Ocean Street closed on Friday and Saturday nights for trial

Maroochydore’s Ocean Street will temporarily close on Friday and Saturday nights, between 5pm and 4am, over a six-week trial period approved by council.

The trial, requested by Maroochydore Revitalisation Association (MRA), will begin from March 25.

Sunshine Coast Council CEO Michael Whittaker said the trial was initiated due to the increased patronage at Ocean Street restaurants and concerns about safety.

“We will be investigating the benefits of closing Ocean Street on Friday and Saturday nights and pedestrian safety is number one on the list of what we’ll be closely looking at,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Other benefits that have been suggested include that a consistent closure would also be easy for people to remember the days and times, would help activate the street for families in the early evening and adults later at night, and it may provide opportunities to use the street for cultural activities such as music or art.

“The trial will be evaluated by council and the MRA, and will include consideration of the economic and community impacts.

“If deemed successful, the temporary closures would be ongoing.”

The closure will extend between the roundabout at the entrance to the Big Top Shopping Centre and Duporth Avenue and will allow full operation of the roundabout to continue.

If the closure continues past the trial, removable bollards and signage would be installed on Ocean St to remove the need for ongoing traffic management plans and traffic controllers.

The MRA will develop a communication strategy to allow the community to provide their comments on the trial.