Tenders soon to be called for $550M Beerburrum to Nambour Rail upgrade

In August, tenders will be sought for the design and construction of Stage 1 of the Berrburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade in Queensland.

Funding was approved by the Deputy Prime Minister in 2019 for the progression of this upgrade.

Proposed works for Stage 1 now include duplication of the track north of Beerburrum, construction of three road-over-rail bridges, expansion of three park’n’ride facilities, construction of a bus interchange at Landsborough and the relocation of utilities.

Early works are scheduled to start in early 2021 with major construction to begin in 2022.

Realignment includes works to 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.

Planning has been underway since early 2019, including land surveys, geotechnical investigations, environmental and cultural heritage surveys, hydraulic modelling, traffic counts, park ‘n’ ride design and consultation with affected property owners.

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,” McCormack said.

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,” 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.”

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,” 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.

“Jobs change lives and I am very excited for work to begin because I know the opportunities this will bring to our community,” O’Brien said.

The Federal Government has contributed $390 million and the Queensland Government has contributed $160.8 million to the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade.

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