COUNCIL'S announcement that it wanted to keep major retailer David Jones out of Sunshine Plaza was anti-jobs and anti-Maroochydore, State MP Fiona Simpson said.
Ms Simpson said the council seemed to have a death wish against investment in the area and they weren't listening to what the customers - their constituents wanted.
"David Jones have basically told Council it's the Plaza or nothing. I challenge Council to ask the people do they want David Jones on the Sunshine Coast and if the Council aren't prepared to ask the people, I will," Ms Simpson said.
"Other regions which are pro-jobs and growing their economy would give their eye teeth to have a national retailer like this. If you don't have those retailers here, the customers will take their dollars away from the Coast.
"However, there is a very real and present danger that other investers will see what is happening here and also take their dollars elsewhere. The Sunshine Coast needs an economic plan which focuses on growing jobs for our region - a critical part of that is welcoming investment and not making it so hard to do business here for existing businesses."