Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, planning

We are planning for a proposed passenger rail corridor between Beerwah and Maroochydore to increase public transport opportunities for the growing Sunshine Coast community.

The Queensland Government in partnership with the Australian Government are progressing investment planning for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project. 

This builds upon planning completed in 2001 by the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study. The purpose of the study was to determine the need for a new public transport corridor with consideration for route, mode, station location(s), broader public transport integration and staging between Beerwah and the Sunshine Coast Airport. 

This project will review the preserved corridor and consider refinements to the alignment and station locations as well as potential staging plans to meet passenger demand and land use outcomes within the region.

This planning will also include a review of key road/rail interfaces along the proposed rail corridor including the Kawana Motorway, Mooloolah River Interchange and Buderim Mooloolaba Road interchange.

The department is also planning for the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project. Together these projects will provide a connected public transport network for the southern Sunshine Coast area.

Benefits

  • Improves safety
  • Increases capacity
  • Improves network efficiency
  • Increases car parks
  • Accessibility
  • Reduces travel time
  • Contributes to economy
  • Contributes to regional growth
  • Better active transport
  • Reduces peak hour congestion

Key features

  • A 37km rail extension between Beerwah and Maroochydore to increase public transport opportunities.
  • New stations along the corridor.
  • Park 'n' rides and associated facilities to increase accessibility.
  • Active transport provisions along the corridor to improve safety and encourage these transport modes.
  • Maintenance access, stabling and operational facilities. 

Funding

This planning project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on a 50:50 basis with a commitment of $6 million. Investment ID: 2140049

Total investment
$6 million
Australian Government
$3 million
Queensland Government
$3 million

Current status

Investment planning for the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension is underway.

Sustainability 

The sustainability principles will be linked to specific targets and objectives within the Infrastructure Sustainability Management Plan to optimise environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.

The project aims to achieve a formal Infrastructure Sustainability Council rating of ‘excellent’ for both design and as built phases of construction.

Planning location map

A map showing the location of the proposed rail corridor for the Beerwah to Maroochydore rail extension.