‘Positive step’: Mayor unpacks 2026-27 Federal Budget

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the 2026-27 Federal Budget had been handed down in challenging times and locally, a focus on housing affordability measures was a positive step.

Mayor Natoli said there were clearly emerging issues to address, such as fuel security, and the $10 billion allocated to this would benefit people throughout the nation, including our residents, businesses, and visitors.

“The focus on housing affordability, is welcomed as we know many people are finding it difficult to buy a home.

“This is a very big issue for the people in our region, especially combined with cost-of-living pressures.

“It was encouraging to see that the Commonwealth is funding 97 more social and affordable homes in the seat of Fisher, provided through the Housing Australia Future Fund.

“The Treasurer also announced an additional $2 billion will be spent on enabling infrastructure for housing developments, including water and sewerage, helping deliver an estimated 65,000 new homes. We will need to see which projects we have, and how and where we might fit the criteria to access this funding.’’

Mayor Natoli said it was pleasing to see support for small businesses, which were “the backbone of our local economy’’.

“An additional $2 million was announced for the Glass House Mountains Road (Steve Irwin Way) and Caloundra Street Intersection Upgrade at Landsborough, which builds on previous Commonwealth funding of $3.9 million. This is good news for local residents and visitors to our hinterland.

“Anything to improve traffic and safety on our roads is a positive step.

“Council will take a close look at the significant money committed to the Active Transport Fund, Growing Regions and Stronger Communities Program, to see what projects may be eligible for funding here. These are designed to help provide bicycle and walking paths, and community infrastructure like parks, libraries and sport and cultural facilities.

“As you know, Council advocated hard for some key infrastructure, including funding for Stages 2 and 3 of the WAVE public transport system, support for a business case to upgrade the Bruce Highway to six lanes between Steve Irwin Way and Caloundra Road, as well as a Regional Indoor Community Sports Centre.

“While we missed out this time and would have liked a stronger commitment to our priority projects, we will continue to champion our region and seek the infrastructure our growing community needs - and deserves!

“This, of course, requires a strong partnership with our Federal and State governments, and we are committed to continuing to work together on behalf of our community towards a connected, liveable and thriving Sunshine Coast.

“Councils generally need more funding from the Commonwealth to deal with rising costs.

“It’s important to note that Councils receive just three cents in every dollar of taxation revenue, compared to 80 cents in the dollar for the Australian Government and roughly 17 cents for the State Government.  That’s why we need to advocate for more support from them for our growing region.’’