A Sunshine Coast councillor has called for a review of a traffic change near a popular beach, saying it has pushed more vehicles into surrounding residential streets.
Cr Terry Landsberg has asked Sunshine Coast Council to review its decision to remove the right-hand turn from Arthur Street onto Canberra Terrace in Caloundra, near King’s Beach Park.
The change was introduced in November following a safety review, with council citing crash history and pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection.
“I’ve requested a review because the restriction forces southbound drivers on Canberra Terrace to detour through back streets, increasing rat-running issues for northbound travel,” Cr Landsberg said.
“The decision based on crash history is questionable, as CARS data shows only two minor crashes over six years (2019–2025).
“Existing stop signs on Maltman Street South and Arthur Street already provide pedestrian safety by requiring vehicles to stop before entering the intersection.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the intersection’s complex layout posed safety risks.
“It includes a two-way stop orientation, steep crests that reduce visibility and a left-turn slip lane at a shallow angle,” the spokesperson said.
“Drivers heading west along Arthur Street had to use the slip lane at a shallow angle, requiring a sharp right-shoulder check for vehicles approaching from the north. The crest further reduced sightlines.”
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Council also said none of the approaches met Safe Intersection Sight Distance for a 50 km/h zone, and low compliance with stop signs increased the risk of collisions.
“There have been near-miss incidents and two recorded crashes in the past five years — one causing minor injuries and another where a motorist required medical treatment,” the spokesperson said.
The council added that since the change, it had not received complaints about increased traffic in nearby streets.
“We have received four enquiries regarding the change and the reasoning behind it and each has been responded to,” the spokesperson said.
“Council experts have reviewed the decision and determined the safety improvements should be retained.”
