Debate has escalated over the possibility of a light rail network being built along a busy traffic corridor on the Sunshine Coast.
The Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace criticised the Department of Transport and Main Roads for continuing to canvass the community about the idea while being noncommittal to a proposed heavy rail line.
But the department said it was exploring options with residents to provide to “more convenient, affordable and reliable” travel in the region.
The state government is considering building a light rail network between Maroochydore and Caloundra as part of the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project.
But Mr Wallace said there was no desire for it.
“Both Sunshine Coast Council and this hopeless state government continue to shove light rail down the throats of locals when it is clear, we do not want it,” he said via a media statement.
“The light rail project will remove a lane either side of Nicklin Way, Brisbane Road and Alexandra Parade, while allowing for a wall of high-density residential development along this same coastal strip.
“This will worsen congestion and impact on the character and liveability of our community.”
Mr Wallace said efforts should instead be focused on the establishment of a heavy rail line, dubbed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, between Beerwah and Maroochydore.
“Light rail is simply not appropriate for our community, and I will continue my fight against the proposal, and fight for every sleeper of the proposed 37km of heavy passenger rail that will link the Coast with the hinterland and beyond to South-East Queensland,” he said.
“State Labor has not put up a single cent towards the project that the majority of the Sunshine Coast supports.
“Yet Labor thinks it’s okay to ask the community for feedback on light rail, while the wounds are still fresh from Federal Labor infrastructure cuts. Read the room.”
Mr Wallace has started a petition to prompt the state government to “get on board with heavy passenger rail”.
A TMR spokesperson said the department was exploring options for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport initiative and for the heavy rail proposal.
“Together, the projects will make travelling by public transport to, from and within the region more convenient, affordable and reliable,” they said.
“They will work together to cater for different types of trips, providing a comprehensive travel solution that meets the varied needs of the community.
“As the region grows, a range of public transport options will be required to support local travel and regional travel between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and broader Brisbane regions.”
TMR has conducted two rounds of community consultation for Sunshine Coast Public Transport. It narrowed down five potential travel options to two – bus rapid transit and light rail – for further consideration.
“Both vehicle options are to be fully explored as part of the detailed business case,” the spokesperson said.
“We acknowledge that there are varied community views towards both vehicle options.
“Both vehicle options require a right-of-way to traverse the route and provide greater reliability, through services being able to turn up regardless of traffic conditions or congestion, leading to improved frequency, resulting in greater punctuality.
“For bus rapid transit, the right-of-way is provided through a dedicated lane within the road corridor throughout the route. For light rail, the right-of-way is provided through a fixed track within the road corridor, allowing the vehicle’s steel wheels to traverse the vehicle along the route.
“Changes to the existing road network will be further understood once a preferred vehicle option is identified.
“In order to identify a preferred vehicle option, various factors will be considered including transport outcomes, operations integration, employment and economic development, public amenity and social impact, and climate change and sustainability. Community feedback has been and will continue to be considered as part of this process.”
When asked whether the light rail project could remove a lane either side of Nicklin Way, Brisbane Road and Alexandra Parade, while allowing for a wall of high-density residential development along the coastal strip, neither the State Government nor Sunshine Coast Council could provide a direct answer.
“Future land use is a function of local government and inquiries regarding this should be referred to SCC for comment,” the TMR spokesperson said, while the council said Sunshine Coast Public Transport was a state government project and it was best placed to provide details or updates.
TMR recently released proposed locations for 18 stations and possible design elements for about half of the proposed route.
A total of $15 million has been allocated for the project’s detailed business case, with the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council contributing $5 million. As part of the detailed business case, costings will be developed for both modes and will help inform the further project stages and funding needs.
Rail advocate Tracey Goodwin-McDonald, who is chair of the Mass Transit Action Group, said light rail was unwanted, but heavy rail was.
“The community doesn’t want light rail,” she said via a media release from State Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson.
“We need a better public transport system that connects the whole of the Sunshine Coast. We need the Sunshine Coast direct line.”
Ms Simpson called for the state government to release business case results.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and yet the Transport Minister shows no importance or urgency placed on the future transport infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast with destinations and deadlines to build a better way and get cars off the road and more people travelling by public transport,” she said.
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