Sunshine Coast Council has officially opened the $16 million world-class Mooloolaba Northern Parkland to the public.
One hectare of multi-level parklands is now open for locals and visitors flocking to the foreshore, offering hours of healthy and active beachfront fun on one of the region’s most beloved coastlines.
The Mooloolaba Northern Parkland is the first stage of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project which over the coming years, will increase beachfront parkland in Mooloolaba by 40 per cent.
It is expected to lure thousands of additional visitors to the area, providing an estimated $5.5 million worth of extra expenditure in local businesses each year.
It will also prepare the Sunshine Coast for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympics world stage.
A renewed seawall, bordered by trailing vegetation, protects the foreshore from the impact of intense storms and erosion.
Revegetation, weed removal and landscaping was a vital component of the project which was recently recognised by the Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc for its excellence and environmentally responsible design.
The $16 million Stage One Northern Parkland was developed with the support of the Queensland Government’s $50 million Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Package in association with Sunshine Coast Council.
Council said it was proud to have local firms design and deliver the new community precinct, including main contractor Murphy’s Builders supported by Place Design Group, Barlow Shelley Engineers, The Jetty Specialists, Fleetwood and Urban Play – among many other project contributors.
Mooloolaba’s Northern Parkland features:
- A 200m-metre accessible boardwalk with viewing platforms and seating
- Open grass spaces to picnic, play ball, or host weddings and entertainment events
- Two new beach access points
- Sheltered barbecues and dining tables offering unencumbered ocean views
- State-of-the-art adventure playground featuring a multidimensional climbing net, large swing set and nature-inspired Pandanus Play Towers and slides
- Ocean-view deck offering some of the best coastal views in Mooloolaba
- New public toilets providing People with Disability access and ambulant facilities
- Upgraded seawall to protect our foreshore from future weather events
- Accessible ocean pathways and public seating
- More than 120 new trees and 10,000 new plants in addition to the protection of the Norfolk Pines and existing native vegetation. The project has been recognised for its design excellence and environmental responsibility by the Australian Institute of Horticulture Inc (AIH)
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor, Mark Jamieson, said the new parkland would ensure Mooloolaba remained an attractive and competitive destination.
“The Northern Parkland offers a space for our community and I’m proud Council has delivered this important first stage for everyone to enjoy,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“From family barbecues to golden days at the beach, children’s parties at the adventure playground, sunsets on the viewing deck – maybe even a marriage proposal or two – Mooloolaba will create lifelong memories.
“The pristine foreshore is one of Mooloolaba’s most important community assets and is surrounded by the popular shopping, dining and accommodation precinct recognised as the region’s tourism heart.
“The area provides a significant opportunity to drive renewed visitation and investment into the precinct, and indeed, the whole Sunshine Coast region.
“Throughout the community engagement process for the Placemaking Mooloolaba Masterplan in 2015, the community told us to retain and enhance Mooloolaba’s natural beauty, renew spaces along the beachfront, and provide more exciting parks.
“The community also stressed a need to reinvigorate Mooloolaba as a place for locals and to attract more permanent residents to the area.”
Mayor Jameison said the park plans drew inspiration from the coastal town’s character and community values with the Northern Parkland “now a distinctive destination that celebrates the natural beauty and diversity of Mooloolaba”.
“A key focus for the parkland is prioritising accessibility and inclusivity so all members of our community can enjoy and access the boardwalk, playground and public amenities,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The expansive boardwalk and coastal pathways enable people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, to enjoy the views and sit alongside family and friends.
“Inclusive play elements have also been incorporated into the playground – features which foster the physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills in children of all abilities.”
Assistant Minister for Local Government, Nikki Boyd, said the Queensland Government projects such as the Mooloolaba foreshore upgrade, bring communities together and make tourists more likely to pick Mooloolaba for their next holiday.
“The upgrades will make the foreshore one of the best places to check out the stunning coastal views in Mooloolaba,” Cr Boyd said.
“Queensland’s plan for economic recovery is underway and is delivering for the Sunshine Coast, creating jobs and bringing additional investment into the region.”
For more information on the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project, visit sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/mfr.