Sunshine Coast Rail Line | What the New Maps Mean for Property Owners

The Queensland Government has released new draft alignment maps for the Sunshine Coast Rail Line, giving residents their clearest picture yet of where the proposed route may run.

Stretching from Beerwah to Maroochydore, the $6.5 billion project, part of the state’s “Wave” transport program, promises faster, greener travel between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane and will be a game-changer for many people.

While the project marks a milestone in regional connectivity, it also raises understandable concern among property owners and developers whose land may be near or within the proposed corridor. These maps are a key resource for anyone seeking to understand how the Sunshine Coast transport project could affect them.

New Sunshine Coast Rail Line / Wave maps released

Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads

The most recently released maps outline the preferred alignment for Stage 1 of the Sunshine Coast Rail Line, showing how the track would extend from the existing North Coast Line at Beerwah through to Maroochydore. The proposed 37-kilometre route will include several new stations, connecting major growth areas and urban centres.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has made the maps available on its official project website, The Wave Rail, where property owners can view detailed sections of the corridor. You can view the official maps and project details on the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) website.

These maps are still subject to further refinement as community feedback and technical studies continue. However, they represent a big step forward in identifying which parcels of land may be affected by future resumptions or land acquisition.

What the Sunshine Coast Rail Line means for property owners

For many landowners, the release of a draft map can evoke mixed emotions, with relief for some and uncertainty for others. If your property falls within or near the proposed corridor, it’s essential to understand what this stage means:

• Early identification, not immediate acquisition

  The maps are part of a planning phase. Formal property resumptions or acquisitions generally occur later, once the alignment is finalised and funding secured.

• Potential restrictions on development

  Properties within the investigation area may face limits on new building approvals or significant alterations until the final design is confirmed.

• Market impacts

  Public knowledge of the proposed route can influence property values, both positively and negatively, depending on proximity to future stations or rail infrastructure.

• Right to compensation

  If your property is eventually acquired, Queensland’s Acquisition of Land Act 1967 provides for fair compensation. This includes not only the value of the land but also losses related to relocation, business disruption, or disturbance.

Understanding your rights at this stage can make a difference in how you respond and prepare for the future.

Concerned about property resumption in Queensland? NPR Law can help

It can be difficult to navigate land acquisition in Queensland, particularly when major infrastructure projects are involved. The property resumption team at NPR Law has lots of experience helping businesses, investors, and homeowners throughout the state.

Here’s how expert legal guidance can help:

• Early advice and representation

  It is important to know where your property sits in relation to the proposed corridor. A lawyer who specialises in property resumptions can examine correspondence from TMR, acquire official mapping data and explain your possible risk.

• Engagement with authorities

  If you’re not experienced with property resumption, it’s best to have a professional liaise directly with project representatives on your behalf to request updates, confirm boundaries or address errors in draft documentation.

• Valuation and compensation strategy

  If your land is identified for acquisition, the firm collaborates with qualified valuers to ensure that your compensation accurately reflects the full market value and all related costs.

• Negotiation and settlement

  Experienced property lawyers help negotiate equitable outcomes and ensure government agencies adhere to legislative obligations.

It can be reassuring that you can count on the firm to guide you with clear advice and practical support, helping ease the stress and protect what matters most.

Based in Caboolture, NPR Law specialises in property resumptions and supports landowners across the Sunshine Coast and surrounding areas. Learn more on our Property Resumptions page.