budget 2024/25, qld, Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Rail Line,
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The Australian Government will invest a further $1.15 billion, taking the Commonwealth’s investment to $2.75 billion, to ensure Stage 1 of The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line 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 19-kilometre 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.
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.
This Commonwealth funding builds on the $21.7 billion investment the Albanese Government has made in Queensland infrastructure.
$467 million to build a better Bruce Highway
Just recently, the QLD Government fast-tracked $5m towards further design and planning for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, including geotechnical investigations and environmental surveys.
Community consultation has played a crucial role in shaping the project. In 2023, over 80% of community feedback was supportive of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, demonstrating strong public backing for this initiative. This positive feedback has been instrumental in the development of the business case.
One of the standout features of the new rail line is the optimal realignment of the corridor between Beerwah and Maroochydore, which will enable trains to reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. Currently, trains in the region travel at a maximum speed of 140 km/h, so this upgrade promises significantly faster travel times.
Queensland budget 2024-25 delivers “gifts and grenades”
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According to Infrastructure Partnerships Australia, the 2024-25 Queensland Budget differs significantly from the more restrained infrastructure plans of other states.
$1.9 billion infrastructure investment for Western Sydney
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The Australian Government will commit $1.9b towards new construction projects and additional funding for existing projects in Western Sydney.
