Have your say on esplanade’s pedestrian and cycle links

27 November 2009    Have your say on esplanade’s pedestrian and cycle links

Sunshine Coast Council, in conjunction with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, is seeking public comment on plans to improve pedestrian and cycle linkages between Tewantin and Noosaville.

People have until close of business on Friday 11 December to view the Concept Plan for Stages 3 and 4 of the River Way Project and share their thoughts with council.

“The plan is for a pathway along Hilton Esplanade linking with Memorial Avenue Bridge, near the Noosa Marina, and with the recently completed pathway on Hilton Terrace,’’ Cr Green said.

The pathway will improve pedestrian and cycle links between Tewantin and Noosaville by completing missing links in the Coastal Pathway that extends from Tewantin to Bells Creek in Caloundra.

The plan outlines a reduction of the pavement width on Hilton Esplanade to create room on the northern side for a safe off-road pathway for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities. It would also accommodate a range of travel modes, including wheel chairs and mobility scooters.

Other key elements of the concept plan for the Hilton Esplanade link include:
•    separating pedestrians and cyclists from motorised traffic to improve safety to all users
•    protecting the foreshore and its vegetation
•    discouraging motorised traffic and disturbance to local residents
•    creating raised pedestrian thresholds at the ends of Hilton Esplanade and at Sydney Street to allow pedestrians to safely cross the road, while also calming vehicle speeds on the esplanade.

The cost of the pathway will be shared by council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, through the South East Queensland Cycle Network Program.

The Concept Plan can be viewed on line at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au or in person at council’s Tewantin Office, on Level 2, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin.

Council will consider the public submissions before advancing to the detailed design and construction phases of the project.

Any comments or suggestions should be provided in writing by close of business Friday 11 December 2009 and addressed to: Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Re: River Way Project – Hilton Esplanade, PO Box 141, Tewantin, Queensland 4565.

People seeking more information on the plan can contact council’s Integrated Transport Officer, Scott Morgan on 5449 5233.