All aboard: Next steps for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line as new information and engagement centre opens

• Premier Steven Miles has today opened a new information and engagement centre in the heart of Caloundra.
• The centre will also double up as a satellite office for project staff, as the major transport infrastructure project moves through planning and into construction.
• In another milestone for the infrastructure project, two tenders have been released seeking engineering teams and procurement specialists.
• Geotechnical investigations will also begin this week as part of the preliminary works package for Stage 1.

Premier Steven Miles has today joined Caloundra MP and Sunshine Coast Rail champion Jason Hunt to open a new information and engagement centre in the heart of Caloundra.

It comes as the Queensland Cabinet meets on the Sunshine Coast to explore opportunities for the region, ahead of a town hall event and community BBQ.

The information centre will serve as a hub for locals to talk directly with project representatives and view maps, displays, concept images, timelines and detailed information about the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line as the project progresses through planning and delivery.

Two tenders for the major rail project have just been releases, seeing engineering teams and procurement specialists to assist in finalising the reference design and support procurement activities.

This will enable Transport and Main Roads to call for detailed quotes from the construction industry in 2025 ahead of major construction in 2026, subject to approvals.

Meanwhile, geotechnical investigations from Beerwah to Birtinya are getting underway this week.

These investigations are a key milestone in the preliminary works package for Stage 1.

The geotechnical activity will help to provide more certainty about ground conditions along the corridor. These investigations will better inform environmental approvals, the design process and help contractors to price the project with more certainty.

Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail line will deliver:

• A 19-kilometre link between Beerwah and Caloundra
• An upgraded station at Beerwah
• New stations at Aura and Caloundra
• Park ‘n’ rides and active transport connections
• 2,200 good local jobs
• A 45 minute time saving during peak compared to driving.

A progressive approach will see the line ultimately constructed to Birtinya and Maroochydore, delivering 37.8km of track directly connecting rail to the beachside centres of the Sunshine Coast.

The Miles and Albanese Labor Government’s have both committed $2.75 billion in funding for Stage 1.

The community is encouraged to view the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line webpage for project information centre opening hours and more information.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“This project will be a gamechanger for the Sunshine Coast. A gamechanger that only a Labor Government will deliver.

“This week we take the next step towards construction of the multi-billion-dollar 19-kilometre spur line – two tenders released and more geotechnical works.

“I’m excited, and I know the community is excited that they can get onboard at every step of the project.

“I’d encourage anyone interested in learning about the benefits and opportunities my government’s investment will deliver to pop into the new information centre.

“Queenslanders can trust that my government is getting on with the job of creating a better, more connected South East Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

"This major investment in the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is locked in to ensure the region has the infrastructure it needs.

"The project information centre opening is an exciting new milestone as we deliver on the vision to connect the Sunshine Coast to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.

"The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will not only revolutionise the way locals move around their region, but unlock new transport opportunities for tourists to visit the Coast as well."

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“Our Government is committed to doing what matters for Queenslanders.

“That means providing detailed answers to the people of the Sunshine Coast about this important project.

“This information and engagement centre is all about being up front with people about what this project means, how much it will cost, and when it will be built.

“It stands in complete contrast to David Crisafulli and the LNP, who refuse to tell the people of the Sunshine Coast how they can possibly build twice as much rail line in the same time, and where they will find nearly $7 billion to pay for it.”

Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Bart Mellish:

"Queensland is growing fast and a lot of the growth is happening on the Sunshine Coast, which is why we are backing rail infrastructure to support the region's future.

"With trains able to travel at 140kph on large sections of the new line, it will help people move around our region and get to where they live, work and play quickly and easily.

"This public transport infrastructure project will help us to manage road congestion as the region grows and encourage more people to use more sustainable and climate friendly transport options.

"The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is a win for transport and a win for the lifestyle that the Sunshine Coast region is known for.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm:

"Public awareness on a substantial infrastructure project like this one is crucial to its overall success.

“This new information centre will give locals direct access to a team of professionals who can keep them up to date on this exciting development.

“As more and more people choose to call the Sunshine Coast home, the Albanese and Miles governments are investing in the infrastructure this area needs to keep up with the growing demand.

“Once completed, 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 region each year.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt:

"This is a significant step forward for this exciting project that will revolutionise transport on the Sunshine Coast.

“The new information and engagement centre is all about keeping locals informed as this transformational project takes shape.

“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is another major investment in our rail network by the Miles Government and we want to keep Queenslanders updated on its progress every step of the way.”

Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line Fast Facts:

• The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is a proposed 37.8km rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore to increase public transport opportunities and improve connectivity to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.
• The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $2.75 billion each towards Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project.
• Stage 1 will deliver 19km of dual track rail between Beerwah and Caloundra (over halfway) by 2032.
• Stage 1 will see 7km of elevated rail on viaducts including 10 bridges; crossing roads, creeks and the Bruce Highway.
• Stage 1 also includes further investigations to confirm timeframes and cost to deliver rail between Caloundra and Birtinya.
• The business case evaluated technical requirements for the full rail line including 7 new stations (including a proposed future station at Beerwah East), 17km of structures, a 1.2km tunnel at Little Mountain and 2 new stabling facilities. 17km of elevated structures accounts for over 40 per cent of the corridor.
• TMR will commence activities to protect the revised corridor to Maroochydore in 2024.
• The new Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project information centre is located at 1/33 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.

 ENDS