Council’s push to State Government to fund new commercialisation hub in CBD
By Kirra Livingstone
POOR infrastructure is thwarting the Sunshine Coast’s ability to tap into high tech industries that can support the region’s fast-growing population and diversify its economic base.
The issue was raised at a recent forum, ‘The Future of the Sunshine Coast’, where government and business leaders pleaded with the state government for tens of millions to support a new commercialisation hub.
The region has the opportunity to create its own mini-Silicon Valley hub and further broaden its economic base, the forum heard. Sunshine Coast Council’s head of economic development, Chris Le Serve, said there was a strong case for investment from the state government.
“Collaboration among the business community to shape priorities has been impressive and there is a strong focus on innovation and growing opportunities from within the region,” he said. “As one of Australia’s fastest growing regions, there is a compelling case for appropriate investment into the prioritised economic development initiatives.
The Council is seeking $41.7 million from the State Government to fund a hub on the Sunshine Coast and upgrade an existing facility at University of Sunshine Coast.
Manufacturing Excellence Forum director, Tim Kelly, emphasised the need for investment in other industries to strengthen the economy. “We are still so driven by agriculture, tourism, and mining, which is fine, but if we don’t start reinvesting in advanced manufacturing industries, we will see a degradation in our quality of life and the prosperity of our region,” he said. While the region provides a good base for start-ups, the successful ones quickly lose critical support to continue growing.
Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay Sunshine Coast chair, Gavin Keeley, highlighted the disparity in infrastructure funding. “The Gold Coast has light and heavy rail, a five-lane highway, and is still receiving more infrastructure funding,” he said. “Yet, from Noosa to Moreton Bay, we have double the population but receive far less funding from governments.” Separately, Fisher MP, Andrew Wallace, said the latest Regional Australia Institute’s Regional Movers Index was proof more infrastructure investment was required.
The Regional Australia Institute’s Regional Movers Index showed that to the end of June 2024, 14.1 per cent of internal migration was to the Sunshine Coast Local Government Area. This was a nearly 10 per cent more than the Gold Coast and double the next most popular destination, Geelong.
Mr Wallace said countless infrastructure opportunities continued to be lost thanks to the broken promises and incompetence of the current government.
