Active trails, but no tracks

By Kirra Livingstone

A FURTHER $8 million has been set aside for a business case study into the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail line.

A total of $14m has now been allocated to investigate the business case for what is now known as the Sunshine Coast Direct Rail Line. The government, which has already spent $5m since the study was announced in early 2022, said the extra amount would help continue the project into the more intensive stages of the study.

The study for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project was initially budgeted at $6m, jointly funded 50:50 by the state and federal government.

But Fisher MP, Andrew Wallace, said the study did not go far enough. “We need a financial commitment from State Labor for heavy rail from Beerwah to Caloundra, Kawana and all the way up to Maroochydore - but the Palaszczuk Government continues to neglect our fast-growing region,” Andrew Wallace said.

“The Sunshine Coast community backed the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic bid in large part because of legacy projects like the Sunshine Coast Rail project.”

“For two decades, State Labor have dithered and delayed with numerous studies and plans.

It’s time to get on with the job.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the business case and appropriate planning was vital to ensuring the rail line is built properly.

“The Albanese Government and the Palaszczuk Government have not wasted a moment and have funded a planning study that is underway to establish a scope and a costing of the project,” Mr Bailey said.

“This funding will also support preconstruction site investigations and work on securing relevant environmental approvals. This will ensure the most accurate information is available to prospective tenderers during procurement.”

The budget revealed a number of initiatives for the hinterland including funding for an active transport corridor between Beerburrum and Landsborough.

Some $6.1m has been allocated to build a priority section between Glass House Mountains and Beerwah.

This will be a fully sealed shared pathway providing a safe route for bike riders and pedestrians, especially for students from Beerwah State High School.

The proposed route vacated by the Beerburrum to Nambour realignment, on the western side of the existing rail corridor, will provide easy access for locals and attract visitors to the area.

While $226,899 was also allocated towards the Glasshouse Mountains’ ‘paddock to cup’ coffee experience, which is part of the Tourism Experience Development Fund.

There will also be $3.8m of funding provided to acquire land to build a replacement fire and