In late March, the Sunshine Coast region received a long-overdue commitment of around $10 billion in State infrastructure funding ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
For a region that has long felt overlooked by past Federal and State governments when it comes to infrastructure investment, this is a very big win for the Sunshine Coast and one that comes with both gratitude and rising expectations. The Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) has been advocating for many of these projects for more than six years and with the State now taking the lead, our attention turns to Canberra and what we need from the next Federal government.
Disappointingly, the recent Federal budget included little new investment specific to the Sunshine Coast. There was no reinstated funding for the Mooloolah River Interchange, which had previously been committed to in 2021 and removed from budget in 2023, leaving the State Government to fully fund the delivery of this vital piece of infrastructure. To its credit, the State has stepped up to the mark in their ‘Wave’ funding proposal, including a direct rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, with a metro hub connecting to Sunshine Coast Airport via the Maroochydore CBD — a bold and visionary plan to prepare us for the Games within seven short years.
So, what do we need from the next Federal Government?
Firstly, a government willing to work in partnership with the LNP Queensland Government to deliver the 2032 Games and help determine the allocation of the already committed $2.5 billion in Federal funding for the Games.
Secondly, we need a Federal Government who shows more interest and intent to support small business. We are a nation built on small businesses, and we continue to rely on this important sector for jobs, innovation and economic resilience.
Finally, we need a Federal Government capable of thinking big picture while still able to act on the challenges in the here and now.
Too many recent policy decisions have made Australians poorer and businesses more vulnerable. Industrial relations changes have added layers of red tape and uncertainty. Energy transition, while necessary, has been rushed, undermining our energy security and eroding what was once a competitive advantage for Australia – now resulting in energy being one of the biggest cost burdens for all businesses and consumers. Insurance premiums have spiralled to a point where coverage is now out of reach for many small businesses, while high interest rates and higher wages — without the requisite productivity gains — are all compounding the burden.
This all increases the risk on small businesses and as a result, more than 29,000 small businesses have closed under the current Federal Government’s watch. We need politicians in government who have real-world experience in the private sector, leaders who understand firsthand the pain, pressures, risks and realities faced by businesses every day.
The next Federal Government must be capable of dealing with an escalating and complex macroeconomic and geopolitical environment, and adept at responding to a shifting global order. We are truly entering unchartered waters, and when we go to the ballot boxes the question is simple: Who has the best experience, judgement and capability to handle this situation?
We are fortunate as a region that we have three current federal MPs — for Fairfax, Fisher and Wide Bay, which includes the Noosa Shire and Gympie — very experienced in both business and politics, with one holding two shadow ministerial portfolios and one being a former Speaker of the House, who most recently helped secure $6.5b in public sector investment for the Bruce Highway and passenger rail for the region.
The ambitious housing and infrastructure projects the Sunshine Coast needs, and is expected to deliver over the next decade, will take elected representatives who have the experience and influence to ensure funding and policy settings are in place to deliver regionally significant projects and accommodate the proposed population growth. It will not be an easy task.
Australia has many issues to deal with over the next few years, both domestically and globally, so when we go to the ballot box we need to pause and think about who we are going to trust to represent and defend our country, our economy and our communities.
// Ends.
About the Sunshine Coast Business Council
Sunshine Coast Business Council is the leading regional business advocacy group on the Sunshine Coast representing approximately 4,000 businesses through its membership, which includes key national and regional industry groups and their members as well as national and regional businesses. Its membership base represents a range of sectors including tourism, property, construction, retail, banking and financial services, telecommunications and professional services. To find out more, please visit www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au.
Media contact: Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing, 0410 109 102, maya@freshprm.com.au
