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Queensland Transport
Home > Projects and initiatives > Projects > Nautilus

Nautilus: Connecting Noosa, Nambour and Maroochydore

The Nautilus Study is exploring long-term public transport options for the northern part of the Sunshine Coast from 2026 onwards.

This study will enable the Queensland Government to plan ahead and be ready with the most efficient and sustainable solutions to meet the Sunshine Coast's public transport needs in the future.

Queensland Transport is working closely with the Sunshine Coast Regional Council, other state government agencies, industry and the community on the Nautilus Study.

Why are we doing the Nautilus Study?

The South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-26 forecasts the population on the Sunshine Coast to increase significantly from its current levels of about 275 000 people to 424 000 people by 2026.

This projected growth of more than 150 000 people will generate traffic demand of more than 500 000 trips every day.

Alternatives to private vehicles will be required in order to meet this traffic demand while maintaining the environment and lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast. Public transport will need to play a greater role along with effective cycling and walking networks.

The Nautilus Study is a key transport planning project that will uncover the sustainable transport solutions needed on the Sunshine Coast.

The long-term benefits of the Nautilus Study could include:

Queensland Government is building a better future for south east Queensland by planning for the future infrastructure needs of Australia’s fastest growing urban region.

What has been happening?

The Queensland Government invested $A6 million into the Nautilus Study over four years as part of South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2005-26. This study comprises three phases and is due to report to Queensland Government with recommendations in 2009.

Phase

Phase one

Phase two

Phase three

Timeframe

Completed 2006

Completed 2008

Currently underway

Activities

Studies and data collection
Studies and data collection including an analysis of environmental and cultural constraints in the area, a strategic transport and economic study, and a public transport access scoping study (Maroochydore).

Download the Nautilus study area map (PDF**, 693KB)

Identification of possible corridors
Identification of 10 corridors of interest connecting Noosa, Nambour, Cooroy and Maroochydore. This network of corridors was studied to find out the projected public transport patronage and mode options best suited for each corridor.

Detailed corridor studies
Detailed investigations of the two transport corridors identified in Phase two. These two corridor investigations are currently underway.

Results

Built project information and refined the Nautilus Study’s strategic direction.

Most of the 10 corridors could meet the proposed future transport demand in their existing form. However, two of the corridors required further investigation to ensure they would be able to support increased public transport demand.

A study report, including corridor alignment, mode, and infrastructure recommendations, will be submitted to Queensland Government in 2009. This report will be concerned with corridor protection only, not construction.

Current investigations

The detailed corridor investigations in phase three are currently underway.

More information about these studies will be available here once publicly released.

Partners

To ensure the Nautilus Study is comprehensive and fully inclusive, a Technical Working Group provides advice and strategic direction.

The Technical Working Group comprises technical, officer-level representatives from:

For more information

We would like to hear from you. Contact a member of the Nautilus Study team with your questions or feedback, or to request to receive future updates about the study.

Freecall: 1800 018 775x
Email: nautilus@transport.qld.gov.au
Fax: 07 3146 2008

Write to:
Nautilus Study
Reply Paid 213
BRISBANE QLD 4001

For people of non-English speaking backgrounds:

Interpreter: 13 14 50t, or
Visit: www.qld.gov.au/languages/
TTY: 13 36 77t

To learn more about other Queensland Government projects happening in your area, please visit the following websites:

Department of Main Roads: www.mainroads.qld.gov.au
Office of Urban Management: www.oum.qld.gov.au
Get Involved: www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au
Generate: www.generate.qld.gov.au
TransLink Transit Authority: www.translink.qld.gov.au

Publications

The following publications have been produced for the Nautilus Study:

Nautilus newsletter - March 2007 (PDF**, 593KB)


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Last updated 31 March 2009


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