As mentioned in our June 2025 Noosa 360 update, the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) that accompanied the State Budget had construction on the next stage of the Beckmans Road upgrade set to start in 2028, possibly in 2029. Due to this Sandy requested a meeting between herself, Noosa Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), given the amount of time already since the completion of stage 1 and options investigated during that time seemed an unacceptable timeframe. The meeting was to work through any challenges there may be that are contributing to this delay and also questioned the Minister for TMR during the Estimates Hearings.
This was held in July 2025, with the below update in italics provided by TMR following. Takeouts are that planning is underway utilising the $8.5 million from the previous government for stage two works, aligned to the committed funding from the new state government and will be expedited to enable construction to commence in 2028, subject to obtaining any required environmental approvals. TMR will also investigate opportunities to advance early works in line with planning milestones.
Planning is currently underway for the Tewantin Bypass, Beckmans Road project. This planning will prepare a long-term solution for addressing safety and capacity needs on the corridor.
This is a necessary step to ensure that the committed $30 million to commence upgrade of Beckmans Road aligns with future plans for the corridor.
TMR is actively engaging with Noosa Shire Council to ensure local input is incorporated into the planning process.
Planning for the project is expected to be complete in 2028. Stage 2 works, aligned to the committed funding, will be expedited to enable construction to commence in 2028, subject to obtaining any required environmental approvals.
Future stages of construction will be determined as the project progresses.
TMR will investigate opportunities to advance early works in line with planning milestones. As mentioned in your meeting with former North Coast Regional Director Mr Scott Whitaker and other representatives on 9 July 2025, TMR will investigate opportunities for a joint community update to keep stakeholders and the community informed and engaged as the project progresses.
Given efforts to ‘fast track’ these next stages, Sandy questioned why such a long timeframe, and it was explained that an application to the Federal Government through the EPBC process cannot be done until a final design has been completed, and that process itself can take possibly two years.
During the 2025/26 Budget, understandably there were questions from us when there was no mention in the Sunshine Coast Budget Snapshot of the $30 million construction funding committed by the new government during the 2024 State Election. Sandy also raised this during the recent Estimates Hearings, where the minister reiterated the funding commitment and the need to solve peak-hour traffic congestion experienced. In addition, explained the changes to QTRIP which had no dollar amounts attributed in the forwards for this project, which can be read on Sandy’s Estimates Hearing summary at https://www.sandybolton.com/estimates-hearings-2025-summary-august-2025/.
Whilst we appreciate the commitment from the minister and TMR to investigate opportunities to advance early works, it is disappointing that the preceding years did not see further progress towards the needed final designs. Our efforts will continue regarding the Tewantin Bypass, and with stage one of the bypass at the intersection of Beckmans Road and Cooroy-Noosa Road completed in December 2022, it is vital we get shovels in the ground on stage 2 as soon as possible.
Further Information
Direct advocacy regarding this can be directed to the Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on the Tewantin Bypass, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Beckman