THE Federal Government has committed $1.6 billion to build heavy rail on the Sunshine Coast, connecting the existing line at Beerwah to a new station in the Maroochydore CBD along the CAMCOS corridor.
New stations will be built at Kawana, Caloundra and Maroochydore, with the new rail line expected to improve connectivity to Brisbane, open employment opportunities and labour mobility for a generation of skilled workers and local employers.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this was a significant investment in the future of the Sunshine Coast.
“This $1.6 billion investment shows that the Morrison Government is serious about delivering for the Sunshine Coast by funding the infrastructure it needs to host a successful 2032 Olympics and support the projected population growth across the region over the coming decades,” he said.
Federal Government funding for the project is to be provided on a 50:50 basis with the Queensland Government. Mr Fletcher said the federal government would work with the state government on investment planning.
Federal Member for Fisher and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Andrew Wallace MP, said: “Our Government has already delivered funding for the duplication of the North Coast rail line, upgrades to the Bruce Highway, Steve Irwin Way and the Mooloolah River Interchange to the tune of nearly $3.7 billion.
“This additional $1.6 billion delivers on our number one priority of bringing heavy rail to the Coast, connecting the Hinterland and our coastal communities.”
Federal Member for Fairfax and Special Envoy for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Ted O’Brien MP said: “This is about more than connectivity. It will also alleviate population growth pressures in our region by shifting housing density around new stations, it will get people out of cars and onto trains, and it will help activate Australia’s newest greenfield CBD.”
“This is the most transformative project the Sunshine Coast will see in generations.”