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Politically important week for the Coast
26 July 2008
It has been an important week for the Sunshine Coast politically. A number of high profile politicians have been engaged in formal openings or launches of very significant projects for the future of the Sunshine Coast.
Both Premier Anna Bligh and her Minister for Main Roads, Warren Pitt, officiated at the Thursday opening of the major road interchange at the eastern end of Sippy Downs Drive. It was filthy weather but that did not deter them from both being present, and outlining the future infrastructure funds that would be made available to the Coast as it grows.
The interchange will be an important piece of infrastructure not only to improve access and traffic flows, but also to open up the opportunities for the planned development of Sippy Downs Township as a sub-regional centre, and ‘knowledge hub’ as predicted in the South East Qld Regional Plan.
All of us took comfort from the presence of the Premier, in particular, and we sensed a level of understanding and support that was reassuring for those of us who want the emplacement of key regional infrastructure to support an already large population. Main Roads also deserve accolades for the construction on-time, despite a very difficult weather period.
Today the Prime Minister and Treasurer visit the Coast for a series of official engagements.
The Treasurer will be at the University this morning to launch the Clever Networks Project, coordinated by the Regional Council in partnership with Allegro and the University with support funding from the Federal Government.
The project involves a shared multi-million dollar investment in increasing the bandwidth to the Sunshine Coast via fibre. It is a link that is essential for the further development of key projects or institutions, in particular, such as the University, the planned ‘technology park’ and hospital, and many more throughout the Coast. The investment will have a profound impact in accelerating the work of businesses and researchers alike.
This afternoon Mr Swan returns to the University to officially open the $13.8M Health and Sports Centre in the University’s sports precinct.
This is another key project designed to contribute to the flow of professionals that the health services will need in this region across this century.
Minister Bligh and Treasurer Swan have personally chosen to support these major initiatives, and it is immensely encouraging to see national and regional interests gaining ascendency over local political jurisdictions.
The Coast is going to need governmental support across the political spectrum this century if it is to address the issues of demographic growth, regardless of the shift of political fortunes and seats.
This week, therefore, represents an important period when, hopefully, vitally important signals about the future were transmitted. The need for continuing infrastructural support remains urgent.
Professor Paul Thomas AM is Vice-Chancellor at the University of the Sunshine Coast.