First Avenue upgrade - Maroochydore | Sunshine Coast Council

Artist Impression of Duporth Ave, First Ave and The Esplanade intersection.

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First Avenue will be upgraded to help the street operate more safely and efficiently, and enhance the look and experience of the area.

The design will connect the established northern section of First Avenue and the newly expanded Maroochydore central business district (CBD), Aerodrome Road and surrounds, including to The Esplanade and Duporth Avenue.

The upgrade will provide an attractive and safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists, improve and increase spaces for local businesses, help calm local traffic and will create cool, shady and green streets for all to enjoy.

The final design was developed between 2018 and 2022 in consultation with our community and is now ready for construction thanks to a major funding grant announced earlier this year.

In addition to Council’s $15.9 million funding contribution, the project has received $11.9 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program to progress the critical connection.

Project scope

With construction of the newly expanded Maroochydore CBD in progress, Council is focusing on the surrounding areas to deliver improved streetscape outcomes that benefit residents, visitors and local businesses.

A key goal is to provide safer pedestrian, cyclist and motorist movements including:

two raised pedestrian crossings along First Avenue;
upgrading footpaths and driveways
upgrading underground services including power, telecommunications, stormwater and mains water
improving access for people with disabilities, prams, motorised scooters and other non-motorised forms of transport
transforming the eastern side of First Avenue including extending kerbing and landscaped areas and new street furniture
transforming the western side of First Avenue into a seven metre wide, shared path for pedestrians and cyclists with a continuous, centralised planting strip
relocating the two bus stops along First Avenue to The Esplanade and upgrading them to minimise conflict with other First Avenue street users (completed in 2025)
extensive landscaping, including planting approximately 70 new trees and 2,000 new plants
installing new street furniture to provide a welcoming, green environment for residents and visitors.

Changes to traffic

First Avenue will have reduced speeds and some changes to traffic conditions during construction, including detours. Access to businesses and residences and the Cornmeal Parade public car park will remain available, sometimes under traffic control or via detours.

From 20 February to 28 February 2026

The northbound lane of First Avenue will be closed for approximately 15 months (reopening May 2027) from The Esplanade to Aerodrome Road. Southbound traffic will be permitted only.
Some changes to pedestrian access (while still permitting access to local businesses)
Temporary removal of all eastern side First Avenue street parking from The Esplanade to Memorial Avenue
Temporary removal of all western side First Avenue street parking between Cornmeal Parade and Aerodrome Road
Temporary use of on-street parking bays for construction equipment and vehicles as required
PWD Parking is available on the western side of Frist Avenue between The Esplanade and Memorial Avenue
Bus Stops on First Avenue (Route 600) will be relocated from First Avenue.

First Avenue detour map and changed to traffic.

Project timeline

April 2018 - Consultation with businesses and traders on the concept design
May 2022 - Final design introduced to community
May 2025 - Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program $11.9m agreement executed
August 2025 - Early site investigation works
December 2025 - Contractor appointed
14 January 2026 - Construction information session
Early February 2026 - Construction starts
2027 - *New streetscape completed

*Some elements of construction may be staged or altered as funding and resources dictate. All works will be weather and site conditions permitting.

Where to from here

Construction is planned to start mid-February 2026 and continue through 2027, weather and site conditions permitting.

After a public tender process, GRC Civil, a highly experienced Sunshine Coast-based infrastructure construction company will undertake this transformative project.

Details of the construction schedule will continued to be shared with our community via Community Updates to local businesses and residents throughout the project.

A construction drop-in information session was held on 14 January 2026 for residents and businesses to speak with the project team. If you weren't able to make this session and have a question, please email us directly via the email below.