Many of the Sunshine Coast’s main roads will be closed for an annual triathlon that attracts thousands of competitors this weekend.
Key thoroughfares, including a section of the Sunshine Motorway, Alexandra Parade, Buderim Avenue and Mooloolaba Road, will be shut down at times.
Other routes, like Brisbane Road, David Low Way and Beach Road, are expected to be congested with major delays. There will also be limited car parking.
For a full list of changed traffic conditions, scroll to the bottom of this article
The 31-year-old triathlon festival is set to attract about 5000 competitors and about 9000 supporters, injecting $6 million into the local economy.
A council spokesperson said the event was a boon for the region.
“The Mooloolaba Triathlon is an iconic mass-participation event for the Sunshine Coast and as Australia’s second largest triathlon, the event generates significant tourism benefits for the region during March, an off-peak tourism period,” they told Sunshine Coast News.
“It’s become a must-do event among the national and international triathlon community and acts as a brilliant marketing tool to showcase the beauty of the Sunshine Coast’s natural assets.
“IRONMAN Group Oceania sources significant goods and services from local businesses to deliver a safe and successful event as well as financially contributing to more than 35 local community groups for services provided.”
The spokesperson said the region would be abuzz this weekend, but reminded people of the changed traffic conditions.
“Mooloolaba really comes alive during this event, and we encourage locals and visitors to pop down for breakfast or brunch, cheer on the athletes and be part of the energetic festival atmosphere the tri brings,” they said.
“Mooloolaba is still fully accessible to locals and visitors, and there are changed traffic conditions around the area over Saturday and Sunday, including a section of the Sunshine Motorway, which is closed for a short early morning period on the Sunday from 5am to 11.15am.”
There will be a free shuttle bus service running, free car parking at The Wharf and paid parking at the ParknGo Mooloolaba.
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Meanwhile, negotiations between Sunshine Coast Council and IRONMAN are underway to try and secure the event for years to come.
The event has been held since 1993 and has been supported through Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Sponsorship Program since 2004.
The current Major Events Sponsorship Agreement is for 2022 to 2024.
Changed traffic conditions
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