A long-overdue upgrade of a major Sunshine Coast intersection is finally set in motion, with funding in the State Budget to kickstart early works.
The Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade has been touted as a congestion-busting, growth-enabling priority for the region and is regarded as a key component of The Wave public transport plan.
It’s expected to unlock a bottleneck, improve connectivity and boost capacity across key transport routes.
The investment, to be officially announced in the budget on Tuesday, will enable early works to start.
Industry was recently briefed during consultation on The Wave, along with market-sounding activities to gather input and insights.
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Preparation is underway for early contracts, with the first in coming months to include clearing and service relocations to prepare the site. A second early works package will be released to tender, by the end of the year, to undertake major earthworks and embankment construction. Project costs will be made public once they are contracted.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg told Sunshine Coast News late last year that he had not given up on the proposed upgrade, which appeared to hit a dead end after the federal government withdrew significant support for the project in late 2023 and it emerged that costs had blown out by $424 million in early 2024.
Early works will lay the foundation for construction of Stage 1, which will include the delivery of a new road overpass to create a direct connection from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba as well as a new local road between Karawatha Drive at Mountain Creek and Brisbane Road, providing a safer and faster travel option.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the upgrade was one of several projects to be delivered on the Sunshine Coast.
“This funding commitment will deliver the long-overdue Mooloolah River Interchange: generational infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the 2032 Games and beyond,” he said.
“The interchange will transform the Sunshine Coast’s road network, bust local congestion, enhance safety and future proof a critical transport link for one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions”.
Mr Mickelberg said the upgrade would deliver improved connectivity.
“We are getting on with ensuring local families, workers and businesses benefit from safer roads, reduced travel times and a transport system designed for the future,” he said.
“The Mooloolah River Interchange will ease congestion at the well-known traffic chokepoint on the Coast and will include two extra lanes on the Sunshine Motorway north of Kawana Way, which is long overdue.
“This project is also vital to enable the delivery of The Wave, which will provide seamless transport connection from Beerwah to Birtinya through the Maroochydore CBD and onto the Sunshine Coast Airport”.
He said the state government would “continue to work with the Federal Government to secure the environmental approvals needed to get shovels in the ground.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the project’s progress was a long time coming.
“This is one of the most dangerous and congested spots on the Sunshine Coast: it just has to be fixed,” she said.
“I’ve fought for years to get this project moving because it’s not just about easing traffic, it’s about saving lives and unlocking economic potential.
“This investment means we’re finally seeing action, not just talk. It’s a huge step forward for our region and I’ll keep working hard with my colleagues to push forward with delivering the next stages.”
