THE Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has embarked on a journey towards the eventual delivery of a better public transport system here on the Sunshine Coast, and community members have been invited to jump onboard.
On November 21, 2022, TMR announced they would be establishing a Community Reference Group (CRG) to help guide a Detailed Business Case (DBC) towards an integrated public transport system for the Sunshine Coast. In particular, this project seeks to present transport options to shift the southern Sunshine Coast towards more sustainable travel choices. The role of the CRG would be to enable community input into the project and provide an opportunity for community issues to be discussed with and understood by the project team through feedback and suggestions. Expressions of interest for community members to join the group are open until midnight December 11, 2022. Members of diverse demographics and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with membership of the CRG voluntary and unpaid. While interest is being sought primarily in the initial stages from those located within the project area between Maroochydore and Caloundra, TMR indicates future opportunities for input will be sought from the wider community as the project progresses.
A TMR spokesperson said the detailed business case will be focused on an integrated transport system between Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, with a possible extension to Caloundra. The work will build on the Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project undertaken by Sunshine Coast Council which compared five transport modes including bus rapid transit, light rail, wireless light rail, trackless tram, and a quality bus corridor.
President of Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Action Group, Tracey Goodwin-McDonald said the creation of the Community Reference Group on the SCPT project was a welcomed move that signals things are beginning to get underway.
TMR acknowledged that improving public transport connectivity between hinterland and coastal communities is also a priority, with early works progressing on the $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrade (Stage 1), with planning underway on several other initiatives including a proposed passenger rail corridor between Beerwah and Maroochydore. For further information about these projects, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au. To find out more or register your interest to join the CRG head to www.yoursay-projects.tmr.qld.gov.au/sunshine-coast-public-transport