Unpolished gem ready to sparkle

Sunshine Coast Council’s much anticipated works to protect and enhance the natural beauty and unique character of the Maroochy River Foreshore are now underway.

Residents and visitors to the precious river foreshore, along Bradman Avenue in Maroochydore will soon be able to enjoy infrastructure that is fitting for such a beautiful and busy location.

Parks and Gardens Manager Mark Presswell said council was pleased to start construction on the first stage of the Maroochy River Foreshore Upgrade.

"The construction works have been designed to achieve the objectives outlined in the Maroochy River Foreshore Open Space Master Plan (2011)," he said.

"The Maroochy River Foreshore is a significant environmental and community recreation area so community engagement played a very important part of the development of the master plan.

"An extensive consultation process was conducted to ensure the final master plan accurately reflected the vision, priorities and community aspirations for this beautiful precinct."

The master plan provides a framework for the detailed design, construction and refurbishment of key parkland elements. Council has scheduled a capital funding allocation for staged implementation over the next three years, subject to funding approval.

Stage 1 works consist of improvements to the existing foreshore community recreation area including:

• upgrading the existing pedestrian pathway to 3m wide, allowing for safe use by pedestrians and cyclists;
• installation of a new picnic shelter with table and seat setting, including additional informal seating;
• general landscape works with mature tree planting, the establishment of new gardens and revegetation of areas below existing trees;
• upgrading of existing park furniture including bins, bike racks, bollards and provision for future lighting;
• upgrading the existing car park surface and kerbing to allow for improved drainage and access to footpath and beachfront.

Stage 1 construction commenced on 10 April and is scheduled for completion within 12 to 16 weeks (weather dependent).

Mr Presswell said during construction it is unlikely property access would be affected other than for short durations.

"Traffic and pedestrian management measures are in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists," he said.

"Your patience is appreciated whilst construction works are in progress."

For further information, email council’s Customer Contact Centre at [email protected] or phone 5475 7272.