The state government is committed to delivering multibillion-dollar transport projects on the Sunshine Coast before the Olympics – despite a lack of money for them, the Queensland premier has said.
David Crisafulli was adamant that The Wave – a planned dual track rail line and metro vehicle system – and the Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade would be built by 2032, even though there was no new funding for them in the budget.
The government announced and re-iterated its support for several projects in the region today.
“We are continuing to deliver a fresh start for the Sunshine Coast, addressing … youth crime, health, housing and cost of living as well as delivering the local community initiatives we promised,” Mr Crisafulli said.
There were promises to deliver The Wave and an upgrade of the Mooloolah River Interchange.
But there was no mention of fresh funds.
Stage 1 of The Wave, a section of rail line between Beerwah and Caloundra, previously received $5.5 billion in joint funding from the state and federal governments in 2024.
But Stage 2, a section of rail line between Caloundra and Birtinya, and Stage 3, a metro vehicle network between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport with an upgrade of the Mooloolah River interchange, are expected to cost billions more.
Mr Crisafulli renewed the state government’s commitment.
“The Wave will be delivered and it will be done by the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“We’re doing all we can to make sure we deliver it for the best value for money for taxpayers, and already there’s been a significant reduction in that cost as part of the planning.”
He was optimistic the Australian government would contribute more, despite Canberra overlooking The Wave in the federal budget in May.
“We are working with the federal government to make sure that they fund the most generous portion (possible),” he said.
“We have to make sure that we do everything right by the Queensland taxpayer to minimise the amount we spend and maximise the amount we get from the Commonwealth.”
“People, ahead of the Games, will be able to catch it (The Wave) all the way through to the airport. That commitment will be honoured.
“I think we’ve done a pretty good arrangement with getting contributions from Canberra and we’ll continue to negotiate in good faith. But I’m not going to hand over one extra dollar from Queenslanders if I can get it from Canberra.”
Stage 2 was included in Infrastructure Australia’s Priority List but without funding, while Stage 3, including the MRIU, was excluded from the priority list.
An Australian Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said, in May, that the federal government was already investing heavily 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 funding commitment with the state government towards the Sunshine Coast Stadium and Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre.
Meanwhile, the state budget included pledges to revitalise the Caloundra CBD with streetscape upgrades, and to upgrade the Everyday Foundation Community Supermarket in Nambour.
The state government committed to deliver new Mudjimba Island public moorings, Currumundi Community Hall upgrades, a rural fire brigade station at Ilkley, new Noosa public toilets at Gympie Terrace, a Neuro Wellness Hub for Caloundra, and lighting upgrades for Caloundra clubs.
The government also committed to deliver the Caloundra Congestion Busting Plan; the Sunshine Coast Stadium for 2032, a Caloundra South primary school at Banya, a Caloundra TAFE Centre of Excellence, and an athlete village for the 2032 Games.
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The budget also included pledges to upgrade Landsborough-Maleny Road and the Maleny-Montville Road intersection, Currumundi State School, Sunshine Beach State School, and progress planning for the Woombye-Montville roads intersection upgrade.
The government stated that it would deliver more police with the resources they need, long-term POLAIR services, early intervention and rehabilitation programs, more support for victims of crime, and an upgrade of the Maroochydore Courthouse.
Premier David Crisafulli said the budget was strengthening the foundations for a fresh start for the Sunshine Coast.
“We are delivering better services through a stronger economy with relief Queenslanders can rely on, including the $150 Back to School Boost, Play On! Sports Vouchers, a boost to the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, and a budget that has locked-in law the LNP’s Permanent 50 Cent Fares,” he said.
“We remain laser focused on making Queensland safer with more police, stronger laws, early intervention and rehabilitation, and with victim numbers down we know we’re heading in the right direction but there’s still much more work to do.
“This budget is delivering on our promises, with no new or increased taxes and relief you can rely on, making the responsible decisions for now and the future.”
