The state government is heralding its dedication to the Sunshine Coast as part of a statewide ‘Big Build’, but LNP representatives say it’s time for less talk and more action.
Various levels of commitment have been shown for key transport projects in the region, which is expected to be home to half a million people by 2041.
But LNP representatives have said not enough was being done and time was running out.
To support the ‘Big Build’, the state government has called on local residents and commuters to have a say in the planning for four projects, including a direct rail line through the region’s busiest towns, a massive interchange upgrade, a new four-lane motorway, and improved public transport options.
The consultation period will officially start next week, via the projects’ web pages (scroll down to links to register) and via a mail-out to residents.
A $14m commitment was recently announced in the State Budget to study the proposed Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, which is at the heart of the proposed transport network.
Labor Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the government was focused on providing the region with necessary transport infrastructure.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in our state, which means we need to build the infrastructure that is needed now and leading up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said via a media release.
“To get this right, we need to see a number of road, rail and transport projects working together to alleviate congestion and get locals home sooner.
“Transport and Main Roads is offering an opportunity for people to get involved, learn about the Big Transport Build and help make the future of the Sunshine Coast a good one.”
But the Federal Member for Fairfax, LNP’s Ted O’Brien, said more financial commitments were needed.
“Labor, at state and federal level, refuse to put real money into getting stuff built,” he told media on Tuesday.
“Are they delivering money that will build stuff … we deserve this infrastructure.”
The federal Labor government recently made a $1.6b recommitment to the rail line, but also said that major infrastructure projects were under review.
The Federal Member for Fisher, LNP’s Andrew Wallace, said the state government has “sat on its hands” and he urged it to match the federal government’s commitment and get the rail line done before the 2032 Olympics.
“That window of opportunity is rapidly closing,” he said.
“It’s time to stop the talk and the planning studies, and make a commitment.”
The state government has previously told Sunshine Coast News that it would wait for studies to be completed before announcing any further funding decisions.
The State Member for Caloundra, Labor’s Jason Hunt, recently told SCN that “you can’t build major infrastructure without doing the planning first, which is exactly what has been happening”.
He said the state government was committed to the region’s transport network and that commuters stood to benefit from upgrades.
“These four key transport projects will help to deliver a world-class transport system for the Sunshine Coast, making it easier for local and visitors to get to, from and around the region,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is a big supporter of Sunshine Coast Direct and we are getting on with finalising the business case by the end of this year.
“It’s important to see and understand how all of these projects will work together and I encourage everyone to have their say.”
The State Member for Nicklin, Labor’s Rob Skelton, said it was crucial the transport network was up to date.
“Those of us who live here already know the Sunshine Coast is the greatest place in the world,” he said.
“We want to keep it that way by making sure our roads and our transport system keeps pace with the growth we are expecting to see over the coming decades.
“It’s exciting to see how all of these key projects align and I urge locals to find out more.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said a “clear plan” was needed for the projects.
“Sunshine Coast Council is pleased the program is progressing for consultation on four major transport projects for our region,” he said.
“What is important for our community is that there is a clear plan to address the road, rail and public transport needs of our region to enable our residents to move around more efficiently and effectively.
“An integrated approach – which is reflected in the linkages between these four projects – shows how they complement each other, can operate seamlessly and can enhance the convenience and connectivity of the most heavily populated urban areas of the Sunshine Coast.
“Our council continues to work with the Department of Transport and Main Roads to establish a high-quality public transport system that will reduce congestion, reduce our emissions, better respond to our adaption needs and provide significantly better connectivity between our communities and to the rest of south east Queensland.
Key projects
Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line
- The Queensland Government has committed an additional $14 million towards this detailed business case and is working in partnership with the Australian Government.
- Investigates a proposed 37km heavy rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore, to confirm station locations, alignment, staging, construction timeframes and cost.
- Will include park ‘n’ rides and active transport provisions.
- Builds upon planning completed in 2001 by the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study (CAMCOS).
- Will connect economic centres of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane, and Sunshine Coast Public Transport project.
- Federal government has committed $2.1 billion towards the line but has also said that major infrastructure projects were under review.
Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange (MRI) Upgrade
- The Australian Government and Queensland Government jointly committed $320 million on a 50:50 (federal and state) basis to deliver Stage 1.
- Stage 1 will deliver a new road overpass from Nicklin Way to Brisbane Road and a new local road connection between Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba. These local road connections will separate local traffic from high-speed motorway traffic and reduce traffic weaving — a well-known issue at the interchange.
- Future stages include a new river crossing to connect the Sunshine Motorway and Kawana Way, major upgrade of the interchange and duplication of the Sunshine Motorway between the interchange and the existing Kawana Way Interchange.
- A design layout has been developed for the entire MRI Upgrade project. It considers community feedback received during project planning, as well as a range of technical, design and on-site investigations undertaken over the past 18 months.
- A $2.6 million business case, funded by the Australian Government, is committed as part of the Southern Sunshine Coast Roads Improvement Study.
- It would form part of a new north–south motorway link from the Bruce Highway to the existing Sunshine Motorway.
- It could provide an alternative route to the Bruce Highway for motorists travelling within the region, helping reduce traffic on Nicklin Way and Kawana Way through a direct connection to the Mooloolah River Interchange.
Sunshine Coast Public Transport
- A $15 million detailed business case, funded equally by the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council, has been committed.
- It explores solutions for an enhanced public transport connection between Maroochydore and Birtinya, with a possible extension to Caloundra.
- It builds on work previously undertaken by council through its Mass Transit Options Analysis endorsed in 2021.
- It is expected to help reduce the reliance on private vehicles and enable greater local, intra-regional travel, providing connections to other public transport services and the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.
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