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Leave our beachside suburbs be

Most infrastructure projects proposed for the Coast receive some form of backlash from a group of residents resistant to change.

A protest carried out yesterday opposed a cycle way along Alexandra Pde.
A protest carried out yesterday opposed a cycle way along Alexandra Pde.

SOAPBOX: MOST infrastructure projects proposed for the Coast receive some form of backlash from a group of residents resistant to change.

It’s inevitable that pockets of our region will change over time to accommodate the growing population.

While we can’t stand still, it’s important the concerns of residents protesting a project are heard so government bodies can find middle ground.

This is especially true when a project has the potential to change the feel of two beachside suburbs at the centre of it all.

Community group The Beach Matters yesterday carried out a peaceful protest, opposing the proposed Mooloolaba to Maroochydore cycleway.

If they hadn’t been so outspoken about the 1.2km separated bike path, Coast residents wouldn’t be as aware of the implications it will have.

On its completion, I might have gone down for an after-work dip to realise the cycle way meant a lot less green space along Alexandra Pde.

It’s great that Main Roads and Sunshine Coast Council are trying to encourage more cycling but I don’t think more concrete is the right fit for the area.

I think we need to continue campaigns to encourage drivers to be cyclist aware.

And leave the beaches be.

Originally published as

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/opinion/leave-our-beachside-suburbs-be/news-story/28e1d25807a56a37d390a5fc4e826584