Today the Sunshine Coast entered a new era with the local State Government MPs and councillors forming a regional partnership to drive the Coast forward.
In attendance at the leadership roundtable at Lake Kawana Community Centre were Mayor Mark Jamieson and Sunshine Coast councillors, Speaker Fiona Simpson (MP Maroochydore), Energy and Water Supply Minister Mark McArdle (MP Caloundra), Attorney General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie (MP Kawana), National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing Minister Steve Dickson (MP Buderim), and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Multicultural Affairs Minister Glen Elmes (MP Noosa).
The meeting mapped out better pathways for working together on key strategic priorities across a range of subjects including transport planning, infrastructure delivery and economic development.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said: “We have a once in a lifetime opportunity before us, as we are all charged with the responsibility to make a lasting and positive impact on our region.
“It is clear this is now the ideal time for the local State Government MPs and council to develop a closer working relationship to achieve shared outcomes for our region,” Cr Jamieson said.
“The people of this region expect their politicians to work together and I believe that’s what we should do.”
Ms Simpson said today’s inaugural roundtable aimed to lift existing local cooperation among State Government MPs and councillors to a higher and more effective regional level to drive strategic and shared outcomes.
“We all represent the same communities and we must recognise their values and aspirations if we are to strengthen our economy, maintain our lifestyle and protect our environmental assets,” Ms Simpson said.
“As elected members we all share a passion to see this region reach its potential and get the best possible deal for the people of the Sunshine Coast.
Issues discussed at the inaugural meeting included integrated transport planning, road and rail upgrades, economic development, job creation and investment, the Sunshine Coast Airport expansion and the development of the new Maroochydore City Centre.
The aim is to hold two regional roundtables per year with working groups driving the agenda in between.
Environment and Heritage Minister and Member for Glass House Andrew Powell was an apology due to COAG responsibilities. Cr Russel Green was also an apology. Both Minister Powell and Cr Green are part of the regional team.
