Preliminary work on a high-capacity, high-frequency metro transit route is about to start on the Sunshine Coast.
Site investigations will soon begin for Stage 3 of The Wave, which is set to include a new public transport connection between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport, and five new stations.
The state government has previously indicated that a modern type of bus could be utilised along the estimated 20km stretch.
Stage 3 would complement Stages 1 and 2: a new multibillion-dollar heavy rail line between Beerwah and Birtinya.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) issued a project update stating that early works for Stage 3 are about to get underway.
“Site investigations are essential to understanding the land and environment where the project will be built,” the department stated.
“By studying the ground, soil and surrounding conditions, we can make informed decisions to ensure the project is planned, designed and constructed safely and efficiently.”
The investigations will include geophysical surveys, geotechnical investigations, site surveys and environmental investigations.
Most works will be undertaken on weekdays from 7am to 5pm. Some night works may be required. The works are not anticipated to impact traffic.
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Work has already started on the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade, which is along the Stage 3 corridor.
It’s not yet known exactly what “metro-style vehicles” will be used along the route, whether there will be extra lanes or how often the service will operate.
A TMR spokesperson said, last year, that authorities were considering what features to include, and provided examples of other similar networks and their capabilities.
“The metro-style service is designed to provide reliable, frequent and accessible public transport from the rail station at Birtinya through to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD,” they said.
“This initiative allows a shift towards minimising car usage by providing new travel options for the growing Sunshine Coast.
“With zero emissions, metro-style vehicles are often powered by batteries, offering a clean, green, electric travel alternative. Rubber tyres allow flexibility with routes requiring no fixed infrastructure such as steel tracks.
“A similar style vehicle to the Brisbane Metro is capable of comfortably accommodating 150 passengers and up to 170 passengers in event specific scenarios. Other vehicles in operation internationally can accommodate more.”
A spokesperson also told Sunshine Coast News that Stage 3 is expected to be completed before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Wave Stage 3 (Metro) is progressing through planning, with work underway to finalise the corridor and station locations between Birtinya and the Sunshine Coast Airport,” they said.
“TMR is assessing property, road network and fleet requirements with further detail to be confirmed once the alignment is set.
“The project is planned to be operational by early 2032.”
The planning phase for Stage 3 is expected to continue until 2026. This includes refining the preferred route, determining station locations, assessing property and road impacts and finalising the corridor.
Construction timelines are expected to be confirmed once the detailed design is complete, while property acquisitions will be confirmed after the alignment is finalised. The costs and funding arrangements are being developed as planning and design progress.
The proposed stations are based on population centres, employment hubs and future development areas: at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Birtinya, Mountain Creek, Maroochydore and the airport.
Almost 100 locals expressed their opinions on the corridor and the stations during a community consultation period.
“Any new buses will need a dedicated transport lane, so vehicles don’t get stuck in traffic,” Mae said.
“Requiring a mode switch (from train to bus at Birtinya) is the biggest flaw of this proposal,” she added.
“Please consider using traditional architecture (for stations). Make it simple and beautiful. No-one wants an industrial-looking station,” dominikus28 said.
“Preserve enough corridor space for a future project to extend the heavy rail line to Maroochydore as originally planned,” Astra said.
“The proposed (Mountain Creek station) location is isolated and not well connected to surrounding transport,” klm597 said.
Previous engagement indicated that park ‘n’ ride facilities, bike storage, active transport infrastructure and accessibility are important to the community.
New and improved bus routes, from towns and suburbs around the region, are also expected to connect to The Wave.
A spokesperson said there would be “more services and longer operating hours to better connect stations, key destinations and popular areas”.
More than 15,000 trips are taken per day on Sunshine Coast buses.
