LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander received a briefing from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council today on a stadium expansion proposal and said he believed it was a priority project for the area.
“The Sunshine Coast is growing rapidly and so it makes sense to invest in job-creating infrastructure in this region,” Mr Mander said.
“The people of the Sunshine Coast deserve a first-class sports stadium to help drive economic growth in the region and create more local jobs.
“These types of job-creating infrastructure projects are needed now more than ever because the Palaszczuk Labor Government has turned the coronavirus health crisis into an economic crisis.
“Labor has no budget and no plan for jobs.
“Only the LNP has a plan for a stronger economy to create secure local jobs.
“We need to get Queensland working again by investing in job-creating infrastructure right across Queensland.
“The LNP would prioritise projects like the stadium expansion because the LNP backs local jobs.
“The LNP’s vision is for a pipeline of projects to create secure jobs throughout construction and also during operation.”
Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie said the LNP had launched a petition fighting for the Palaszczuk Labor Government to commit to funding the expansion.
“The LNP wants a strong local economy and that means we need modern infrastructure for the community,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Annastacia Palaszczuk needs to come out and back this project.
“Infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast has been neglected by the Labor Government for too long.
“The stadium expansion is an incredible opportunity to develop a major facility that can compete on the national stage for sporting, recreational and entertainment events.
“A modern stadium will help pack the calendar with high profile events that attract visitors to the region, which is a big win for the local tourism industry.”
The Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s vision for the expanded stadium includes:
The redevelopment will help grow the sports economy on the Sunshine Coast, which already accounts for $442 million in economic activity and almost 2000 full time equivalent jobs.
LNP candidate for Caloundra Stuart Coward said expanding the Sunshine Coast Stadium was a significant opportunity for the region.
“I believe a bigger, better stadium will really help to unlock the potential of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Coward said.
“The stadium is only 25 minutes from the airport so there’s enormous untapped visitor potential.
“Expanding the stadium is about planning for the future of this region and delivering the infrastructure a growing population needs.
“Only an LNP Government will get Queensland working again.
“The LNP will be fighting for the stadium upgrade because now more than ever the Sunshine Coast needs a stronger economy and secure jobs.”
Petition: www.stadiumexpansion.com.au