Plans to begin work on unlocking a major traffic chokepoint are forging ahead, despite community members petitioning for an independent review of the project.
The 1.6km Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU) aims to reduce congestion at the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection by providing a new connection between the city centre and Nicklin Way, north of the Caloundra Road roundabout.
Properties have been resumed in preparation for the project and the final design was confirmed in May, with a public tender for construction set to be issued soon.
But last month a petition seeking an independent review of the project was presented at Sunshine Coast Council’s ordinary meeting.
Seven councillors voted to receive the petition and refer it to the chief executive officer to determine the appropriate action, with four councillors against.
A spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News the council was pushing forward with its plans.
“The request to reconsider the project or its construction is not supported by council and the Queensland Government’s Department of Transport and Main Roads,” they said.
“The CTCU project is endorsed, fully funded by council and TMR, and is expected to start construction in late 2025.”
The project has proved controversial, with the community raising concerns around the resumptions, four-lane design and environmental impacts.
It is also still awaiting approval from the federal Environment Minister, after it was referred for consideration as a potential Matter of National Environmental Significance under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act last year.
The project, which will take traffic from Nicklin Way to Omrah Avenue via Third Avenue, will be delivered in two stages.
Section 1, from Omrah Avenue to Arthur Street, will be delivered and funded by the council, while Section 2, between Arthur Street and Nicklin Way (referred to as the Third Avenue extension), will be delivered and funded by TMR in partnership with the council.
The cost of Section 1 was previously estimated at $19.6 million, while Section 2 was reportedly $18.2 million split between all three levels of government, but in November 2023 the federal government withdrew its $7 million commitment.
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The council’s 2025-26 Capital Works Program, released yesterday, includes $15.2 million for the project, but the spokesperson would not disclose the current total cost estimate.
“The CTCU project is currently funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the state government in recognition of the important role this project will play in addressing Caloundra’s sustainable transport infrastructure requirements, local growth and development,” they said.
“A public tender for the CTCU’s construction will soon be issued. The project’s estimated budget will not be disclosed at this time due to the fact it may influence tender responses. The project’s cost will be subject to the public tender responses and current market rates.
“As per all major projects of this nature, and standard best practice for providing value to ratepayers, council will continue to seek positive funding partnerships with federal and state government as this project progresses for the benefit of the Sunshine Coast community.”
The project has also been hit by delays, after it was initially slated for completion by 2024.
“Significant time has been invested by council and TMR to optimise the design as part of best practice and in consideration of input from various stakeholders, including the community and the Stakeholder Interest Group,” they said.
“The project has also had significant setbacks as a result of changes to funding and anticipated requirements for obtaining environmental approvals.”
The petition for an independent review of the CTCU was tabled by Councillor David Law, whose portfolio includes transport, after the divisional councillor, Terry Landsberg, opted not to.
The seven councillors who voted to receive the petition were Jenny Broderick, Tim Burns, Joe Natoli, Taylor Bunnag, Maria Suarez, Cr Law and mayor Rosanna Natoli, while councillors Winston Johnston, Christian Dickson, Ted Hungerford and Cr Landsberg were opposed.
“As I fully support this project I chose not to table the petition on the basis of the extensive community consultation and the subsequent formed Stakeholder Interest Group to support the best balance of social, environmental and economic outcomes to deliver a significant improvement to the broader traffic network of Caloundra,” Cr Landsberg told Sunshine Coast News.
“The alignment through Ben Bennett Bushland Park is a dedicated infrastructure corridor as supported by the Energex easement. This was never raised as a MNES (Matter of National Environmental Significance), nor did TMR and project consultants raise this during previous environmental impact studies. The design has been fully supported by a specialist consultant and peer reviewed by the state government.
“This is a priority project to be implemented in alignment with the upcoming Caloundra Road-Nicklin Way roundabout upgrade. More delays only cost time and money to our community who lose valuable time and productivity sitting in traffic congestion every day accessing the Caloundra CBD.”
Cr Law explained why he chose to table the petition.
“I am one of the councillors for the Strong Community Portfolio, which includes transport. The divisional councillor declined to table the petition and I discussed this with him and advised that I would table it as transport portfolio councillor,” he said.
“This allows the concerned members of the community to lobby council as they feel their voice is not being heard or considered.
“It is very rare to vote against the tabling of a petition – I have done this on one occasion in this term of council.
“The vote in relation to the tabling of a petition is to formally agree that the CEO will refer it to the relevant council group for action and response. There is no decision-making or discussion in relation to the topic of the petition.”
The council spokesperson also provided an update on the environmental approval process.
“The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade was officially referred under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 in August 2024 due to the project’s impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance,” they said.
“This followed initial discussions with the relevant federal government environmental department (the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) in late 2023 and several years of project planning, design consideration and action to avoid, mitigate or offset environmental impacts, including potential impacts to known MNES.
“As part of the EPBC referral and approval process, council is currently providing additional information about the relevant project environmental impacts and management plans to DCCEEW. It is anticipated that council will provide the necessary information, receive approvals under the EPBC Act and start construction of this important upgrade in late 2025.”
The spokesperson outlined the next steps for the CTCU.
“The project is endorsed, funded and the final design complete. Pending the appointment of a construction contractor and EPBC approval, the project is ready to begin construction,” they said.
“Once appointed, council and TMR will work with the successful contractor to guide the project’s timing, how it will be constructed and sequencing, and ensure our community and local business operators are kept well informed of construction plans.
“The project is anticipated to be completed by late 2027, weather and site conditions permitting. Project outcomes including construction works and dates may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond council’s control.”
