Joe Natoli reveals worries for Sunshine Coast mass transit project

A Sunshine Coast councillor and light rail critic fears a new group expected to play a key role in the $15m mass transit plan could be “hijacked” by developers. Vote in our poll.

A Sunshine Coast councillor does not want a mass transit community reference group “hijacked” by businesses and developers and says he still opposes light rail.

Division Four councillor Joe Natoli last year wanted light rail struck off the list of five mass transit options handed to the state government to help form a $15m business case.

Mr Natoli said his position had not changed and of the options — light rail, wireless light rail, trackless tram, bus rapid transit or the quality bus corridor — he preferred the bus rapid transit option.

Mr Natoli said he hoped the community reference group the state government was organising to provide feedback would be made up mostly of community groups.

“I don’t want it to be hijacked by businesses and developers,” he said.

Division Four councillor Joe Natoli at Mooloolaba. Picture: John McCutcheon

The councillor said he could understand chambers of commerce having input.

The state government is encouraging residents to join the community reference group and is taking applications until December 11.

Caloundra MP Jason Hunt says the Sunshine Coast is the largest city in the country without a mass transit system. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the Sunshine Coast was the largest city in Australia without a mass transit system.

“We’re encouraging nominations from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds located within the project area, Maroochydore to Caloundra, to represent the interests of a range of groups on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

The Beach Matters president Rachael Bermingham said it was important for her group to have a seat at the table, given most of the group was made up of affected residents.

“We have the largest community group on the Sunshine Coast with most of the 7500 members residing in that region,” she said.

The Beach Matters president Rachael Bermingham says 4500 people turned out to protest light rail last year. Picture: Patrick Woods.

“We have access and direct communication with people from all walks of life, ages and demographics.”

The president said light rail along the beach strip was “not the answer” and 4500 people turned up in person, during the Covid-19 pandemic, to protest that option last year.

“They do want public transport but remember technology is moving so fast we want to make sure that what we get to solve our transport woes is something that is Sunshine Coast friendly, environmentally friendly, fit for purpose and something that can be implemented a whole lot sooner,” Ms Bermingham said.

“It is essential that we introduce something that enhances our lifestyles, culture and environment and not something that may sacrifice all of it.”

She said her group was working well with the state government on other projects.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the community reference group was “an important engagement tool” to provide feedback during the next stage of the infrastructure project.

“We have been on this transport planning journey since 2011 and our commitment to seeking community feedback continues into this next phase,” he said.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said community involvement meant the government could deliver the best outcome for Sunshine Coast residents.