Sunshine Coast Council has called on political parties to provide significant support to the region, ahead of the federal election.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli urged candidates to back funding and policy initiatives that could deliver critical infrastructure to a growing population, which is expected to balloon from 365,000 to 518,000 within six years.
“To help manage this growth, Sunshine Coast Council’s immediate priorities include providing the necessary transport solutions that connect major development areas, beachside suburbs, business precincts and tourist hubs to Queensland’s existing passenger rail network,” she said.
“The Sunshine Coast has a high dependence on car travel. To maintain our liveability, we need to provide safe and accessible transport options. We reaffirm council’s commitment to, and strong support for, the heavy rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore and we are asking the political parties to commit to funding and delivering the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (MRIU).
“The Sunshine Coast deserves a transport system that works for locals now and leaves a legacy for future generations.”
The heavy rail and MRIU projects were recently cut from the national Infrastructure Priority List.
Cr Natoli said an efficient international airport and a contemporary convention and performing arts facility were also high priorities.
“We also want to advance manufacturing and innovation, and support growth in jobs and tourism,” she said.
“Urgent action is also required to increase affordable housing to enable more families to have a safe and secure place to call home. This funding must be fast-tracked.
“We are calling for fairer funding for councils through the Australian Financial Assistance Grants, which is desperately needed. Restoring this to just 1 per cent of total Australian tax revenue would mean an additional $12 million for the Sunshine Coast.
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“Council also acknowledges the challenges posed by climate change and emphasises the need to protect coastlines from rising sea levels.
“A Coastal Hazard Management Strategy is in place, with the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund providing a key funding pipeline to implementing coastal protection works.
“We are asking the political parties to commit to continuing this important funding until at least 2029-30 and increasing the $200 million funding pool to $300 million.
“Our beautiful beaches and coastal areas, together with our stunning hinterland, are essential to the fabulous Sunshine Coast lifestyle and are key attractions that draw so many visitors each year.”
Council’s federal election wish list
Transport and infrastructure
- Commit to working with the Queensland Government to extend the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line to Maroochydore by 2032.
- Commit to implementing the findings of the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Detailed Business Case.
- Commit to fund and deliver the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade.
- Commit to co-fund the development of Sunshine Coast Airport international terminal expansion to facilitate its opening by 2032.
- Commit to fund a new business case for the Sunshine Coast Performing Arts and Convention Centre with a further commitment to contribute to the construction.
Climate
- Coastal hazard protection: Commit to continuing the Disaster Ready Funding program until at least 2029-30 and to increase the existing $200 million funding pool to $300 million.
Policy and statutory
- New housing: Commit to fast-tracking the Housing Australia Future Fund for social and affordable housing on Sunshine Coast.
- Fairer funding: Commit to restoring the value of the Australian Government Financial Assistant Grants to Local Government to the equivalent of 1 per cent of total Australian taxation revenue.
Industry
- Commit $27.5 million to deliver significant innovation outcomes on the Sunshine Coast.
- Commit $5.2 million to support the advancement of manufacturing in the Sunshine Coast region.
The Sunshine Coast Council 2024 Federal Election Advocacy document is available on council’s website.
