Sunshine Coast residents have been given a bird’s-eye view of what a ‘much-loved’ foreshore would look like after its transformation.
A new fly-through video has been released featuring the latest concept images of Mooloolaba’s reimagined Central Meeting Place.
It gives a sweeping view of the upcoming project that Sunshine Coast Council says will enhance public beachfront parkland by 40 per cent and make the beach and foreshore more accessible.
Scroll down to see the video
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox encouraged residents to watch the video to see the “shared vision” for Mooloolaba that had been guided by the community through extensive consultation.
“The Central Meeting Place will be a place to arrive, meet, gather, celebrate and connect with nature and each other,” Cr Cox said.
“It’s exciting to see our shared vision for Stage 2 of the revitalised Mooloolaba foreshore taking shape, delivering on those things our community told us they valued most.
“When watching the video, you immediately notice the shaded parklands, modern amenities, viewing deck, broad pathways, open grassed areas and stunning landscaping.
“Importantly, the new amenities will feature a ‘Changing Places’ facility for the convenience of people with high support needs, and a new all-abilities access ramp to the beach.
“You can also clearly see the terraced steps of the replacement seawall, providing easier access to the beach, with additional places to sit and relax under shade trees and enjoy the stunning ocean views.”
Help us deliver more news by registering for our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email at the bottom of this article.
Some community groups have expressed opposition to the foreshore plan. The Mooloolaba Business Community Alliance said the seawall and the parkland would hurt the beach and the tourism industry, while Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce president Graeme Juniper said the “relocation” of the Beach Terrace car park would be a significant blow for local business.
But Cr Cox said the design celebrated the area’s natural beauty and powerful connection between people and the beach and surf.
“A new, feature shade canopy, inspired by nature, creates a special meeting and event space that flows onto a large, grassed area,” he said.
“This flowing design allows for more usable beachfront parkland with new viewing decks, lawns and seating for our community to soak up the coastal panorama.
“New wider pathways allow for improved connectivity along the foreshore.
“The transformation of the foreshore will further elevate Mooloolaba’s reputation as a world-class beachfront destination.”
Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said extensive community feedback had helped shape the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Stage 2 design, which was presented to the community in September 2023.
“Council has worked hard to keep the community updated on this transformative project,” Cr Natoli said.
“We have met with a range of community groups and representatives as part of our consultation, helping them understand the design, timing and need for the project.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said Mooloolaba played important role in the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector.
“We look forward to supporting council in working with local tourism operators and businesses to ensure the success of this major project, which will transform the foreshore and create Insta-worthy Sunshine Moments for our visitors,” Mr Stoeckel said.
This next step of the foreshore’s revitalisation represents a multimillion-dollar investment by the council and federal government in Mooloolaba’s future.
This includes a $7.95 million contribution through the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund to replace Mooloolaba’s seawall, which is aimed at safeguarding against rising sea levels and extreme weather events into the future.
The construction contract for Stage 2 work remains in the tender phase. Council will reveal timing and other details once the tender process is completed. Works are expected to start mid-2024.
Stages 3 and 4 of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, the Central Parklands and Southern Parklands, are subject to funding.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
