Caloundra Area Transport StudyCouncil is undertaking the Caloundra Area Transport Study to rationalise road network infrastructure improvements necessary to support Caloundra now and into the future.

Why is council doing this?

Council is required by legislation to prepare Long Term Infrastructure Plans. These Plans will: ensure infrastructure is provided efficiently

and supported by appropriate development contributions

provide the greatest network performance improvements for the least investment

help keep council rates down.

The study reviews previously planned upgrades to ensure planned road infrastructure remains relevant and seeks to identify other opportunities that may warrant further investigation. The study takes account of likely impacts of the Caloundra South development and considers the Sunshine Coast light rail project.

The strategic road upgrades being investigated aim to improve access to the Caloundra central business district, supporting development and economic vitality.

Why plan so far ahead?Infrastructure is expensive and takes time to plan, design, obtain any necessary approvals and construct. Investment in infrastructure therefore needs to be carefully considered to ensure limited council resources are used most effectively and at the right time. Planning ahead ensures council can identify opportunities, limit road construction and ensure the social, environmental and economic costs of critical infrastructure are minimised.

What projects are being considered?Council is investigating strategic road corridor upgrades to improve access to the Caloundra central business district by walking, cycling, bus and car. Refer to the map overleaf which shows the projects being considered.

How will council afford these projects?All projects require further investigation to fully quantify costs. They will then be prioritised and considered in council’s 10-year capital works program. The 2012/2013 capital works program was $146 million, which was funded by revenue from rates, developer contributions and state government grants.

Will property need to be resumed?The efficiency of the current road network will be maximised before additional infrastructure is provided. Council is still in the early stages of planning improvements and will endeavour to use existing road reserves before impacting on private property. Council will notify and engage with any affected property owners as soon as possible.

When will those projects that proceed to detailed planning be completed?Council is in the early stages of investigating the staging, timing and need for each project. Further work will be undertaken to determine the preferred staging and timing.

How will each option impact the environment?This study will identify projects which may have environmental impacts. These will be considered in more detail as part of future studies where appropriate.

How can I provide my comments on the projects being considered in this study?Not all projects will be funded. The community is invited to provide comment on the projects being considered. To have your say, please contact council:

Emailtransportplanning@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

PostSunshine Coast CouncilCaloundra Area Transport StudyLocked Bag 72Sunshine Coast Mail Centre QLD 4560

1 of 2 Caloundra Area Transport Study – May 2013

2 of 2 Caloundra Area Transport Study – May 2013