The planned rail link to the Sunshine Coast will receive a $1.15 billion boost on Tuesday night, when Treasurer Jim Chalmers hands down the Albanese government’s third federal budget.
The additional funding will take the Commonwealth’s contribution to the project to $2.75 billion – about half the estimated lower-end cost of its first stage, but just a fraction of the estimated $12 billion to complete the line all the way from Beerwah to Maroochydore.
An artist’s impression of one of the stations along the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.Credit: Department of Transport and Main Roads
That hefty $12 billion pricetag was revealed in a business case for the 37.8-kilometre rail link tabled in Queensland parliament in March.
The cost of the first stage – a 19-kilometre line to Caloundra – was between $5.5 billion and $7 billion, according to the business case.
It would be the longest spur line in the south-east passenger network.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line would revitalise the region with faster, more reliable and environmentally sustainable connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane.
“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,” she said.
Queensland Senator Anthony Chisholm, the assistant minister for regional development, said such infrastructure was vital for the growing south-east.
“More and more people are choosing to call the Sunshine Coast home, so we’re investing in the infrastructure this area needs to keep up with the growing demand,” he said.
Source Agencies
