A local cycling advocacy group is calling for a dedicated veloway to be built alongside a planned multibillion-dollar rail and bus corridor on the Sunshine Coast.
Active transport links are expected to be included along sections of The Wave – a major public transport initiative from Beerwah to Sunshine Coast Airport – but the Sunshine Coast Bicycle Users Group (SCBUG) wants to see them incorporated as extensively as possible.
The group urged the state government to seize a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to create a world-class cycling corridor along the estimated 38km stretch that will include a new train line from Beerwah to Birtinya and a connecting metro-style bus service through Maroochydore to Marcoola.
The SCBUG stated that The Wave represented a chance to “transform transport options for the entire Sunshine Coast, including major veloway development along the entire route”.
“Cycling, walking and other sustainable modes must be at the heart of commuter options if we are to create a healthier, more connected Sunshine Coast,” group chairperson Craig Humphrey said.
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“The SCBUG stands ready to collaborate constructively with other community groups and government agencies to deliver a transport system that serves everyone.
“The group urges all local members and state ministers to actively engage with the community over the coming months, ensuring that the voices of residents, businesses and advocacy groups are heard and valued throughout the planning and delivery process.
“This is a generational change for our region. Let’s seize the opportunity to build something truly world class.”
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said active transport links would be rolled out with The Wave.
“A multi-modal approach to transport infrastructure is key to addressing traffic issues on the Sunshine Coast, with active transport solutions such as walking and cycling playing a vital role in creating sustainable and efficient transport networks,” they said.
“The Wave is set to include infrastructure designed to connect people to stations and their surrounds.
“Active transport links are also proposed to connect communities on either side of the rail corridor, improving access and ensuring connected neighbourhoods.”
The spokesperson said Sunshine Coast residents were consulted on the project’s first two stages – Beerwah to Caloundra and Caloundra to Birtinya – as well as on walking network plans around stations at Beerwah, Caloundra and Aroona.
“This consultation considered all active transport users, including mobility device users, to seek community input on walking and active travel routes, access, safety issues, locations for road crossings, seating and other areas for improvement,” they said.
“These plans focused on delivering strong connections between stations and important local destinations such as town centres, public transport stops, schools, shops and hospitals. This feedback has been incorporated into the current design stages of the project.”
The spokesperson said cycling and pedestrian routes would be provided along sections of the corridor “where safe to do so and complementary to the surrounding network”.
A new linear facility will be delivered next to the rail line at Caloundra South (Aura), linking the new station to surrounding neighbourhoods and existing bikeways.
Stage 3 of the project – the metro-style bus link from Birtinya to the airport – is still undergoing corridor investigations, with active transport “a key consideration”.
“Improved active transport opportunities through the inclusion of new shared pedestrian and cycling facilities for more direct connections are also being investigated as part of the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade: a key element to the delivery of The Wave,” they said.
TMR is also working with Sunshine Coast Council to improve walking and cycling access around planned Olympic venues in Buddina and Maroochydore.
But the spokesperson said it would be virtually impossible to provide active transport links along some sections of The Wave.
The department noted that terrain and safety considerations – including forestry operations in Beerwah Forest, limited surveillance in parts of the corridor, elevated rail stretches and a tunnel under Caloundra – would restrict the viability of veloway-style infrastructure.
The SCBUG’s push for active transport came after the group launched an online survey tool, developed with Sidelines Traffic, allowing locals to highlight priority areas for improved cycling and scooter infrastructure.
“This tool gives us real-time, location-specific feedback to support evidence-based planning,” Mr Humphrey said.
The SCBUG said the feedback could help shape future upgrades and guide funding priorities.
The TMR spokesperson said locals can continue to provide feedback on The Wave and active transport plans at a project information centre on Bulcock Street in Caloundra.
