I write to congratulate you on your election to Government, and your elevation to the office of Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government. You have an important task ahead in delivering the infrastructure our communities need to access essential services, connect, and grow.
During the 2022 Federal Election campaign, I secured the support of the Federal Government for four key projects which will support community and sporting groups across my electorate. In winning the election, the Albanese Government now has the opportunity to back Sunshine Coast community groups by honouring the commitments of the previous Government, to the benefit of families across our Region.
The Metropolitan-Caloundra Surf Life Saving Club, for example, needs a significant upgrade to its 70-year-old clubhouse, which is in an extreme state of disrepair. The organisation has secured a large proportion of the redevelopment costs but requires approximately $2.6 million to complete the project. With a growing membership, increasing population, and expanded service footprint, this upgrade is essential to meet community needs.
Similarly, the Pelican Waters Bowls Club require a retractable sunshade and new greens to improve the sun safety of their growing and active membership, and to protect the facility from weather damage. At a cost of $220,000, the project will greatly benefit the Caloundra community.
The Glasshouse Country Mens Shed seek an expansion of their existing facility, to secure their property and machinery. As the club grows, it requires more space to safely operate and store its equipment. This $50,000 expansion would also see the replacement of the roof guttering, reducing the risk to fire safety and allowing the club to continue their vital work in building community and boosting men’s mental health in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
The Montville Sportsground, home to a number of clubs in Montville, is in need of a carpark upgrade, with $40,000 pledged by the previous Government to seal the entry road under phase one of a larger project. This upgrade will boost physical accessibility for members and visitors and will improve safety for the families who use the Montville Sportsground throughout the week.
I am sure that we can agree that supporting organisations such as these is not an issue of party politics; rather, a duty to provide the community infrastructure Sunshine Coast families need and deserve.
I would welcome the opportunity to share with you about these projects and the Sunshine Coast’s community infrastructure needs and look forward to speaking with you when Parliament resumes.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Wallace MP
Federal Member for Fisher