Region’s population boom requires dependable, accessible and integrated transport systems
By Sonia Isaacs and Mitch Gaynor
TO illustrate the monumental changes the hinterland and Sunshine Coast will face in just seven years, consider two figures.
First, 9,000—the approximate number of daily passengers currently catching trains on the Sunshine Coast/Nambour line.
Second, 126,000—the forecast daily ridership on the new Sunshine Coast line at the peak of the 2032 Olympics.
The state government hasn’t specified the daily service count needed, but using a future-proofed nine‑car train with a maximum capacity of 1150 passengers suggests that roughly 110 services per day would be running through hinterland stations.
And while peak usage will occur during the Olympics, modelling shows that rail usage will triple from current levels to 12.5 per cent of all trips between the coast and Brisbane by 2046 or an additional 9400 trips per day.
A stark review by the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) warned that urgent investment in rail and bus services is critical to meet this forecast demand. In response, the state government unveiled its planned project, dubbed “The Wave” — a heavy rail extension from Brisbane to Beerwah, linking to Birtinya and integrating with a new metro bus hub servicing the Maroochydore CBD and Sunshine Coast Airport.
Although this falls short of the LNP’s promise to extend heavy rail to Maroochydore, the move has been largely welcomed by local leaders.
Federal MP Andrew Wallace, a longtime advocate for heavy rail between Brisbane and Maroochydore, called it a pragmatic step forward.
“The real winners here will be those in the hinterland, particularly west of the highway, where public transport is even worse than on the eastern side,” he said.
“This should create an integrated bus and rail network, and I’m really excited about it.”
Sunshine Coast Commuter Advocate Jeff Addison underscored the stark disparity in rail services. “The Redcliffe Peninsula line opened in 2016 with 650 weekly services,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast line to Nambour has just 325—half that number.
“And 75 of those are buses that can take up to 90 minutes to cover 54 km from Caboolture to Nambour. Our region has been rail-starved for too long, and that must change.”
Sunshine Coast Business Council chair, Sandy Zubrinich, said the improved connectivity will boost workforce participation, drive business productivity, and keep the Sunshine Coast attractive for investment.
Key transport projects like The Wave and the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) rail upgrade are vital for the region’s economic future, though she warned that future-proofing the coast will also require road upgrades, expanded public transport, and enhanced cycling and walking infrastructure.
Glass House Mountains resident Daphne Knox welcomed the news, noting that a more cohesive public transport system would ease travel for hinterland rail towns. “It currently takes me more than two hours each way to get to Sunshine Coast Hospital from home. It’d be great to have a direct service without the hassle of switching trains and buses,” she said.
Beerwah business owner Pai Thongmee believes the new rail system will make commuting easier for staff and boost visitor numbers.
“Improved access means we’ll see more people in town, which is fantastic for business,” she said.
At a state press conference last week, Transport Minister Brett Mickelberg described the new system as a “game changer” for cutting congestion.
He confirmed plans for additional high-frequency bus routes to connect hinterland communities with the metro hub in Birtinya. “The Wave will be the spine, and from that, we’ll build a high-frequency bus network across the region,” he said.
Despite the state’s commitment to delivering critical infrastructure for the Games and long-term growth, full funding for The Wave remains uncertain.
While $5.4bn has been secured for the Beerwah to Caloundra 19km Stage 1 there is no confirmed funding for the extension north to Birtinya.
A business case study completed last year estimated this 7km second stage would cost around $3bn.
The cost of the metro busway to the Airport is unknown with the Government declining to answer questions.
“We’re happy to work with anyone interested—whether it’s the private sector or the Federal Government,” the Transport Minister said.
“We’ve already received considerable interest from the private sector in relation to some of the announcements we’ve made.”
Beerwah Marketplace and Village manager Judy Dewar summed it up: “This new transport system will bring phenomenal economic growth to Beerwah and the hinterland, and huge opportunities for our region, improving accessibility both in and out.”
“I think it’s fantastic news!” she added.