A new gateway for Sunshine Coast residents with the completion of the Bells Creek Arterial Road
The Queensland Premier Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP today officially opened the 8-kilometre Bells Creek Arterial extension road, completing the 11.9-kilometre link between the Bruce Highway and Caloundra Road.
Premier Palaszczuk was joined by Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon. Mark Bailey MP and State Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt MP.
Delivered as part of a $70 million project, the Bells Creak Arterial Road was co-funded by Stockland and the Queensland State Government and provides a vital second gateway from the Bruce Highway to the southern Sunshine Coast, and unlocks new housing in the region.
Queensland Premier Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Sunshine Coast population is booming – one of the reasons the Queensland government put funding on the table to bring its construction forward from 2030.
“More than 50,000 drivers use Caloundra Road every day so this brand new road will give these people a crucial second access to the Bruce Highway,” said Ms Palaszczuk.
Stockland General Manager Queensland Development, David Laner said the team was 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,” said Mr Laner.
“More people are travelling between Brisbane and the southern part of the Sunshine Coast, and this second highway access was needed. We look forward to being a trusted partner on future projects.”
Stockland Regional Development Manager, Adrian Allen said the new road extension will greatly enhance connectivity 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,” said Mr Allen.
“The southern city centre roundabout on the Bells Creek Arterial Road 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,” added Mr Allen.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon. Mark Bailey MP said Bells Creek Arterial Road now spans nearly 12 kilometres and will bust congestion on the Sunshine Coast.
“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,” said Mr Bailey.
“We’re delivering more lanes, better roads and safer interchanges, helping Queenslanders get home sooner and safer.”
State Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt MP said for Caloundra and hinterland communities, the mighty Bells Creek Arterial Road is ready to go, delivered by the Queensland Government in partnership with Stockland.
“This road will cut travel times for the people of the southern Sunshine Coast, which is great news,” said Mr Hunt.
“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.”
The Bells Creek Arterial will be open to the public on the afternoon of Tuesday 19 September 2023.
More information on the Aura community can be found at: www.stockland.com.au/residential/qld/aura
About Aura
Aura is Australia’s largest masterplanned community and is currently home to more than 8,800 residents. On completion, Aura will have over 200 kilometres of walking paths and cycling veloways, connecting the community and encouraging residents to live active and healthy lifestyles. It will also feature its own Central Park, a 120-hectare regional park, 10 sporting grounds, as well as parks and playgrounds within 400m walking distance of every home, linking residential areas to local employment precincts, schools, the city centre and local neighbourhood retail centres.