New Federal Government funding for a high-speed rail line direct to the Sunshine Coast has been welcomed by the University of the Sunshine Coast.
However, UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, says the rail line needs to extend past Caloundra and up to Maroochydore, to properly support the region.
The Australian Government yesterday announced it will increase its commitment to the Direct Sunshine Coast railproject from $1.6 billion to $2.75 billion, to match the recent commitment by the Queensland Government.
The railproject will extend the South East Queensland rail network from the North Coast Line at Beerwah to Caloundra.
The Coast’s music scene has been calling out for proper transport to accomodate late night travellers, with celebrity producer Ian “Dicko” Dickson saying its a safety issue.
‘A great start’ but we need more
“Funding for this first stage is a great start, but we want to ensure that stages two and three remain firmly on the government’s agenda,” Professor Bartlett says.
“Our projections and future planning have identified the need to provide upgraded transport connections to our campus at Sippy Downs, and this means ensuring the line doesn’t stop at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.
“The University is the second biggest trip generator on the Sunshine Coast, so is vital that the link continues to Kawana and Maroochydore, and that an upgraded high-speed public transport service is also planned to connect future rail stations with the campus.”
The Sippy Downs campus is currently serviced by an on-campus bus interchange that also services the suburbs of Chancellor Park and Buderim.
“The University plays a key role in the region’s industry, employment and innovation, as well as supporting more than 17,800 students and 1,700 staff across all of our campuses from Moreton Bay to Fraser Coast.
A reliable and sustainable public transport network is critical to ensure that everyone in our rapidly growing community has equal access to a university education.
“So, while we are pleased to see the rail project is now closer than ever, thanks to Federal and State Government contributions now totalling $5.5 billion, we also support the Sunshine Coast Council’s intention to continue discussions at a state and national level, with the ultimate goal of securing funding to extend and deliver the rail connection all the way up to Maroochydore.”
‘We still vitally need more travel options’
UniSC Lecturer in Urban Design and Town Planning Dr Greg Mews says a rail link is key to mitigate road congestion, and it needed to be designed strategically.
“The rail link is a missing piece in the region’s structural DNA,” Dr Mews says.
“Not everyone who lives, works, plays and studies in our region has access to a car and therefore struggles to benefit from equitable access to services.
“The first stage of this rail project to Caloundra is promising and can mitigate some of the impacts of substantially more people moving to the Sunshine Coast, but we still vitally need more travel options connecting the major urban centres to lifestyle settlements along the Coast.
“In order to make transport work well, we need to get the places, connectivity and the service quality right within the catchment areas.
“Developing the region without this, would set us on a trajectory associated with characteristics such as gridlock, longer commuter hours, higher greenhouse gas emissions, air and noise pollution and, therefore, much higher costs to support health and wellbeing.
“Apart from shortening commuter hours and stress related to travel, rail has the potential to improve liveability if certain conditions are met and considered in an integrative and strategic manner.”
Olympic and Paralympic 2032 Games to boost transport
UniSC Tourism, Leisure and Events Management Program Coordinator Dr Aaron Tham says transport is one industry that could undergo a major transformation due to the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2032.
“The games have the ability to put the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, and Queensland firmly on the map,” Dr Tham says.
“It’s more than just sporting prowess. This event will change the landscape, functionality, transport, facilities and homes in Queensland.”
Dr Aaron Tham sits on the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics Taskforce, with a particular interest in the legacy of the Games.
Mayor Natoli calls for $7million in funding to be reinstated
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Rosanna Natoli is calling on the Australian Government to reinstate $7 million in funding that was withdrawn from the Caloundra Transport Corridor Upgrade project.
Mayor Natoli says the Coast has experienced one of the highest growth rates of any region in the nation, but requires the infrastructure to support its growth.
“Our Council’s ask is very simple,” Mayor Natoli says.
“We want to see the Australian Government reinstate what we lost last November when the Australian Government revised its Infrastructure Investment Program.
“An effective, reliable and sustainable public transport network is critical to the liveability of the Sunshine Coast and supporting the productivity of our economy.
“We need this to help people move around, get to work and access services and relieve unmanageable traffic congestion.
“Our Council looks forward to working with the Australian and State governments on how this investment can be stretched to deliver this project beyond Caloundra – with our ultimate goal of securing funding to deliver the rail connection to Maroochydore.”
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