Proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line a step closer to reality

A new direct rail line that will connect the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane is now closer to reality as the Queensland Government commits an initial $2.75 billion towards this massive transport infrastructure project. 

The significant funding will deliver the first stage of the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project, which will include protection of the updated rail corridor to Maroochydore. Stage 1 will also deliver a 19-kilometre dual track running from Beerwah to Caloundra, making it the longest spur line in the south-east passenger network. 

“A direct rail connection to the Sunshine Coast will unlock thousands of homes in the growing Sunshine Coast region and accelerate the release of new, affordable developments. 

“Without the rail line, that development would bring an unmanageable level of congestion to the local road network, making this connection essential for new housing to be brough forward. 

“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is another record investment in Queensland’s rail network from our government, building on the multi-billion-dollar rail revolution currently underway. 

“Through Cross River Rail, we are removing the bottleneck in Brisbane’s CBD and creating opportunities to provide better rail services to some of South East Queensland’s fastest growing regions. 

“With better, more connected rail options available we hope commuters will leave the car at home, reducing congestion and lowering transport emissions on the path to net zero,” Premier Steven Miles said. 

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will be built in stages and it will ultimately run to Birtinya and Maroochydore. The project will provide faster rail services to the Sunshine Coast, with trains running at about 140 kilometres per hour on some sections of track. 

The first stage of the new rail line is projected to be operational in time for Brisbane 2032, subject to a matched funding agreement from the Australian Government. 

The Sunshine Coast is one of Queensland’s fastest growing regions, and it is estimated to become home to 600,000 people by 2046. Modelling shows that most of the population growth will be concentrated along the first stage of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, around Caloundra South (Aura). 

Stage 1 is expected to be a significant enabler for new housing, including for about 50,000 people at Caloundra South and for approximately 100,000 people at Beerwah East. 

In addition, the initial stage of the project is expected to accelerate the delivery of over 3,000 affordable and diverse homes already planned within the region. 

“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will transform South East Queensland. 

“The Sunshine Coast has a growing economy and approximately 11 million annual visitors who currently rely on private vehicles, so this project will make it easier and faster to work, holiday, or travel to see friends and family. 

“The Miles Government that can deliver this transformation, thanks to the strength of 9our budget and the capacity enabled by our investment in Cross River Rail. 

“We look forward to the Federal Government hopping on board to match our commitment, so we can deliver this project, not just for 2032 but for decades to come,” Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said. 

Proposed alignment (source: Queensland Government)

The funding envelope for the first stage of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is anticipated to be between $5.5 billion and $7 billion. The final cost will be confirmed once procurement is completed. 

A ‘funding envelope’ is an approach that will allow costs to be finalised when contracts are executed. 

The first stage of this massive transport infrastructure project is expected to support up to 2,200 good jobs in the region. 

“Direct Sunshine Coast Rail will revolutionise public transport – making a trip from Caloundra to Brisbane at least 45 minutes faster than a car. 

“For the first time, residents in the region will have a direct, fast and reliable connection to the South-East. 

“Direct Sunshine Coast Rail will not only help ease congestion, but also help unlock future housing development on the Sunshine Coast. 

“Sunny Coast residents will also get another first – a direct rail journey to the AFL or the Ekka, thanks to Cross River Rail. No station change needed. Suncorp Stadium will also be just a short walk from Roma Street. 

“The project will also deliver cleaner and greener transport for a more sustainable Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and provide a lasting legacy for these communities,” Transport and Main Roads Minister Bart Mellish said. 

Key features of the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line development will include: 

• A 37-kilometre rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore to increase public transport opportunities 
• New stations along the corridor 
• Park ‘n’ rides and associated facilities to increase accessibility 
• Active transport provisions along the corridor to improve safety and encourage these transport modes 
• Maintenance access, stabling and operational facilities 

Once completed, the project will not only increase public transport opportunities, but it will also help improve connectivity to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond. 

A detailed business case is now being progressed for consideration by the State Government. The community will be updated with further details on the project and engaged to have their say as future phases of the project get underway. 

“Expanding the South East Queensland rail network with this direct line will benefit Queenslanders well into the future. 

“This rail line will connect people on the Sunshine Coast to Moreton Bay and Brisbane for work, medical appointments, sporting and cultural events. 

“We are committed to maintaining the liveability of the Sunshine Coast region. Direct Sunshine Coast Rail will help to support sustainable growth that ensures that we spend less time in traffic, and more time doing the things that we love,” Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Queensland Government – Department of Transport and Main Roads (1, 2); ABC News