Sunshine Coast Federal MP Andrew Wallace says he welcomes comments by Treasurer Jim Chalmers to invest in “good projects” for the region.
During a visit to Maroochydore last week Mr Chalmers said that investments slated for communities like the Sunshine Coast, which will deliver an economic benefit for the country and for the community, will go ahead.
The Federal Member for Fisher said the Sunshine Coast rail line falls into that definition and the community was demanding it be funded in the October Federal Budget.
“It is great to hear that Mr Chalmers has made this commitment to keep projects with a genuine benefit to the country and the community,” Mr Wallace said.
“This is exactly what the Sunshine Coast rail project is – it’s more than good, it’s essential.
“Sunshine Coast Rail will revolutionise the way we move people in southeast Queensland – busting congestion on our busiest roads and reducing the use of cars and thereby carbon emissions.
“This is not an issue of party politics, it is about delivering for one of the country’s fastest growing regions.”
While the Coalition promised $1.6bn towards the project before it lost power at the last election, federal and state Labor have not made any commitments.
The line would connect Beerwah to Maroochydore via Caloundra and Kawana.
“We are going to absolutely hold Labor to that commitment. The Sunshine Coast needs that $1.6 billion and the State Government needs to stump up their $1.6 billion,” Mr Wallace said.
“With 10 years to run before the Olympics and the Paralympics, where the Sunshine Coast will host a number of events, it is imperative that we get that train line built.
Concerned residents can make their voice heard by signing Mr Wallace’s petition for heavy passenger rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore by visiting www.sunshinecoastrail.com.au.
