Walker Corporation founder Lang Walker reveals Maroochydore to Beerwah rail support

International property tycoon Lang Walker has revealed his support for extending passenger rail into Maroochydore.

Property developer and philanthropist Lang Walker at his $3.2bn development Parramatta Square, with a large painting by Aboriginal artist Yaritji Young. Story is about Mr Walker and his Walker Family Foundation which has donated $20m to support a science academy for school students at the new Powerhouse Parramatta museum. Mr Walker commissioned Yaritji Young to paint the 6m x 8m painting for the 6 Parramatta Square tower. Jane Dempster/The Australian.

Property tycoon Lang Walker has thrown his support behind a campaign for heavy rail from Maroochydore to Brisbane.

The founder of Walker Corporation wants to see heavy rail connected to the Maroochydore CBD ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

With $1.6bn on the table to extend rail from Beerwah to Maroochydore from the federal Liberal National Party, calls are being made for local and state and federal government to commit to the long-­awaited project.

The Sunshine Coast Daily has launched the Train for the Games campaign in support of heavy rail.

In a video message, Mr Walker revealed his vision for the Maroochydore CBD as a “cultural and commercial hub”.

“While everything is wonderful in the Sunshine Coast it doesn’t have a heart … similar to the Gold Coast, there’s lots of hearts,” Mr Walker, the billionaire in charge of one of Australia’s largest property firms, said.

“One thing that will be so important for the Sunshine Coast for the next 100 years is having the commercial and cultural hub and centre of activity where all of your transportation comes together.”

The latest proposal is to extend rail from Beerwah with stations at Caloundra and Kawana, before finishing at Maroochydore near the CBD and Sunshine Plaza.

Walker Corporation signed a deal with Sunshine Coast Council in November, 2020, for exclusive development rights at the 53ha Maroochydore CBD.

The agreement was set to inject $2.5bn worth of investment into the project.

Development and major projects director Peter Saba said the heavy rail extension would help take tens of thousands of car trips off the clogged highways.

“The Sunshine Coast population is one of the fastest-expanding regions in Australia so the crucial next step is to build the big transport infrastructure and bring connectivity to the whole region,” Mr Saba said.

“The 2032 Olympics and recent federal government budget announcements are bringing the vision to reality but there are a few political handbrakes that still need to be released.”

He said the company considered heavy rail as essential to “properly activate” the Maroochydore CBD, where it expected $2.5bn in investment over 20 years. as well as blue chip companies.

“Rail is one of the most convenient, effective, mass transit options,” Mr Saba said.

“It brings scores of people in and out fast. People are crucial to having a CBD thrive and prosper.

“With the recent announcement of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and the federal government budget, there has never been a better opportunity for this vision to become reality.”