Queensland Cabinet met in Nambour yesterday for the first time in 36 years. It was a chance for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Ministers to shine spotlights on key projects in the area.

The visit was a boon for Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton who was on hand to bask in the limelight of major investments, old and new. These included Nambour Police Station, Nambour Hospital, Yandina State School, Burnside High School, the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 and Palmwoods traffic calming treatments.

“Bringing the Cabinet to Nambour brings a focus to this growing Sunshine Coast community,” the Premier said.

“It allows every member of Cabinet across every portfolio area to see firsthand the issues and opportunities important to the region.”

The Premier said Nambour was a Sunshine Coast gem steeped in history with a bright future backed by a strong investment in the community.

“It’s also the gateway to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and recognised for its vintage trails, thriving café and craft beer scene and of course the Big Pineapple.”

“It also has a strong local member in Rob Skelton, the first Labor MP for Nicklin to be elected in 100 years.”

The Premier said her government’s commitments to the region were clear.

“Today we’re officially opening the new $8.3 million Nambour Police Station delivering a 2017 election commitment from my government.

“The Health Minister will be inspecting progress on the $86.2 million Nambour Hospital redevelopment which will be complete by next year and deliver 118 extra beds.

“We’re committed to the $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, jointly funded with the Australian Government.

“Plus there’s the $301.3 million Bruce Highway, Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges upgrade, also jointly funded with the Australian Government.

“We also completed the Sunshine Coast’s largest ever investment project just last year, the billion-dollar Bruce Highway Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway upgrade.”

The Premier said her government was also committed to upgrading education facilities in the region.

This includes $10.4 million for Yandina State School to deliver a two-storey learning centre that will include six classrooms, an outdoor learning area, administration and staff area and space for future growth.

And $10.7 million for a new Performing Arts Centre at Burnside High School.

The Premier said her government was also improving services across the Sunshine Coast investing $35.2 million to expand and improve social housing and $5.7 million for homelessness services.