The Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) will this month host its annual Combined Government and Business Forum, bringing together members and representatives from all tiers of government to discuss how the region can harness opportunities resulting from the government funding and private investment ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich said the Forum comes at a pivotal time for the region, coinciding with the first anniversary of the LNP State Government.
“This Forum is a timely opportunity to reflect on what the new State Government has done to improve the investment environment and strengthen the Queensland economy – key areas of interest for the SCBC,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“Over the past 12 months, we have seen meaningful steps taken to boost investor confidence, create economic opportunity and lay the foundations for sustainable growth across the Sunshine Coast and the state more broadly.
“The next decade will be one of the most defining in the region’s history and preparation for the Games will continue to dominate where investment is made. With significant government and private sector funding earmarked for the region we are on the cusp of transformative change – however the challenge lies in delivery and ensuring this investment drives long-term prosperity and a rich legacy the Coast can be proud of.”
Among the major projects expected to reshape the region are long-awaited transport infrastructure upgrades, including the faster rail connection between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and delivery of the Mooloolah River Interchange by 2032 — milestones Ms Zubrinich described as “hard-fought wins for the Coast.”
Another significant project is the development of a new arena in the Maroochydore City Centre through a public-private partnership (PPP) led by Walker Corporation. The precinct is expected to include an athletes’ village, later converted into residential dwellings, alongside a hotel and a significant convention and entertainment centre – projects expected to bring vitality and economic stimulus to the new city centre.
Ms Zubrinich said that while government funding is setting the pace, increased private investment will be essential to assist the government and sustain growth beyond 2032.
“Private sector confidence has softened nationally, and the Sunshine Coast is no exception,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“We welcome the State Government’s efforts to create the right conditions for investment, but there remains a pressing need to accelerate the delivery of housing and new tourism hotel accommodation.
“The State Government has introduced several initiatives to help fast track private sector investment in these critical areas. Now we need stronger alignment between the private sector, local councils and state and federal governments to reduce red, green and black tape, speed up approvals, close the gap in housing supply, and ensure the infrastructure to support a growing population is keeping pace with, and stimulating, growth.”
“Now is the time to double down on creating the right environment for business confidence and private investment so the Sunshine Coast can enter the Games decade stronger, more diverse and more resilient than ever. This will be the focus of the Combined Government and Business Forum at the end of the month.”