I welcome Council’s identification of the importance of this regional facility in the Maroochydore CBD and the setting aside of land – but I am urging them to bring forward their roadmap to deliver it.
As a keen musician and patron of local theatre and choir groups, I believe it is vital that Council not leave its run too late but put together a comprehensive submission to seek funds from the proposed $8.6 billion State “Strong Choices Investment Program“.
There is a great opportunity for Council to put together a comprehensive roadmap and seek funding for a properly scoped, rigorously planned Arts, Convention & Entertainment Centre as a part of a vibrant future for the Maroochydore CBD and the whole of the Sunshine Coast.
This project is on Council land and will be owned by Council, but I am keen to work with them to deliver this and make it a high priority.
I believe the best way to sustainably deliver this project so that it doesn’t burden ratepayers is for co-investment from Council, State and Federal Governments and most importantly – the private sector who are best placed to deliver an international five star hotel which complements the site.
The $8.6billion “Strong Choices Investment Program” proposes to include $100 million for Cultural Infrastructure but there is also $500 million proposed for projects with Local Government co-investment which is a possible source.
The Government’s plan is to cut the State’s debt burden and to reinvest funds from the sale or lease of about 11% of the State’s assets. This would fund the “Investment Program” and reduce the State’s $80billion debt burden which costs $450,000 per hour in interest repayments.
You can have your say on how you want the “Strong Choices Investment Program” funds spent online at www.strongchoices.com.au.
