The Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Summit is set to pinpoint the next generation of major infrastructure and develop a prioritised plan for the region to 2050.
Bringing together federal, state and local government representatives, local business leaders and community representatives, the summit will be presented by Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast Business Council and Infrastructure Association of Queensland.
The collaborative forum will feature a range of presenters, including Mayor Mark Jamieson, state and federal government representatives, industry leaders and an internationally recognised keynote speaker.
Mr Jamieson said he had invited SCBC and IAQ to work with the council to provide a forum to identify a new blueprint for the priorities that would propel the region forward over the coming decades.
“The infrastructure mix that is being delivered now – in one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation – along with the infrastructure we will need to see delivered over the course of the next 30 years and beyond, is not an easy equation to solve,” he said.
“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is, by no doubt, a transformational opportunity for our region. But there are an array of opportunities and challenges.
“If we want our region to continue to have a compelling value proposition that enables us to stand out from the crowd while remaining one of the greatest locations in Australia to live, work and raise a family, then we have to have the longer term in mind.
“We need to build on what we have already achieved, but in doing so, define an infrastructure agenda and program that is responsive to – and takes maximum advantage of – a rapidly changing and evolving local, national and global landscape.
“This is what the inaugural Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Summit will seek to kick-start.”
SCBC chair Sandy Zubrinich encouraged all interested businesses and industry leaders to attend and actively participate in the conversation to ensure future infrastructure planning is expansive, collaborative and constructive.
“As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, it is essential that we plan for the breadth of infrastructure required to support that inevitable growth toward a truly sustainable economy and region,” she said.
“We are not unique in our challenges and this summit will provide us with an opportunity to learn from experts in urban infrastructure planning.
“Vancouver’s chief administrative officer and commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny will present a case study on Metro Vancouver via video link, providing insights into the city’s infrastructure planning and delivery journey in the lead-up to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
“We will also hear from Kate Meyrick, director of Urbis, who has been influential in shaping thinking about the global competitiveness of Australian cities, their future identity and quality of life.
“Ms Meyrick will host the afternoon session, which includes visioning and positioning presentations as well as leading and facilitating the discussion and workshop sessions.
“We urge those interested in shaping and securing our region’s future to come along and engage with key stakeholders and experts on innovative and sustainable infrastructure.”
IAQ chief executive officer Louise Van Ristell said the summit provided the opportunity to recognise the diversity of the region while planning future development.
“I believe it is important to underscore future growth with conversations around environment, social and governance principles to ensure environment and community underpin decisions for this unique region,” she said.
“I encourage everyone to join the conversation.”
The summit will be hosted at the Innovation Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Friday, June 2, from 8.45am to 4.15pm. Registrations are required and close on Friday, May 25, or when all tickets are sold. Tickets can be secured at www.summit.com.
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