Who: Ninderry MP Dan Purdie, who secured the funding to kick off the planning, will be joined by Coolum Business and Tourism President Mark Cameron, and Shane Urban, President Coolum State School P&C  

 Where: School Road roundabout, at the intersection with Yandina Coolum Road, Coolum Beach  

 When: 11.00am today, Tuesday 31 January  

Locals encouraged to contribute to long awaited Motorway Upgrades

Ninderry MP Dan Purdie is encouraging locals to have their say on long awaited plans to upgrade a key section of the Sunshine Motorway.  

“The planning for the duplication of the Sunshine Motorway and the upgrade of the interchange and the School Road roundabout in Coolum has been my biggest priority since being elected, and its essential we get it right,” Mr Purdie said.  

“This is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in our region, it’s vital that locals and regular commuters who use these roads every day, have input into the planning and design of the upgrades.” 

Mr Purdie said following years of advocating for the funds to bust congestion in Coolum, he was pleased to have secured nearly $7million to get the ball rolling, including $1.75million for the duplication process, and $5million to upgrade the School Road and Yandina Coolum Road intersection.   

Mr Purdie said the State Labor government had first announced plans to address the traffic congestion and upgrade the Motorway back in 2008. 

“Since then, our population has grown exponentially, but unfortunately we haven’t seen the same level of investment in road infrastructure.  

“Now we have a unique opportunity to help shape what will be a game changer not only for our region, but the connectivity of the entire Sunshine Coast.” 

Coolum Business and Tourism President Mark Cameron said this was a golden opportunity for the community.  

“Getting this piece of road infrastructure right is critical for the long-term prosperity and liveability of Coolum, and I encourage the whole community to have their say during this consultation window to ensure we get the best outcome from this investment in our local area.”  

Coolum State School P&C President Shane Urban said this was a vital step towards providing the community and school with a safe and active transport pathway.  

“Around 40 % of our parents and students ride or walk to school with the balance using buses or the drop off zone, so all steps towards a more effective transport infrastructure in and around Coolum are appreciated,” Mr Urban said.  

Key features of the preferred option include: 

• Duplication of 10km section of the motorway between David Low Way and Yandina Coolum Road 

• Provision for south facing ramps at West Coolum Road 

• Realignment of Yandina-Coolum Road to the west of the motorway 

• A new active transport route connecting Pacific Paradise to Coolum Beach  

• Smart Motorways infrastructure including Variable Speed Limit signs and CCTV 

• Fauna fencing  

• Culvert and drainage improvements 

• Water quality treatment devices 

• Improved lighting. 

Consultation closes on 26 February, 2023. To have your say and provide feedback visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/sunshine-motorway-mooloolaba-peregian-pacific-paradise-to-coolum-planning.  

ENDS