Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson back-pedals on Mooloolah River Interchange plans

A long standing Sunshine Coast MP has watered down a promise to build to a major interchange under an LNP government, after admitting the project relied on withdrawn federal funding.

Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (Stage 1), The Australian and Queensland jointly committed $320 million on a 50:50 (federal:state) basis to deliver Stage 1 of the project. Investment ID 2007574 - Supplied Queensland Government

Touting a major interchange project as a key election promise could come back to haunt long standing MP Fiona Simpson, after admitting the LNP would need to “continue to fight” for federal funding.

When asked by this publication about her key promise to constituents in the upcoming election, Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson responded the delivery of the Mooloolah River Interchange was “critical”.

“Under an LNP government, building the road, rail and public transport networks that connect Maroochydore to SEQ and the Sunshine Coast, including building the Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) which was cancelled by Labor is critical,” Ms Simpson said.

The controversial interchange project was shelved by the state government earlier this year after the federal government withdrew its $160m funding promise.

MP Fiona Simpson’s promise to deliver the Mooloolah River Interchange under an LNP state government has been watered down amid questions over funding. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

When pushed on how she planned on delivering the project without having secured federal funding, Ms Simpson responded the LNP would “continue to fight” to restore the funds.

“We cannot afford further delays on vital Sunshine Coast infrastructure like the Mooloolah River Interchange, and only the LNP will continue to fight for federal funding to be restored for this project,” Ms Simpson said.

“The Palaszczuk/Miles Labor Government has short-changed the Sunshine Coast and refuses to stand up to their Labor mates in Canberra to get a fair deal for our community. 

“Labor have knocked over 100 homes in a housing crisis and spent $80 million doing so in the name of this project, and under this government it’s all been for nothing.

“Queensland needs a fresh start, only the LNP has the Right Plan for Queensland’s Future.”

The first stage of the embattled interchange project was set to build an overpass between Nicklin Way and Brisbane Rd in Mooloolaba, as well as a new road connecting Karawatha Dr to Brisbane Rd.

Upgrades to the Sunshine Motorway and a new Mooloolah River crossing were also planned as part of the project.

Labor’s Maroochydore candidate Naomi McQueen said the LNP were making untrustworthy promises and had a “$17bn black hole” in their budget.

“Until Fiona Simpson can say how the LNP will pay for all the promises they’re making, then the people of Maroochydore cannot trust anything she says. The LNP already has a $17 billion black hole in their budget and if they can’t say how they’ll fund a project, they will cut it,” Ms McQueen said.

“Last time the LNP cut nurses, midwives and public services jobs. What will it be this time?”

Originally published as Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson back-pedals on Mooloolah River Interchange plans