Question Time AU

General Debate

Sunshine Coast: Infrastructure

House of Representatives · Tuesday 11 February 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

Ted O'Brien addressed the rapid population growth on the Sunshine Coast and the critical need for infrastructure to keep pace. He highlighted past funding achievements under the former coalition government, including upgrades to the Bruce Highway and rail lines. O'Brien argued that the 2032 Games provide a unique opportunity to secure capital for long-term projects like heavy passenger rail and a convention centre. He advocated for hosting basketball preliminaries in Maroochydore to facilitate these developments, criticising previous delays by state and federal governments.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Ted O'Brien (Fairfax) (Liberal Party) Liberal

O'Brien stated that the Sunshine Coast population is growing by approximately 8,000 residents annually and will reach 500,000 by 2041. O'Brien argued that infrastructure must be built ahead of this population curve to manage growing pains. O'Brien credited the former coalition government with securing $3.2 billion for Bruce Highway upgrades, $181 million for airport improvements, and $390 million for rail upgrades to Nambour. O'Brien claimed that between 2016 and 2022, the region received more federal infrastructure funding than any other area in Australia.