Sunshine Coast Council documents reveal extent of project delays

Detailed reasons behind delays to a number of major Sunshine Coast projects have emerged.

Plans for the $37.8m Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade have been referred as a matter of national environmental signficance.

Documents have revealed the reasons behind a number of delays to major Sunshine Coast projects, including the pause on Olympics infrastructure.

The Sunshine Coast Council’s ordinary meeting, held on Thursday, February 27, revealed a number of the major projects for the region had either been delayed or gone over budget.

Among the delays listed was work to the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade, which has been referred to the federal government as a matter of national environmental significance.

See what has fallen behind schedule:

The Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade has hit a hurdle regarding environmental significance.

Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade

The council documents stated the project, set to provide an alternative route into the Caloundra CBD, had been delayed as the plans were referred to federal government for action.

“An Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) referral was lodged during this quarter and has resulted in a controlled action determination,” the documents stated.

“The project team is working with Aurecon and the Australian Government in relation to the requirements of this determination.”

Councillor Terry Landsberg said he found that latest development regarding the transport corridor upgrade to be “concerning”.

“To stand here today and obviously note that the project has been delayed has been elevated as a matter of national environmental significance to me as a councillor is concerning in regards to the process along the whole journey,” Mr Landsberg said.

Mr Landsberg also said the possibility of a referral as a Matter of National Environment Significance was not raised during discussions with stakeholders and the state government department of transport and main roads.

“Not once during those discussions with (stakeholder interest group) was an MNES raised in regards to that impact,” Mr Landsberg said.

Mr Landsberg said the referral would affect the entire upgrade project.

According to the documents, stage two of the upgrade is also still dependent on Queensland government funding.

Section one was on track to begin in the last quarter of the 24/25 financial year.

Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre, Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre and the Sunshine Coast Athletes Village

Work on major upgrades and projects to ready the region for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have also been delayed, despite steady initial progress.

“All three Sunshine Coast competition venues had funding approved by the Queensland and Australian Governments in early 2024 and were publicly announced on 17 May 2024,” the documents stated.

“Tender packages for both the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Sunshine Coast Indoor Sports Centre were released however contracts were unable to be entered into prior to the 2024 state election caretaker period.”

Work had begun on the mountain biking centre.

The council documents stated the Queensland government’s 100-day review had paused any further progress.

Honey Farm Road sport and recreation project

The progress report stated earthworks have continued for the Honey Farm Road project, which is set to deliver running tracks, football fields and cycling paths.

However, the major development still remains behind schedule, according to the council documents.

“The weather remains a challenge for this site with the project team and contractors working closely to keep works progressing effectively where possible,” the documents stated.

The extensive plans for the Honey Farm Road precinct include sporting fields, running tracks and bike paths.

Battery energy storage system

The council’s community battery plan is also expected to run over its allocated budget in the 24/25 financial year.

“Investigation of three possible locations for the Battery Energy Storage Solution continues with the procurement activity to commence following confirmation of location,” the documents stated.

“Adjustment to the 2024-25 capital budget for the project may be required to bring forward money deferred to 2025-26 to ensure project timing aligns with the budget.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast Council documents reveal extent of project delays