Key points from the media conference by the Mayor Mark Jamieson on the outcomes of Saturday’s Queensland State Election.
The Sunshine Coast has shovel-ready projects which will help build the Queensland economy and provide jobs, Mayor Mark Jamieson says in the wake of the State Government election.
Mayor Jamieson has been heartened by ALP Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk’s comments on State Election night about her desire to encourage unity and consensus if her party wins office.
He said notwithstanding the uncertainty, Ms Palaszczuk and the ALP should be congratulated for their historic result in the 2015 election.
“Whatever the outcome, I have made this very clear since the beginning of the election campaign that the Sunshine Coast Council stands ready to work with whoever is in government to achieve great outcomes for the Sunshine Coast,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“I lead an independent Council and our job has always been – and will continue to be – to get a fair hearing from the State Government and ensure they understand our community’s priorities and infrastructure needs.
“Sunshine Coast Council and clearly the Member for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, continue to advocate strongly for the North Coast Rail Line duplication from Beerburrum to Nambour.
“I hope that the new government, regardless of who is in power, will recognise the significant benefits of this project.
“The duplication will benefit not only the Sunshine Coast community, but all of Queensland, given the improvements it would offer in moving freight more efficiently to the Port of Brisbane and elsewhere.
”Successive studies have shown that the most congested stretch of the North Coast Rail line is between Nambour and Caboolture.
“The State Government will be seeking projects which will boost the economy and create jobs, especially for our younger generation.
“Sunshine Coast is in a prime position to provide shovel-ready projects which will do just that, including the Maroochydore City Centre – Australia’s only greenfield CBD development and the Valdora Solar Farm.”
Mayor Jamieson said regardless of which party won office, the Sunshine Coast region would benefit in the long run, given voters had made it clear they would no longer accept being ignored when it came to equitable infrastructure investment.