Two tracks all the way to Nambour ‘subject to negotiations’, says Minister

Transport & Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey in Nambour recently hopes to do a deal with the new Federal Labor Government.  

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey is keeping expectations low on the possibility of rail duplication (two tracks) all the way to Nambour. 

The Minister would not commit to a time frame but reassured the community, saying progress was being made.

He hoped to do a deal with the new Federal Labor Government.  

“We are duplicating tracks between Beerburrum to Beerwah. And, beyond that, a stage two will be subject to negotiations between federal and state governments for an agreement which I am committed to doing with the new federal government.” 

Mr Bailey said the state would like to see a duplicated line all the way to Nambour.

“Clearly a single line to Nambour is not going to cut it, in terms of demand and the population that changes over time.”

TMR said the Queensland and Australian Governments had committed $6.25 million for the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Duplication Study.  

This study will inform the overall North Coast Line planning work north of Beerburrum and provide further insights into the priorities and timing of future upgrades between Beerburrum and Nambour. 

In any case, Mr Bailey said rail duplication from Beerwah to Nambour would require extensive consultation with communities in Mooloolah, Eudlo, Palmwoods and Woombye before any work could begin.

“Whenever we do rail upgrades, we do a full heritage and character study,” he said. 

“So we go in, someone independent does us a full study on what are the things that are significant that we want retained, and we protect them in terms of any upgrades.

“We will work closely with communities in Woombye and Palmwoods to make sure those heritage features are protected. And in many cases, enhanced.”