State gov promises to start anti-traffic works on the Sunshine Coast in 2025

The state government has announced a five-step plan to fix congestion issues in one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest areas.

Premier David Crisafulli speaking at a press conference on Monday.

The Crisafulli government has pledged to “put shovels in the ground” and kickstart works to ease congestion in a busy Sunshine Coast area before the end of 2025.

More than 32,000 vehicles travel the Caloundra Road corridor every day, making it one of the busiest arterial roads in Queensland outside of Brisbane.

In what it’s calling the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan, the LNP revealed it would fund five traffic-easing projects with money from last week’s State Budget.

Premier David Crisafulli said his government was committed to delivering on its election promise to “put an end to the Caloundra carpark”, referring to the standstill traffic in the area.

“I want people on the Sunny Coast to know that we do believe in keeping our promises and we do believe in making sure that growing regions are given the infrastructure they need to grow on their own terms,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Traffic has been clogged up here for too long, which is why we are removing the gridlock to get Caloundra Road flowing again.”

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie speaking at a press conference in Caloundra on Monday.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the project was about “more than just reducing congestion”.

“It’s about creating a transport network that supports economic growth, enhances liveability, and ensures Queensland is ready to shine on the global stage in 2032,” he said.

“I can’t wait to see shovels in the ground, sods turned on projects in the next little while.”

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg called the project a “game-changer for the region”.

“Work has already started, and we are exploring innovative ways to deliver this project to ensure value for money for taxpayers and maximise the benefits for Queenslanders,” he said.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg speaking at a press conference in Caloundra on Monday.

Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said upgrades would make it “easier and safer” for all motorists in the area.

“Our community has told us loud and clear that congestion is impacting daily life – from school drop-offs to weekend beach trips,” Ms Morton said.

“We live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world and we simply can’t get around.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the announcement was “incredibly exciting”.

“We know that sitting in traffic is having an impact, not only on lifestyle, but also an economic impact,” she said.

“So if work can begin and we can actually see a difference… that is very welcome news.”

Premier David Crisafulli, Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie and Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg at a press conference on Monday.

The LNP said the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan had five key parts.

First, completing the Nicklin Way to Third Ave connection, providing alternative access into Caloundra CBD.

Second, constructing a new Kawana Way Link Road-Bells Creek Arterial Road overpass over Caloundra Road.

Third, upgrading the Bellvista Boulevard-Caloundra Road intersection, including adding slip lanes to and from Caloundra Road.

Fourth, upgrading the intersection of Nicklin Way, Caloundra Road, and Pelican Waters Boulevard.

And lastly, a new link between Aura Boulevard to Pelican Waters Boulevard to ease pressure on Caloundra Road.