Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) Chair Sandy Zubrinich has urged state and local governments to take a broader approach to infrastructure planning, warning that current strategies may not be enough to address the region’s growing challenges.
“Sunshine Coast political leaders often talk about transformative and game-changing projects to highlight the importance of major infrastructure,” Ms Zubrinich said. “But we wonder if it is enough going forward or if we need to take a more holistic view.”
Housing affordability, supply shortages, rising construction costs, and a lack of skilled labour have contributed to a worsening housing crisis, with the region lagging behind national housing targets. Queensland’s goal of 49,000 new homes saw just 32,800 approvals in the last financial year, while Sunshine Coast approvals hit their lowest level since 2015.
SCBC is calling for the state government to unlock land supply, deliver key transport projects like the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, and address apprenticeship shortages.
“We are operating in a challenging environment, and we need to make the right choices for the future,” Ms Zubrinich said.
SCBC is also advocating for reduced development fees to attract private sector investment and ensure the region remains a desirable place to live and do business.
