The Sunshine Coast needs a new Exhibition and Convention Centre and Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson has asked the Premier in Parliament if the State Government will commit to funding it.
Ms Simpson has championed this project for several years and asked the Premier if the State Labor Government will help fund Council’s plans to deliver an Exhibition and Convention Centre in the Maroochydore Sun Central development.
“The Sunshine Coast is the only major centre in Queensland that does not have a facility of this kind and because of this we are missing out on a valuable sector of the tourism market for business events and conventions,” Ms Simpson said.
“The Convention Centre is an important piece of infrastructure which is essential to diversify the region’s economic base, help us grow the events tourism market and provide more local jobs.
“I have championed this project in Parliament and have previously asked the Premier to provide state government funding for Council to develop the business case.
Ms Simpson said that last year the State Government had provided $700,000 in state government funding for Sunshine Coast Council to move forward on its business case.
“Last year’s grant was a step in the right direction but we need the Premier to provide funds to get this project started,” Ms Simpson said.
“Local people tell me they don’t want a casino to fund this long over-due facility, they want the State Government to help fund it, and I agree.
“Council has finished the business case and if it stacks up, which we believe it will when we see it, I will continue to lobby the State Government to commit funding to see this facility delivered.
“I’m passionate about the Sunshine Coast having a place we can all be proud of to enjoy music and entertainment as well as welcoming the world to a top-notch convention centre which creates more local jobs.”
