Vision of beauty: see into foreshore's fabulous future

This is your chance to see how a much-loved Sunshine Coast foreshore will look after a stunning transformation.

A new fly-through video for the next stage of the foreshore project has just been released, featuring the latest concept images of Mooloolaba’s reimagined Central Meeting Place.

This gives a sweeping, bird’s eye view of the upcoming rejuvenation that will create a waterfront wonderland for residents and visitors.

Sunshine Coast Council is revitalising the Mooloolaba Foreshore, enhancing public beachfront parkland by 40 per cent and making the beach and foreshore more accessible for all.

This next step of the foreshore’s revitalisation represents a multimillion-dollar investment by Council and the Federal Government in Mooloolaba’s future.

This includes a $7.95 million contribution through the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund to replace Mooloolaba’s seawall.

A new seawall will help safeguard the community from rising sea levels and more extreme weather events into the future.

The construction contract for Stage Two work remains in the tender phase. Council will share timing and further details with the community and local business operators once the tender phase is completed. Works are expected to start mid-2024.

Exciting ‘shared vision’ takes shape

Council’s Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox encouraged the community to watch the video to see the “shared vision’’ for Mooloolaba that had been guided by the community through extensive consultation.

“The Central Meeting Place will be a place to arrive, meet, gather, celebrate and connect with nature and each other,” Cr Cox said.

“It’s exciting to see our shared vision for Stage 2 of the revitalised Mooloolaba Foreshore taking shape, delivering on those things our community told us they valued most.

"When watching the video, you immediately notice the shaded parklands, modern amenities, viewing deck, broad pathways, open grassed areas and stunning landscaping.

“Importantly, the new amenities will feature a ‘Changing Places’ facility for the convenience of people with high support needs, and a new all abilities access ramp to the beach.

"You can also clearly see the terraced steps of the replacement seawall, providing easier access to the beach, with additional places to sit and relax under shade trees and enjoy the stunning ocean views.”

Celebration of natural beauty

The design celebrates the area’s natural beauty and powerful connection between people and the beach and surf.

“A new, feature shade canopy, inspired by nature, creates a special meeting and event space that flows onto a large, grassed area,” Cr Cox said.

“This flowing design allows for more usable beachfront parkland with new viewing decks, lawns and seating for our community to soak up the coastal panorama.

“New wider pathways allow for improved connectivity along the foreshore.

“The transformation of the foreshore will further elevate Mooloolaba’s reputation as a world-class beachfront destination."

Why Mooloolaba is so special

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said Mooloolaba played a formative and ever-growing role in the Sunshine Coast’s tourism sector, with its beach, river and fresh seafood plus its shopping and restaurants a major attraction for visitors from around Australia and the world.

“We look forward to supporting council in working with local tourism operators and businesses to ensure the success of this major project which will transform the foreshore and create Insta-worthy Sunshine Moments for our visitors,” Mr Stoeckel said.

Sunshine Coast Council Division 4 Councillor Joe Natoli said extensive community feedback had helped shape the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Stage 2 design, which was presented to our community in September 2023.

“Council has worked hard to keep the community updated on this transformative project,” Cr Natoli said.

“We have met with a range of community groups and representatives as part of our consultation, helping them understand the design, timing and need for the project.”

Stages Three and Four of the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project, the Central Parklands and Southern Parklands, are subject to funding.

For more information and to subscribe to project news and updates via email visit the project webpage.