United voice highlights Coast infrastructure priorities

Sunshine Coast Council Deputy Mayor Cr Tim Dwyer has welcomed the opportunity to put the region’s infrastructure priorities directly to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.

Minister Darren Chester was on the Sunshine Coast yesterday (June 1) to host a round table discussion on infrastructure and transport needs for the Sunshine Coast.

Cr Dwyer said being able to articulate the current status of the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and the many benefits it would deliver was very timely considering the recent decision of the State Coordinator General to give the project the green light.

"With representatives from Council, Sunshine Coast Business Council, Chambers of Commerce and individual business operators in the room, the Minister was left in no doubt the Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project, Bruce Highway upgrade and the North Coast Rail Line duplication between Beerburrum and Nambour were our three priorities," Cr Dwyer said.

“These projects are critical pieces of long term infrastructure for the future of the Sunshine Coast.

“The Sunshine Coast spoke with one voice yesterday and now it's up to the major parties to respond, ahead of the July 2 Federal Government election.”

Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the unanimous support for the three priorities was an important outcome.

“Yesterday Sunshine Coast Council, business and community leaders clearly articulated our priorities in a united fashion,” Cr Baberowski said.

“I was particularly heartened by the strong support for the transport projects.

“The upcoming poll will be an opportunity for the political parties to address some of the long-standing needs of this region, which have been overlooked for some time by successive Federal and State governments.”

The Sunshine Coast is the tenth largest significant urban area in Australia by population, and in the last 15 years its economy has grown at an average of 4.09% - higher than Australia’s 3.04% average.

In February, Infrastructure Australia identified the Sunshine Coast as one of five cities – in addition to the State and Territory capitals – as core focal points for the productivity of the Australian economy and places where governments should support growth.