Stage 1 of multibillion-dollar direct rail project gathers momentum

The next steps have been taken to make a heavy rail line on the Sunshine Coast become reality.

An information centre and satellite office has been established, tenders have been released and geotechnical investigations are starting for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail.

Stage 1 of the project, worth $5 billion, will include the construction of a 19km dual-track line from Beerwah to Caloundra, an upgraded station at Beerwah, new stations at Aura and Caloundra, park ‘n’ rides and active transport connections, and 2200 local jobs.

Stage 1 is expected to save Sunshine Coast-Brisbane commuters 45 minutes at peak time.

A progressive approach will see the line ultimately constructed to Birtinya (Stage 2) and Maroochydore (Stage 3), delivering 37.8km of track.

Premier Steven Miles on Wednesday opened the new information and engagement centre in the heart of Caloundra.

It came as the Queensland Cabinet met on the Sunshine Coast to explore opportunities for the region, with a town hall event and community barbecue also held.

The centre, at 1/33 Bulcock Street, will double as a satellite office for staff as the project moves through planning and into construction.

The information centre will serve as a hub for locals to talk directly with project representatives and view maps, displays, concept images, timelines and detailed information about the line.

Two tenders for the project have also been released, for engineering teams and procurement specialists to assist in finalising the reference design and support procurement activities.

This will enable the Department of Transport and Main Roads to call for detailed quotes from the construction industry in 2025 ahead of major construction in 2026, subject to approvals.

Meanwhile, geotechnical investigations from Beerwah to Birtinya are getting underway this week.

These investigations are a key milestone in the preliminary works package for Stage 1.

The geotechnical activity will help provide more certainty about ground conditions along the corridor. The investigations will better inform environmental approvals, the design process and help contractors to price the project with more certainty.

The federal and state governments have committed $2.75 billion each in funding for Stage 1.

Premier Steven Miles said the line would be a “game-changer for the Sunshine Coast”.

“This week we take the next step towards construction of the multibillion-dollar 19km spur line – two tenders released and more geotechnical works,” he said.

“I’m excited and I know the community is excited that they can get onboard at every step of the project.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in learning about the benefits and opportunities … to pop into the new information centre.”

Federal Minister for Transport Catherine King said the rapidly growing region required improved public transport.

“This major investment in the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is locked in to ensure the region has the infrastructure it needs,” she said.

“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will not only revolutionise the way locals move around their region, but unlock new transport opportunities for tourists to visit the Coast as well.”

Transport Minister Bart Mellish detailed how the line could benefit locals.

“Queensland is growing fast and a lot of the growth is happening on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“With trains able to travel at 140km/h on large sections of the new line, it will help people move around our region and get to where they live, work and play quickly and easily.

“This project will help us to manage road congestion as the region grows and encourage more people to use more sustainable and climate friendly transport options.”

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said this week’s actions were “a significant step forward” for a project “that will revolutionise transport on the Sunshine Coast”.

Stage 1 is expected to be completed by Brisbane 2032.

It will include 7km of elevated rail on viaducts including 10 bridges crossing roads, creeks and the Bruce Highway.

Further investigations are being undertaken to confirm timeframes and cost to deliver rail between Caloundra and Birtinya.

The project business case evaluated requirements for the full rail line including seven new stations, 17km of structures, a 1.2km tunnel at Little Mountain and two new stabling facilities, with 17km of elevated structures accounting for more than 40 per cent of the corridor.

TMR will start activities to protect the revised corridor to Maroochydore in 2024.

The business case outlined why the line could not be built to Maroochydore by the 2032 Games, citing costs ($12 billion) and construction complexities.

The leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli has said previously that the project could be achieved by then under an LNP government.

“Make no mistake, we’re committed to making it go all the way through to the Maroochydore CBD by the 2032 Games,” he said.

“It does have to occur and it’s something we’re determined to see done by 2032.”

But he did not explain how it would be done or how it would be paid for.

Deputy opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie accused the government of pulling the wool over Sunshine Coast residents’ eyes as the rail line does not extend further north to Maroochydore.

He told reporters on Wednesday that Caloundra will be a “car park” under the current proposal.

“It will create a car park in Caloundra more than what’s there at the moment,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Traffic congestion will be worse under the Labor government’s commitment of rail into Caloundra.

“We need Sunshine Coast direct rail right through to Maroochydore and only the Liberal National Party is promising to get that rail connection.

The LNP Member for Maroochydore, Fiona Simpson, was pleased to see action on the line but said it should be built to Maroochydore by 2032.

“I welcome work finally starting after the last three years of delay,” she said.

“The LNP supports rail going all the way to Maroochydore in time for the Olympics as there must be a proper connection between the Maroochydore CBD, the Athletes Village located there and events north of Mooloolah River.

“The state government’s plan falls 20km short.”

But Mr Miles has defended the proposal and indicated a staged build is the viable option ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The business case was very clear that the best way to get to Maroochydore is to stage the project and go to Caloundra first,” he said.