A local road extension that promises to reduce travel times and provide walking and riding options for locals, is being progressed by Sunshine Coast Council.
Extending Goshawk Boulevard 700 metres east to connect Stringybark Road to Power Road will reduce traffic congestion and delays by encouraging more active transport through investment in significant walking and riding infrastructure.
This will also allow locals, particularly those currently living on or near Power Road and Goshawk Boulevard, to avoid traffic bottlenecks on the eastern end of Sippy Downs Drive and at the Dixon Road/ Ballinger and Karawatha Drive roundabout.
Feedback on the concept design is being sought via Council’s Have Your Say page to inform the detailed design phase.
Exact timeframes for construction are subject to future budget allocations.
Division 7 Councillor Ted Hungerford said currently, there was no direct road or active transport connection between neighbourhoods north of the Sippy Downs town centre.
“At present, residents have to travel through the town centre which increases trip times, discourages walking and riding and adds to congestion,” Cr Hungerford said.
“Extending Goshawk Boulevard will help calm traffic in this busy area, give residents more options for walking and riding, and provide an essential secondary access to the Atrium Development.
“This two-lane road will also reduce congestion along adjacent streets.
“No one wants to spend their time in traffic – that’s one of the reasons many residents moved from big cities – to escape traffic jams!”
Transport Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said that in future, the inclusion of a walking path, crossings, and a two-way riding path separated from the road, will give locals the option to safely walk or ride to nearby shops and gain access to the new Stringybark Road pedestrian and cycling bridge.
“Works would also include landscaping to create a cooler, greener thoroughfare,” Cr Dickson said.
“Council is determined to alleviate transit hotspots by providing alternative transport solutions that are easily accessible for walking and riding, reducing our reliance on cars, particularly for shorter journeys around your neighbourhood.
“This aligns with Council’s Corporate Plan 2025-2030, which includes the goal of building a strong, healthy and active community that protects our quality of life here on the Coast.”
Fellow Transport Portfolio Councillor Winston Johnston said planning for the Goshawk Boulevard extension transport link had been in place since the late 1990s.
“It’s important that Council always plan for future growth, hence in 2003 Council purchased land to provide two important outcomes for the community: an environmental reserve, and a transport corridor,” Cr Johnston said.
“Council completed a planning study on the connection of Stringybark Road to Power Road in 2007, taking into account environmental, social and economic issues.
“Community consultation was then undertaken and the preferred alignment for the transport corridor identified, with Council adopting the Goshawk Boulevard extension at its Ordinary Meeting of September 2007. View endorsed alignment.
“This chosen alignment reduces the impact on specific environmentally valuable trees and reduces the impact of the future road on the surrounding environment.”
Council is now seeking feedback on the concept design before progressing the Goshawk Boulevard extension.
Visit Council’s Have your Say website to view the project and share your feedback.
You can also visit one of the community pop-ups at Chancellor Park Marketplace, 18 University Way, Sippy Downs on Thursday 13 November, 3-6pm or Saturday 22 November, 11am till 2pm
Share your thoughts by 5pm Friday, 28 November.
