The Morrison Government has today committed $1.6 billion to build heavy rail on the Sunshine Coast, connecting the existing line at Beerwah to a new station in the Maroochydore CBD along the CAMCOS corridor.
With stations expected at Caloundra. Kawana and Maroochydore, the new rail line will improve connectivity to Brisbane, open employment opportunities and labour mobility for a generation of skilled workers and local employers.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this was a significant investment in the future of the Sunshine Coast.
“The Beerwah to Maroochydore passenger line has been championed for over six years by local Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This $1.6 billion investment shows that the Morrison Government is serious about delivering for the Sunshine Coast by funding the infrastructure it needs to host a successful 2032 Olympics and support the projected population growth across the region over the coming decades.
“The Federal Government will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government on investment planning to deliver this important transport link, which was recently identified as a priority in the Queensland Government’s proposed 2022 Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy.”
Federal Member for Fairfax and Special Envoy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ted O’Brien MP said: “This is about more than connectivity. It will also alleviate population growth pressures in our region by shifting housing density around new stations, it will get people out of cars and onto trains, and it will help activate Australia’s newest greenfield CBD.
“This is the most transformative project the Sunshine Coast will see in generations.”
Federal Member for Fisher and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Andrew Wallace MP, said: “our Government has already delivered funding for the duplication of the North Coast rail line, upgrades to the Bruce Highway, Steve Irwin Way and the Mooloolah River Interchange to the tune of nearly $3.7 billion.
“This additional $1.6 billion delivers on our number one priority of bringing heavy rail to the Coast, connecting the Hinterland and our coastal communities.”
Federal Government funding for this project is to be provided on a 50:50 basis with the Queensland Government.
