On 25 March 2025, the Queensland Government announced its commitment to deliver The Wave, which includes a passenger rail line from Beerwah to Birtinya. This service will integrate with a metro-style connection to the Sunshine Coast Airport, via the Maroochydore CBD.

This seamless public transport connection was unveiled as part of the Government’s 2032 Delivery Plan, which focuses on infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

The Wave (Rail) project will deliver Stages 1 and 2 of The Wave. Stage 1 of The Wave will see a new heavy rail line delivered from Beerwah to Caloundra. Stage 2 of The Wave will see rail extended from Caloundra to Birtinya. Both stages are expected to be constructed at the same time, subject to funding.

Once operational, the new rail line will provide the fastest and most reliable way for Sunshine Coast residents to travel to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond, saving passengers over 45 minutes compared to driving in peak times.

The Wave will tie into the existing North Coast Line, north of Beerwah station. Trains operating on the The Wave will continue to Moreton Bay, the Brisbane CBD and beyond.

The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $2.75 billion each in funding to deliver Stage 1 (Beerwah to Caloundra).

Stage 1 is expected to cost between $5.5 billion and $7 billion. The funding envelope takes into consideration learnings from local and international mega-projects, which state that cost estimates for a project of this size and scale cannot be confirmed until further detailed investigations and industry engagement activities are undertaken, following completion of the business case.

Stage 2 between Caloundra and Birtinya is subject to funding approval.

The business case was completed in December 2023.