Adam Empringham,
Director of Sales at Image Property.
On Track For The Future: Sunshine Coast Rail Line Development
The Sunshine Coast is set to benefit from a transformative infrastructure project, the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, which promises to significantly improve travel times and support the region’s rapid growth.
Stage 1 of this $5 billion project will see the construction of a 19km dual-track railway from Beerwah to Caloundra, including an upgraded Beerwah station and new stations at Aura and Caloundra.
This stage is expected to create 2,200 local jobs and reduce travel time between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane by up to 45 minutes during peak hours.
The project will be delivered in stages, with future expansions planned to extend the rail line to Birtinya (Stage 2) and Maroochydore (Stage 3), totalling 37.8km of track.
Key Benefits of the New Rail Line
There are several advantages to the new rail line, with this project set to:
– Provide faster, more reliable, and sustainable connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, and Brisbane regions.
– Connect people to jobs, study opportunities, health services, and key tourist destinations.
– Reduce congestion on the road network and offer more accessible and inclusive travel options.
Additionally, the delivery of this rail line will help the Sunshine Coast prepare for population growth by accelerating the construction of over 3,000 affordable and diverse homes around the new rail stations over the coming decade.
Community Engagement and Progress
To keep the community informed, a new information and engagement centre has been opened in central Caloundra.
Located at 1/33 Bulcock Street, this centre will serve as a hub where locals can interact with project representatives, view maps and concept images, and learn about the timeline for the rail line’s development.
Geotechnical investigations, which are crucial for understanding ground conditions and refining the project’s design, have already begun from Beerwah to Birtinya.
These preliminary works are a vital step towards the major construction phase, anticipated to start in 2026, pending necessary approvals.
Government Investment and Support
The federal and state governments have each committed $2.75 billion to Stage 1 of the project. This significant investment underscores the importance of enhancing public transport options for the Sunshine Coast, a region experiencing rapid population growth.
With trains capable of speeds up to 140km/h, the new rail line will not only ease road congestion but also provide a sustainable, climate-friendly transport alternative for residents and visitors alike.
Looking Ahead
As planning continues, further investigations will help finalise the timeframes and costs associated with extending the rail line to Birtinya and Maroochydore.
While the goal is to complete Stage 1 by Brisbane 2032, the long-term vision for the rail line remains ambitious, with ongoing efforts to secure the corridor for future extensions.
Get Involved
We encourage anyone interested in learning more about the project and its benefits to visit the new information centre in Caloundra.
At Image Property, we’re committed to keeping you informed about developments that shape the future of the Sunshine Coast. For more details on how this project will impact the local property market, get in touch today.
