Calls for federal government to step up and match state commitment
By Sonia Isaacs
WITH early voting now underway ahead of the May 3 federal election, Sunshine Coast business leaders are warning that without immediate federal action on infrastructure investment, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions risks being left behind.
The Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) has welcomed the Queensland Government’s landmark $10 billion infrastructure commitment—announced in March as part of the state’s preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games—but said the Federal Government must now step up with matching ambition.
SCBC Chair, Sandy Zubrinich, said the state’s pledge marked a long-awaited turning point for a region often overlooked by successive governments, but urged federal counterparts to commit to co-investing in priority projects.
“The SCBC has been advocating for these infrastructure priorities for more than six years, including the Mooloolah River Interchange and critical public transport upgrades,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“With the State now stepping up, the next Federal Government must do the same.”
She pointed to the most recent federal budget, which included no new funding for the Sunshine Coast and failed to reinstate previous commitments to the Mooloolah River Interchange—a key transport corridor removed from the federal budget in 2023.
“The omission was deeply disappointing and has left Queensland carrying the full cost of projects that have long been championed by the local business community,” she said.
Ms Zubrinich said the Queensland Government’s “Wave” proposal—which includes a direct rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, a metro link to the Maroochydore CBD and an airport connection—demonstrates the type of forward-thinking the Sunshine Coast requires.
“These plans are visionary.
But they will only succeed with a willing federal partner,” she said.
With the Games on the horizon and population pressures mounting, the SCBC has called on the next Federal Government to show leadership in three key areas: infrastructure co-investment, support for small business, and robust economic management in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The Council is demanding clear collaboration between Canberra and Queensland on Olympic-related infrastructure, including transparency around the allocation of the $2.5 billion in federal Games funding.
It argues that regional centres such as the Sunshine Coast—poised to play a significant hosting and accommodation role—must be prioritised.
Small business support is also high on the SCBC Council’s agenda.
Local operators are under strain from rising energy costs, surging insurance premiums and increased regulatory burdens.
The SCBC warns that business conditions are deteriorating, and many small enterprises are struggling without corresponding productivity gains to offset wage increases.
While acknowledging the importance of Australia’s energy transition, Ms Zubrinich said the rollout has, to date, eroded national competitiveness and disproportionately burdened small businesses.
The SCBC is also urging voters to consider the broader economic outlook as they head to the polls.
“These are not ordinary times,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“The world is becoming more volatile, more complex and more uncertain.
We need people in Canberra who understand risk and responsibility.”
She said Australia required federal leadership with practical business experience and the judgement necessary to navigate escalating macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges.
“The next Federal Government must be capable of responding to a rapidly shifting global order,” she said.
“We are truly entering uncharted waters, and when we go to the ballot boxes the question is simple: who has the experience, judgement and capability to lead us through this?”
Ms Zubrinich said the Sunshine Coast’s ability to deliver on its ambitious housing and infrastructure targets over the next decade would hinge on electing representatives with the experience and influence to secure both funding and sound policy settings.
“It won’t be easy,” she said.
“Australia faces immense challenges—domestically and globally—and this election is about choosing who we trust to represent, protect and deliver for our communities, our economy and our future.”
As the federal campaign intensifies and election day draws closer, the message from the Sunshine Coast business community is clear: this region needs investment, collaboration and capable leadership—not more promises.