The Queensland Premier, the Hon. David Crisafulli MP, has outlined the State Government’s economic priorities to a sold-out gathering of Sunshine Coast business leaders today, providing further insight into the Government’s agenda following the release of the 2026–27 State Budget.
Hosted by the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) at The Lakehouse, the breakfast provided an opportunity for 150 members and business leaders to hear directly from the Premier and the challenges and opportunities the government faces in delivering economic prosperity for the State.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said the Sunshine Coast welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Premier at a time when major investment decisions would shape the region’s future for decades to come.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions and the decisions made now will have a significant impact on our ability to accommodate that growth and realise our economic potential in the future,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“We appreciate the Premier taking the time to engage directly with our business community providing insight into how the Government intends to support productivity, increase housing availability and create the conditions for Queensland to capitalise on the opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Premier Crisafulli outlined the Government’s vision for Queensland’s future, summarising budget priorities as lower debt and a pathway to surplus, the restoration of services back to Queensland, no new or increased taxes and building the things Queensland needs.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP then joined the Premier in a solid Q & A session where business leaders raised topics such as increasing productivity and funding for significant projects such as The Wave.
Ms Zubrinich said she congratulated the Premier on the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of The Wave and thanked both the Queensland and Australian Governments for their commitment to funding this transformative project.
“The Wave will fundamentally change the way people move through South East Queensland, delivering high-speed public transport from Brisbane to the Maroochydore CBD and ultimately on to the Sunshine Coast Airport,” she said.
“We now look forward to the Australian Government matching the Queensland Government’s commitment to future stages of the project so the full corridor can be delivered in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Walker Corporation Group Executive of Development Peter Saba, who closed the breakfast said the Queensland Government’s investment in housing and enabling infrastructure gives the private sector confidence to keep backing the Sunshine Coast.
“Maroochydore City Centre is a great example of what can be achieved when government and industry work together with a shared vision for the region’s future, helping deliver more homes, jobs and long-term growth,” Mr Saba said.
Ms Zubrinich said business leaders across the Sunshine Coast remained focused on ensuring the region was well positioned to capitalise on future opportunities while addressing the challenges associated with rapid population growth.
“With significant opportunities emerging across construction, property development, health, aviation, tourism, technology and education, the Sunshine Coast is well placed for continued growth, provided the policy settings are right to encourage investment, support workforce participation and unlock new economic opportunities,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“Business certainty, housing supply, workforce availability and a planning system that supports investment will be essential if regions like the Sunshine Coast are to continue driving economic growth and creating jobs.
“The Sunshine Coast Business Council looks forward to continuing to work constructively with all levels of government to ensure our region remains an attractive place to invest, do business and create jobs.”
The breakfast was attended by business leaders, industry representatives and stakeholders and mayors from across the Sunshine Coast region.
