Community consultation to open for major Sunshine Coast rail, road projects
Residents have been urged to have their say on four major road and rail projects that would transform the Sunshine Coast, as the state government reveals its latest plans.
Community News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Community News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Community consultation on four major transport projects across the Sunshine Coast have opened.
Residents can view plans and have their say on the projects, which include the direct Sunshine Coast rail line, Sunshine Coast public transport project, Kawana Motorway and the Sunshine Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade, until August 20.
A Department of Transport and Main roads spokesperson revealed key details for each of the projects in a statement on July 19.
This included park ‘n’ rides for all stations on the Sunshine Coast rail line project and active transport provisions; a new road overpass between Mountain Creek and Mooloolaba for the Sunshine Motorway and Mooloolah River interchange as well as plans for a future river crossing between Kawana Way and the Sunshine Motorway; a north to south link from the Bruce Hwy to the Sunshine Motorway for Kawana Motorway project and a possible extension to Caloundra under the public transport project.
The government has previously said the projects will be ready in time for the 2032 Games.
An earlier announcement of the consultation period opening coincided with the news an extra $14m had been tipped into the business case for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line from Beerwah to Maroochydore, taking the total to $20m.
The “big build” projects also include the Sunshine Coast Public Transport (formerly mass transit) route which is subject of a $15m business case, the $320m first stage of the Sunshine Motorway – Mooloolah River Interchange upgrade and the proposed Kawana Motorway stretch, currently subject of a $2.6m business case.
Transport Minister Mark Bailey was joined by Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson and Caloundra MP Jason Hunt at Bulcock Beach in Caloundra on Tuesday, July 11, to make the announcement.
Mr Bailey said 130,000 households across the Sunshine Coast would be mailed pamphlets about the projects and how it affects them on July 19. Residents are encouraged to then share their thoughts with the council and state government.
Mr Bailey said it was “important” for all four projects to be brought together to help residents see “the vision” of what a strong public transport and better connected road system looks like.
“Road and rail, all integrated, all working together; that’s the future of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
He did not confirm when the consultation process will end, nor when the projects are expected to be completed, but was confident all four projects would be ready by the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Early works on the Mooloolah River interchange and the direct rail line and the had already begun, he said.
Concerns the direct rail line would end at Caloundra and not Maroochydore were aired by Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie in May 2023.
Mayor Mark Jamieson said it was important to be prepared for rising population numbers on the Coast, and said he did not believe there would be any concerns locals would have about the four projects.
“I think everybody knows how challenging it is moving around on the Sunshine Coast now in your own vehicle, whether you’re a tradie or in the logistics sector or a mum taking her kids to school … it’s taking longer to move around,” he said.
“That will only get worse as things continue to grow and expand.”
He said the Sunshine Coast was one of the fastest growing areas in Queensland, and community consultation will ensure future public transport allows residents to move freely around the Coast as quickly as possible.
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said the announcement was one of the largest consultation projects he had been involved in.
“These four key transport projects will help to deliver a world class transport system for the Sunshine Coast, making it easier for local and visitors to get to, from and around the region,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is a big supporter of Sunshine Coast Direct and we are getting on with finalising the business case by the end of this year.”
He encouraged every resident to have their say.
Mr Bailey said community consultation on the projects open on Wednesday, July 19, but residents are able to register on the Transport and Main Roads website earlier if they wish.
It was unclear what mode would be used in the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project, formerly the mass transit studies which had identified light rail and rapid bus services among several options for the coastal corridor.
Information sessions in various places across the Coast will be available also.
Revealed: Resorts, restaurants in the running for 2024 business awards
More than 100 Sunshine Coast businesses, including restaurants and resorts, have been announced as finalists for a series of prestigious business awards.
Read more
‘Never called’: Parents claim school ‘ghosted’ them after son broke arm
A Sunshine Coast couple is outraged after their seven-year-old son had his arm broken in a classroom - saying the school has “ghosted” them since the incident.
Read more