With a planned opening date of 2032, the long-awaited Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line will connect Beerwah to Maroochydore via Caloundra and Birtinya.

After many years of promises around this project, the first stage has now received the green light, at a cost of between $5.5 to $7 billion.

In addition to reduced travel times for commuters, the government says the rail line will support jobs and enable new housing, including supply for 50,000 people at Caloundra South and up to 100,000 people at Beerwah East.

However, some properties along the proposed route of the new rail line will be bought back from owners as part of the project.

Suburbs affected by the Sunshine Coast Rail Line include:

• Pacific Paradise
• Twin Waters
• Kuluin
• Maroochydore
• Mountain Creek
• Buddina
• Parrearra
• Warana
• Birtinya
• Currimundi
• Aroona
• Caloundra West
• and others.

Some property owners in these suburbs will be required to vacate their premises so the land can be used for the rail line. Compensation is provided but the exchange is non-negotiable.

Sunshine Coast Rail: Key points about housing resumption

• The proposed route of the Sunshine Coast Rail line covers an area with commercial and residential properties
• A lot of the areas are newly developed and so resumption may come as a shock to many property owners.
• Funding and timelines are yet to be 100% certain for the entirety of the project. Forecasters expect an operational rail line in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics games.

Photo courtesy of Department of Transport and Main Roads

A number of homeowners have already been informed about the resumptions by Transport and Main Roads that their homes are in line for resumption. If you receive a letter from TMR on this subject, call NPR Law on 07 3555 6333 to discuss your next steps.

What can we learn from previous resumptions?

Even though timelines are uncertain at this point, as resumption lawyers, we know from previous cases that the government usually starts negotiations with property owners to confirm compensation for their land as soon as possible.

Government entities recognise the disruption and uncertainty the resumption causes, which is why they aim to give plenty of notice.

The government pays compensation for resumed homes and properties. In some cases, it is possible to receive payment before the land is resumed. This makes it easier to decide what to do next.

While resumption is compulsory, negotiations are possible. This is why it is important to seek advice from the specialist lawyers at NPR Law. We can guide you through the resumption process and ensure you receive fair pay and conditions.

Sunshine Coast Rail: Is your property affected?

NPR Law regularly holds Resumption Information Meetings for property owners affected by land resumption.

If you have received a letter from the Government or you want to know if your home is in line for resumption as part of the Sunshine Coast Rail Line development, complete the form below to register your interest in attending an information session.

This free event will cover:

• Your rights relating to a government entity taking your property;
• Your obligations to a government entity taking your property;
• The way interact with government officials to get the best outcome;
• Timing around compensation

When you attend, you will receive our Resumption Pack, which includes a range of information and documents to help property owners facing property resumption.

Resumption Information Meeting