Better Transport Queensland
Monday, 19/05/2025
For Immediate Release
The Queensland Government has committed to delivering public transport to Maroochydore by 2032. However, Better Transport Queensland (BTQ) raises concerns regarding the long-term vision and potential limitations of the current plans.
Latest information from the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) indicates a preference for a ‘Metro’ style bi-articulated bus rapid transit (BRT) system for the Birtinya to Maroochydore corridor, potentially replacing the previously considered stage 3 heavy rail extension.
We acknowledge the commitment to extending public transport to Birtinya (Stage 1 & 2) but question the suitability of a BRT solution for the subsequent connection to Maroochydore, particularly concerning the long-term prospects for heavy rail in the mid to late 2030s.
Future-proofing transport infrastructure is essential to ensure the Sunshine Coast can accommodate its growing population. Past experiences with dedicated busways in Brisbane serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the challenges and significant disruption associated with converting established BRT infrastructure to rail in the future.
BTQ adamantly believes that using the dedicated Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (DSCRL) corridor for a permanent BRT system carries the risk of delaying or entirely preventing the eventual extension of heavy rail to Maroochydore.
Breaking the promise of heavy rail to Maroochydore by 2032 is one thing, but giving up on building heavy rail now is completely unacceptable to the Sunshine Coast.
The Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project: An Alternative Vision
BTQ supports the proposed “Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project” as a complementary solution. This alternative envisions a connection between Birtinya and Maroochydore along a different alignment closer to the coast. This approach would work synergistically with a future Maroochydore heavy rail line, providing essential last-mile connections to key population centres situated between major rail stations.
BTQ believes that a balanced approach, leveraging the strengths of both rail and BRT, is crucial for establishing a robust and effective public transport network on the Sunshine Coast. Heavy rail offers high capacity and speed over longer distances, while BRT provides greater route flexibility and more frequent stops closer to residential areas. Neither mode, operating in isolation, can fully address the region’s diverse transport needs.
Quotes attributable to Rowan Gray, President of Better Transport Queensland
"While we acknowledge the government’s commitment to delivering public transport to Maroochydore, we urge them to provide a clear vision for the mid-2030s and beyond regarding the potential for heavy rail conversion along the DSCRL corridor. Locking in a BRT solution on this dedicated corridor risks compromising the long-term transport needs of the Sunshine Coast.”
“Investing in BRT infrastructure with the intention of future rail conversion raises serious questions about efficient resource allocation. We believe exploring an alternative alignment now could provide immediate benefits and seamlessly integrate with future heavy rail plans, offering a more strategic and cost-effective approach.”
Better Transport Queensland Inc. — Queensland’s leading advocacy group for public, active, and freight transport.
Visit our website at bettertransportqueensland.org.
References
- The Wave and the projects to facilitate delivery (Video: TMR)
- Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project - Overview (Sunshine Coast Council)
Spokesperson
Rowan Gray - President
[email protected]
(+61) 0478 570 039
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