By Sonia Isaacs
A LONG-awaited upgrade of Maleny’s main street will begin next month after Sunshine Coast Council appointed a contractor to deliver the Maple Street Streetscape project without major design cuts or budget overruns.
The overhaul of the town’s commercial heart, jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government, will include wider footpaths, raised pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, landscaping and new community gathering spaces aimed at improving safety and accessibility.
Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the project had achieved a rare outcome for a major council development, with the successful tender coming in within the original budget despite rising construction costs across the sector.
“The cost estimate, or the tender, came in within budget,” Cr Johnston said.
“Almost every other project that the council has had to set tenders on have gone over the budget, so this is a really positive outcome.”
Cr Johnston said the final design remained largely unchanged from plans previously presented to the community, with all pedestrian crossings and footpath upgrades retained. “There’s been nothing cut out and nothing added,” he said.
Minor adjustments were made following feedback from the Department of Transport and Main Roads and local residents, but the overall vision remained intact.
Kuluin-based contractor Disc Landscapes has been appointed to undertake the works, which are expected to start from June 22 and continue for about six months, weather permitting.
Construction will begin at the lower end of Maple Street near the IGA and will be staged to reduce disruption, particularly during the Christmas trading period.