The state government is pushing ahead with Sunshine Coast projects worth billions of dollars despite the federal government’s refusal to allocate more funds in the recent federal budget.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News that the Crisafulli Government was intent on providing The Wave, including the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade.
The initiatives are expected to provide more efficient travel in one of the country’s fastest-growing areas, and are expected to be completed within the next six years, despite being omitted from the national budget last week.
“The Queensland Government recognises the importance of key infrastructure projects such as The Wave and the Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade on the Sunshine Coast,” the spokesperson said.
“These projects will not only support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games but also provide a long-lasting legacy for the Sunshine Coast residents, businesses and visitors.
“While it is disappointing that the federal budget did not allocate any new funding for major Sunshine Coast infrastructure projects, the Queensland Government remains firmly committed to delivering these initiatives.”
Work on The Wave, including the MRIU has already started, with site investigations, tree clearing, property acquisitions and more.
The state government is believed to have made funding for the initiatives a priority and is expected to continue to engage with the federal government to secure additional contributions where possible.
There is some funding. The federal government in 2024 matched the state government’s $2.75 billion commitment to build Stage 1 of The Wave: a 19km dual track rail line with stations between Beerwah and Caloundra.
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But it is not yet clear how Stage 2 (a largely elevated 7km dual track rail line with stations between Caloundra and Birtinya, including a 1.2km tunnel) and Stage 3 (an estimated 21km metro vehicle system between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport, and the MRIU), will become reality.
The state government has committed $40 million to accelerate planning and market readiness for both stages and last year committed unspecified funding for the MRIU, while Stage 2 is included in Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List.
But the state government has not received any support for Stage 3, including the MRIU, from Canberra and the project was excluded from Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List.
A 2024 business case showed that it could cost more than $5 billion to build Stage 1 and another $3 billion for Stage 2, while costings are uncertain for Stage 3.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the local council had hoped for federal funding for the projects, while the region’s two federal LNP MPs voiced their discontent with the budget.
An Australian Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said the federal government was investing in the region, including the 50 per cent contribution for Stage 1, $3.4 billion for highway projects between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and $616.7 million for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade.
They also pointed to Games investment, including a joint a joint funding commitment with the Queensland Government towards the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre.
The federal government also included a raft of measures for Australians, including tax relief for workers and a clampdown on property investment that is expected to help first home buyers.
Sunshine Coast News last week asked the Treasury why there is no money in the budget for the two major transport projects and is awaiting a response.
