Noosa 360

Further to our enquiry with the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in 2022 asking when a Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy would be finalised, this has now been completed, and we thank every resident and stakeholder who provided vital feedback throughout the process. 

Having asked a Question on Notice (QON) in Parliament regarding progress on 26 June 2026, TMR kindly provided a briefing this month and have responded officially to our QON as below: 

Question on Notice No. 817 Asked on 26 June 2026  

MS S BOLTON ASKED MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS (HON B MICKELBERG)

QUESTION: With reference to the Southern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy released three years ago—  

Will the Minister advise regarding the Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy which was previously advised as due in 2025 (a) the proposed new date for the strategy to be released, (b) the reasons for the delay and (c) whether consideration is being given to the needed rail shuttle between Gympie North and Nambour to connect to the southbound timetable, and increased bus connections for Noosa communities?  

ANSWER: I thank the Member for the question and for taking the time to attend a briefing on the Northern Sunshine Coast Public Transport Strategy (the Strategy) on 22 July 2026. The Department of Transport and Main Roads has worked hard to ensure stakeholders have been adequately considered in the development of the Strategy and ensured that sufficient time was taken to do so.  

The valuable input received from the community, Noosa Shire Council, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and other stakeholders will be used as an internal document by my department to inform future planning and delivery of fit-for-purpose infrastructure and services as the northern Sunshine Coast grows and develops, relative to broader transport priorities on the Sunshine Coast.  

The operation of rail services and bus connections have been considered as part of the Strategy. The Crisafulli Government’s primary focus on the Sunshine Coast is getting on with delivering tangible initiatives such as The Wave, Mooloolah River Interchange Upgrade, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1 and improving the Bruce Highway. These transformative projects will help manage congestion, enhance mobility, support regional growth, and prepare the Sunshine Coast for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond. 

While disappointing that the full strategy is not scheduled to be released publicly (we will continue to advocate with the minister for this) it is reassuring to know that it is being used for forward planning purposes and feeding into various other strategic reviews currently underway including regional plans.  

During the meeting we again highlighted the difficulty with public transport from the Noosa area to the Sunshine Coast University and Tafes, and the Sunshine Coast University Hospital, especially as some patients needing transport are in a vulnerable or frail condition. Asking those unwell to change buses and navigate a long trip using public transport is simply beyond the ability of some and this was noted by TMR staff. 

While not yet able to confirm an increase in train services north of Nambour due to demand on the single rail line, hinterland stations are under consideration for improved bus connectivity, and we look forward to hearing more about this in the future. 

Given the advocacy and work for this over many years, we trust that the transport frequency and connections throughout our electorate both between the northern and southern ends of the coast, and also between our hinterland villages and Cooroy/Noosa, are vastly improved. 

While we await further announcements regarding improved and increased services from Translink, TMR will continue working with both Noosa and Sunshine Coast Councils regarding: 

• Improving bus stops to enhance accessibility and comfort 

• Upgrade connections 

• Explore options to connect smaller hinterland communities to the broader network 

Further Information 

For more information regarding public transport visit the Translink website or call 131230.  

For anyone wishing to contact the Minister for Transport and Main Roads, please email Hon Brent Mickelberg via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au  

We will provide further updates once more information is available.