Sunshine Coast heavy rail: Labor commits to Brisbane to Maroochydore line

Sunshine Coast MPs raise concerns about heavy rail project deadlines, with warnings delays will bring higher costs in what is an increasingly difficult economic market.

Three politicians have their say on the Albanese government’s $1.6bn heavy rail funding promise for the Sunshine Coast.

Federal Labor has promised $1.6bn towards a heavy rail line between Brisbane and Maroochydore, but Sunshine Coast MPs have raised concerns about the timeline of the project as the 2032 Olympic deadline looms.

A spokesman for federal Transport Minister Catherine King said the government had worked with the Queensland government to “identify, plan and fund” priority transport infrastructure investments.

“The budget maintains the $1.6bn committed by the former government for the Sunshine Coast direct line,” he said.

Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien welcomed the Labor budget promise.

“Securing that $1.6bn earlier this year wasn’t an easy feat for (Member for Fisher) Andrew Wallace and me, but we got there, and I’m pleased the government is honouring the Coalition’s investment,” he said.

Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien welcomes Labor’s budget promise. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

Despite the welcome news, Mr O’Brien conceded he was concerned about project delays, saying it would mean “higher costs” in an inflationary environment.

“What’s more, a delay puts our deadline for the 2032 Games in jeopardy,” Mr O’Brien said.

Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace says the fight for a heavy rail line is not over. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Mr Wallace said the fight for the rail line was not over, and called on the state government to “get on with the job” of funding its half of the $3.2bn project.

“Until the first train pulls into Maroochydore, I call on the Sunshine Coast community to make their voices heard and tell state Labor to get on board,” he said.

State Transport Minister Mark Bailey said he welcomed the Albanese government’s funding commitment.

He said it was “refreshing” the funding appeared in a federal budget that would “actually be voted on and passed by” parliament.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey welcomes the Albanese government budget promise. Picture: Sarah Marshall

“The failed Morrison LNP Government did not allow a vote on their last March budget, meaning their direct Sunshine Coast line promise was nothing but a last-minute fake funding election stunt with no parliamentary approval,” he said.

Mr Bailey said a study due to be completed next year would provide a “more accurate” cost estimate for a direct Sunshine Coast line.

“The Palaszczuk government estimates that work will be completed over the course of 2023,” he said.