Queensland, Australia: a new railway line for the growing Sunshine Coast

The political landscape has recently changed in Queensland but plans to invest in public infrastructure in the Australian state have not.

In the latest election held in October, the Liberal National Party defeated the Australian Labor Party, but although they obviously have their differences, the two parties have always recognised the importance of investing in infrastructure like public transport to support the state’s growth – and prepare it to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. One area of focus is the Sunshine Coast, where a major project called

Located north of Brisbane, the area’s white sandy beaches have made it a global tourist destination, while its easy, outdoor lifestyle has turned it into one of the fastest growing areas in southeast Queensland. According to state government estimates, its population is set to grow by nearly 60 percent to exceed half a million in the next two decades. This is expected to create more jobs – 85,000 by the same estimates – and necessitate the construction of 87,000 dwellings.

This growth, however, has led to the Sunshine Coast becoming the largest urban centre in Australia not to have a rail service that connects it directly to the nearest capital – Brisbane, in this case. This risks having more than 800,000 additional daily vehicle trips clogging up the road and highway network.

“Further population and employment growth in this area will cause inevitable change, challenging the travel needs and expectations of locals and visitors alike” – reads the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy. Produced by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, it provides a guide to the development of public transport in the area. Congestion-free roads and a choice of parking spaces at popular destinations will become rarer. Alternative forms of movement and access must be developed.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is precisely that alternative form of movement, whose benefits have been acknowledged by both the LNP and ALP. The dual-track heavy rail line is being touted as a faster, safer, more reliable and more environmentally friendly way to commute – compared with the car.

Under the proposal, it would run 37.8 kilometres between the towns of Maroochydore to the north and Beerwah. At Beerwah, the line would connect with the existing North Coast Line, which leads to Brisbane. In essence, it will connect the coastal communities of the Sunshine Coast to the broader South East Queensland rail network, with stations planned in growing suburban areas within walking distance to some of the state’s best surf beaches.

Trains would travel up to 140 kilometres per hour (the maximum speed for current commuter rolling stock), with some parts of the line accommodating speeds of up to 160 kilometres per hour. “A direct rail connection will improve local and regional connectivity as well as providing a reliable and competitive alternative transport to private vehicles,” reads a description of the project on the government department’s website.

Not only would it reduce traffic congestion, but also accelerate the construction of more than 3,000 homes near the stations to be situated along the line in the coming decade – an important feature in light of the severe housing shortage faced by the state. “With the (project) in place, catching a train will become the fastest and most reliable way to travel between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane,” reads a government document presenting the business case for the line. “Travel time savings of at least 45 minutes will be enjoyed by passengers (compared with private vehicle travel) between Maroochydore and Brisbane in peak hours, encouraging commuters, tourists and day trippers alike to use public transport for regional journeys. “Given the Sunshine Coast hosts 11 million visitors each year, the (project) will play a critical role in supporting tourism to and within the region,” it adds.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is to be built in three stages. The first would build 19 kilometres of line between Beerwah and Caloundra. Set to begin in 2026, its construction would create 2,200 jobs. By being built progressively, passengers would be able to start using this rail line sooner, with the first stage set to open by 2032. Of the 19 kilometres to be built in the first stage, seven kilometres would run along viaducts, including 10 bridges that would cross roads, creeks and the Bruce Highway. The federal and state governments have committed AU$2.75 billion each to the first stage.

Geotechnical testing has already begun between Beerwah and Birtinya, a suburb along the line at the end of Stage 2 of the project which stands to be more complex, involving the construction of another 7.5 kilometres of the line between Caloundra and Birtinya. It would include a 1.2-kilometre tunnel at Little Mountain.

Stage 3 runs from Birtinya to Maroochydore, involving construction over the Mooloolah River and adjacent to the Sunshine Motorway. The line is proposed to temporarily end in the planned Maroochydore City Centre, with a rail corridor to the Sunshine Coast Airport projected for the future.