SUNSHINE COAST LOCALS TO HAVE THEIR SAY ON COASTCONNECT

The initial concept designs for the Sunshine Coast’s dedicated bus corridor from Caloundra to Maroochydore are now complete and it is time for residents to have their say.

Transport Minister John Mickel and Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot today kicked off the public consultation for the CoastConnect project.

Minister Mickel said it was vital to get the views of Sunshine Coast locals to ensure CoastConnect complemented the local area.

"CoastConnect is a vital step towards building a world class public transport network on the Sunshine Coast.

“When the project is complete, it will reduce travel time by up to 25 minutes, and reduce traffic on some roads by up to 20 per cent.

"With the residential and tourist populations expected to nearly double on the Sunshine Coast by 2026, CoastConnect will help to manage traffic congestion and protect our environment into the future,” Mr Mickel said.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Bob Abbot said it is very important to encourage people to get out of their cars and to use public transport more often.

“We have to make public transport fast, efficient and reliable and we can do that by establishing things like bus priority lanes,” Mr Abbot said.

“By doing this we will reduce traffic congestion on the Sunshine Coast and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is an important project and it's important we do it right. That's why I encourage every Sunshine Coast resident to get involved and let us know what they think.

"We want to build the best project we can for the Sunshine Coast and I can't think of a better way to do that than to talk to the people who live and work here,” Mr Abbot.

Newsletters about CoastConnect will be distributed to local residents from next week.

Information sessions where locals can speak to members of the engineering and design teams will be held throughout September at the following times and locations:

·Lake Kawana Community Centre, Sportsmans Parade Bokarina, Thursday 11 September, 5.00 – 8.00pm

·Millwell Road Community Centre, Millwell Road Maroochydore, Saturday 13 September, 9.00am – 12.00pm and Thursday 25 September, 5.00 – 8.00pm

·The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street Caloundra, Thursday 18 September, 5.00 – 8.00pm

Project displays will also be available at the Caloundra, Kawana and Maroochydore libraries throughout the consultation period.

Members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions at local libraries at the following times:

·Caloundra Library — Tuesday 9 September 10.00am – 12.00pm

·Kawana Library — Tuesday 16 September 10.00am – 12.00pm

·Maroochydore Library — Tuesday 23 September 10.00am – 12.00pm

Feedback on the concept design options is invited until Friday 17 October 2008.

CoastConnect will improve public transport on the Sunshine Coast by:

·Taking buses out of general traffic on main roads between Caloundra and Maroochydore.

·Upgrading major bus stops and building new, high quality bus stations at key locations helping to make public transport more comfortable and easier to use.

·Giving buses priority at congested intersections.

Feedback on CoastConnect can be provided by:

·completing an online feedback form at www.translink.com.au/project

·phoning the project team on 1800 848 000

·emailing the project team on coastconnect@transport.qld.gov.au

·providing feedback to team members at one of the information sessions or displays.

For more information on CoastConnect go to www.translink.com.au/project or call the project team on 1800 848 000.

ENDS

Media contact – Jane Rowe 3237 1125 or 0409 588 302