Fresh footage and images have been released showing what a multibillion-dollar rail line and new train stations could look like.
Artist’s impressions were revealed by the state government on Monday, displaying elements of Stage 1 of The Wave: a planned rail and metro vehicle route between Beerwah and Sunshine Coast Airport.
Stage 1, which has joint state and federal funding of $5.5 billion and newly awarded contracts, will include a 19km dual track line and new and upgraded train stations.
The visuals show a high-speed train travelling along a bridge over the Bruce Highway, the proposed Bells Creek and Caloundra stations and an expanded Beerwah Station.
The designs are subject to community consultation and refinement.
The new Bells Creek Station is set to be located west of Bells Creek Arterial Road and the emergency services precinct at Caloundra South, and is expected to have a bus interchange, park ‘n’ ride, ticket office, public toilets, cycle and scooter storage, CCTV and lighting.
The new Caloundra Station will be an elevated station on the corner of Caloundra Road and Pelican Waters Boulevard, with lifts and elevators, a park ‘n’ ride, kiss ‘n’ ride, bus bays, cycle storage, amenities and more.
The Beerwah Station will be a key connector between the North Coast Line and The Wave, with a third track, serviced by two side platforms and an island platform, expanded park ‘n’ ride facilities, bus interchange, kiss ‘n’ ride, public toilets, cycle and e-scooter facilities, CCTV and overpasses to provide access to the station.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said The Wave would make a real difference to commuters.
“(It) will be a game changer for Sunshine Coast locals and will help provide a real alternative to sitting on the Bruce when they’re travelling to Brisbane,” he said.
Queensland Senator Corinne Mulholland said Stage 1 would be “a train line in the booming growth corridor from Beerwah to Caloundra” while State Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said locals would benefit from the new infrastructure.
“The southern end of the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the state,” she said.
“Delivering two new stations at the heart of that growth is recognition of our commitment to delivering the roads and infrastructure our community needs.”
Future stages of The Wave will include a rail line and stations between Caloundra and Birtinya and a metro vehicle system and stations between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport, via Maroochydore, but it is unclear how they will be paid for.
The state government is planning to deliver it by the 2032 Games.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said it will be crucial.
“The Wave will connect people to jobs, education and essential services, now and into the future,” he said.
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