7 March 2016 |

Mayoral candidates for the Sunshine Coast and Noosa came together at Rumba Resort in Caloundra on Thursday, 3 March to share their vision for the region with members of the local business community.

The event — hosted by the Sunshine Coast Business Council — saw Sunshine Coast candidates Cr Mark Jamieson, Alison Barry-Jones, Tony Gibson and Ron Green as well as Noosa candidates Cr Sandy Bolton, Cr Tony Wellington and Ray Kelly deliver an overview of their policies and promises for the region.

Sunshine Coast Business Council Chair Sandy Zubrinich said a number of hot topics were brought to the fore throughout the event, including youth unemployment and migration, the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and strategies for economic growth.

“The presentations from each of the mayoral candidates were informative and certainly shed some light on their respective standpoints regarding various local issues,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“Most candidates acknowledged the importance of diversifying the regional economy in the coming years, which is something the Sunshine Coast Business Council sees as a key priority.”

“Education services were also a prominent discussion point throughout the event, with expansion of the University of the Sunshine Coast’s satellite campuses raised, and a suggestion made to consider introducing a research and development division to the university as a means of generating more local jobs.”

Ms Zubrinich said it was encouraging to see candidates recognising the need for both councils to work together to achieve positive outcomes for the region as a whole.

“The growth and prosperity of the Sunshine Coast as a whole is largely dependent on both councils being able to work collaboratively on regional issues, while also maintaining regular communication with state and federal government representatives,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“It is crucial that the successful candidates commit to lobbying state and federal government in key focus areas such as transport and infrastructure, and fight hard to make these a priority.”

Ms Zubrinich said the Sunshine Coast Business Council was hopeful of seeing Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council areas performing in the top 20 per cent of council areas around Australia in terms of household income, education attainment, employment and operational efficiency.

“It’s a big ask and will undoubtedly require a significant amount of work, but with the right leadership and roadmap, I have no doubt the Sunshine Coast region can achieve highly in each of these areas.”

“I strongly encourage all Sunshine Coast community members — particularly those under 40 — to take the time to learn more about each candidate’s policies and consider their vote carefully before heading to the polling booths later this month. The outcome of this election will undoubtedly shape the future of our region for a long time to come, so it’s important for constituents to make an informed decision.”

“Whatever the end result may be on election day, the Sunshine Coast Business Council looks forward to working alongside both councils to maximise economic growth and prosperity in the region.”