Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli has held talks with all sides of politics in Canberra, in a quest to secure more funding for the rapidly growing region.
Representatives from the Council of Mayors South-East Queensland met key politicians on Wednesday and Thursday to get more support for the greater area.
Ms Natoli said more money was required to address the region’s biggest issues.
She told Sunshine Coast News that she met ministers and shadow ministers “to discuss ways we can secure more funding for SEQ – working together – and specifically for the Sunshine Coast”.
“We are hearing a clear message across both sides of politics that housing is a priority … we mayors are asking for support to unlock housing,” she said.
“Personally, I have handed each minister a copy of our priorities document, which lists the projects that are important to the people of the Sunshine Coast ahead of the next federal election.
“All mayors agreed cost shifting – where other levels of government force councils to step in to take up the issue – is a big concern. It’s a $360 million black hole every year.”
Ms Natoli said Sunshine Coast Council delivered 33 per cent of services but only received 3 per cent of tax funding.
“We really need our fair share of funding,” she said.
Ms Natoli said adequate funding was needed for fire ants and biosecurity measures, planning, health regulation, disaster management and more.
CoMSEQ chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said mayors met leading politicians to address the South-East’s growth pressures and housing crisis.
“South-East Queensland is one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions and we want to seek genuine partnerships with our federal colleagues to help keep our region moving,” he said.
“The lack of support from other levels of government is putting the brakes on important projects.
“That’s why we’re asking our federal colleagues to back South-East Queensland and help ensure our region continues to be a great place to live, work and relax.”
An extra two million people are expected to call the South-East home by 2046.
Mr Schrinner said councils were prepared to respond to the housing crisis with an ambitious target of 900,000 new homes across the South-East by 2046.
“Our region is the best place in Australia to live and clearly more people are voting with their feet wanting to call it home,” he said.
“But we need all levels of government on board to make sure our growing population has homes to live in that are serviced by great roads and public transport.”
CoMSEQ deputy chair and City of Moreton Bay mayor Peter Flannery said ongoing investment by all levels of government was essential to support the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Ahead of Brisbane 2032, we know it’s local council and community facilities where many of our elite athletes will begin their sporting journey,” he said.
“Ensuring local facilities can cater for increased participation will ensure success on the international stage.”
