A Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line information centre has opened in Caloundra, as geotechnical work starts on the major rail project.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles said the new information and engagement centre would also double up as a satellite office for project staff.
Premier Miles said two tenders had been released for the major transport infrastructure project and geotechnical investigations began this week as part of the preliminary works package for Stage 1.
“The information centre will serve as a hub for locals to talk directly with project representatives and view maps, displays, concept images, timelines and detailed information about the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line as the project progresses through planning and delivery.”
He said the two tenders were for engineering teams and procurement specialists to assist in finalising the reference design and support procurement activities.
“This will enable Transport and Main Roads to call for detailed quotes from the construction industry in 2025 ahead of major construction in 2026, subject to approvals.
“Meanwhile, geotechnical investigations from Beerwah to Birtinya are getting underway this week.”
Premier Miles said the geotechnical activity would provide more certainty about ground conditions along the corridor.
“These investigations will better inform environmental approvals, the design process and help contractors to price the project with more certainty.”
He said while Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail line would deliver a 19-kilometre link between Beerwah and Caloundra, a progressive approach would see the line ultimately constructed to Birtinya and Maroochydore, delivering 37.8km of track directly connecting rail to the beachside centres of the Sunshine Coast.
Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line Fast Facts:
- The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line is a proposed 37.8km rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore to increase public transport opportunities and improve connectivity to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.
- The Federal and Queensland governments have committed $2.75 billion each towards Stage 1 of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project.
- Stage 1 will deliver 19km of dual track rail between Beerwah and Caloundra by 2032.
- Stage 1 will see 7km of elevated rail on viaducts including 10 bridges; crossing roads, creeks and the Bruce Highway.
- Stage 1 also includes further investigations to confirm timeframes and cost to deliver rail between Caloundra and Birtinya.
- The business case evaluated technical requirements for the full rail line including seven new stations (including a proposed future station at Beerwah East), 17km of structures, a 1.2km tunnel at Little Mountain and two new stabling facilities. 17km of elevated structures accounts for over 40 percent of the corridor.
- TMR will commence activities to protect the revised corridor to Maroochydore in 2024.
- The new Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project information centre is located at 1/33 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
Learn more at the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line website.
