Works are kicking off on the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail (B2N) Upgrade in Landsborough.
The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $550.8 million towards Stage 1 of the B2N project, with the Australian Government committing $390 million and the Queensland Government committing $160.8 million.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the B2N project would improve Queensland’s major north-south rail corridor and the region‘s connections to Brisbane.
“The B2N upgrade is a vital infrastructure project that will increase capacity for freight trains and improve passenger services, which in turn will help to alleviate pressure on the Bruce Highway,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said the B2N Rail Upgrade project will not only create 333 jobs but will complement other infrastructure investments in the region.
“The Sunshine Coast is receiving more federal government funding than ever, and you don’t need to travel very far to see the benefits on the ground,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The local area is benefitting from these investments and a range of projects are already underway, such as the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Maroochydore Road and Mons Road Interchanges project.
“The Australian Government has committed $241 million towards the $301.25 million upgrade project, which is currently under construction.”
Federal Member for Fisher and Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon Andrew Wallace MP said the Australian Government was investing a record $110 billion in infrastructure projects across the nation, including a huge amount of funding for the Sunshine Coast.
“The Australian Government is committed to funding vital infrastructure projects which help to connect communities and improve safety,” Mr Wallace said.
“For example, we recently delivered the $932 million Bruce Highway – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway project, to which the Australian Government contributed $745.6 million, part of nearly $3.7 billion invested into Sunshine Coast roads, rail and community infrastructure.
“The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the infrastructure projects that matter to families and their businesses – to get them home safely and on time.
The early works are being undertaken by Hall Contracting, a company founded on the Sunshine Coast and continues to be locally owned and operated.
The B2N early works are expected to be completed by early 2023, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The Stage 1 main works will also deliver rail duplication between Beerburrum and Beerwah and three new road-over-rail bridges.
For more information, please visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search for ‘Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade’.