Sunshine Coast Council and the state government say they remain committed to delivering a transport corridor in Caloundra, after the federal government withdrew its support for the project.
The local and state bodies reaffirmed their intentions to create an enhanced 1.6km connection into the CBD, which is expected to reduce traffic congestion at a main roundabout and have flow-on benefits for local roads.
The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade (CTCU) – which includes lane duplications, new and upgraded intersections, road extensions and active transport networks – is set to be delivered in two sections.
Early works are already underway for section one from Omrah Avenue to Arthur Street, which is estimated to cost $19 million and will be delivered and funded by council.
Section two from Arthur Street to Nicklin Way was previously expected to be funded by all levels of government but the federal government withdrew $7 million amid cuts to the national infrastructure pipeline.
Council and the state government say section two can still become a reality, but say the costs and funding are subject to “consideration and negotiation”.
A council spokesperson outlined the importance of the CTCU.
“This major transport infrastructure investment is the next step in meeting the current and future needs of motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and public transport users in Caloundra,” they said.
“The project is aimed at reducing traffic gridlock, improving connectivity, travel choice, and helping the Sunshine Coast and Caloundra cope with the growth we’ve got now and will continue to see in the future.
“This project is also consistent with the community’s vision to get people out of cars and into more sustainable modes of transport, including walking and cycling by providing a new separated two-way cycle track and pedestrian pathways.”
The spokesperson provided an update on section one.
“Works, including the demolition and modification of properties are currently in progress and are anticipated to be completed by July,” they said.
“Construction works for section one are planned to start in late 2024 to early 2025.
“Following the appointment of a construction contractor a more detailed timeframe will be shared with our community.”
Section one is expected to deliver significant benefits, even if section two does not eventuate.
Section two is still expected to come to fruition and is due to be delivered by the state government, although it’s not known how much it will cost or how it will be paid for.
“Council remains committed to delivering the total CTCU project in partnership with the Queensland Government,” the spokesperson said.
“Project cost and funding contributions for section two are subject to further consideration and negotiation.”
Sixteen properties were acquired and three properties were partially acquired by council for the upgrade, from 2019 to late 2023. Some community members have voiced their opposition to the process of property acquisitions and the duplication of lanes.
But the council spokesperson said “extensive community feedback informed the ultimate design”.
“As part of the detailed design process a stakeholder interest group was established,” they said.
“The SIG (Stakeholder Interest Group, formed in late 2022) has made a significant contribution to the project to date, helping to identify opportunities and concerns to inform the ongoing design process.”
A final SIG meeting is set to be held after detailed design is completed for stage two.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said the CTCU would provide significant benefits.
They said the state government had some money on the table for section two.
“The Queensland Government committed $7 million in the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2023-24 to 2026-27 for section two,” they said.
“Final design for CTCU, including the Nicklin Way, Third Avenue extension, is progressing, taking into consideration delivery outcomes, active transport pathway locations, landscaping and environmental requirements.”
But, like council, TMR could not say how much section two would cost or where additional funds would come from if required.
“Project cost and funding contributions are subject to further consideration and negotiation,” the spokesperson said.
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