This is the last budget to be handed down by the State Government before the election on 26 October this year. It is time for a commitment from the State Government to start delivering much-needed projects for the region.
Hospital waitlists are at record highs, along with ambulance ramping due to the State Governments having the wrong priorities. Queenslanders deserve so much better.
Shadow Minister for Finance and Better Regulation, Fiona Simpson MP, is calling on the State Government to get shovels in the ground for critical infrastructure projects and services to accommodate the current and future population growth, so the Sunshine Coast continues to maintain its liveability as a place people want to live, play, work and raise their families.
“Now is the time for the Sunshine Coast, as one of the fastest growing regions in the state, to get commitments from the State Government as it is one of the fastest growing regions in the state,” Ms Simpson said.
My budget wish list is:
- Mooloolah River Interchange – The MRI project was meant to deliver new bridges over the Mooloolah River to improve safety and relieve congestion. Without new river crossings, you couldn’t even run a fast bus to Caloundra, let alone drive a car without safety and congestion issues. After Labor cut the MRI despite demolishing more than 80 houses in preparation there is still no commitment from the Labor Government to fix it and when.
- Rail to Maroochydore– The Sunshine Coast needs an integrated Transport Plan with rail, bus and better roads, with rail to Maroochydore at the centre. Labor has walked away from connecting Maroochydore to the SEQ network, while also cutting the extra bridges over the Mooloolah River (MRI).
We must fight Labor’s cuts to rail and roads, as it’s a tourniquet rather than a transport solution for Sunshine Coast commuters.
- Police resources– More ACTUAL police resources are needed to help keep our community safe, as crime is increasing, particularly thefts of cars, while Queensland’s net number of police is decreasing under Labor.
- Maroochydore High School– it’s time there was support to fund the right traffic solution to provide safety for students and remove unacceptable risk for teachers supervising student and traffic movements outside of the school at pick up and drop off times. I’ve asked Questions On Notice and written to the Minister to raise awareness about the matter of protecting the students when they arrive and leave school.
- Hospital Funding– more funded beds are needed to stop the current ambulance ramping and blow-outs in waiting times for the elective surgery waitlist and specialist outpatient appointments.
- Unlock more housing supply– unlock supply to more affordable housing by making it easier to deliver more “build to rent” programs.
- Sunshine Motorway–The Mooloolah River Interchange and duplication of the Sunshine Motorway must go ahead with clear start dates.
I want the Budget to be great news for the Sunshine Coast. The Sunshine Coast is integral in South-East Queensland, and as I have said for the last three years, it needs to be remembered that the Government said they’d be a Government for “all of Queensland” so it is time they stood by their word.
