Ministerial Statement: Cycleway improvements for the Sunshine Coast

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Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
29/01/2009

Cycleway improvements for the Sunshine Coast

More than $4 million is being invested in new and upgraded cycleways on the Sunshine Coast to promote healthy lifestyles and to reduce the number of cars on the road.

Transport Minister John Mickel, who today officially opened the new 5.8 kilometre long, $3.3 million Eenie Creek Road Cycleway, said the growing cycle network in the region would benefit locals and adds a new green attraction for tourists.

The Eenie Creek Cycleway links Tewantin and Noosaville with Sunshine Beach, provides a safe path for cyclists and pedestrians and reduces congestion around the Noosa CBD.

"The Queensland Government is committed to protecting our unique lifestyle," Mr Mickel said.

"More than $4 million has been allocated this year to improve cycleways on the Sunshine Coast for both cyclists and pedestrians in an investment that is funded equally by the State Government and Sunshine Coast Regional Council.

"Construction of the $1 million Noosa Heads Cycleway is now also underway.

"This cycleway will include a 300 metre off road link from Noosa Parade to Hastings Street and Main Beach boardwalk and the re-construction of 800 metres of the boardwalk to cater for cycle traffic along Noosa Main Beach from Park Road to Noosa Woods," said Mr Mickel.

Another significant cycleway development on the Sunshine Coast is the Riverway Cycleway.

"Work is due to commence on the Riverway Cycleway in the next month and will link existing pathways between Noosaville and Tewantin via the Noosa River," Mr Mickel said.

"The cycleway will also complete missing sections of the Coastal Pathway."

Mr Mickel said that this funding will usher in a new era for cycling and walking in Noosa help make Tomorrow's Queensland a greener Queensland.

"People are now able to ride or walk safely along the picturesque cycleway linking residential areas with schools, shopping centres and sporting precincts, without having to go into the busy Hastings Street area," he said.

"People can get around Noosa safely in a pleasant, healthy way without needing to use private cars meaning less traffic congestion and less exhaust fumes in this beautiful part of the State.

"This is a major investment by the State Government and the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in maintaining the wonderful lifestyle that Noosa is famous for.

"We want to see a lot more people walking or riding around the district and a lot less cars on the roads," Mr Mickel said.

"It is a major part of the $556 million South East Queensland Cycle Network that will link the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane, Ipswich and the Gold Coast by cycle paths within 20 years.

"The Eenie Creek Road Cycleway provides a key east-west link in the network between Tewantin, Noosaville and Sunshine Beach," Mr Mickel said.

He said the project had been completed in four stages:

?A $600,000 pedestrian and cycle bridge providing safe access over Eenie Creek Road and connecting the community with schools, shops and sports facilities

?A $1 million, 2.5 kilometre long, three metre wide pathway from Eumundi Noosa Road to the Monks Bridge and Reef Street

?A $1.2 million, 2.7 kilometre off road cycleway, between Monks Bridge and Langura Street and also the Southern Side of Heathland Drive between David Low Way and Ben Lexcen Drive.

?A $500,000 pathway extending 600 metres from Langura Street to Ben Lexen Drive.

"The completed project provides a faster way for cyclists travelling from the south along David Low Way to connect to Tewantin without having to go through Noosa Heads," Mr Mickel said.

"It improves road safety by taking cyclists off the roads and, because each cyclist is not driving his or her car, it takes cars off the roads.

"Construction of bikeways is one of the ways in which the State Government is working with councils and local communities to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions in South East Queensland," Mr Mickel said.

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