Homes to be knocked over for Sugar Road and Maud Street upgrade

Homeowners have been told their properties will be forcibly sold and demolished to make way for upgrades to some of the region’s most congested roads. See the map.

Almost 20 homes and units will be forcibly sold to Sunshine Coast Council as it maps out the demolition of properties in the way of its major upgrade to Sugar Rd and Maud St in Maroochydore.

Council has unveiled plans for extra traffic lanes on the thoroughfares, with Sugar Rd to be widened from two lanes to four lanes between Wises Rd and Dalton Dr, while Maud St will be widened from two lanes to four lanes between Dalton Dr and Bungama St.

As part of the upgrade, council also revealed plans for key intersection upgrades, two-way cycling tracks, crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, improved pathways, as well as street lighting.

In a confidential session at its Ordinary Meeting in July, council voted to start the land resumption process for 19 properties at Maud St, Sugar Rd, Easton St, Coghlan Crt and Bungama St.

House resumptions are taking place for some properties on Maud Street, Maroochydore. Picture: Patrick Woods.

The move will see the destruction of established homes and units, with several having been built in the 1980s and 1990s.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said a letter they received from the council stated they could remain at the property until 2026 when construction was expected to start.

A council spokesperson said land resumptions began for the road upgrade on Maud St in 2016 and Sugar Rd in 2019.

A render of the Sugar Road and Maud Street Upgrade. Sunshine Coast Council has voted to resume land along this stretch of Maud Street. Picture: Supplied

“Council has been progressively buying properties as they come to market,” a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said.

“Council has contacted affected property owners to discuss this project.

“Further land is yet to be acquired, both residential and commercial.

“Those most familiar with the area acknowledge that an upgrade is required to improve the areas connectivity and accessibility.”

The spokesperson added that the upgrades seek to improve congestion along Sugar Rd and Maud St, with the former carrying over 25,000 vehicles a day.

“(They) are heavily congested during peak hours, with users experiencing long traffic queues and delays,” the spokesperson said.

“There’s also a lack of safe, off-road walking and riding paths.

“This important transit route is a top priority for Sunshine Coast Council.”

The project is currently in the draft concept phase, with community feedback now being sought.

“The ideas and input given through this engagement will help council finalise the design for the upgrades, providing a clearer estimate of the project cost,” the spokesperson added.

“Council will continue to keep the community informed and work with affected landowners and residents throughout this project.”

Construction is not expected to begin before 2026.

Community feedback is being sought on the project until Friday, September 15, 2023.

Property owners who object to the resumption of their land have until Thursday, September 28, 2023 to contact Council.

Originally published as Homes to be knocked over for Sugar Road and Maud Street upgrade