Mooloolaba to Maroochydore Active Transport Corridor

The 6km long M2M Active Transport Corridor between Maroochydore City Centre and Brisbane Road, Mooloolaba at the Mooloolah River is an important regional walking and riding network link. The most recent stage of the Maroochydore to Mooloolaba Active Transport Corridor, the Mooloolaba walk and ride bridge, was completed by Council in late 2018.

Project scope

The walking and riding infrastructure is designed to suit people of all ages and abilities to enable a direct and safe route. When complete, the Mooloolaba to Maroochydore (M2M) Active Transport Corridor will improve access and safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve the streetscape with additional street trees, redesigned car parking, landscaping, lighting and drainage.

For planning, construction and funding purposes, the corridor is split into multiple stages:

Maroochydore City Centre to Alexandra Headland (Sunshine Coast Council)
Alexandra Parade from Sixth Avenue to Mary Street (North Coast Region, Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR)
Alexandra Parade from Mary Street to Buderim Avenue (North Coast Region, TMR)
Mooloolaba Esplanade from Buderim Avenue to Venning Street (Sunshine Coast Council)
Mooloolaba Foreshore
- Central Parkland (Sunshine Coast Council)
- Central Meeting Place (Sunshine Coast Council)
- Southern Parkland (Sunshine Coast Council)
River Esplanade from Parkyn Parade to Foote Street (Sunshine Coast Council)
River Esplanade from Foote Street to Pacific Park - Completed 2016 (Sunshine Coast Council)
Pacific Park to Bindaree Crescent Park – Richard Scott Bridge Completed 2018 (Sunshine Coast Council)
Bindaree Crescent from Richard Scott Bridge to Culbara Street (Sunshine Coast Council)
Brisbane Road from Culbara Street to Neerim Drive - Completed 2015 (Sunshine Coast Council)
Brisbane Road from Neerim Drive to Nicklin Way – to be delivered as part of Mooloolah River Interchange project (North Coast Region, TMR)

Project update

Council has constructed a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge across Mayes canal (stage 5) as the latest improvement on the Minyama to Mooloolaba bikeway. The project was funded by council, in conjunction with the Queensland Government's cycle network local government grants program.

The bridge separates pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles travelling along Brisbane Road and spans the Mooloolah River between Bindaree Crescent and River Esplanade. The parkland areas on either side of the bridge have been upgraded with new seating, shelters, trees and plants. The bridge features decorative panel elements and is five metres wide. It has been designed to impose no new restrictions on navigation clearance of Mayes canal.

The project provides separated spaces for pedestrians and cyclist approaching the bridge and then minimises the interaction between them on the bridge using visual design treatments on the bridge deck.

Where to from here

Council is currently undertaking concept planning work the River Esplanade section from Foote Street to Parkyn Parade. These investigations will be the basis of future detailed design and construction. From Venning Street to Parkyn Parade is being delivered as part of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project.

Community consultation and feedback has been an integral part of the development of the M2M Active Transport Corridor. An extensive stakeholder and community engagement process was undertaken to inform planning and progress to date. Council will continue to inform the community as the project advances.

Overview

On average more than 70,000 people per week ride bicycles on the Sunshine Coast. Council surveys show that bike riders in urban areas have increased by 30% per annum in recent years.

The M2M Active Transport Corridor will encourage sustainable modes of transport and boost local tourism and economic development in line with Council's integrated transport strategy (adopted in December 2018) and the current Active Transport Plan 2011-2031.