The 2025-26 State Budget was handed down on 24 June 2025 and Sandy has raised concerns regarding the progress of the remaining stages of the Tewantin Bypass after perusing budget documents.
Given the additional $7.1 million, mentioned in our October 2024 Noosa 360 update, we achieved last year from the former government bringing the full planning budget to $8.5 million, and the $30 million for construction funding committed by the new government during the 2024 State Election, that there is no mention of these amounts in the Sunshine Coast Snapshot, understandably raises questions.
The Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP) that accompanied the budget has the $8.5 million for the planning budget listed and states construction is to start on the remaining stages in 2028/29, which as Sandy has said is not the fast tracking sought, nor in line with the LNP Government’s commitment or community expectations.
Sandy sees no reason for any delay in the construction of stage two whilst planning for the final is completed and will continue advocating for construction of the next stage to be commenced as soon as possible, and has requested a meeting between herself, Noosa Council and TMR to work through any challenges there may be.
In May 2025, Sandy asked a Question on Notice (QON) in parliament to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) requesting an update on the progress of fast tracking the design and business case of the next stages of these long-awaited works. In addition, she asked what the $30 million for construction funding committed by the government will be utilised for given it is only a portion of what was estimated as needed, and a timeline for these works.
The minister’s response, which can be read in full at www.bit.ly/MaybypassQON, reiterated the new government’s commitment of those funds to commence delivery and that TMR continue to actively engage with Noosa Shire Council, given the road is under their management.
Sandy appreciates the commitment to commence, and the Minister for TMR’s efforts on this and other items, including the Factory St, Pomona pedestrian crossing and new boating infrastructure in Noosa, however we need to continue the works started in 2021 with stage one now, not in three years’ time.
At every election over the past twenty-five years, the Tewantin Bypass has been used as a ‘carrot’ by both major parties, with nothing achieved until Noosa became independent in 2017. Given our new government’s promise to get the remaining stages done, this is an opportunity for them to demonstrate both capacity and capability to deliver, and within this term.
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