The Sunshine Coast is a highly desired place to live, work, play and grow, and is home to 393,000 locals and enjoyed by more than 3.8 million holidaymakers every year. Locals and visitors combined make more than 1.1 million trips each day.

A fresh approach is needed to provide more convenient, sustainable and accessible travel options, shifting towards a better public transport system that connects everyone.

In line with the draft Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy, TMR is undertaking a detailed business case (DBC) for an integrated public transport system for the Sunshine Coast.

This work will build on the Sunshine Coast Mass Transit Project undertaken by Sunshine Coast Council (SCC). SCC’s Mass Transit Options Analysis, endorsed on 20 October 2021, compared 5 options for an enhanced public transport connection between Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, with a possible extension to Caloundra. These options included:

• bus rapid transit
• light rail
• wireless light rail
• trackless tram
• quality bus corridor.

TMR is now reviewing and using SCC's Mass Transit Options Analysis Report, alongside the outcomes of previous and future community feedback, to determine the public transport options to progress to DBC.

A Community Reference Group (CRG) is being formed to better understand key issues, encourage community input, and foster greater collaboration and transparency.

TMR recognises that the Sunshine Coast is diverse and so too are its residents' travel requirements. It is important that the needs of everyone in the community are carefully weighed up when it comes to considering options for a public transport system.

TMR sought expressions of interest from members of diverse demographics and backgrounds located within the project area (between Maroochydore and Caloundra) to represent the interests and voices of the following groups:

• accessibility
• business advocacy
• community interest/action
• education
• health
• residential (suburbs between Maroochydore and Caloundra)
• tourism
• youth.

Numbers are limited and membership is voluntary and unpaid. For full details refer to the Terms of Reference (located on right sidebar).

In considering applications, TMR will regard gender balance and cultural diversity.

Further opportunities for input will be provided to other key stakeholder and interest groups, and the wider community, as the project progresses.

Expressions of interest to become a CRG member opened on 21 November 2022 and closed midnight 11 December 2022. A total of 114 applications were received.

A panel will soon assess all submissions, with a view to announce CRG membership in early 2023.

We thank everyone who took the time to express their interest.

This project is funded through contributions from the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Sunshine Coast Council