The federal government’s funding cuts for two critical Sunshine Coast transport projects has been called a “devastating blow” that could endanger the safety of residents.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King yesterday revealed the federal government would axe $160m for the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade and $7m for the Nicklin Way-Third Avenue Connection at Caloundra.
Related story: Federal funding for Coast projects axed, heavy rail on hold
The announcement has drawn criticism from representatives from all three levels of government, as well as business leaders,...
Some of the region’s biggest projects remain in limbo while the federal government considers whether they represent “value for money”.
Five major transport proposals, including a coastal passenger rail line, were included in an independent 90-day review of Australia’s infrastructure investment program.
The review started almost six months ago, and local and state politicians are calling for action, but a government spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News that decisions on the projects would be announced “in due course”.
Local builds being examined are...
A member of federal parliament has called on the community to rally against a light rail proposal, as the state government considers options to improve public transport on the Sunshine Coast.
Light rail is among five options for enhanced travel from the Maroochydore City Centre to Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Birtinya, with a possible extension to Caloundra.
It would complement the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line and other proposed transport upgrades like the Kawana Motorway and Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade.
But...
The state government is heralding its dedication to the Sunshine Coast as part of a statewide 'Big Build', but LNP representatives say it's time for less talk and more action.
Various levels of commitment have been shown for key transport projects in the region, which is expected to be home to half a million people by 2041.
But LNP representatives have said not enough was being done and time was running out.
To support the 'Big Build', the state government has called...
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
• Read the article: Teenagers’ heartfelt plea to save family home
I have read with interest the various schemes that have been proposed for Caloundra over some 40 to 50 years in various town plans and so on. The interesting common factor has been the council continuing to approve shopping, retail and other commercial activities extending away from...
The Department of Transport and Main Roads has created a stakeholder interest group (SIG) to participate in the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade project, a move that has been welcomed by community groups.
Feedback from the SIG, which represents residents, motorists, transport operators, businesses and local facilities, will be considered as part of various project options - including traffic, flood and stormwater modelling, environmental and cultural heritage investigations.
One of the key community groups involved in the consultation, the Caloundra Residents Association...
It's been a busy week or two, with fury over a festival date, political leaders in town and dredging discussions. See what some readers had to say below.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor including your name and suburb via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au.
Festival feedback
I support Bob Carroll’s comments about Caloundra Music Festival.
The financial focus on this one event by Sunshine Coast Council sucks potential funding from other worthwhile projects, I have always wondered if similar funding...
A much-anticipated shortcut between Caloundra and the Bruce Highway that could save drivers up to 15 minutes on the drive to Brisbane is about 60 per cent finished.
New aerial photos, commissioned by Sunshine Coast News and captured by Brendan Smith of SkyShots Photography, offer a bird's eye view of the progress of the $70 million Bells Creek Arterial Road, dubbed 'The Arterial'.
When finished, the 11km road will provide a new access from the Bruce Highway to the Coast that...
The 7000-strong community group, The Beach Matters, believes a smart, cost-effective and swift solution to the Sunshine Coast’s growing traffic woes could be hidden in plain sight.
The group, which has an array of prominent members from former deputy prime minister and treasurer Wayne Swan to developer Mal Pratt, surf legend Hayden Kenny and bestselling author and book producer Rachael Bermingham, has lodged its submission on the future of transport in the region.
This was in response to Sunshine Coast Council’s Options...
