New roads and more jobs for the Sunshine Coast

Plans for a $440 million road project to slash congestion for drivers between Caloundra and Maroochydore and create 2,500 jobs for the Sunshine Coast have been unveiled today.

Premier Campbell Newman said the proposed infrastructure project addressed concerns raised by Sunshine Coast members that local roads would become congested when the Sunshine Coast University Hospital opens in 2016.

“While Labor failed to invest in transport infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast, the LNP has a strong plan to build a brighter future for this region,” Mr Newman said.

“We want to ensure commuters spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

This project means commuters can get to work, to schools and to the new hospital on time and without having to sit in traffic jams. 

“We are developing plans for $440 million of road works to upgrade the Mooloolah River Interchange and to reduce congestion on Nicklin Way and the Sunshine Motorway, while providing direct access to the new hospital.

“This project has the potential to deliver up to 2,500 jobs during construction and will ensure Sunshine Coast families benefit from our plan to deliver better infrastructure and planning.”

The $440 million of works would include:

• four lanes on the Sunshine Motorway between Kawana Way and the new interchange
• a new connection from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road
• a new two-lane Kawana Arterial road from Kawana Way at Parrearra to the Mooloolah River interchange.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson said the LNP Government's new plan would address capacity issues while saving taxpayers millions.

“Labor had a $1.5 billion thought bubble, but failed to act on this important congestion issue for years.  They never budgeted for it and had no intention of delivering,” Mr Emerson said.

“I tasked the department to come up with a smarter, more cost-effective design that would reduce congestion and address capacity issues, while spending a third as much.

“It is now up to residents to provide their local members with feedback on whether this project is a priority and should be funded through our Strong Choices Investment Program.”

Mr Emerson said consultation on planning and design will continue and should be finalised by early 2015.

[ENDS] 19 August 2014

Media contact: Emily Arlidge 0455 063 989 (Transport Minister's office)