20-Year City Deal signed for South East Queensland but still no commitment for Maroochydore convention facility

The Australian Government, the Queensland Government and the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) have signed the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal thereby realising an idea generated by the then Mayors of South East Queensland in 2014.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was pleased the City Deal had been finalised however he highlighted that some infrastructure projects along with the convention and exhibition facility in the Maroochydore city centre all remain unfunded by the Federal and State governments adding “all of these projects are critical to the future liveability, prosperity and connectivity of the Sunshine Coast and will be required well in advance of the next 20 years.”

Mayor Mark Jamieson congratulated the Prime Minister, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Brisbane Lord Mayor and Chair of CoMSEQ, Adrian Schrinner on finally landing a City Deal for SEQ noting “naturally, our council welcomes the commitment of $35.3 million towards the Blue Heart Sunshine Coast, which will help us ensure the Maroochy River catchment continues to play its important flood storage role and maintain its biodiversity well into the future, as we respond to the challenges of a changing climate.

“Of the $35.3 million, $30 million is new money, with $5.3 million representing investments already made to date in the Blue Heart by council and its partners.

“We also look forward to the opportunity to access a range of new funding programs that are proposed to be established under the City Deal, for initiatives such as innovation infrastructure, public art, digital connectivity and green infrastructure such as active transport facilities.”

The City Deal also contains a proposed SEQ Liveability Fund which may potentially see $21.3 million in new State and Federal government funding allocated to council to deliver improved community facilities, urban amenity, environmental infrastructure and open spaces.

Mayor Jamieson added “while the SEQ City Deal delivers none of the major regional infrastructure priorities for the Sunshine Coast, I hope it will provide a platform for some of our region’s critical infrastructure needs to be considered by the Federal and State governments and funded in the future.

“Priorities like the delivery of the new rail connection and service from Beerwah to Maroochydore along the CAMCOS corridor, the Mass Transit solution, the second stage of the Mooloolah River Interchange and a convention and exhibition facility in the Maroochydore city centre all remain unfunded by the Federal and State governments.

“While our Federal and State Members of Parliament have been vocal in their support of a number of these projects – as has our council - we are yet to see funding commitments to support their delivery.

“I hope that all representatives and candidates will see their way clear to deliver firm commitments to these critical projects in the lead up to this year’s Federal election.” 

Image: Yandina Creek Wetland is part of Blue Heart Sunshine Coast. Courtesy of Unitywater.