A major Sunshine Coast rail project is in doubt amid fears of a significant cost blowout and its omission from a federal government priority list, prompting a community group to propose a bus-centric solution instead.
The Queensland Government has vowed to have mass transit in place by the 2032 Games, relying on its 100-day infrastructure review to make it a reality.
But a planned rail extension to Maroochydore may not be finished in seven years to meet the demand of the Olympics.
A submission to the state’s 100-day review, by community group Sunshine Coast 2032, claimed the cost of the project could almost double from $12 billion to more than $20 billion, sparking concerns it could be unaffordable and unable to be delivered on time.
The project – which was set to connect Brisbane, Moreton Bay and the Sunshine Coast – was also recently taken off the federal government’s Infrastructure Priority List.
Stage one has $5.5 billion committed by the state and federal governments for completion.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the submission’s figures that the rail line could cost $500,000 a metre are “alarming” but the bigger concern was the federal government deprioritising the project.
“Our commitment is absolutely to have mass transit delivered by 2032 and now the federal Labor government has gone away from that commitment,” he said.
He has written to federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King to demand the rail project be put back on the priority list so it can be completed.
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The state government will be relying on the 100-day Olympics infrastructure review’s findings for the best way forward.
“We are absolutely saying we must deliver a transport solution to the people of the Sunshine Coast by 2032 and we are looking at all the proposals put into the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority,” Mr Bleijie said.
Sunshine Coast 2032 – a community group committed to maximising opportunities from the Games – has unveiled a proposal to meet the region’s transport and infrastructure needs.
It includes an integrated bus rapid transit (BRT) system that connects all major hubs, including the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Airport, key population centres and Olympic venues.
The group emphasised the need for a public transport system that is accessible, flexible and deliverable by 2032, with north-south and east-west connections.
They said it would meet the needs of visitors and locals, and it would be significantly cheaper than rail.
SC2032 chair Roz White said a BRT could be a solution and that conversations around local transport solutions were much needed and pressing, to make the most of the Games.
“We believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set a course that benefits the Sunshine Coast community for decades,” she said.
“Our proposal champions innovation, affordability and inclusivity.
“We invite local businesses, residents and stakeholders to review our plan and join us in advocating for a solution that serves everyone.”
The group called on the government to reconsider direct rail and instead consider BRT.
“We applaud Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie’s willingness to explore alternative transport solutions that can be delivered in time for Brisbane 2032,” Mrs White said.
She told Sunshine Coast News the group’s $20 billion projection for direct rail was based on rising construction costs, construction complexities and the need for accelerated construction.
She said the BRT proposal could be done sooner and cheaper.
“There’s a deep concern that we’ll miss the boat entirely if they don’t turn the soil soon,” she said.
The BRT proposal could be an extension of the one that is already under investigation, which was expected to cost more than $1 billion and complement direct rail.
Meanwhile, Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli called for a roundtable on transport solutions.
She said the council supported direct rail from Beerwah to Caloundra, but conversations were required to plan transport around the greater region.
“While the Queensland Government is concerned about the costs of rail, we ultimately want the same thing: generational infrastructure for the future,” she said.
“The Brisbane Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure lasting transport improvements for our region.
“The Sunshine Coast deserves a transport system that works for locals now and leaves a legacy for generations to come.
“This isn’t about choosing buses over rail. This is about getting the best transport solutions in place for our community, short-term and long-term.
“Sunshine Coast Council believes it is vital that we bring key stakeholders together: community members, businesses and all levels of government. It is a smart way to plan our region’s transport future.
“Consequently, we are calling for a roundtable to explore all of the public transport options.”
Olympics Minister Tim Mander assured the 100-day infrastructure review would come up with a solution for appropriate transport options.
“(The review) is not only looking at facilities – they’re looking at all the infrastructure that’s required to run the Games, and they will be taking all that information into account when they come with their final recommendations,” he said on Thursday.
“We’ll ensure the Games are successful and there is good mobility for people to get around the southeast and beyond.”
