21 developments mapped out to drive Coast economy

As the region attempts to find its feet in the post-pandemic world, 21 major projects on the Sunshine Coast have been identified to drive the economy forward.

Sunshine Coast MPs have identified some of the region's major projects that can help kick start the economy.

AS THE region attempts to find its feet in the post-pandemic world, 21 major projects on the Sunshine Coast have been identified to kickstart the economy.

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien said infrastructure projects that targeted job creation today and tomorrow must be tabled.

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Mr O'Brien broke it down to three strategies that should be driven concurrently - accelerate work that already has a commitment, identify shovel-ready projects and the push for "bigger and better" projects that are years away.

"It's important to deliver at this difficult time. And looking at the post-pandemic recovery, the projects need to have a ripple effect," Mr O'Brien said.

"We need to complete the Bruce Highway and the airport upgrades and waste no time in building the Maroochydore and Mons Rd upgrades.

"We need to ensure that we are maximising local jobs and that people are rolling on from one project to another.

"Constant flow is key. We have to keep the work moving."

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Mr O'Brien also pointed to the fast rail project as a "tomorrow" job.

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"It's about continually delivering for this year but also keep a very live pipeline for tomorrow," he said.

Faster rail was something also on the agenda for Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace.

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Mr Wallace said there were billions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades that needed to get underway as soon as possible to help the coronavirus recovery.

"These include stage one of the north coast rail duplication, the next phase of Bruce Highway upgrades between Caboolture and the southern Steve Irwin Way turn-off," Mr Wallace said.

"There is also funding over the Federal forward estimates to start works between Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Rd.

"I have been advocating with the State Government and with the Deputy Prime Minister to get these projects fast tracked and underway and if the business case for fast rail stacks up when it comes out this year, then I will also be working hard to secure funding for that transformative project.

"However, this is only the beginning."

FILE. Aerial photos of the new housing development at Aura, Sunshine Coast.

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Mr Wallace called for funding from the State Government to fix "desperately needed" upgrades for gridlocked roads like Caloundra Rd, Kawana Link Way and Nicklin Way.

"The State Government also needs to get on board with upgrades to Sunshine Coast Stadium to help support not only our local construction industry, but sports and entertainment too," he said.

"These projects would deliver hundreds of jobs and help create economic growth through better connectivity for the region and an improved experience for tourists and locals for many years to come."

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