FORMER Maroochy mayor Joe Natoli has thrown his support behind plans for a new convention and exhibition centre, claiming the Coast is missing out on its share of government funding and infrastructure.

"We seem to be the region left behind, forgotten, we haven't been able to achieve," Mr Natoli said.

"We haven't even tapped into a small percentage of our total capability."

He said he believed the Sunshine Coast Arts, Convention, Exhibition and Entertainment Centre would propel the Coast forward and supported his predecessor Alison Barry-Jones in her campaign to see it come to fruition.

"I always supported her. It was something we continued to work through in my term as mayor and I'm aware that Debbie Blumel continued to do so in her last term on council too," Mr Natoli said.

"We haven't received our fair share of funds. It's time we stand up as a Coast and really rally and get behind it.

"I commend Alison for being so committed. She was always incredibly focused on this one issue."

Mr Natoli agreed with the "we don't want to become another Gold Coast" sentiment, but said alternatives had to be identified.

"When you look at the Sunshine Coast and the type of industries, we've got tourism. Whether we like it or not it's one of our main industries," he said.

"If we don't want to become another Gold Coast, what are we going to do to ensure we make things happen? Quality events are something that the Coast needs a lot of because that's one of the aspects that build that difference between us and the Gold Coast. We need to build on that lifestyle.

"We've got some of the most gifted people artistically who live right around the Sunshine Coast but we don't have a major cultural centre or arts centre that allows us to bring performances, where we can bid for some of the big performances.

"We could get some unique performances, still fill a reasonably sized venue and enable people to come from around the country to see it, if it's significant enough."

Mr Natoli said the regional arts and entertainment centre would complement the existing major facilities in Caloundra, Maroochydore, Noosa and the hinterland.

"They're off-peak season toppers," he said.

"It's at the top of the other facilities that underpin that."

Mr Natoli said a regional facility would attract more people to the area, many of them business people, who bring their families and extend their tax-deductible stay.