$225m Maroochydore convention centre dragged into political spat between state and federal governments

A war of words has erupted between the state and federal governments over a funding agreement that could have major implications for the new heart of the Sunshine Coast.

A war of words has erupted between the state and federal governments over a funding agreement that could have major implications for the new heart of the Sunshine Coast.

A key infrastructure project in the Maroochydore CBD has been dragged into an ongoing political spat surrounding the South East Queensland City Deal.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles has accused the federal government of “short changing” the state over negotiations of the deal.

Mr Miles claimed the $225m Maroochydore convention centre was one of several key infrastructure projects axed from the City Deal.

He said the cuts included The Mill at Moreton Bay and Wellcamp Entertainment Precinct in Toowoomba – which, along with other axed projects, totalled about $400m.

Minister Paul Fletcher said the federal government was waiting on the Queensland government to sign off on the deal. Picture: Gary Ramage

Federal Communications Minister Paul Fletcher claimed Mr Miles and the state government had stalled negotiations.

“We have offered a package of projects for the City Deal to the state government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ), based on their requests and after years of discussion,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The Council of Mayors has replied with in-principle support. However, the state government has not provided agreement on any project.

“The federal government has been ready to deliver for the people of Queensland for more than two years. Now it is time for the state government to step up and deliver this deal.”

It was understood Mr Fletcher’s office had made several attempts to set a meeting with Mr Miles, who repeatedly cancelled.

However, this was denied by a spokeswoman for Mr Miles.

Mr Miles said Mr Fletcher and the federal government were no longer negotiating in good faith.

“We won’t sign a deal that rips off South East Queensland including the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Miles said.

“There are several issues with the proposed SEQ City Deal that remain unresolved.

“I have proposed dates to meet with Minister Fletcher in the near future.”

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said he was eager to sign a “fair” City Deal. Picture: John Gass

Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said he had been a longstanding supporter of a multipurpose performing arts and convention centre in the Maroochydore CBD.

Mr O’Brien said the “iconic” asset remained one of his top priorities to secure.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is the best chance of securing funding from all three tiers of government,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The Games is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to deliver world-class facilities and nothing would be more iconic for our region than a multipurpose venue in the CBD.”

A Sunshine Coast Council spokeswoman said the organisation had advocated for the inclusion of funding for the Sunshine Coast exhibition and convention facility in the deal.

Originally published as $225m Maroochydore convention centre dragged into political spat between state and federal governments