Sunshine Coast Business Council calls for less debate; more action
By Sonia Isaacs
THE head of the Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) has called for immediate action on the delivery of heavy rail to the region, urging policy makers to move beyond political debate and commit to construction ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
SCBC Chair Sandy Zubrinich has criticised the ongoing delays and political manoeuvring surrounding the project, stating that with just seven years until the Games, “there is no more room for delays, debates, or half-measures.”
She also questioned the timing of an alternative Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proposal recently referenced by Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, put forward by a relatively unknown community advocacy group.
“Both sides of politics have used heavy rail as a bargaining chip with a range of empty election promises. It is now time to deliver and get the shovels in the ground,” Ms Zubrinich said.
The SCBC represents key business stakeholders, including Sunshine Coast Airport, the University of the Sunshine Coast, Walker Corporation, Stockland, and the Scanlon Group. The organisation has long advocated for heavy rail as a critical piece of infrastructure to support regional economic growth and connectivity.
Concerns have been raised following a Sunshine Coast community advocacy group’s (SC2032) suggestion that the cost of the rail project could nearly double to more than $20 billion. Their alternative proposal recommends a combination of heavy rail between Brisbane and Beerwah and a BRT system between Beerwah and the Maroochydore City Centre as a more cost-effective solution.
Ms Zubrinich questioned this proposal, noting that BRT had not been previously recommended by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR). She also said she understood that the $2.75 billion in federal funding allocated to the project was specifically for rail, not rapid bus transport.“We would question that if BRT were truly the best solution, why has this not been raised by TMR over the past decade? With the Games fast approaching, it seems late in the process to be introducing new unproven alternatives that could further delay much-needed rail infrastructure,” she said.
“While BRT may be more cost-effective, relying solely on buses for the crucial 35-kilometre connection between Beerwah and the Maroochydore City Centre, even with a dedicated lane, is far from a world-class transit solution.”
Ms Zubrinich reiterated the need for an integrated transport system for the Sunshine Coast “Our answer is clear; the Sunshine Coast needs heavy rail. By 2032, we must have Stage 1 and 2 completed to deliver a rail connection between Brisbane and Birtinya, with Stage 3 into the Maroochydore City Centre to follow by the mid-2030s.”
In response to Ms Zubrinich’s comments, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Jarrod Bleijie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the project.
“The delivery options will be guided by the experts,” Minister Bleijie said. “Our election commitment for Sunshine Coast direct rail was clear and stands as strong today as it ever has.”
For the SCBC’s commentary on the Walker Corporation’s bold Olympic vision for Maroochydore, see the story on p26.
