LNP to fix Caloundra’s biggest bottleneck

The LNP will bust congestion at one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest bottlenecks and create new jobs for local workers if it wins the next state election.

LNP Leader Deb Frecklington visited Caloundra today to announce a $15m funding commitment to fix the Caloundra Road – Nicklin Way roundabout.

It’s the second major LNP project to bust congestion on Caloundra Road, following Ms Frecklington’s $35m commitment to fast-track the Bells Creek Arterial Road.

The combined $50m Caloundra Road package is part of the LNP’s $1bn South-East Queensland Congestion Program of road upgrades to stimulate the economy, create new jobs and drag Queensland out of recession.

“Sunshine Coast drivers have waited long enough for this upgrade,” Ms Frecklington said.

“An LNP Government will fully fund this project and we’ll fast-track the work too.

“With 234,000 Queenslanders out of work, projects like these are needed to kickstart our economy and drag our state out of recession.”

LNP Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle said the Palaszczuk Labor Government had ignored traffic problems at the notorious intersection for years.

“Caloundra Road is the Sunshine Coast’s biggest carpark,” Mr McArdle said.

“The traffic isn’t just bad at peak hour. Drivers can get stuck in jams here any time, any day.

“Only an LNP Government will fix this intersection and get Caloundra moving.”

The upgrade will include construction of new slip-lanes to improve traffic flow.

LNP Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie, whose electorate borders Caloundra Road, said the LNP will introduce a streamlined procurement process for its $1bn congestion-busting roads program that will be faster and give priority to Queensland-based contractors.

“The congestion at this roundabout isn’t just frustrating for drivers, it’s also costly for local businesses,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This project will create more Sunny Coast construction jobs and give local businesses a lift.

“Only an LNP Government will bust congestion on the Sunshine Coast and get our economy moving too.”

LNP Candidate for Caloundra Stuart Coward said the upgrade would only happen if there is a change of government on October 31st.

“Labor has consistently ignored Caloundra’s infrastructure needs,” Mr Coward said.

“Only an LNP Government will invest in the new infrastructure that this area needs to create jobs and cope with population growth.

“Unlike Labor, the LNP will invest in Caloundra and get the Sunshine Coast working again.”

Friday 4 September, 2020