Contracts have been awarded for the first stage of the expanded rail connection to the Sunshine Coast.
The so-called Wave Stage 1 will provide 19km of new dual-track rail between Beerwah and Caloundra.
It will be accompanied by an upgrade of the rail line between Beerburrum and Nambour with the total project described as the largest-ever investment in infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.
The State and Federal Governments announced on the weekend that the Beerwah Coast Connect and CoastalTraX consortiums would deliver the construction, while Alstom and UGL provided the signaling.
The consortium details are:
Beerwah Coast Connect – A consortium of Georgiou, Hatch and Laing O’Rourke has been awarded the contract for design and pre-construction works across existing sites in Beerwah and surrounding areas (brownfield works).
CoastalTraX – A consortium of Acciona and Georgiou will deliver design and pre-construction works across undeveloped land (greenfield works), connecting with the brownfield package east of Steve Irwin Way through to Caloundra.
Alstom and UGL – This consortium has been awarded the contract to deliver the European Train Control System (ETCS) signalling solution.
The Wave Stage 1 includes:
- 19 km of new dual-track rail line
- New stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra
- Upgrades to Beerwah station
Design details will be refined over the next 12 months, including further community consultation on station precincts.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the Wave would be a game changer for Sunshine Coast locals and will help provide a real alternative to sitting on the Bruce Highway to travel to Brisbane.
State Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said The Wave, including a new station at Caloundra and at Bells Creek, recognised how fast the region was growing.
“The southern end of the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the state – delivering two new stations at the heart of that growth is recognition of our commitment to delivering the roads and infrastructure our community needs,” Ms Hatcher said.
More information is available here.
