Planning underway for new transport corridor

The construction of another stage of a new SunshineCoast road transport corridor has moved a step closer.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Paul Lucas, has announced the beginning of the next stage of planning for the Caloundra – Mooloolaba Road between Creekside Boulevard and the Sunshine Motorway.

“Main Roads planners want to talk to you, they’re looking for comments and suggestions from local residents as the spade work continues on this much needed road link”

"It will give motorists a north-south alternative to busy Nicklin Way, providing quick and easy access to major commercial and residential development in the area"

“The Caloundra – Mooloolaba Road will ultimately stretch from Caloundra Road in the south to the Sunshine Motorway in the north with bulldozers already busy building the 5 kilometre southern section between Caloundra Road near CorbouldPark and Creekside Boulevard,” Mr Lucas said.

The Caloundra Road and Creekside Boulevard section is expected to open by mid-2008.

A newsletter updating progress on the new road has been put together by Main Roads and is being delivered to SunshineCoast letter boxes.

“I’m urging residents to have their say,” Mr Lucas said.

The Caloundra – Mooloolaba Road will run along the same corridor set aside for the future rail line. Together they form a smart multi-use transport corridor.

“By planning road and rail together we can integrate access to future train and bus stations”

"Our long term plan is to encourage tourists to not only use public transport to travel to the Sunshine Coast but also for short trips while on holiday here,” Mr Lucas said.

Main Roads has begun preliminary work of the Creekside Boulevard to Sunshine Motorway section of the new corridor, including survey, geotechnical testing, traffic modelling and management of environmental impacts.

For further information, there is a planning hotline on 1800 662 744, or visit the Main Roads website at: www.mainroads.qld.gov.au

Media Contact: Darren Roberts 3237 1947