Detailed designs have been released for a major rail upgrade, including track duplication, on the Sunshine Coast.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads unveiled a series of 10 maps for the $1 billion Beerburrum to Nambour Rail (B2N) Upgrade, Stage 1, which is expected to provide more reliable, frequent and efficient train services between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
The designs reflect community feedback provided in mid‑2025, and give locals a clearer picture of how the upgrade will transform travel and freight movement along the North Coast Line.
This follows main construction works starting for the rail duplication late last year, with earthworks and supporting activities progressing along the corridor as crews build the foundations for new road and rail infrastructure.
The federal government has committed $616.7 million towards the stage, with the state government investing $387.5 million.
The project will realign the existing rail line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, remove three level crossings, expand park ‘n’ ride facilities at Beerburrum, Nambour and Landsborough, and deliver a range of new or upgraded rail and road infrastructure to improve safety.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said B2N upgrades would help meet increasing passenger and freight demands.
“The B2N Upgrade will deliver additional track capacity and service reliability to meet increasing passenger and freight demands,” she said.
“This vital infrastructure upgrade will expand travel choice and better connect communities in this growing region.”
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the B2N Upgrade will play a critical role in delivering The Wave, a planned multibillion-dollar rail and metro vehicle network from Beerwah to Sunshine Coast Airport.
“This is excellent progress for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, which will support better public transport connections for Sunshine Coast communities and help take pressure off the Bruce Highway,” he said.
“Once complete, the upgrade will significantly improve the capacity and reliability of the North Coast Line, supporting more efficient passenger services and stronger freight connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.
“B2N plays a crucial role in delivering The Wave from Brisbane through to Kawana and on to Maroochydore Airport.
“I’m excited to see work progressing rapidly, and I thank the local community for their valuable feedback and ongoing engagement.”
Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said the B2N will be of significant benefit.
“This major transport project will improve capacity and reliability on the North Coast Line, enabling more efficient travel and improved freight connections for industry,” he said.
“For people travelling for a weekend up the coast, or for those commuting from the Sunshine Coast to Brisbane for work, this project will deliver faster and easier travel.”
State Member for Glass House Andrew Powell said the upgrade would be crucial.
“The Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade is one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the history of the Sunshine Coast and seeing these detailed designs released is a genuinely exciting milestone for our community,” he said.
State Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt said the upgrade is a long time coming for locals.
“Sunshine Coast residents have been waiting a long time for a rail network that truly meets the needs of our growing region, and the B2N Rail Upgrade is a critical piece of that puzzle,” he said.
“These detailed designs show that this project is real, it’s progressing … and it’s going to make a genuine difference to the way people move around the Sunshine Coast.”
State Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the project would mean less time in traffic for local families.
“The B2N Rail Upgrade is about giving Sunshine Coast families a better lifestyle by allowing locals to spend less time stuck in traffic and more time where it matters most,” she said.
The state government said, earlier this year, that it was unsure what will become of the old rail land after the track realignment is complete, but possible uses will be investigated.
Both governments have also funded a study to review future demand on the line between Beerwah and Nambour and services between Nambour and Gympie North, assessing options to improve operations, efficiency, accessibility and freight capacity, and guiding future stages beyond Stage 1.
