Olympic delivery plan drives transport solution for Sunshine Coast
By Sonia Isaacs
IT is unclear how the State Government plans to fund its ambitious Wave transport project which aims to provide seamless connection between the Sunshine Coast airport, hinterland and Brisbane.
The project follows recommendations from the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) in its 100-day review report.
The Wave extends on the fully-funded $5.4bn 19km rail line from Beerwah to Caloundra.
It proposes to extend the rail line 7km north to Birtinya before a ‘Metro-style’ bus service takes passengers to Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Airport.
This replaces the LNP’s election-promised heavy rail to Maroochydore in time for the 2032 Olympic Games.
It is part of several major infrastructure initiatives, including the revival of the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade and funding for an integrated athlete village, sporting arena, and cultural precinct in Maroochydore City Centre.
The Wave will feature a heavy rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya, followed by a metro bus transit system extending to Sunshine Coast Airport, with stops at Mountain Creek and Maroochydore. The rail component includes upgrades to Beerwah station and new stations at Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra, Aroona, and Birtinya.
While joint federal and state funding is secured for stage one, costings and commitments for stage two, the Mooloolah River Interchange, and the metro link to the airport remain to be finalised.
In answer to questions about funding, a Crisafulli Government spokesperson said: “The 2032 Delivery Plan will deliver generational infrastructure for all Queenslanders and sets the blueprint for a seamless transport network on the Sunshine Coast.”
With seven years left for completion, the heavy rail project is expected to be constructed concurrently with the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) track duplication upgrades.
It is understood the metro bus service between Birtinya and Maroochydore will operate primarily along the previously allocated CAMCOS (rail) corridor.
“The Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs for decades to come,” Premier David Crisafulli said.
“The Wave will provide seamless public transport to Sunshine Coast Airport and connect to the Athlete Village.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project would provide a lasting legacy. “We are delivering beyond what was originally planned,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the announcement had generated excitement. “The reason we were involved in the Games was to secure a legacy for our people,” Mayor Natoli said.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace acknowledged the investment’s significance.
“I long supported heavy rail to Maroochydore, so I was initially disappointed. However, this proposal is better in some ways,” he said. “This plan delivers rail to Birtinya and a dedicated busway to Maroochydore and the airport. The completion of the Mooloolah River Interchange as part of this project is a huge win.”
Mr Wallace also praised commitments to upgrades at the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Mountain Bike Centre, and Maroochydore City Centre transformation.
“It’s time to get on with it. Let’s get shovels in the ground and deliver this Olympic-sized opportunity,” he said.