Maple Street Maleny, streetscape upgrade

The key focus over the next four weeks will be completing the construction of raised pedestrian crossing 3 (near the chemist), progressing the construction of crossing 2, major stormwater infrastructure works at Fig Street, and continuing the staged delivery of footpaths on both sides of Maple Street. 

Work activities and dates are subject to change due to circumstances outside of Sunshine Coast Council’s control including weather and site conditions.

Week commencing 2 November

• Continuation of stormwater works and construction of raised pedestrian crossing 2 (Fig Street)
• Continuation of footpath construction - northern side of street

Week commencing 9 November

• Completion of construction of northern section of raised pedestrian crossing 3 and reopening to traffic and pedestrians
• Removal of Coral Street detour (11 November)
• Continuation of stormwater works and construction of raised pedestrian crossing 2 (Fig Street)
• Completion of footpath construction at IGA

Week commencing 16 November

• Continuation of construction of raised pedestrian crossing 2 (Fig Street)
• Continuation of footpath construction - southern side of street including nightworks at 11-13 Maple Street
• Commencement of landscape works at crossing 3

Week commencing 23 November

• Continuation of construction of raised pedestrian crossing 2 (Fig Street)
• Continuation of landscape works at crossing 3
• Continuation of footpath construction - western end of street

Week commencing 30 November

• Completion of construction of raised pedestrian crossing 2 (Fig Street)
• Continuation of footpath construction - western end of street

Upcoming works

November 2026
Completion of crossing 3 (Zone 1, Area 2)
Footpath construction (both Zones)

December 2026
Completion of crossing 2 and stormwater works (Zone 2, Area 1)
Footpath construction (Zone 1, Areas 1 and 2)
*site shutdown 23 December - 10 January 2027; works recommencing from 11 January 2027

January 2027
Verges and gardens; connections between footpaths and new raised crossings (both zones)

February 2027
Verges and gardens; connections between footpaths and new raised crossings (both zones)

March 2027
Final asphalt road surface and linemarking
Signage installation
Handover

Construction will continue to take place between 6am and 6pm. Night works are not expected at this stage

The new raised pedestrian crossing near the IGA (Zone 1, Area 1) is now complete and open to traffic.

Temporary ramps and handrails remain in place to allow pedestrians to safely use the crossing while surrounding works continue.

The construction contractor is working hard to mitigate impacts to our community however during these works, you may notice increased noise, vibration and dust at times. 

You can still walk along Maple Street. Temporary footpath diversions will be in place when needed to keep everyone safe. 

While work is underway, some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable to help maintain traffic flow and provide a safe work area for construction crews.

There may also be changes to how some parking spaces are accessed and used. Signage will be in place to guide motorists.

The loading bay servicing the Community Centre and nearby businesses will remain operational. During construction of crossing 3 near the chemist, the loading bay will be accessible from the east-bound lane only. 

The temporary traffic signs, barriers and bollards in place are approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and are there to help keep road users, pedestrians and construction workers safe. Please do not move or remove any traffic control devices. If you notice a sign or barrier that appears out of place, please let a member of the construction team or a traffic controller know.

Traffic management 

The current Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) has been implemented to safely construct the new pedestrian crossing and has been reviewed and approved by TMR. The design of the traffic arrangements must comply with a range of legislative requirements, Australian Standards, workplace health and safety obligations, codes of practice and TMR operational guidelines.  

While Council's preferred outcome would have been to keep both traffic lanes operating during construction, the narrow road corridor, the presence of underground services and compliance requirements meant this was not possible. The current arrangement was deemed the most suitable as it provides a shorter detour, accommodates heavy vehicles and avoids the need to relocate public transport infrastructure, including bus stops and the taxi rank.  

The partial closure between Coral and Fig Streets prevent motorists, from reaching the construction zone and needing to undertake unsafe turning manoeuvres.  

Since the partial Maple Street detour began on Monday 31 August 2026, we have responded to community feedback and made some amendments to the TGS with local traffic now able to access Teak Street from the eastern end of Maple Street at all times. 

You can visit Council's website to view nearby parking options around Maple Street.

The temporary traffic signs, barriers and bollards in place are approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads and are there to help keep road users, pedestrians and construction workers safe.

Please do not move or remove any traffic control devices. If you notice a sign or barrier that appears out of place, please let a member of the construction team or a traffic controller know.

Will access to businesses remain available during construction? 

Yes. Council and the contractor are working to maintain pedestrian and vehicle access to businesses throughout construction wherever possible. 

Access arrangements may change from time to time, however businesses will continue to operate and customers are encouraged to keep supporting local traders. 

Will businesses be supported during construction?

Maple Street will remain accessible during construction. The project team will continue to keep our community, including local businesses, informed of all construction activity. 

A range of free resources are available via Council’s website to assist businesses during streetscape construction: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/business

• Download the Business Continuity Guide  
• Check out Events Sunshine Coast online: What's on in Maleny
• Contact Council to explore business programs including:
  • Level Up Your Business​
  • Build A Better Business Program​
  • ASBAS Digital Solutions program​ and Council’s Community Grants Program.  

We ask our community to continue to support local businesses during the construction period. 

Council appreciates local businesses’ support of the project and recognises that any construction activity has an impact on our community. 

The project team has been in regular contact with local businesses and the chamber of commerce and has actively explored opportunities to reduce impacts where it is safe and practical to do so, including adjustments to traffic management arrangements and maintaining access to businesses wherever possible.  

Council encourages residents and visitors to continue supporting Maleny businesses during construction and notes that businesses remain open and accessible throughout the upgrade. 

Council also offers free support for businesses, including practical guides and programs. You can find these on our website.

Construction workers as customers

Construction workers are potential customers. 

If you have concerns about a project, constructions workers aren’t generally the right people to raise concerns with. If you have any questions about the project, please reach out to our team by emailing [email protected] 

Or you can contact Council’s customer service via the details below, quoting ‘Maple Street Maleny Streetscape Project’:

• [email protected]     
• 07 5475 7272  
• Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560.

Are businesses being forced to close during construction? 

No. Council is not directing businesses to close during construction. Business owners make decisions about their operating arrangements. Council and the contractor are providing advance notice of works, maintaining access where possible and working directly with businesses to minimise disruption. 

How many car parks are being permanently removed?

The project will result in a net reduction of nine parking spaces. Some existing parking bays do not meet current safety standards, so the changes will improve safety, visibility and access for everyone.

While some existing spaces are being removed to improve pedestrian safety and accessibility, additional parking is available on nearby streets and in existing off-street parking areas. 

To accommodate the new raised pedestrian crossings and related works, some permanent changes to parking conditions are needed. We’ve worked hard to keep as much parking as possible. This was a key consideration of the streetscape’s design.  

All accessible PWD (People With a Disability) parking and motorcycle parking spaces will remain. Taxi parking outside the IGA, will also be improved to make it safer to get in and out. 

Nearby parking available on surrounding streets includes Teak Street, Fig Street, Bicentenary Lane and the IGA carpark (when visiting the store).   

Will there be people with disability parking and loading zones in the street? 

All accessible PWD (People With a Disability) parking spaces and official loading bays will remain. 

During construction these items will remain available where possible, however may be subject to temporary change to ensure community safety and to enable the works to progress.  

Will there be temporary changes to traffic conditions? 

Yes. To keep Maple Street accessible and continue to progress the works as quickly as possible some temporary changes to traffic conditions will take place during construction. 

These may include single lane closures, traffic control, changed parking areas and loading bays, and road works.  

All traffic changes must comply with a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) which is a formal document that outlines how to manage, control, and minimise risks to our community – including workers, pedestrians, and motorists during construction. 

Any changes to traffic conditions must apply to the TMP. 

The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) has also placed conditions on the project which we must adhere to. 

The design of the traffic arrangements must comply with a range of legislative requirements, Australian Standards, workplace health and safety obligations, codes of practice and TMR operational guidelines.  

Why is it necessary to have a detour? 

A temporary detour for westbound traffic via Coral Street is necessary while crossing 3 (near the chemist) is constructed.

While Council's preferred outcome would have been to keep both traffic lanes operating during construction, the narrow road corridor, the presence of underground services and compliance requirements meant this was not possible. The current arrangement was deemed the most suitable as it provides a shorter detour, accommodates heavy vehicles and avoids the need to relocate public transport infrastructure, including bus stops and the taxi rank.  

The partial closure between Coral and Fig Streets prevent motorists, from reaching the construction zone and needing to undertake unsafe turning manoeuvres.  

Since the partial Maple Street detour began on Monday 31 August, Council has responded to community feedback and has made some amendments to the TGS with local traffic now able to access Teak Street from the eastern end of Maple Street at all times. 

Why was the Coral Street detour changed? 

Council continues to monitor construction impacts and make adjustments where possible. 

To help reduce impacts during the school holidays, the Coral Street detour was temporarily removed from 19 September to 19 October, allowing two-way traffic to return to Maple Street near the new crossing outside the chemist. 

Temporary ramps, barriers and signage were in place so the partially completed crossing could be used safely by pedestrians and vehicles. 

Why are the works being undertaken during the day instead of at night? 

The project program and budget have been based on undertaking the works as Monday-Friday dayworks. Daytime construction is the most practical and cost-effective way to deliver the project. 

Night works can significantly increase project costs by anywhere between 20% and 50%. Nightworks would require the daily removal and reinstatement of traffic management equipment, adding complexity and potentially extending the overall construction period.

In some areas, it may be appropriate to deliver the works after hours, but this is on a case-by-case basis and subject to program and budget capacity.

Where possible, noisier activities are undertaken earlier in the day to minimise impacts on local businesses. 

How are traffic changes decided? 

All temporary traffic arrangements are developed by qualified traffic professionals and approved by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. 

Traffic conditions are monitored throughout construction and adjustments are made where practical to reduce impacts on the community while maintaining safety. 

Can I move the temporary traffic signs?

No. All of the temporary traffic signs form part of the Traffic Guidance Scheme (TGS) and can only legally be moved or altered by a licensed Traffic Management Designer (TMD). Moving, altering or tampering with traffic signage is an offence under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995. The signage plays an important role in keeping road users, pedestrians and construction workers safe. If you do notice a sign or other marker that looks out of place, please notify the traffic controllers or contractors.

While work is underway, some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable to help maintain traffic flow along the street and provide a safe work area for the contractors.  

Drivers are encouraged to seek alternative parking. Council provides free on-street and off-street parking throughout Maleny.

To see nearby parking options, check out the parking map for Maleny on Council’s website.

We are committed to updating our community about the Maple Street Streetscape works. 

Read the latest Community Updates and construction notifications.

We’ve made some changes to the construction program to keep two-way traffic operating along Maple Street and to reduce impacts to businesses and our community over the peak Christmas trading season. 

We've also experienced some periods of wet weather which have impacted planned progress.

Works will now be staged through to March 2027 with a construction break from 23 December 2026 to 10 January 2027 (inclusive).

What is Council and the contractor doing to reduce disruption during the works?

To date, Council and the contractor have implemented the following:

• Limiting noisy works to before 11am where practicable, and before 9am in some cases.
• Adjusting the TMR-approved detour to enable 24/7 access to Teak Street for local traffic and deliveries.
• Providing business owners with advance warning of works.
• Introducing additional dust control measures.
• Accelerating the construction of the remaining crossings with an alternative and quicker construction methodology.
• Working with local businesses to determine the most appropriate days for concrete pours.
• Completing the footpath construction in smaller sections.
• Amending the construction method for those businesses that trade directly on to the footpath, and implementing measures that will enable them to continue trading during the works.

The project has a long history of community engagement from 2001 as our community has helped to shape the final design. 

To learn about the previous community engagement process, please visit Council’s Have your Say website.

See the project timeline below: 

2001-2010, Initial Community Engagement undertaken for Maleny Streetscape Concept Plan (2005) 

Early 2022, Project Planning complete 

July - August 2022, Phase 1 - Community Engagement ‘Review & Refresh’ 
To gain feedback on the Maleny Streetscape Diagram. 

July – August 2023, Phase 2 - Community Engagement ‘Testing the plan’ 
To gain feedback on the refined Concept Plan. 

December 2022 – April 2023, Detailed design 

May - July 2024, Tender documentation 

October 2025, Approval received from Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR)

December 2025 - May 2026, Contractor procurement 

June - December 2026, Construction 
 

What is the level of community support for the project? 

Over 66 per cent of participants overall support the streetscape improvements with 67 per cent agreeing the values and vision for Maple Street are reflected in the design. 

To learn about the previous community engagement process, please visit Council’s Have your Say website. 

Why has the project’s start been delayed previously?   

The project has needed to consider a range of factors including available funding opportunities, design considerations, contractor procurement, approvals and coordinating nearby road upgrade works with the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). 

With a construction contractor now secured, works can progress. 

Why wasn't a bypass built instead? 

This project focuses on improving the safety, accessibility and functionality of Maple Street itself through new pedestrian crossings, wider footpaths, improved lighting and landscaping. A bypass was not considered because bypasses are known to have potential unintended consequences, including reduced traffic volumes through town centres, which can adversely affect businesses that depend on passing trade.

What is the design of the raised pedestrian crossings and why are they required? 

Raised pedestrian crossings are an important safety feature and reduce vehicle speeds at crossings which in turn increases available time for drivers’ perception and reaction. 

Raised crossings improve the visibility of pedestrians, including people with a disability, to drivers.  

In the case of the four raised pedestrian crossings at Maple Street the crossings have long approaches and departures for motorists and are only 75mm high rather than a higher ‘speed bump’ type design.  

What will the streetscape’s colour palette and materials look like?  

The project will use a palette of natural colours and materials in line with Maleny’s character including:   

• natural clay feature brick walls  
• Corten (weathered steel look) furniture frames with aluminium ‘woodgrain’ battens 
• basalt boulders 
• custom designed Corten street tree grates 
• coloured concrete exposed aggregate footpath.  

Extensive landscaping will also help to green and shade the street. 

What landscaping is being done? 

Landscaping forms an integral part of the Maple Street streetscape upgrade.  Over 1500 plants, shade trees, and ground covers will be planted to provide an enhanced and cooler environment for our community to enjoy all year round. 

Species selection is based on Sunshine Coast Council’s Street Tree Masterplan recommendations, planting that is endemic to the Regional Ecosystem and some existing (non-native) planting. 

Providing more shade and shelter was a key theme shared by our community through community engagement, whilst retaining as many on-street parking bays as possible.  

Are any trees being removed? 

No trees are being removed. If a tree needs to be trimmed to address safety or other issues during construction, this will be done under the supervision of Council’s arborist team. 

What does the heritage trail consist of? 

In 2024 Maleny Commerce was awarded a Sunshine Coast Council Community Grant to fund local historian, Timeline Heritage, to collect, organise and make accessible cultural information. 

This information will be used in the Maple Street section of the proposed Heritage Trail.  

Council will deliver 10-15 Cultural Heritage interpretation elements as part of the streetscape project with the remainder of the trail being delivered by others in the future. 

Which areas of the footpath are being upgraded? 

As part of the streetscape project some sections of footpath will be replaced. These sections have been identified as the highest priority in terms of improving accessibility. Future consideration will be given to other sections as part of Council’s ongoing asset renewal program. 

How will the new works protect, enhance and celebrate the unique character of Maleny? 

The streetscape design is guided by the existing character of Maple Street. Street furniture is subtle and blends in with the existing materials present on the street. Planting selection is based on the existing palette and introduces more plants that are native to the area. The Heritage Trial will celebrate Maleny’s strong identity, history and culture.  

Why has there been a gap between the community consultation on design, and the start of construction? 

 The project has needed to consider a range of factors including available funding opportunities, design considerations, contractor procurement, approvals and coordinating nearby road upgrade works with the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). With a construction contractor now secured works can progress. 

Can the community of Maleny still have input to the design? 

Community engagement has been completed. The community was engaged extensively during the planning and concept design phases of the project in 2005, 2022 and 2023.  

Can I ask the contractors to carry out work on my own property as part of the project?

No. The contractors cannot undertake works on behalf of private landowners as part of the project.

What information and updates are being provided to ensure the community is aware of the project and its impacts? 

We’re committed to keeping our community informed about the streetscape project and encourage people to support local businesses throughout construction.  

This includes:  

• Printed Project News mailed to homes and businesses in Maleny before works started.  
• A Community Update emailed to all Maleny residents and property owners before works started, outlining the streetscape design and construction timing. 
• We encourage our community to register for emailed project updates and construction notifications – straight to your inbox. We will send regular updates and news about the project. Subscribe here. 
• Targeted social media campaigns including informing of works coming up, construction timing, ‘support local businesses’. 
• Local media coverage. 
• Updated project webpage, constantly refreshed with updates, FAQs and construction notifications. 
• Printed postcard available in shops and cafes with a QR code directing to the project webpage, where people can subscribe for updates. 
• Corflute signs along Maple Street showcasing the before and after images of the refreshed streetscape. 

How will the environment be protected during the construction?  

The contractor has developed a comprehensive environmental management plan which will guide the works. The plan covers erosion and sediment control, water and air quality, flora and fauna, noise, and waste management. 

What is the value of the project and how is the project being funded?

The project has a total budget of $3.4 million and is jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government. It has also received funding from a Sunshine Coast Council Heritage Levy Grant.

The project is a direct outcome of the Maple Street Streetscape Concept Plan and reflects what the community told us mattered most for Maleny’s main street. 

The upgraded streetscape incorporates the area of Maple Street between Myrtle and Teak Streets.  

The new streetscape will create a more welcoming and accessible main street through: 

• new raised pedestrian crossings with improved lighting 
• extended kerbs and footpath upgrades in key areas 
• more shade trees and garden areas 
• new seating and places for people to meet and gather 
• wayfinding signage 
• a heritage trail and cultural interpretation elements
• safer and compliant car parking. 

Landscaping is a major focus of the upgrade, with more shade trees and gardens to support comfort, sustainability and a greener streetscape. This includes more than 580 new trees and shrubs, along with new seating and community gathering spaces.

The project received additional funding through the Australian Government - Local Roads and Community Infrastructure grant program. 

This enabled us to increase the project scope to include upgrades to some key sections of footpaths along the street. 

Our community played a strong role in shaping the final design, with extensive community engagement between 2022 and 2023. 

More than 66 per cent of participants support the streetscape improvements, with 67 percent agreeing the design reflects the shared values and vision for Maple Street. 

The final design uniquely reflects the character and history of the township.  

To learn about the previous community engagement process, please visit Council’s Have Your Say website.

2001-2010 - Initial Community Engagement undertaken for Maleny Streetscape Concept Plan (2005)

Early 2022 - Project Planning complete

July - August 2022 - Phase 1 - Community Engagement ‘Review & Refresh’ 
To gain feedback on the Maleny Streetscape Diagram.

July – August 2023 - Phase 2 - Community Engagement ‘Testing the plan’
To gain feedback on the refined Concept Plan.

December 2022 – April 2023 - Detailed design

May - July 2024 - Tender documentation

October 2025 - Conditional approval received from Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR)

December 2025 - May 2026 - Contractor procurement

June 2026 - Contractor site office establishment

Community updates - Approval to proceed application to Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR)

July 2026 to March 2027 (weather permitting) - Construction

We’ve engaged local company Disc Landscapes to deliver the works. 

• Start: Week commencing Monday 6 July 2026 
• Finish: March 2027 (weather and site conditions permitting) 

Works will be done in stages across two zones to reduce impacts: 

• Zone 1: Teak Street to Fig Street 
• Zone 2: Fig Street to Myrtle Street 

We kindly remind everyone to be respectful and considerate towards Council staff and contractors working on site. Our crews are working hard to deliver improvements for the community and appreciate your patience and understanding during construction. 

We thank our community for your many kind comments about the friendly construction workers.

Please note that the site construction office is for Disc staff only and is not able to accommodate community enquiries. For any questions or feedback about the streetscape project, please:
📧 Email the project team: [email protected]

📞 Contact Sunshine Coast Council Customer Service
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and respectful work environment for everyone.

How can I find out more about the project or contact the project team?

To contact Council’s project team please email [email protected] 

Or contact Council’s customer service via the details below, quoting ‘Maple Street Maleny Streetscape Project’  

• Email: [email protected]     
• Phone: 07 5475 7272  
• Mail: Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560 

How do I register for construction updates?

You can register to receive our regular construction notifications straight to your inbox by subscribing here. 

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Please share this information with people who may have an interest in the project and would like to receive emailed updates.