Community Feedback Shapes Doonella Bridge Upgrade

The Doonella Lake Bridge upgrade has become a reminder that community consultation can play an important role in delivering major projects.

Originally built in 1968, the bridge connecting Tewantin and Noosaville is undergoing a major upgrade to ensure it remains safe, reliable and fit for purpose for decades to come. Construction began early July and is expected to finish in early December, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Investing in the future

The works will strengthen the bridge to meet current design standards, increasing its load capacity to 33 tonnes while repairing bridge piles, upgrading safety barriers and improving the Hilton Terrace approach for cyclists and riders.

Completing these works now is expected to extend its operational life by around 50 years while reducing the risk of emergency repairs or future closure.

The community speaks up

While few questioned the need for the upgrade itself, the initial traffic management plan quickly became a major talking point.

The closure of the westbound lane required motorists travelling from Noosaville to Tewantin to take a detour of almost 9km, with many reporting their journeys went from under 10 minutes, to over an hour. Local businesses also raised concerns about the impact on customers and staff.

Following community feedback, traffic monitoring and discussions with businesses, Noosa Council announced it would introduce traffic lights to allow two-way traffic across a single lane of the bridge.

Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock said the revised arrangement reflected the council's commitment to listening to the community. He acknowledged the change would not eliminate congestion but would provide motorists with greater choice while the project continues.

An example of how it should be done

Major infrastructure projects inevitably bring disruption, particularly when they involve critical transport links. While careful planning and traffic modelling are essential, this project demonstrates the importance of remaining responsive once works are underway.

Rather than pushing ahead unchanged, Noosa Council reviewed the impacts, engaged with the community and adjusted its approach to better balance project delivery with the needs of residents and businesses.

The bridge upgrade remains a significant investment in the region's future, but the willingness to adapt based on community feedback has become an equally important part of the story. It's a positive reminder that successful infrastructure projects require listening to the communities they serve.