Maroochydore City Centre workers opt for a Greener Commute

Sunshine Coast workers have embraced Maroochydore City Centre’s inaugural Sustainable Travel Week, with data showing an encouraging shift towards eco-friendly commuting during the five-day challenge.

Hundreds of people took part in the event, organised by SunCentral Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Council’s Think Change Team, aimed to encourage workers, residents, and visitors to Maroochydore City Centre to rethink their travel routines.

Those who chose to ride, skate, scooter, walk, carpool or bus into the city were rewarded each day with free coffee, food, bike fix it workshops and go cards, while the MET came alive throughout the week with live music and activities to promote the benefits of sustainable travel.

A survey undertaken during Sustainable Travel Week found a 19 per cent reduction in single occupant car travel into Maroochydore City Centre for the week based on those who had already, or intended to, make an eco-friendly switch.

The survey also found safer bike routes, express bus services and greater frequency of bus services would encourage more workers to switch to sustainable travel options more often.

Eco-happy Commuter Andrew Zarb has been rewarded for his sustainable travel efforts, announced as the lucky winner of a $1,000 voucher to be used at a local bike shop.

Andrew and his wife are advocates of sustainable travel, foregoing car ownership for the past 18 months in favour of a motorcycle, e-bikes, walking, public transport, and the occasional Uber or taxi ride. Andrew is going to put his voucher towards a new bike for casual cycling and commuting to work where he can accessend-of-trip facilities in City Hall.

Sunshine Coast Council has already reported an increase in bikes and e-bikes parked in City Hall End-of-Trip facilities since Sustainable Travel Week.

Maroochydore City Centre is planning ongoing Sustainable Travel Challenges throughout the year to continue to build on the positives from this year’s inaugural event.