Warana coastal pathway construction

The coastal pathway is one of many recreational infrastructure projects delivered by council to help the Sunshine Coast community achieve a healthy, active and sustainable lifestyle.

The coastal pathway linear open space master plan was adopted at council’s ordinary meeting 7 December 2017 and aims to guide council in expanding on existing pathways to improve access to these iconic views, beaches and parks.

The Warana coastal pathway is one section of a 73km long route from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.

The coastal pathway is a multiple stage project which will occur over several years subject to available funding.

Project scope

The coastal pathway is council’s longest shared pathway and connecting communities, beaches, parks and open space areas. People can explore the coast’s natural beauty, services and businesses by walking, jogging or cycling.

The pathway plan aims to:

provide a safe and enjoyable multi-use pathway suitable for all pedestrian ages and abilities
improve connectivity and access to iconic views
support a healthy, active and sustainable lifestyle
promote walk-able neighbourhoods
provide an attractive continuous connected experience for locals and visitors.

Project update

Council is please to advise the Warana coastal path is now complete and open to the public. The project was delivered in partnership with the State government via the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) with a funding contribution under the cycle network local government grants program.

Stage 1 - Access 236 (Minkara St, Warana) and beach access 235 (Langura St, Warana)

Beach access 235 has been reconstructed and is open for public access.

Stage 2 - Palkana wetland/beach access 234 - raised walkway construction

Stage 2 is now complete and open to the public. Users can experience the wonder of travelling through a seasonal tea tree wetland. The section offers a chance for the users to walk, run or ride through and hear the site come to life during frog mating season or explode with butterflies at various times in the year. The stage consists of over 100m of raised boardwalk linking the coastal path to the north and south.

Stage 3 - Palkana park to beach access 233

Works are completed and is now open to the public.

Next stages - Beach access 233 to 229 (connection to existing network at Koorin Drive)

Design in progress and construction timeframe to be confirmed. Delivery subject to funding priorities.

Bush regeneration

As part of the project scope for this stage of the coastal pathway, council recognises the importance of ongoing bush regeneration efforts to control invasive species and promote restoring remnant vegetation communities.

Invasive species have had a major impact to this area of the bushland reserve and the project team has been undertaking pre-construction controls and clearing over 12 months before site construction was scheduled to commence.

Post pathway construction, the bush revegetation is ongoing and a critical part of providing a positive experience for the end user.

The project team is communicating with directly affected residents and businesses.

Community engagement

Between 21 November to 28 February 2017, council undertook a community consultation process for the draft coastal pathway master plan. More than 2000 submissions were received from the community. The consultation process and summary of key findings can be viewed on the coastal pathway linear open space master plan community consultation summary report (PDF, 8.69MB).

Background

For information on future development of the network, visit the coastal pathway linear open space master plan.

Contacts

For more information, please contact council and reference the 'Warana coastal pathway'.