Asbestos delays demolition works at Maroochydore Bus Station Project

Asbestos has been found by workers further delaying demolitions works on Maroochy House as part of works for the new Maroochydore bus station.

The latest delay is disappointing and I am lobbying for the works to proceed as soon as possible. I am now advised by the Transport Minister’s office that the next stage in the project is expected to go out to tender soon, with construction expected to commence by the end of this year.

The asbestos removal, on top of the change in design work which happened before the State Election, means the timeline for construction being finished is now estimated by TransLink to be 2013.

I was critical of the process in how this bus station design was changed mid-way last year and that the scoping work, land acquisition, and services relocation were not properly identified and undertaken upfront. These decisions occurred before the election this year.

My priority is to ensure that we get a safe bus station in the Maroochydore CBD sooner rather than later which addresses the safety concerns and that it is done in a cost effective way.

The existing bus station is dangerous as it involves buses having to partially reverse out and requires the additional cost of an employee to ensure no pedestrians are run over.
In addition to this, it has long been acknowledged as a bottleneck for services through Maroochydore.