Flinders Foundation Infrastructure Series | Growth on the Coast

The Flinders Foundation invites you to the second of our 2021 Infrastructure Series, Growth on the Coast, on Thursday, 14 October, 2021.

This event will explore government investment in upgrades to vital transport and other infrastructure that will support the growth of the Sunshine Coast region well into the future.

Guest speakers from all three levels of government will provide insight into the delivery of appropriately timed major infrastructure projects as the growth of the Sunshine Coast is predicted to reach a population of 500,000 people by 2041, and on the back of the recent success that the region will host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We invite you to join us for this popular new Flinders Foundation event series as an opportunity to expand your business network and make connections with like-minded professionals.

Canapés will be served. Drinks are available for purchase.

Speakers | Ted O'Brien, Member for Fairfax, Queensland;
Scott Whitaker, Chairman, Regional Director, Department of Transport and Main Roads;
Emma Thomas, CEO, Sunshine Coast Council.

MC | Jennifer Swaine

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKERS

Ted O'Brien MP | Member for Fairfax, Queensland
Ted O’Brien is a Member of the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament where he represents the seat of Fairfax on the Sunshine Coast. Ted also happens to be a Flinders dad, with a daughter in Primary School and a son attending FELC.

Ted wears several hats on behalf of the Australian Government. He was recently appointed by the Prime Minister to be the Special Envoy for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics. He is also Chair of two parliamentary committees – the Standing Committee on the Environment and Energy, and the Trade Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. He also sits in the House Standing Committee for Infrastructure, Transport and Cities, and heads up ‘Team Queensland’ which comprises all Liberal National Party MPs and Senators from Queensland in the Coalition Party Room.

As the local Federal MP, Ted has prioritised the delivery of infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast. During his time in office, the region has received more Federal Government funding than ever before, including over $3 billion in upgrades to the Bruce Highway, $390 million to upgrade the North Coast Rail line; more than $61 million for local road upgrades and a $181 million concessional loan to upgrade the Sunshine Coast Airport.

Scott Whitaker | Regional Director (North Coast Region), Department of Transport and Main Roads

Scott is the North Coast’s Regional Director for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and leads a diverse team of more than 300 people. North Coast Region is currently focused on delivering the largest ever transport infrastructure program for the region with over $2.9 billion in capital and maintenance works programmed over the next four years. While delivering this infrastructure program the region is also tackling the challenge of planning and managing the unprecedented growth currently experienced in both the Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay areas.

Scott has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with a career spanning over 20 years. Scott has spent most of his career in TMR in varying engineering and leadership roles with time spent in the private industry as a business owner involved in the mining and construction sector.

Emma Thomas | Chief Executive Officer, Sunshine Coast Council

Emma is responsible for an organisation with a budget in excess of $816 million, more than $6 billion in assets, over 1,800 people and overseeing one of the most innovative policy, program and infrastructure delivery agendas that seeks to position Council as a national leader in local government excellence and the Sunshine Coast as the most liveable and sustainable region in Australia.

Prior to joining Council, Emma held a range of chief executive and senior executive leadership roles with the Australian Capital Territory, South Australian and Queensland governments. She is a values-based leader with a passion for, and commitment to, sustainable regional economic development and fostering social inclusion, community diversity, connectivity and accessibility. These elements are an integral part of her focus and leadership as Sunshine Coast Council CEO.

Jennifer Swaine | Marketing and Communications

Jennifer Swaine is a communications consultant to Regional Development Australia, Sunshine Coast; Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Awards; Vice President of the Sunshine Coast Chamber Alliance; and a Non-Executive Director of Visit Sunshine Coast. She is a regular columnist in the Sunshine Coast Daily and Hello Sunshine and works hard to actively promote, connect and collaborate with others to promote and increase the profile of the greater Sunshine Coast.

Flinders Foundation Infrastructure Series | Growth on the Coast

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