Five of the Sunshine Coast’s seven state MPs have joined forces to call on the Queensland Government to fund a rail line from Beerwah to Maroochydore.
The local members of the Opposition have urged State Labor to fully commit to the proposed 37km line, by matching the Federal Labor Government’s $1.6 billion funding commitment.
But the State Government recently told Sunshine Coast News an informed decision on funding and the line would be made after a planning phase is completed next year.
The LNP quintet also launched a petition, Get On Board Rail, for people to show their support of the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said they were sending a “clear message on behalf of the Sunshine Coast community”, ahead of the State Budget.
“The State LNP Opposition has already made a commitment to fund 50 per cent of this crucial project, as has the Federal Labor Government, but there is deafening silence from the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” he said via a joint press release.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country and heavy passenger rail will get more cars off the road and give residents greater access to public transport.”
Mr Bleijie was joined on Friday by fellow local members from the Opposition, Fiona Simpson, Brent Mickelberg, Andrew Powell and Dan Purdie for the launch of the petition.
The proposed route.Meanwhile, Labor’s Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said he supported a direct line.
“Our current rail line on the Coast was built to cater for our agricultural sector of years gone by but with most of our population now living so close to the coast we need to do everything we can to bring passenger rail closer to the population,” Mr Hunt said.
“I have met with the Minister and written to the Minister about passenger rail, which is more effort than the LNP State and Federal members have expended in 30 years.”
He said the TMR website confirmed planning was underway, with Federal Government.
“TMR is also partnering with the Sunshine Coast Council and the Australian Government on a business case for a high-frequency public transport connection,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said that a call on further funding and the future of the line wouldn’t be made until next year, after a $6m planning phase is completed.
“The Queensland Government is awaiting completion of the DSC (Direct Sunshine Coast) business case to inform a government investment decision,” the spokesperson said.
“An updated cost estimate, identification of the preferred option and construction staging will be confirmed at the end of the planning stage in 2024 to inform any government investment decisions.”
Member for Maroochydore Ms Simpson said it was time for the State Government to get on board.
“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to her Labor mates in Canberra to unfreeze the federal funding and to commit the state to rail to Maroochydore,” she said.
“I urge locals who want this game-changing infrastructure project to sign our petition. We won’t stop fighting for this project and the enormous economic benefits it will bring.”
Buderim MP Mr Mickelberg said “locals want it (the direct line)”.
“Heavy passenger rail will change the face of the Sunshine Coast and attract more people and business to the region,” he said.
Fellow members Andrew Powell and Dan Purdie were also at the launch of the petition on Friday.
Labor’s Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said he would “always advocate for more and better-funded public transport”.
“I’m proud to support the current record investment in public transport on the Sunshine Coast by the Palaszczuk Labor Government, including both the Sunshine Coast Direct line study and the Stage 1 works for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade,” he said.
“The local LNP have used the issue of public transport on the Sunshine Coast as a political football for decades, I’m happy to be part of a government getting things done to deliver better outcomes for commuters on the Sunshine Coast.”
The DSCRL is a proposed 37km rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore, expected to increase public transport opportunities.
The department spokesperson said it could provide more efficient transport.
“If constructed, DSC would provide a direct rail connection between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, providing congestion-free and faster public transport journeys between these two key centres,” they said.
The line would also feature new stations along the corridor; park ‘n’ rides and associated facilities to increase accessibility; active transport provisions along the corridor to improve safety and encourage these transport modes; and maintenance access, stabling and operational facilities.
The Federal Government recently reaffirmed its commitment to the line by retaining $1.6 billion for it in the Federal Budget. But they also said they would review all major infrastructure projects.
A planning location map for the project is available at Direct Sunshine Coast Line – Planning.
The community has been encouraged to register for updates about the project at Your Say – Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
