A new shared pathway linking a residential estate to nearby communities is set to proceed after a major funding boost, with the local council confirming a crossing point on a busy road.
The pathway will span about 900m along the northern side of Emu Mountain Road, connecting Peregian Breeze to Peregian Beach, Coolum State High School and the wider active transport network.
Sunshine Coast Council plans to upgrade the crossing on the northern side of the David Low Way roundabout after ruling out an alternative location due to higher traffic speeds.
Councillor Maria Suarez told Sunshine Coast News the path – bolstered by a $2.3 million state government injection – would “bridge a vital gap”.
“This is an exciting outcome for our community, as currently there is no direct route for pedestrians and cyclists. This project changes that with a 3m-wide shared pathway,” she said.
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Peregian Breeze falls within Sunshine Coast Council’s boundary but the pathway itself lies within Noosa Shire and a state-controlled road corridor. The three jurisdictions have worked together through the design process. Sunshine Coast Council has consulted with cycling and active transport groups, with further engagement to follow.
Local community group Peregian Family and Friends welcomed the project but questioned how users would safely cross the busy David Low Way.
“PFAF initiated this idea back in 2018-2019 and remains an enthusiastic supporter,” the group stated. “This connection will improve safety for younger residents and reduce reliance on cars for travel. It will also provide a fire break.
“The only outstanding issue is how the councils will facilitate safe passage for cyclists and pedestrians across David Low Way, just past the northern arm of the roundabout where David Low Way meets Emu Mountain Road.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said several safety improvements would be made there.
“We are planning a number of modifications to the existing crossing point and roundabout, including reducing the crossing length, building out the pedestrian island, removing the existing northern merge lane and adding a separated path on the eastern side for cyclists,” they said.
The crossing was also discussed within the Peregian Village Facebook group, where residents noted that students heading south to Coolum High would need to cross David Low Way at the roundabout and again at a pedestrian refuge 150m further south.
A single crossing option across Emu Mountain Road was examined by the council and partners but was ultimately rejected.
“We investigated a range of crossing options,” the spokesperson said.
“The requirement to cross David Low Way twice for those heading south to Coolum and the high school was considered, along with a crossing on Emu Mountain Road to connect to Havana Road East.
“Unfortunately, the link on Emu Mountain Road was not deemed suitable because pedestrians are exposed to a much higher speed environment (80km/h).
“The existing crossing location on David Low Way experiences a slower speed environment (60km/h) and facilitates pedestrian movements both north and south, (and) the southern crossing is currently within a school zone (40km/h) and considered a safer option.”
Locals expressed their thoughts on the crossing point north of the roundabout.
“That’s the most ridiculous spot. That will create so many issues,” Marcelle Linsley-Adams said.
“More congestion at that roundabout,” John McCarron said.
But Peter Duffy said: “This is by far the safest and therefore best place to cross.”
A council spokesperson said the project was funded across 2026-2027 financial years, the procurement process was set to start before the end of the year and work was expected to start early next year. The spokesperson said the local council was working with Transport and Main Roads to finalise the design details for the intersection.
Noosa mayor Frank Wilkie said the pathway project would improve safety for people who walk or ride along Emu Mountain Road and at no cost to Noosa ratepayers.
“Noosa Council has worked closely with Sunshine Coast Council for a number of years to plan this important connection that will provide a much-needed pedestrian and cycle link from neighbouring communities to the nearby school, beach and village centre,” Cr Wilkie said.
“It’s a great example of inter-council cooperation, which ultimately is all about delivering for residents, regardless of council boundaries.”
State MP Dan Purdie said the link would make a difference.
“Well-planned, quality walking and cycling infrastructure is vital to encourage more of us to choose active travel every day,” he said.
“We live in a unique and pristine environment and fewer cars on the road is a good start.”
A project newsletter was set to be distributed to residents in the area.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast Council has also received an $18,000 grant to develop a walking network plan aimed at improving pedestrian access in the Coolum Beach area.
