Problem 

Strong population and employment growth, limited public transport connectivity and slow, indirect journeys have contributed to low public transport use and increasing reliance on private vehicles on the Sunshine Coast. The proposal seeks to extend high‑capacity public transport  beyond Birtinya to encourage public transport use, reduce road congestion, and improve the efficiency and sustainability of the transport network.  

Strategic Fit 

The proposal responds to a clear transport need. The Sunshine Coast is projected to experience strong population and employment growth, while public transport mode share remains low and journeys between major activity centres are often substantially slower than driving.

Societal Impact 

The proposal is expected to improve connectivity, reliability and public transport travel times and support a more connected public transport network across the region. However, Queensland Government modelling indicates that the proposal will have limited impact on car dependence.

Deliverability

The Queensland Government has progressed predelivery activities, including program integration, market engagement and assurance reviews, and the current program is intended to support delivery ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, delivery remains complex and challenging, and successful delivery dependent on effective management of multiple interfaces and delivery dependencies, including The Wave Stage 2.

Next Steps

• We recommend the Queensland Government implement additional complementary land use and transport measures to ensure the investment delivers stronger patronage, mode shift and congestion outcomes.
• We support the Queensland Government's ongoing work to refine the proposal’s cost estimate, and recommend that P50 and P90 cost estimates, together with revised risk assessments, be provided to the Australian Government as they become available to improve confidence in cost and delivery outcomes.
• To inform future delivery planning, we are supportive of Queensland Government developing a benefits realisation plan and we recommend including clear, measurable housing and land use targets for monitoring and public reporting on proposal outcomes.