Further details have been revealed about the proposed route and stations for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has disclosed the locations for 18 stops from Maroochydore to Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Birtinya, along with information about design elements.
The estimated 15km route is set to feature either light rail or rapid bus transit, to help cater for the region’s growing population.
The locations for the stations were chosen because of their proximity to key destinations and attractions. They are about 800m apart and are close to crossings to ensure ease of access (scroll down for locations of all stations).
Some stops could be ‘interchange’ stations, to connect with a proposed heavy rail line and/or high frequency buses, and some could be ‘standard’ stations, near residential areas or facilities.
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The stops have been characterised as coastal (near beach), town centre (near employment zone), gateway (near nature), neighbourhood (near residences) and event (near event venue).
A TMR spokesperson said they would suit the region.
“The stations aim to balance the function of public transport with placemaking elements that complement the Sunshine Coast character and lifestyle that everyone knows and enjoys, by showcasing local identity through art, history, storytelling, landscaping and streetscaping, while also providing consistent and familiar features that support accessibility and wayfinding,” they said.
The Sunshine Coast Public Transport proposal is set to improve public connections between Maroochydore and Birtinya (Stage 1, about 15km), with a possible extension to Caloundra (Stage 2, about 9km).
The TMR spokesperson said the project, which is undergoing a business case study, would help cater for the region’s booming population.
“It aims to enable greater travel choices for short, local trips throughout the Sunshine Coast, and help ease congestion and improve efficiency of the broader transport network,” they said.
“With the Sunshine Coast’s car ownership rates being one of the highest in Australia, the project will also help reduce the community’s reliance on private vehicles as a primary mode of transport by providing more accessible, convenient and sustainable travel options.”
A total of $15 million has been allocated for the project’s detailed business case, with the federal and state governments and Sunshine Coast Council each contributing $5 million.
It’s not yet known how many homes could be impacted, if any.
“Further investigations are required to understand potential impact to properties,” the spokesperson said.
TMR is also looking to introduce new bus routes and additional trips to improve connections between stations across the Sunshine Coast, including major centres and hinterland towns.
Community feedback on the mass transit project is open until December 10 by clicking here.
Planned public transport stops: Maroochydore Transit Centre (Maroochydore), The Corso (Maroochydore), Aerodrome Road near First Avenue (Maroochydore), Aerodrome Road near Wrigley Street (Maroochydore), Alexandra Parade near Maroubra Street (Alexandra Headland), Alexandra Parade near Mary Street (Alexandra Headland), Mooloolaba Esplanade near Venning Street (Mooloolaba), Brisbane Road near Walan Street (Mooloolaba), Brisbane Road near Amarina Avenue (Mooloolaba), Nicklin Way near Jessica Boulevard (Minyama), Nicklin Way near Kawana Shoppingworld (Buddina), Nicklin Way near Koorin Drive and Jinang Street (Warana), Nicklin Way near Palkana Drive (Warana), Nicklin Way near Minkara Street (Warana), Main Drive near Nicklin Way (Bokarina), Metier Linkway near Kawana Way (Birtinya), The Avenue (Birtinya), and Sunshine Coast University Hospital (Birtinya).
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