Shaping the future by investing in infrastructure

Some of the largest infrastructure projects in Sunshine Coast’s history will be undertaken over the next 12 months.

Catering for the region’s growing population to improve the community’s lifestyle is at the heart of the 2015-16 $183 million capital works program.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said to achieve this, the program would maintain current assets and deliver new capital projects.

“Maintaining and improving the nearly 3000km of roads, 448 bridges and more than 1100km of pathways – the distance from here to Townsville – is a big part of this year’s capital program,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The $183 million for capital infrastructure – part of a 10 year $1.2 billion program – will improve and deliver more roads and bridges, parks and sporting facilities.

“Council will invest $56 million on transport and stormwater projects which includes $18.5 million on the road reseal program.

“About $10 million is allocated towards parks and gardens; more than $6 million on community and sporting facilities and $6 million on the airport and holiday parks.

“The $20 million upgrade of Evans St, Maroochydore, of which $11.9 million will be spent this year, is one of the largest projects undertaken by this Council.

“The upgrade is significant, both in terms of its size and the benefits it will deliver.

“This upgrade will not only provide an efficient transport route to the new city centre, but will ease congestion along Evans Street and surrounding roads

“Road safety improvements, plus greater connectivity for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport will also be delivered.”

Other significant works include $2.7 million for Caloundra streetscaping in Bulcock St and surrounds and $2.6 million Minyama to Mooloolaba cycleway.

The Sippy Creek animal pound will receive $2.4 million, the first stage of a $4.6 million project to construct a new centre over the next two years.

The bridge at Eumundi Range Rd, Eumundi will be replaced at a cost of $1.4 million and $2.3 million will be spent on upgrading North Arm-Yandina Creek Rd, North Arm (a total of $3.2 million over two years).

“By investing in our infrastructure, we are shaping our future – a future for our children and grandchildren,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“With sound planning, we will continue towards becoming Australia’s most sustainable region – vibrant, green diverse.”

Major projects in 2015-16 financial year

• $11.9 million for Evans St, Maroochydore upgrade (plus $7.8 million in 2016-17)
• $3.2 million for Sunshine Coast Aerospace Precinct
• $2.7 million for Caloundra streetscaping – Bulcock St and surrounds (plus $5.8 million over 10 years)
• $2.6 million for Minyama to Mooloolaba cycleway
• $2.4 million for Sippy Creek animal pound (a total of $4.6 million over two years)
• $2.3 million to upgrade North Arm-Yandina Creek Rd, North Arm (a total of $3.2 million over two years
• $1.4 million to replace Eumundi Range Rd, Eumundi bridge
• $1.2 million for Goshawk Blvd, Sippy Downs (link between Stringybark and Power Rds)
• $1.2 million for Glenview Rd realignment and rehabilitation
• $1.2 million to replace Hodgens Rd bridge
• $900,000 for Roys Rd depot construction
• $900,000 David Low Way – pedestrian foot bridge over Eudlo Creek
• $770,000 for Maroochy Junior rugby league facility – change rooms, carpark/road upgrade
• $695,000 Maroochy Beach foreshore development plan and implementation
• $650,000 Coolum Sport complex
• $600,000 to widen Storrs Rd, Peachester
• $600,000 to seal part of Delicia Rd, Mapleton
• $550,000 for Caloundra Headlands foreshore park ($2.3 million over seven years)
• $455,000 for Buderim Village Park landscaping
• $403,000 Alexandra Headlands foreshore park – Stage 6