Maps showing a planned public transport route have been revealed by the state government.
The details show where metro-style vehicles could run, including corridor alignment and station locations, for Stage 3 of The Wave. A contractor was also announced to deliver the next stage of early works for the extensive Mooloolah River Interchange.
The metro vehicles are expected to deliver a high-capacity, high-frequency service connecting key growth areas, major employment hubs and essential services across the region.
The maps reveal where they will travel between the Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Birtinya and a station near the Buderim Waste Landfill Centre at Mountain Creek, along with concept designs for a stretch between Mountain Creek and the Sunshine Coast Airport. Final route details for that section are expected in 2027.
The upgrades will integrate with a planned heavy passenger rail connection at Birtinya as part of The Wave, a planned multibillion-dollar project including a new rail line between Beerwah and Birtinya and the metro vehicle system between Birtinya and the airport, via the Maroochydore City Centre.
Meanwhile, a major contract was awarded to kick off the next phase of early works for the MRI, which is on the Stage 3 route.
McIlwain Civil Engineering and SEE Civil Joint Venture will deliver the works, including major earthworks and embankment construction to prepare the site for the full interchange upgrade.
The early works package will see thousands of tonnes of material moved to build a strong foundation for the new interchange infrastructure.
The works will reshape the interchange in preparation for The Wave Stage 3, to support the future metro corridor and improve traffic flow through one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest pinch points.
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Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the MRI upgrade and The Wave in general would be gamechangers for the Sunshine Coast.
“The Crisafulli Government is delivering the infrastructure needed to support one of Queensland’s fastest-growing regions, which is why we’re delivering The Wave all the way to the airport,” he said.
“These early works on The Wave are another way we are delivering the largest transport infrastructure investment ever planned for the Sunshine Coast.”
Early works have started on The Wave Stage 1 (rail between Beerwah and Caloundra), which has $5.5 billion in joint funding from the state and federal governments.
But Stage 2 (rail between Caloundra and Sunshine Coast Hospital University at Birtinya) and Stage 3 (metro vehicle between Birtinya and Sunshine Coast Airport at Marcoola) are yet to be funded. There was no room in the recent state budget for the projects and there was a lack of federal government commitment for them.
State Opposition Leader Steven Miles criticised the government for its handling of the transport projects.
“The Sunshine Coast is growing and it needs the growing infrastructure to keep pace,” he said.
“This is now the LNP’s second budget and we are no closer to seeing the rail built, or the roads delivered. Sunshine Coasters deserve better than spin after this bad budget.”
Shadow Transport Minister Bart Mellish said the projects were behind schedule and more expensive.
“The LNP wants the Sunshine Coast to take them at their word on transport, but their promise to deliver projects on time and on budget has already blown out,” he said.
But the state government recently stated that it was committed to delivering the projects by 2032, and Mr Mickelberg on Monday said the initiatives would be critical to uplifting safety for thousands of motorists every day.
“Both the MRI and The Wave will reduce congestion, improve safety and support a high-frequency metro system that connects people to jobs, health care and education,” he said.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the upgrades would make a difference for locals who rely on it every day.
“The fix for one of the worst and most dangerous points on the Sunshine Motorway is finally being delivered by the Crisafulli Government and we continue to hit major milestones in our progress,” she said.
“This is one of the most important transport corridors on the Sunshine Coast and this project means safer, smoother and faster trips for everyone.”
