Active Transport Plan to help get Coast moving

Sunshine Coast Council has taken a major step towards improving how people move around the region.

The Active Transport Plan 2026 (the Plan) was endorsed at Council’s May Ordinary Meeting to support a connected, safe and efficient transport system, as the region plans for the future.

The Plan responds to the region’s continuing growth and outlines how Council will deliver better walking, riding and rolling connections to key destinations including schools, shops, sporting venues, essential services and public transport hubs.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the Plan would help ensure the region’s lifestyle qualities remained at the heart of future planning.

“We are working with our community to nurture and enhance our environment and protect our quality of life,” Mayor Natoli said.

“We need to plan now so our community stays connected, and we continue to safeguard the Sunshine Coast lifestyle we all value.

“To achieve this, Council is committed to developing a transport system that services and supports our rapidly growing region while keeping as many cars off the road as possible.

“This new Active Transport Plan will help us achieve our goal of delivering a connected, safe and efficient transport system by 2041.”

Mayor Natoli said the Plan aligned with Council’s Environment and Liveability Strategy and supported upcoming major investments including The Wave public transport project,  as well as the planning being undertaken for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and our role as a Co-Host City.

Managing for Growth Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said planning for active transport was critical as the region prepared for significant infrastructure investment.

“This plan focuses on providing the paths and crossings that connect people to public transport, schools, shops and services, making active transport a practical choice for everyday trips, Cr Dickson said.

“It also gives us a strong foundation to advocate for State and Australian Government funding and partner more effectively with other agencies.”

The Plan reflects extensive community feedback, with residents identifying key priorities including improved safety, more paths and crossings, closing missing links and creating inclusive networks for people of all ages and abilities.

Cr Dickson said the Plan would guide investment to where it made the biggest difference.

“We will prioritise connectivity to activity centres, fill gaps in the network and support more local trips under 5km by walking, riding or rolling,” he said.

“This is a practical way forward that will influence how we move around the Sunshine Coast for generations to come.

“Importantly, it gives our community confidence that we are listening and delivering on what matters most.”

The Active Transport Plan also supports Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy targets to increase active transport use, reduce car reliance and sustainably manage the expected increase of more than 219,000 additional residents by 2046.

Once finalised the Active Transport Plan 2026 document will be available to view on Council’s website.