In response to queries requesting an update on the Sunshine Motorway, Department of Transport and Main Road (TMR) provided the following information. Please note the Sunshine Motorway is not within the Noosa State Electorate nor the Noosa Shire as it feeds into Walter Hay Drive when it reaches the Noosa border, however, this information is provided for those who travel on this route.

Sunshine Motorway (Mooloolaba – Peregian), Pacific Paradise to Coolum Planning project

  • The Queensland Government has allocated $1.75 million to undertake planning for the future duplication of a key link on the Sunshine Motorway.
  • An approximate 10-kilometre section of the motorway, between David Low Way to north of Yandina–Coolum Road interchange, has been identified for an upgrade due to current traffic demands and expected future growth in the region. A map showing the project location: click here
  • Planning is now underway to investigate doubling the motorway’s capacity from two to four lanes to help improve safety, connectivity and efficiency.
  • The project will investigate replacing the existing roundabout at Yandina-Coolum Road with a grade-separated interchange and any necessary upgrades on the approaches to the intersection. This includes upgrades to the existing roundabout at School Road, east of the motorway.
  • As part of the project, provisions for active transport and improvements to the Yandina–Coolum Road roundabout and the School Road intersection are also being considered.
  • TMR carried out community consultation in late 2021 to understand current issues along this link and invite suggestions for future improvements.
  • Further consultation is planned to be undertaken in 2022 as planning progresses.
  • Timelines for construction of the proposed upgrade have not yet been identified and will be subject to availability of funding against competing infrastructure priorities across Queensland.
  • Further updates will be published on the project webpage at tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/sunshine-motorway-mooloolaba-peregian-pacific-paradise-to-coolum-planning.
  • Previous planning has been undertaken for future upgrades to the Sunshine Motorway and Emu Mountain Road, between Yandina–Coolum Road and Eumundi-Noosa Road.
  • Funding to progress planning for further upgrades to the Sunshine Motorway and Emu Mountain Road will be considered during future program reviews.

Sunshine Motorway – Buderim–Mooloolaba Interchange to Maroochy Boulevard

  • The Buderim–Mooloolaba Interchange to Maroochy Boulevard (BMI2MB) is a key urban interchange on the Sunshine Motorway comprising a northbound and southbound exit ramp from the Sunshine Motorway and a southbound entry ramp to the Sunshine Motorway. A map showing the project location: click here.
  • Due to the interchange’s proximity to Maroochy Boulevard Interchange, no northbound entry ramp to the Sunshine Motorway exists from the Buderim–Mooloolaba Interchange. Access is via local roads and the Maroochy Boulevard Interchange.
  • Planning for the BMI2MB project is progressing following the initial community consultation phase in 2021, with a preliminary evaluation now underway to investigate long-term and potential short-term solutions to improve efficiency, capacity and safety at the interchanges.
  • Further consultation is planned to be undertaken in 2022 as planning progresses. The preliminary evaluation is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
  • The evaluation will investigate improving connectivity to the Maroochydore City Centre, Mooloolaba, Buderim and the Sunshine Motorway while incorporating provisions for active transport.
  • Timelines for construction of the proposed upgrade have not yet been identified and will be subject to availability of funding against competing infrastructure priorities across Queensland.
  • Further updates will be published on the project webpage at tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/sunshine-motorway-mooloolaba-peregian-buderim-mooloolaba-interchange-to-maroochy-boulevard-planning.

Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (Stage 1)

  • The Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade will deliver a safe, efficient and effective transport network to meet the current and future transport needs of the Sunshine Coast.
  • The Queensland Government has committed $160 million to deliver Stage 1 of this project as part of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program 2021–2022 to 2024–25. The Australian Government has committed $160 million to deliver Stage 1 of this project.
  • TMR undertook community consultation on the project’s planning layout in July and August 2021. Design work has begun and is expected to be completed in 2023. Construction timeframes for Stage 1, including a start date, will be determined as part of the detailed design phase.
  • Layouts and a flythrough can be viewed on the project webpage and further updates will be published on this page at tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/sunshine-motorway-mooloolah-river-interchange-upgrade-stage-1.