The chair of a Sunshine Coast business advocacy group has outlined how the next federal government could do more for the region.
Sunshine Coast Business Council’s Sandy Zubrinich issued a statement calling on the nation’s powers-to-be to support the Queensland government’s infrastructure investment and get behind small businesses.
“In late March, the Sunshine Coast region received a long-overdue commitment of around $10 billion in state infrastructure funding ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.
“For a region that has long felt overlooked by past federal and state governments when it comes to infrastructure investment, this is a very big win for the Sunshine Coast and one that comes with both gratitude and rising expectations.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Council has been advocating for many of these projects for more than six years and with the state now taking the lead, our attention turns to Canberra and what we need from the next federal government.
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“Disappointingly, the recent federal budget included little new investment specific to the Sunshine Coast.
“There was no reinstated funding for the Mooloolah River Interchange, which had previously been committed to in 2021 and removed from budget in 2023, leaving the state government to fully fund the delivery of this vital piece of infrastructure.
“To its credit, the state has stepped up to the mark in their funding proposal for The Wave, including a direct rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, with a metro hub connecting to Sunshine Coast Airport via the Maroochydore CBD, a bold and visionary plan to prepare us for the Games within seven short years.
“So, what do we need from the next federal government?
“Firstly, a government willing to work in partnership with the Queensland government to deliver the 2032 Games and help determine the allocation of the already committed $2.5 billion in federal funding for the Games.
“Secondly, we need a federal government who shows more interest and intent to support small business.
“We are a nation built on small businesses and we continue to rely on this important sector for jobs, innovation and economic resilience.
“Finally, we need a federal government capable of thinking big picture while still able to act on the challenges in the here and now … one that can tackle the urgent needs of our communities and businesses while also navigating us through the fast-deteriorating global environment.
“These are not ordinary times. The world as we know it is becoming more unstable, more volatile and more complex, demanding a level of expertise we haven’t seen from Canberra for a long time.”
Ms Zubrinich said some policy decisions had made many Australians poorer and businesses more vulnerable, and industrial relations changes had added layers of red tape and uncertainty.
She said necessary energy transition had been rushed resulting in cost burdens for businesses and consumers, and she said insurance premiums had spiralled.
“This all increases the risk on small businesses,” she said.
“The next federal government must be capable of dealing with an escalating and complex macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, and adept at responding to a shifting global order.”
Ms Zubrinich welcomed recent investment announcements for the Bruce Highway and passenger rail for the region and hoped the region’s booming population could be well supported.
“The ambitious housing and infrastructure projects the Sunshine Coast needs, and is expected to deliver over the next decade, will take elected representatives who have the experience and influence to ensure funding and policy settings are in place to deliver regionally significant projects and accommodate the proposed population growth,” she said.
The Sunshine Coast Business Council represents about 4000 businesses through its membership.
