the region's medical fraternity.
He boasts more than 35 years' experience, and was a strong advocate for the region securing its own medical school.
74. Clive Palmer:
THE controversial mining magnate maintains his Palmer Coolum Resort holding on the Coast, a site which has been surrounded by rumours of redevelopment, or even sale, over the years.
He's been sighted in the region in recent weeks, fuelling speculation an announcement about the future of the former Hyatt Regency Coolum resort is imminent.
Mr Palmer remains an influential public figure, his $60 million campaign spending in the last federal election was reported to have helped the LNP romp home in Queensland, despite not winning his party a seat.
He's also registered his United Australia Party, signalling an intention to contest seats in the upcoming State Election in October.
75. Ken Down:
THE prominent architect and brains behind structures including Australia Zoo's Crocoseum, Sunshine Coast Turf Club and many more is one half of what is now the largest regional-based architecture firm in the state.
His firm has joined forced with Toowoomba-based Aspect and remains active in the area, working behind the scenes on a number of major projects.
76. Tony Sowden:
THE boutique commercial lawyer has owned and operated firms in the region since 1992.
He's advised several major organisations in the region, and sat on numerous boards.
Mr Sowden is also a current board member and secretary of the Sunshine Coast Business Council, an advocacy group representing about 4000 businesses through its membership.
77. Karl Stefanovic:
HE'S a human headline who doesn't mind getting stuck into politicians or celebrities, and the polarising television personality is also a Coast property owner.
He and wife Jasmine splashed $3.6 million on a Sunshine Beach home earlier this year, meaning eagle-eyed locals might be seeing a lot more of Karl.
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