Toowoomba, Sunshine Coast projects get $32m boost in SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund

New life has been breathed into a troubled mountain bike project in southeast Queensland as part of a massive $32m funding deal between all three tiers of government.

Toowoomba’s long-awaited mountain biking precinct on the edge of the escarpment has taken a big step forward after a $7.5m funding agreement between three levels of government.

The Jubilee Park section of the Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails Project will move ahead soon as one of three projects funded through the final round of the $285.8m SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund.

The announcement by federal and state governments and the Council of Mayors SEQ will see 35km of new trails built through the park to create “a world class biking facility on the Great Dividing Range escarpment”.

It is a major advancement for a master plan now more than five years in the making, which has hit a number of stumbling blocks on its way to fruition.

A new proposal for the Toowoomba Escarpment Mountain Bike Trail master plan has been approved by the council.

The Toowoomba Regional Council in May last year endorsed a revamp to it after Redwood Park was removed from the project following pressure from local environmental groups.

This followed the council controversially terminating a previous federal funding agreement worth $6.6m in March.

The addition of Prince Henry Drive Park would create 60km worth of new trails, bringing the total number to 100km that is considered a requirement to meeting national guidelines and attract large events.

Toowoomba mayor Geoff McDonald said he was excited to see the sports tourism the project would deliver for the region.

“(A total of) $13.48m has now been committed through the SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund for a number of priority council projects,” he said.

Southern Cross Oval in Harlaxton.

“It’s great to see all levels of government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) working together to deliver significant investment for Toowoomba.

“This includes more than $5.48m towards the escarpment mountain bike trails which will help Toowoomba establish itself as a nationally significant mountain biking destination ahead of Brisbane 2032.

“This means more recreation opportunities for resident riders, and a boost for the visitor economy.”

Lochlan Penberthy of Toowoomba Bears against Toowoomba Rangers in Downs Rugby Risdon Cup round three rugby union at Southern Cross oval, Saturday, April 30, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Toowoomba also secured another $4.5m through the final round of funding to upgrade the amenities at Southern Cross Oval in Harlaxton, which will see the existing facility replaced with a “state-of-the-art building”.

The oval field is used by AFL club the South Toowoomba Bombers, rugby’s Toowoomba Bears and Toowoomba Cricket.

New ‘meeting place’ for Mooloolaba in funding deal

An artist's impression of the Central Meeting Place in Mooloolaba with increased beachfront parkland and new wider pathways to allow for improved connectivity along the foreshore.

Easily the biggest project in the final round is the Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s Mooloolaba Central Meeting Place, which secured $20m from the joint agreement.

The proposed precinct, part of the master plan for the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, will deliver “enhanced parkland, improve accessibility, create new coastal pathways and meeting spaces, as well as install public art and picnic areas with Wi-Fi and turtle safe lighting”.

Sunshine Coast deputy mayor Maria Suarez said the project was an essential new green space for a growing community in the region.

“This injection further enhances council’s commitment to ensuring we deliver the best value project outcomes for our community while ensuring the lifestyle of our residents and visitors alike is maintained and prospers,” she said.

“The revitalisation of the foreshore will deliver valuable open space for recreation and play and will provide areas for our community to meet, gather and celebrate, as well as watch and participate in beach sports and public events.

“The SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund has now committed $31.95m for the Sunshine Coast on projects that will make the Sunshine Coast an even more attractive destination to live and visit.

“This includes funding for new active transport links at Caloundra and Mooloolaba, and a new coastal pathway project at Alexandra Headland and Kings Beach.”

Federal cities minister Jenny McAllister said the fund would provide key infrastructure for the fast-growing southeast corner.

“With nearly six million people expected to call SEQ home by 2046, we want to ensure that the region has a strong economy and thriving communities,” she said.

“From aquatic centres and bike trails to new coastal walks and sports centres, we are funding projects that will make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives.”

State development acting minister Ros Bates believed the three projects would “prioritise” local needs while supporting growth.