The Crisafulli Government has announced $2.3 million in funding to build a much-needed shared pedestrian and cycle path in the Ninderry Electorate, ending seven years of community calls for safer and better connectivity.
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie MP, said the funding comes as part of the state's $19.1 million grants program to help 25 local governments plan and deliver new and improved walking and bike riding facilities across the state over the next two years.
Sunshine Coast Council has been successful in their application for two state government grants, provided through the 2025-26 rounds of the Cycle Network Local Government Grants (CNLGG) and Walking Local Government Grants (WLGG) programs.
"My electorate has swept the pool with grants totalling $2.318 million to help safely connect locals with people and places, by foot or by bike.
"Regardless of age and ability, having access to convenient options to get around is important for both physical and mental health.
"Well planned, quality walking and cycling infrastructure is vital to encourage more of us to choose active travel every day.
"We live in a unique and pristine environment, and fewer cars on the road is a good start."
Connecting Peregian Breeze estate and surrounding suburbs
Sunshine Coast Council Division 9 Councillor Maria Suarez welcomed a CNLGG grant of $2.3 million to go towards construction of a new 900 metre shared pathway, to bridge a vital gap between Peregian Breeze estate and surrounding suburbs.
"This is a really exciting outcome for our community as currently there is no direct route for pedestrians and cyclists and this project changes that with a 3 metre wide shared pathway along the northern side of Emu Mountain Road," Cr Suarez said.
"The new path for pedestrians and bike riders will link Old Emu Mountain Road to the David Low Way roundabout via an improved crossing point provided to connect to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Coastal Pathway network, creating safe, inclusive travel options both north and south for locals and visitors."
Mr Purdie said that over the years, residents of Peregian Breeze in particular had raised concerns about connectivity.
"This much needed pedestrian and cycle link will connect these residents with Peregian Beach and Coolum and will provide Coolum school students with a safer crossing point on David Low Way, adjacent to the school.
"And the great news for Ninderry doesn't stop there.
"Sunshine Coast Council has also been granted $18,000 to develop a walking network plan, as part of the Walking Local Government Grants Program," Mr Purdie said.
Cr Suarez said that this would assist Council to prepare a plan for Coolum which will identify actions and a pipeline of infrastructure improvements to ensure accessible, safe, comfortable, attractive and direct walking routes for our community.
