‘Proud moment’: hinterland heart’s main street upgrade

Maple Street Maleny Streetscape - Artist impression of crossing near Fig Street.

Excitement is building as the upgrade of a much-loved Sunshine Coast hinterland town’s main street moves closer, strengthening the connections that make it special.

The Maple Street Streetscape project is the result of extensive community engagement and is an outcome of the Maple Street Streetscape Concept Plan.

A construction contractor has now been appointed to deliver the project that will enhance the heart of the beautiful and historic town of Maleny.

It is being jointly funded by Sunshine Coast Council and the Queensland Government.

The improvements will make it easier and safer for locals and visitors to move along Maple Street with smoother and wider footpath sections, raised pedestrian crossings, improved lighting and landscaping including over 1500 new plants, trees and shrubs, along with seating and community gathering spaces.

Council has appointed local Kuluin-based company, Disc Landscapes, to carry out the works, which are scheduled to begin from 22 June and be delivered by the end of 2026, weather permitting.

Construction will be staged to minimise impacts to our community and begin at the bottom end of Maple Street, near the IGA.

Starting in this area – which has the highest concentration of shops and retail – will allow works to be completed ahead of the busy Christmas trading period, helping reduce disruption during this critical time for local businesses.

Council is working with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to align construction activities and minimise impacts across the town centre.

The project has been shaped through an extensive co‑design process with the Maleny community and reflects the town’s special character, heritage and identity.

Community engagement took place throughout 2022 and 2023.

Community thanked for their passion

More than 200 residents, business owners and visitors contributed through surveys, pop‑ups, forums and conversations, helping to shape key priorities around function, comfort and safety.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the start of construction would mark an exciting milestone for Maleny.

“This is a proud moment for our community,” Mayor Natoli said.

“Maleny residents have been at the heart of this design from day one, and now we’re ready to bring that shared vision to life.

“This upgrade will improve safety and accessibility while protecting and celebrating the special country-town character that locals value so deeply.”

State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell MP said the Maleny upgrade would strengthen the town’s appeal as a key hinterland destination while delivering for the local community.

“Projects like this are about delivering safety where you live while also enhancing the experience for visitors who come to enjoy everything our hinterland has to offer, and we thank the community and local businesses for their patience during these works,” Minister Powell said.

“This investment supports local businesses, celebrates Maleny’s unique character and ensures it continues to thrive as both a place to call home and a destination people want to visit, with long-term benefits that will outweigh the temporary disruption.”

Division 5 Councillor, Cr Winston Johnston, said it was an important project that would deliver real outcomes for locals and visitors to Maleny.

“The project aims to celebrate Maleny’s special identity so it can continue to be a place that is loved by residents, supports local businesses, and remains a valued hinterland destination”, he said

So, what can we look forward to?

The new streetscape will deliver a safer, more welcoming and more accessible main street through features such as raised pedestrian crossings with safety lighting, improved footpaths, new seating and social spaces for community gathering, and safer parking and traffic flow.

Landscaping will play a key role in the upgrade, with additional trees and greenery to increase shade, comfort and sustainability.

The design also includes upgraded street furniture, lighting, wayfinding signage and bespoke cultural heritage interpretation elements.

Council is also working with Maleny Commerce and a local historian to develop a Heritage Trail, to complement the new streetscape.

Similar projects delivered by Council – such as Beerwah’s Simpson Street, Landsborough’s Cribb Street and Eumundi’s Memorial Drive – showcase how character towns can be refreshed while retaining their special identity, history and charm.

Mayor Natoli said Council would work closely with local businesses and residents throughout construction to minimise disruption.

“We know how important Maple Street is to local businesses and day-to-day life in Maleny,” she said.

“Maple Street and local businesses will remain accessible during construction, with works carefully staged to keep the town moving.

“Council will keep everyone informed during each stage of works, and our Economic Development team will support businesses so they can continue to thrive.”

Community‑led from the beginning

Community feedback shaped key priorities around function, comfort and safety, with strong support for the refined concept design and broad agreement that the design reflects community values and vision.

Community organisations including Maleny Commerce, the Maleny Cultural and Historical Society and the Maleny Street Gardeners Association played an important role in the co‑design process.

Next steps

With the contractor now appointed, Council and Disc Landscapes will finalise construction staging and confirm specific timing for each phase of the works.

Works are expected to begin from 22 June 2026 and take approximately six months, weather and site conditions permitting.

Cr Johnston said while construction is under way, Council encourages everyone to continue visiting Maleny’s beloved cafés, shops and galleries.

“Your favourite Maleny coffee, sourdough, handmade treasure or weekend wander is still ready and waiting.

Pop in, say hello, and help keep the heart of town humming during the upgrade!” he said.

For more information on the streetscape project and to subscribe for construction updates straight to your inbox, visit Council’s website.

To learn about the previous community engagement process, please visit Council’s Have your Say website.

Maple Street Maleny Streetscape - Artist impression of crossing near the IGA.

Maple Street Maleny Streetscape - Artist impression of top crossing near Myrtle Street.