A prominent community group has called on the local council to “get on with the job” of delivering a pedestrian route and cycleway.
The Caloundra Residents Association (CRA) is urging Sunshine Coast Council to work on the planned Caloundra to Currimundi (C2C) Active Transport Corridor, amid revelations that a funded stage of the project has been paused.
The CRA told Sunshine Coast News that connections between suburbs were urgently needed amid a rapidly growing population.
Meanwhile, a council spokesperson said the governing body was committed to improving active transport in the area and the C2C could provide a safe and comfortable route for an increased number of walkers and riders.
The spokesperson also revealed that Stage 3 of the project – the only stage funded for design and construction – has been put on hold because the state government announced a school active transport pilot in the area.
But the CRA wants immediate action and said any works along the proposed corridor would be welcomed.
“Caloundra has been waiting for significant improvements to our cycleway and active transport network for the last decade, with many promises being made and very little being delivered,” the group stated.
“Getting more locals moving via active transport is completely urgent now that traffic congestion in Caloundra has reached critical levels.
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“In such circumstances, anything is better than nothing.
“CRA urges council to stop the endless delays and urgently prioritise getting on with the job of delivery of at least some of the route, whilst taking into account all reasonably held views about the C2C route into consideration.”
The association’s comments follow a community bike ride seeking action on the C2C, including a review of the route, in April.
It was attended by local cyclists, residents and advocacy groups including the CRA, Sunshine Coast Bicycle Users Group, Sunshine Bicycle Touring and Golden Beach Cycling.
SCBUG chairperson Phillip Price said the corridor “isn’t just about bikes”.
“It’s about creating safer streets for kids walking to school and families accessing local businesses,” he said. “We need a design that works for everyone.”
Participants stressed the need for age-friendly pathways, dedicated cycling lanes and improved crossings to protect vulnerable road users.
Riders called for transparent engagement to address concerns about parking retention, route alignment and integration with existing infrastructure.
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Funding for design and construction for Stage 3 of the project, between Arthur Street and Cooroora Street, is secured. The federal and state governments have contributed a collective $1.9 million towards it.
Design is underway for five other stages, including downtown Caloundra and between Dicky Beach and Talara State School.
The council spokesperson said the C2C was expected to improve connections.
“The project aims to deliver a safe and comfortable riding route that can significantly increase the number of people walking and riding in these communities,” they said.
“Council is committed to improving opportunities for people of all ages, genders and abilities to use active transport.”
Community consultation was held in November, when residents of Moffat Beach and Dicky Beach expressed concerns over the proposed Stage 3 alignment.
The council then paused plans for Stage 3 after the state government announced its own trial in the area.
“In February, council became aware that the Department of Transport and Main Roads had made a funding commitment to deliver the Schools Active Transport Infrastructure Pilot project at Caloundra State School and Caloundra State High School,” the spokesperson said.
“The timing of this announcement occurred after council’s community consultation for Stage 3.
“To allow the pilot project to achieve its desired outcomes and in response to the community’s feedback and concerns, council is pausing any further delivery of Stage 3.
“This will ensure the learnings from the pilot project are fully understood and that any future improvements to the active transport network in this locality complement this project.”
