4 minute read
Linking Peregian Breeze with Peregian Beach and beyond
PEREGIAN residents look set to enjoy safer cross-border access to the beach, nearby communities and public transport via a new shared pathway on Emu Mountain Road.
Sunshine Coast Council’s proposal to construct, fund and maintain a 3m wide pathway and boardwalk between Old Emu Mountain Road and David Low Way just within Noosa shire was formally ratified by Noosa Council at their August 15 Ordinary Meeting.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the project would improve safety for the children and residents currently riding along the busy Emu Mountain Road, and at no cost to Noosa Shire ratepayers.
“Council has worked closely with Sunshine Coast Council for a number of years to plan this important connection that will provide a much-needed pedestrian and cycle link from neighbouring communities to the nearby school, beach and village centre,” Cr Wilkie said.
“It’s a great example of inter-Council co-operation, which ultimately is all about delivering for residents, regardless of Council boundaries.
“The project will enable more people to safely get about by cycling or walking and get to public transport,” Mayor Wilkie said.
Sunshine Coast Council Deputy Mayor Cr Maria Suarez said the project would greatly improve liveability for residents in the Sunshine Coast and Noosa Shire areas.
“This new section of shared pathway will provide a direct route for pedestrians and cyclists from Old Emu Mountain Road to David Low Way crossing point and onto the Sunshine Coast / Noosa Coastal Pathway and allows options for travel north and south,” Cr Suarez said.
“It will connect the Peregian Breeze housing estate with Peregian Beach and Coolum and allow Coolum School students with a safer crossing point of David Low Way adjacent to the school.”
The new shared pathway and boardwalk will stretch approximately 900m along the northern side of Emu Mountain Road.
Design and construction schedules for the project will soon be finalised. Work will commence subject to future funding from Sunshine Coast Council.
Design as it currently stands:
▪ Adjoins pathway at the exit from Old Emu Mtn Rd.
▪ Boardwalks will extend over existing cross-road culverts.
▪ Batters (a more gradual slope towards the National Park) will be in place for safety and a concrete path will be placed on this away from the road edge.
▪ The existing track through the national park to the Breeze will remain.
▪ Proposed improvements at the David Low Way crossing point are likely to reduce vehicle accidents, improve crossing safety by reducing width of road to cross, improve cyclist safety by reducing vehicle speeds and risk of side-swipe crashes, and create a slower speed environment (final design elements are being looked at by DTMR, Sunshine Coast Council and cycling groups).
▪ Amenity concerns mean wire barriers rather than full metal barriers will be in place wherever possible.
▪ Vegetation will naturally grow up the batters, however, planting is able to be started early to assist with offsets and provide shady paths.
Alternative crossing points were looked at extensively but were not viable, not as safe, and not where people are already travelling.
ARE YOU OK?
OWEN CAVANAGH & KEZIGN
MAKING a lovely habit of using Coolum Main Beach just near
Point Perry as his canvas, artist Owen Cavanagh graced early morning walkers and visitors to another of his sand art installations on Thursday morning September 5.
This time Owen used the theme of ‘Are You Ok’ as his muse and stated that it is an important message to get across every day of the week. We agree!
If you happen to take a stunning pic or have a pic of something you think the community should know about – on either your smartphone or DSLR from anywhere in the region, we would love to see it.
Please send in your ‘pic of the week’ to, editor@coolumadvertiser.com.au and don’t forget to include your name, where the pic was taken and what it is of.
