The next stage of the Mooloolaba foreshore revitalisation could start early next year.
The design for Stage Two of the project, the Central Meeting Place and southern sea wall, has been completed and the Sunshine Coast Council is now calling for expressions of interest to work on the next phase.
Part of the work includes replacing the seawall that dates back to the 1960s.
The ageing seawall has protected the foreshore from the majority of severe weather events for 50 years, but Council says it won’t be sufficient to safeguard the community from rising sea levels and more extreme weather events in future.
The sea wall will be 290 metres long, made from concrete, and features terraced steps that can be used for major events like Anzac Day and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Councillor Peter Cox said the design of the sea wall will help dissipate the power of the waves.
He said it will also include beach access for people with disabilities.
The Federal Government has contributed $7.95 million through its National Emergency Management Agency Disaster Ready Fund.
The Council is co-funding the sea wall.
The new seawall will be built between the surf lifesaving tower ramp and the pedestrian crossing opposite Mantra Sirocco and will be half a metre higher than the existing wall which is 5 metres at its highest point.
Council said the key piece of infrastructure will better protect the community parklands, paths, roads and underground services such as power, telecommunications and water supply from climate change impacts and provide improved access from the foreshore to the beach.
The Central Meeting Place includes 6,500 square metres of beachfront parkland near the Brisbane Road entry point to Mooloolaba Esplanade.
It will feature a new shaded event and meeting space, open grassed areas, viewing deck, new beach showers and toilets including a ‘Changing Places’ facility for people with high support needs, landscaping, public artwork, a new coastal pathway, and a terraced seawall with wide steps which double as beachside seating with plants and shade trees.
The Central Meeting Place will also include a full accessibility ramp to the beach.
Councillor Cox said this was a once-in-a-lifetime, legacy project which would see Mooloolaba further elevated on the world stage and protected well into the future.
“Mooloolaba is renowned as a great place to live as well as being recognised as one of Queensland’s most sought-after holiday destinations,” Cr Cox said.
“This next stage of the foreshore’s revitalisation represents a multimillion-dollar investment by Council and the Federal Government in Mooloolaba’s future.
“It is crucial we complete this vital project as soon as practical to benefit residents, businesses and visitors and to make it as cost effective and streamlined as possible.
“It is also important to achieve the improvements well ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games when the Sunshine Coast will host the marathon, race walk, road cycling, football, mountain biking, basketball and kiteboarding, many being held in close proximity to Mooloolaba.
“The world’s eyes will be upon us,” Cr Cox said.
