A Sunshine Coast homeowner says he’s frustrated and exhausted, unsure if or when his home will be resumed for rail or road.
Shaun Taylor, who lives with his family on Causeway Court at Mountain Creek, said he received letters last year informing him that the Department of Transport and Main Roads was looking to acquire his property.
The house was among those in line to make way for a new railway line between Beerwah and Maroochydore, and an upgrade to the Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI).
But the state government announced in March that the planned rail line would stop at Birtinya – short of Mr Taylor’s property – and connect to a metro-style bus network and the MRI as part of the multibillion-dollar project dubbed the The Wave.
The interchange upgrade appeared to hit a stop sign last year because of a lack of funding before authorities reinvigorated plans for it in June as part of The Wave. Options are also being examined for a Kawana Motorway between Parreara and Meridan Plains.
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Mr Taylor’s home could be in the vicinity of the metro-style bus route and the MRI but investigations into the preferred corridor are ongoing and funding details are yet to be fully revealed.
It’s also unclear if a rail line will eventually be built north of Birtinya.
Mr Taylor said the uncertainty of it all has in limbo: unsure of when his home will be resumed, if at all.
“I’ll be honest, I am just giving up on this,” he said.
“I’m tired emotionally and completely stressed out from this.
“We can’t sell our house and move on – no one will pay market price due to the uncertainty.
“So, we are stuck and beholden to the powers that be.”
Mr Taylor said his family had been kept guessing for about 18 months.
“Since then (April 2024) nothing has changed, we are still in the dark: no information, no definite feedback from the TMR, nor the minister – just letters saying they are working on it.
“One letter had a number to contact, which didn’t even work (because) no team was even in place. Yet there are advertisement boards for The Wave on the M1.
“I have lost all faith in this administration.”
Sunshine Coast News asked TMR several questions about property acquisition for The Wave and the MRI.
But specifics, including the areas and number of homes impacted and the timing of resumptions, were not unavailable.
A TMR spokesperson said The Wave would be a crucial project for the growing region, and homes and businesses would be impacted.
“The Wave will deliver a high-quality, modern public transport network … making travel across the region and to Brisbane faster and more efficient,” they said.
“A key element of The Wave is the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade, which is critical to enabling delivery of this integrated public transport network.
“The Sunshine Coast’s unique geographical layout, with limited land between the beach and national parks, presents significant challenges in balancing infrastructure development with the needs of the community.
“With limited space available for housing, businesses and critical transport infrastructure, projects like The Wave are designed to maximise efficiency while minimising impacts wherever possible.
“We understand this can be unsettling for residents and business owners whose properties are affected by these projects.
“All affected property owners identified to date have been made aware and TMR is working with directly them to ensure they are fully informed about the projects and the acquisition process.”
The spokesperson said homeowners like Mr Taylor should have more certainty next year.
“Impacts previously identified as part of the heavy passenger rail north of Birtinya are being investigated as part of The Wave Stage 3 (the MRIU and metro-style bus network),” they said.
“These investigations are currently underway and will be finalised in 2026. We will continue to keep property owners updated as the project progresses through these investigations.
“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.”
The number of properties earmarked for resumption can’t be provided as investigations into the transport corridor continue.
Compensation is determined under the Acquisition of Land Act 1967, ensuring fair market value is provided, with appeal rights available through the Land Court of Queensland.
SCN reached out to the offices of four local MPs whose constituents could be impacted, including the Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg, but was told by the minister’s office that it was a matter for TMR.
