New designs for a shared pathway which residents helped shape in Alexandra Headland are now available for public feedback.
The revised designs show options for a 1.2km route between Mary Street at Alexandra Headland and Sixth Avenue at Maroochydore.
It’s part of the ongoing delivery of the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore cycleway (M2M) which will be done over seven stages.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the new designs reflected feedback from Sunshine Coast locals.
“We continue to listen to those using Sunshine Coast bikeways to understand what they want to see now, and in the future.
“The revised options for this Alexandra Headlands pathway respond to community requests for flexible pedestrian movements without fencing and other barriers, a wider shared path for all users, preservation of beachside parking, with enough adjoining grassed areas to unload cars, and retention of coastal dunes.
“Community members can now review the available options and deliver their feedback via a short survey.
“Community feedback will allow TMR to make informed decisions as we progress to the next phase of detailed design.”
Mr Bailey said on average, every dollar invested in cycling infrastructure returned almost five dollars to Queenslanders in health benefits, reduced traffic congestion, and other benefits
“More Queenslanders than ever before are choosing to get active — whether it’s on their feet, bicycle, e-scooter, or other modes,” he said.
“To encourage this, we’re building the infrastructure that is needed by the community as a priority.
“That’s why we are investing a record $252 million over the next four years to design, build and maintain cycling infrastructure and to fund programs to encourage more people to ride bikes.”
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Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said improved bike-riding opportunities would deliver obvious benefits for health, safety and the wider environment.
“I urge anyone who walks, cycles, scooters or visits the area, or is interested in active transport options to find out more about TMR’s proposals and provide their feedback to the department,” Cr Jamieson said.
Alex Surf Club Chief Executive Officer Ashley Robinson said the revised options took on board valuable feedback from the locals who were regular visitors to the iconic stretch of coastline.
“We’re pleased that everyone’s voice has been heard and everyone has an opportunity to shape the future of this community asset,” Mr Robinson said.
“The project team has gone the extra mile and taken on board viewpoints from a wide range of interest groups and we’re very pleased that now people have some real viable options that will deliver terrific outcomes for our community when it is constructed,” he said.
Mr Robinson said the surf club precinct was a busy area where everyone was welcome and more clearly defined areas for bike riders, scooter riders, pedestrians and motorists were welcome improvements.
The Beach Matters Group President Rach Bermingham said the group was excited to be part of what she described as a truly collaborative process.
“We’ve really enjoyed working with the TMR team on this design of what for us is a significant area. We are happy with the revised designs TMR has put together to achieve what we feel is a reflection of the community feedback we received during consultation,” Ms Bermingham said.
“It really shows TMR’s willingness to not just engage with the community, but truly listen to them to achieve a positive community outcome.
“It’s never easy to please everyone, however, the project team have put into practice almost all of the feedback that we’ve provided to them.
“The design elements reflect this.
“It’s challenging to begin a project on the back foot, but I commend the project team on their genuine desire to get it right with a transparent, thorough process, and fabulous communication throughout.
“What’s on the table now are design options that bring our wonderful community of user groups together without detracting from, or imposing upon the natural asset of the area.
“TMR has increased safety within the design options and been thoughtful in how the community interacts and utilises the area, and how they access the beach, all of which have resulted in a much better plan in the way we move around and participate with this beautiful stretch of coastline in our region.”
Consultation will close on 22 April 2022.
For more information and to provide feedback click here.
