A leading Sunshine Coast business advocacy group has embraced the state government’s bold transport vision for the region.
The Sunshine Coast Business Council hailed infrastructure project The Wave, after hearing from Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg at a corporate luncheon at The Lake House in Brightwater. The state government has pledged $5.5 billion in the state budget to begin delivering the project.
The Wave will include heavy passenger rail from Beerwah to Birtinya, a metro bus extension to the Sunshine Coast Airport and the long-awaited Mooloolah River Interchange. Stations will be built at Caloundra, Aroona, Birtinya, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore and the airport.
SCBC chair Sandy Zubrinich said it would promote regional connectivity, economic growth and local business confidence ahead of the 2032 Games.
“Improving transport and roads in the region continues to be top priority for the business council,” she said.
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“It was encouraging to hear the minister’s commitment to delivering key projects ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and also his government’s commitment to maintain transparency through regular updates on these projects.
“Confidence in infrastructure delivery is critical to ensure local businesses and investors continue to back the region’s growth.”
The event was attended by about 140 business and local government leaders from across the region.
“This luncheon provided a golden opportunity for the Sunshine Coast business community to directly engage with a key government leader and better understand the state government’s priorities,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“The event shed light on how transport infrastructure projects can drive growth, support local businesses and prepare us for the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Mr Mickelberg said The Wave was a game-changing project for South-East Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.
“This is a multi-modal approach to redesign the public transport network on the Sunshine Coast, and provides the longest extension of the passenger rail in South-East Queensland in over 15 years,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in Queensland, with a rising population and increasing demand for efficient transport and infrastructure.
“A reliable, efficient transport network is critical to supporting the people that live here and the significant growth that is forecast.
“The Wave will take passengers further than ever before. It will not only enhance connectivity and reduce travel times but also create jobs and long-term opportunities for local businesses.
“Industry expertise will be a driving force behind this project, and we welcome their involvement and insight into delivering this critical transport infrastructure.
“Developing world-class infrastructure isn’t a solo effort – it’s about partnerships. By working with industry, we can deliver the transport network needed to support the Sunshine Coast community long after the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
