Significant funding has been announced for road and stormwater infrastructure expected to support thousands of future homes on the Sunshine Coast.
The state government stated it was investing almost $50 million in two projects that would help to pave the way for 3700 additional homes in the region.
There is $46.6 million for the Southern Road Link, which will deliver a new major crossing over the Mooloolah River, improving access between Palmview and Caloundra.
The project includes construction of a new sub-arterial road, including a bridge with a cycle lane, shared path and intersection to support new residential development in Palmview.
There is also $4.3 million for the School Road Trunk Stormwater Upgrade in Maroochydore, which will deliver stormwater infrastructure including pipeline and box culverts for new homes in Maroochydore.
The funding comes from the Residential Activation Fund, which is a key pillar of the government’s plan to unlock housing supply by investing in enabling infrastructure that brings forward new residential development.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the fund “is pulling every lever to increase housing supply”.
“You can’t build homes without the roads, water and sewerage infrastructure to support them. We’re getting on with the job of delivering the infrastructure needed to unlock new housing opportunities across the state”.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg said the Southern Road Link would provide new housing opportunities while improving transport connections for the growing Palmview community.
“(It) will provide critical road infrastructure to support new housing, while helping unlock commercial development, giving families access to essential services, like supermarkets,” he said.
“This is exactly what the Residential Activation Fund is designed to do, and exactly what the community in Palmview has been calling out for. We are getting on with removing infrastructure barriers to deliver better communities and get more Queenslanders into their own home.”
MP Fiona Simpson said the stormwater works in Maroochydore would be crucial.
“Queensland can’t build the homes we need without first delivering the infrastructure that makes new development possible,” she said.
“This investment will deliver the stormwater infrastructure needed to unlock more housing opportunities in Maroochydore while supporting our growing community.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the funding for the two projects represented a significant investment in the region’s future.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see this kind of infrastructure being funded before development, to unlock the homes we so desperately need,” Mayor Natoli said.
“As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, funding like this ensures people can access homes and move around safely and easily on new roads, with all the necessary services under the ground, which also means our lifestyle is protected.
“A key part of this investment will support the continued evolution of Maroochydore as a vibrant city centre, allowing our community to live closer to jobs, transport, services and all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”
AVID CEO Anthony Demiris said the funding was a signal of support for development in the region.
“Palmview’s road network will be used by more than 13,000 future residents in Harmony alone, as well as those in neighbouring communities visiting friends, family and enjoying its many parks, open spaces and amenities,” he said.
“We look forward to breaking ground on this vital piece of infrastructure in due course, which on completion will reduce congestion, improve travel times, and provide long term growth and benefits to the local area and community.”
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