Driving Forward Generational Infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast

Rubber is hitting the road on generational transport infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast with The Wave (Stage 2), Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, and Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade all taking major steps forward.

The projects deliver on the Crisafulli Government's election commitment to get busy Sunshine Coast roads flowing again, with new roads, upgraded intersections, and high-frequency public transport options to enhance livability and connectivity.

The delivery update includes:

• Major milestone on The Wave Stage 2 as the final round of geotechnical works and site investigations began at the site of the future Aroona Station, before contract award. These works will give critical information to kick start detailed design, progressing the project, so shovels are in the ground even faster.
• The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade has also reached a key milestone with the Sunshine Coast Council opening tenders for construction between Nicklin Way to Third Avenue, helping get traffic off the Caloundra Road, Nicklin Way and Pelican Waters Boulevard intersection, giving locals an alternative route into the Caloundra CBD.
• Early works for Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade is well underway, with procurement underway for the remaining major earthworks and civil works. This project is critical to improving north-south road connectivity and is a key component of The Wave.

The Crisafulli Government's delivery of major infrastructure upgrades for the Sunshine Coast stands in direct contrast to the decade of decline and underinvestment by the former Labor Government, which left Queenslanders stuck in traffic gridlock.

Labor left locals sitting in a Caloundra Carpark, after they mothballed the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade, and failed to invest in the infrastructure to protect our lifestyle.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Government was getting on with delivering generational infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast.

“We promised to get the Sunshine Coast moving again, and we’re delivering on that promise,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Traffic has been gridlocked for too long, which is why we’re accelerating these critical projects and getting busy roads flowing again.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said these projects would transform the Sunshine Coast’s transport network and create significant economic benefits for the region.

“Labor’s failures left locals sitting in the Caloundra Carpark,” Mr Bleije said.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering The Wave all the way to the Sunshine Coast Airport, in time for the 2032 Games.

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the largest transport infrastructure investment ever planned for the Sunshine Coast, and it’s all about delivering the roads and public transport our region needs now and into the future.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government’s investment would get busy Sunshine Coast roads flowing again.

“The former State Labor Government would have ended heavy rail at Caloundra; they would not have delivered the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan; and they mothballed the Mooloolah River Interchange,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“We’re delivering the infrastructure needed now and for the future of the Sunshine Coast.”

Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, said the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade would break a major bottleneck.

"The fix for one of the worst and most dangerous points on the Sunshine Motorway is being delivered," said Ms Simpson.

“After a decade of decline and neglect under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is finally getting on with delivering the Mooloolah River Interchange with shovels in the ground.”

Member for Caloundra, Kendall Morton, said congestion was a major issue in Caloundra after a decade of decline under Labor.

“Anyone who travels Caloundra Road knows how bad it got throughout Labor’s decade of decline, and they had no plan to fix it,” Ms Morton said.

“For the first time in years we’re seeing a Government committed to delivering for Caloundra and the Sunshine Coast – and stopping Caloundra being a carpark.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the partnership between the Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council to deliver the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade demonstrates the importance of collaboration in delivering key infrastructure for the region.

“This partnership reflects what can be achieved when different levels of government work together to deliver for the community,” Mayor Natoli said.

“The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade is a vital project for our region. It will ease congestion, improve safety, and make it easier for locals to get where they need to go. We look forward to seeing work commence on this important project.”

ENDS

Media Contacts:

Premier - Cam Inglis 0412 084 743

Deputy Premier – Ash McDermid 0412 731 355

Minister Mickelberg - Brendan Morris 0428 962 414