The Sunshine Coast Council is calling on the 2024 State election parties to make commitments that will benefit its communities, such as investment to support transport and social housing.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said that the outcome of the 2024 Queensland Government election will shape the future of Queensland and the future of the Sunshine Coast.
“The Queensland State Government 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,” Mayor Natoli 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.
Mayor Natoli said that Council had developed a small number of succinct advocacy priorities, including:
- 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 five 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 2024, to achieve our objectives for the Sunshine Coast.”
Featured image: Mayor Natoli and business identities at the launch of the State election priorities. Image credit: Sunshine Coast Council.
