Hate sitting in traffic? Get used to it — Your rail dreams are heading nowhere fast

The long-talked-about Sunshine Coast Rail Line from Beerwah to Maroochydore has hit a major snag — and the blame is bouncing between federal and state governments faster than a tennis match at the Australian Open.

While $1.6 billion in federal funding was secured in 2022 for a heavy rail link, progress has come to a screeching halt.

Infrastructure Australia recently pulled the project from its Priority List, fuelling concerns that Sunshine Coast locals might be stuck with buses and traffic jams rather than trains for the foreseeable future.

For decades, the Sunshine Coast community has waited for rail services to extend from Beerwah to Maroochydore.

The promise of heavy rail – a project once envisioned as a transformative piece of infrastructure – has faced numerous delays, political wrangling, and rising costs.

Now, with the 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon, residents are wondering whether the dream of rail will ever reach Caloundra and beyond.

State Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said she “remained committed to mass transit for the Sunshine Coast Region including stage 1 Beerwah to Caloundra line”.

“We know the community is frustrated due to the lack of investment for the last 30 years, despite the fact the population has grown significantly and is projected to almost double,” Ms Morton said.

“The community has continued to have the same conversation for 40 years.

“My key priority has always been, and will always be, transport infrastructure for the Caloundra electorate.

“The number one issue for the people of Caloundra is an increasing frustration in sitting in traffic, particularly on Caloundra Road.

“I can’t wait to hear the outcome from the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordinating Authority (GIICA) and promise I’ll do nothing but fight for the electorate.”

Roz White, chair of community-led not-for-profit group Sunshine Coast 2032 and Whites IGA co-founder, proposed a bus rapid transit (BRT) system to address the region’s transport needs ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games.

The BRT would link major hubs like the University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast Airport, and Olympic venues.

“We believe this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to set a course that benefits the Sunshine Coast community for decades,” Ms White said.

“Our proposal champions innovation, affordability, and inclusivity.

“We invite local businesses, residents, and stakeholders to review our plan and join us in advocating for a solution that serves everyone.”

The SC2032 proposal also incorporates recommendations for public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure delivery and embed universal accessibility standards.

This ensures Brisbane 2032 becomes a global benchmark for inclusive, community-focused development.

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said despite securing $1.6 billion in federal funding for the project, the state’s hesitance and political manoeuvring had caused “significant delays and increased costs”.

He urged Infrastructure Minister Catherine King to confirm whether the federal government will continue its funding support, emphasising the urgency for Sunshine Coast residents who have waited far too long for this critical infrastructure.

“As a former builder, I know that all things are possible from an engineering perspective, if there is the political willpower and the money to deliver a project,” Mr Wallace said.

“I am absolutely of the view that the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) can not only be delivered to Caloundra by 2032, but it could be delivered to Birtinya by 2032 – and even Maroochydore, with project acceleration, in time for the lighting of the Olympic torch.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli has called for a roundtable to “explore all of the public transport options”.

Cr Natoli said Council “strongly supported” heavy rail from Beerwah to Caloundra for which the detailed work had already been done.

“While the Queensland Government is concerned about the costs of rail, we ultimately want the same thing — generational infrastructure for the future,’ Cr Natoli said.

“The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure lasting transport improvements for our region.

“The Sunshine Coast deserves a transport system that works for locals now and leaves a legacy for generations to come.

“This isn’t about choosing buses over rail.

“This is about getting the best transport solutions in place for our community, both short-term and long-term.

“Sunshine Coast Council believes it is vital that we bring key stakeholders together: community members, businesses and all levels of government.”