The Sunshine Coast region has secured more than $25 million in Federal funding to fast-track two major projects.
The allocation came from a $159 million commitment to support 25 projects across Queensland.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said a sports complex located at Meridan Plains and the First Avenue Streetscape at Maroochydore would benefit from the investment.
“Council selected the Honey Farm Sports and Recreation Precinct and the First Avenue Streetscape to be supported due to the benefit they will deliver to our community,” Mayor Natoli said.
“They will provide much-needed community facilities, parklands and infrastructure to create a healthier and more connected community and support our local businesses.”
She said the Honey Farm Sports and Recreation Precinct, which was allocated $13.6 million, would now be delivered faster than anticipated.
“Our community will be enjoying some of these facilities as soon as next year.”
Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said the precinct was a greenfield sports complex that would provide a major regional sporting, recreation and community precinct for the Sunshine Coast.
Cr Dickson said it would feature first-class sporting fields and ovals for soccer and cricket, hardcourt activities, skateboarding and disc golf.
“It will also feature playgrounds, nature trails, wetland experiences, dog-friendly areas and opportunities for community events.
“(It) will also be a new home for some sports relocated as part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure improvements.”
Cr Dickson said the First Avenue Streetscape project, which received $11.9 million, would be critical in connecting the Maroochydore City Centre to Cotton Tree and Ocean Street.
He said the streetscape upgrade would transform the older section of First Avenue, Maroochydore, providing businesses, residents and visitors a more inviting space to live, work and play.
“This project is a critical step in connecting the established northern section of First Avenue with the newly expanded City Centre, Aerodrome Road, The Esplanade and Duporth Avenue.
“The streetscape focuses on improving the built urban environment with shaded and attractive open space to conduct business, enjoy the local restaurants and actively move about more safely and efficiently by calming local traffic.”
He said the First Avenue Streetscape was now expected to be delivered in 2027.
The other Queensland projects to receive Federal funding were:
- $4 million for the Cairns Community and Multicultural Centre.
- $2 million upgrade to the PCYC Cairns facilities.
- $5 million upgrade to the Redlynch Community Sporting Precinct.
- $2.65 million for Stage 2 of the Cultural Knowledge Centre in Dixie for the Olkola People.
- $1.95 million for streetscape beautification and shared cycle and pedestrian paths in Mapoon.
- $7.49 million for a new council administration and community development hub for Wujal Wujal.
- $1.84 million for a Digital Services Centre in Hope Vale.
- $15 million for the Cannon Valley Sports Park.
- $14.87 million for the Cannonvale Community Facility.
- $5.33 million for the Harbour Arbour, East Shores to City Heart Activation in Gladstone.
- $1.38 million for the Woorabinda Water Park.
- $1.91 million for the Precinct 58 Redevelopment of the Bundaberg and Rural fire stations.
- $10.42 million for the Boulia Shire Community Hub.
- $4.09 million for the Burketown Health and Wellbeing Precinct Stage 1.
- $5.99 million for the Scarr Street Revitalisation Project in Cloncurry.
- $1.79 million for the Hughenden Showgrounds.
- $2.13 million for the Barcoo Regional Sports and Recreation Enhancements Project.
- $14.96 million for the Blackall Cultural Precinct.
- $2.25 million for the Longreach Recreational Precinct.
- $9.5 million for the Roma Pool Revitalisation.
- $14.8 million Eromanga Natural History Museum Dinosaur Galleries.
- $1.98 million for the Kingaroy Youth Park Development Stage 1.
- $2.74 million for the Southport Spit Emergency Services Hub
