The Wave Stage 1 (Rail): Design and Pre-Construction Contracts Awarded
The Queensland Government has awarded design and pre-construction contracts for Stage 1 (Rail) of "The Wave," a planned 19-kilometer dual-track rail line between Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.
The project is jointly funded by the federal and state governments with a budget of $5.5 billion.
The state government has stated an aim to complete the project by the 2032 Olympic Games.
Contract Packages
The contracts have been divided into two construction packages and one signaling contract:
Brownfield Works (Beerwah and surrounding areas)
The contract for design and pre-construction on existing sites has been awarded to Beerwah Coast Connect, a consortium comprising Georgiou, Hatch, and Laing O'Rourke.
Greenfield Works (east of Steve Irwin Way to Caloundra)
The contract for design and pre-construction across undeveloped land has been awarded to CoastalTraX, a consortium comprising Acciona and Georgiou.
Signaling Systems
Alstom and UGL have been selected to deliver the European Train Control System signaling.
Station Plans
The stage includes the construction of new stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra, as well as an upgrade to the existing Beerwah Station.
Timeline and Next Steps
Over the next 12 months, the state government will work with the consortia to refine detailed designs, conduct site investigations, and hold community consultation on station precincts.
Statements
Federal Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King stated that the Australian Government is partnering with Queensland to deliver the project, which will create jobs and boost economic growth.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated that The Wave will transform the Sunshine Coast's transport network and provide an alternative to road travel to Brisbane.
"The Wave will transform the Sunshine Coast's transport network and provide an alternative to road travel to Brisbane." – Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie
Background
Stage 1 and the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade have been described as the largest infrastructure investment on the Sunshine Coast.
Future stages of The Wave include extending the rail from Caloundra to Birtinya and a metro network to the Sunshine Coast Airport, though funding for these stages has not been detailed by the sources.