Making travelling in the hinterland on foot or bike safer and easier

The green light has been given for a 1km long shared pathway connecting the hinterland community – with Sunshine Coast Council allocating funding over the next two financial years.

Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said this was a significant milestone for local Flaxton and Montville residents and visitors to the area.

"The much-anticipated Flaxton Road project will see a 1km long, 2m wide pathway commence at the end of an existing path near the Blackall Range Care Group and continue all the way through to Nimbus Drive, Flaxton," she said.

"The new pathway will run along the western side of Flaxton Road, well used by locals and tourists alike.

"I have been listening to local residents and the many tourists who visit this area and they have been crying out for this pathway.

"As well as providing a safe, healthy, environmentally friendly way for local residents to travel on foot or bike, users of the pathway will be able to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the mountain across the hinterland all the way out to the coastline."

Cr McKay said council’s vision was to see a pathway connect from Mapleton all the way to Montville.

"For many years I have worked to keep extending this long stretch of pathway to improve accessibility and connectivity for these local communities," she said.

"However due to major topography and infrastructure barriers between Mapleton and Montville – including the steep drop offs, railway line and narrow roads – there are missing links where is not viable."

President, Montville Village Chamber of Commerce, Rafer Rodgers said he was delighted to hear funding had been secured for the new pathway.

"Local business operators and residents have been looking forward to this new stretch of pathway for some time," he said.?

"This pathway provides a wonderful opportunity for our local residents to move from place to place and we hope it will encourage visitors to take advantage of the incredible picturesque views along it and perhaps stop for lunch or a coffee along the way."

The new $260,000 pathway will be jointly funded by Cr McKay and Mayor Mark Jamieson over two financial years 2012/13 and 2013/14.

Design of the new pathway is underway and approval from the Department Transport and Main Roads is required prior to the works commencing.