Preliminary works are underway on a train station in Sunshine Coast suburbia.
Site investigations have started for the planned Aroona Station, beside the Parklands shopping centre and tavern in residential Caloundra.
The platforms would be just north of a proposed rail tunnel under Little Mountain.
Construction could start next year.
It’s part of multibillion-dollar project The Wave, which is set to include a new train line and stations between Beerwah and Birtinya, a metro vehicle network between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport and an upgraded interchange at Mooloolah River.
Deputy Premier David Crisafulli was recently at the Aroona site, to laud the start of early works.
“There’s geotechnical work being done and that will form the basis of the design work to create a world-class station for a world-class Wave, to deal with the congestion problems that this city and this community have been living under,” he said.
“We must deliver generational infrastructure, and The Wave is just that.”
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said The Wave would reduce travel time for commuters.
“The Wave, including the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade (MRIU), is part of the Queensland Government’s once-in-a-generation investment to build the roads and infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs.”
“This transformative project will help shape the region’s future with a legacy of improved connectivity and will support a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
“New stations closer to home will give residents a genuine alternative to driving to the Sunshine Coast Airport, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Brisbane.
“The Wave will support faster trips between Birtinya and Brisbane, with residents saving up to 45 minutes when compared to driving in peak hours.”
The journey from Aroona Station to Beerwah Station could take just under 15 minutes, while a trip from the planned Caloundra Station, just to the south of Aroona, to Roma Street Station in Brisbane could take 1 hour and 23 minutes during the morning rush.
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Aroona Station is proposed to be elevated over Parklands Boulevard. It would accommodate six-car trains and be future-proofed for nine-car trains.
The detailed design phase will occur after the awarding of a contract to a delivery partner later this year.
The station would be accessible for all and include connections to bus bays, kiss ‘n’ ride and park ‘n’ ride facilities.
A concept design has been released and further consultation on key elements of the design will occur later this year.
The state government is intent on delivering The Wave by the Olympic Games in 2032.
Stage 1 of The Wave includes a train line and stations between Beerwah and Caloundra and has funding from the state and federal governments. Stage 2 includes a train line and stations from Caloundra to Birtinya and is on the Infrastructure Australia Priority List for possible federal government funding.
Stage 3 includes a metro vehicle network from Birtinya to Sunshine Coast Airport and the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade. It’s unclear how it will be paid for.
Major construction activities are expected to start in early 2027, subject to environmental approvals.
