LNP Leader Deb Frecklington has welcomed the Federal Coalition putting money on the table for the Sunshine Coast Rail Duplication and says it’s time for Annastacia Palaszczuk to match the offer.
"I have fought hard for the duplication of the Sunshine Coast rail line and I welcome today’s commitment from the Federal Government that they will provide half the funds to build this project," Ms Frecklington said.
"There is no longer any excuse for Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor not to stump up their share.
She needs to get on board and fund this rail line in next month’s state budget.
"The people of the Sunshine Coast shouldn’t have to wait for the next election in 2020 for their transport nightmares to end.
"The Federal LNP has led by example and is investing in rail for the coast, why won’t the Palaszczuk Labor Government do the same?
"If I were Premier, this rail line would be funded in this year’s budget."
Shadow Infrastructure Minister and Glass House MP Andrew Powell said the Sunshine Coast LNP team had worked hard to get federal funding for this project and the only remaining roadblock was the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
"This duplication will provide 150 extra weekly rail services between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, reduce train travel times and ease the daily traffic nightmares faced by drivers on the Bruce Highway," Mr Powell said.
"The 40km rail line between Beerburrum and Nambour is more than a century old which limits rail services and causes considerable delays for the Sunshine Coast’s 330,000 residents.
"Labor now has no more excuses – they need to just get on with it and build a second Sunshine Coast rail line."
The duplication of the Beerburrum to Nambour line would:
