Imagine a street where shady trees, wide paths and safer crossings invite you to slow down, connect and enjoy the heart of Maroochydore.
That vision is about to become a reality as First Avenue undergoes a streetscape transformation after the appointment of Queensland-based construction company GRC Civil to deliver a greener and more welcoming link from Aerodrome Road to The Esplanade and Duporth Avenue, Cornmeal Creek Bridge.
The project will be delivered thanks to $11.9 million from the Australian Government's Growing Regions Program, together with $15.9 million in funding from Sunshine Coast Council.
The upgrade will calm local traffic, create cool shady places and improve how people move between work, shops and the waterfront.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the project was a critical connection between the new Maroochydore CBD and Duporth Avenue, Ocean Street and Cotton Tree.
"This is the missing piece in the puzzle, and I'm pleased to see works start on what will seamlessly connect our popular centres together," Mayor Natoli said.
"This puts people first with safer crossings and slower traffic allowing families, seniors and people with mobility devices to move with confidence in the growing area."
Sunshine Coast Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said the traffic calming on First Avenue would support the traffic calming already undertaken on Duporth Avenue.
"The landscaped and generously wide shared pathways give people a comfortable, shaded route through Maroochydore to the river and beach, and will provide a practical connection to the Safe Night Precinct," Cr Natoli said.
"When it's easier and safer to get around on foot or on a bike, our streets come alive and support healthier lifestyles."
Queensland Senator Corinne Mulholland said locals had long been calling for an upgrade to Maroochydore that matches the pride people feel in their community.
"This massive $11.9 million contribution from the Albanese Government is a huge vote of confidence in the Sunshine Coast and its future potential," Senator Mulholland said.
"Maroochydore has always been the business hub of the Sunshine Coast, but now we're backing it to become the beating heart of the coast; an even more vibrant, connected and people-focused centre where families, workers and visitors want to spend time.
"With the world's eyes turning to Southeast Queensland ahead of the Olympics, we're making sure the Sunshine Coast looks and feels ready, especially since Alexandra Headland will be hosting the road cycling, marathon, kiteboarding and more.
"I see this investment as rolling out the red carpet for Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast! It's creating a welcoming, green, and accessible public spaces that showcase the very best of our region to locals and visitors alike."
GRC Civil General Manager Rob Adair said he was proud to partner with Council while his team of locals were keen to contribute to the project.
"This project is incredibly important to us, with around 70 local people employed or engaged as contractors, meaning we are supporting families and businesses right here in our community," Mr Adair said.
Benefits for everyone
Seventy new trees and 2,000 plants are part of the upgrade to cool the street and create places to stop, chat and enjoy.
"Greener streets aren't just attractive but are cool in summer and better for local business because people stay longer," Cr Natoli said.
"For traders, improved footpaths, clearer access and relocated bus stops reduce conflict at the kerbside and make deliveries and drop-offs smoother.
"Upgrading the underground services is the unglamorous part, but it's vital. Reliable power, water and communications underpin a thriving CBD and in turn support growth, jobs and the confidence to invest in Maroochydore."
This project started early February and will be completed in 2027, weather and site conditions permitting. For more info about the project and construction activity, visit Council's website and search 'First Avenue upgrade - Maroochydore'.
What's coming
- Pedestrian crossing improvements
- two raised pedestrian crossings along First Avenue;
- raised pedestrian crossings across Cornmeal Parade, Memorial Avenue and George Street
- a scramble crossing at the intersection of First Avenue, Duporth Avenue and The Esplanade
- upgraded footpaths and driveways
- upgraded underground services including power, telecommunications, stormwater and mains water
- improving access for people with disabilities, prams, motorised scooters and other non-motorised forms of transport
- transforming the eastern side of First Avenue including extended kerbing and landscaped areas with new street furniture
- transforming the western side of First Avenue into a seven metre wide, shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists with centralised landscape planting
- relocating the two bus stops along First Avenue to The Esplanade to minimise conflict with other First Avenue street users (completed in 2025)
- extensive landscaping, including approximately 70 new trees and 2,000 new plants
- installing new street furniture to provide a welcoming, green environment for residents and visitors.
