The Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich, attendees and the facilitator at the combined government and business forum urged a panel of leaders to put party politics aside and work together for the benefit of the region, especially in the lead up to the 2032 Olympics.
Despite presentations showing the region was “punching well above its weight” in attracting funding for projects, party politics was identified as a sticking point.
In particular was the disagreement between Sunshine Coast Council’s work and advocacy for a light rail mass transit system linking Caloundra to Maroochydore and strong opposition to this from Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie who said his constituents wanted other options considered first.
Over 75 invited guests from three tiers of government and businesses discussed projects for the region.
Development company reps urged more land to be released as the solution to the housing crisis. Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said there already were 100,000 pre-approved lots ready to go across the state and 60,000 in South-East Queensland.
Supply was not the issue; delayed release of pre- approved lots and strong demand were also key factors, Mayor Jamieson said.
Ms Zubrinich said that, during the year, the business council had dedicated considerable attention to housing, homelessness, transport and economic growth for the region.
“We have an exciting yet challenging period ahead of significant growth and investment over the next nine years in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, however, in infrastructure and major project terms, nine years is not a long period of time to deliver infrastructure.”
Note: Last two paragraphs quoted from Sunshine Coast News article
