THE Sunshine Coast has done enough planning for light rail, now it just needs to find someone to build it. That was the message from Curtin University Professor Peter Newman who delivered a key-note speech to a room of movers and shakers yesterday.
The expert was speaking at a forum organised by the Sunshine Coast Business Council, which – in a move that was praised by University of the Sunshine Coast vice chancellor Greg Hill – brought together representatives from all tiers of government as well as representatives of big business to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our region.
Prof Newman said the days of the car were numbered, population density as opposed to urban sprawl was key for Millenials, and it was time to get on with light rail.
“Governments don’t have the money any more,” he said during his speech at USC’s Innovation Centre.
“And if they did it wouldn’t be the best way to do it anyway.”
He said instead governments should use the Japanese system where rather than focusing on a route, government defines a corridor.
Governments should then call for expressions of interest from consortia that can build, own, operate and finance a rail project through land development.
He said government just needed to unlock lazy land assets and let the private sector take care of the rest.
Member for Buderim Steve Dickson took the opportunity to ask about foreign investment in light rail to which Prof Newman agreed there was potential.
He said there were companies from China and Europe already in Australia looking to build a model like this, it just required governments to make it happen.
Prof Newman was just one of a handful of speakers at yesterday’s event, which Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said was a crucial collaborative forum to help the Coast enjoy a prosperous future.
Ms Zubrinich said there had been a great show of willingness to be involved from Noosa mayor Tony Wellington and his councillors, various Sunshine Coast Council councillors and our regional state and federal members.
“We all talk about the importance of collaboration, partnerships, reaching out and communicating and I’m pleased to say that many do it well. This is an opportunity for government and business on the Sunshine Coast to walk the talk because the only way to sustainable prosperity for us all is to step up and take unified action.”