A 160m section of beachfront boardwalk has opened to the public after nine months of construction.
The Caloundra Headland boardwalk, near Kings Beach, has replaced the existing Coastal Pathway route along the Esplanade.
The three-metre-wide boardwalk takes in sweeping views of the coastline and offers seating and pause points for people to relax, rest and appreciate the scenery.
It also has turtle-friendly lighting that produces a soft glow for early morning and evening activity.
Work on the project began in October last year. It officially opened on schedule on Saturday, July 13.
The previous route along the Esplanade did not meet Coastal Pathway standards because it was narrow and close to the adjacent road, providing limited protection for pedestrians and cyclists. It was also too steep to be compliant for use by people with a disability.
The new link is now part of the 73-kilometre Coastal Pathway route from Bells Creek in the south to Coolum in the north.
“The Coastal Pathway project is a legacy project for our region,” Sunshine Coast Division 2 councillor Terry Landsberg said in a project update earlier this year.
“Many locals and visitors have already experienced the benefits of other sections of the pathway and this Caloundra Headland section will offer some of the most stunning views available along the whole 73km route.
“From a practical perspective, safety will also be vastly improved with pedestrians, cyclists, scooters and other active transport users located away from the road.”
Minor works, including some electrical finishes and planting, around the new section will continue for about the next month, but the boardwalk will remain open.
RSL memorial plaques have also been reinstated.
This project was delivered by Sunshine Coast Council in partnership with the Queensland Government’s 2022-24 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.
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