The Queensland Government has committed $5 million to further develop design and planning for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line project.
The money will fund geotechnical investigations between Beerwah and Birtinya, to help construct what will be the longest rail spur line in South East Queensland. One third of the initial 19km rail line will be built on viaducts and 10 bridges – crossing roads, creeks and the
Bruce Highway.
The project team will also install ground water monitoring wells and conduct further environmental investigations. This process will ensure environmental impacts are properly assessed and any impacts mitigated.
It will also seek to reduce track curves which are integral to allowing trains to travel faster for longer. 83 per cent (or 15.8km) of track between Beerwah and Caloundra stations, is designed to allow speeds of 140km/h or faster. This is what will enable passengers to travel
between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane at least 46 minutes faster.
The Queensland Government will also start directly engaging with the construction industry on the tender process for Direct Sunshine Coast Rail line.
The Department of Transport and Mains Roads (TMR) has also launched an online portal for businesses to register for upcoming industry engagement sessions. The sessions will provide companies the opportunity to learn more as the project progresses. Contractors and suppliers who register will also get regular updates tailored to their industry.
The Queensland Government has committed $2.75 billion in funding to deliver Stage 1 of the project from Beerwah to Caloundra, subject to matched funding from the Federal Government.
The TMR industry engagement portal is separate to a formal expression of interest to undertake work on the project, which will be announced in due course.
Businesses can now access the online portal here.
