It’s no surprise that the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland. Known for its #Instagood worthy pictures and laid-back lifestyle, everyone is looking for a way to make this holiday destination, home.
Bruce Highway Upgrade
The good news for locals and future locals, is that increased growth in the area is being supported by better infrastructure. At present, the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway, is in full swing. Not only does the project aim to deliver critical safety benefits to motorists but will also improve efficiency and cater for future growth. The $812.95 million project is expected to be completed by 2020 and in the meantime, creates a number of direct and indirect employment opportunities on the Sunshine Coast. For More information on the upgrade, click here.
Light Rail
Once on the Sunshine Coast, getting around is fairly easy, provided you have a car. For those though who rely on public transport, know that better links and services need to be developed.
Thankfully, initial planning and a business case is currently being put together which could see Light Rail link Maroochydore to Caloundra as part of phase 1. The benefits of light rail are well known internationally and Sydney, Parramatta, Canberra and Newcastle are all joining the light rail renaissance. The ACT is a city of similar size and current density to the Sunshine Coast and demonstrates how a local administration is able to plan, fund and deliver a light rail project in partnership with all levels of government and the private sector.
Key features of the project will:
- Create 9000 jobs directly and indirectly during construction and operation;
- Reduce reliance on car travel and traffic congestion;
- Potentially cut pollution by reducing fossil fuel use; and
- Inject $3.6 billion in benefits back into the regional economy.
Subject to funding, The Coast could see phase 1 delivered by 2025.
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