Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan accelerates after Budget secures funds

• The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its commitment to ease congestion on Caloundra Road, with the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan, funded in the Budget.
• The Plan includes five individual projects to ease the congestion hotspot along Caloundra Road
• Key upgrades include providing an alternative route into the Caloundra CBD and intersection improvements.
• Enhanced public transport, pedestrian, and cycling facilities to support sustainable travel.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a major congestion busting plan to ease traffic on Caloundra Road, with the project taking a major step forward after last week’s State Budget.

For the first time, the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan has been listed in the Budget’s Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program, putting the five projects in the plan on the agenda and one step closer to delivery.

The plan will also futureproof the Caloundra traffic network to accommodate future growth, by providing an alternative access route into the Caloundra CBD, upgrades to key intersections, and support enhanced public transport infrastructure.

These generational infrastructure projects are part of the Crisafulli Government’s Safer Roads, Better Transport Plan to get busy roads flowing again, improving safety and supporting the growing Sunshine Coast community.

The Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan includes:

• Completing the Nicklin Way to Third Avenue connection to take traffic off the Nicklin Way, Caloundra Road and Pelican Waters Boulevard roundabout, providing alternative access into Caloundra CBD.
• Constructing a new Kawana Way Link Road/Bells Creek Arterial Road overpass over Caloundra Road to keep traffic moving.
• Upgrading the Bellvista Boulevard-Caloundra Road intersection including adding slip lanes to and from Caloundra Road to boost capacity.
• Upgrading the intersection of Nicklin Way, Caloundra Road, and Pelican Waters Boulevard.
• A new link between Aura Boulevard to Pelican Waters Boulevard to ease pressure on Caloundra Road.

Under Labor, Caloundra’s traffic network became a carpark with major delays, crashes and intersections heaving under growing traffic congestion.

More than 32,000 vehicles travel the Caloundra Road corridor every day, making it one of the busiest arterial roads outside of Brisbane, with at least 30% growth in traffic in the past two decades.

Premier David Crisafulli said the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan would ease the pressure on a choked Caloundra Road.

“We stood here before the election and promised to put an end to the Caloundra carpark and we are delivering on that promise,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Traffic has been clogged up here for too long, which is why we are removing the gridlock to get Caloundra Road flowing again.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the investment reflected the Crisafulli Government’s commitment to delivering the generational infrastructure needed for Queensland’s future.

“This is about more than just reducing congestion - it’s about creating a transport network that supports economic growth, enhances liveability, and ensures Queensland is ready to shine on the global stage in 2032,” Deputy Premier said.

“The Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan is a prime example of how we are investing to deliver for Queenslanders after an era of Labor’s chaos and crisis.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project would deliver significant benefits for the Sunshine Coast community.

“The Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan is a game-changer for the region,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“Work has already started, and we are exploring innovative ways to deliver this project to ensure value for money for taxpayers and maximise the benefits for Queenslanders.”

Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan delivered on one of the biggest concerns for Caloundra residents after being ignored by the former Government.

"Our community has told us loud and clear that congestion is impacting daily life - from school drop-offs to weekend beach trips,” Ms Morton said.

“These upgrades will make it easier and safer for families, small businesses, and visitors to move around Caloundra, particularly along Caloundra Road.

“I’m proud to be part of the Crisafulli Government delivering infrastructure needed now and for the future of Caloundra."

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Cam Inglis 0412 084 743