Tenders will be sought next month for the design and construction of Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade on the Sunshine Coast.
In 2019, the Deputy Prime Minister approved funding to progress this upgrade, demonstrating the Australian Government's long-standing commitment to the project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Beerburrum to Nambour project would deliver a vital boost to Queensland's major north-south rail corridor, advocated for strongly by Ted O'Brien and Andrew Wallace.
"Reduced travel times, greater service reliability and increased parking at stations will attract more travellers to rail, between the Sunshine Coast region and Brisbane in particular," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"By investing in projects such as the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade, the Australian Government's $100 billion nationwide infrastructure investment program is supporting jobs and communities at a time when it's needed most."
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the major rail upgrade was ready to move off the page and onto the ground in the coming months.
"Realignment of Steve Irwin Way needs to happen before we can start work in the rail corridor, so it's pleasing to see progress being made," Mr Bailey said.
"The 333 jobs and economic stimulus that will be delivered by Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project are essential for the Sunshine Coast.
"Those new jobs are in addition to more than 2300 jobs being supported by the four Bruce Highway upgrades underway or due to start in the coming months between Caboolture and Gympie."
The project will include sections of line duplication, as well as station upgrades, new park 'n' ride facilities and new rail passing loops.
Proposed works for stage one on the rail upgrade currently include:
· duplication of track north of Beerburrum
· construction of road-over-rail bridges at Beerburrum Road, Barrs Road and Burgess Street
· expansion of park 'n' rides at Beerburrum, Landsborough and Nambour
· bus interchange at Landsborough
· relocation of utilities.
Early works to support the upgrade are expected to start early next year, with major construction to follow in 2022.
This includes realigning a one-kilometre section of Steve Irwin Way between Nursery Road and Moffatt Road and boosting park 'n' ride facilities with extra spaces at Landsborough station and Nambour station.
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said a briefing was held last week for local industry and suppliers seeking work on the broader rail upgrade, while community members would also have more opportunities to get involved.
"The industry briefing was a good opportunity to give local businesses some indication on what kind of work was coming down the line and allow the project team to get early feedback that will help as they develop the final scope for the upgrade," Mr Wallace said.
"This project will provide local jobs for local people and we want Coast and Hinterland communities to be part of every step of this project."
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien said the 333 jobs created by Stage 1 would be crucial to the local community's economic recovery.
"The Federal Government has been focused on saving jobs during this pandemic and now we are working harder than ever to create them too," Mr O'Brien said.
"Jobs change lives and I am very excited for work to begin because I know the opportunities this will bring to our community."
Planning activities for the project, underway since early 2019, include land surveys and geotechnical investigations, environmental and cultural heritage surveys, hydraulic modelling, traffic counts, park 'n' ride design and consultation with affected property owners.
The Australian Government has contributed $390 million and the Queensland Government has contributed $160.8 million to the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade.
