The Federal and Queensland Governments and the South East Queensland (SEQ) Council of Mayors are set to provide of $32 million to improve liveability in Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.
As the final tranche of projects funded under the $285.8 million SEQ Liveability Fund, the three successful projects announced are:
- $20.4 million for Mooloolaba Central Meeting Place – Sunshine Coast Council
- As part of the foreshore revitalisation, this project will deliver enhanced parkland, improve accessibility, create new coastal pathways and meeting spaces, as well as install public art and picnic areas with WiFi and turtle safe lighting
- $7.5 million for Escarpment Mountain Bike Trails Project – Jubilee Park – Toowoomba Regional Council
- This project delivers up to 35km of new mountain bike trails, creating a world class biking facility on the Great Dividing Range escarpment
- $4.5 million for Southern Cross Oval Amenities Upgrade – Toowoomba Regional Council
- The project will replace the existing facility with a state-of-the-art building
Projects previously announced through the $285.8 million SEQ Liveability Fund include all-abilities walking and cycling trails on the Sunshine Coast, upgrading the Beenleigh Aquatic Centre and a new precinct celebrating silo art in the Lockyer Valley.
Federal Minister for Cities, Jenny McAllister, said that SEQ is growing quickly, and the Federal Government is working with its partners to ensure everyone has access to the essential infrastructure that makes communities great places to live.
“With nearly six million people expected to call SEQ home by 2046, we want to ensure that the region has a strong economy and thriving communities,” Minister McAllister said.
“From aquatic centres and bike trails to new coastal walks and sports centres, we are funding projects that will make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives.”
Acting Queensland Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Ros Bates, said that the State Government is committed to delivering infrastructure projects in partnership with local communities.
“Generational infrastructure is key to creating a thriving future that protects the lifestyle of those living in South East Queensland, and these projects prioritise local needs while promoting sustainable growth,” Acting Minister Bates said.
Sunshine Coast Council Deputy Mayor, Maria Suarez, said that this is another example of all levels of government working together to upgrade the Mooloolaba Foreshore.
“This injection further enhances Council’s commitment to ensuring we deliver the best value project outcomes for our community while ensuring the lifestyle of our residents and visitors alike is maintained and prospers,” Deputy Mayor Suarez said.
“The revitalisation of the foreshore will deliver valuable open space for recreation and play and will provide areas for our community to meet, gather and celebrate, as well as watch and participate in beach sports and public events.
“The SEQ City Deal Liveability Fund has now committed $31.95 million for the Sunshine Coast on projects that will make the Sunshine Coast an even more attractive destination to live and visit.
“This includes funding for new active transport links at Caloundra and Mooloolaba, and a new coastal pathway project at Alexandra Headland and Kings Beach.”
Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor, Geoff McDonald, said that it’s great to see all levels of government and the Council of Mayors (SEQ) working together to deliver significant investment for Toowoomba.
“This includes more than $5.48 million towards the escarpment mountain bike trails which will help Toowoomba establish itself as a nationally significant mountain biking destination ahead of Brisbane 2032,” Mayor McDonald said.
“This means more recreation opportunities for resident riders, and a boost for the visitor economy.”
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