The Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Summit will bring together federal, state and local government representatives, local business leaders and community representatives to identify next generation major infrastructure to inform the development of a prioritised infrastructure plan for the Sunshine Coast to 2050.

The Summit, which is a collaborative venture presented by the Sunshine Coast Council, Sunshine Coast Business Council and the Infrastructure Association of Queensland, will be held on Friday, 2 June and will feature a range of presenters, including Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson, state and federal government representatives, industry leaders and internationally recognised keynote speaker.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said he had invited the Sunshine Coast Business Council and the Infrastructure Association of Queensland to work with Council to provide a forum to identify a new blueprint for the infrastructure priorities that would propel our region forward over the coming decades.

“The infrastructure mix that is being delivered now – in one of the fastest growing regions in the nation – along with the infrastructure we will need to see delivered over the course of the next 30 years and beyond, is not an easy equation to solve,” said Mayor Jamieson.

“The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is by no doubt, a transformational opportunity for our region. But there are an array of opportunities and challenges.

“If we want our region to continue to have a compelling value proposition that enables us to stand out from the crowd while remaining one of the greatest locations in Australia to live, work and raise a family, then we have to have the longer term in mind.

“We need to build on what we have already achieved, but in doing so, define an infrastructure agenda and program that is responsive to — and takes maximum advantage of — a rapidly changing and evolving local, national and global landscape. 

“This is what the inaugural Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Summit will seek to kick-start.”

Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich encouraged all interested businesses and industry leaders to attend and actively participate in the conversation to ensure future infrastructure planning is expansive, collaborative and constructive.

“As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, it is essential that we plan for the breadth of infrastructure required to support that inevitable growth toward a truly sustainable economy and region,” said Ms Zubrinich.

“We are not unique in our challenges and this summit will provide us with an opportunity to learn from experts in urban infrastructure planning. 

“Vancouver’s Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioner Jerry Dobrovolny will present a case study on Metro Vancouver via video link, providing insights into the city’s infrastructure planning and delivery journey in the lead up to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

“We will also hear from Kate Meyrick, Director of Urbis who has been influential in shaping thinking about the global competitiveness of Australian Cities, their future identity and quality of life. Ms Meyrick will host the afternoon session, which includes visioning and positioning presentations as well as leading and facilitating the discussion and workshop sessions.

“We urge those interested in shaping and securing our region’s future to come along and engage with key stakeholders and experts on innovative and sustainable infrastructure.”

Infrastructure Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Louise Van Ristell said the Summit provided the opportunity to recognise the diversity of the Sunshine Coast while planning future development.

“I believe it is important to underscore future growth with conversations around Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) principles to ensure environment and community underpin decisions for this unique region,” said Ms Van Ristell.

“I encourage everyone to join the conversation.”

The Summit will be hosted at the Innovation Centre at the University of the Sunshine Coast on Friday, 2 June from 8.45am to 4.15pm. Registrations are required and close on Friday 25 May 2023, or when all tickets are sold. Tickets for the Sunshine Coast Infrastructure Summit can be secured at https://bit.ly/3OjXHYm

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