Australia’s $5.5bn+ The Wave Stage 1 Rail project in Queensland is making headway as it awards Laing O’Rourke consortium a delivery contract. The scope of implementation entails the delivery of a 19-kilometer dual-track line between Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast. The contract marks a major milestone for the long-anticipated project. Moreover, it is jointly funded on a 50-50 basis by the federal and state governments. Stage 1 will include new stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra. Moreover, it will entail upgrades to the existing Beerwah station.
Once done, it will connect one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions to the broader South East Queensland rail network. It is also expected to facilitate transportation during the Brisbane Olympics, which has commenced construction on its stadium. Three contracts have been awarded across separate network packages. Beerwah Coast Connect, a consortium of Georgiou, Hatch and Laing O’Rourke will handle brownfield works. On the other hand, CoastalTraX, a consortium of Acciona and Georgiou has secured the greenfield works package. Lastly, Alstom and UGL will deliver the European Train Control System signaling solution for the line.
Outlook on the Wave Stage 1 Rail Project in Queensland
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King noted the Wave Stage 1 Rail project in Queensland will deliver. She noted it will facilitate a transformative infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast. “This project will create jobs, boost economic growth and improve connectivity for Sunshine Coast communities and businesses,” says King. On the other hand, Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who is also the state’s Minister for Infrastructure, describes the project as a turning point for 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,” he says. The broader Wave project encompasses a 26km rail corridor stretching from Beerwah to Birtinya across two stages, complemented by metro bus services connecting to Sunshine Coast Airport. Environmental surveys and community consultation are ongoing along the corridor.
Moreover, field studies covering flora, fauna, waterways and cultural heritage sites will feed into the final design. Stage 2 of the project, which will extend the line north from Caloundra to Birtinya, is in the expression of interest phase, with the Queensland Government committing $40 million toward planning. Contracts for both stages are anticipated to be awarded in 2026, with major site work expected to start later this year.
Project Factsheet:
- Project Name: The Wave Stage 1 Rail Project
- Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Estimated Investment Value: $5.5bn+
- Project Type: Dual-track passenger rail infrastructure project
Timeline
- Stage 1 delivery contract awarded: 2026
- Construction expected to begin: later in 2026
- Stage 2 planning (EOI phase): ongoing
- Full corridor completion: staged beyond Stage 1 delivery
Site & Scale
- 19-kilometre dual-track rail line (Stage 1)
- Part of a broader 26-kilometre Beerwah to Birtinya corridor
- Includes new stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra
- Upgrades to existing Beerwah station
Key Stakeholders
- Lead contractor consortium: Laing O’Rourke
- Brownfield works: Beerwah Coast Connect (Georgiou, Hatch, Laing O’Rourke)
- Greenfield works: CoastalTraX (Acciona, Georgiou)
- Signalling systems: Alstom and UGL
- Joint funding: Australian Federal Government and Queensland State Government (50-50)
Infrastructure Scope
- Dual-track rail construction between Beerwah and Caloundra
- European Train Control System (ETCS) signalling implementation
- Station construction and upgrades across the corridor
- Integration with broader SEQ rail network and metro bus links
- Environmental and cultural heritage assessments informing final design
Strategic Objectives
- Improve transport connectivity on the Sunshine Coast
- Reduce road congestion on the Bruce Highway
- Support population and economic growth in SE Queensland
- Deliver modern rail capacity and integrated public transport links
Current Status
- Stage 1 delivery contract awarded to Laing O’Rourke consortium
- Early works and planning activities ongoing
- Environmental surveys and community consultation in progress
- Stage 2 funding and planning underway with $40m government commitment
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