New corridor alignment maps have been revealed for a planned multibillion-dollar rail line on the Sunshine Coast.
The latest maps, from the Department of Transport and Main Roads, show the train route and associated infrastructure between Beerwah and Birtinya.
The line is part of The Wave, a bold scheme expected to improve public transport to and from the region in time for the 2032 Olympics.
Stage 1 will consist of a 19km line between Beerwah and Caloundra and Stage 2 will be a 7km line from Caloundra to Birtinya. The yet-to-be-planned Stage 3 will feature metro buses travelling the estimated 18km between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport, via Maroochydore.
A rail corridor was protected in 2001 before a detailed business case was carried out in 2023.
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Proposed refinements have been made to the corridor to align with modern rail design standards, optimise rail operations, accommodate a dual-track system and minimise impacts on surrounding areas.
The track is being designed for speeds of up to 160km/h, making it one of the fastest lines in the state’s south-east. It would connect to the North Coast line at Beerwah, enabling commuters to get to and from Brisbane 45 minutes quicker than by car. New Generation Rollingstock and Queensland Train Manufacturing Program fleets will be utilised.
The latest maps include five stations – Beerwah, Bells Creek, Caloundra, Aroona and Birtinya – and their surrounds. The maps also shows the track cutting through a variety of natural and urban areas, with a 1.2km tunnel at Little Mountain.
The line is set to be elevated at several locations due to low-lying terrain and environmental sensitivities, with 16 bridges across roads, creeks and the Bruce Highway.
“The refined corridor and reference design have been carefully developed to minimise impacts wherever possible, while also preserving the ecological value of the area,” TMR stated.
“TMR has notified directly impacted property owners of land requirements.”
TMR stated that a number of changes have been made after community consultation, including: refinements to the alignment to minimise environmental, cultural heritage and community impacts; refinements to the active transport alignment and providing active transport facilities at stations; enhanced facilities at stations and access to and from stations (from all modes); noise mitigation incorporated into the design of the rail corridor; unique considerations for each station, based on the local communities and places that they serve; enhanced station design and surroundings, including public art and urban design; and improvements to the Sunshine Coast bus network at all stations.
Further details, including more precise locations of the tracks, will be available as the project progresses.
“Project maps will be further refined after contracts are awarded and detailed design is undertaken,” TMR stated.
The project is in the pre-delivery phase, which includes developing the design, environmental referrals, market sounding and undertaking procurement.
Technical studies are being undertaken, including general surveys, flood modelling, geological studies, flora and fauna surveys, as well as initial investigations for water quality, cultural heritage, noise and vibration and air quality.
Stage 1 is expected to cost between $5.5 billion and $7 billon. The state and federal governments have committed $2.75 billion each to deliver it. Funding for Stage 2 is expected to be considered as designs and plans are further developed.
Contractors for Stages 1 and 2 are set to be appointed early next year and by late 2026 respectively, with construction to start in late 2026.
Homes are expected to be resumed.
“We acknowledge this can be a challenging time and thank impacted property owners for their ongoing engagement as we work to deliver this key transport project for the Sunshine Coast,” a TMR spokesperson said.
The number of resumptions can’t be provided as investigations into a confirmed corridor continue.
Sunshine Coast News has asked TMR several other questions about the corridor alignment and is awaiting a response.
See the latest maps at The Wave Rail.
