Concerns rail line is running off the tracks
RESIDENTS are being urged to “fight for every sleeper” by signing a new petition demanding the state and federal governments come together and fund the construction of the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line.
The future of the proposed 37-kilometre rail line connecting Beerwah to Maroochydore was thrown into further doubt last week when the federal government announced that the $1.6bn it had previously committed to the project, was to be ‘set aside’.
The decision was based on an independent review into billions of dollars of federal infrastructure projects that were being reassessed by the Labor Government.
Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the combination of cost blowouts and the lack of any committed funding from the state had relegated the project.
“The estimates that we have got so far … is three times higher, billions of dollars higher than has been previously stated,” she said last week,
“Frankly, there has not been confidence or assurance in the costs of this project.”
The state government is undertaking a feasibility study and is still months away from delivering its findings.
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said he would be going to Canberra last this month to argue for the rail line, especially given the need for world-class public transport infrastructure for the Olympics.
Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, said both levels of government had dropped the ball and said residents should make their feelings known.
“We need to hold the Federal and State Labor Government’s feet to the fire,” Mr Wallace said.
“Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien and I have been fighting so hard for this project since our elections in 2016.
“More than 600 days ago, we secured $1.6bn for this project to make Sunshine Coast Rail a reality but the State Labor Government played petty political games and committed nothing while the Federal Labor Government’s razor gang is effectively pulling $1.44bn out of the rail project.”
He urged people to sign a petition to support the direct rail line at www.sunshinecoastrail.com.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Mark Jamieson (pictured main) said while he was at least relieved that the direct rail line avoided being entirely axed, time was pressing if the project was to be completed before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line has been spared the axe for now, and its still proceeding but the timing still remains unclear. We want this clarified as a matter of urgency as… this is really timely to being a key delivery partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“We need it happening now, and that is with the planning…in terms of breaking ground and putting tracks down, that will be a little way off yet.”
Despite his concern regarding a firm commitment and clarity around a construction timeline Mayor Jamieson still believes it can be achieved in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I had some correspondence from (Transport) Minister (Mark) Bailey, that indicated to me we would see some outcomes [from the business case] in the next few months,” he said.
“I remain confident that it will [be completed by the game], yes.”
