Forty-five properties have been secured for a road upgrade as demolition clears the way for a future four-lane transport corridor.
Sunshine Coast Council now owns all land required on the western side of Maud Street for the Sugar Road and Maud Street Transport Corridor Upgrade in Maroochydore.
The properties span 35 lots between Bungama Street and Dalton Drive and have been acquired progressively since council began purchasing land for the project in 2016.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said major works would be delivered in stages.
“Detailed design is currently underway and expected to be completed by mid-2027,” council said.
“Major works on Maud Street are expected to commence when the design is complete, but the project’s full timeline and construction of all stages are subject to future council budget deliberations.”
The upgrade will eventually widen Sugar Road and Maud Street from two to four lanes between Bungama Street and Wises Road, with two lanes in each direction.
It will also include separated walking and riding paths, signalised and raised priority crossings and new landscaping.
Council said the project was intended to increase road capacity, improve traffic flow and safety and reduce motorists using surrounding streets as shortcuts.
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Sugar Road and Maud Street form one of the main routes into central Maroochydore from the south, with the upgrade also supporting growth around the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area.
Plans to upgrade the corridor have been in place for more than 20 years, while council has been liaising with affected property owners since 2014.
The acquisitions have already had a significant impact on some long-term residents.
Sunshine Coast News reported in September 2025 that Carole and David Fuller had to give up their Maud Street home of 53 years as part of the upgrade.
The couple bought 113 Maud Street in 1972 and raised their children there, but the property was resumed to make way for a left-turn lane from Maud Street into Trinder Avenue.
They said they were “not anti-progress” and were trying to view the move as a new beginning, but described the process as an “absolute quagmire”.
Demolition of vacant properties along Maud Street began in mid-September.
“Demolition works will continue to be phased over the next six months, to reduce impacts to our community,” a council spokesperson said.
Local company Evans Built was appointed to carry out the removal works.
Two-way traffic will remain on Maud Street, although short-term traffic control and pedestrian diversions may be required.
Access to neighbouring homes and businesses will remain available, while construction machinery and large trucks will operate around demolition sites.
While council has secured the land required on the western side of Maud Street, the number of properties that may be needed along Sugar Road is yet to be determined.
“In relation to Sugar Road, council continues to undertake planning and investigations to inform future acquisitions,” a spokesperson said.
