Sunshine Coast Olympics rail promise broken for metro alternative
For anyone who has relied on public transport across the Sunshine Coast, the prospect of having better connectivity to Maroochydore is welcome but the lack of rail is disappointing, writes Letea Cavander. JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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The blueprint for the Olympics has been unveiled.
The LNP government has broken a key election promise by not delivering the rail line to the Maroochydore CBD.
Although that aspect of the great reveal is disappointing, the alternative looks a promising option and at this stage is the only one the Sunshine Coast has before 2032.
For anyone who has relied even casually on public transport across the Sunshine Coast, the prospect of having better connectivity to Maroochydore and through to the Sunshine Coast Airport is exciting.
The promise also puts the long-awaited Mooloolah River Interchange back on the table, after the project was shelved when federal funding was cut.
The fruitful promises made by the state government because of the Olympics is in stark comparison to the federal budget handed down earlier this week.
No major federal funding announcements were made for this region.
The Olympics is bringing legacy infrastructure to the Sunshine Coast after both levels of government, and both major parties, have put the needs of this region on a backburner for decades. The rail alone is a perfect example.
Twenty years ago the plan was called CAMCOS, with an evolution into the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line and now we are riding ‘The Wave’ without a single piece of track put on the ground.
The rail/metro proposal may not be the one that was promised but is the best that we will receive and as our population continues to explode, it is a relief to have an achievable plan.
What you are saying
Lauren Ann
I haven’t lived on the Coast in a decade but still frequently visit and use the public transport. The public transport is severely lacking in general, but especially the rail. I’m not surprised the LNP has backflipped though, that’s what they do!
Bruce McAllister
It will be, for all intents and purposes, the same thing: a dedicated transportation link separate from road traffic.
Jude Anne
The transport system on the sunny coast is miserable compared to Perth WA.
Marion Jonkers
NO. Rail needed all the way to CBD of Maroochydore. This was planned for 10 years ago. Political dillydallying around has wasted precious time. 2032 the world will be at our doorstep. International Athletes and teams and spectators from all over the world will be arriving to the Sunshine Coast from Brisbane. Where else in the world does the main rail link stop 39 km short of the CBD??? Buses are NOT viable safe transport for persons who use wheelchairs as there are no tie downs meaning wheelchairs can go flying and injure passengers.
Joan Smith
Resign.
That’s another broken promise.
Gerard Canavan
Just get it started for god sake and yes better than nothing the rest will sort out in time.
Bob Dawson
It will be quieter.
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Originally published as Sunshine Coast Olympics rail promise broken for metro alternative
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