$390 million will be provided in the federal government’s 2018-19 budget for the duplication of Queensland’s North Coast Rail Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough, separating freight from passenger services, and the delivery of additional capacity upgrades between Landsborough to Nambour.
The rail duplication will, once completed, improve travel times and service reliability for passengers on the North Coast Line, and enable freight services to take advantage of the additional capacity provided.
“Reduced travel times and greater trip reliability makes rail a more attractive option for travellers between the region and Brisbane in particular, while more parking at stations will also add to the equation,” federal transport and infrastructure minister Michael McCormack said.
The upgrade of the 39-kilometre section was granted Priority Project status in Infrastructure Australia’s (IA) latest Priority List update in March this year.
The $390 million being put forward by the federal government for the Beerburrum to Nambour upgrade project is below the $578 million that the Queensland state government has previously requested. The full cost of the project is expected to be approximately $722 million.
Federal urban infrastructure minister Paul Fletcher declared that that project was “big news” for the Sunshine Coast and surrounding regions.
“This project makes good sense in itself—as it will relieve pressure on the busy Bruce Highway and provide commuters with additional train services,” Fletcher said.
“It also offers a potential launch pad for further work to deliver a faster rail service along this route in the future, depending on the outcome from the business case which is now under way.”
The additional upgrade works between Landsborough to Nambour are to include passing loop extensions, provision of dual platforms at stations connected by lifts and pedestrian bridges, and additional car parking at some stations.
According to the government, the rail duplication would avert an otherwise likely scenario of freight traffic transferring increasingly to road as the line’s freight capacity is reached in 2023. If this were to happen, further traffic pressure would be placed on the Bruce Highway, heightening congestion.
Fletcher also indicated that the duplication and other upgrades would form the basis of a broader plan for faster rail between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
“That business case will take as its starting point the upgraded Beerburrum to Nambour line—the subject of today’s funding announcement—and will examine potential further investments which would allow a faster rail service to be delivered between Sunshine Coast and Brisbane,” Fletcher said.
Well overdue. Welcome, let’s hope the State comes to the party.