More information has been unveiled for planned improvements at a popular waterfall, although it’s now unclear when work could start.
Sunshine Coast Council has confirmed designs for new car parking, road widening and a low-level pedestrian bridge at Gardners Falls near Maleny.
The council last year announced that upgrades would be made to the area, with a $100,000 boost, and has now revealed some of the specifics to Sunshine Coast News.
Twenty-three new car parking spaces will be created, and the access road will be widened to six metres from the entrance to the Spicers Tamarind Resort to the waterfall car park at the end of Obi Lane South. The plans also include provision for emergency vehicle access.
A low-level pedestrian bridge across Obi Obi Creek is expected to be 12 metres long and 1.8 metres wide. Trail connections are also planned between the Maleny Community Precinct and the falls, so that people can essentially walk to the falls from the town.
Want more free local news? Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for our FREE daily news email.
Currently there are 16 informal car spaces near the falls. Vehicles can be seen parked on the edges of the road for a kilometre during peak season.
A council spokesperson said the waterfall and surrounding area would be made safer and more accessible.
“Council is committed to enhancing the beauty, accessibility and safety of our parks and gardens, which includes ongoing infrastructure improvements for the community’s enjoyment,” they said.
The council initially indicated the upgrades could be delivered this year, but the timeline is now uncertain. It appears the project has slipped down the list of priorities.
“Delivery timing of the car parking and the pedestrian crossing over Obi Obi Creek is yet to be confirmed and is based on future budget availability,” the spokesperson said.
The area draws crowds year-round, particularly in summer.
“Gardners Falls is a well-loved natural attraction for locals and visitors and is an important cultural site for the Jinibara Peoples,” the spokesperson said.
But the site has also been the scene of several incidents.
New signage was recently installed to help warn visitors of potential risks.
“In 2023, a risk assessment at Gardners Falls identified opportunities for regulatory signage upgrades and the introduction of educational signage to make the community aware of the risks associated with accessing the popular swimming spot,” the spokesperson said.
“The community had the opportunity to be involved in the signage designs during an engagement period and drop-in session at Maleny Library. The new signage was installed in June.”
