As mentioned in our November 2023 Noosa 360 update, funding was secured for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to undertake a Northern Sunshine Coast Transport Strategy, with early consultation completed to inform it. A key issue that Sandy noted at the time was that the area covered under the strategy excluded our northern hinterland rail line towns, as you can see from the image below.
Considering this, Sandy included it in her advocacy with the previous and now the new state government, along with what public transport options are needed for the Noosa Hinterland including Doonan, Pomona, Cooroy and Cooran as well as connections to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital. In addition, improved rail frequency on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast line and importantly a rail shuttle between Gympie North and Nambour stations. We also understand from our recent annual survey other routes that need improvement include Noosa to the Sunshine Coast Airport and Noosa to the Nambour Tafe.
In a recent response to Sandy from the new Minister for TMR, below was provided in italics. In summary, the focus area covered by the strategy will now be expanded to include all rail line towns in the Noosa Shire.
I am aware TMR has commenced work on the Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy (the Strategy) in consultation with Noosa Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Regional Council. A key objective of the Strategy is identifying opportunities to improve connectivity to, within and through the northern Sunshine Coast area, including to major regional destinations such as Sunshine Coast Airport, Maroochydore Central Business District (CBD) and surrounds. I am advised TMR undertook initial community engagement for the Strategy between 1 November 2023 and 21 January 2024. The needs of hinterland rail villages and surrounding communities was a strong theme for constituents. As a result, both councils and TMR have agreed the Strategy focus area would be broadened to the north and west. The Strategy study area will also be extended south to include Maroochydore and Nambour, to explicitly communicate connections to regionally important destinations such as the Maroochydore CBD, Sunshine Coast University Hospital and Sunshine Coast University, will be considered. The draft Strategy is anticipated for completion mid-2025.
As many services originate or end at Gympie North, we requested clarification on its role in this plan, with reassurance being provided that while it is not included in the expanded focus area, they are considering the role of the northern rail corridor, and the Gympie North rail services that operate on it as part of. TMR have advised that they are in the process of updating the project information on their website and we expect this to be published soon with a new project-specific page.
Meanwhile, the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Duplication Study is also underway, jointly funded by the federal and state governments, which is investigating the long-term infrastructure needs of the North Coast line. This will include reviewing the future passenger rail demand between Beerburrum and Nambour, as well as consideration of services between Nambour and Gympie North. More information on this is available at www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/beerburrum-to-nambour-rail-upgrade-duplication-study.
Sandy will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available including when consultation opens on the Northern Sunshine Coast Transport Strategy draft strategy in the coming months.
Further information
Direct advocacy regarding public transport can be directed to the Queensland Minister for TMR via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc’ our office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on better transport services, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Rail+services