Nautilus: Connecting Noosa, Nambour and Maroochydore
The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-26 forecast the population on the Sunshine Coast to increase from about 275 000 people in 2001 to 424 000 people by 2026.This projected growth of more than 150 000 people will generate traffic demand of more than 500 000 trips every day.
The Nautilus Study explored long-term public transport options for the northern part of the Sunshine Coast from 2026.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads worked closely with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, other state government agencies, industry and the community on the Nautilus Study.
The Nautilus Study comprised three phases:
| Phase | Phase one | Phase two | Phase three |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timeframe | Completed 2006 | Completed 2008 | Completed 2009 |
| Activities | Studies and data collection Studies and data collection including an analysis of environmental and cultural constraints in the area, a strategic transport and economic study, and a public transport access scoping study (Maroochydore). Download the Nautilus study area map (PDF**, 693KB) | Identification of possible corridors Identification of 10 corridors of interest connecting Noosa, Nambour, Cooroy and Maroochydore. This network of corridors was studied to find out the projected public transport patronage and mode options best suited for each corridor. | Detailed corridor studies Detailed investigations of the two transport corridors identified in Phase two: CoastConnect — Maroochydore to Nambour CoastConnect — Maroochydore to Noosa |
| Results | Built project information and refined the Nautilus Study’s strategic direction. | Most of the 10 corridors could meet the proposed future transport demand in their existing form. However, two of the corridors required further investigation to ensure they would be able to support increased public transport demand. | The two corridors will be able to support the forecast public transport demand on the existing road network until at least 2051. A concept design has been developed for the two public transport corridors. Before the corridors could be protected, further detailed design work and community consultation would be required. |
For more information email planning.projects@tmr.qld.gov.au
**While this department has taken every possible precaution with the creation of these files, they are downloaded and used at your own risk. Adobe Reader is needed to open and print Portable Document Format (PDF) files and is free to download from http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html. Various tools to enable access to these files for people using a screen reader can be found at http://access.adobe.com. Further information is available from the "Help with downloading, reading and printing PDF".
Last updated 13 November 2009
Other languages