The Federal Government has recommitted to building a rail line through the Sunshine Coast’s busiest areas, but the State Government remains hesitant to follow suit and won’t make a decision until next year.
Last week’s Federal Budget reaffirmed a $1.6 billion funding commitment to the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, a proposed rail corridor between Beerwah and Maroochydore that could take the strain off the region’s rapidly growing population and congestion.
Both levels of government are doing the groundwork for the DSCRL, with a combined $6 million planning project.
The Federal Government recently announced that major infrastructure projects are under review, casting some doubt over the proposal.
But it showed some willingness to follow through with the DSCRL by retaining the $1.6 billion commitment in the budget.
The State Government has been reluctant to commit beyond the planning phase and won’t make a call on it until at least next year.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said it wanted more details before dedicating more funds.
“The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Government, is planning the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, a new rail line between Beerwah and Maroochydore,” they said.
“Tuesday’s Federal Budget documents reaffirmed the Australian Government’s $1.6 billion commitment towards the project.
“(But) the Queensland Government is awaiting completion of the DSC business case to inform a government investment decision.
“An updated cost estimate, identification of the preferred option and construction staging will be confirmed at the end of the planning stage in 2024 to inform any government investment decisions.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said time was of the essence.
“It has been announced they (State Govt) will no longer make a decision until 2024 – that’s just eight short years from when the Olympic and Paralympic Games are due to arrive here in South-East Queensland,” he said.
“We now have no margin for error for that project to be delivered for the Sunshine Coast in time for the biggest sporting event in the world.
“It is unforgivable that we are facing a situation where this great project may not go ahead. The deal could have been sealed 12 months ago if State Labor matched Federal Coalition’s $1.6 billion, but they didn’t. State Labor kicked it into the long grass.”
The DSCRL is a proposed 37km rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore, which was expected to increase public transport opportunities.
The department spokesperson said it would provide more efficient transport.
“If constructed, DSC would provide a direct rail connection between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, providing congestion-free and faster public transport journeys between these two key centres.”
The line would also feature new stations along the corridor; park ‘n’ rides and associated facilities to increase accessibility; active transport provisions along the corridor to improve safety and encourage these transport modes; and maintenance access, stabling and operational facilities.
“The planning will review the preserved corridor and consider refinements to the 37km alignment and station locations between Beerwah and Maroochydore, considering safe rail operations and maintenance, passenger demand, economic opportunities for the region, and integration with the North Coast Line and broader transport network,” the spokesperson said.
“The planning will also investigate construction staging and timeframes for the rail line considering market capacity and interfaces with other major transport projects planned for the region.”
The DSCRL is part of a broader range of proposed upgrades to the region’s transport infrastructure including the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project; Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade; Kawana Motorway; Mooloolah River Interchange; and the Caloundra Road/Kawana Way Link Road/Bells Creek Arterial Road intersection.
The department spokesperson could not confirm whether properties would be resumed to make way for the proposed DSCRL.
A planning location map for the project is available at Direct Sunshine Coast Line – Planning.
The community has been encouraged to register for updates about the project at Your Say – Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
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