More than 100 business and local government leaders attended a sold-out luncheon to gain first-hand insights into the State Government’s transport vision for the Sunshine Coast region on Friday 20 June.
Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads the Hon. Brent Mickelberg MP was the guest speaker at a Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) corporate luncheon held at The Lake House.
Minister Mickelberg provided an update on much-needed major infrastructure projects for the region, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games delivery plan for heavy passenger rail from Beerwah to Birtinya, the innovative metro extension to the Sunshine Coast Airport and the long-awaited Mooloolah River Interchange — collectively known as The Wave.
The Wave will deliver new stations at Caloundra, Aroona, Birtinya, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Airport, promising to transform connectivity and support the region’s rapid growth.
Mr Mickelberg said The Wave was a game-changing project for South East Queensland and the Sunshine Coast.
“This is a multi-modal approach to redesign the public transport network on the Sunshine Coast, and provides the longest extension of the passenger rail in South East Queensland in over 15 years,” he said.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich emphasised the significance of the event, noting the full-capacity attendance as a clear sign of the business community’s strong interest in the State’s proposed transport investment into the Sunshine Coast region.
“Improving transport and roads in the region continues to be top priority for the Business Council,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“It was encouraging to hear the Minister’s commitment to delivering key projects ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and also, his government’s commitment to maintain transparency through regular updates on these projects. Confidence in infrastructure delivery is critical to ensure local businesses and investors continue to back the region’s growth.”
Mr Mickelberg MP said the Crisafulli Government was getting on with the job and delivering generational infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland, with a rising population and increasing demand for efficient transport and infrastructure,” he said.
“A reliable, efficient transport network is critical to supporting the people that live here and the significant growth that is forecast.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job and delivering the infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs now and into the future.
“The Wave will take passengers further than ever before. It will not only enhance connectivity and reduce travel times but also create jobs and long-term opportunities for local businesses.
“Industry expertise will be a driving force behind this project, and we welcome their involvement and insight into delivering this critical transport infrastructure.
“Developing world-class infrastructure isn’t a solo effort – it’s about partnerships. By working with industry, we can deliver the transport network needed to support the Sunshine Coast community long after the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Ms Zubrinich emphasised the importance of business-friendly regulation and ongoing engagement between policymakers and the private sector and said she was very pleased to have consistent access to senior regional politicians.
“This luncheon provided a golden opportunity for the Sunshine Coast business community to directly engage with a key government leader and better understand the State Government’s priorities,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“The event shed light on how transport infrastructure projects can drive growth, support local businesses and prepare us for the opportunities of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
