Coast calls for commitment on regional priorities tour
An advocacy tour has revealed the Sunshine Coast’s big ticket Federal Budget wish list - find out what the Coast is asking for and why it matters.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli and Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland.
Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland joined Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli on a tour across the region today (27 January), highlighting major priorities including community sport infrastructure, housing and homelessness support, key transport and coastal protection projects ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said now was the time to secure funding for infrastructure and services that will shape the long-term liveability and prosperity of our region.
“The Sunshine Coast is entering a transformative decade, and we need the right infrastructure in place to support our residents, attract investment and also prepare for the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Council’s immediate priorities remain clear; improving our roads and public transport, delivering essential community infrastructure, helping address the housing crisis and driving economic opportunities in education, industry and tourism.
“We are also deeply committed to protecting our coastline and community assets from the very real impacts of weather and climate change.
“But we cannot do this alone.
“We need a strong partnership with the Australian Government, and restoring Financial Assistance Grants to at least 1 per cent of federal taxation revenue would be an excellent first step.”
Each priority had been selected because of its direct and immediate benefit to the community.
Key priorities outlined in the submission include:
- A $162 million Regional Indoor Community Sports Centre to meet soaring demand for indoor sports.
- Funding for Stages 2 and 3 of the WAVE public transport system and a business case to upgrade the Bruce Highway to six lanes between Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Road.
- Investment in social, affordable and supportive housing, allocating $160 million for community housing providers and $120 million for crisis and transitional accommodation.
- Major coastal resilience upgrades, including the Diamond Head Seawall and Bradman Avenue Revetment Wall.
- $8 million for the Nambour (Namba) Streetscape Improvement Project, supporting the town’s ongoing revitalisation.
Councillors standing alongside Senator Corinne Mulholland.
Community indoor sports facility
Housing supply
With more than 518,000 people expected to call the Sunshine Coast home by 2041, Mayor Natoli said federal partnership was vital to ensure our infrastructure, services and communities are ready for the future.
“We thank the Australian Government for considering our 2026–27 Federal Budget Submission and look forward to working in partnership to deliver the projects our community needs,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Our community deserves a region that is connected, liveable and thriving – and achieving this will require the right support from the Australian Government.”
Senator Corrinne Mulholland said today’s visit was a great way of being on the ground to see where and how the Albanese’s $3.4 billion investment into Olympic infrastructure will be invested on the Sunshine Coast.
“My priority is understanding how these projects will benefit locals into the future, to ensure there’s a legacy infrastructure benefit for Sunshine Coast communities for generations to come.
“The Albanese Government has committed $12.4 billion to invest in transport projects in Queensland to keep our state moving after the games, and specifically for the Sunshine Coast we have committed $2.75 billion for Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
“I commend the Council for being on the front foot with their pre-Budget submission ahead of the 2026-27 Budget in May, ensuring the Sunshine Coast will be front of mind for the Treasurer.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Mayor Natoli and the Councillors.”