The Sunshine Coast mayor has called on Queensland parties to pledge their support to the rapidly-growing region ahead of the state election.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli has urged candidates to support the local council in efforts to address the needs of the area.
She wants commitments for more efficient, accessible and reliable public transport, easing of traffic congestion, investment in innovation and social housing support.
“The election comes at a critical time when our region is experiencing extraordinary population growth, while we also prepare to deliver the crucial infrastructure necessary for a successful Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.
“Council is willing and able to play our role in continuing to advance major region-shaping infrastructure that attracts investment and creates jobs across our region.
“However, we cannot do this without Queensland Government assistance.
“The commitments we are seeking are about the future for our residents, our communities and our region, as well as enhancing our already significant contribution to the Queensland economy, forecast to grow to $33 billion by 2033.
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Council’s priorities
- A state government commitment to fund the $6.5 billion required to extend the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast rail line to Maroochydore before 2032.
- A state government commitment to fund and deliver the $160 million Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade.
- $25 million to support the establishment of the Sunshine Coast Innovation Hub in Maroochydore CBD and upgraded University Innovation Centre to deliver significant jobs and economic benefits to Queensland.
- Support for social housing – increase the percentage of social housing in the Sunshine Coast region from 1.9 per cent to 5 per cent over the next term of the Queensland Government.
- A state government commitment that Halls Creek will be removed as a Potential Future Growth Area and included within the Northern Inter-urban Break of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023 so that this area is prevented from being developed in the future.
“Our council and our community have already made substantial progress to strengthen our region’s economy, in particular through the $2.5 billion investment into Australia’s largest greenfield CBD project at Maroochydore,” mayor Natoli said.
“Our world-class city centre continues its rapid transformation, accelerating momentum with the unveiling of the $98 million City Hall in 2022 and the opening of The Corso last week.
“Work is well underway on the $100 million private hospital and the 15-storey premium grade commercial office building, 50 First Avenue.
“Our council looks forward to continuing to work with the Queensland Government, regardless of the results in October, to achieve our objectives for the Sunshine Coast.”
Her call for support comes as the Queensland Government is set to meet on the Sunshine Coast for Community Cabinet on Wednesday August 7, where local groups and individuals are encouraged to register to meet a minister.
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