The 2025-26 State Budget has been handed down this week and the Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP has raised concerns regarding the progress of the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass after perusing budget documents.
“Given the additional $7.1 million we achieved last year from the former government bringing the full planning budget to $8.5 million, and the $30 million for construction funding committed by the new government during the 2024 State Election, that there is no mention of these amounts in the Sunshine Coast Snapshot, understandably raises questions.”
“The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) that accompanied the budget has the $8.5 million for the planning budget listed and states construction is to start on the remaining stages in 2028/29, which is not the fast tracking sought, nor in line with the LNP Government’s commitment or community expectations.” said Ms. Bolton.
LNP issued a press release in October 2024 stating work on the bypass would “commence in the first term of an LNP government, with the LNP committing $30 million to commence the project to duplicate Beckmans Road and connect Cooroy Noosa Road to Eumundi Noosa Road”.
“The LNP’s plan includes fast-tracking the remaining stages of the Beckmans Road upgrade project, working closely with Noosa Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads to deliver it,” it said.
Premier David Crisafulli said at the time that delivering the Tewantin Bypass was part of the LNP’s Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.
“An LNP government will drive the Tewantin Bypass to become reality, improving traffic flow and reducing travel times for families and tourists,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“We are committed to building the infrastructure needed for the future of our regions and getting our busy roads flowing again, with our Safer Roads, Better Transport program.”
The Noosa MP sees no reason for any delay in the construction of stage two whilst planning for the final is completed and will continue advocating for construction of the next stage to be commenced as soon as possible, and has requested a meeting between herself, Noosa Council and TMR to work through any challenges there may be.
“With stage one of the bypass at the intersection of Beckmans Road and Cooroy-Noosa Road completed in December 2022, it is vital we get shovels in the ground on stage 2 as soon as possible,” said Ms. Bolton.
In May, Ms Bolton asked a Question on Notice (QON) in parliament to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) requesting an update on the progress of fast tracking the design and business case of the next stages of these long- awaited works. In addition, she asked what the $30 million for construction funding committed by the government will be utilised for given it is only a portion of what was estimated as needed, and a timeline for these works.
The minister’s response, which can be read in full at www.bit.ly/MaybypassQON, reiterated the new government’s commitment of those funds to commence delivery and that TMR continue to actively engage with Noosa Shire Council, given the road is under their management.
“We appreciate the commitment to commence, and Minister Brent Mickelberg’s efforts on this and other items, including the Factory St, Pomona pedestrian crossing and new boating infrastructure in Noosa, however we need to continue the works started in 2021 with stage one now, not in three years’ time.”
“At every election over the past 25 years, the Tewantin Bypass has been used as a ‘carrot’ by both major parties, with nothing achieved until Noosa became independent in 2017. Given our new government’s promise to get the remaining stages done, this is an opportunity for them to demonstrate both capacity and capability to deliver, and within this term,” said Ms. Bolton.
