Published Friday, 01 December, 2006 at 10:50 AM

Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Paul Lucas

Sunshine Coast reaps record road funding

The Sunshine Coast will receive $466 million for roads over the next two years as part of a record $11.55 billion roads program for Queensland announced today.

The latest Roads Implementation Program, launched by Premier Peter Beattie and Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas, boosts roads spending in Queensland by more than $1 billion over the next five years.

Mr Lucas said a record $11.55 billion would be spent on the state’s roads from 2006-07 to 2010-11 – a $1.05 billion or 10% increase on the previous five-year program.

The program details almost 2500 road projects that will be constructed around the state over the next five years.

“We are committed to delivering the projects that make our roads safer and help meet the needs of a growing state,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said the state and federal governments would provide a total of almost $466 million for Sunshine Coast road projects within CaloundraCity, Maroochy, Noosa and Cooloola shires over the next two years.

“This compares with the $81 million, two-year plan (1997-98 and 1998-99) that was in place when the Beattie Government came to power,” Mr Lucas said.

Mr Lucas said the funds were directed to projects designed to cater for the population growth of the region.

“There is also $2.35 million for roadworks specifically targeting road safety, including work requested on Nambour Connection Road,” he said.

Funding for the current and 2007-08 financial years includes:

Sunshine Motorway

A total of $172 million will be provided over the two years to advance construction of four projects on the Sunshine Motorway, including:

  • a 4km four-lane duplication at Sippy Downs through to Kawana Way and Sippy Downs interchange
  • a 7km four-lane duplication from Maroochydore Road to Pacific Paradise, including the second MaroochyRiverBridge
  • construction of the 1km Pacific Paradise bypass linking the Sunshine Motorway and David Low Way
  • construction of the Maroochy Boulevard interchange project with connections from Sunshine Motorway to the new southern access into Maroochydore's CBD. This project will also have Maroochy Shire Council and private sector funding.

Maroochydore Road Projects

  • $8.9 million to complete work on a $19 million project to construct four lanes through KundaPark industrial area and upgrade the Pike Street intersection. Construction is underway and is expected to be finished by early 2007
  • $52 million will advance work on a $90 million project to build 4km of new four-lane road between KundaPark and the Bruce Highway. A design-and-construct contract has been awarded and work will finish in mid-2008

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge 3237 1942