THERE are fears that time is running out to build the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail link in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Sunshine Coast MPs Ted O’Brien and Andrew Wallace say it is imperative state Labor commits its 50 per cent share of the esimated $3.2 billion project.
Both the former federal LNP and then the current Labor governments have agreed to commit a $1.6 billion share of the project, which is estimated to take eight years to complete.
“Everything was in place this time last year,” said Mr O’Brien.
“The 2032 Games had been secured, an Olympic sport had been earmarked for the Maroochydore CBD, a business case for the rail was done, federal funding was allocated and all that was needed was for the Queensland Government to confirm its contribution and get going.
“But the Coalition lost the federal election and everything changed. The Queensland Labor Government turned its back on the business case it had helped formulate and the Federal Labor Government postponed the release of any funding for the project.
“In a highly inflationary environment, where supply chains and human capital are constrained, Labor’s indecision and delay will see project costs skyrocket and the $3.2 billion will be rendered insufficient to build rail to Maroochydore.”
Mr Wallace said regardless of the importance of getting this project done for Olympics and Paralympic Games events on the Coast, this crucial project was long overdue with our significant increase in population. But the catalyst for starting this project now is the Games.
“As each day ticks by and the start of this project is delayed, opportunities are lost here on the Sunshine Coast. The people of the Sunshine Coast are tired of being ignored by Labor, and they demand a fair go,” Mr Wallace said.
“Because of the delays by Federal and State Governments, particularly the State Government, this project is now at risk.
“Over the last twelve months we have heard absolute crickets from the State Government about their willingness to match the Federal Government’s $1.6 billion.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey argued the previous LNP Government was never committed to the project.
“No progress was achieved at all on a direct rail line to the Sunshine Coast during the LNP’s decade of dithering when in power in Canberra,” he said.
The State Government is still working on a jointly funded $6 million planning study to determine costs for the project, which is yet to be completed.
“This work is running on schedule and will be completed later this year which we will be very pleased to share with the public when it is ready,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government will then fully consider the outcome of that work when it is complete.”