Article: Wishlist shows political minds thinks alike on the Coast

[ozbob]

From the Sunshine Coast Daily --> Wishlist shows political minds thinks alike on the Coast

BETTER public transport, the roll out of the NBN and upgrades for the Sunshine Coast Airport and Bruce Hwy - these are a few of the things at the top of industry leaders' political wishlists.

Late yesterday maverick Clive Palmer looked in good stead to claim the seat of Fairfax.

Regardless of the result, the message remains the same: it is no longer a foregone conclusion that the Coast is a conservative stronghold.

We can expect to be paid greater attention and have more promises laid at our feet.

So what do our captains of industry think should be our priorities?

Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce president Ross Hepworth said he hoped to see an investment in infrastructure. He said the Bruce Hwy, better rail connections, an expansion of the airport, the construction of the Maroochydore Principal Activity Centre and the rollout of the NBN should head the list.

He said it was also imperative that all three Sunshine Coast MPs act as a united voice in parliament.

"What we want from Mr Palmer is that all members work together, regardless of their party. We need a strong common voice."

Acting Mayor Jenny McKay said she hoped the government would invest in the Coast's infrastructure - particularly the Bruce Hwy, the airport, the Maroochydore CBD and public transport.

"We've seen all the parties, no matter what their persuasion, speak very passionately and vocally about upgrading our infrastructure and we've got to hold them to that commitment," she said.

University of the Sunshine Coast Vice Chancellor Greg Hill said the Coast needed to diversify its economy and improve public transport and its airport.

He said the university had an important part to play in stimulating local business.

He said the institution hoped to offer more degrees in health, engineering, business and human services to aid in diversifying the local economy.

[#Metro]

The North Coast Rail line runs straight through the division of Fairfax. PUP will likely have a huge presence in QLD come state election season, which is in mid 2015. That's only a year and a half away. Clive is a mining magnate and so has first hand knowledge of the importance of coal-haul rail and freight rail.

I reckon we should put out a MR asking what PUP's position is on Sunshine Coast Line rail upgrades? It may well be the seachange sunshine coasters have wanted for some time.

[ozbob]

... I reckon we should put out a MR asking what PUP's position is on Sunshine Coast Line rail upgrades? It may well be the seachange sunshine coasters have wanted for some time.

Best to wait, they have ignored all attempts up to now to engage on this.  Let things settle first ..

[Fares_Fair]

... I reckon we should put out a MR asking what PUP's position is on Sunshine Coast Line rail upgrades? It may well be the seachange sunshine coasters have wanted for some time.

Best to wait, they have ignored all attempts up to now to engage on this.  Let things settle first ..

Agree, I spoke with Mr Palmer directly after the Fairfax candidates forum, as I had put this question to all 8 candidates.

My Question was this and it was read out in full [verbatim] by convenor, Wendy Francis:

"As a Fairfax candidate, specifically what do you intend to do about the 39km north coast line rail duplication from Beerburrum to Nambour?"
"It is considered the most congested shared single line freight and passenger and long distance train track in the nation.
"44% of its' daily trains are in fact buses."
"Before you say that it is a state issue, know that it is part of the National Land Transport Network and the 17km Beerburrum to Landsborough leg was submitted by the LNP State Gov't to Infrastructure Australia, for federal funding in August 2012."

I said that he did not answer my question and Mr Palmer replied that the Coast had been neglected for the past 20 years and with regards to our rail, that they need to 'upgrade rail facilities and review the timetables,' but did not specifically answer my question about rail duplication.

[Stillwater]

Thanks FF for consistently raising the profile of the SCL and its woes.

[Stillwater]

While he has not pledged to work for funding the SCL (as he has said PUP will work to have $400m spent upgrading the SC Airport), Mr Palmer has called for 'fast rail to Brisbane now' without laying out how that could be achieved, or funded.

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/Clive-promises-400-million-upgrade-to-airport/1979155/

Interesting, the new Member for Fisher, Mal Brough, has lived with his family over many years in the railway towns of Mooloolah and Glass House Mountains.

He has made p%ss and wind promises about 'delivering for families' and ensuring the Sunshine Coast achieves its full potential.  A true politician, obviously.

[Fares_Fair]

Thanks FF for consistently raising the profile of the SCL and its woes.

After the forum I also spoke with Mr Ted O'Brien, the LNP candidate for Fairfax - regarding the response he gave.
He offered to meet with me to discuss the issue post-election, should he be successful in the seat.