By Sonia Isaacs
The state government has unveiled plans for a new integrated public transport network, ‘The Wave’, as part of its 2032 Olympic Delivery Plan. While the long-anticipated heavy rail to Maroochydore will not proceed, the government has committed to a rail and metro connection from Beerwah to Sunshine Coast Airport in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Announced today (March 25), the project follows recommendations from the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) in its 100-day review report. It is one of several major infrastructure initiatives for the region, including the revival of the Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade and funding for an integrated Athlete Village, arena, and cultural precinct in the Maroochydore City Centre.
The Wave will consist of 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 a major upgrade to Beerwah station and new stations at Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra, Aroona, and Birtinya. The project will be delivered in two stages: Beerwah to Caloundra (19km) and Caloundra to Birtinya (7km).
The final transport link from Birtinya to Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Airport will be completed by 2032. Additionally, the plan provides for the establishment of the European Train Control System Level 2 – Sector 1 network, improving safety and increasing service frequencies between the Gold Coast, Brisbane CBD, Sunshine Coast, and the Redcliffe Peninsula. It is anticipated this heavy rail project will run concurrently with the Beerburrum to Nambour (B2N) track duplication upgrades.
Metro infrastructure will be constructed between Birtinya and Maroochydore, integrating with the long-awaited Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade. The Crisafulli Government has prioritised the interchange project to alleviate congestion and ensure The Wave operates efficiently. The upgrade includes two additional lanes on the Sunshine Motorway north of Kawana Way.
Premier David Crisafulli reiterated the long-term benefits of the new transport network. “The Games are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver the infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs, not only today, but for decades to come,” Premier Crisafulli said. “The Wave will go further and faster, providing seamless public transport to Sunshine Coast Airport and connecting to the Athlete Village built for the Games. This is exactly what is needed for 2032 and beyond.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the project would provide a lasting legacy. “We are delivering seamless public transport beyond what was originally planned, ensuring commuters can travel past Maroochydore all the way to Sunshine Coast Airport,” he said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the announcement, highlighting its transformative impact on the region.“This announcement, along with the expansion of the Sunshine Coast Stadium and progress on the Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, represents a significant milestone,” Mayor Natoli said.
“Council is also thrilled about the opportunity to develop a world-class arts and cultural precinct. We look forward to working closely on detailed planning for the integrated Athlete Village, arena, and cultural precinct.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace acknowledged the significance of the investment. “I have long supported heavy rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore, so I was initially disappointed. However, what the state government has proposed is actually better in some ways,” Mr Wallace said.
“This plan not only delivers rail to Birtinya but also provides a dedicated busway from Birtinya 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 the broader infrastructure commitments, including upgrades to the Sunshine Coast Stadium, Mountain Bike Centre, and the Maroochydore City Centre transformation. “It is now time to get on with it. After nearly four years of Labor’s delays and cuts, let’s get shovels in the ground and deliver this Olympic-sized opportunity,” he said.