Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study
- Overview
- What was the study about?
- What happened during the study?
- Community involvement
- What was decided at the end of the study?
- Subsequent studies
- Publications
Overview
The Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study proposed a passenger rail service branching off the North Coast railway line at Beerwah and extending through Caloundra to Maroochydore.
This new line will provide a public transport spine for the Sunshine Coast and link the coastal urban area to Brisbane.
After the three stage study which included a high level of community engagement the Queensland Government identified a route for the future rail line.
What was the study about?
The Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study was completed in 2001. The study investigated the feasibility, preferred development, impacts and benefits of a new public transport corridor between Beerwah and the Sunshine Coast Airport.
In consultation with the local community, the study focused on:
- developing an integrated land use transport strategy for the Caboolture to Maroochydore area
- determining the need for a new public transport corridor
- identifying a preferred route for the corridor
- identifying the preferred public transport mode (for example, busway, heavy rail, light rail and so on)
- identifying station locations
- developing an integrated public transport system
- undertaking impact assessment studies and identifying environmental management strategies
- establishing staging options for the development of public transport infrastructure.
What happened during the study?
The study was undertaken in three stages.
Stage One gathered baseline data to identify environmental and social constraints and opportunities. These were produced in a map format to illustrate the most significant environmental, engineering and social constraints that needed to be considered when looking at locations for public transport corridors. Along with public consultation they were used as evaluation criteria to assess and finalise the corridor options.
Stage Two involved:
- investigating existing and future travel patterns and alternative mode options
- investigating economic, transport, environmental, engineering and social issues
- undertaking a preliminary economic and financial viability study of the public transport within the corridor
- undertaking an evaluation of the different corridor options
- narrowing the short-listed corridor options.
In Stage Two, it was decided that:
- the preferred transport mode is heavy passenger rail, similar to the current Citytrain network.
- detailed evaluation should be undertaken for the short listed corridor options.
The first part of Stage Three involved an assessment of options around Caloundra and the identification of a preferred corridor.
The second part of Stage Three was the preparation of the Impact Assessment Study to examine the alternative options, benefits, environmental impacts, proposed strategies to counter any significant impacts, and ways to enhance a beneficial outcome.
Community involvement
The local community was engaged in the following ways:
- formation of five 'district working groups' consisting of community members
- public displays at local events and shopping centres
- media releases and advertisements in local print, radio and television media
- public meetings and meetings with interest groups
- establishment of a mailing network of interested stakeholders and community-centred locations, including an indigenous network mailing list
- a freecall information line and study team email address
- establishment of a project website
- newsletters distributed to households and businesses in local areas
- January and February 1999: Newsletter 1 distributed to Aroona, Corbould Park, Little Mountain, Golden Beach and Pelican Waters communities; included maps showing the corridor options under consideration.
- April 1999: Newsletter 2 distributed to Mooloolaba and Maroochydore communities provided information on the corridor options along the Sunshine Motorway through Mooloolaba.
The draft Impact Assessment Study report and aerial photographs of the study area were on public display for six weeks, up until 21 October 1999.
A public consultation program, including newsletter releases and two open days, was held during this period. Staff members from Queensland Transport and ARUP were present to answer any questions and ask for community input. Dates, times and venues for these information sessions were advertised in local newspapers and The Courier Mail.
What was decided at the end of the study?
The Queensland Government agreed to implement the recommendations from the Caboolture to Maroochydore Study, including the need to protect the preferred future public transport corridor from Beerwah to Maroochydore and on to the Sunshine Coast Airport. Since then, the government has been actively acquiring land for the corridor.
Two realignments to the corridor are currently being investigated at Caloundra South and Maroochydore.
The timing of the construction of the rail line will be regularly reviewed as part of the Queensland Government’s planning program.
Upgrading and duplication from Caboolture to Beerburrum is already under construction, as is the elimination of the open level crossing at Beerwah, providing for the branching off of the new line to Caloundra and Maroochydore. The upgrade will continue from Beerburrum to Landsborough with completion scheduled for 2012.
Subsequent studies
Caloundra South Rail Corridor Realignment Study
The Caloundra South Rail Corridor Realignment Study will investigate the realignment of the corridor outlined in the original Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study.
Please visit the Caloundra South Rail Corridor Realignment web page for more information.
Maroochydore Station Corridor Study
Queensland Transport has been asked to undertake a corridor realignment and station location study in Maroochydore to explore the implications of the future relocation plans of the Horton Park Golf Club.
Please visit the Maroochydore Station Corridor Study web page for more information.
Publications
Released: February 2001
Executive summary of Caboolture to Maroochydore corridor study (PDF**, 15KB)If you would like a copy sent to you on CD, please email: planning.projects@transport.qld.gov.au or contact the regional manager on +61 7 3117 5500.
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Last updated 29 August 2008
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