I have called on the Deputy Premier to stop playing games about funding for the Sunshine Coast Entertainment, Convention and Exhibition Centre and commit to it as an Olympics and Paralympics venue.
The State Government under Minister Steven Miles didn’t commit State funds in the SEQ City deal discussions towards the convention centre. That’s why it’s not on the final list as it’s supposed to involve three-way funding.
It’s a bit tricky when he blames others but doesn’t mention how much the State Government was willing to contribute. I understand he didn’t offer to put State funds in.
However, he can fix that faux pas and back the centre for the Olympics and Paralympics. The centre is identified in the IOC Feasibility Document for preliminary basketball games but requires the State Government and the Council to back it at least to create a first Stage of this facility.
There will be funding available as part of the Olympics and Paralympics for community legacy facilities and it would be a crying shame if that isn’t used to start the first stage of the convention centre in Maroochydore.
The Deputy Premier needs to support this facility and help get it built in time for the Olympics and Paralympics.
The State Government has provided $176m towards the Cairns Convention Centre expansion and refurbishment and yet the Sunshine Coast with its unprecedented population growth and a new CBD being built, has received no commitment from the State Government to hold significant interstate and international conferences or concerts like other regional cities. The Sunshine Coast is no longer a small beach side town. The Olympics and Paralympics offer that opportunity so I hope they don’t lose the chance to put the funding towards this facility which in the first stage can be multi-purpose and get this project started.
I asked a question on notice on 27 October 2021, to the Deputy Premier, to reveal how much the State Government offered to contribute to the Sunshine Coast Entertainment, Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the SEQ City deal negotiations.
The Deputy Premier has 30 days to respond. I will keep you posted.
