Sandy Zubrinich, Rosanna Natoli promise to lobby for rail line

Local leaders have slammed further delays to a key planned piece of Sunshine Coast infrastructure, demanding the government “find a solution”.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has vowed to lobby the federal government for funding for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.

Local leaders have slammed further delays to the Sunshine Coast’s much-anticipated rail line, claiming the community is tired of the “political rhetoric”.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail project was among a series of local projects to be cut from the federal funding priority list by Infrastructure Australia, it was revealed last week.

The delivery of the rail line into Maroochydore by 2032 was a key promise made by the state government during the October election last year.

Sunshine Coast Business Council chair Sandy Zubrinich said the community had grown tired of the “political rhetoric” surrounding the rail line.

“It is now critical for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail to proceed immediately to be in place by 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, not just to Caloundra but extending into the Maroochydore CBD, which is the regional city centre and will host an athlete’s village for the Games,” Ms Zubrinich said.

“We are all tired of the political rhetoric, we understand there are budgetary pressures – both at a state and federal level – but the reality is that South East Queensland is holding an Olympic and Paralympic Games in less than eight years, so it is up to both governments to find a solution to get this transport connection between Brisbane and Maroochydore in place.”

Ms Zubrinich said the delay would heavily impact the region in eight years when the 2032 Olympics and Paralympics arrive.

“Unfortunately, we are getting too used to delays and another one would be unacceptable. Government must find a workable and fundable solution immediately or this region will not reap the legacy benefits of participating in an Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Ms Zubrinich said.

An artist's impression of the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line, which could cover 37km and feature seven stations. Picture: TMR.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the continuation of the rail project was “absolutely vital”.

“Our community already feels that we are behind when it comes to infrastructure. We feel the pressure on our roads every day,” Ms Natoli said.

Ms Natoli said delays would result in cost escalations long term.

“Public transport infrastructure underpins our future. That’s what makes our region liveable, a place where we – and our visitors – can move around safely and efficiently,” Ms Natoli said.

“The cost of delivering such projects escalate every day they are delayed. If they are not funded and delivered, we don’t know how far into the future they will become a reality.

“We will lobby the Federal Government and opposition in the lead-up to the Federal election, urging them to commit to the infrastructure projects our communities demand and deserve.”

Originally published as Sandy Zubrinich, Rosanna Natoli promise to lobby for rail line