Sunshine Coast residents are being invited to shape a future with not one — but four — fast and frequent public transport corridors instead of having to hop in a car.
The State Government is releasing its broad vision for public transport on the Coast to the year 2041.
In this future, passengers would not have to wait more than 15 minutes for some form of transport, which would also travel faster.
The blueprint for the next 20 years, which includes the 2032 Olympic Games, focuses on four key public transport corridors from north to south and east to west.
Among the various services would be the controversial Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project from Maroochydore to Caloundra — such as light rail, trackless trams or buses — for which a business case is currently being developed.
Also from north to south would be the CAMCOS corridor from Maroochydore to Beerwah, which is already under investigation for heavy rail.
The MRT would traverse the populated coastal strip with frequent stops while CAMCOS would run a centre line with longer stops.
As well, residents would move east to west on high-frequency public transport that leaves every 15 minutes.
And for getting around within busy urban areas like Caloundra and Kawana/Birtinya, there would be public transport stopping at prominent locations every 30 minutes.
The overarching vision, however, does not stipulate the specific modes of transport — whether buses, trams or a future technology — because those would be decided during planning.
Accessing the public transport nodes and stations would rely on a mix of connection services and park and ride facilities.
There would also be interchanges at major hubs like Aura central, Caloundra, Birtinya, Mooloolaba and Maroochydore.
State Transport Minister Mark Bailey is releasing the State Government’s draft Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy at midday on Wednesday.
The southern Sunshine Coast refers to the region from Maroochydore to Beerwah where the bulk of the future population is expected to settle — an extra 190,000 people in the next 20 years.
That would add an extra 800,000 daily transport trips by 2041.
The blueprint was developed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads with input from Sunshine Coast Council.
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The report says it has been prepared to “help address the challenges facing the region due to population growth and forecast increased demand for public transport services”.
The draft says 95 per cent of trips that start on the Sunshine Coast stay on coast.
“One service or corridor cannot meet the needs of all customers,” it states.
“The key public transport corridors in the southern Sunshine Coast will work together to cater for different types of trips, providing a comprehensive travel solution that meets the varied needs of the community.”
Minister Mark Bailey outlined the four key corridors that would provide a mix of public transport options:
1. Coastal corridor (north-south): new mass transit service between Caloundra and Maroochydore for shorter trips.
2. Centre corridor (north-south): a link via the Caloundra and Maroochydore Corridor Options Study (CAMCOS) for longer distance trips on the Coast and to the rest of SEQ
3. Western (north-south hinterland): upgraded infrastructure along the existing North Coast rail passenger line for longer distances.
4. Key connectors (east-west): new and upgraded east-west bus connections, more dedicated bus priority and high-frequency routes and local services.
Mr Bailey said as the region’s population continued to grow, so did the need for an efficient and well-connected public transport network.
“What we now have is a blueprint for short, medium and long-term transport developments in the region – whether that be bus corridors, heavy rail or multi-modal connections,” he said.
“Public transport will be developed around key corridors and connections to complement the southern Sunshine Coast’s character as well as keep people moving to and through the
area.”
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the state’s new draft public transport strategy for the southern region.
“Public transport connectivity is critical to the functionality and economic prosperity and liveability of our Sunshine Coast and south east Queensland, now and into the future, especially in providing for a viable alternative to private car travel,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“I encourage everyone to provide feedback on the draft Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy.”
Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said engaging with the community on the draft strategy would be essential.
“Things are moving, but this plan wraps it all together and shows how all elements will work together for the Coast, and support the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” he said.
“It will take a mix of options: heavy rail, local mass transit, new stops stations, park’n’rides, bus priority, better links to Brisbane and more efficient corridors.”
For more information and to have your say on the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy click here.
