Ocean Street taxi rank gets an upgrade for Christmas

Thanks to Federal Government funding an upgrade to the Ocean Street taxi rank is complete just in time for the busy Christmas and New Year and will enhance community safety.

Transport Strategy Portfolio Councillor Rick Baberowski said Sunshine Coast Council is pleased that this initiative recognises that taxis can play an important role in the transport options available for residents and visitors.

“The Ocean Street taxi rank upgrade received $90,600 Attorney-General’s Department funding through the Safer Suburbs Program,” Cr Baberowski said.

“This upgrade also points to the future as the Sunshine Coast Council Planning Scheme nominates the rapidly growing Maroochydore as the most important central precinct for the region in the coming twenty years.”

Division 8 Councillor Jason OPray said Ocean Street is fast becoming the entertainment precinct of the Sunshine Coast.

“This popular precinct has seen the recent opening of a number of new entertainment venues and restaurants, with more planned in 2015,” Cr OPray said.

“The timing for the completion of this upgrade couldn’t be better. With Christmas and New Year just around the corner patrons will benefit from the significant upgrades including rank widening, safety railing, landscape restoration, seating refurbishments and CCTV installation.

“This project will ensure the taxi rank is able to cope with current and future demands of this precinct.”

Acting Superintendent Jason Overland said the Queensland Police Service is committed to working in partnership with the community and other stakeholders to enhance community safety.

“The installation of CCTV at this taxi rank has the ability to reduce the opportunity to commit crime, reduce the fear of crime, increase the risk of detection and in general improving the safety for both patrons and taxi drivers.”