A major intersection upgrade is ramping up, with aerial imagery showing extensive land clearing as temporary road closures impact motorists.
Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade is expected to address long-standing safety and congestion issues on the Sunshine Motorway, amid rapid population growth and development.
The project is seen as a key component of The Wave, a train and bus public transport network designed to improve north-south connectivity before the 2032 Games.
Early works started late last year and, within months, large tracts of land have been cleared at Mooloolaba and Mountain Creek, on the northern side of the Mooloolah River and on the northern side of Bundilla Boulevard, to prepare for major construction.
The first of what could be several road closures was also put in place, from January 18 to 22, at the Karawatha Drive-Bundilla Boulevard-Mountain Creek Exit on the Sunshine Motorway (westbound), to facilitate some of the works.
Meanwhile, local councillor Christian Dickson said Seriata Way, which is an active transport link, and a temporary carpark on Brisbane Road will be closed to facilitate some of the main construction works.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project is crucial.
“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of fixing the dangerous and congested Mooloolah River Interchange,” he said.
“Early works have already started which includes vegetation clearing, the relocation of services and geotechnical investigations.”
Sunshine Coast News asked how many homes and businesses have made way and how many could make way. SCN also asked the state government how much land has been cleared, how much more land will be cleared and what species are affected but did not receive a direct response.
However, the project web page states that “the project complies with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)”.
“A baseline data collection program was conducted to monitor the water mouse population and its habitat.”
It’s understood that all vegetation clearing is being carried out under strict environmental management plans, with qualified spotters on site to monitor wildlife and ensure any necessary relocations are handled safely and responsibly.
Sunshine Coast Environment Council advocacy and engagement manager Narelle McCarthy commented on the early works.
“While SCEC is aware the vegetation clearing is due to Stage 1 early works with EPBC approvals for federally listed Matters of National Environmental Significance dating back to 2008, habitat loss, disturbance and impacts on wildlife is always concerning,” she said.
Locals have shared mixed views on the project, including the land clearing and the road closures, on social media.
“Finally, a long time coming,” Gail Lockyer said.
“What a diabolical mess,” Jodstar Fit said. “Another stuff up from our state (government) … waste of money again,” Jody Moore said.
“This is why they chopped down all the trees, looks clapped,” Rachel Emily said. “Very sad for the wildlife there,” Ricki Murie added.
Meanwhile, councillor Dickson said, via social media, that he was advised by TMR that Seriata Way, which is an active transport route, and the temporary carpark on Brisbane Road, which is via Incana Court, will be permanently closed to facilitate the main construction works.
“Alternative access will be available via the local network, including the east-west crossing of Sunshine Motorway (Amarina Ave to Lady Musgrave Drive) through the existing underpass,” TMR reportedly stated.
That represents a significantly longer journey for pedestrians and cyclists.
“That’s a shame, my boys loved to ride to Mooloolaba for fishing that way,” Emily Penn reacted to the Facebook post.
“Disappointing for all of us walkers and cyclists,” Frances Rogers said. “What a detour,” Dean Van Beelen said.
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Stage 1 of the MRIU will include a: new road overpass to provide a more direct and efficient connection from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba; a new local road connection between Karawatha Drive at Mountain Creek and Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba; new signalised intersection linking Brisbane Road and the new connection to Karawatha Drive, and provision of a two-way service road; new active transport provisions for pedestrians and bike riders, connecting Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba; and local traffic separated from high-speed motorway traffic.
It’s unclear exactly how much it will cost and how it will be paid for. The state government committed funding to progress early works activities for Stage 1 as part of the 2025-2026 budget. The cost of Stage 1 was expected to be refined during the tender process for the main construction works.
Possible future stages of the MRIU could include multiple changes, including additional lanes, overpasses, crossings and connections.
The aerial imagery in this story is from Australian location intelligence company Nearmap. The company provides government organisations, architectural, construction and engineering firms, and other companies, with easy, instant access to high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D content, artificial intelligence data sets, and geospatial tools to assist with urban planning, monitoring and development projects in Australia, New Zealand and North America.
