No chance of DSCR line running to Maroochydore by 2032 Olympics
A RAIL line connecting Beerwah to Caloundra has the potential to supercharge growth in the hinterland, delivering thousands of new homes at Beerwah East to accommodate up to 100,000 new residents.
Premier Steven Miles announced on the weekend that the State Government would commit $2.75bn towards Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
The 19km line would include the creation of two new stations, at Nirimba and Caloundra, as well as a significant upgrade of Beerwah station to make way for a third track.
The outcome of a $14m business study found that Stage 1 of the project would cost between $5.5bn and $7bn.
But the project is contingent on the Federal Government stumping up a further $1.1bn, on top of the $1.6bn it had already committed towards the line.
Earlier estimates suggested the rail line could have reached Maroochydore – about 38 kilometres from Beerwah – for $3.2bn.
Spiralling costs means there is no chance of a line to Maroochydore by the 2032 Olympics.
“A direct rail connection to the Sunshine Coast will unlock thousands of homes in the growing Sunshine Coast region and accelerate the release of new, affordable developments,” Dr Miles said.
“Without the rail line, that development would bring an unmanageable level of congestion to the local road network, making this connection essential for new housing to be brought forward.
“The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is another record investment in Queensland’s rail network from our government, building on the multi-billion dollar rail revolution currently underway.
He added Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line would be a significant enabler for new housing, including supply for 50,000 people at Caloundra South and up to 100,000 people at Beerwah East.
It’s expected the initial stage of the project will accelerate the delivery of more than 3,000 affordable and diverse homes already planned within the region.
The corridor will be realigned to allow for faster travel, with estimates that a trip from Brisbane to the Coast could be up to 45 minutes faster than by car.
“For the first time, residents in the region will have a direct, fast and reliable connection to the South-East.
“Direct Sunshine Coast Rail will not only help ease congestion, but also help unlock future housing development on the Sunshine Coast,” Transport Minister Bart Mellish said.
Treasurer Cameron Dick said they had put the case to the Federal Government, for the extra $1.1bn in funding, to make the project happen.
“We look forward to the Federal Government hopping on board to match our commitment, so we can deliver this project, not just for 2032 but for decades to come,” he said.”
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, labelled the announcement as a “cynical” move to hang onto the seat ahead of the upcoming state election.
“The costings were done,” he said.
“The Federal Coalition Government came to the table with 50 per cent of the funding, plus a 10% contingency. This was half of the cost for a project which is 100% the State Government’s responsibility.
“The State LNP committed to their share of the funding at the time, while Labor dithered, delayed, and even derided the historic funding commitment. It took 18 months of sustained advocacy just to get Federal Labor to keep the commitment, and now State Labor are wantonly throwing 2/3 of it away.”
Member for Caloundra, Jason Hunt, said the people of the Sunshine Coast had been waiting on this rail project for the better part of 40 years.
“The project is the biggest infrastructure spend the Coast has ever seen, and anyone who thinks it is a cynical move must have been hibernating for the last 40 years,” he said.
“There has been a lot of naval gazing, particularly from the opposition up here, about this rail project.
“The only reason they got a commitment was at five minutes to midnight during the last election campaign, when they thought they were in trouble and plucked a figure out of the air.
“We now know that figure would have been flat out getting the rail line across the Bruce Highway, let alone into Caloundra.”
Mr Hunt said he was confident the Federal Government would stump up the additional funding.
“They have already prioritised the project by putting $1.6bn on the table. We just have to make the case, and have them appreciate the urgency that we need that extra money,” he said.
Mr Hunt said the B2N rail project, to duplicate the rail line up from Beerwah to Nambour, was still ongoing. He also said if all funding required for Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line was received, then the project should be “shovel ready” by 2026.
Acting Mayor Rick Baberowski said he welcomed the commitment by the Queensland Government to provide $2.75 billion towards the delivery of Stage 1.
“Council appreciates that, for the first time, our region has a clear commitment from the State Government regarding this project and better clarity on the likely cost, timing and destinations,” Cr Baberowski said.
“What is important now is that the Commonwealth Government comes on board to match this commitment, so Sunshine Coast residents have certainty that the first stage of this critical public transport link, to one of the fastest growing regions in the nation, can get underway.
“While having this rail link delivered in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is important, what is more important is having in place an efficient, reliable and sustainable public transport network.”
The upgraded Beerwah station would include three tracks, serviced by two side platforms and an island platform. All platforms will also be ‘future-proofed’ for nine-carriage trains. There will also be upgraded park-n-ride facilities, including as yet unspecified changes to parking on the eastern side of the station.
Main image: Artists impression of one of the stations.
