Planning for a new rail line

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is planning for the Direct Sunshine Coast (DSC) Rail Line – a proposed new 37 kilometres heavy rail line connecting the Sunshine Coast community between Beerwah, Caloundra and Maroochydore to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond.

The new rail line would tie in with the Sunshine Coast Public Transport project to increase public transport opportunities for the growing Sunshine Coast community, as outlined in the draft Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy. The rail line is proposed to link longer and medium distance trips with local trips by active transport and bus, and the proposed Sunshine Coast Public Transport project.

Project planning

TMR is undertaking investment planning for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line.

This project builds upon planning completed in 2001 by the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study (CAMCOS). A corridor (route) was determined, and land preserved (protected from development), as part of that planning.

TMR is now reviewing the preserved corridor and considering refinements to the alignment and station locations and are also evaluating potential staging plans for construction to meet passenger demand and land use outcomes within the region. This planning will include a detailed analysis of design, risks, financials, economics, environmental impacts, community impacts and utilities.

This planning will inform government investment and timeframes for construction decisions.

Corridor (route) map

Map showing the route for the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line

Map: Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line corridor

Further details about the corridor, including station locations and active transport connections, will be provided as planning progresses.

Connecting the growing Sunshine Coast region

Congestion-free journeys

Reliable journey times

More accessible public transport

Growing the region’s economy

  • Did you know?

    TMR uses Queensland Treasury's Project Assessment Framework to assess projects at critical stages. From the initial assessment of the service required, through to business case and delivery, a project’s progress and quality is assessed to ensure it meets strategic objectives and achieves value for money. For more information about the process, click here.

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    The DSC Rail Line project is guided by long-term planning for South East Queensland.

    TMR has a blueprint, SEQ Rail Connect, for shaping the rail network to meet the future needs of the growing South East Queensland region. This blueprint outlines how TMR is preparing the network to be ready for Cross River Rail, which will transform the way our rail network operates and how customers travel by train in SEQ. The DSC Rail Line planning is identified as a key initiative.