Attracting High Value Jobs
Over the past 12 months, employment growth has increased by 6.8% on the Sunshine Coast, compared to 3.5% for Queensland. These are very positive headline figures with 10,900 new jobs created with an unemployment rate remaining at a relatively low 4.9%. However, an ongoing challenge for the Coast is how to attract more high paying and full-time jobs as we continue to lag behind the State average in median salary.
RDA Sunshine Coast is one of the founding project partners of #SCRIPT, a collaboration of local entrepreneurs, businesses, government stakeholders and community members with the aim to support job creation, talent attraction and encourage cross section innovation. #SCRIPT is seeking innovative project concepts by August 8 prior to a co-creation workshop scheduled for later next month so get your ideas in.
Rail Upgrade
The Beerburrum to Nambour rail line upgrade is a critical piece of infrastructure for a region that is going to grow from a population of 366,000 to over half a million by 2036. This project will keep traffic off the Bruce Highway which is already constrained and provide commuters with additional train services. Freight services are expected to reach capacity by 2023 – if the project does not proceed this will result in additional traffic on the Bruce Highway.
The Federal Government has committed $390 million to duplicate Queensland’s North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough and build capacity upgrades from Landsborough to Nambour. The Queensland Government also announced funding of $160.8 million in its recent budget – however there is still a shortfall of $170 million. Given its significance to the region, we will be working constructively with the State and Federal Government’s to make sure this project becomes a reality.
Phil Harman
Director Regional Development
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