Queensland’s transport minister said he would consider privatising a new multi-billion-dollar rail and bus network on the Sunshine Coast to get it built before 2032.
The state government announced on Tuesday it would extend the heavy rail line from Caloundra to Birtinya before the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The original Sunshine Coast direct rail plan. The third stage (in blue) will now be a bus network. (Supplied: Queensland government)
But instead of trains running from Birtinya to Maroochydore as promised, the government will now build an express bus system along a dedicated corridor that will extend further to the Sunshine Coast Airport.
Asked on Wednesday whether he would rule out privatising the system, Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg said the government would “consider any measure” to fund the massive project.
“With respect to the Brisbane arena, the private sector have demonstrated that they’re willing to pay and to invest and to gain a return and deliver infrastructure that will benefit all Queenslanders, and we’re not averse to that conversation.
Brisbane’s privately built Airtrain is operating under a 35-year exclusive contract. (ABC News: Giulio Saggin, file photo)
“We’re more than happy to consider investment from any party, whether that’s the federal government or the private sector, to deliver this legacy infrastructure.”
However, Premier David Crisafulli on Thursday said he would not be drawn on the prospect of a privatised network.
When asked how much the project would cost, Mr Crisafulli did not provide a figure.
“Let’s continue to do the analysis … we’re doing due diligence on that at the moment,” he said.
Games visitors will be asked to ride “The Wave”, with direct rail to Birtinya followed by connecting buses. (Supplied: Queensland government)
The previous Labor government’s business case estimated the heavy rail to Maroochydore would cost $12 billion.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the government’s Olympics plan was fully funded, but Mr Mickelberg clarified that this only referred to stadiums and minor venues.
‘Poor’ track record of private lines
Griffith University transport expert Matthew Burke said Australian cities had a “pretty poor” track record of individual train lines being privatised, citing the Brisbane and Sydney airport links.
Matthew Burke says privatised single train lines tend to be expensive in Australia. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)
“We’re still paying $20 for a basic suburban train to take you only a small number of kilometres,” he said.
“We need to avoid that on the Sunshine Coast.
“If the private sector is willing to invest in a line, they usually want financial return.
“Sometimes that can come through land development rights but usually in Australian cities it’s been … by [charging] an extra fare.”
Home owners in limbo
Residents whose homes were to be demolished for the original heavy rail line to Maroochydore are now waiting to see whether their properties will be spared.
Electrician Shaun Taylor was told last year his property in Causeway Court at Mountain Creek was needed for the final stage of the rail line.
But now that trains will terminate at Birtinya and a dedicated bus corridor will extend to Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Airport, he faces uncertainty about whether his home is still in the firing line.
Mr Taylor says his family is living in “limbo”. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Jessica Ross)
“Are they still proceeding with resumptions? Are they not going to need the homes? What are we supposed to do?”
Mr Taylor said the stress on his family was significant.
“My five-year-old has tweaked on to it because we’ve been talking about it, and she doesn’t want to move anywhere,” he said.
“This was the first house we bought and built and brought our children home to.
“Everything we need for a family is in this area.”
Mr Mickelberg said he had directed his department to directly consult “one-on-one” with home owners.
“Previously, affected residents were just advised that there was an intention to build something in the future, but there was no money to acquire property,” he said.
New bridge over Maroochy River
Mr Mickelberg confirmed buses on the Maroochydore to Sunshine Coast Airport stage would also travel on a dedicated corridor.
“So it will require the construction of a new bridge across the [Maroochy] River,” he said.
“We’re very mindful of ensuring that the community is consulted, particularly any affected landholders to the north of the river.
Mr Mickelberg described the metro bus option as “high-frequency, high-volume” with each vehicle carrying 170 people and services running at least every 15 minutes.
“Rail has some really great advantages when you’re travelling long distances because you can build up high speed, but you can’t have stops as frequently,” he said.
“This solution allows us to move people in a quick manner.”
