Federal election wish list: Mayor Rosanna Natoli's key priorities for the region
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has urged political parties to commit to critical infrastructure funding, highlighting several key needs as top priorities ahead of the federal election.
Sunshine Coast
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The Sunshine Coast Council has called on political parties to commit to funding critical infrastructure projects as the region prepares for significant population growth.
Speaking at a press conference at Sunshine Coast City Hall on Monday, Mayor Rosanna Natoli highlighted the need for urgent investment in transport, housing, and coastal protection, as well as the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport’s international terminal to support the region’s growing tourism and business sectors.
She said 365,000 people called the Sunshine Coast home, a number that would jump by 153,000 to 518,000 by 2041.
“To help manage this growth, Sunshine Coast Council’s immediate priorities include providing the necessary transport solutions that connect major development areas, beachside suburbs, business precincts and tourist hubs to Queensland’s existing passenger rail network,” Ms Natoli said.
The council reaffirmed its support for the heavy rail extension from Beerwah to Maroochydore and urged political parties to commit to funding and delivering the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade.
Last week, Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jarrod Bleijie unexpectedly reversed the government’s pledge to complete the Sunshine Coast Rail to Maroochydore by 2032.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Bleijie described the projected costs as “alarming” and indicated that alternative transport options would be explored for the Games.
“Unfortunately, the Labor federal government has taken the (Sunshine Coast Rail) future stages off the (funding) list, and that’s why now we are absolutely saying we must deliver a transport solution to the people of the Sunshine Coast by 2032,” Mr Bleijie said.
Ms Natoli said Sunshine Coast residents had a high dependency on car travel and, to maintain liveability in the region, they needed “safe and accessible” travel options.
“The Sunshine Coast deserves a transport system that works for locals now and leaves a legacy for future generations,” Ms Natoli said.
The council also wants a commitment from the government to co-fund the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport’s international terminal to facilitate its opening by 2032.
Chief executive of Sunshine Coast Airport, Chris Mills, said the airport was the “fastest growing” in Australia.
“We need to see investment in international terminal facilities … we really need to see that support from the federal government for funding,” Mr Mills said.
The airport began its first international flights to Auckland last year, however, Mr Mills said they did not have the facilities to grow internationally.
He said “hundreds of millions of dollars” were already being invested in domestic expansion projects, with hopes to open the domestic terminal expansion by 2027.
“It would be ideal if we could roll on into an international construction when the domestic terminal is finished,” Mr Mills said.
The council is also pushing for increased funding for social and affordable housing, with Mayor Natoli calling for the Housing Australia Future Fund to be “fast-tracked”.
Climate change preparedness was another major focus, with the council calling for ongoing investment in coastal hazard protection.
“Our beautiful beaches and coastal areas, together with our stunning hinterland, are essential to the fabulous Sunshine Coast lifestyle and are key attractions that draw so many visitors each year,” Ms Natoli said.
“We are asking the political parties to commit to continuing this important funding until at least 2029-2030 and increasing the $200m funding pool to $300m.”
In addition, the council is seeking fairer financial support, urging the federal government to restore financial assistance grants to local governments to one per cent of total Australian tax revenue.
The council is also pushing for funding of a new business case for the Sunshine Coast Performing Arts and Convention Centre with a further commitment to contribute to the construction.
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