Construction of the 2.8km first stage of Bells Creek Arterial Road in the Sunshine Coast has been completed and will soon be open to the public.
Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety said the milestone marks the completion of access to Aura, Australia’s largest master-planned city.
Bells Creek Arterial Road is being built in stages. The first 2.8km section is part of the 12km road which will eventually link Caloundra Road with the Bells Creek/Roys Road interchange on the Bruce Highway.
Mr Bailey said the road was a commitment to the infrastructure needs of the emerging communities in the rapidly growing area of Caloundra South.
“The current and future residents of the Sunshine Coast will reap the benefits of this new link with access being provided directly from Caloundra Road to the new city of Aura,” Mr Bailey said.
“Active transport options, including high-quality bike and walking paths that are separate from the road, are another exciting addition incorporated to support the residents’ lifestyle and add to the vibrancy of the community.
“Importantly, this state-controlled road is being delivered at no cost to Queenslanders.”
Mr Bailey said under the conditions of the development, property development company, Stockland, is providing more than $140 million worth of state roads and land for future roads and public transport, which in turn will help support their growing development.
“Through this negotiation, residents and tourists alike will reap the benefits of this key piece of infrastructure delivered by Stockland and built by local Sunshine Coast-based firm Shadforths Civil Contractors,” Mr Bailey said.
“The completion of the new section of road is testament to some of the significant work being delivered to local communities and to all Queenslanders through government working together with industry.”
Stockland has invested $30 million in the construction of this first phase of critical state road infrastructure providing direct access to the emerging Aura community.
General Manager for Queensland at Stockland, Kingsley Andrew, said the Bells Creek Arterial Road would be the main access into Aura’s first suburb of Baringa and would provide a welcome second access for the existing communities of Bells Reach and Bellvista.
“This is the most significant piece of infrastructure to be delivered by Stockland at Aura to date and a huge milestone for this rapidly growing community, the first residents of whom started moving in just last month,” Mr Andrew said.
“Upon completion, Aura will be home to more than 50,000 people and contribute more than 20,000 jobs to the Sunshine Coast region. We’re committed to ensuring that Aura has the road, walking and cycling infrastructure to help residents access jobs, homes and services within the town and connections more broadly with the Sunshine Coast region.”
Timing of construction of the remaining stages of Bells Creek Arterial Road will be confirmed as the development progresses.
