en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Australian Federal Government and the Queensland State Government have awarded the design and pre-construction contract for the first phase of The Wave rail project, which has a budget of AUD 5.5 billion (USD 3.9 billion) and plans to build a new 19-kilometer dual-track line between Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.
The project, jointly funded by the Australian Federal and Queensland State Governments on a 50-50 basis, aims to address the transportation needs of the region, one of Australia's fastest-growing areas. Three contracts have been issued, covering different construction components. Beerwah Coast Connect (comprising Georgiou, Hatch, and Laing O'Rourke) will be responsible for brownfield works at Beerwah and surrounding sites. CoastalTraX (a joint venture between Acciona and Georgiou) will handle greenfield works from the eastern side of Steve Irwin Way to Caloundra. Alstom and UGL will undertake the installation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) signaling package.
The first phase of The Wave will construct new Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra stations, and upgrade the existing Beerwah station, aiming to provide a more direct connection between the Sunshine Coast and the South East Queensland rail network. The project has been included in the 2032 delivery plan to support the region's population growth and the upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The broader vision also includes further rail extensions and the development of a rapid transit-style service from Birtinya via Mountain Creek and the Maroochydore Central Business District to the Sunshine Coast Airport.
Australian Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King stated that the first phase of The Wave is another example of the Australian Federal and Queensland State Governments collaborating to deliver necessary infrastructure, which will create jobs, drive economic growth, and improve connectivity for Sunshine Coast communities and businesses. Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said The Wave will provide local residents with a genuine alternative to the Bruce Highway and transform the way they travel.
Over the next year, the Queensland Government plans to work with Beerwah Coast Connect and CoastalTraX to complete detailed design. This phase will include site surveys and further public consultation regarding the areas surrounding the stations. The Albanese Government has allocated AUD 2.75 billion for the first phase. The Wave is positioned as one of three major projects aimed at addressing anticipated population growth and currently low public transport usage, thereby transforming travel patterns for Sunshine Coast residents.
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