THE cost of a business case study for the Direct Rail Line from Beerwah to Maroochydore has blown out to $20 million as the State Government calls for public comment into the controversial project.
The Labor Government today announced a further $14m would be allocated into the jointly-funded study with the Federal Government.
The study has been underway since early 2022, with the state government refusing to match the federal government’s $1.6 billion commitment to the rail line until its completion.
The future of the project has recently come under a cloud, with the federal government undertaking a review of its funding commitment for major infrastructure projects.
To cater for an extra 150,000 residents by 2040 the Palaszczuk said it was investing $3.147bn as part of what it has billed as a statewide $89bn big build.
This includes an additional $14m commitment to the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line business case, affirming the State Government’s commitment to the game changing project.
The $14m builds on an existing $6m in joint funding, which will finalise the business case currently underway and commence necessary environmental investigations.
The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project will work in tandem with the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project to make travelling by public transport to, from and within the Sunshine Coast region more convenient, affordable and reliable, the state government stated.
To support this Big Transport Build, the Palaszczuk Government is calling on local residents and commuters to have a say in the planning for four key transport projects:
- The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line
- Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade
- Kawana Motorway planning
- Sunshine Coast Public Transport project
“These four key transport projects will help to deliver a world class transport system for the Sunshine Coast, making it easier for local and visitors to get to, from and around the region,” Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is a big supporter of Sunshine Coast Direct and we are getting on with finalising the business case by the end of this year.
“It’s important to see and understand how all of these projects will work together and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said these projects will help ensure public transport in the Sunshine Coast will be up to standard by the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in our state, which means we need to build the infrastructure that is needed now and leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“To get this right, we need to see a number of road, rail and transport projects working together to alleviate congestion and get Sunshine Coast locals home sooner.”
Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson said it was “pleasing” that progress was being made on the projects.
“What is important for our community is that there is a clear plan to address the road, rail and public transport needs of our region to enable our residents to move around more efficiently and effectively,” he said.
“An integrated approach – which is reflected in the linkages between these four projects – shows how they complement each other, can operate seamlessly and can enhance the convenience and connectivity of the most heavily populated urban areas of the Sunshine Coast.
“Our Council continues to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to establish a high-quality public transport system that will reduce congestion, reduce our emissions, better respond to our adaption needs and provide significantly better connectivity between our communities and to the rest of south east Queensland.
“I strongly encourage all residents to take the opportunity to attend one of DTMR’s information sessions or use the online engagement tool to provide their views on these critical projects.”
To have your say go to: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/directsunshinecoastrail