‘Wider and safer’ access to popular beach

Getting to and from a popular Sunshine Coast beach and dining favourite is now so much easier, thanks to a congestion-busting project.

The upgraded gateway to Mooloolaba has reached a major motoring milestone just in time for the peak holiday season.

As visitors and locals descend on one of our region’s most picturesque destinations for the Christmas and New Year break, its once-frustrating access has been transformed into a dream run for drivers, cyclists and those who love to walk and run.

Click here to see the the latest video that takes you inside the vital project.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said he was thrilled to see the completion of three stages of the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade.

“I would like to thank the many residents and businesses whose patience and cooperation has helped to deliver what is an outstanding infrastructure upgrade to assist with easing congestion in Mooloolaba,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Drivers and cyclists have been enjoying the wider road, expanded from two lanes to four, the new and upgraded signalised intersections, three traffic lanes over the new Mayes Canal Bridge, new pedestrian pathways and a feature timber boardwalk for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said providing an active corridor was a key design consideration.

“Landscaping forms an important part of the project with nearly 250 new trees and 11,500 new plants which will grow to create a greener and cooler environment for all to enjoy,” Cr Natoli said.

“Overall, this project has been designed for our community and businesses in mind, to improve safety, connectivity and traffic flow to the heart of Mooloolaba for pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transport users.”

Stage 1 works included upgrading Naroo Court and Walan Street. Stages 2 and 3 included widening Brisbane Road between Walan Street and Kyamba Court, upgrading some sections of surrounding streets and constructing the new Mayes Canal Bridge.  

The new road, bridge and pathways now assist in reducing delays during peak periods and cater for future traffic growth into the heart of Mooloolaba.

The Mayes Canal Bridge works have benefitted from a $12 million investment from the Australian Government through the Infrastructure Investment Program.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Australian Government was pleased to have contributed $12 million towards Stage 2 of the Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade, which would deliver significant benefits to the Sunshine Coast community.

“Now complete, the new connection will provide more direct access to Mooloolaba and help locals and visitors travel around the area on a safer and more efficient road network,” Minister King said.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Education, and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said the major road upgrades like this one doesn’t just benefit motorists and pedestrians, they benefit the entire community by bringing in more visitors and boosting the local economy in the process.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that our rapidly growing Sunshine Coast region receives the road upgrades it needs to continue to be a great place to live, work and visit,” Mr Chisholm said.

“This project has already reduced congestion around the new Mayes Canal Bridge and surrounding streets by providing better access to everything Mooloolaba has to offer.”

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace MP said the upgrade would improve access to Mooloolaba beach, businesses and accommodation.

“These upgrades will be a huge boost for local businesses as we head into summer and the Christmas holidays,” Mr Wallace said. 

“This project will not only improve the traffic flow and safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, but also create smoother traffic flows and easier access to the heart of Mooloolaba.

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience during the construction but I’m sure they will benefit from these upgrades which will enhance the connectivity and liveability of our community.

“I’m proud to have partnered with Sunshine Coast Council to deliver this important local road infrastructure project.”

For more information about the project visit Mooloolaba Transport Corridor Upgrade.