Funding committed to progress Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade

Long awaited funding for the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade has been allocated by the Queensland Government through the 2025-26 State Budget. 

This investment will get enabling early works underway, marking a significant first step towards delivering the transformative infrastructure project for the Sunshine Coast. 

The project is recognised as a key enabler of The Wave – an enhanced public transport system designed to support the Sunshine Coast’s growing population – and it will improve connectivity, boost capacity as well as reduce congestion across key transport routes. 

The Crisafulli Government is delivering this generational infrastructure project, providing a whole-of-network solution to meet the needs of one of the State’s fastest growing regions. 

“This funding commitment will deliver the long-overdue Mooloolah River Interchange – generational infrastructure that will leave a lasting legacy on the Sunshine Coast ahead of the 2032 Games and beyond. 

“The Mooloolah River Interchange will transform the Sunshine Coast’s road network, bust local congestion, enhance safety and future proof a critical transport link for one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions,” Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said. 

Substantial progress has been made on the Mooloolah River Interchange including briefing industry during consultation on The Wave held last month, and the completion of market-sounding activities to gather industry input and insights. 

Preparation for early works contracts is also well underway, and the first to start in the coming months will include clearing and service relocations to prepare the project site. The tender for a second early works package will be released to market by the end of the year, and this package will include major earthworks and embankment construction. 

Early works will pave the way for the construction of Stage 1 of the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade. 

“This project was never a priority for the former Labor Government, who spent almost a decade neglecting regional infrastructure projects. 

“Instead, we are getting on with ensuring local families, workers and businesses benefit from safer roads, reduced travel times and a transport system designed for the future. 

“The Mooloolah River Interchange will ease congestion at the well-known traffic chokepoint on the Coast and will include two extra lanes on the Sunshine Motorway north of Kawana Way, which is long overdue. 

“This project is also vital to enable the delivery of The Wave, which will provide seamless transport connection from Beerwah to Birtinya through the Maroochydore CBD and onto the Sunshine Coast Airport. 

“Unlike Labor, the Crisafulli Government will continue to work with the Federal Government to secure the environmental approvals needed to get shovels in the ground,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg said. 

Stage 1 of the project will deliver: 

• New road overpass to provide a more direct and efficient connection from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba 

• New local road connection between Karawatha Drive at Mountain Creek and Brisbane Road at Mooloolaba 

• New active transport provisons for pedestrians and bike riders, connecting Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba 

• New signalised intersection linking Brisbane Road and the new connection to Karawatha Drive, and provision of a two-way service road 

Meanwhile, future stages of the upgrade will include: 

• A new crossing of the Mooloolah River, connecting the Sunshine Motorway to Kawana Way 

• The Mooloolah River Interchange, with connections to: 

• • The Sunshine Motorway to the west and north 

• • Nicklin Way to the south-east 

• • Kawana Way to the south 

• An upgrade of the Sunshine Motorway from 2 to 4 lanes between the existing Kawana Way Interchange and the Mooloolah River Interchange 

• A direct, safe, and efficient connection for the Sunshine Motorway, north to west 

• An additional northbound lane on the Sunshine Motorway between the Mooloolah River Interchange and the Buderin-Mooloolaba interchange 

• New active transport provisions for pedestrian and bike riders, linking Parrearra, Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba 

• A new signalised intersection linking the new crossing of the Mooloolah River with Kawana Way 

“This is one of the most dangerous and congested sports on the Sunshine Coast – it just has to be fixed. 

“I’ve fought for years to get this project moving because it’s not just about easing traffic – it’s about saving lives and unlocking economic potential. 

“This investment means we’re finally seeing action, not just talk. It’s a huge step forward for our region and I’ll keep working hard with my colleagues to push forward with delivering the next stages,” Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads; Infrastructure Magazine