The project that will transform Mooloolaba's foreshore is moving forward with the appointment of SEE Civil, a leading contractor with extensive expertise in marine civil infrastructure.
This comes as latest artist impressions offer a new perspective of the amazing revitalisation (pictured).
Stage Two - which follows the award-winning Stage One Northern Parklands - delivers a stunning ocean viewing deck, lush and relaxing new beachfront spaces that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors, modern public amenities for people with high support needs, and broader and more accessible walkways.
It also includes a seawall that will replace the current rock structure that dates back to the 1960s, to protect the area from climate change impacts and provide better access and flow between the beach, foreshore and businesses.
Importantly, refinements to the project design will ensure no net loss of usable beach. A future sand renourishment program will also be put in place.
Key improvements include:
- a secant pier construction method for the terraced seawall, reducing its footprint and buried terraces
- refined deck and pathway alignment to balance public space and enhance connections between the beach and businesses.
SEE Civil recently acquired the civil arm of Hall Contracting, a global leader in civil works based on the Sunshine Coast.
Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Tim Burns welcomed the announcement and said the project built on community engagement and expert input.
"The practical insights of SEE Civil and Hall Contracting, combined with the expertise of Council staff, design consultants, coastal engineering experts and community, provided the opportunity to make further refinements to the design and construction approach," Cr Burns said.
"By continuing to engage in open conversations with the contractor during the tender phase, and ongoing discussions with our community, businesses and our funding partners, we've been able to enhance the project design in a way that benefits everyone."
The refinements, undertaken over several months, maximise community amenity, coastal protection and value to ratepayers.
Cr Burns said the foreshore project was an outcome of the 2015 Mooloolaba Placemaking Master Plan.
"This project is a multiple stage project and it's great that we can now get going with Stage Two," he said.
Local expertise utilised
SEE Group Chief Executive Officer Joel Barnes said the acquisition of the civil division of Sunshine Coast-based Hall Contracting, had strengthened the company's capabilities on the Sunshine Coast where Hall Contracting had built a strong legacy.
"The two businesses are closely culturally aligned and we are excited to welcome the 104 staff into the SEE Group family," Mr Barnes said.
"Like SEE Group, Hall Contracting is a family-built business with a proud history of delivering quality projects and fostering strong community connections.
"That expertise and local knowledge, along with local employment, will be at the forefront of this project."
What's happening next
Early works across various locations within the Stage Two project area will continue through to June 2025.
With a contractor now appointed, Council will share information about the construction timing and sequencing over the coming months, including with local businesses.
Council has been working with local traders and the Business Activation Group on implementing the Business Activation Plan to support traders during construction. A range of exciting events and initiatives are planned.
Stage Two major construction works are anticipated to start mid-July 2025 (after the school holidays), with an anticipated 20 month construction period, pending weather, site conditions, and minimising disruption through the Christmas periods.
The Central Meeting Place has received more than $13 million in combined funding from the Australian Government and the Queensland Government as part of the $285.8 million SEQ Liveability Fund, a commitment under the SEQ City Deal.
Assistance for the replacement seawall has been provided by the Australian Government under the Disaster Ready Fund.
