WITH 12 years’ experience as a councillor, Jason O’Pray believes he is the man for the job of next mayor of the Sunshine Coast.

“Sunshine Coast Council is now a $1 billion machine.  We have over 2000 employees and contractors, we have a population now over about 350,000 and we have about $7 billion of assets,” he told a meet the candidates event organised by Nambour Chamber of Commerce.

“This is a big game people and we need to have proper leadership.”

Mr O’Pray said his 12 years in charge of the council’s economic development portfolio, which covers tourism, major sports events, aviation, small business, food and agriculture, digital services and clean tech industry, had given him a breadth of experience.

A third generation Sunshine Coast resident who used to swim in the Nambour PCYC pool as a kid, he has some initiatives to tempt hinterland voters.

“My number one goal is to see if we can double the road re-seal program, the dirt road and gravel program,” he said.

“The other thing that I’d like to introduce is a brand new hinterland portfolio which would most certainly include the Nambour councillor, and also division five councillor and division 10. And maybe division nine, as well as the mayor, to really address issues like the roads, the tourism but most importantly the connection between people of the hinterland and the Sunshine Coast areas.” 

He acknowledged the need to look at transport connections between the hinterland and the coast, and said he would look at free bus trials during school holiday periods.

Kerbside clean-ups and the introduction of soft plastic recycling at the Material Recycling Facilit at Bli Bli were on his list.

Mr O’Pray said Nambour showgrounds needed more money and he wanted to boost the town’s retail area, saying he had “a whole lot of ideas” about signage and how to “glam it up”.

Readers question on prioritising the hinterland

Mel asked: When will council start paying some attention to the beautiful Hinterland and its rate-paying residents?

Cr O’Pray’s answer: 

As your new Mayor, I will bring a fresh perspective to our hinterland, giving it the accolades it deserves, an area of the Sunshine Coast with equal importance to our Coastal side of the Sunshine Coast. 

I am dedicated to bringing the hinterland to the forefront, championing its future, and embracing its unique abundance. To translate this commitment into action, I will establish a ‘Hinterland’ portfolio, with myself and the hinterland councillors. 

This strategic move aims to systematically address issues and rectify funding imbalances, ultimately bridging the coast-hinterland divide. 

I firmly stand against expanding the Urban Footprint into the hinterland beyond the current plan, understanding the imperative need to prevent urban sprawl in this cherished area. 

As Mayor, I will be focused on delivering essential infrastructure, building new industries and highlighting the intrinsic value of this special part of the Sunshine Coast.