Contracts Awarded for Stage 1 of The Wave Sunshine Coast Rail Project
The Australian and Queensland governments have awarded major design and pre‑construction contracts for Stage 1 of The Wave, a rail project intended to improve transport connectivity on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The first stage will deliver 19 kilometres of new dual‑track railway between Beerwah and Caloundra, alongside new stations and upgrades to existing infrastructure. Details of the contracts and project scope were outlined in an official Queensland Government statement. The initiative forms part of wider infrastructure investments designed to support population growth and regional economic activity.
Design and Pre‑Construction Contracts Awarded
Stage 1 of The Wave will be delivered through two major construction packages and a signalling contract. The approach separates work on existing rail infrastructure from new corridors, enabling project partners to progress design and site investigations before construction begins.
The Beerwah Coast Connect consortium—comprising Georgiou, Hatch and Laing O’Rourke—has been awarded responsibility for design and pre‑construction work across existing rail sites in Beerwah and surrounding areas. These brownfield works will involve planning upgrades and integration with current rail infrastructure.
The CoastalTraX consortium, formed by Acciona and Georgiou, will lead design and pre‑construction work across greenfield sections of the corridor. This portion of the project covers new rail infrastructure through undeveloped land, connecting east of Steve Irwin Way and continuing through to Caloundra.
Separate to the civil works, Alstom and UGL have been contracted to deliver the European Train Control System (ETCS) signalling solution. Digital signalling technologies are increasingly central to modern rail networks, similar to how Australian researchers are exploring advanced communications capabilities such as long‑range wireless technology for infrastructure and connectivity.
Key Infrastructure in Queensland’s 2032 Delivery Plan
The Wave is included in Queensland’s 2032 Delivery Plan and forms part of broader rail improvements in the region, alongside the Beerburrum to Nambour rail upgrade. Together, these projects represent a significant expansion of transport infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.
Stage 1 of the project will include:
New rail corridor: 19 kilometres of dual‑track railway between Beerwah and Caloundra
New stations: Passenger stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra
Station upgrades: Improvements to the existing Beerwah station
Over the next year, the Queensland Government will work with both consortiums to refine detailed designs. The process will include further site investigations and community consultation on station precincts.
Government Emphasises Connectivity and Economic Impact
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the project reflects collaboration between federal and state governments on infrastructure delivery.
“The Wave Stage 1 is another example of the Australian and Queensland governments working collaboratively to deliver the infrastructure Australia needs. “This project will create jobs, boost economic growth and improve connectivity for Sunshine Coast communities and businesses.” – Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
Queensland Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the project would significantly reshape transport options in the region.
“The Wave will be a game changer for Sunshine Coast locals and will help provide a real alternative to sitting on the Bruce when they’re travelling to Brisbane,” – Jarrod Bleijie, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the contract awards represent an important milestone in establishing a more reliable and modern public transport system.
“This milestone demonstrates our commitment to delivering the infrastructure Queensland needs. “Stage 1 is just the beginning — The Wave will connect people to jobs, education and essential services, now and into the future.” – Brent Mickelberg, Minister for Transport and Main Roads
The Australian Government has committed US$2.75 billion towards Stage 1 of the project. According to Senator Corinne Mulholland, the funding supports rail development across the fast‑growing corridor between Beerwah and Caloundra.
“The Albanese Government is proudly committing $2.75 billion towards Stage 1 of The Wave to help deliver a train line in the booming growth corridor from Beerwah to Caloundra,” – Corinne Mulholland, Senator for Queensland
Local Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher highlighted the importance of new stations as population growth accelerates in the southern Sunshine Coast.
“The southern end of the Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest growing regions in the state – delivering two new stations at the heart of that growth is recognition of our commitment to delivering the roads and infrastructure our community needs,” – Kendall Hatcher, Member for Caloundra
The investment also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen construction capability and workforce skills in Queensland, including initiatives such as the Construction Technology TAFE Centre of Excellence, which aims to support the delivery of major infrastructure projects across the state.
This article is created with the assistance of OpenGov AI.