- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment by awarding the detailed design contract for new south-facing ramps at the Sunshine Motorway and West Coolum Road interchange.
- The upgrade will service the growing communities of Coolum Beach, Mount Coolum, Yaroomba and Marcoola, improving connectivity to deliver a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
- Following a decade of decline under the former Labor Government, the Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering a fresh start for the Sunshine Coast.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment to the Sunshine Coast, awarding the detailed design contract to SMEC Australia Pty Ltd to progress the Sunshine Motorway and West Coolum Road interchange upgrade at Mount Coolum.
The project will deliver two new south-facing ramps, providing an additional access point to the motorway between Yandina–Coolum Road and Pacific Paradise, helping to ease pressure on local intersections and reducing congestion.
The new interchange will support improved connections across the local road network, aligning with Sunshine Coast Council plans to connect Suncoast Beach Drive and South Coolum Road to West Coolum Road.
The south-facing ramps will also form part of the future duplication of the Sunshine Motorway from two to four lanes, supporting long-term growth across the region.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the contract award marked an important milestone in progressing the Government's election commitment.
"The Crisafulli Government made a clear commitment to the Sunshine Coast community and we are getting on with the job of delivering it," Minister Mickelberg said.
"During their decade of decline, the former Labor Government failed to plan for the growth pressures facing the Sunshine Coast, but now we are building the infrastructure needed to improve connectivity, support local jobs and strengthen the economy."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said community consultation on the design remained open until May 15 and encouraged Sunshine Coast locals to have their say.
"We're delivering this election commitment for the Sunshine Coast and the design contract being awarded is an important milestone in this project's progression," Ms Simpson said.
"We know residents want to see action to address congestion and importantly this new interchange will integrate into Sunshine Coast Council's plans to build a connector west of Mount Coolum, from South Coolum Road to Suncoast Beach Drive and West Coolum Road."
Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie said the new ramps will help ease congestion by providing an additional access point to the Sunshine Motorway between Yandina-Coolum Road and Pacific Paradise.
"This vital new interchange will connect with Council's planned upgrades to the local road network and help relieve congestion at the busy Yandina-Coolum Road interchange," Mr Purdie said.
"Ultimately we all want to see the duplication of the Sunshine Motorway from two to four lanes and these new south-facing ramps form an important part of that plan."
