The $4.2 million renewal of a heavily-used pathway has been pushed back by months.
The Alexandra Headland Coastal Path Upgrade was set to be completed by July but is now expected to be completed in September.
The project, which started in February, is intended to improve accessibility, safety and amenity along a 650m stretch of walkway between Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba.
The path is a favourite location for runners, walkers, riders and tourists, largely due to its sweeping views along the coastline and its proximity to popular beaches.
The new-look path is set to be wider and should include an elevated boardwalk, a viewing platform, regular seating, landscaping, wildlife-friendly lighting and more.
A July project update stated that most of the pathway should be completed by the end of July, with favourable weather, but a map showed some areas were now slated for completion in August and September.
The council stated that some works are “currently behind schedule due to persistent inclement weather”.
“The project team is working to recover delays.”
The 110m boardwalk, which will be just to the north Alex Bluff Foreshore Park, is delayed largely due to a “material supply issue”.
“Council is currently working with the contractor to mitigate delays associated with the boardwalk component of this project,” the council stated.
“A detour along the shared path on Alexandra Parade will remain in place while the boardwalk is under construction.”
The boardwalk will replace a steep, narrow section of pathway with an accessible route suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. It will offer shaded rest points and ocean views.
Meanwhile, the northern most section of the project site is getting improved path, landscaping and seating.
The area, where the headland meets the beach, is known by locals as ‘The Corner’.
It was expected to get new custom furniture, replacing the aluminium bench seats in a better location to maximise views of the coastline and surf breaks. The new seating has been developed to reflect the unique character of Alexandra Headland and its strong connection to local surfing culture.
“The council has worked with local surf legends and design specialists to ensure the furniture reflects the heritage and spirit of ‘The Corner’. The seating design draws inspiration from longboard surf culture, with subtle references to surfboard fins incorporated into the furniture,” the project description stated,
“The unique smaller stone block seat is being retained and restored as part of the project.”
The council stated that the project would “declutter” the foreshore “by removing ageing and visually dominant infrastructure and create more lawn space for picnics”.
“There will be some delay before the new custom furniture is ready to be installed. The project team will look at how the site is functioning and if temporary seats are required to cover the gap.”
The pathway upgrade is funded by the federal, state and local governments.
Sunshine Coast News reached out to the council for additional comments and was referred back to the project web page.
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