Key sporting and aquatic projects to be funded via Sunshine Coast’s first billion-dollar budget

This year’s Sunshine Coast Council’s budget sees $24 million allocated to key sporting projects, including the evolution of the Honey Farm Road Sports Precinct, Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre and expansion of Sunshine Coast Stadium:

• $14.4 million to begin construction of the new Honey Farm Road Sports Precinct

• $9.1 million to upgrade Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre

• $2.9 million to design and replace roof structure at Caloundra Indoor Sports Stadium*

• $1.6 million to begin construction on Coolum Sports Complex Intersection*

• $700,000 to upgrade North Shore Multi-Sports Change Room, Mudjimba*

The first billion-dollar budget in the history of Sunshine Coast Council is described as being one which will “deliver now and for the future’’.

Foreshore transformations, a new district library, and celebrating the environment are also key inclusions in the newly adopted 2023-24 budget.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said this year’s $1 billion budget demonstrated Council’s unwavering commitment to shaping a stronger, better and more sustainable region and added “this is a budget that will deliver now and for the future, investing in projects that will enrich how we live, work and play.”

Mayor Jamieson said the Capital Works Program for 2023-24 would be $331 million and noted “Lifestyle, the beautification of our hinterland and coastal towns, and community connectivity are also going to enjoy considerable investment.’’

Along with the $24 million allocated to key sporting projects other budget funding highlights include:

• More than $21 million invested in the region’s new district library at Caloundra, which is part of a vibrant creative community hub that will create a wonderful centrepiece for locals and help activate the vital coastal town and surrounding communities.

• More than $21 million invested to upgrade the Nambour waste precinct at Bli Bli, to sustainably manage future waste and take another step towards the goal to become a zero-net emissions organisation by 2041.

• The Mooloolaba Central Meeting Place, a place where community can gather, celebrate and connect with nature and each other, will receive an investment of $7 million.

• A $6 million investment in a new attractive streetscape that will soon transform First Avenue, Maroochydore, into a vibrant, shaded and inclusive CBD, providing businesses, residents and visitors a more inviting space to live, work and play.

• Almost $3 million to finalise placemaking and streetscape works in Eumundi Town Centre. 

• Beautifying Maleny’s main street and historic Landsborough’s streetscapes, along with and enhancing Mary Cairncross and the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Gardens have also attracted significant funding.

“We are building the future prosperity and liveability of our region, keeping an emphasis on sustainability in all forms,” Mayor Jamieson added.

Council’s Environment Levy, paid by all ratepayers, will rise $2 a year to $82.

Raising $12.5 million, the Environment Levy will be invested in protecting and enhancing the region’s valued natural environment, including native plants and animals, waterways and wetlands and coastal environments.

The Environment Levy will continue to support the expansion and management of Council’s conservation estate for a range of habitat preservation, catchment management and coastal rehabilitation projects.

“There are now 7,866 hectares of conservation estate across the Sunshine Coast, including 407 hectares purchased through the Environment Levy in this term of Council,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Our Council is leading the way to be a zero net emissions organisation and for the community to be low carbon by 2041.”

The Arts and Heritage Levy will increase by $2 to $18 to raise more than $2.5 million.

This will further support the Sunshine Coast Arts Plan 2018-2038, which develops and delivers projects to provide career pathways for local emerging artists.

It also underpins the Sunshine Coast Heritage Plan 2021–2031, which backs new research into regional stories; conserves the region’s heritage assets, including State Heritage-listed Bankfoot House and its nationally significant collection; and supports the region’s community museums and heritage organisations through grants, practical workshops, professional development, community programs, collaborative marketing and events.

*State Funding

Image. Kawana Waters Regional Aquatic Centre and expansion of Sunshine Coast Stadium Credit: Sunshine Coast Council