A long stretch of motorway and several major roads will be closed for a marquee race that will attract thousands of people to the region.
Key thoroughfares including Mooloolaba Esplanade, Alexandra Parade and Brisbane Road will be shut to motorists while Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast is held on Sunday.
A section of Sunshine Motorway, between Yandina Coolum Road and Northshore Connection Road, and southbound to Buderim Avenue, will be off limits to drivers from 5am to midday.
Scroll down for road closures
The 13th edition of the event, which will consist of a 1.9km swim, a 90km ride and a 21.1km run, is set to attract 2000 competitors and their supporters, bolstering the local economy and lifting the profile of the region before the 2032 Games.
The race will be held close to the ongoing Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, but Sunshine Coast Council said there will be limited impacts.
A council representative said the event was of great benefit to the region.
“This year’s Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast is a sold-out event … delivering an extra boost to local businesses through increased spending on accommodation, hospitality, retail and tourism experiences ahead of the school holidays,” they said.
“The event is an important part of Sunshine Coast Council’s Major Events Strategy, which aims to generate $86 million in economic benefit for the region through increased visitation and local spending.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region “provides an exceptional backdrop” for the race “with athletes able to experience our stunning coastline, active lifestyle and welcoming community, while taking on one of the sport’s ultimate challenges”.
“We’re proud to welcome athletes, supporters and visitors from across Australia and around the world as they come together for this iconic endurance event.”
The course and many of the competitors and their supporters are expected to be close to ongoing Mooloolaba foreshore works but the council representative said the event and the project should not significantly impact one another.
“Council has been working closely with Ironman on course planning and event operations for several years in anticipation of project.”
“Through this ongoing collaboration, each year the course has been adapted where required to accommodate construction activities while maintaining a safe and high-quality athlete and spectator experience.
“The foreshore works are not expected to impact the delivery of the event.”
“Temporary adjustments to sections of the course and event footprint have been made as part of normal event planning processes to ensure the event can continue safely alongside the construction program, and council has worked closely with event organisers to minimise any impacts on participants, spectators and local businesses.”
Ironman Group Asia-Pacific Regional director Leanna Ali said the race was a popular one for athletes around the world.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect setting for an event like this,” she said.
“We’re also set to welcome some of the top professional athletes in the region back to the Sunshine Coast with a strong women’s and men’s field which is sure to feature exciting racing.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson MP said the event was a win for Queensland.
“The Sunshine Coast continues to cement its reputation as one of Australia’s premier destinations for major events, attracting competitors and visitors from around the country while showcasing our region to a national audience,” she said.
“This year’s event is expected to inject $8 million into the local economy, delivering a significant boost for accommodation providers, cafes, restaurants, retailers and tourism operators.”
An IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast spokesperson said organisers appreciated the patience of travellers.
“While disruption is unavoidable for an event of this scale, impacts are temporary and carefully managed.”
“Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, check road closure information before travelling, allow additional travel time and consider alternative routes where needed. Advance community notifications, clear signage, traffic controllers and the staged reopening of roads all form part of the traffic management plan designed to balance safety with community access.
“We recognise that changes to normal travel arrangements can be challenging for some residents, businesses and commuters, and we appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while the event is underway.”
A Sunshine Coast Council representative said Mooloolaba would remain open for business.
“Mooloolaba beach, the coastal pathway and local businesses are accessible.”
“Businesses on Parkyn Parade, including fresh seafood outlets, fish and chip shops, waterfront dining venues and tourism experiences, will remain accessible throughout the event via a traffic management-controlled contraflow on the northbound lane.”
There will be free event shuttle buses between Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba, ferry services ($15 return) from La Balsa to Mooloolaba and 50 cent fares on Kinetic bus services. PARKnGO Mooloolaba Central will remain accessible throughout the weekend, except between 4.30am and 8.30am on Sunday.
Road closures
Saturday, September 12
- Mooloolaba Esplanade (Brisbane Road to Venning Street) 7am to 8.45am
Sunday, September 13
- Parkyn Parade (River Esplanade to Pier 33): 4am to 3pm. Access to the Spit, including the public boat ramp, remains available via the Wharf car park. No access to the caravan park. Full closure southbound lane, with no driveway access.
- River Esplanade (Hancock Street to Mooloolaba Esplanade): 4am to 3pm
- Burnett Street (Hancock Street to Mooloolaba Esplanade): 4am to 1.30pm
- Hancock Street (River Esplanade to Brisbane Road): 4am to 1.30pm
- Brisbane Road (Walan Street to Mooloolaba Esplanade): 4.30am to 1.30pm
- Walan Street, southbound (Brisbane Road to Venning Street) 4.30am to 1.30pm
- No access to ParknGo Mooloolaba Central between 4.30am and 8.30am.
- Venning Street (Walan Street to Mooloolaba Esplanade): 4.30am to 1.30pm. No access to Coles Mooloolaba car park between 4.30am and 1.30pm.
- First Avenue, First Lane and Muraban Street (between Walan Street and First Lane): 4.30am to 1.30pm
- Mooloolaba Esplanade (River Esplanade to Venning Street): 4.30am to 6pm
- Mooloolaba Esplanade (Venning Street to Buderim Avenue): 4.30am to 3.45pm
- Alexandra Parade (Buderim Avenue to Sixth Avenue): 4.30am to 3.15pm
- Maroochy/Cotton Tree (Sixth Avenue to Cotton Tree Parade): 6am to 3.15pm
- Buderim Avenue (Mooloolaba Esplanade to Sunshine Motorway): 4.30am to 12.15pm
- Sunshine Motorway (Buderim Avenue to Coolum Roundabout): 5am to 12pm Northbound closure from Northshore Connection Road, Pacific Paradise, to the Yandina/Coolum Roundabout. Southbound closure from the Yandina/Coolum Roundabout to Buderim Avenue, Mooloolaba.
- Parking: No parking from 1am Sunday, September 13.
Car parks
- Parkyn Parade Parkland Car Park, opposite Pier 33: 4am Monday, September 7 to 5pm Wednesday, September 17
- Pirate Ship Park Car Park, Parkyn Parade: 4am Friday, September 11 to 5pm Wednesday, September 17
- Charles Clarke Park Car Park: 4am Monday, September 7 to 5pm Wednesday, September 17
- Coles Mooloolaba Car Park: 4.30am to 1.30pm Sunday, September 13
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