An $11 million boost to Sunshine Coast roads has allowed upgrades at 16 locations, ending one resident’s 30-year wait for improved access.
Funding from the Australian Government Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program has helped Sunshine Coast Council deliver road, cycle and pedestrian pathway revamps.
Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said it would have an enormous impact on the lives of locals.
“This includes Yandina Creek resident Angelo Reitano who, after a three-decade wait, can finally have the road in front of his house sealed with the support of $3.2 million in federal funding,” he said.
Transport Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said the upgrades were much-needed, including at Yandina.
“A variety of priority roads and pathways have been completed from Maleny, Palmwoods and Mooloolah Valley, to Buderim and Mudjimba,” he said.
“Road resurfacing works have also wrapped up in Landsborough on a gravel section of road along Railway Street, and resealing Old Gympie Road between Coonowrin and Sahara Roads will soon be completed.
“The majority of the projects have been completed, with a couple of upgrades anticipated to be finished by mid-2022.”
The $3.5 million dollar gravel road upgrade for Zgrajewski Road at Yandina Creek started in early January.
“The works will see two kilometres of gravel road sealed to make it safer and more pleasant for road users,” he said.
“For the safety of council’s workers and our community, the full length of Zgrajewski Road, between McCords Road and Arcoona Road, will be closed to through traffic and is expected to be open to motorists in early May.
“An alternative route will be available via Yandina-Coolum Road for through traffic and nearby residents outside the project site.”
The final stage of $2.4 million Citrus Road in Eudlo is nearing completion.
The upgrade works began in August.
“Road base, sealing, kerbing, drainage works, and landscaping will be completed ready to be opened to the community very soon,” Cr Baberowski said.
He said the coastal pathway between Bokarina and Warana should be completed early this year, weather permitting.
“By improving pathways which run adjacent to our beaches, parks and leisure areas our community can get outdoors and explore the coast,” he said.
The funding was part of $22 million committed to the region for priority roads and infrastructure.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the projects had come at a critical time, as the region recovered from the impacts of COVID-19.
“I have seen how rough and dangerous some of these roads, especially in the hinterland, can be,” he said.
“Not only are these Federally-funded infrastructure projects improving road safety and getting locals home sooner, they are also supporting vital jobs, construction businesses and economic growth across the Sunshine Coast at a time when we need it the most.”
Sunshine Coast Council offers a free online tool to help motorists better navigate local roads. See the Roads Hub, a free online mapping tool, helping users plan ahead and be aware of road works or other events which may impact traffic.
Upgraded roads
- King Road, Mooloolah Valley pavement rehabilitation
- Cromwell Street, Battery Hill bicycle and walking paths
- Bunya Road, Palmview pavement rehabilitation
- Enfield Crescent, Battery Hill pathway bicycle and walking paths
- Railway Street, Landsborough roadworks
- Cupania Street, Mudjimba road upgrade (east section)
- Mountain View, Maleny road resurfacing
- Lees Road, Bridges gravel road upgrade
- Meridan Way, Meridan Plains street lighting
- Crosby Hill road, Buderim bicycle and walking paths
Works scheduled
- Old Gympie Road, Landsborough road resurfacing – February
- Hodgens Road, Bald Knob road resurfacing – February
- Bokarina to Warana Coastal bicycle and walking paths – February
- Citrus road, Eudlo bitumen resurfacing – early-January
- Scholars Drive Link, Sippy Downs construction of new road – April
- Zgrajewski Road, Yandina Creek bitumen sealing – April