Long-awaited project needs to be timed to avoid peak trading clash
By Kirra Livingstone
THE long-awaited Maleny streetscape upgrade on Maple Street has secured almost $3 million in funding, but works are unlikely to begin this year to avoid disrupting the critical Christmas trading period.
The $2.975 million project was outlined in Sunshine Coast Council’s 2025–26 Budget, handed down last week.
Detailed design work was completed in April 2023, with contractor procurement finalised in April 2025.
The upgrade will deliver four new raised pedestrian crossings, kerb extensions, more shade trees and gardens, new seating and gathering areas, wayfinding signage, and heritage and cultural interpretation elements.
Division 5 councillor Winston Johnston said the works had been delayed multiple times due to budget constraints and other planning complications.
“This has been deferred twice in two budgets due to various issues with Main Roads, and also once we became aware of last year’s financial situation, which pushed it to this financial year,” Cr Johnston said.
“Originally, it was just to upgrade the existing crossings and install two additional ones.
“Since then, we received a $600,000 State Government grant to upgrade the footpaths, which delayed things again while new plans were drawn up.”
Cr Johnston said the project would proceed in stages and was currently undergoing the tender process.
“We believe the project will take approximately six to eight months to complete. We’re currently waiting to hear when the successful tenderer is ready to begin,” he said.
“It comes down to their availability, and we’re also very conscious not to disrupt businesses during peak trading between early December and the end of January.
“We want to minimise the impact on local traders, so the initial works are likely to focus on the four pedestrian crossings.”
Project completion is scheduled for the June 2026 school holidays.
Nearby, Montville’s Main Street will receive a $42,000 safety and maintenance upgrade, including footpath improvements.
Other Division 5 projects funded in the budget include $450,000 for upgrades at the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre, comprising $122,806 for the butterfly walk and $110,000 for track renewal.
The Maleny Community Precinct district recreation park has received $855,000, while a further $500,000 has been allocated for phase three of the Sunshine Coast Ecological Park design. An additional $250,000 has been set aside for a new dog off-leash area at the Maleny Precinct.
In Division 1, the largest hinterland allocation is $570,326 for a new entrance feature and car park at Beerwah Cemetery.
Landsborough Museum will receive $226,500 for asset risk renewals, while $115,000 has been earmarked for fencing and edging around the playground at the Beerwah Sportsground.
Pathway upgrades are also planned at several sites, including Storrs Road in Peachester, Emma Place Park in Beerwah, Reed Street in Glass House Mountains, Old Gympie Road to Marle Court in Beerwah, and Mellumbrook Drive to Peace Memorial Park in Landsborough.
kirra@gcnews.com.au