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- The Sunshine Coast's $70 million Bells Creek Arterial Road is now complete.
- The road is a major connector between the Bruce Highway and Caloundra Road, unlocking new housing in the region.
- The jointly funded project was made possible by a $35 million investment from the Palaszczuk Government.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey and Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt today officially opened the eight kilometre extension of Bells Creek Arterial Road, completing the 11.9km link between the Bruce Highway and Caloundra Road.
Delivered as part of a $70 million project, the road was co-funded by Stockland and the Palaszczuk Government and provides a vital second gateway from the Bruce Highway to the southern Sunshine Coast.
The Government's investment of $35 million is part of a commitment to preparing the Sunshine Coast region for massive future growth.
The $70 million project has delivered significant economic benefits, including the creation of over 300 direct jobs and 550 indirect jobs over the life of the project.
Sunshine Coast business Shadforth Civil Contractors were appointed to build the road.
The Bells Creek Arterial Road will be open to the public at 2pm today (Tuesday 19 Sept).
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"The population of the Sunshine Coast is booming – one of the reasons our government put funding on the table to bring its construction forward from 2030.
"We promised the accelerated delivery of the Bells Creek Arterial in 2020 and today we are delivering on that commitment.
"More than 50,000 drivers use Caloundra Road every day so this brand new road will give those people a crucial second access to the Bruce Highway.
"Our Big Build is not just a promise, it's a guarantee. A guarantee that our government will build the roads, bridges, schools, hospitals and infrastructure Queenslanders need now and in the future."
Quotes attributable to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey:
"It's the Palaszczuk Labor Government that committed to Bells Creek Arterial Road, and it's the Palaszczuk Labor Government that's delivered.
"Bells Creek Arterial Road now spans nearly 12-kilometres and will bust congestion on the Sunshine Coast, thanks to local member Jason Hunt's tireless advocacy, and the workers who got the job done.
"As an avid bike rider, I'm excited to announce we've delivered improved active transport connections, including an overpass bridge from Baringa and Nirimba, helping more Queenslanders get outside and enjoy our great lifestyle.
"And that's not all – over the next four years, the Palaszczuk Labor Government is investing over $32.1 billion in road and transport projects all over Queensland, supporting 25,200 good, secure jobs across the state.
"We're delivering more lanes, better roads and safer interchanges, helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer."
Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:
"We said we'd get Bells Creek Arterial Road completed at the last election – and we've done just that.
"This new road will cut travel times for the people of the southern Sunshine Coast, which is great news.
"The Bells Creek Arterial is eight kilometres of good news for our region, unlocking jobs for our young people and more commercial investment.
"On the back of this fantastic piece of infrastructure, it also means we can start on our new Aura emergency services precinct in the very near future.
"It's a great day for Caloundra."
Quotes attributable to Stockland General Manager Queensland Development David Laner:
"The team is delighted to achieve this significant infrastructure and economic milestone for the Sunshine Coast and hinterland communities.
"The Bells Creek Arterial Road extension is a product of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. This has been a significant investment for both Stockland and the Queensland Government, and critical infrastructure projects like this provide long-term benefits to the growing community.
"More people are travelling between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, and this second highway access was needed. We look forward to being a trusted partner on future projects."
Quotes attributable to Stockland Regional Development Manager Adrian Allen:
"The new road improves connectivity and community safety for Aura residents.
"The Bells Creek Arterial Road will significantly improve traffic flow in the area, with motorists expected to save several minutes on their journey around Aura using this second access point to the Bruce Highway.
"The southern city centre roundabout at Splendour Street provides direct access into Aura's new Emergency Services Precinct where future police, fire and ambulance facilities will be located. The precinct is expected to open in mid-2024.
"The Bells Creek Arterial Road extension project has delivered significant economic benefits including the creation of employment opportunities at Aura Business Park. More broadly, the project supports further investment in the region, with Sunshine Coast business Shadforth Civil Contractors appointed to build the road.
"To date, the road construction has created over 300 direct jobs and unlocked over $300 million in total economic investment across the Sunshine Coast and wider region."
