By Sonia Isaacs
SOUTH East Queensland councils are set to share in $100 million for projects that will deliver critical housing and local infrastructure across the region.
The stimulus program announcement last month followed on from a bipartisan meeting called by South East Queensland (SEQ) council of mayors, including Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli.
The delegation attended Queensland Parliament on May 22 to call for urgent infrastructure funding in response to rapid population growth and the housing crisis.
Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, said councils played a key role in addressing the challenges their communities faced, but greater investment and support was needed from the State and Federal governments.
“South East Queensland is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions and the pressures of population growth and high building costs are being felt by councils right across our region,” Cr Schrinner said.
The delegation calling for greater support came only a week after the 2024 Federal Budget release.
When approached for comment on the Federal Budget, Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Rosanna Natoli, said while she welcomed the additional $1.15 billion confirmed for the Direct Sunshine Coast (DSC) Rail project, she remained disappointed that funding was not reinstated for Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange.
“While rail was high on the Budget agenda for the Sunshine Coast, I was disappointed that the opportunity was not taken to reinstate the $160 million in funding towards Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange,” she said.
“Or its $7 million contribution towards the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade – both vital, congestion-busting projects.
“The Mooloolah River Interchange, in particular, is critical to enabling the delivery of an effective public transport network for the Sunshine Coast.
“Our Council will continue its advocacy efforts with both the Federal and State governments to get this project back on the agenda.”