- LNP will deliver new legislation to protect the sustainability and use of local waterways into the future.
- Commitment will provide a one-stop-shop to enable local input to waterway management and better community engagement around river management.
- Part of the LNP’s Right Plan for the Sunshine Coast’s Future.
The LNP has today made a major announcement for the Sunshine Coast, committing to delivering a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority to protect and plan for the future of the region’s vital ecosystems.
Deputy LNP Leader Jarrod Bleijie said the commitment will deliver an authority to stop the buck-passing between multiple layers of bureaucracy and give certainty to locals, councils and business.
“We will provide holistic waterway management for marine industries, commercial and recreational fisheries and enable world-class tourism to grow on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Bleijie said.
“The LNP will improve and promote the sustainable use of the region’s iconic waterways and the enjoyment of Queensland families with a dedicated Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority.
“Labor has short-changed the Sunshine Coast by refusing to establish this crucial body, despite the Gold Coast having an almost identical authority for over a decade.
“Only the LNP will restore a government that works for you, with the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”
LNP Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson said the LNP’s $35.6 million commitment would act as a one-stop-shop to ensure local knowledge was better incorporated into waterway management while providing ongoing certainty for commercial tourism and fishing operators into the future.
“This waterway will ensure our local industries can continue to thrive and invest with confidence into the future while protecting all the things Sunshine Coast locals love about our waterways,” Ms Simpson said.
LNP Candidate for Caloundra Kendall Morton said a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority would increase conservation efforts as part of the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s future.
“The LNP’s plan will give our region the opportunity to boost our eco-tourism offerings and showcase the region’s natural assets,” Ms Morton said.
LNP Candidate for Noosa Clare Stewart said better management of the Sunshine Coast’s waterways was urgently needed.
“The lives of Noosa families, business owners and tourists are inextricably linked to our beautiful waterways, yet over the years we have seen piecemeal approach to their management, it’s high time we had a proper mechanism in place to manage their use as a whole,” Ms Stewart said.
LNP candidate for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said establishing the Authority would be critical in preserving and protecting the Pumicestone Passage.
“Labor has turned a blind eye to one of our most significant natural assets of the Pumicestone Passage, the LNP’s commitment will ensure this important waterway is managed and protected for generations to come,” Ms Doolan said.
Mr Bleijie said Labor had unashamedly short-changed the Sunshine Coast but nothing would change unless Queenslanders change the government next month.
“Queenslanders must show Labor the door in 2024, to ensure the right focus on delivering the programs, services and communities for our state,” he said.
“Only the LNP stands ready to deliver a fresh start for Queensland.”