The Morrison Government has today committed $1.6 billion to build heavy rail on the Sunshine Coast, connecting the existing line at Beerwah to a new station in the Maroochydore CBD along the CAMCOS corridor.
With stations expected at Kawana, Caloundra and Maroochydore, the new rail line will improve connectivity to Brisbane, open employment opportunities and labour mobility for a generation of skilled workers and local employers.
Federal Member for Fisher and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Andrew Wallace MP, said that the funding comes after six years of grassroots campaigning and tireless advocacy from he, Ted O’Brien MP, the Federal Member for Fairfax and the local community.
“When I was elected in 2016, I committed to the people of Fisher that my focus as their Federal Member would be to build better road and rail infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Wallace said.
“We have already delivered on funding for the duplication of the North Coast rail line, and on upgrades to the Bruce Highway, Steve Irwin Way and local roads across the region to the tune of nearly $3.7 billion.
“My number one priority has been to bring heavy rail to the Sunshine Coast, connecting the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with our coastal communities, and the Sunshine Coast region with Brisbane and Moreton Bay.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Federal Government has listened to the families and businesses of the Sunshine Coast who have long called for this upgrade. This is a game-changer for the Sunshine Coast.”
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said this was a significant investment in the future of the Sunshine Coast.
“The Beerwah to Maroochydore passenger line has been championed for over six years by local Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien and Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace,” Minister Fletcher said.
“This $1.6 billion investment shows that the Morrison Government is serious about delivering for the Sunshine Coast by funding the infrastructure it needs to host a successful 2032 Olympics and support the projected population growth across the region over the coming decades.
“The Federal Government will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government on investment planning to deliver this important transport link, which was recently identified as a priority in the Queensland Government’s proposed 2022 Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy.”
Federal Government funding for this project is to be provided on a 50:50 basis with the Queensland Government.