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The Australian and Queensland governments have awarded design and pre-construction contracts for Stage 1 of The Wave, a $5.5 billion rail project that will deliver a 19-kilometre dual-track line between Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.
The contracts mark a significant milestone for the long-anticipated project, which is jointly funded on a 50-50 basis by the federal and state governments.
Stage 1 will include new stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra, along with upgrades to the existing Beerwah station, connecting one of Australia's fastest-growing regions to the broader South-East Queensland rail network.
Three contracts have been awarded across separate work packages.
Beerwah Coast Connect, a consortium of Georgiou, Hatch and Laing O'Rourke, will handle brownfield works.
CoastalTraX, a consortium of Acciona and Georgiou, has secured the greenfield works package, while Alstom and UGL will deliver the European Train Control System signalling solution for the line.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King says the project will deliver transformative transport infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast.
“This project will create jobs, boost economic growth and improve connectivity for Sunshine Coast communities and businesses,” says King.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who is also the state's Minister for Infrastructure, describes the project as a turning point for the region.
“The Wave will be a game changer for Sunshine Coast locals and will help provide a real alternative to sitting on the Bruce when they’re travelling to Brisbane,” he says.
The broader Wave project encompasses a 26km rail corridor stretching from Beerwah to Birtinya across two stages, complemented by metro bus services connecting to Sunshine Coast Airport.
Environmental surveys and community consultation are ongoing along the corridor, with field studies covering flora, fauna, waterways and cultural heritage sites feeding into the final design.
Stage 2 of the project, which will extend the line north from Caloundra to Birtinya, is in the expression of interest phase, with the Queensland Government committing $40 million toward planning.
Contracts for both stages are anticipated to be awarded in 2026, with major site work expected to start later this year.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg says The Wave contract is a major step forward in delivering a modern and reliable transport network for the Sunshine Coast.
“This milestone demonstrates our commitment to delivering the infrastructure Queensland needs,” says Mickelberg.
“Stage 1 is just the beginning - The Wave will connect people to jobs, education and essential services, now and into the future.”
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's fastest-growing corridors, with the population in Stockland's (ASX: SGP) Aura master-planned community alone expected to reach 50,000 residents at full build-out.
The region's road network has come under increasing strain as housing development has outpaced transport infrastructure.
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