Mooloolaba’s foreshore revitalisation will proceed after being given the green light by Sunshine Coast Council.
Construction will begin next year on Stage Two of the transformation, which will include more beachfront parkland, new accessible pathways and viewing deck, improved access to the beach and foreshore, enhanced community spaces, new modern public amenities and a terraced seawall.
Since 2012 the community has been routinely engaged on a range of Mooloolaba projects from the original Master Plan engagement reaching more than 3000 participants and receiving 82 per cent which resulted in 75 per cent support for Concept Blue.
Stage Two follows on from the completion of the hugely successful, multi-award winning first stage, the Northern Parklands and will ensure Mooloolaba thrives as a wonderful destination for Sunshine Coast residents and visitors, and is better protected from the predicted impacts of climate change.
Council has reinforced its commitment to helping businesses, community, sporting groups and residents plan for the Stage Two construction phase, with early works anticipated to start from February 2025.
Assisting this process has been the formation of two groups – the Mooloolaba Business Activation Group and Mooloolaba Stakeholder Interest Group – who have met on a number of occasions giving the project team an opportunity to unpack the design, listen and work with the business community in developing a draft Business Activation Plan.
The latest council meeting (30 May), was an opportunity for the project team to provide councillors and our community with a further update on the project, which was endorsed last year (January 25 2023).
This included providing an update on the community engagement history, key project drivers and the design and delivery of the project, specifically around Stage Two Central Meeting Place and Southern Seawall.
The new council accepted the recommendations in the report and approved the design, the construction timing for Stage Two and the finalisation of the Draft Business Activation Plan to begin implementation within the 2024-25 financial year.
This means the transformational project will now progress in line with the Master Plan and the 2022 Central Meeting Place community supported concept blue outcomes.
Deputy Mayor Maria Suarez said the report was an outcome from the Ordinary Meeting in January 2024, which requested a further project update be presented to the new Council prior to a construction tender being awarded.
“I’m pleased we’ve provided some extra time for the business community to prepare for this challenging project, which I’m certain will ensure Mooloolaba remains key tourism drawcard for the Sunshine Coast,” Cr Suarez said.
“We are focused on ensuring our business community is supported by Council and approving the finalisation of the Business Activation Plan is vital – a plan that’s been developed with valuable input from the Business Activation Group.
“This plan will help businesses to continue to attract locals and visitors before, during and after Stage Two’s construction, as well as share the future vision for this regionally significant project.
“We have been listening through these forums and it is apparent that there will never be absolute consensus about this project, but it is vitally important to present the facts and give our businesses and community certainty about when this project will occur.
“The revitalised foreshore will ensure Mooloolaba remains an attractive and competitive destination, whilst also playing an important role welcoming visitors, spectators and athletes attending the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
