The Palaszczuk Government has announced $6.7 million for the next stage of the popular Mooloolaba to Maroochydore Cycleway (M2M Cycleway).
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the government would design and build stage six of the project, creating a three metre wide bikeway along the Alexandra Headland foreshore.
"The Palaszczuk Government is delivering more than $23 billion in roads and transport infrastructure for Queensland over the next four years, supporting more than 21,500 jobs," Mr Bailey said.
"This project builds on the coast's popularity as a destination for bike riders and follows our announcement last week for the second stage of bikeways on David Low Way at Marcoola.
The foreshore bikeway will link with the Maroochydore project completed in 2015 and plans for bike infrastructure on Maroubra Street.
"Not only will this encourage more people to ride their bike, it will also deliver a $5 economic return for the region for every dollar invested as part of this project," Mr Bailey said.
"What better way to explore the coast foreshore than by riding your bike, stopping into a local café and exploring all the region has to offer."
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said council was pleased to be partnering with the State Government to deliver the M2M Cycleway in stages.
"In December 2018, Council completed the Mooloolaba to Minyama separated cycle link, which forms part of the M2M Cycleway," Mr Jamieson said.
"It is the first separated bikeway within an urban/business area on the Sunshine Coast.
"We know more people in our region want to walk, run and ride and enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle."
"By providing dedicated infrastructure, separated from cars, the M2M Cycleway will encourage people to get out and use active transport options for their daily commute, helping to achieve our goal of becoming Australia's most sustainable region – healthy, smart, creative."
Bicycle Queensland CEO Anne Savage also welcomed the news.
"The new Mooloolaba to Maroochydore Cycleway will provide a massive boost for safe cycling tourism on the Sunshine Coast, generating millions of dollars for the Sunshine Coast community each year," she said.
"Cycle tourism promises to boost the economy, promote our natural environment, and bring more people to Queensland's beach destinations.
"This new cycle link will be fast, fabulous, and free to ride, enabling locals and tourists to see more sights between Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
"This vital State Government investment in cycling infrastructure will encourage more people to take up cycling for health, convenience and fun.
"It will be a valuable asset for the whole community to enjoy."
Community consultation will start later this year to inform planning for the 6km-long, 3m-wide link to provide a safe, off-road connection from Mooloolah River, near the Sunshine Motorway at Minyama, to Maroochydore City Centre, connecting to Maud Street, Maroochydore.
