Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says the state government is determined to “get the Sunshine Coast moving again” as three key transport projects reach milestones.
Officials were at Caloundra on Monday to hail the progress of The Wave, Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade and Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade.
The projects, which include new rail and roads, are designed to improve travel around the region.
The Wave will include a dual train track, delivered in two stages, from Beerwah to Caloundra and from Caloundra to Birtinya, and a metro vehicle public transport system from Birtinya to Sunshine Coast Airport.
A key moment has been reached in the second stage. The final round of geotechnical works and site investigations have started at the site of the future Aroona Station, before a contract is awarded. These works will give critical information to start detailed design.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.
The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU) has also reached a milestone with Sunshine Coast Council opening tenders for construction between Nicklin Way to Third Avenue. The project is expected to get traffic off the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection, and give locals an alternative route into the Caloundra CBD.
Meanwhile, early works for Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (MRIU) is well underway, with procurement underway for the remaining major earthworks and civil works. The project is seen as critical to improving north-south road connectivity and is a key component of The Wave.
Premier Crisafulli said the state government was delivering generational infrastructure to the region.
“We promised to get the Sunshine Coast moving again, and we’re delivering on that promise,” he said.
“Traffic has been gridlocked for too long, which is why we’re accelerating these critical projects and getting busy roads flowing again.”
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the projects would transform the Sunshine Coast’s transport network and create significant economic benefits for the region.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering The Wave all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport, in time for the 2032 Games,” he said.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the largest transport infrastructure investment ever planned for the Sunshine Coast.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mickelberg said the government’s investment would get busy Sunshine Coast roads flowing again.
“We’re delivering the infrastructure needed now and for the future of the Sunshine Coast.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the MRIU would break a major bottleneck.
“The fix for one of the worst and most dangerous points on the Sunshine Motorway is being delivered,” she said.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the government was “committed to delivering for Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast, and stopping Caloundra being a carpark”.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the partnership between the state government and the council to deliver the CTCU demonstrated the importance of collaboration in delivering key infrastructure for the region.
“This partnership reflects what can be achieved when different levels of government work together to deliver for the community,” she said.
“The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade is a vital project for our region. It will ease congestion, improve safety, and make it easier for locals to get where they need to go. We look forward to seeing work commence on this important project.”
The milestones came after the state government held a community cabinet at Caloundra.
