What’s the latest on Mooloolaba’s transformation

Project planning is progressing for Stage 2 of Mooloolaba’s seaside revitalisation.

This includes the showpiece central meeting place with flowing viewing decks, picnic areas, expansive landscaping, new public amenities including toilets and beach showers complete with a Changing Places facility for people with high support needs and broad, accessible coastal pathway.

A replacement terraced seawall will protect community infrastructure for future generations – and in the face of a changing climate – offers improved public access and transition between the beach, parklands, amenities and shops, connecting the beach to business.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting (January 18) was an opportunity for the project team to provide Councillors and our community with an update on the Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation project, which was endorsed 12 months ago (January 25 2023).

The report provided an update on the planning, design development and delivery of the Stage 2, Central Meeting Place and Southern Parkland Seawall project, which included a report on the condition of the ‘Loo with a View’ structure which has reached the end of its design life.

Council is currently in the construction tender phase and will work with the successful contractor to guide the project’s timing, how it will be constructed and the sequencing. While the award of a contract for these works can only proceed once the local government caretaker period concludes in 2024 the aim is for construction to start mid-2024.

Council backed an amendment which would provide the new Council with an update prior to the tender being awarded. 

The existing seawall replacement is funded by Council and the Federal Government’s National Emergency Management Agency Disaster Ready Fund contributing $7.95 million which is a significant financial contribution minimising the cost to ratepayers. 

The Central Meeting Place, which encompasses the Loo with a View and seawall, was part of an extensive community engagement process in 2022 to help guide the next stage of the revitalisation.

Sunshine Coast Council Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Peter Cox said the feedback expressed that the preferred concept, which received more than 75 per cent community support, was open, contemporary and consistent with the green natural landscape most loved in Mooloolaba.

“Council further refined the detailed design in early 2023 following community engagement with a range of groups and representatives as part of the Central Meeting Place project,” Cr Cox said.

“In September 2023 the final Stage 2 design was shared with our community including a great video showing how we refined part of the terraced seawall design and added in more shade trees and seating, which aligned with the community’s feedback of the endorsed concept.

“The video shows how the terraced seawall provides vital coastal protection, connects ‘beach to business’ by reducing physical and visual barriers and enhances access for our community with an all-abilities access ramp for people using wheelchairs, prams or mobility devices.”

The Council meeting also discussed the pressing nature of the ageing Loo with a View which has reached the end of its usable life.

Experts have deemed it unviable to maintain and operate the existing facility long-term which means ongoing checks will be provided to ensure community safety.

Cr Cox said Council had appreciated the opportunity to continue discussions and coordinate additional meetings with community groups and representatives.

“We have shared further information to help them understand the design, timing and need for the project,” Cr Cox said.

“Council is in the process of developing two groups, a Mooloolaba Business Activation Group and Mooloolaba Stakeholder Interest Group, which will include community representatives, local businesses and sporting groups.

“The two groups will bring together interested parties to share information, insights and ideas aimed at making the construction phase as smooth as possible for businesses, locals and visitors.

“We look forward to releasing further details about this in the coming week.”

Keep up to date on the Project as it progresses by subscribing for emailed updates. To find out more about the project, visit Mooloolaba Foreshore Revitalisation Project website.