The state Opposition says it is committed to bringing a rail line to Maroochydore within eight years, but the state government insists that’s impossible.
The LNP recently spruiked its dedication to build the full 37.8km rail line from Beerwah to Maroochydore, without revealing when they could do it by or how it would be paid for.
But, on Tuesday, party leader David Crisafulli said the project could be achieved before the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics.
“Make no mistake, we’re committed to making it go all the way through to the Maroochydore CBD by the 2032 Games,” he said.
“We’re determined to make sure there is legacy infrastructure that comes out of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and there’s no greater legacy play than making sure that people in a fast-growing place like the Sunshine Coast can use a piece of infrastructure to connect with the capital.”
The state government has committed to building about half of the line by then.
The Minister for Transport, Bart Mellish, said the full track could not be delivered before the Games, due to cost and construction complexities outlined in a report in March.
“The business case makes it clear the entire line to Maroochydore can’t be built by 2032,” he told Sunshine Coast News.
“A construction program was developed with input from expert industry advisors.
“Even when staged or built concurrently, this program demonstrated that construction of the dual track rail line to Maroochydore would not be feasible prior to 2032.”
Mr Crisafulli announced, in his 2022 budget reply, that the Opposition wanted to have the line built to Maroochydore by 2032, but references to timing have been largely absent since, until this week.
“We are committed to bringing it all the way through and we’ll work with other levels of government to make sure that’s done as best we can,” he said.
“It does have to occur and it’s something we’re determined to see done by 2032.”
An athletes’ village will be at Maroochydore for the Games, while Games events will be held at Kawana, Alexandra Headland and near Nambour.
Sunshine Coast News
