Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is progressing plans for an integrated transport network that connects Sunshine Coast communities.
Opportunities to learn more and provide input on key projects and initiatives are now available, including:
- Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line
- Sunshine Coast Public Transport project
- Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy
- Bus service improvements
Consultation will run from Wednesday, November 1 to Sunday, December 10.
Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line
To connect Sunshine Coast communities to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond and provide a new alternative for long and medium distance trips, a proposed 37km passenger rail line being planned between Beerwah and Maroochydore.
Some changes have been made to the previous protected corridor and refinements to station designs.
Sunshine Coast Public Transport project
To enable greater travel choices for short, local trips and help reduce car dependence and ease congestion, TMR is exploring options for an enhanced public transport connection between Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital at Birtinya, with a possible extension to Caloundra.
It has released new information about proposed station locations and vehicle options.
Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy
To set out a vision for a future public transport system for the northern Sunshine Coast area that all levels of government can work towards, TMR is working on the Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy in partnership with Sunshine Coast and Noosa Shire Councils.
Early feedback is invited to help understand challenges and opportunities, as well as ideas and priorities, to help inform the strategy’s development.
TMR is also delivering the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (B2N) project, which covers about 40km of the North Coast Line and will provide additional track capacity and reliability, creating travel time savings and increased passenger and freight services to the growing Sunshine Coast region.
The full scope of the business case for B2N includes duplication of the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough stations (around 20km in length) as well as station upgrades, new park ‘n’ ride facilities, and new rail passing loops between Landsborough and Nambour.
TMR will deliver the project in stages, allowing construction of Stage 1 to start to provide community benefits while investigating funding options for future stages.
Construction of Stage 1 is expected to be completed by 2025, weather and construction conditions permitting.
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