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Last updated: 11th Jul 2024
The Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA) and the Montville Village Association (MVA) strongly support the Sunshine Coast Council's Sunshine Coast Active Transport Plan. The submission highlights the transformative potential of active transport options, such as electric scooters, bike-sharing, and ride-sharing, for reducing congestion, providing last-mile solutions, and promoting sustainable transportation.
Focus on Blackall Range Pathways
The MADCA and MVA specifically advocate for an improved network of pathways across the Sunshine Coast, particularly on the Blackall Range. The proposal includes a pathway connecting Mapleton, Flaxton, Montville, and Maleny, with additional connections to Nambour and Landsborough. We believe this will facilitate walking, cycling, and other micro-mobility transportation options and encourage active tourism in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Benefits of Pathways
The submission outlines the numerous benefits of well-designed pathways, including:
- Improved Public Health:
- Pathways encourage physical activity, which reduces the risk of chronic diseases and improves mental health.
- Stronger Social Connections:
- Pathways create spaces for community interaction, fostering a sense of belonging and social cohesion.
- Environmental Advantages:
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By encouraging walking and cycling, pathways reduce reliance on cars, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air.
- Economic Boost:
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Economic Boost: Pathways can increase property values, boost local businesses by increasing foot traffic, reduce healthcare costs associated with physical inactivity and encourage active tourism.
- Aligns with Sunshine Coast Hinterland Tourism objectives.
- The Blackall Range is a renowned tourist destination known for its picturesque villages, stunning landscapes, and national parks. Our proposed pathway would complement the existing tourist drive and active tourism activities like mountain biking and bushwalking. It would also provide excellent viewing locations for the planned Olympic Games road races.
Our Call to Action
MADCA and MVA urge the Sunshine Coast Council to:
- Allocate funding to plan the entire pathway route, not just the section from Mapleton to Kondillila Falls.
- Implement the plan in stages, prioritising a connected pathway along the Blackall Range villages, followed by connections to Nambour and Landsborough.
- Involve the community in the planning and design process.
- Invest in safety measures like lighting, signage, and crossings.
- Promote the use of pathways to educate residents about their benefits.
By investing in a comprehensive network of pathways, the Sunshine Coast Council can create a more sustainable, healthy, and vibrant community for residents and visitors alike.
