Residents of a waterfront suburb are calling on authorities to reduce “speeding and dangerous driving” along increasingly busy roads.
Dozens of concerned locals at Golden Beach have requested action along the Esplanade and sections of Landsborough Parade.
Local councillor Terry Lansberg handed a petition to Sunshine Coast Council CEO John Baker, on behalf of 77 people, on March 26, saying more traffic was streaming through the suburb.
“We’ve seen a huge increase in development for (neighbouring) Pelican Waters and Golden Beach,” he said.
“(And) we’re seeing heavy vehicles and trucks going down the Esplanade.
“I’m here to put this petition forward and for our team in traffic network operations to consider it.”
Cr Landsberg outlined some measures that have been taken to address traffic issues along one stretch of road.
“We (the council) have made improvements south of the Golden Beach shops where we introduced a SAM sign, which is a speed-activated monitoring sign that we relocate to different areas across the Coast,” he said.
“I see in our new budget, which is up for adoption this year, we are investing in more of those signs across the region because it’s so important we address a lot of these issues with speeding.”
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Cr Landsberg informed locals on March 4 that another safety measure was expected to be put in place.
“We’ve started early design investigations for a potential new pedestrian crossing at the bottom end of Landsborough Parade, an upgrade that would also make it easier for locals to access the popular dog off‑leash park and our beautiful coastal foreshore,” he said via social media.
“Over the next few months, you might notice contractors on site, doing surveys, traffic counts and geotechnical checks. This is all part of the early design work, which will continue through to June 2026 and possibly a little beyond.
“Thanks for your patience while we explore ways to make this area safer and more connected for everyone.”
Locals voiced their opinions about the roads in the area in response.
“Can they slow the speed limit and put a speed camera in. It (Landsborough Parade) is still used as a Grand Prix speedway after hours and on weekends,” Amanda Manton said.
“The traffic is supposed to slow down as they approach the shopping area, but the painted signage on the road and the signal showing current speed does nothing to slow it (traffic) down. We are constantly hearing the screech of brakes. We need speed bumps, or raised pedestrian crossings at the very least,” Julia Yvonne said.
“One of the issues is drivers crossing double lines to park in front of the row of shops near the post office (it’s time for a traffic island down the middle), not to mention the inability to use indicators correctly on roundabouts. Some road policing would be appropriate,” Bernadine Stoopman said.
“Speed-reducing traffic islands on Lamerough Parade (are required). It’s used as a race track ever since it got resurfaced,” Russell Wall said.
“Most drivers on Landsborough (Parade) don’t give way to pedestrians,” Cynthia Gray said.
The council’s most recent data indicates that about 8250 vehicles travel along that road daily.
Landsborough Parade and the Esplanade cover an estimated 2.8km, along the Golden Beach coastline, linking Caloundra and Diamond Head, along with Pelican Waters.
Sunshine Coast News asked the council several questions regarding the stretches of road.
A spokesperson said the petition was “submitted to Sunshine Coast Council on March 26” and it has “been referred to the CEO for consideration and appropriate action”.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said speed limits were being enforced across the greater region.
“Sunshine Coast officers issued 266 infringements for drivers exceeding the speed limit in the last month, excluding speed camera enforcement,” they said.
“Queenslanders can expect police: anywhere, anytime.
“Speeding, driving under the influence, driving distracted or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life, and the lives of others, at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.”
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
