Article: Still waiting for bus depot

[Fares_Fair]

Article:Still waiting for bus depot
Sunshine Coast Daily, p5
by Matt Johnston
23rd May 2012 5:20 AM

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2012/05/23/three-years-later-were-still-waiting-for-bus-depot/

THE Empire State Building took 14 months to construct, the Eiffel Tower two years, but the Maroochydore Bus Station is still a demolition site three years after it was first announced.

The joint State Government and council project was originally scheduled for completion at the end of last year.

After continuous delays work is expected to begin later this month.

While the sight of building activity will be welcomed by commuters, Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson confirmed the completion date had been put back to 2013 following delays in the demolition process.

Ms Simpson has campaigned tirelessly for the project to be completed.

"The previous State Government delayed the bus station's construction by a year after it was announced, allegedly due to relocation of utility services which could be undertaken more cost effectively with a revised design," she said.

"I criticised the previous government for their poor planning process in the delivery of this project, which I suspect has resulted in considerable additional cost to date.

"My priority is to ensure that we get a safe bus station in the Maroochydore CBD sooner rather than later which addresses the safety concerns and that it is done in a cost effective way."

The station is expected to go some way to alleviating the parking dilemma facing workers in the Cornmeal Pde precinct. More commuters are expected to use the new public transport station.

"Better public transport services will play a part in helping ease parking problems for workers in central Maroochydore," Ms Simpson said.

"The Department of Public Works recently surveyed employees about their travel needs to ensure that services are provided which help meet workers' needs and ease parking congestion."

Newly elected Division 8 councillor Jason OPray also hoped the completion of the bus stop would help to address the parking problems plaguing the area.

"With the Maroochydore precinct becoming the centre of the Sunshine Coast, the new station is a vital part of the development of the area," he said.

"There is obviously more to happen down there, but it will make life a lot easier for people travelling across the Sunshine Coast."

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Story blog  ... interesting comments on rail as well.

[Stillwater]

I remember Ms Simpson working tirelessly for heavy rail in the CAMCOS corridor, between Caloundra and Maroochydore.  Before the election before last.  Didn't happen.  Still, lovely lady, heart in the right place.