The State Government has opened an information and engagement centre for the proposed $5.5-billion heavy rail line in the heart of Caloundra.
The rail line will run from Beerwah to Caloundra in the first stage of the project and is planned to be finished in time for the 2032 Olympics.
The State Government had previously promised the rail line would run all the way to Maroochydore and be finished in time for the Games.
An athlete’s village is planned for the Maroochydore city centre but the Transport Minister and Premier have not provided a timeline of when the line will be completed.
The LNP has committed to building the 38km line all the way to Maroochydore in time for the Olympics if it wins the October state election.
Labour has questioned where the money will come from to build it.
The information centre will serve as a hub for locals to talk directly with project representatives and view maps, displays, concept images, timelines and detailed information about the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line as the project progresses through planning and delivery.
Two tenders for the major rail project have just been released, seeing engineering teams and procurement specialists to assist in finalising the reference design and support procurement activities.
This will enable Transport and Main Roads to call for detailed quotes from the construction industry in 2025 ahead of major construction in 2026, subject to approvals.
Meanwhile, geotechnical investigations from Beerwah to Birtinya is starting this week.
These investigations are a key milestone in the preliminary works package for Stage 1 which is 19km of line between Beerwah and Caloundra.
The Government said the geotechnical activity will help to provide more certainty about ground conditions along the corridor.
These investigations will better inform environmental approvals, the design process and help contractors to price the project with more certainty.
Stage 1 includes an upgrade to Beerwah station, new stations at Aura and Caloundra and park and ride facilities.
