Key projects delayed by Sunshine Coast Council’s budget

Sunshine Coast ratepayers are not only facing big rate hikes but key projects will be delayed by up to six years, much to the disgust of local councillors.

Sunshine Coast Council city hall. Picture: Sam Turner

As the Sunshine Coast Council implement their latest budget, a narrow operating margin has meant some residents could see formerly promised projects delayed by six years.

The Sunshine Coast council formally adopted their 2025-26 budget on Monday, July 7, however, support from councillors was not unanimous.

Two councillors, Christian Dickson and Ted Hungerford, both voted against the budget, with Mr Dickson claiming his division had been left out when it came to the funding of major projects.

“My message in voting against the budget is to show that amongst significant rate increases to the community, important infrastructure items are being overlooked in our community as part of the whole of council capital works program,” Mr Dickson said.

“The longer projects are delayed, the more they cost both socially and financially.”

Councillor David Law, who voted in support of the budget, voiced similar concerns at the special meeting, regarding projects planned for Nambour and other hinterland suburbs.

Mr Law said some projects now faced delays of six years.

The latest budget comes after a reported $30m accounting error created a $20m deficit.

Here is what was missing in the 2025-26 budget.

Sippy Downs library and community venue

The 2024-25 budget allocated $5m towards the Sippy Downs library and community venue, however the funding was deferred in December 2024.

An update on the project was missing from this year’s budget.

The project would include a long-awaited community library and public meeting space for the fast-growing area.

A 1500 sqm site in the Sippy Downs town centre was secured by the council for the project in 2018.

New road projects

Councillor Christian Dickson said he understood a number of new road projects had also been “significantly stalled” by the council’s budget.

The projects include, the Power Road Overpass linking Sippy Downs Drive to Power Road with a new bridge, Jorl Court Buderim to Walgarri Drive Buderim with a new road link and Meads Road Buderim to Rainforest Sanctuary Drive Buderim with a new road link.

Caloundra Aerodrome master plan

Along with the Sippy Downs library and community venue funding, $1m allocated towards the Caloundra Aerodrome in the 2024-25 budget was also deferred at the end of last year.

A reinstatement of funding for the aerodrome was not included in the newest budget.

According to the council website, the master plan for the site would involve a two-stage project to expand the aerodrome.

Originally published as Key projects delayed by Sunshine Coast Council’s budget