ACCIONA, as part of the CoastalTraX consortia, has been awarded the Design and Preconstruction contract for one of two major packages for the first stage of The Wave heavy passenger rail line between Beerwah and Caloundra. The CoastalTraX consortia will go on to deliver the works, pending environmental approvals.

ACCIONA alongside consortia partners, Georgiou, Mott MacDonald, Aurecon and local rail subcontractor, DT Infrastructure, will design and deliver The Wave’s Stage 1 greenfield works.

This transformational first stage of The Wave project will deliver 19 kilometres of dual-track heavy passenger rail and associated infrastructure between Beerwah and Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, vastly improving transport connections and supporting residential development for one of South East Queensland’s fastest growing regions.

ACCIONA CEO Australia and New Zealand, Bede Noonan said The Wave is a major legacy infrastructure project for Queensland and ACCIONA is thrilled to be bringing its expertise to its delivery.

“ACCIONA designs and delivers infrastructure solutions that are contributing to positive outcomes for communities, and we are proud to be playing our part in connecting people to and from the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Noonan said.

This new rail line will provide faster, more reliable connections between the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay and Brisbane regions, connecting people to jobs, study, health services and key tourism destinations as well as reducing traffic congestion on the road network.

New train stations will be constructed, including a station at Bells Creek (Aura) and a flagship station at Caloundra. Both stations will embrace the natural beauty, local character, heritage and history of the area in their architectural design.

Close to seven kilometres of viaduct structure will connect the two new stations, elevating the rail line over Bells Creek Arterial Road and minimising impacts to the surrounding environmentally sensitive wetland through Pelican Waters.

Associated works include the design and construction of:

• park ‘n’ rides and associated facilities, such as kiss ‘n’ rides, secure bicycle parking and bus stops at both stations
• active transport provisions, including new pathways and connections to the surrounding local network
• local road upgrades
• recreational parkland adjacent to Bells Creek (Aura) Station

ACCIONA Queensland Regional Director, David Balmer said CoastalTraX was the right consortia to deliver this landmark project, with the team looking forward to progressing detailed design and delivery.

“CoastalTraX has worked closely with the Queensland Government to better understand the rail infrastructure that the Sunshine Coast needs to keep it moving for Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

“We’ve already realised several significant design optimisation opportunities to minimise our construction footprint and environmental impact, while developing an infrastructure solution that unlocks community connectivity and leaves a long-term legacy".

“Our local team thoroughly enjoy delivering for Queensland and we’ll be working with our client and the community to ensure The Wave Stage 1 greenfield delivers more than just a rail line,” Mr Balmer said.

With the contract now awarded, Stage 1 greenfield moves into its Design and Preconstruction phase which will run until early 2027. CoastalTraX will carry out detailed design, including for architectural elements, rail systems, road and project-wide design.
Pre-construction activities, including soil and geotechnical investigation, survey works and early procurement activities will take place this year.

The project expects to commence major construction from mid-2027, subject to necessary approvals.

About The Wave
The Queensland Government unveiled The Wave project as part of its 2032 Delivery Plan, which focuses on infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

The Australian and Queensland Governments have each committed half the funding to deliver Stage 1. The Sunshine Coast is one of South East Queensland's fastest-growing regions. It is also the largest urban area in Australia without a direct passenger rail connection to its nearest capital city.

A direct rail connection will boost local and regional connectivity, offering a reliable and competitive alternative to driving.

Once operational, The Wave will be the fastest way for Sunshine Coast residents to reach Moreton Bay, Brisbane, and beyond. Rail passengers could save over 45 minutes during peak travel times compared to driving.

The Wave – Stages 1 and 2 will run from the North Coast Line at Beerwah to Birtinya, via Bells Creek (Aura), Caloundra and Aroona.

This service will integrate with an express, sustainable metro-style service, The Wave Stage 3 (Metro), connecting to the Sunshine Coast Airport via Maroochydore CBD.