First Avenue upgrade - Maroochydore
A new attractive streetscape is planned to transform First Avenue, Maroochydore into a vibrant, shady and inclusive CBD, providing businesses, residents and visitors a more inviting space to live, work and play.
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.
A concept plan was developed in consultation with the community in 2018.
In addition to Council’s funding contribution for the project, the Queensland Government has contributed $2 million under the 2021-24 South East Queensland (SEQ) community stimulus program for the project.
The project received $11.9 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program.
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:
- improving pedestrian crossings:
- two raised pedestrian crossings along First Avenue; a raised pedestrian crossing along Cornmeal Parade, Memorial Avenue and George Street. As well as, a scramble crossing at the intersection of First Avenue, Duporth Avenue and The Esplanade
- a scramble crossing is a traffic signal movement that temporarily stops all vehicle traffic allowing pedestrians to cross an intersection in every direction at the same time.
- 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
- fixing footpath level variations where possible
- 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 six 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
- extensive landscaping including planting approximately 60 new trees and 1500 new plants.
- installing new street furniture to provide a welcoming, green environment for residents and visitors.
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
- 2025/26 - Design information night
- 2025/26 - Contractor appointed
- mid-2026 - *Construction commences
- TBC - *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
It is expected that construction will start by mid-2026. Details of the construction schedule will be shared with our community, including local businesses and residents following the appointment of a construction contractor.
Contacts
Make sure you keep up-to-date on the First Avenue Streetscape Upgrade, by subscribing for email updates.
To contact the project team, please email: [email protected].