The Federal Government has announced that it will be investing an additional $1.15 billion into the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, which is set to better connect the community to jobs study, services, and iconic tourist locations.
This investment, which takes the Federal Government’s total investment to $2.75 billion, is to ensure Stage 1 of this major project can be delivered.
The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will extend the South East Queensland rail network from the North Coast Line at Beerwah to Caloundra.
The first stage will see a 19km dual track built from Beerwah to Caloundra, making it the longest spur line in the south-east passenger network.
It will also include the protection of the updated rail alignment from Birtinya and Maroochydore.
This project is all about providing faster, more reliable and environmentally sustainable connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane.
Once complete, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will save commuters up to 45 minutes, with journeys from the new Sunshine Coast stations to Roma Street station taking around 45 minutes less than driving in peak hour.
The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will help ease congestion on South East Queensland roads while making public transport a quicker, safer and more viable choice for Queenslanders and visitors to the Sunshine State.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said, “We’re delivering the infrastructure – built by Australians – that improves safety, revitalises regions, and ensures Australia is well placed to compete in the new, net zero economy.”
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm, said that more and more people are choosing to call the Sunshine Coast home, so the Federal Government is investing in the infrastructure the area needs to keep up with the growing demand.
“Once completed, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line won’t just benefit locals here and those in Brisbane, but also the millions of tourists who visit the Coast each year.”
Image: Darren Tierney/shutterstock.com
