BRISBANE, Queensland, Aug. 24 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Honourable Brent Mickelberg
* The Crisafulli Government has completed upgrades at the Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection, helping locals get home sooner and safer.
* The project delivers improved traffic flow, upgraded pedestrian and cycling facilities, and better public transport connections to help support the Sunshine Coast's growing population.
* The Crisafulli Government has delivered on its commitment to fix the intersection after years of delays and funding uncertainty under the former State Labor Government.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering safer and more efficient journeys on one of the Sunshine Coast's busiest transport corridors with a major upgrade to the Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection now complete helping get locals home safer and sooner.
The project includes improved lane configurations to reduce queuing, road widening and pavement rehabilitation, upgraded pedestrian crossings and lighting, new cycling infrastructure, footpath improvements, and the relocation of a Mooloolaba Road bus stop.
During Labor's decade of decline, this project funding was cut despite growing pressure on local roads and repeated calls from the community for action.
Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg fought to restore funding for the project and committed to delivering the upgrade if elected, with works now complete; that commitment has been delivered.
As the Sunshine Coast continues to grow, projects like this are critical to improving safety, reducing congestion and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with community needs.
The intersection upgrade was expanded beyond its original scope to deliver greater long-term benefits for the local community, improving safety, connectivity and traffic flow for the more than 20,000 motorists who use the corridor every day.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Member for Buderim Brent Mickelberg said the completion of the upgrade was a significant milestone for the local community.
"As both the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and the Member for Buderim, I know how important this intersection is to our community, and I'm proud we've delivered on my commitment to getting this project done," Minister Mickelberg said.
"Labor cut funding for this project, despite acknowledging this corridor was congested and dangerous, leaving Sunny Coast residents waiting while traffic volumes and safety concerns continued to grow. I said I would fight to restore this project and deliver it, and that's exactly what we've done.
"With more than 20,000 motorists travelling through this corridor every day, these improvements will help get locals home safer and sooner while improving access for pedestrians, bike riders and public transport users.
"The Sunshine Coast deserves infrastructure that keeps pace with growth. While Labor failed to plan for the region's future, we're getting on with the job of delivering the roads and transport projects our community needs to get home safer and sooner."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government recognised the importance of an upgraded Sugar Road and Mooloolaba Road intersection.
"This is congestion-busting infrastructure which will make it easier for every Sunshine Coast resident who uses these roads," Ms Simpson said.
"Labor failed to get the job done, but we're committed to delivering these critical upgrade works."
Dealer Principal of Pacific Motor Group Alister Eiseman welcomed the completion of the intersection works.
"As a local, I couldn't be happier with these upgrades," Mr Eiseman said.
"This intersection has been a major choke point for as long as I can remember. I lead a team of 135 people just down the road, and our staff, customers and suppliers have regularly found themselves caught in the daily traffic congestion.
"I can already see the difference with the traffic flow. It's a relief."
Further details on this project can be found at: Mooloolaba Road and Sugar Road intersection upgrade | Department of Transport and Main Roads
ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT: Mardi Norton, 0467 746 523
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
