- The contract has been awarded to progress long-term management and safety improvements at Mooloolah River entrance.
- Independent review recommendations are being delivered to improve navigational safety and accessibility.
- The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job to support local jobs, marine industries, recreational users and the Sunshine Coast economy.
Capital works to improve safety and accessibility at the Mooloolah River entrance are moving ahead, with a contract now awarded to support the long-term management of one of the Sunshine Coast's most important marine gateways.
The contract award follows an independent review into the Mooloolah River entrance, which identified a two-stage approach to improve navigation and accessibility, including options such as a Buddina Beach sand trap and channel deepening.
The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of implementing those recommendations, with BMT appointed to undertake future design, approvals and procurement activities that will help shape a long-term solution for the harbour entrance.
For too long, the management of critical waterways was left in the too-hard basket by the former State Labor Government, allowing challenges around accessibility and navigation to persist. The Crisafulli Government is taking action to deliver the planning and investment needed to secure the waterway's future.
The works are expected to improve Mooloolaba Boat Harbour accessibility while delivering lasting benefits for local businesses, the marine industry, recreational boaties, emergency services and the wider Sunshine Coast community.
Dredging under existing contractual arrangements will continue to address sand build up caused by recent wave activity and ensure vessels can continue to transit the river entrance safely.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the contract award was a significant milestone.
"The Mooloolah River is the access point to the Mooloolaba Boat Harbour, which is a vital asset for the Sunshine Coast, supporting local businesses, tourism operators, the marine industry and thousands of recreational users each year," Minister Mickelberg said.
"This contract award is a critical first step in delivering the long-term solutions identified through the independent review and ensuring the river entrance remains safe, accessible and reliable for years to come.
"We're getting on with the job of fixing problems that were allowed to linger for too long and delivering the planning needed to support the future of this important waterway.
"By investing in the long-term management of the river entrance, we're backing local jobs, supporting economic activity and improving access for the people and businesses who rely on it every day."
Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie welcomed the milestone following the independent review.
"The Crisafulli Government is carrying out the practical recommendations to help keep local boaties safe," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Unlike the former Labor Government, who had no long-term plan to manage Mooloolah River entrance, we are taking the next step with a clear plan to improve safety, accessibility and the long-term management of this important Sunshine Coast asset."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the contract being awarded to BMT was a significant step forward to progress work at Mooloolaba Harbour entrance.
"The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of delivering the improvements our Sunshine Coast community deserves," Ms Simpson said.
"For too long, challenges at the Harbour entrance were not properly addressed by the former Labor government - leaving local businesses, boaties and recreational users waiting for action.
"These works will help secure the future of the Harbour, support our local marine industry and tourism sector, and ensure the community can continue to enjoy safe and reliable access for years to come."
