Mayor Rosanna Natoli, the former journalist and TV presenter, outlined her vision for the Sunshine Coast, emphasizing the importance of protecting the beach as the region prepares for sustainable growth. With up to 200,000 new residents expected by 2041, Natoli stressed the need to maintain the region’s character and lifestyle while accommodating growth. She expressed a desire to differentiate the Sunshine Coast from the Gold Coast, highlighting the importance of infrastructure and the development of a new rail line to support the growing population.
Natoli emphasized the need for infrastructure, particularly a new rail line extending to Maroochydore, to alleviate traffic congestion and support the development of a high-tech city centre. While the state government has committed funding to extend the rail line to Caloundra through the Aura development, Natoli stressed the importance of extending it further to Maroochydore. She highlighted the issues that could arise from commuters driving to Caloundra to catch a train and the need to prioritize infrastructure before development to avoid traffic congestion.
The mayor recognized that voters also wanted the environment to be protected, emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on cars and creating more local job opportunities. Natoli expressed a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty, from the coast to the hinterland, and stressed the council’s responsibility to not only protect but also enhance the environment for future generations. She acknowledged the diverse offerings of the Sunshine Coast, from beaches to forests, and stressed the importance of preserving and enhancing these natural assets for the community.
Natoli’s vision for the Sunshine Coast centered around sustainable growth and a commitment to protecting the region’s unique character and lifestyle. With a focus on infrastructure development, particularly the extension of the rail line to Maroochydore, she aimed to address traffic congestion and support economic development. By prioritizing environmental protection and creating more local job opportunities, Natoli sought to enhance the region’s natural beauty and preserve its diverse offerings for future generations.
As the Sunshine Coast prepares for significant population growth, Mayor Rosanna Natoli emphasized the need to prioritize infrastructure development and environmental protection. Her vision for the region focused on maintaining its unique character and lifestyle, while accommodating growth through sustainable practices. By advocating for the extension of the rail line to Maroochydore and reducing reliance on cars, Natoli aimed to address traffic congestion and create more local job opportunities. With a commitment to preserving and enhancing the region’s natural assets, she aimed to ensure a high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
