IT’S LONG been the subject of many conversations and now is the time for residents to make their voices heard with the state government wanting to know exactly what you think should happen with the Sunshine Motorway upgrade.
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie is encouraging locals to have their say on long-awaited plans to upgrade a key section of the Sunshine Motorway.
“The planning for the duplication of the Sunshine Motorway and the upgrade of the interchange and the School Road roundabout in Coolum has been my biggest priority since being elected, and its essential we get it right,” Mr Purdie said.
“This is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in our region, it’s vital that locals and regular commuters who use these roads every day, have input into the planning and design of the upgrades.”
Mr Purdie said following years of advocating for the funds to bust congestion in Coolum, he was pleased to have secured nearly $7million to get the ball rolling, including $1.75million for the duplication process, and $5million to upgrade the School Road and Yandina Coolum Road intersection.
Mr Purdie said the State Labor government had first announced plans to address the traffic congestion and upgrade the Motorway back in 2008.
“Since then, our population has grown exponentially, but unfortunately, we haven’t seen the same level of investment in road infrastructure.
“Now we have a unique opportunity to help shape what will be a game changer not only for our region, but the connectivity of the entire Sunshine Coast.”
The State Government have stated that a 10-kilometre section of the Sunshine Motorway between David Low Way and Yandina-Coolum Road has been identified for duplication from two to four lanes to accommodate future growth.
The preferred upgrade option would see the Yandina-Coolum Road roundabout upgraded significantly, as well as a new active transport part connecting Pacific Paradise to Coolum Beach.
The State Gov acknowledges that this stretch of the Sunshine Motorway is crucial – with 30,000 vehicles a day using it and said that it is part of a more than $3 billion, four-year transport and road plan for the Sunshine Coast, supporting 2,700 good, secure jobs.
Coolum Business and Tourism President Mark Cameron said this was a golden opportunity for the community.
“Getting this piece of road infrastructure right is critical for the long-term prosperity and liveability of Coolum, and I encourage the whole community to have their say during this consultation window to ensure we get the best outcome from this investment in our local area.”
Coolum State School P&C President Shane Urban said this was a vital step towards providing the community and school with a safe and active transport pathway.
“Around 40 per cent of our parents and students ride or walk to school with the balance using buses or the drop-off zone, so all steps towards a more effective transport infrastructure in and around Coolum are appreciated,” Mr Urban said.
Key features of the preferred option include:
*Duplication of 10km section of the motorway between David Low Way and Yandina Coolum Road
*Provision for south-facing ramps at West Coolum Road
*Realignment of Yandina-Coolum Road to the west of the motorway
*A new active transport route connecting Pacific Paradise to Coolum Beach
*Smart Motorways infrastructure including Variable Speed Limit signs and CCTV
*Fauna fencing
*Culvert and drainage improvements
*Water quality treatment devices
*Improved lighting.
Have your say via the link below –