Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road Projects

Council will provide new road connections between South Coolum Road and Suncoast Beach Drive at Mount Coolum to link to TMR’s two new south-facing motorway ramps at West Coolum Road, Mount Coolum, as part of TMR’s staged approach to upgrading the Sunshine Motorway.

The Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road projects aim to improve connectivity within the local road network and support future transport needs in the area.

Following all relevant approvals and the appointment of a construction contractor it is expected that staged construction may start in 2028.

Project scope

Council is working closely with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to coordinate the Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road projects.

The new connections are required as a direct result of TMR's proposed West Coolum Road interchange upgrade which includes two new south-facing motorway ramps at West Coolum Road and require future connections between Suncoast Beach Drive, South Coolum Road and West Coolum Road to the motorway.

Key features being investigated through detailed design:

New road connection between South Coolum Road and Suncoast Beach Drive
Widening and upgrading Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road
New active transport outcomes on Sunshine Coast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road to enhance walking and cycling connectivity and awareness
Landscaping including footpath upgrades and planting.
Opportunities for staging of works to support future project delivery.

Project timeline:

May 2009 - Community engagement on preferred options
October 2026 - An EPBC Act referral submitted for assessment by Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
November 2026 to late 2027 - Detailed design and environmental assessment
mid-2028 - Construction starts (subject to approvals, funding and construction contractor appointment).

Where to from here

Planning for the project has been underway for several years and has now moved into the detailed design phase.

A detailed design consultant is expected to be appointed by late 2026/early 2027. Detailed design will refine the road alignment, intersections, active transport facilities, environmental mitigation measures and staging opportunities for future delivery. Council will continue to work closely with TMR to concurrent timing with TMR’s West Coolum Road interchange project.

Both TMR and Council’s projects require referrals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to assess potential impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance.

The EPBC referral process takes time and needs to be completed before either project’s construction can begin.

The timing of construction for each project is subject to future budget considerations and all relevant approvals.

We look forward to sharing more information about the design and scope of works with our community in 2027.

Background

In May 2009, Council investigated options to connect Suncoast Beach Drive to the Sunshine Motorway.

Options included the extension of South Coolum Road to connect with Suncoast Beach Drive west of Mount Coolum.

Council selected the option that had overwhelming community support and minimised impact on the surrounding environment both during and after construction.

South Coolum link road map [4.4MB]

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