Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade early works start as questions raised over delays

Questions have been raised over delays to what has been described as one of Queensland’s most important rail upgrades as work starts on the $550m Sunshine Coast project.

Work has started on a long-awaited Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade but the announcement prompted fresh questions about delays to the $550.8m project.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said work started on what was one of the state’s most important rail projects.

The project is being delivered in stages and includes duplication of the North Coast Line between Beerburrum and Landsborough stations as well as station upgrades, new park ‘n’ ride facilities and rail passing loops between Landsborough and Nambour.

It is touted as a vital project that will reduce rail travel times between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks during question time at Queensland’s Parliament House. Picture: Sarah Marshall

Hall Contracting was awarded the tender for early works, which Ms Palaszczuk confirmed had started.

She said delivering reliable public transport was a priority and crucial amid preparations for the 2032 Olympics.

But the LNP’s shadow transport minister Steve Minnikin said the project had been “on the go-slow” for years.

He said the latest budget for the 2021-22 spend had been reduced by $32.2m and slammed the third-term government as “running out of ideas”.

“Sunshine Coast rail commuters have been taken for a ride by the state government for years,” Mr Minnikin said.

“Today’s statement … shows that this government is more interested in how things look, rather than how things actually are.

“The Premier should explain why this project has been delayed for years.”

The Beerburrum to Nambour line is being upgraded.

Ms Palaszczuk said the project would ease congestion on the Bruce Hwy, increase freight capacity and improve rail services between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.

“This will change the lives of thousands of people right throughout southeast Queensland, improving services for commuters from Caloundra to Landsborough right through to Nambour and Palmwoods,” Ms Palaszczuk said during parliament.

“This major upgrade will ensure that we are ready to welcome thousands of visitors to the southeast in time for the 2032 Olympic Games.

“Beerburrum to Nambour is also vital when it comes to rebuilding our economy and creating opportunities for local businesses.”

Ms Palaszczuk said 10 Hall Contracting staff would start work this week on the project estimated to create 300 construction jobs.

She said works would also progress on a heavy rail connection between Beerwah and Maroochydore.

Last year Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the project was expected to be completed by 2025.

At the time he said the government was seeking approval from the federal environment department for works included in the first stage.

“Property resumptions for early works are complete and Transport and Main Roads has been engaging with the federal government to remove the delays caused by the federal environmental approval requirements, which means that works on those can progress by early next year,” Mr Bailey said.

Originally published as Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade early works start as questions raised over delays