- Budget delivers green light for the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade with long-awaited funds for early works to flow.
- Stage 1 early works will include design work, site clearing and approvals.
- The project will get some of the Sunshine Coast's busiest roads flowing again, and with more local jobs, after years of Labor delays.
The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering for Queenslanders, announcing long-awaited funds will flow in tomorrow's State Budget to advance the highly anticipated Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade.
This investment will enable early works to begin on the ground, marking a significant first step towards delivering a transformative infrastructure project for the Sunshine Coast.
Recognised as a key enabler of The Wave – an enhanced public transport system designed to support the Sunshine Coast's growing population – the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade will improve connectivity, boost capacity, and reduce congestion across key transport routes.
Unlike the former Labor Government which failed to fund this critical project for the Sunshine Coast, the Crisafulli Government is delivering this generational infrastructure project to deliver a whole-of-network solution to meet the needs of one of Queensland's fastest growing regions.
Tangible progress has been made on the Mooloolah River Interchange, including briefing industry during consultation on The Wave held last month, as well as the completion of market-sounding activities to gather industry input and insights.
Preparation is already well underway for early contracts, with the first to start in the coming months to include clearing and service relocations to prepare the site. A second early works package will be released to tender by the end of the year to undertake major earthworks and embankment construction.
Early works will lay the foundation for construction of Stage 1, which includes the delivery of a new road overpass to create a direct connection from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba as well as a new local road between Karawatha Drive at Mountain Creek and Brisbane Road, providing a safer and faster travel option.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Mooloolah River Interchange was one of several generational infrastructure projects being delivered on the Sunshine Coast in the Budget.
"This funding commitment will deliver the long-overdue Mooloolah River Interchange – generational infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the 2032 Games and beyond," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"The Mooloolah River Interchange will transform the Sunshine Coast's road network, bust local congestion, enhance safety and future proof a critical transport link for one of Queensland's fastest growing regions.
"While Labor refused to back this project, the LNP is delivering for the Sunshine Coast."
Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said the upgrade would deliver better, faster connectivity to key destinations.
"This project was never a priority for the former Labor Government, who spent almost a decade neglecting regional infrastructure projects," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Instead, we are getting on with ensuring local families, workers and businesses benefit from safer roads, reduced travel times and a transport system designed for the future.
"The Mooloolah River Interchange will ease congestion at the well-known traffic chokepoint on the Coast and will include two extra lanes on the Sunshine Motorway north of Kawana Way, which is long overdue.
"This project is also vital to enable the delivery of The Wave, which will provide seamless transport connection from Beerwah to Birtinya through the Maroochydore CBD and onto the Sunshine Coast Airport.
"Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli Government will continue to work with the Federal Government to secure the environmental approvals needed to get shovels in the ground."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the project's progress was a long time coming and a major win for the community.
"This is one of the most dangerous and congested spots on the Sunshine Coast – it just has to be fixed," Ms Simpson said.
"I've fought for years to get this project moving because it's not just about easing traffic – it's about saving lives and unlocking economic potential.
"This investment means we're finally seeing action, not just talk. It's a huge step forward for our region and I'll keep working hard with my colleagues to push forward with delivering the next stages."
