Facilities Management Trends Shaping the Future (and Why They Matter)

Artists image of the proposed Maroochydore Arena

Over the past few months, I have had the fascinating task of developing a course in Facility Management (FM) for UniSC’s new International Sports Management degree. I say fascinating because the more research I do, including interviews with prominent industry practitioners, the more I realise what enormous opportunities there are for Sunshine Coast venues.

As we head towards 2032, facilities management FM is evolving fast and being driven by technology, sustainability imperatives, operational demands, and a shift in how spaces are used and experienced. These trends are especially relevant for regions like the Sunshine Coast that are preparing to host major sporting events, athletes, and visitors, and that want world-class infrastructure to last long after the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Here are six key trends shaping FM now and into the next decade and what they mean for the Sunshine Coast’s games journey.

1. Smart, Data-Driven Facilities

Modern FM is no longer about reacting to problems, it’s about predicting them.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are enabling predictive maintenance, real-time resource management, and automated facility responses, from lighting and indoor environmental control to crowd flow and security systems.

• Digital systems pull data from sensors and building systems to forecast maintenance issues, optimise space use, and reduce energy waste.

For the Sunshine Coast, this means new venues like the indoor sports centre and upgraded stadium could operate more efficiently, reduce operating costs, and deliver better experiences for athletes and visitors, without constant on-site oversight.

2. Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability has become a baseline expectation - legally, socially, and economically:

• Facility managers must now track emissions, implement green building measures, and meet environmental reporting requirements.

• Smart energy systems, renewable power use, waste reduction protocols, and water-saving strategies are becoming standard parts of FM.

This aligns perfectly with the Sunshine Coast’s broader vision of sustainable growth, especially since the Maroochydore City Centre and athletes’ village developments are being planned with green infrastructure in mind.

3. Integrated Facility Management (IFM)

Complex venues require coordinated systems rather than fragmented service silos:

• Integrated FM consolidates services like cleaning, security, maintenance, and energy management under unified platforms.

• This reduces cost, improves communication, and ensures consistency which is essential for multi-use venues that will host games, community events, and major tourism events long after 2032.

For Sunshine Coast Council and venue operators, integrated systems will help manage peaks in usage during the 2032 Games and ensure smooth transitions afterwards.

4. Flexible and Multi-Use Spaces

Future-ready facilities are designed to do more than one thing:

• Sports venues are increasingly becoming community hubs, capable of hosting concerts, conferences, training, fitness classes, and festivals.

• Flexible design helps spread maintenance costs and boosts usage year-round, so critical for legacy planning once the 2032 Games finish.

This trend directly supports Sunshine Coast venues like Sunshine Coast Stadium and the new indoor sports centre, which are planned not just for Olympic competition but for long-term community and commercial use.

5. Digital Twins & Advanced Asset Planning

The cutting edge of FM involves digital replicas of real-world facilities:

• Digital twin technology creates virtual mirrors of physical buildings and systems, integrating maintenance, performance, and sensor data for real-time decision-making.

• This helps teams simulate scenarios, forecast performance, and plan interventions with unmatched precision.

As Sunshine Coast facilities grow in scale and complexity, digital twins could play a key role in optimising operations, from athlete villages to large spectator venues.

6. Workforce Adaptation & Skill Growth

While technology is transforming FM, there’s a critical need for skilled workers who can operate and manage these systems:

• There’s a growing skills shortage in the sector, especially in roles requiring digital literacy.

• Effective FM in 2032 and beyond will depend on local upskilling, apprenticeships, and investment in both traditional trades and digital operations talent.

For the Sunshine Coast, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity with the Games acting as a catalyst for workforce development in tech-driven facility operations.

What This Means for the Sunshine Coast

Hosting events and venues for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games isn’t just about construction, it’s about running world-class facilities reliably, sustainably, and efficiently for decades to come.

Here’s how the trends translate locally:

• Smart operations will reduce costs and make facilities more resilient.

• Sustainability supports the Coast’s environmental and community goals.

• Integrated systems streamline management of multiple venues.

• Flexible design ensures venues stay lively after the Games.

• Digital tools bring next-generation asset monitoring and planning.

• Workforce growth builds local capacity in skilled FM roles.

All of this contributes to a legacy beyond 2032, with world-class infrastructure, healthier communities, and a stronger regional economy that continues to thrive long after the Olympic torch has been extinguished.