Federal Labor supports Maroochydore rail link but will work with state government to finalise plan

The federal Opposition has given the strongest indication yet it would support the $3.2bn Beerwah to Maroochydore rail link if in power. Find out why the party is yet to commit funding.

The federal Opposition has admitted there was “no time to waste” to deliver the $3.2bn Beerwah to Maroochydore rail link before the 2032 Games but failed to commit funding for the project.

The admission is the strongest indication yet federal Labor would support the crucial rail link if it wins the election on Saturday.

The federal government has committed half of the estimated $3.2bn towards the project in its 2022-23 budget.

While Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the $3.2bn was “made up”, he confirmed to the Daily on May 12 the rail project was a priority for the state government.

Shadow Minister Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Catherine King said, if elected, a federal Labor government would work with the Queensland Government to deliver a heavy rail project.

Federal Labor transport spokeswoman Catherine King has said if elected a Federal Labor will support the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail project. Picture: Brendan Radke

She said a federal Labor Government would honour the $1.6bn committed but discussions with the state government would need to be had about the project timeline and costings before sign off.

“With the Olympics only 10 years away, there’s no time to waste,” Ms King said.

“The Government announced this project with a big song and dance, but the reality is that works aren’t even beginning until 2024 at the earliest.

“All people are going to care about is if the infrastructure Queenslanders need actually got built on time.”

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien said while federal Labor’s commitment “was a step in the right direction”, he was concerned the state government would continue to add roadblocks in the way of rail to Maroochydore by 2032.

Fairfax MP Ted O'Brien wants to see heavy passenger rail to Maroochydore by 2032. Picture: Patrick Woods

“Anthony Albanese continues to play lapdog to Annastacia Palaszczuk and we cannot trust Federal Labor to deliver when State Labor refuses to commit,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This project will not happen organically, we have had to fight to get to this stage but it won’t be the last fight to see the project delivered.

“Ms King hasn’t said they’re doing it, all she said is they’ll deal with the state but the problem is the state is refusing to accept the business case.”

Major players including Walker Corporation’s property developer Lang Walker who is developing the new Maroochydore CBD have backed the Sunshine Coast Daily’sTrain for the Games campaign in support of Maroochydore rail.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey. Picture: Tara Croser

“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,” Mr Walker said.

Land for a rail extension from Beerwah to Caloundra and Maroochydore was set aside as part of the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study, known as CAMCOS.

The Queensland Government study was completed in 2001 when the region’s population was less than 188,000.

Since then the population has boomed to about 340,000 and is expected to exceed 500,000 by 2041.

Originally published as Federal Labor supports Maroochydore rail link but will work with state government to finalise plan