THE Sunshine Coast has stepped up its push for federal funding for a $162m Regional Indoor Community Sports Centre and further Wave funding ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget.
Senator for Queensland Corinne Mulholland joined Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli on a regional tour last week to highlight council priorities including increased investment in social and affordable housing.
Mayor Natoli said the Sunshine Coast was entering a critical period and now was the time to secure funding that would shape the region’s future liveability and prosperity.
“The Sunshine Coast is entering a transformative decade, and we need the right infrastructure in place to support our residents, attract investment and prepare for the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” she said.
Council’s immediate priorities include improving roads and public transport, delivering essential community infrastructure, addressing the housing crisis and driving economic growth across education, industry and tourism.
“But we cannot do this alone,” Mayor Natoli said, calling for stronger partnership with the Australian Government and the restoration of Financial Assistance Grants to at least one per cent of federal taxation revenue.
Key projects outlined in council’s federal budget submission include the $162 million Regional Indoor Community Sports Centre and funding for Stages 2 and 3 of the Wave public transport system.
With the Sunshine Coast population expected to exceed 518,000 by 2041, Mayor Natoli said federal support would be critical to ensure infrastructure kept pace with growth.
Senator Mulholland said the visit allowed her to see firsthand how Olympic-related investment could deliver lasting benefits for the region.
“My priority is ensuring these projects deliver a legacy for Sunshine Coast communities for generations to come,” she said.