A $9 million State funding injection will kick-start 16 projects across the Sunshine Coast to improve parks, streetscapes and sporting facilities, provide new playgrounds and generate local jobs.
The funding is a share in the Queensland Government’s $100 million South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program.
It will be matched by $13.4m from Sunshine Coast Council and allow a range of enhancements to begin ahead of schedule.
This will be in addition to the $268m worth of projects announced in council’s 2021/2022 budget last month.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the upgrades would provide important infrastructure and facilities to meet our community’s needs.
“The projects, which will be delivered through this funding package, will provide widespread benefit to residents across our region,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“This funding will enable these projects to be delivered sooner which is a great outcome for our community while also providing further stimulus to our local economy by creating work across a variety of trades and services.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Local Government Steven Miles said the SEQ Community Stimulus Program was part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and the projects would make a positive impact on communities.
“There’s no doubt these projects will produce enormous benefits by creating employment opportunities and improving liveability across the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Miles said.
“More than 300 jobs will be created or supported through delivering these projects, which is a great result for local families.
“Investing in infrastructure that will improve communities and create local jobs is part of the government’s Economic Recovery Plan.”
For more information about the South East Queensland Community Stimulus Program, please visit www.dlgrma.qld.gov.au/seqcsp.
The SEQCSP-funded projects within the Sunshine Coast local government area include the following, by division and suburb.
DIVISION 1 BEERWAH AND LANDSBOROUGH PROJECTS:
$500,000 toward the Stage 2 Cribb Street Streetscape Project, Landsborough.
$200,000 toward further implementation of the Beerwah Place Masterplan at Turner Park.
DIVISION 2 CALOUNDRA PROJECT:
$700,000 to support the roof upgrade at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium, Golden Beach.
Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said it was imperative to keep the region’s only four-court multi-purpose air-conditioned stadium structure solid.
“The Caloundra Indoor Stadium is a much-loved sporting asset and hosts a wide range of events, from local fixtures to national level tournaments as well as expos, trade shows, conferences and community events,” Cr Landsberg said.
DIVISION 3 BOKARINA PROJECT:
$500,000 towards construction of a car park on Sportsman’s Parade at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Bokarina.
Division 3 Councillor Peter Cox said 180 car park spaces, wayfinding signage, boom gate access control, precinct pathway connections, fencing and a drop off area for public transport would improve access to the facility.
DIVISION 4 MOOLOOLABA, MINYAMA AND MAROOCHYDORE PROJECTS
$2.02 million as a major funding boost to deliver the Major Streetscaping Upgrade of First Avenue (pictured), Maroochydore.
$215,000 to assist construction of new facilities at Outrigger Park, Minyama.
$145,000 towards installation of new pedestrian facilities along Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba.
$100,000 to support shade provision at the Stage 1 Mooloolaba Foreshore Northern Parkland, Mooloolaba.
Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said he was pleased the First Avenue upgrade at Maroochydore made the cut.
“This project’s funding is particularly exciting and is part of $26 million distributed by the State Government on a competitive application basis,” Cr Natoli said.
DIVISION 5 PALMWOODS AND WOOMBYE PROJECTS:
$500,000 contribution toward Woombye Placemaking – Blackall Street Streetscape Project, providing a range of streetscape enhancements for Woombye.
Palmwoods and Woombye will receive a total of $950,000 to renew the Palmwoods football clubhouse and enhance Blackall Street, Woombye.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston welcomed the funding.
“The $500,000 investment will go a long way in restoring Woombye’s rich history and charm,” Cr Johnston said.
“We aren’t looking to change Woombye’s identity, instead enhance what the community already loves about the lively township by providing a range of streetscape improvements.
“Meanwhile, the Palmwoods Warriors Football Club upgrades will include new amenities, a meeting space and a canteen and help protect against flooding.”
DIVISION 6 SIPPY DOWNS PROJECT:
$600,000 to support construction of Stage 2 of the Albany Lakes Park Playground, Sippy Downs.
Consultation with the Sippy Downs community through the Sippy Downs Parks Master Plan in 2018 showed overwhelming support for more play opportunities and better car parking.
And now, their vision is becoming a reality.
Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said $600,000 was a significant funding injection.
“I’m pleased that Stage 1 works on both play space and carpark upgrades will wrap up in coming months,” Cr Dickson said.
“This extra funding will allow us to start on Stage 2 which includes feature playground equipment with multiple large shade sails, a large picnic shelter, barbecue and drinking fountain.
“Once complete, I’m sure the community will be eager to bring their children to the park and let little legs run wild.”
DIVISION 7 BUDERIM PROJECT:
The new major playground at Buderim Village Park, on the corner of Church and King streets, Buderim, will progress thanks to a $700,000 funding injection.
Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford welcomed the funding and said it would further enhance council’s vision for the new park as a place of nature, recreation and to be enjoyed by everyone in the community.
“Council purchased the 3.4ha piece of land in 2010 to develop it into an open, green, district level park,” Cr Hungerford said.
DIVISION 8 MAROOCHYDORE AND MUDJIMBA PROJECTS:
Division 8 Councillor Jason O’Pray said $700,000 had been allocated for improvements at the popular North Shore Multi-Sports Complex.
“The funding will go towards constructing new change rooms and an amenity block, which I’m sure our sports stars will warmly welcome,” Cr O’Pray said.
“A further $500,000 has been allocated towards Ocean Street – a cultural destination within Maroochydore, providing food and dining, festivals, live music and cultural activities.”
DIVISION 9 COOLUM PROJECT:
The Coolum Sports Complex intersection, Coolum will receive $700,000 towards David Low Way access.
Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez said she was looking forward to seeing the intersection upgraded, which would improve driver safety when cars left the sporting facilities.
DIVISION 10 EUMUNDI PROJECT:
Eumundi’s Memorial Drive will receive a $500,000 injection to deliver streetscape improvements.
Division 10 Councillor David Law said the streetscape project was about enhancing those aspects locals already loved about Eumundi’s main street.
“This announcement is very exciting for our community, as council has been working with local businesses and organisations to find out their values and vision for the main street,” Cr Law said.
