The Sunshine Coast could miss out on State Government funding to help progress an Entertainment, Convention and Exhibition Centre in the new Maroochydore CBD if Council fails to lodge a submission by April 9.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson called on the Council to apply for funding from State Government to develop the business case and preliminary design for this project under the State Government Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program.
Ms Simpson said that she wants to see this project progress to shovel-ready status, but fears that the Sunshine Coast will miss out on funding if Council does not apply for it.
“Funds are available to help Council develop its business case for this essential regional infrastructure and it would be a crying shame if Council doesn’t grab the opportunity with enthusiasm,” Ms Simpson said.
“A business case is a vital stepping stone to move this project forward in a positive and real way while ensuring ratepayers get a fair go.
“This hasn’t happened before and I’m as keen as mustard to see a project that brings jobs and economic uplift to the whole community get ahead with the right plan.”
Ms Simpson has spoken out against a casino and its accompanying additional pokie machines for their negative impact on the poor and vulnerable in the community. She has rejected this as an option to fund the convention centre after rumours arose that a casino was on the cards following reports of visits to Sun Central from casino operators.
Ms Simpson has called on Council to reject that option and instead put a submission and business case to government to ensure the Coast was in line for Infrastructure funding for this project.
“Council needs to get in their funding submission in by April 9, otherwise they will miss out again on available funding and blame others for the Sunshine Coast missing out on funding for infrastructure.”
