A Sunshine Coast MP has called on the Australian government to back the Sunshine Coast in the Federal Budget, or the region “will continue to fall behind”.
Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace urged Canberra to provide significant funding, after detailed discussions with Sunshine Coast Council about key projects in the area.
He said rapid population growth was placing increased pressure on infrastructure, housing and essential services.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the country, and if we don’t get the investment right now, we will continue to fall behind,” he said.
“I’ve worked closely with council and formally written to the government to support a clear and practical pipeline of projects that will deliver for our community.”
Mr Wallace, of the LNP, called for federal funding for a Sunshine Coast Regional Indoor Community Sports Centre to meet surging demand for indoor sport, with participation doubling in recent years and existing venues already at capacity.
He also called for the federal Labor government to provide 50 per cent of the funds for stages two and three of The Wave public transport system, including rail from Caloundra to Birtinya and a bus rapid transit connection through to the Sunshine Coast Airport, which could reduce congestion and support growth.
Mr Wallace appealed for funding for an upgrade to a section of the Bruce Highway, from Steve Irwin Way to Caloundra Road, and funding for social and affordable housing projects to address rising housing stress and homelessness.
He also highlighted a need for funding for the Diamond Head seawall, to protecting coastal infrastructure and communities from erosion and extreme weather, and money for a Sunshine Coast Medical School (UniSC) to bolster the local healthcare workforce.
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Mr Wallace also called for funding for an Advanced Manufacturing Demonstrator Hub, to drive innovation, skills development and manufacturing jobs.
He said the projects were crucial for the Sunshine Coast.
“These are not nice-to-haves, they are must-haves if we want to keep our region liveable, connected and economically strong,” he said.
“From fixing congestion on our roads, delivering housing, to building the infrastructure we need for the 2032 Olympics and beyond, this is about planning properly for the future.”
Mr Wallace said investment in local industry and workforce development was critical.
“The Sunshine Coast has enormous potential in advanced manufacturing, healthcare and tourism, but we need to back that potential with real investment,” he said.
“This Budget is a chance for the government to show it understands what regional communities like ours actually need.
“The Sunshine Coast cannot afford to be left behind, yet again.”
