Sunshine Coast rail duplication to become a reality

• LNP will build duplicate Sunshine Coast rail line to deliver 150 extra train services, reduce commuting times and ease congestion on the Bruce for locals
• Construction is expected to support more than 1800 jobs
• LNP will commit $300 million and work with the Federal Government to deliver this project

Liberal National Party Leader Tim Nicholls has pledged to build the long-overdue Sunshine Coast rail duplication between Beerburrum and Nambour which will deliver more train services, reduce commuting times and ease congestion on the Bruce Highway.

Mr Nicholls said this once in a generation project would be a game-changer for locals with an extra 150 train services and a faster, more reliable rail trip to and from work.

“Sadly, Annastacia Palaszczuk has been more interested in picking fights with the Federal Government than delivering real outcomes for Queenslanders,” Mr Nicholls said.

“Our $300 million commitment means more frequent and reliable train services for Sunny Coast locals.”

LNP Shadow Transport Minister and Glass House MP Andrew Powell said this infrastructure priority had stalled under the do-nothing Palaszczuk Labor Government.

Mr Powell said the 40km line between Beerburrum and Nambour was currently a single rail track which limited train services to the Sunshine Coast.

“Our commitment will deliver a duplicate line from Beerburrum to Landsborough and restart planning to fix the line to Nambour,” he said.

“This will ease congestion on the Bruce Highway between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane by providing 150 extra train services and a more reliable rail alternative.”

LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Infrastructure Minister Deb Frecklington said this project formed part of the LNP’s plan to deliver thousands of new jobs and to provide safe and liveable communities.

“The LNP’s Sunny Coast team have been fighting for the rail duplication and we are proud to be able to finally deliver it for them,” Ms Frecklington said.

“They know building this project means 1800 local jobs will be supported. They’re jobs not supported by Labor, who do not want to build this duplication.

“Unlike Annastacia Palaszczuk, we will work collaboratively with the Federal Government and seek a commitment from their $10 billion National Rail Program.”

Fast Facts - Sunshine Coast Rail Duplication:

• Deliver an extra 150 train services on the Sunshine Coast line
• Reduce public transport travel time between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane
• Ease pressure on the Bruce Highway by encouraging public transport use
• Support more than 1,800 construction jobs on the Sunshine Coast

www.betterqueensland.org.au/sunshine-coast-rail-duplication