Additional $1.15bn invested in Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line

The Australian Government has announced that it will commit further funding towards the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line. 

The Commonwealth’s investment in the project is now at $2.75 billion following the commitment of a further $1.15 billion to ensure Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line can be delivered. 

“We’re investing $1.15 billion making sure the Sunshine Coast has the infrastructure it needs to connect it to opportunities in a faster, more reliable way. 

“Once complete, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will save commuters up to 45 minutes, with journeys from the new Sunshine Coast stations to Roma Street station taking around 45 minutes less than driving in peak hour. 

“We’re delivering the infrastructure – built by Australians – that improves safety, revitalises regions, and ensures Australia is well places to compete in the new, net zero economy,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Just recently, the Queensland Government also committed an additional $5 million to further develop design and planning. You can read more about it here. 

A summary of the final business case was also released earlier this year and it highlighted the key features of the project, including: 

• 37.8 dual track, narrow gauge rail line between Beerwah and Maroochydore, and associated rail systems (including overhead lines, traction power and signalling) 
• New stations at Nirimba (Aura), Caloundra, Aroona, Birtinya, Mountain Creek and Maroochydore; a rebuilt station at Beerwah and provision for a future station at Beerwah East 
• Approximately 17 kilometres of structures (where required for flood mitigation and road/rail separation) and an approximately 1.2-kilometre tunnel at Little Mountain (with associated fire, life safety system and mechanical and electrical systems) 
• New stabling facilities at Beerwah South and Birtinya 
• Active transport corridors and expansion of local walking and cycling networks around stations 
• Parn ‘n’ ride facilities at all stations, except Maroochydore (to discourage people driving into the future city centre), and kiss ‘n’ ride and bus interchange facilities at all stations 

The first stage of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will deliver a 19-kilometre section of dual track from Beerwah to Caloundra, making it the longest spur line in the State’s south-east passenger network. This stage will also include the protection of the updated rail alignment from Birtinya and Maroochydore. 

This development is all about providing faster, more reliable and environmentally sustainable connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane. 

Not only will the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line help ease congestion on South East Queensland roads, but it will also make travelling via public transport faster, safer and more viable for Queenslanders and visitors to the Sunshine Coast. 

“More and more people are choosing to call the Sunshine Coast home, so we’re investing in the infrastructure this area needs to keep up with the growing demand. 

“Once complete, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line won’t just benefit locals here and those in Brisbane, but also the millions of tourists who visit the Coast each year,” Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; ABC News; Sunshine Coast News