Sunshine Coast company Hall Contracting has been awarded the early works construction contract for the
jointly funded Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade (B2N), unlocking the first of 333 overall jobs expected
to be created by the project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce
said the project is another reminder of the Federal Liberal-Nationals Government’s record nationwide $110
billion infrastructure investment plan connecting communities.
“Investing in B2N is also about creating jobs and supporting the Sunshine Coast and Queensland’s economic
recovery,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“It’s the first time in history that the Federal Government is funding this stretch of rail, where we’re
contributing 70 per cent. We’re also funding 80 per cent of the Bruce Highway upgrades. The Sunshine Coast
deserves this level of support.”
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said early works would provide a shot in the arm
for local jobs on the Sunshine Coast.
“The Queensland Government is delivering a record $27.5 billion roads and transport infrastructure
investment program and Sunshine Coast road and rail upgrades are a major component of that program,”
Mr Bailey said.
“The efforts of the Sunshine Coast community to help manage the health impacts of the pandemic has
meant we’ve been able to get on with delivering our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan and keep work
moving on projects like the $932 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Caloundra Road to Sunshine
Motorway.”
Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said the early works would start early next year.
“The upgrade is one of several projects planned to improve the freight and passenger connection between
Brisbane and Cairns,” Mr Wallace said.
“This $550.8 million investment in rail upgrades will help alleviate pressure on the Bruce Highway – the
backbone of our transport infrastructure.
“The B2N project will provide additional track capacity and reliability, creating travel time savings and
enabling increased passenger and freight services to the growing Sunshine Coast region.”
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said through a $390 million commitment to rail upgrades between
Beerburrum and Nambour, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is delivering the transport
infrastructure the Sunshine Coast needs and deserves.
“Alongside our record investment in a safer and less congested Bruce Highway, this project is another
example of our determination to deliver for people of our region, to make sure the infrastructure they need
and deserve is funded and delivered,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These early works are the next critical step in delivering this project, which will create 333 jobs and over
1,860 additional parking spaces while paving the way to begin duplicating the line and separate passenger
and freight rail at a serious pinch point along the line.”
State Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the early works contract was a coup for a business that was
founded and continues to operate on the Sunshine Coast.
“More capacity and better rail takes extra cars and trucks off our road, and for the thousands of families that
call this area home that means a quicker, safer commute home,” Mr Hunt said.
“It also means more jobs and I’m proud to be part of a government that’s also delivering the new Bells Creek
Arterial Road and the $662 million Bruce Highway upgrade from Steve Irwin Way to Caboolture.”
State Member for Nicklin Robert Skelton welcomed the announcement and said the project would also see
park ‘n’ ride upgrades at Nambour and Landsborough stations.
“The early works will increase the park ‘n’ ride capacity at Landsborough and Nambour stations, helping to
manage parking pressures in the surrounding streets and suburbs,” Mr Skelton said.
“For people in my community, the upgrade to the Nambour Station park ‘n’ ride facility will provide about 50
new parking spaces, boosting Nambour’s commuter car parking to more than 300 spaces.
At Landsborough, an additional park ‘n’ ride facility with about 300 parking spaces will be built on the eastern
side of the station, removing the need for people to drive across the level crossing to park.
Landsborough Station will also benefit from the construction of a new bus interchange.
Stage one will also realign a one-kilometre section of Steve Irwin Way between Nursery Road and Moffatt
Road, allowing duplication of the rail line and smoothing of the curves through this section.
The early works will pave the way for the major construction works to deliver rail duplication between
Beerburrum and Beerwah, three new road-over-rail bridges and expansion of the park ‘n’ ride facility at
Beerburrum.
Early works are expected to start in early 2022 and be completed by 2023, weather and construction
conditions permitting.
Stage 1 construction is expected to be completed by 2025, weather and construction conditions permitting.
The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $550.8 million towards the B2N project, with
the Australian Government providing $390 million and the Queensland Government providing
$160.8 million.
For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au and search for ‘Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade’.
Media contacts:
Deputy Prime Minister – Sarah Holder 0460 306 892