Council's $47m transport plan will reshape how Sunshine Coast residents move around their city

The Sunshine Coast City Council has unveiled an ambitious $47 million transport infrastructure programme set to reshape how residents navigate the region over the next five years—and understanding what's planned for your street could save you time and money.

The investment targets three key corridors that have become notorious bottlenecks for commuters. Alexandra Headland to Maroochydore will see dedicated bus lanes expanded along the Esplanade, while Coolum's coastal approach roads are earmarked for significant widening. Most significantly, the proposed cycleway network expansion will add 32 kilometres of new paths connecting Mooloolaba through Buderim to Nambour—addressing years of community requests from residents tired of car-dependent commutes.

For families and workers relying on public transport, the timing matters. Current average commute times from outer suburbs like Bli Bli to the city centre sit at 52 minutes by bus—among Australia's longest for regional cities. The new express service routes outlined in the plan could reduce this to 38 minutes by 2028, according to preliminary modelling.

But the rollout comes with costs locals need to anticipate. Road works on Cotton Tree Drive are expected to begin in early 2027, with partial lane closures likely through winter. The council has committed to maintaining at least one lane in each direction, though congestion during peak hours is unavoidable. Similarly, the Mooloolaba Esplanade cycleway construction will restrict parking in summer 2027—affecting the estimated 8,000 daily visitors who rely on street parking during the tourist season.

Residential areas near Maroochydore town centre should expect property values to shift. Historical data shows homes within 400 metres of new transit corridors appreciate 6-9 per cent faster than those further away. For renters, council estimates suggest modest increases of $15-25 weekly as demand for proximity to transport hubs intensifies.

The plan also allocates $8.2 million for upgrading pedestrian infrastructure in Nambour's CBD and Alexandra Headland's commercial strip—moves that local business associations have championed as essential for revitalising these neighbourhoods.

Residents can review detailed ward-by-ward breakdowns at the council's Maroochydore administrative centre or online. Public consultation periods for specific corridors will open progressively through July, with community meetings scheduled in Coolum, Alexandra Headland, and Nambour. For those relying on daily commutes or considering property decisions, engaging with these consultations over the next month could directly influence what your neighbourhood looks like in 2030.

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