IN WELCOME news A 10 kilometre link, from the David Low Way interchange at Pacific Paradise to north of Coolum-Yandina Road, has been identified as a priority section for a future upgrade to accommodate population growth.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the preliminary evaluation was underway to double the motorway from two to four lanes.
“The Sunshine Motorway carries more than 30,000 vehicles each day between Maroochydore and communities like Noosa and Eumundi,” Mr Bailey said.
“With 88 per cent of net migration coming to Queensland in the next couple of years, we need to get the planning done now so we’re in a position to deliver this project when it’s needed.”
The Palaszczuk Government has allocated $1.75 million for duplication planning for the Sunshine Motorway, with consultancy firm SMEC recently awarded a contract to help deliver the preliminary evaluation.
Mr Bailey said improvements to the Coolum-Yandina Road roundabout and the School Road intersection would also be considered as part of the project.
“Planning will investigate any necessary upgrades on the approaches to the intersection, including the existing roundabout at School Road east of the motorway,” he said.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said that it was great to see that the State Government had listened to the voices of the local community who had been vocal about congestion in Coolum.
“This funding is long overdue, and I look forward to working with key stakeholders to ensure the upgrades to the School Road intersection and Yandina Coolum roundabout can be completed as soon as practical.
There’s no doubt our local road network is struggling to cope with the increased population, and securing this funding is a critical first step towards the duplication of the Motorway, and an important acknowledgement from the State Government that they can no longer ignore the needs of our region.”
The preliminary evaluation is expected to be completed in late 2022, with key stakeholders and the local community to be consulted later this year.
Government has allocated $1.75 million for duplication planning (M70) out of Palaszczuk Government’s record $27.5 billion infrastructure investment.
So, after years of talking and ‘consulting’, we have a measly 0.006 % of an established budget allocated to talk and ‘plan’ the Coolum stretch.
Yupee, more talk and still no ACTION. When will we finally see a bulldozer roll up at Coolum and start some WORK.
We elected our government on shiny promises but what are they going to do in the next 4 years?