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Make or break time for the Region
15 December 2007
The most important issue facing the Sunshine Coast at present is the election of a new mayor and Council in March.
I returned to the Coast last week to the news of new salaries and new role expectations for the March councillors. The suggested move away from potholes and barking dogs to more strategic and region-wide issues is to be applauded.
Throughout advanced nations, local governments are increasingly expected to address the future of their region, establish a vision for its progress, define the major challenges, partner with key stakeholders in regional advancement, and put in place policies and practices that are going to enhance the quality of life.
My impression is that most residents want the Sunshine Coast to become an identifiable region in its own right, but much that has been done locally and elsewhere in recent years has not advanced the regional cause. There are signs that the Coast is increasingly seen as part of the great South East Queensland conurbation, be virtually indistinguishable from Brisbane, feeding its economy with the loss of Coast jobs, and also relying on ‘Smart Brisbane’ for culture and major entertainment.
The Queensland ‘regions’ on the other hand do not always seem to be conceived so as to include the Sunshine Coast.
The identity and viability of this distinctive region is under threat and a new Council, appropriately led by a person capable of developing and implementing a powerful vision for the whole region is vital.
We don’t want short-term, localised interests over-riding regional advancement.
We need the local economy and jobs addressed so that Brisbane is less of a magnet.
We need internal public transport links addressed as a priority.
We need environmental safeguards for special areas.
We need more key infrastructure for residents, and especially for youth.
We need so many vital regional issues addressed immediately with conviction, belief in the region, and with its long term future sustainability as central.
We need a fresh start, and given the pace of development, time is of the essence.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.