A $100 million funding boost to prepare coastal habitats from climate change is on the Sunshine Coast Council’s Federal election wishlist.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said climate change posed serious challenges and there was a need to protect coastlines from rising sea levels.
Mayor Natoli said a Coastal Hazard Management Strategy was in place with the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund providing a key funding pipeline to implementing coastal protection works.
“We are asking the political parties to commit to continuing this important funding until at least 2029-2030 and increasing the $200 million funding pool to $300 million,” she said.
“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.”
Mayor Natoli said the growing region also needed funding and policy initiatives to deliver critical region-shaping infrastructure.
“365,000 people call the Sunshine Coast home and by 2041, another 153,000 will live in the region taking the population to 518,000,” she said.
“To help manage this growth, Sunshine Coast Council’s priorities included providing the necessary transport solutions that connect major development areas, beachside suburbs, business precincts and tourist hubs to Queensland’s existing passenger rail network.
“The Sunshine Coast has a high dependence on car travel. To maintain our liveability, we need to provide safe and accessible transport options.”
Mayor Natoli said Council was committed to heavy rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore.
“We are asking the political parties to commit to (that) funding and delivering the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade.”
She said an efficient international airport and a contemporary convention and performing arts facility were also high priorities.
“We also want to advance manufacturing and innovation, and support growth in jobs and tourism,” she said.
What Council wants from the next Federal Government:
Transport and infrastructure
- Commit to working with the Queensland Government to extend the Direct Sunshine Coast rail line to Maroochydore by 2032.
- Commit to implementing the findings of the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Detailed Business Case.
- Commit to fund and deliver the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade.
- Commit to co-fund the development of Sunshine Coast Airport international terminal expansion to facilitate its opening by 2032.
- Commit to fund a new business case for the Sunshine Coast Performing Arts and Convention Centre with a further commitment to contribute to the construction.
Climate ready
- Coastal hazard protection: Commit to continuing the Disaster Ready Funding program until at least 2029-30 and to increase the existing $200 million funding pool to $300 million.
Policy and statutory
- New housing: Commit to fast tracking the Housing Australia Future Fund for social and affordable housing on Sunshine Coast.
- Fairer funding: Commit to restoring the value of the Australian Government Financial Assistant Grants to Local Government to the equivalent of 1 per cent of total Australian Taxation Revenue.
Supporting our industry
- Commit $27.5 million to deliver significant innovation outcomes on the Sunshine Coast. Commit $5.2 million to support the advancement of manufacturing in the Sunshine Coast region.
